Morning Current Affairs: 23 November 2017

Cabinet approves expansion of umbrella scheme ‘Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women’

The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval for expansion of the schemes of WCD Ministry under umbrella Scheme ‘Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women’ for a period 2017-18 to 2019-20.

The cabinet also approved a new scheme called ‘Mahila Shakti Kendra', which will empower rural women through community participation to create an environment in which they realise their full potential. The cabinet has also approved expansion under BetiBachaoBetiPadhao based on the successful implementation in 161 districts.

The total cost incurred during the expansion period will be Rs 3,636.85 crore with the Centre’s share being around Rs 3,084.96 crore.

Union Cabinet approves revised salaries, pension for Supreme Court and High Court judges

The Union Cabinet on 22 November 2017 approved the revision in the salaries, gratuity, allowances, pension of the Judges and retired Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.

The increase in the salary and allowances will benefit 31 Judges of Supreme Court of India (including the CJI) and 1079 Judges and Chief Justices of High Courts. Approximately 2500 retired Judges will also be benefited through the revision of pension and gratuity etc.

The revision in salaries and allowances will pave the way for necessary amendments in the two laws such as  Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 and High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954.

Union Cabinet approves India's Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction & Development

The Union Cabinet on 22 November 2017 approved India's Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD).

The Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Ministry of Finance has been tasked to acquire the membership of the EBRD.

It will enhance India's international profile and promote its economic interests. It will provide access to EBRD's Countries of Operation and offer sector knowledge. It will increase the scope of cooperation between India and EBRD through co-financing opportunities in manufacturing, services, Information Technology, and Energy.