Current Affairs 12th April 2023 - Current Affairs

ADR Analysis 2023: Wealth and Criminal Background of India's Chief Ministers.

1- What is the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)?

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) is an Indian non-governmental organization that works towards electoral and political reforms in India. It surveys the profiles of political party ministers and draws conclusions regarding their assets, criminal background, finances and liabilities, education details, etc.

2-Who is the poorest Chief Minister of India?

According to the ADR Report 2023, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, is the poorest Chief Minister of India with assets worth only Rs 15 lacs.

3-Who is the richest Chief Minister of India?

According to the ADR Report 2023, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is the richest Chief Minister of India with assets worth more than Rs 510 crore.

4-What percentage of Chief Ministers in India are crorepatis (millionaires)?

As per the ADR Analysis 2023, 97% of Chief Ministers in India are crorepatis (millionaires) with an average asset worth of Rs 33.96 crore.

5-What percentage of Chief Ministers in India have serious criminal cases against them?

As per the ADR Analysis 2023, 13 Chief Ministers, which is 43%, have serious criminal cases against them, including charges of kidnapping, murder attempts, murder, and criminal intimidation

India's First Semi-High-Speed Regional Rail

1. What is the name of India's first-ever semi-high-speed Regional Rail services, and what does the letter 'X' in 'RAPIDX' signify?

• The name of India's first-ever semi-high-speed Regional Rail services is 'RAPIDX', and the letter 'X' in 'RAPIDX' signifies the next-age technology used to ensure a comfortable and fast ride.

2. What are RRTS corridors, and how do they differ from traditional railways?

• RRTS corridors are a new concept that provides high speed and capabilities, and they differ from traditional railways by offering a much trustable and dedicated travelling experience.

3. Which major urban junctions will the RAPIDX rail connect across the National Capital Region (NCR)?

• The RAPIDX rail will connect major urban junctions across the National Capital Region (NCR) through the Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat, and Delhi-Alwar corridors.

4. What is the speed of the RAPIDX rail, and what is the travel time it takes to cover 10 km?

• The RAPIDX rail has a 3 times faster speed than regular metros, running at a speed of 160-180 km per hour. It has the capacity to cover 10 km within 1 hour.

5. What does the green leaf symbol in the RAPIDX logo symbolize?

• The green leaf symbol in the RAPIDX logo symbolizes the brand's objective of achieving decarbonization, which implies the possible reduction of carbon.

6. How does the NCRTC plan to decongest the NCR region?

• The NCRTC plans to decongest the NCR region by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road and the effective use of green energy, including the installation of solar panels on stations and repositories and the use of blended power in traction.

7. Which major cities and towns will the RAPIDX rail connect across the NCR region?

• The RAPIDX rail will connect major cities and towns across the NCR region, including Delhi, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Alwar, Panipat, Faridabad, Ballabgarh, Palwal, Khurja, Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, Hapur, Shahdara, and Baraut.

  
  CBDT Signs 95 Advance Pricing Agreements

  1. What is an Advance Pricing Agreement (APA)? Answer: An Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) is an agreement between a taxpayer and tax authority determining the transfer pricing methodology for pricing the taxpayer's international transactions for future years.

  2. How many Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) did CBDT sign in FY 2022-23? Answer: CBDT signed a record 95 Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) in FY 2022-23.

  3. What is the difference between a Unilateral APA (UAPA) and a Bilateral APA (BAPA)? Answer: A Unilateral APA (UAPA) involves only the taxpayer and the tax authority of the country where the taxpayer is located, while a Bilateral APA (BAPA) involves the taxpayer, associated enterprise (AE) of the taxpayer in the foreign country, tax authority of the country where the taxpayer is located, and the foreign tax authority.

  4. What is the purpose of an APA? Answer: The purpose of an APA is to determine the transfer pricing methodology for pricing the taxpayer's international transactions for future years.

  5. How has the APA programme contributed to the Government of India's mission of promoting ease of doing business? Answer: The APA programme has contributed significantly to the Government of India's mission of promoting ease of doing business, especially for MNEs which have a large number of cross-border transactions within their group entities.

  6. What is the composition of CBDT? Answer: CBDT consists of a Chairman and six Members, including Member (Income Tax & Revenue), a Member (Legislation), a Member (Administration), a Member (investigation), Member (TPS & system), and Member (Audit & Judicial).