Legal Bites April 2023 – Monthly Legal GK Update

Here are Legal Bites April 2023 monthly GK updates. The notable happenings of the month were decisions related to the Supreme Court, World Bank, RBI, Delhi High Court, Adani Port, Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project and so on. We have covered all the happenings in the gist so that it helps the readers to remember all legal and current updates about April 2023 most efficiently and easily.

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Key Highlights: Legal Bites April 2023

1. World Intellectual Property Day

2. Looking Back at the Abortion Laws

3. Collegium System and Its Criticism

4. Case Analysis: National insurance co. Ltd. v. Harsolia Motors and Ors., (2023)

Legal Updates and Current Events Test Series 2023: Practice MCQs pertaining to recent legal and current issues covering national and international aspects along with a detailed explanation for all competitive exams.

Legal Bites April 2023 – Monthly Legal GK Update

1) Government of India hikes interest rates on most small savings schemes by up to 70 bps

On April 1st 2023, The government raised interest rates on 10 small savings schemes for April 1 to June 30, 2023 period. The government also notified increasing the deposit limits to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 15 lakh under the senior citizens’ savings scheme and to Rs 9 lakh from 4.5 lakhs under the national savings (Monthly Income Account) scheme. For joint accounts, the limit under the NSS will be Rs 15 lakh instead of Rs 9 lakh at present. The finance ministry also notified the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate announced in the FY24 budget, with a deposit limit of Rs 2 lakh. The scheme will offer a fixed interest of 7.5 per cent for two years with a partial withdrawal option. The government also reduced the maturity period on Kisan Vikas Patra to 115 months from the earlier 120 months.

2) GST mop-up rises 13 percent to Rs 1.60 lakh Cr in March, second highest collection ever

On April 1st,2023, it was accounted that the GST collection grew 13 percent in March to Rs 1.60 lakh crore — the second-highest mop-up since the rollout of the indirect tax regime. Out of the gross GST collected, central GST is Rs 29,546 crore, State GST is Rs 37,314 crore, Integrated GST is Rs 82,907 crore (including Rs 42,503 crore collected on import of goods) and cess is Rs 10,355 crore. The total gross collection for the full 2022-23 fiscal stands at Rs 18.10 lakh crore, 22 per cent higher than the previous year.

3) IRDAI's new rules for commission payouts may lead to better pricing Effective from 1st April

From April 1st 2023, The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has implemented new regulations on commission payments to intermediaries and expenses of management for general and health insurance companies. While the Payment of Commission Regulations, 2023, removes previous caps on payments, the Expenses of Management (EOM) Regulations, 2023, allows for additional expenses related to foreign and IFSC branches, Insurtech, and insurance awareness.

4) Neeraj Nigam new RBI executive director, will lead Consumer Education Department

On April 3rd 2023, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Neeraj Nigam as executive director (ED). He was the regional director of RBI’s Bhopal office. As executive director, Nigam will look after the consumer education and protection department, financial inclusion and development department, legal department and secretary’s department.

5) World Bank cuts India's growth forecast to 6.3%; ADB projects 6.4% for FY24

On April 4th 2023, The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in their latest 'India Development Update' (IDU) slashed their economic growth forecasts for India for 2023-24 (FY24) by 30 and 80 bps to 6.3 and 6.4 per cent respectively, citing risks to the outlook arising from both global and domestic factors.

6) Competition Commission of India approves demerger of FMCG business of Haldiram Snacks and Haldiram Foods

On April 4th 2023, The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the demerger of the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) business of Haldiram Snacks and Haldiram Foods into Haldiram Snacks Food. The existing shareholders of Haldiram Snacks and Haldiram Foods have acquired a 56 per cent and a 44 per cent stake, respectively, in Haldiram Snacks Food.

7) Adani Ports completes Karaikal Port acquisition at Rs 1,485 cr

On April 5th, The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) completed the acquisition of Karaikal Port Private Limited (KPPL) for Rs 1,485 crore pursuant to approval by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Karaikal Port is an all-weather deep-water port that was developed on the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) format under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by the Government of Puducherry.

8) Hampers “Open Justice”: Supreme Court’s Strong Remarks On Sealed Cover

On April 5th 2023, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, known by now to be a strong critic of “sealed cover” submissions, made the reasons for his objections clear on Wednesday. During the hearing of a case involving the Central ban on a news channel, the top court slammed the government for filing its views under “sealed cover”, where the contents cannot be made public.

9) RBI to issue a new 5-year bond, seeks to raise Rs. 8,000 Cr.

On April 6th, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India will issue new five-year government bonds (maturing in 2028) to raise about Rs 8,000 crore in the first bond auction of the current financial year on April 06, 2023. The government of India (GoI) has indicated that it wants to mobilize up to Rs 33,000 crore through the auction of three securities maturing in 2028, 2033 and 2052. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscriptions up to Rs. 2,000 crores against each security.

10) Government releases Foreign Trade Policy 2023, eyes $2 trillion export target by 2030

The Centre has come out with Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 seeking to boost the country's exports amid slowing global trade. The Centre has outlined the vision to take India's goods and services export to $2 trillion by 2030 by shifting from incentives to remission and entitlement-based regime. The FTP 2023 will come into effect from April 1, 2023. The new FTP identifies four new Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) namely Faridabad, Moradabad, Mirzapur and Varanasi. This is in addition to the already existing 39 TEEs. The value limit for exports through courier service is being increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per consignment.

11) CBIC waives interest charges on EXIM traders due to payment woes

On 6th April 2023, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) announced interim relief for traders grappling with difficulties in paying import duty through the automated payment system that went live on April 1. The government has now allowed a temporary waiver of interest charges till April 10 in case there is a delay in paying duty due to technical glitches. Additionally, the government has also reverted to the manual clearance of certain categories of goods.

12) CJI Chandrachud approves fresh guidelines on engaging services of law clerks in SC

On April 8th 2023, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud approved fresh guidelines for engaging the services of law interns for assisting Supreme Court judges in legal research after which they will be paid a consolidated remuneration of Rs 80,000 per month. The top court has come up with a fresh ‘Scheme for Engaging Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates on Short-Term Contractual Assignment in the Supreme Court of India”.

13) Delhi High Court restrains private entities from using ‘KHADI’ in a trademark infringement lawsuit

On April 8th 2023, The Khadi and Village Industries Commission said the right to use the ‘KHADI’ mark for textile products requires the person or organisation to apply for recognition through the Khadi Institutions Registration and Certification Sewa.

14) SC forms a panel to oversee the degree verification of advocates

On April 10th 2023, in a significant initiative related to the legal profession, the Supreme Court on Monday constituted a high-powered committee headed by former SC judge Justice BS Chauhan to oversee the process of verification of degree certificates of practising advocates and weed out the fake ones. The committee shall comprise 8 members including Justice Chauhan, former Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Arun Tandon, former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon, Senior Advocates Rakesh Dwivedi and Maninder Singh and three members to be nominated by the Bar Council of India (BCI).

15) SC to examine why state bar councils charge different enrolment fees from advocates

On April 10th, The Supreme Court issued notice on a petition that has challenged the different enrolment fees being charged by different state bar councils from advocates. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, while issuing notice to the Centre, the Bar Council of India (BCI) and all state bar councils, termed this a significant issue. The plea was filed by Gaurav Kumar, who appeared in person and submitted that the charging of enrolment fees is a violation of Section 24(1) of the Advocates Act 1961 and that the BCI has the duty to ensure that exorbitant enrolment fees were not charged.

16) Supreme Court allows Vedanta to carry out the upkeep of its Sterlite plant

On April 10th 2023, The Supreme Court allowed Sterlite Copper to carry out the upkeep of the plant in Tamil Nadu, Vedanta informed on Monday. It said the three-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud allowed the company to “open in the national interest”. Vedanta said it had filed applications seeking relief from the top court to ensure proper upkeep of the Copper Smelter Plant, which was shut in 2018. The court considered the report of the High Powered Expert Committee and the recommendations of the state government.

17) Time in the hospital won’t be part of police custody period: Supreme Court

On April 11th 2023, Supreme Court considered the fact that has become very common nowadays that an accused, after getting arrested, becomes ill and gets hospitalized, and police custody expires during treatment, denying the cops an opportunity to interrogate him/her. But the Supreme Court said that police may get additional time to quiz the accused to compensate for the time lost in treatment. A bench of Justices M R Shah and C T Ravikumar said that no accused can be allowed to play with the investigation and/or the court’s process. It allowed a CBI plea seeking additional time to interrogate a coal-scam accused belonging to West Bengal, noting that the agency was given seven days’ custody but it could interrogate him only for two-and-half days as he was admitted to hospital and subsequently granted interim bail.

18) Supreme Court raps UP for invoking NSA in municipal tax recovery case

On 12th April 2023, The Supreme Court bench expressed displeasure at the UP government for not withdrawing the NSA charges against Yusuf Malik despite the court’s suggestion in previous hearings. A bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul ordered the immediate release of Malik from Rampur Jail, pulling up the state government for invoking the NSA against the politician regarding a municipal tax recovery case.

19) Karnataka Govt’s decision on scrapping 4% Muslim quota prima facie based on ‘absolutely fallacious assumption’: Supreme Court

On 13th April 2023, A bench of Justices K M Joseph and B V Nagarathna recorded the statement Mehta on behalf of the state government as it decided to examine on April 18 the validity of the government order, taken just ahead of state Assembly polls. After hearing senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Dushyant Dave, Prof Ravivarma Kumar, and Gopal Sankaranarayanan for petitioner L Ghulam Rasool and others, the bench said the decision was prima facie based on fallacious assumption and was vitiated as it was based on the interim report of a Commission.

20) Centre must devise a mechanism to stop child marriage: Supreme Court

On April 14th 2023, A month and a half after the Assam government’s proactive steps against child marriages drew the ire of civil society which termed it a targeted action against the minority community, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Union government to devise a mechanism to enforce Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. While hearing a six-year-old petition complaining that girls below 18 years of age are being married off despite child marriages being outlawed almost a century ago and a new law enacted in 2006, a bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala asked the Centre to collate data from various states on the extent of prevalence of child marriage.

21) Fill the vacancy in National Commission for Scheduled Castes expeditiously: Supreme Court

On April 16th, The Supreme Court directed the Centre to ensure that the vacancy in the National Commission for Scheduled Castes is filled on an expeditious basis. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala noted the submission of the Centre that there is one vacancy in the Commission.

22) Supreme Court Notice to Delhi Lt Governor Over Teachers Training in Finland

On April 17th 2023, A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala sought a response from the office of LG on the Delhi government’s plea. The Supreme Court today issued notice to the office of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on a plea of the Delhi government against LG’s approval with riders to send government school teachers to Finland for training and prohibiting teachers from receiving foreign training in the future. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala sought a response from the office of LG on the Delhi government’s plea.

23) Supreme Court bench recuses from hearing plea challenging appointment of Arun Goel as EC

On 17th April 2023, the Supreme Court bench headed by Justice KM Joseph on Monday recused from hearing a plea challenging appointment of Arun Goel as Election Commissioner. The bench said the petition has relied on a March 2 verdict of the apex court which had ruled that the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and ECs will be done by the President on the recommendation of a committee, comprising the prime minister, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and the CJI, to maintain the “purity of election”. In the lengthy verdict, the five-judge bench had said it was mystified as to how bureaucrat Goel applied for voluntary retirement on November 18 last year if he was not aware of the proposal to appoint him as an Election Commissioner.

24) Tree felling in Aarey forest: SC pulls up Mumbai Metro for ‘overreach’, imposes Rs 10 lakh fine

On April 18th 2023, the Supreme Court Monday pulled up the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) for trying to “overreach” its earlier order that allowed the corporation to seek the felling of 84 trees in Aarey forest for a Metro car shed project. The court directed the corporation to pay Rs 10 lakh as a penalty. The top court had allowed MMRCL to approach the tree authority for the felling of the trees in a November 29, 2022 order. But MMRCL, in its application before the authority, sought the felling of more trees than was permitted by the SC order. This application was cleared. A three-judge bench, presided by Chief Justice of India Dy Chandrachud and comprising Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala, termed MMRCL’s action “improper” and added that “if circumstances had transpired which led to a variation in the number of trees to be cut, the only correct course of action would have been to move this court”.

25) Supreme Court Cancels Ex-Professor GN Saibaba’s Acquittal in Maoist Links Case

On April 19th 2023, The Supreme Court set aside a Bombay High Court order acquitting former Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba in a Maoist links case and remanded it back to the high court for fresh consideration on merits within four months. A bench of top court Justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar directed the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court to place GN Saibaba’s appeal and that of other accused not before the same bench which had discharged them and the case be heard by another bench. It said that question of law, including sanction under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), is to remain open for adjudication by the high court. The top court had on October 15 suspended the Bombay High Court order acquitting GN Saibaba and others in the case.

26) US Supreme Court rebuffs Novartis bid to revive MS drug Gilenya patent

On 18th April 2023, the Justices of the US Supreme Court turned away an appeal by Novartis of a lower court’s decision to cancel the patent, a ruling that paved the way for some generic versions of Gilenya. Novartis sold for $1. Billion worth of Gilenya in the US last year, a 19 per cent drop from 2021 that was caused in part by generic competition. The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp’s bid to revive a key patent on its blockbuster multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya that was invalidated amid a legal dispute with China’s HEC Pharm Co Ltd. The justices turned away an appeal by Novartis of a lower court’s decision to cancel the patent, a ruling that paved the way for some generic versions of Gilenya.

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27) SEBI takes some measures to take disciplinary measures against misleading investment ads

On April 19th 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced a couple of measures to take disciplinary measures against investment advisors and analysts making misleading advertisements or claims in order to solicit investments. SEBI prohibited the use of terms like ‘Best’, ‘No. 1’, ‘Top’, ‘leading’, and ‘one of the best amongst market leaders, among others in any form of advertisement. It has prescribed additional compliance requirements, including the need to retain a copy of advertisements for five years and refraining from reference of past performance. Investment advisors and research analysts have been asked to seek prior approval of the advertisement from a SEBI-recognized supervisory body before issuing it.

28) India’s first quantum computing-based telecom network link is now operational

On April 19th 2023, the Country’s first quantum computing-based telecom network link is now operational between Sanchar Bhawan and the National Informatics Centre office located in CGO Complex in the national capital. A hackathon, a challenge round, was also launched for anybody who breaks this system and the system developed by C-DoT, will be giving Rs 10 lakh per break.

29) India became the first country to develop its own system for estimating TB cases

On April 20th 2023, India has become the first country to develop a country-level mathematical model to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the country. Using this model, TB incidence and mortality estimate data for India will be available by March every year. Notably, the data will be released months before the annual World Health Organization (WHO) estimates are released in October.

30) India & Bhutan plan to set up the first Integrated Check Post along the border near Jaigaon

On April 20th 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation to further boost their relationship. India would step up its support for Bhutan's upcoming 13th five-year plan and will also work to extend an additional standby credit facility and shape long-term sustainable arrangements for the export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan.

31) India could become the world’s second-largest solar photovoltaic manufacturer by 2026

On April 21st 2023, According to a new joint report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and JMK Research and Analytics, with 110 gigawatts (GW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) module capacity set to come online in the next three years, India will become self-sufficient and will be the second-largest PV manufacturing country after China. The report finds that India’s cumulative module manufacturing nameplate capacity more than doubled from 18GW in March 2022 to 38GW in March 2023. In terms of upcoming PV manufacturing installations, Gujarat is the leading state in India.

32) India was elected as a member of the UN Statistical Commission Narcotic Drugs and the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS

On April 21st 2023, India was elected as a member of the UN Statistical Commission, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) by the Economic and Social Council ECOSOC of the United Nations.

33) Government to launch special scheme to provide financial support to poor prisoners

On April 22nd 2023, The Centre decided to launch a special scheme to provide financial support to prisoners who are unable to afford the penalty or the bail amount. The scheme named Support for Prisoners, will enable poor prisoners, the majority of whom belong to socially disadvantaged or marginalized groups with lower education and income level, to get out of prison. The Centre will provide financial support to States to extend relief to those poor prisoners who are unable to avail of bail or get released from prison due to non-payment of fines.

34) SWAYAM portal was launched to allow people to secure good quality education

On April 22nd 2023, The Education Ministry, under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 fixed a target of 50 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio in Higher Education by 2035. To achieve this significant target, various steps are being taken, like new regulations for open and distance learning programmes and online learning programmes to augment the accessibility of Higher Education. The Information Communication and Technology (ICT) based SWAYAM portal has been launched to reach out to people and allow them to secure good quality education.

35) Basohli Painting from Jammu Got GI Tag

On April 23rd 2023, The world-famous Basohli Painting from Kathua district of Jammu division received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. The Basohli painting is the first independent GI tag from the Jammu region. The product from the UT of J&K is included in the list of 33 products that received the GI tag on 31 March 2023. This is the first time in the history of GI that the Jammu region got a GI tag for handicrafts. Earlier GI tags were given to Kashmir handicrafts.

36) 'Mircha' rice of Bihar's West Champaran got a GI tag

On April 23rd 2023, Mircha' rice of Bihar's West Champaran was awarded the GI tag. The size and shape of the grain appear like that of black pepper. Hence it is known as Mircha or Marcha Rice. This rice is famous for its aroma, palatability and aromatic chura (rice flakes) qualities.

37) India Justice Report 2022

In India Justice Report (IJR) 2022, the State of Karnataka has achieved the top rank among the 18 large and mid-sized States with populations over one crore, as per the justice delivery, namely Police, Judiciary, Prisons, and Legal Aid. The State of Tamil Nadu has ranked in second position and Telangana in Third. The State of Gujarat has got the fourth position and Andhra Pradesh is at slot five as per the report, which was released on April 4 in New Delhi. This report is based on overall data of 4 pillars of justice delivery namely Police, Judiciary, Prisons, and Legal Aid. The State of Uttar Pradesh is at rank 18, which is the lowest.

38) RBI announces guidelines to accept green deposits by banks, NBFCs

On April 24th 2023, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a framework for accepting ‘green deposits’ by banks and deposit-taking non-banking finance companies (NBFCs). The green deposits shall be denominated in Indian Rupees only. The RBI-regulated entities have been told to put in place a comprehensive board-approved policy on green deposits, laying down all aspects in detail for the issuance and allocation of such deposits. A copy of the policy should be made available on the website of the Regulated Entities (REs).

40) RBI permits Karnataka Bank to collect direct and indirect taxes

On April 24th 2023, The Reserve Bank of India has authorized private sector lender Karnataka Bank to collect direct and indirect taxes on behalf of CBDT and CBIC. This has been done on the recommendation from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance. The (ICEGATE) portal of the Central Board for Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) provides e-filing services to the trade, cargo carriers and other trading partners electronically.

41) Canara Bank, Bharat BillPay tie up for cross-border bill payments for Indian diaspora in Oman

On April 25th 2023, Canara Bank and NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) tied up for the launch of cross-border inward bill payment services for Indians based in Oman. NRIs can now leverage the robust platform offered by the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to make bill payments on behalf of their families through the Musandam Exchange.

42) Direct tax collection skyrockets 173% to over Rs 19.68 trillion in 10 years

On April 25th 2023, India's gross direct tax collection increased 173 per cent to over Rs 19.68 lakh crore in 10 years to 2022-23. On a net basis, after adjusting refunds, direct tax collection zoomed 160 per cent since 2013-14 fiscal to over Rs 16.61 lakh crore in 2022-23.

43) Government set up the 16th Finance Commission in 2023 to suggest Centre-state tax devolution beginning FY27

On April 25th 2023, The government is planning to set up the 16th finance commission this year to suggest, among other things, the ratio in which tax is to be divided between the Centre and states for five years, beginning April 1, 2026. The 15th Commission under NK Singh had kept the tax devolution ratio at 42 per cent -- at the same level suggested by the 14th Commission.

44) SEBI has asked AIF to provide the option of direct plans

On April 26th 2023, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) asked Alternative Investment Funds(AIFs) to provide the option of direct plans for its investors. Through such plans, investors can participate in an AIF without having to pay any distribution fee or placement fee. AIFs are funds that cater to wealthy individuals willing to invest more than ₹1 crore in a single go. The regulator has also asked the AIFs to disclose distribution fees to the investors while onboarding them.

45) SEBI systemizes 'excuse-exclude' norms used by AIFs for managing portfolios

On April 27th 2023, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) codified the ‘excuse-exclude’ norms used by alternative investment funds (AIFs), such as private equity and venture capital (PE/VC), for managing portfolio companies. The move is expected to decrease conflict, reduce investment breaches, and introduce transparency in the dealings. The recent guidelines will formalize the process and bring in uniformity, observing industry players.

46) India issued the Dogri Version of the Indian Constitution

On April 28th 2023, Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, announced the first edition of the Dogri Version of the Indian Constitution. It is a major step by the government as the goal is to boost linguistic diversity and protect the rich cultural heritage of India. Dogri is referred to as a kind of language which is spoken in Northern parts of Jammu & Kashmir. The translation of the Constitution into various languages has been a useful concept.

47) AIM, NITI Aayog, and UNCDF Team Up to Make India a Global Agri-tech Leader, Expand Innovations to Developing Economies

On April 29th 2023, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) jointly launched a whitepaper aimed at making India a global leader in Agri-Tech innovation and expanding these innovations to the least developed countries in Asia and Africa. The whitepaper offers actionable steps to overcome challenges faced by Agri-Tech start-ups and facilitate their growth at national and international levels. The whitepaper outlines the significant observations and recommendations required to tackle challenges in the agriculture sector and promote sustainable practices that support smallholder farmers across developing economies. Agri-Tech innovations will help address food security, supply chain inefficiencies, and climate change concerns.

48) Sabarimala airport gets Centre's clearance, greenfield project to cost Rs 4,000 crore

On April 29th 2023, The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation granted site clearance for the Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project at Kottayam in Kerala. The Kottayam Greenfield Airport project is proposed to be developed on approximately 2,250 acres of land and intended to be undertaken at Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at an approximate cost of Rs 4000 crore by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).

49) CSIR and OIL sign an MoU to pursue the technological partnership

On April 30th 2023, The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Oil India Ltd. (OIL), a Navaratna NOC, inked an umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pursue technological partnership in select domains across the Energy value chain. This will be a collaborative arrangement between the labs of CSIR and OIL. The objective of the MoU is to facilitate collaboration for pursuing research in advanced technologies for energy security.

50) SAIL-BSL signs MoU with TCIL to explore the potential of the application of 5G/ IT/ Telecom

On April 30th 2023, SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) entered into an MoU with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to explore the potential of application of 5G/ IT/ Telecom and other wireless communication technologies in SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant, including SAIL’s Mines & Collieries, Central Coal Supply Organization and the SAIL Refractory Unit in Jharkhand. SAIL-BSL has taken the initiative of becoming the first PSU in the country to take the initiative for setting up a dedicated 5G network with the help of TCIL, which will pave the way for the application of 5G/ IT /Telecom technologies in Steel manufacturing. This partnership will also be useful in providing innovative solutions in SAIL Mines and Collieries in Jharkhand, Smart Cities etc.

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