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Union Cabinet approves Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the introduction of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters for providing 100 per cent credit guarantee coverage to member lending institutions for extending additional credit facilities up to Rs 20,000 crore to eligible exporters, including MSMEs.

The scheme will be implemented by the Finance Ministry’s Department of Financial Services (DFS), through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) Ltd, to provide additional credit support by MLIs to the eligible exporters, including MSMEs. A management committee formed under the chairmanship of the Secretary, DFS, will oversee the progress and implementation of the scheme, according to an official statement.

The scheme is expected to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian exporters and support diversification into new and emerging markets. By enabling collateral-free credit access, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) will strengthen liquidity, ensure smooth business operations and reinforce India’s progress towards achieving the $1 trillion export target. This will further reinforce India’s journey towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the statement said.

Exports are a critical pillar of the Indian economy, accounting for nearly 21 per cent of GDP in FY 2024-25 and contributing significantly to foreign exchange reserves. Export-oriented industries directly and indirectly employ over 45 million people, and MSMEs contribute nearly 45 per cent of total exports. Sustained export growth has been instrumental in supporting India’s current account balance and macroeconomic stability.

It is important to extend enhanced financial assistance and adequate time to exporters for diversifying their markets and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian exporters. Accordingly, proactive government intervention to provide additional liquidity support will ensure business growth and also enable expansion of markets, the statement added.

The government has stepped up its focus on exports as several sectors, such as textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, and marine products, have been impacted by recent global tariff escalations. The interventions will help sustain export orders, protect jobs, and support diversification into new geographies.

–IANS

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India, Kyrgyzstan ratify Bilateral Investment Treaty

New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Kyrgyz Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich signed the protocol and exchanged the instrument of ratification of the India-Kyrgyzstan Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) here on Thursday.

The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed on June 14, 2019, in Bishkek, between the Government of India and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, enters into force with effect from 5th June 2025. This new BIT replaces the earlier agreement enforced on 12th May 2000, ensuring continuity in the protection of investments between the two nations, according to an official statement.

The India-Kyrgyz BIT marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations and fostering a secure and predictable investment environment. The BIT aims to promote and protect the interests of investors of either country in the territory of the other country.

The key features of the treaty include an enterprise-based definition of assets with an indicative inclusion list and a specific exclusion list of assets which also clarifies the characteristics of investments such as commitment of capital, the expectation of gain or profit, the assumption of risk and have significance for the development of the host state.

It excludes matters relating to local government, government procurement, taxation, services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority, compulsory licenses, in order to retain sufficient policy space with the Government in such matters

The BIT seeks to define the core elements of the Treatment of Investment, as found in customary international law. Besides, the BIT ensures a balanced framework through provisions on national treatment, expropriation and transfers.

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) obligation in the past allowed investors to selectively “import” favourable substantive provisions from other treaties concluded by the Host State. The MFN clause is accordingly removed in the BIT.

The BIT contains two types of exceptions: general exceptions and security exceptions. The attempt is to carve out a policy space for the State. The general exceptions include, among others, the protection of the environment, ensuring public health and safety, and protecting public morals and public order.

The BIT also has a calibrated Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism with mandatory exhaustion of local remedies, thereby providing investors with an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

The BIT balances the investor rights with the sovereign regulatory powers of both countries, and reflects a shared commitment to create a resilient and transparent investment climate.

It is expected to further encourage cross-border investments and deepen economic cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan, the statement added.

–IANS

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IANS Year Ender 2025: Bihar declared Maoist-free as major crimes show sharp decline

Patna, Dec 27 (IANS) The Bihar Police earlier this week claimed that the state is now completely free from the influence of Maoists, while serious crimes such as murder, robbery and riots have recorded a notable decline.

Releasing the annual performance report at the Police headquarters in Patna, Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar Chaudhary and Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar addressed the media.

They said that strict policing, effective use of technology, and sustained anti-crime campaigns have led to major success in maintaining law and order across the state.

Bihar declared Naxal-free

DGP Vinay Kumar said that the police have achieved complete success in previous Maoist-affected regions. “There is now not a single district in Bihar affected by Naxalism,” he added.

During the year, 220 Maoists were arrested, while one Maoist was killed in an encounter, according to official data.

Sharp decline in major crimes

According to police statistics, murder cases declined by 7.72 per cent, robbery cases saw the steepest fall at 24.87 per cent, and riots decreased by 17.97 per cent. Officials attributed this decline to focused policing strategies and preventive measures adopted across the state.

Highlighting the year’s achievements of the Bihar government, the DGP said that 3.35 lakh accused were arrested in serious crimes, including murder, robbery, dacoity, rape, and kidnapping.

As part of a crackdown on criminal assets, Bihar Police and the Home department have seized property of 70 criminals, assets of 1,419 criminals were identified for confiscation, and 405 cases related to asset confiscation have been sent to court.

DGP Kumar said these steps are crucial to financially weaken organised crime and mafia networks.

BNS and Preventive Action

The state also witnessed extensive implementation of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Under Section 126, preventive action was taken against 12.50 lakh individuals, helping avert potential criminal activities in Bihar.

Prohibition and cybercrime control

Strict enforcement of the prohibition law continued throughout the year; 16.79 lakh litres of country liquor and 16.51 lakh litres of foreign liquor were seized during raids across the state.

In response to the growing challenge of cybercrime, 103 cybercrime cases were investigated, with action taken based on technical and digital evidence.

DGP Vinay Kumar told the media that an “Abhaya Brigade” has been formed in the state to enhance women’s security.

He said the police department plans to purchase around 2,000 scooters next year, which will be used by women police personnel. These women officers will be deployed at coaching institutes, colleges, public places, and crowded areas to monitor situations and take swift action against miscreants.

The DGP said this initiative is aimed at ensuring quick response and improving women’s safety across Bihar.

Focus on future policing

Senior police officials emphasised that crime control, action against mafias, and public safety remain the Bihar government’s top priorities. The DGP added that further steps will be taken to make policing more effective, transparent, and technology-driven in the coming years.

–IANS

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