End of govt. monopoly over extraction of coal
1)
The passing of the Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Amendment Bill,2015 and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill,
2015 marks a significant step forward in the Central government’s reforms push.
2)
It effectively ends government monopoly over the extraction of
coal, which has existed after coal mining was nationalised in 1973.
3)
The passing of the bill gives Parliamentary approval for the
auction of coal blocks — effected through an ordinance that the Bill now
replaces.
4)
Benefits :
i.
The auctions have helped the coal-bearing States realise over Rs.2
lakh crore by way of royalties over a 30-year period from the 33 blocks
auctioned in the first round.
ii.
Internal government estimates place revenues from all the 204
blocks, which the Supreme Court had cancelled on the grounds that the
allocation process was arbitrary and illegal, to exceed Rs.15 lakh crore over
30 years.
iii.
The passage of the Bills has opened up the path for foreign
investments in the sector, since Indian arms of foreign companies are entitled
to bid for blocks.
iv.
The move is also beneficial to the state-owned Coal India Limited,
which may now get the elbow room to bring in some much needed technology and
best practices, while opening up prospects of a better future for millions of
mine workers.
5)
India has been plagued by chronic coal shortages, leading to
costly imports by power and metal producers. This has led to severe power
shortages, with downstream impact on both industry and individual consumers.
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Live TV coverage of anti-terror operations banned
1)
TV channels will be barred from airing live coverage of
anti-terrorist operations by security forces as per a new rule approved by the
Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
2)
As per the new rule, Broadcasters in such situations will have to
restrict themselves to reporting periodic briefing by designated officers.
3)
A new Clause will be added in the Cable Television Networks Rules,
1994 to effect the change.
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