Union Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal appeals to all consumers to be ‘vocal for local’ on National Consumer Day:
Union Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal has appealed to all the consumers to be ‘vocal for local’ to prefer indigenous products and services. He emphasized the need for greater commitment towards quality and standards and Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Stressing the need to be vocal for local, the Minister observed that local products should be encouraged which can be done by the consumers only. Mr Goyal said, Start-ups need to be encouraged so that people in India get an opportunity to showcase their talent and boost the economy.
Central Government invites farmer unions for next round of talks:
Central government has written to farmer unions inviting them for talks and reiterated its commitment to discuss and find solutions to all the issues raised by them. It has asked them to decide the date and time for the next round of talks.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced FASTag for all vehicles in country to be mandatory from January 2021:
Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that FASTag is being made mandatory for all vehicles in the country from 1st of January, 2021. Enumerating its benefits, he said, it is useful for the commuters as they will not need to stop at toll plazas for cash payments. It will also save time and fuel. Four banks together issued nearly a lakh FASTags, launched in 2016. Over 34 lakh FASTags were issued in 2018. The Ministry had issued a notification last month making FASTag mandatory by 1st of January 2021 in old vehicles also sold before 1st December, 2017. The Ministry said, the steps for ensuring the availability of FASTag at multiple channels are being made through physical locations and also through online mechanisms so that the citizens are able to have them affixed to their vehicles within the next two months at their convenience.
Defence Secretary launches DGNCC Digital Forum in New Delhi:
The Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar launched the DGNCC Digital Forum in New Delhi. This Digital Forum hosted on the DGNCC website, will provide a platform to National Cadet Corps cadets all over the country to share their experiences of various NCC activities. Dr Kumar said that this forum will help NCC cadets to share their opinions and suggestions on NCC training, Social Service and Community Development and host of other issues related to National Security, National Integration and National Building.
India and China agree to hold 9th round of Senior Commander Meeting:
The Ministry of External Affairs has said that India and China have agreed to hold the 9th round of Senior Commander meeting very soon for the early and complete disengagement of troops along the LAC. The Ministry said, the meeting will be held in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols between the two countries. Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, India and China continue to maintain communication channels through diplomatic and military channels. He added that discussions have helped both sides to enhance understanding of each other’s position and a meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination, WMCC on India-China border affairs took place on 18th of December.
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