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<ul><li><keyword id="522964" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amarjeet-Sinha">Amarjeet Sinha</keyword> and <keyword id="985066" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhaskar-Khulbe">Bhaskar Khulbe</keyword> become the Advisors to Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> as announced on Friday, February 21, 2020. </li><li>Both these retired <keyword id="62103" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IAS-officers">IAS officers</keyword> belong to the to the 1983 batch, Khulbe from the West Bengal Cadre and Sinha from the Bihar cadre. </li><li>Here we discuss their background and accomplishments that make them a right fit for the said posts.</li></ul>In a statement that approved the appointment of Amarjeet Sinha and Bhaskar Khulbe as Advisors to the Prime Minister, the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) stated that the two have been appointed in the “Prime Minister’s Office in the rank and scale of Secretary to the Government of India, on a contract basis, as per other usual terms and conditions, as are applicable in the case of re-employed officers of Secretary level in Government of India, initially for a period of two years or until further orders, whichever is earlier”. Their background Both the newly appointed advisors to the PM are retired IAS Officers. A Bihar Cadre IAS Officer, Sinha retired as the Secretary of the Department of Rural Development. A Bengal cadre IAS Officer, Khulbe stepped down from his post as the Prime Minister’s Secretary in July last year upon completing the six-month tenure after the said post was extended. Both of them joined the Indian Administrative Services in 1984 and 1985 and moved up the ladder by occupying some distinguished positions on the move. Amarjeet Sinha’s career with the IAS Some of the distinguished roles played by Amarjeet Sinha during his career include Principal Secretary – Education Department, Additional Secretary – Ministry of Human Resources Development, Additional Secretary – Ministry of Rural Development, Secretary – Ministry of Rural Development, and Secretary – Ministry of Panchayat Raj. As an in-charge of administrative reforms and personnel and general administration in the central government during 2018 – 2019, he played a significant role in contributing to nation building. Amarjeet Sinha has over three decades of experience in the social sector of the government. Some of his notable contributions occurred in the realms of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and National Rural Health Mission. He has also trained the IAS Officers at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie. Bhaskar Khulbe’s career with the IAS Functioning from a responsible role in the Prime Minister’s Office is not new to Bhaskar Khulbe. After occupying some distinguished and eminent positions in the Indian Administrative Services, Bhaskar Khulbe Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2014. He became the Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2016 and occupied this position for three years till 2019. Before he stepped down from his position, this post was extended for him for six months as he had completed his service. Now he has once again joined the PMO as the Secretary to the Prime Minister for the second time after superannuation. Bhaskar Khulbe has a rich knowledge about the quality of officers. He has played a crucial role in making judicious appointments to the PMO. It is said he was always fond of guiding and molding junior officers. His long experience in serving the PMO is certainly an asset to the present position he holds.

Know Bhaskar Khulbe and Amarjeet Sinha, IAS (Retd) who become advisors to PM

New Delhi, More than 10 years after a Supreme Court judgement paved way for introduction of the <keyword id="20335981" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nota" source="keywords">NOTA</keyword> button on EVM for polls, the number of voters choosing it still remains low, with the experts dubbing it as a "toothless tiger" with no implications on the results. NOTA (None of the Above) was introduced in India through the Supreme Court's judgement in September 2013. The need to introduce NOTA was felt to discourage the parties from fielding tainted candidates. The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to make necessary provision in the ballot papers/EVMs so that the voters can decide not to vote for any of the candidates in the fray. Introduced in 2013, the NOTA option on electronic voting machines has its own symbol - a ballot paper with a black cross across it. After the Supreme Court order in September 2013, the Election Commission added the NOTA button on the EVMs as the last option on the voting panel. One ballot unit has 16 buttons. Before the apex court order, those not inclined to vote for any candidate had the option of filling what is popularly called form 49-O. But filling out the form at the polling station under Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, compromised the secrecy of the voter. However, even as NOTA has secured over 1.29 crore votes in the state assembly elections and the <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> elections combined in the last five years, the number of candidates with criminal records has increased in both the general and the assembly elections. According to a report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the share of MPs with declared criminal cases against them has been increasing in the last decade. While 30 per cent elected MPs had criminal cases against them in 2009, which went up. Of the 543 winners analysed by the ADR in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, 162 (30 per cent) had declared criminal cases against them, with 76 (14 per cent) had serious criminal cases against them. In 2019, the share of MPs with criminal and serious criminal cases increased to 43 per cent and 29 per cent. "NOTA has made no difference as far as criminality is concerned, in fact the number of candidates with criminal cases has increased," Major General (Retd) Anil Verma, Head of ADR, told PTI. "The concept of NOTA was that some pressure would be on the parties not to field tainted candidates. It has not happened," he said. Overall in different state and general elections, votes polled on NOTA have been between .5 per cent to 1.5per cent, according to data compiled by the ADR. It secured around 1.06 per cent votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, and among states, highest was when it got 1.98 percent of the total votes in the 2018 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls. The lowest number of votes NOTA in the Lok Sabha was 100 votes in Lakshadweep, and among the state polls, it secured the lowest percentage of vote share - 0.46 percent in both the Delhi State Assembly Elections, 2020, and the Mizoram State Assembly Elections, 2018. "Unfortunately, it turned out to be a toothless tiger. It merely provided a platform to express dissent or one's anger for political parties to take note and nothing more," <keyword id="20887282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maj-gen-verma" source="keywords">Maj Gen Verma</keyword> (Retd) said. He, however, pointed out that overall, the percentage of NOTA votes in seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribe has been slightly higher, which may indicate there are more grievances among these groups. "In the reserved constituencies, we have seen the percentage of NOTA votes are higher. Perhaps the tribals and SCs have more grievances so they go in larger numbers for NOTA," he said. Constituency wise, NOTA has secured as high as 27,500 votes in Maharashtra's Latur Rural constituency, a seat reserved for the SC community, over 13 per cent of the total votes. NOTA got the second spot, with Congress' Dhiraj Deshmukh winning with over 67 per cent of the total votes. In 'Red Alert Constituencies', the seats with three or more candidates with criminal cases contesting the elections, NOTA secured 26, 77,616 votes (26.77 lakhs) in the state assembly elections since 2018. It ranges from 1.63 per cent in Bihar in 217 red alert constituencies to 0.43 per cent in Delhi. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the highest number of NOTA votes (51,660) were polled in Bihar's Gopalganj, another reserved SC constituency, where it secured the third spot getting 5.03 per cent of the total votes. Axis India chairman <keyword id="20816878" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pradeep-gupta" source="keywords">Pradeep Gupta</keyword> said there is a requirement to give more teeth to the NOTA option. "I believe that candidates, who have lost against NOTA should not get a chance to contest again. That is what the logic is all about. Since there is no such rule, many voters think what is the point of choosing NOTA," Gupta told PTI. "In 2014, 1.08 pc voters chose NOTA, the percentage was 1.06 pc in 2019. It is a sizeable number but I believe it is more due to error and less due to intention," Gupta said. "But if a rule is brought in barring the rejected candidates from contesting again, I believe the number will go up like anything. The political parties understand the sensitivity of this and that is why I believe no one will favour such a law and hence NOTA is a toothless option," he added. Calls have also been made for scrapping NOTA. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel had last year sought scrapping NOTA, stating that in certain cases it polled more votes than winning margin. In 2018, the Supreme Court had ruled that NOTA option should not be given in the <keyword id="19895369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajya-sabha" source="keywords">Rajya Sabha</keyword> elections.

None of the Above or NOTA toothless without right to reject, say experts

The number of domestic air passengers in India is expected to double to about 300 million annually by 2030 and the country would still have a vast untapped market, Union Civil Aviation Minister <keyword id="19999763" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="jyotiraditya-scindia" source="keywords">Jyotiraditya Scindia</keyword> said on Thursday. Speaking at the inaugural session of Wings India 2024, a civil aviation conclave and exhibition here, <keyword id="19905342" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="scindia" source="keywords">Scindia</keyword> said India under the leadership of Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> in the last decade, has been a "shining star" on the global firmament of civil aviation. He said the number of airports and waterdromes will go up to over 200 from the existing 149 in the country. With 300 million passengers a year in 2030, India's aviation penetration would be at 10-15% and still be a potential market in the decades to come. "That is the potential that India holds not only to herself and Asia, but to the world. ...even with achieving 300 million domestic passengers by 2030, we will still be one of the most under-penetrated markets across the top 20 in the world. Today our penetration is roughly about 3 to 4% that will grow to about 10 to 15%. We still have 85% penetration to go," he said. He noted that the domestic air passenger traffic witnessed 15% growth (CAGR) while international air passenger traffic was 6.1%, in the last decade. According to Scindia, India today is the third largest domestic civil aviation market in the world and the seventh largest international civil aviation market in the world. If both domestic and international are combined, then India is the fifth largest civil aviation market in the world. In the last 15 years, domestic and international cargo witnessed a growth of 60 and 53% respectively. "Our domestic cargo traffic over the last 15 years has grown by close to 60% and our international cargo traffic, by close to 53%. And it is our considered opinion and that of industry consultants that domestic traffic which was 153 million in the last calendar year, up from 60 million in 2014, will grow to 300 million by 2030," he said. On the fleet size in the country, Scindia said it has grown from 400 to over 700. "Today, India has become the largest purchaser of aircraft in the world after the US and China. Our fleet size is going to grow from 713 to upwards of 2,000 in the next decade." Observing that 74 airports were built in 65 years, he said the government has modernized and built an additional 75 airports, waterdromes and heliports in the last 10 years. "It is our target, that by 2030, we will take that number from 149 to upwards of 200 airports, waterports and heliports in our country," he said. Scindia also marked the occasion by launching the Udan 5.3 scheme. "This regional connectivity scheme has truly transformed the arena and our sector... today under Udan, infrastructure has been built at 76 airports, waterdromes and heliports. Close to 517 new routes have been operationalised that could not have been dreamt of in the past," he said. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation General (retd) VK Singh and Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister K Venkat Reddy also spoke on the occasion.

Air passenger traffic in India expected to reach 300 million by 2030: Jyotiraditya Scindia

To promote tourism in <keyword id="73024" type="General" weightage="90" keywordseo="andaman" source="Orion">Andaman</keyword> and Nicobar Islands the union territory administration has decided to open uninhabited <keyword id="7353441" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aves-Island" source="Orion">Aves Island</keyword> in North and Middle Andaman district for travellers, officials said. The Aves is a small and beautiful island, also known as Coconut Island for its lush green coconut plantation. Presently, Aves is not open to tourists. It is an uninhabited Island with no accommodation facilities. The administration has proposed a five-star eco-tourism resort in Aves Island on public-private partnership mode. Aves Island is very close to Mayabunder town. The presence of various natural features (live and dead coral flat beds, coconut plantation, forest) and the pristine beach at Aves Island with a coastline of 2 km, makes it an ideal destination for campers, they said. Trekking within the island through the coconut plantations and small jungle trail takes the tourists to the lighthouse on the southern point. A land parcel of 2.75 hectares is owned by the local administration, which will be handover to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) on a lease basis for the development of the project under Public-Private Partnership mode and on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) basis, they said. With an investment of nearly Rs 36 core, the five-star eco-tourism resort at Aves Island will have 50 rooms where the concessionaire can undertake various activities like a shopping area for local souvenirs, scuba diving, game fishing, forest trekking, nature camping, wellness centre, etc. ANIIDCO Managing Director Nandini Paliwal told PTI that, "The Investor Conference organised by ANIIDCO in Delhi, on December 4 for tourism and hospitality projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has received a very encouraging response from leading hospitality players. "We are confident that with the active collaboration of the private sector, the projects proposed to be implemented in PPP mode will succeed in bringing world-class sustainable tourism infrastructure and put Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourism circuit. It will contribute to the socio-economic development of the islands and its people." To bring the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourist map, the administration has also prepared a Project Information Memorandum (PIM), under the banner of "Development of Eco Tourism Projects in Andaman Islands - 2023 for the holistic development of 14 more tourist places, which includes Lalaji Bay beach at Long Island, Ross-Smith Island, Shaheed Dweep spread across North Andaman, Middle Andaman and South Andaman. To lure investors, ANIIDCO organised an event in Delhi on December 4 to obtain feedback and suggestions from potential investors for making the initiative for the "Development of Eco-Tourism Projects in the Andaman Islands". Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral D K Joshi (Retd), and Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra were present at the event. The chief secretary highlighted various initiatives taken by the administration for strengthening the infrastructure related to connectivity, power, water supply, etc. which will provide impetus to the development of tourism in the Islands. The main objective of the projects is to provide world-class and sustainable tourism infrastructure with low environmental impact and provision for the socio-economic involvement of the local population. "We are optimistic that such an investor's meet will surely make this beautiful Island the most sought-after destination for travellers and business leaders," Surendra Prahladka, President of Andaman Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry (ACCI), who was also present at the event, told PTI.

Andaman to open uninhabited Aves Island for travellers in bid to attract tourism

<keyword id="3001" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword>'s former military ruler General (retd.) <keyword id="44240" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pervez-musharraf" source="Orion">Pervez Musharraf</keyword>, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, died on Sunday in Dubai after a prolonged illness, according to media reports. <keyword id="17431" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="musharraf" source="Orion">Musharraf</keyword>, 79, was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body, according to his family. General (retd) Musharraf died at a hospital in Dubai, Geo News quoted his family as saying. He had been undergoing treatment at the American Hospital Dubai, the channel reported. The Express Tribune newspaper also said that Musharraf, who had been living in Dubai since 2016, breathed his last on Sunday, The general was the main architect of the Kargil War that took place months after then Prime Minister <keyword id="6576" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nawaz-sharif" source="Orion">Nawaz Sharif</keyword> signed a historic peace accord with his Indian counterpart Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Lahore. After his failed misadventure in Kargil, Musharraf deposed the then Prime Minister Sharif in a bloodless coup in 1999 and ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008 in various positions – first as the chief executive of Pakistan and later as the President. In March 2014, Musharraf was indicted for suspending the Constitution on November 3, 2007. In December 2019, a special court handed Musharraf a death sentence in the high treason case against him. The former military ruler left the country in March 2016 for Dubai to seek medical treatment. Musharraf was born on August 11, 1943 in Delhi. His family moved from New Delhi to Karachi in 1947. He joined the <keyword id="37837" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pakistan-army" source="Orion">Pakistan Army</keyword> in 1964 and was a graduate of the Army Staff and Command College, Quetta.

Ex-military ruler Pervez Musharraf dies in Dubai: Pak media

<ul><li>Two big financial goals – medical necessities and retirement pension – are taken care of to a large extent. </li><li>Systematic <keyword id="6355120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment" source="Orion">investment</keyword> plans (SIPs) are an ideal investment option due to regular monthly income. </li><li>Buying property can be a good long-term investment, especially given the housing benefits and loans available to <keyword id="462296" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-personnel" source="Orion">defence personnel</keyword>. </li></ul>All of us go to bed at night knowing that the men at our borders are there to protect us. But the lives of defence personnel are different, not only when it comes to their jobs, but also to their finances. First, they might be posted at extremely remote locations where it is very difficult to get financial advice or access to banking and investment products. Also, the demands of their career are such that it relegates financial planning low down in their to-do list. “Being a government servant, two big financial goals of medical necessities and retirement pension are taken care of to a large extent. But then there are many more requirements of life which need careful planning,” says Col. Sanjeev Govila (Retd), a SEBI Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), and CEO, Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning firm. Children’s graduation and post-graduation, their marriages, purchase of a house when they’re close to retirement, good vacations post-retirement, change of car, charity, indulging in passions which may need money, etc are likely financial goals which need to be carefully planned for. We take a look at five investment options defence personnel may consider. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Fixed deposits" comment="Subhead" text="Fixed deposits"><keyword id="6377620" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fixed-deposits" source="Orion">Fixed deposits</keyword></cmsannotation>: Fixed deposits are a good investment choice for defence personnel due to their safety and simplicity. They offer guaranteed returns, minimising risks associated with market fluctuations. For military personnel with unpredictable schedules, FDs provide flexibility in terms of tenures and can be easily managed from anywhere. Moreover, the guaranteed interest earnings add to financial stability, making it a good choice for long-term planning and security, which matches the disciplined and secure aspects of military life. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Equity investments" comment="Subhead" text="Equity investments">Equity investments</cmsannotation>: Defence personnel, like any other citizen, are allowed to invest in stocks / <keyword id="6357979" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mutual-funds" source="Orion">mutual funds</keyword> or any other investment products. “However, they might have certain restrictions, especially officers holding sensitive positions. Such individuals might need to inform their respective cadres about their investments to avoid conflicts of interest,” says Bhuvanaa Shreeram, co-founder and head of financial planning, House of Alpha, a financial planning firm. When it comes to equity, the best suited investment option is mutual funds. “Systematic investment plans (SIPs) are ideally suited due to regular monthly income. However, thorough research, long-term outlook and regular monitoring is important,” says Govila. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)" comment="Subhead" text="Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)">Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)</cmsannotation>: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is another investment option military personnel can consider if they have a girl child. It provides a secure and tax-saving avenue for their daughters' future. SSY offers an attractive interest rate, along with tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. For defence personnel frequently posted to remote areas, SSY can be conveniently managed online, ensuring consistent savings for their daughters' education and marriage. Its assured returns, safety, and tax benefits make it an appealing option, aligning with their commitment to secure their family's financial well-being. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Real Estate" comment="Subhead" text="Real Estate">Real Estate</cmsannotation>: “Buying property can be a good long-term investment, especially given the housing benefits and loans available to defence personnel. Although while in service they will be provided a place to stay, once they retire they will need a comfortable house to live in,” says Shreeram. “Start saving for a house early through SIPs in mutual funds and buy a house around 50 years of age when plans to finally settle down are concrete. No need for a second house,” says Govila. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Gold" comment="Subhead" text="Gold">Gold</cmsannotation>: Gold is a good investment choice for defence personnel due to its stability, liquidity, and security. It acts as a hedge against economic uncertainties, offering protection against inflation and currency fluctuations. Gold investments, such as Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) and Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), provide the convenience of electronic holdings and easy liquidity, aligning with the mobile lifestyle of military personnel. <keyword id="3790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="armed-forces" source="Orion">Armed forces</keyword> personnel experience unique service conditions, and their financial situations can vary significantly. Nevertheless, the fundamental principles of financial planning and investment are applicable to them. With careful planning and disciplined execution, there's no reason they cannot achieve a financially secure and dignified life.

Five investment options for defence personnel

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, government <keyword id="135966" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-support" source="Orion">financial support</keyword>, <keyword id="16061814" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exemption-from-Goods-and-Services-Tax" source="Orion">exemption from Goods and Services Tax</keyword> (GST) are some of the Budget 2023 wishlist of the Indian Space Association (ISpA). According to ISpA's Director General, Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), the suggestions/wishlist were received from the space industry on tax policies and incentives to promote investment, research and development, and employment in the space sector. The space sector lobby body said PLI for the sector will promote research and development in India and provide incentives to entities engaged in the space sector. The ISpA also wants the government to provide financial support through loans, grants and tax incentives for companies and organisations in the space sector. "Since the new space policy is in its final stages of development, the provision of tax exemption for startups should be continued till the time the incumbent Policy is released/implemented," Bhatt said. Considering that most space-tech companies in India are startups and access to capital is an issue, it would be beneficial to create parity in terms of the short-term capital gains tax rate and treatment with respect to listed and unlisted entities and also provide exemption from Angel tax, the industry body said. The industry also wants the setting up of Space Technology Parks and creating a group of experts for the space ecosystem usage. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/hdfc-bank-q3-net-at-12259-cr/articleshow/96988087.cms" style="">HDFC Bank Q3 net at ₹12,259 cr</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/wipro-results-q3-fy23-wipro-sees-fy23-revenue-guidance-between-11-5-12/articleshow/96969117.cms" style="">Wipro sees FY23 revenue growth at 11.5-12%, Q3 profit growth beats analyst expectations</a>

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Know Bhaskar Khulbe and Amarjeet Sinha, IAS (Retd) who become advisors to PM

BI India Bureau

None of the Above or NOTA toothless without right to reject, say experts

PTI

Air passenger traffic in India expected to reach 300 million by 2030: Jyotiraditya Scindia

PTI

Andaman to open uninhabited Aves Island for travellers in bid to attract tourism

PTI

Ex-military ruler Pervez Musharraf dies in Dubai: Pak media

PTI

Five investment options for defence personnel

Anagh Pal

PLI, tax exemptions and financial support from government: Budget wishlist of space sector

IANS

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