Notifications & Circulars

Press Information Bureau

19.06.2024

Civil

CERT-In and Mastercard India sign MoU for collaboration in cyber security to enhance India's cyber-resilience in Financial Sector

MANU/PIBU/0450/2024

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is a Government organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. CERT-In has been designated to serve as National agency for incident response under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000. CERT-In has joined hands with Mastercard to promote cooperation and information sharing in the area of Cyber security related to the financial sector. The two entities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which they will leverage their shared expertise with regards to financial sector in the fields of cybersecurity incident response, capacity building, sharing cyber threat intelligence specific to financial sector and advanced malware analysis.

As part of the mutual understanding, Mastercard and CERT-In will hold training programs and workshops for cyber capacity building, latest market trends and best practices to enhance cyber security of financial sector organizations. The two entities will also share relevant cyber threat trends, technical information, threat intelligence, and vulnerability reports to strengthen the financial sector information security of India.

"Cybersecurity is the need of the hour and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi government is committed to ensuring that people on digital platforms are secure, as this warfare is not on the ground but in cyberspace. I am confident that this is an important milestone that will benefit not only both entities but also the public at large," said Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce & lndustry; and Electronics and Information Technology.

"Mastercard's comprehensive approach to security gives its partners and customers deeper visibility into cyber risk and greater adaptability and resilience, protecting their systems through the latest AI technology. The company is delighted to collaborate with CERT-In to fortify India's financial digital ecosystem, which has powered unprecedented growth in the country," said Shri Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard.

About CERT:

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is a Government organization under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. CERT-In has been designated to serve as National agency for incident response under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000. CERT-In operates 24x7 incident response Help Desk for providing timely response to reported cyber security incidents. CERT-In provides Incident Prevention and Response services as well as Security Quality Management Services.

About Mastercard:

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

Tags : MoU Cyber security Cyber-resilience

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Press Information Bureau

19.06.2024

Civil

Cabinet approves Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for implementation of Offshore Wind Energy Projects

MANU/PIBU/0452/2024

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind energy projects at a total outlay of Rs.7453 crore, including an outlay of Rs.6853 crore for installation and commissioning of 1 GW of offshore wind energy projects (500 MW each off the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu), and grant of Rs.600 crore for upgradation of two ports to meet logistics requirements for offshore wind energy projects.

The VGF scheme is a major step towards implementation of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy notified in 2015 with an aim to exploit the vast offshore wind energy potential that exists within the exclusive economic zone of India. The VGF support from the Government will reduce the cost of power from offshore wind projects and make them viable for purchase by DISCOMs. While the projects will be established by private developers selected though a transparent bidding process, the power excavation infrastructure, including the offshore substations, will be constructed by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL). Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, as the nodal ministry, will coordinate with various Ministries/Departments to ensure successful implementation of the scheme.

Construction of offshore wind energy projects and its operations also require specific port infrastructure, which can handle storage and movement of heavy and large dimension equipment. Under the scheme, two ports in the country will be supported by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to meet the requirements of offshore wind development.

Offshore wind is a source of renewable energy which offers several advantages over onshore wind and solar projects, such as higher adequacy & reliability, lower storage requirement and higher employment potential. Development of offshore wind sector will lead to economy-wide benefits by attracting investments, development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities, creation of employment opportunities across the value chain and technology development for offshore wind in the country. This will also contribute towards achieving India's energy transition targets.

The successful commissioning of 1 GW offshore wind projects will produce renewable electricity of about 3.72 billion units annually, which will result in annual reduction of 2.98 million ton of CO2 equivalent emission for a period of 25 years. Further, this scheme will not only kick start the offshore wind energy development in India but also lead to creation of required ecosystem in the country to supplement its ocean based economic activities. This ecosystem will support the development of initial 37 GW of offshore wind energy at an investment of about Rs.4,50,000 crore.

Tags : VGF scheme Energy Projects Approval

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Press Information Bureau

19.06.2024

Civil

Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme "National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme"

MANU/PIBU/0453/2024

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of Ministry of Home Affairs for Central Sector Scheme "National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) with a total financial outlay of Rs. 2254.43 crore during the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29. Financial outlay of the Central Sector Scheme will be provisioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs from its own budget.

The Cabinet has approved the following components under this Scheme:

i. Establishment of Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country.

ii. Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country.

iii. Enhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi Campus of the NFSU.

The Government of India is committed to put in place an effective and efficient criminal justice system, based on scientific and timely forensic examination of evidence. The scheme underscores the importance of high quality, trained forensic professionals in the timely and scientific examination of evidence for an efficient criminal justice process, leveraging the advancements in technology & evolving manifestations and methods of crime.

With the enactment of the New Criminal Laws which mandates forensic investigation for offences involving punishment of 7 years or more, a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories is expected. Further, there is a significant shortage of trained forensic manpower in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in the country.

To meet this heightened demand, significant investment and enhancement in national forensic infrastructure is imperative. The establishment of additional off-campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and new Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) would address the shortage of trained forensic manpower, alleviate the case load/pendency of forensic laboratories, and align with the Government of India's goal of securing a high conviction rate of more than 90%.

Tags : Scheme Approval Forensic examination

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Reserve Bank of India

19.06.2024

Banking

Invitation of applications for recognition of Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) for NBFCs

MANU/RPRL/0408/2024

1. The Reserve Bank had issued 'Omnibus Framework for recognition of Self-Regulatory Organisations for Regulated Entities of the Reserve Bank' dated March 21, 2024, wherein broad parameters, viz., objectives, responsibilities, eligibility criteria, governance standards, application process, etc., were specified. It was also stated that other sector-specific guidelines like number of SROs, membership, etc., shall be issued separately whenever a sectoral SRO is intended to be set up.

2. It has now been decided to invite applications for recognition of SROs for the NBFC sector under the aegis of the aforesaid omnibus framework. The applicant entity shall fulfil the eligibility criteria and guidelines mentioned under the omnibus framework, along with specific instructions specified hereunder:

A. Membership Criteria for the SRO for NBFCs

i. The SRO for NBFC sector is primarily envisaged for NBFCs in the categories of Investment and Credit Companies (NBFC-ICCs), Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and Factors (NBFC-Factors). However, the SRO may also have other categories of NBFCs as its members.

ii. The recognized SRO shall have a good mix of NBFC-ICCs, HFCs and NBFC-Factors as its members. To ensure fair representation to smaller NBFCs, the SRO shall have at least 10% of the total number of NBFCs in the Base Layer as per Scale Based Regulatory Framework and categorised as NBFC-ICC and NBFC-Factor, as its members. Failure to achieve the aforesaid membership, within two years of the grant of recognition as SRO, would render the SRO liable for revocation of the recognition granted.

B. Other terms of recognition of SRO

i. The applicant should achieve a minimum net worth of Rupees two crore within a period of one year after recognition as an SRO by Reserve Bank, or before commencement of operations as an SRO, whichever is earlier. Thereafter, the SRO shall maintain this on an ongoing basis.

ii. A maximum of two SROs for the NBFC sector will be recognised, subject to the applicants fulfilling the prescribed criteria to the satisfaction of the Reserve Bank.

iii. The guidelines as given in the omnibus framework for recognition of SRO for REs of the Reserve Bank, shall be adhered to for application, recognition and functioning of the SRO.

iv. Different verticals/divisions within the SRO may be set up for catering to different categories of NBFCs, as considered necessary.

Tags : Invitation Applications SROs

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Press Information Bureau

18.06.2024

MRTP/ Competition Laws

CCI approves realignment of interests, legal ownership, and management of various entities within the Godrej group

MANU/PIBU/0448/2024

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving realignment of interests, legal ownership, and management of various entities within the Godrej group.

The proposed combination relates to realignment of interests, legal ownership, and management of various entities within the Godrej group pursuant to an inter-se arrangement between the members of the Family Branches viz., Adi Godrej and family (ABG Family), Nadir Godrej and family (NBG Family), Jamshyd Godrej and family (JNG Family) and Smita Crishna and family (SVC Family). Such realignment will take place in accordance with the Family Settlement Agreement dated 30th April 2024 (FSA) executed by the Family Branches (Proposed Combination).

The target enterprises forming part of the Proposed Combination include: (i) the GILAC Group Entities and (ii) G&B Group Entities.

GILAC Group Entities include: (a) Godrej Industries Limited (b) Godrej Consumer Products Limited (c) Godrej Properties Limited (d) Godrej Agrovet Limited (e) Godrej Seeds & Genetics Limited (f) Innovia Multiventures Private Limited (g) Astec Lifesciences Limited and (h) Anamudi Real Estates LLP.

G&B Group Entities include (a) Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited; (b) Godrej Holdings Private Limited; (c) Godrej Infotech Limited; and (d) RKN Enterprises.

Tags : Realignment legal ownership Approval

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Press Information Bureau

17.06.2024

Media and Communication

DoT announces two significant calls for proposals aimed at catalyzing innovation and technological advancement in telecommunications sector

MANU/PIBU/0445/2024

In a signification move towards Jai Anusandhan, aimed at promoting innovative Start-ups in the country and to establish an ecosystem of research and entrepreneurship the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced two significant calls for proposals aimed at catalyzing innovation and technological advancement in the telecommunications sector. These initiatives underscore DoT's commitment to fostering indigenous R&D, promoting IP creation, and achieving inclusive digital growth across India.

These proposals are under the categories- '5G Intelligent Village' and 'Quantum Encryption Algorithm' and invites participants from industry, MSMEs, Start-ups, academia and government departments involved in technology design, development, commercialization of telecommunication products and solutions.

These proposal shall be funded under Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the DoT and represent pivotal steps towards harnessing advanced technologies for societal benefit and reinforcing India's leadership in telecommunications innovation.

5G Intelligent Village

The 5G Intelligent Village Initiative responds to the pressing need for equitable technological advancement by harnessing the transformative power of 5G technology to uplift rural communities. The Call for Proposals-"From Connectivity Gaps to Smart Solutions: Designing 5G Networks for Rural Innovation- 5G Intelligent Villages"- aim to addresses critical pillars such as agriculture, education, healthcare, governance, and sustainability. The following are the Proposed Village Locations:

• Dharmaj, Dist. Anand, Gujarat

• Ramgarh UrfRajahi, Dist Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

• Anandpur Jalbera, Dist Ambala, Haryana

• Bajargaon, Dist Nagpur, Maharashtra

• Bhagwanpura, Dist Bhilwara, Rajasthan

• Dablong, Dist Nagaon, Assam

• Raosar, District Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh

• Aari, District Guna, Madhya Pradesh

• Banskhedi, District Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh

• Burripalem, District Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

Proposals are invited to enable effective utilization of Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) aspects of 5G in selected villages, showcasing the advantages of 5G connectivity. Proposals can also include plans for establishing 5G connectivity in areas without existing coverage. This initiative aims to unite telecom service providers, sensor manufacturers, CCTV suppliers, and IoT providers on a single platform to explore and exploit the potential advantages of 5G, serving as a hub for research and development in this field.

Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA)

The call for proposals is for developing an India specific Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA) that will represent a cutting-edge approach to securing digital communication channels by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics. The algorithm should ensure Unparalleled Security; Advanced Encryption Capabilities; Ultrafast and Efficient Encryption etc.

Deadline: The Last date of submission of applications is 31.07.2024

The DoT is looking forward to collaborative efforts in realizing the potential of 5G and quantum encryption for a digitally resilient future.

About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) has been setup under Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) of Department of Telecom (DOT), Government of India to promote the ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, proof of concept testing, IPR creation, field testing, security, certification and manufacturing of products etc. in telecommunication field.

Tags : Innovation Technological advancement Telecommunications sector

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