Question 1

What is the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure scheme?

Accepted Answer

It is common knowledge that there is a need to promote agriculture marketing infrastructure projects for reducing the involvement of intermediates and minimizing post-harvest losses. A robust agriculture marketing infrastructure will ensure better remuneration to farmers and supply of better quality products to consumers and processing industries. During the XII plan period, the estimated investment for marketing infrastructure and value chain development was $8.61 Bn.

To address this need, the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), Govt. of India has introduced the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) Scheme by merging the earlier GrameenBhandaranYojana (GBY) and the Scheme for Development/Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization (AMIGS).

Question 2

What is agricultural biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Agricultural biotechnology is an advanced technology that allows plant breeders to make precise genetic changes to impart beneficial traits to the crop plants we rely on for food and fiber.

For centuries farmers and plant breeders have labored to improve crop plants. Traditional breeding methods include selecting and sowing the seeds from the strongest, most desirable plants to produce the next generation of crops. By selecting and breeding plants with characteristics such as higher yield, resistance to pests and hardiness, early farmers dramatically changed the genetic make-up of crop plants long before the science of genetics was understood. As a result, most of today's crop plants bear little resemblance to their wild ancestors.

The tools of modern biotechnology allow plant breeders to select genes that produce beneficial traits and move them from one organism to another. This process is far more precise and selective than crossbreeding, which involves the transfer of tens of thousands of genes, and provided plant developers with a more detailed knowledge of the changes being made.

Question 3

What are the benefits of Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2020?

Accepted Answer

This Act empowers farmers to freely sell their produce from farm gate directly to the buyers/exporters/processors/retailers who are offering better prices as alternative to APMC Markets without paying any market fee in trade area. It will help to reduce transportation cost of farmers produce from the farm gate to the mandis. It will also help in reducing post-harvest losses. The farmers can now store their produce in warehouses after harvest and sell it directly from such warehouses at appropriate time at suitable prices without bringing the produce to APMC Markets for selling.

Question 4

Under Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2020, corporate companies are also becoming entity as ‘farmer’?

Accepted Answer

Corporate companies are not included in the definition of farmer in this Act. Only Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), which are registered under any law, are included under the definition of farmer apart from individual farmers.

Question 5

What are the payment procedures for FPO or Agricultural Cooperative Society under Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2020?

Accepted Answer

An FPO or an agricultural co-operative society shall make payment to the farmer immediately after sale, but not later than fourteen days from the date of aggregation or purchase subject to the condition that the receipt of delivery shall be given to the farmer on the same day.
	When FPO aggregates or buys the scheduled farmers’ produce from farmer in the trade area and sells such produce in raw form itself, it shall make the payment immediately after such sale, but not later than three days from the date of aggregation or purchase, if procedurally so required, subject to the condition that the receipt of delivery shall be given to the farmer on the same day.

Question 6

What activities can be supported related to animal feed?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of Animal Feed manufacturing and strengthening of existing units/ plant of the following categories:


	Establishment of Mini, Medium and Large Animal Feed Plant
	Total Mixed Ration Block Making Unit
	By pass protein unit, Mineral Mixture Plant
	Enrich Silage making unit, Animal Feed Testing Laboratory
	Any other activities related to animal feed manufacturing.

Question 7

What is the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)?

Accepted Answer

The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund was recently announced as a part of Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package with an outlay of $ 2.1 billion. It has been approved for incentivizing investments to establish dairy processing, meat processing, animal feed plant and value addition infrastructure.

Question 8

What are the financial incentives available to eligible beneficiaries under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)?

Accepted Answer

The Government of India will provide a 3% interest subvention to eligible beneficiaries. There will be a 2 years moratorium period for the principal loan amount and 6 years repayment period thereafter. Additionally, projects will be a eligible for a loan up to 90% of the cost of the project. Moreover, a credit guarantee fund of $ 107 million has been set up to provide guarantees for viable projects.

Question 9

What will happen when the repayment period exceeds eight years repayment period?

Accepted Answer

The interest subvention will be provided only up to 8 years of repayment period. Beyond no interest subvention will be provided.

Question 10

What is National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)?

Accepted Answer

National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a flagship scheme launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister in September, 2019 for control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population for FMD and 100% bovine female calves of 4-8 months of age for brucellosis with the total outlay of $ 1.9 billion for five years (2019-20 to 2023-24)

Question 11

What activities can be covered under Meat Sector?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of new meat processing unit and strengthening of existing meat processing facilities for sheep/goat/ poultry/pig/buffalo in rural, semi-urban and urban areas.
	Large scale integrated meat processing facilities/ plant/ unit.
	Product Diversification: Establishment of new or strengthening of existing value addition facilities for meat products like Sausage, nuggets, ham, salami, bacon or any other meat products.

Question 12

What are ‘Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog’ & ‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’?

Accepted Answer

The Government of India has constituted the Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for the effective implementation of laws and welfare schemes for cows with a corpus of $71.5 Mn. It was set up with the objective to organize animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and to take steps for preserving and improving breeds and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) was launched in December 2014 with an outlay of $289 Mn for development and conservation of indigenous breeds through selective breeding in the breeding tract and genetic upgradation of nondescript bovine population. The scheme comprises two components namely National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB) and National Mission on Bovine Productivity (NMBP).

Question 13

What are some new technologies introduced by the Govt to promote sustainable energy?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is driving innovative technology programs, initiating projects for research, development, and demonstration. These projects span prestigious research institutions, universities, national labs, and industries. They catalyze indigenous research, industry expertise, skilled manpower, and prototype development within the country. Some sources of green energy are: Hydrogen Energy, Fuel Cells, Battery Operated Vehicles, Biofuels etc.

Question 14

Which key sectors of the Indian Economy are focusing on sustainability as a mission?

Accepted Answer

India has set an ambitious target of Net Zero by 2070. In order to achieve the targets set at COP27, the Government has undertaken the Panchamrita Strategy and has identified green growth as one of the focus areas in the Union Budget 2023. Some sectors championing sustainability are:


	Renewable Energy
	Automobiles (EV)
	Tourism
	Agriculture

Question 15

What are some initiatives/missions launched by the Government to promote sustainability?

Accepted Answer

The National Action Plan on Climate Change is a comprehensive framework adopted by the GOI to address the challenges posed by climate change. The NAPCC outlines strategies and measures across various sectors to promote sustainable development, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the country's resilience to the impacts of climate change. Eight missions under NAPCC are:


	National Solar Mission
	National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
	National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
	National Water Mission
	National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
	National Mission for a Green India
	National Mission for Sustainable Habitat
	National Mission for Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change

Question 16

What is a Circular Economy?

Accepted Answer

A circular economy is a sustainable economic model that emphasizes reducing waste and resource consumption by designing products for reuse, refurbishment, and recycling. It aims to create a closed-loop system where materials and products are continuously regenerated, extending their lifecycle and minimizing environmental impact.

Question 17

What are PM Gati Shakti Multi-modal Cargo Terminals?

Accepted Answer

In order to boost investments from industry in development of additional terminals for handling rail cargos, a new ‘Gati Shakti Multi-modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy has been framed. All new as well as under-construction/under-approval Cargo Terminals shall be covered under this policy.
The policy seeks to promote proliferation of new Cargo Terminals and improve existing Cargo Terminals through investments from industry to accelerate the growth in Railways’ cargo traffic. 
The salient features of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) are as under –


	Simplified application and approval process, for quick and hassle-free approvals.
	No departmental charges will be levied on the applicant.
	No Land License Fees to be charged for the Railway land used for connectivity.
	No cost of commercial staff to be charged
	All common-user traffic facilities at the serving station to be constructed and maintained by Railway
	For Terminals giving 1 MT or more outward traffic, cost of mid-section Block Hut/ Block station to be reimbursed as 10% freight rebate.
	Maintenance of all assets (track, signalling, OHE) by Railway at its own cost, excluding the yard and loading/unloading lines
	Railway will reserve the right to grant connectivity to another Terminal(s) from such portions of track being maintained by Railway


Union Budget 2022-23 has announced the target to set up 100 GCTs within the next three financial years.

Question 18

What is National Rail Plan 2030?

Accepted Answer

Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030. The Plan is to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030.  The NRP is aimed to formulate strategies based on both operational capacities and commercial policy initiatives to increase modal share of the Railways in freight to 45%. The objective of the Plan is to create capacity ahead of demand, which in turn would also cater to future growth in demand right up to 2050 and also increase the modal share of Railways to 45% in freight traffic and to continue to sustain it. 
The key objectives of the National Rail Plan are:  


	Formulate strategies based on both operational capacities and commercial policy initiatives to increase modal share of the Railways in freight to 45% by 2030
	Reduce transit time of freight substantially by increasing average speed of freight trains to 50Kmph
	As part of the National Rail Plan, Vision 2024 has been launched for accelerated implementation of certain critical projects by 2024 such as 100% electrification, multi-tracking of congested routes, upgradation of speed to 160 kmph on Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes, upgradation of speed to 130kmph on all other Golden Quadrilateral-Golden Diagonal (GQ/GD) routes and elimination of all Level Crossings on all GQ/GD route.
	Identify new Dedicated Freight Corridors.
	Identify new High Speed Rail Corridors.
	Assess rolling stock requirement for passenger traffic as well as wagon requirement for freight.
	Assess Locomotive requirement to meet twin objectives of 100% electrification (Green Energy) and increasing freight modal share.
	Assess the total investment in capital that would be required along with a periodical break up.
	Sustained involvement of the Private Sector in areas like operations and ownership of rolling stock, development of freight and passenger terminals, development/operations of track infrastructure etc.

Question 19

How much FDI is allowed under Metro sector?

Accepted Answer

Up to 100% FDI is permitted for Railway Infrastructure sector without any govt. approval. You can file your FDI application online along with supporting documents at Foreign investment facilitation portal.

Question 20

What is the purpose of SFOORTI?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has launched the Smart Freight Operation Optimisation & Real Time Information (SFOORTI) application to optimise freight operations and manage traffic flows.

Question 21

What is R3i policy?

Accepted Answer

The policy aims to attract private sector participation in rail connectivity projects to create additional rail transport capacity. The policy allows for 4 models: 
a) Cost Sharing-Freight Rebate.
b) Full Contribution- Apportioned Earnings.
c) Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). 
d) Private Line.

Question 22

What is the purpose of R2CI?

Accepted Answer

This new policy was initiated to improve rail connectivity to coal and iron ore mines. The policy offers the developer involved in the construction of the line to levy a surcharge on the freight over a period of 10–25 years. 
The policy has two models, i.e. Capital Cost and SPV Models. The Capital Cost Model is relevant when there are 2 players, whereas the SPV Model is intended for a large number of players.

Question 23

Define Participative models for rail connectivity and capacity augmented projects.

Accepted Answer

This policy supersedes the R3i and R2CI policies notified earlier. The policy provides for supplementing government’s investment in rail infrastructure projects by private capital flows. 
The policy contains the following models:
1) Non-government railway.
 2) JV with equity participation by railways. 
3) Capacity augmentation through funding by customers
4) Capacity augmentation – annuity model applicability.
5) Build Operate Transfer.
A few projects undertaken under the participative policy of Ministry of Railways include Jaigarh Port-Digni Port, Hamarpur-Rewas Port, Chiplun-Karad, Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur and Indore-Manmad.

Question 24

What is rolling stock?

Accepted Answer

Rolling stock is all the engines and carriages including the locomotives, passenger coaches, freight wagons, guard's vans, etc. that are used on a railway.

Question 25

What is dedicated freight corridors?

Accepted Answer

It is a broad-gauge freight corridor under construction in India by Indian Railway. It is a high-capacity railway corridor that is exclusively meant for the transportation of goods and commodities. There are 2 DFCs in the country, i.e. the Western and Eastern freight corridors. The Western DFC connects Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Mumbai, and Eastern DFC connects Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal.

The Dedicated Freight Corridors are expected to be a gamechanger for the logistics sector in India and are going to play a major role in increasing the Railways’ modal share of freight in India. While these two corridors spanning 3,360 Km are expected to be fully commissioned by end 2023, another three are at the planning stage. Key features of these corridor include double speeds, higher load carrying capacity, and double stacking capability.

Question 26

What are the investment opportunities available in railways sector?

Accepted Answer

Some of the investment opportunities in the railways sector are as listed below:


	Components manufacturing
	Infrastructure projects such as Railway Station Redevelopment, Tunnelling
	High speed train projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project
	Projects relating to Electrification, Track doubling/laying
	Dedicated Freight Corridors
	Freight terminals operations
	Manufacturing of wagons, coaches and locomotive units

Question 27

What do you mean by Diamond Quadrilateral in Indian Railways?

Accepted Answer

The Diamond Quadrilateral railway project has the mandate to develop high speed rail network across several metros of India. So far 6 corridors have been identified. 
These are:
1) Delhi-Mumbai. 
2) Mumbai-Chennai
3) Chennai-Kolkata
4) Kolkata-Delhi and both diagonals i.e. 
5) Delhi-Chennai.  
6) Mumbai-Kolkata routes. 

For more information, click here.

Question 28

In which projects foreign investments is permissible under railways sector?

Accepted Answer

100% FDI under automatic route is available for the following:


	Construction, operation and maintenance of suburban corridor projects through PPP
	High speed train projects
	Dedicated freight corridors
	Railway electrification
	Signalling systems
	Freight terminals
	Passenger terminals
	Infrastructure in industrial parks pertaining to railway line/siding including electrified railways lines and connectivity to main railway line
	Mass Rapid Transport Systems (MRTS)

Question 29

What are the initiatives undertaken by the Indian Railways (IR) to promote railway sector in India?

Accepted Answer

Some of the initiatives undertaken by the Indian Railways to augment the railway infrastructure in the country are:


	The IR is undergoing a massive infrastructure overhaul, and its capex for 2022-23 has been pegged at an all-time high of $32.2 Bn, representing an increase of 14% over the capex of 2021-22.
	To ensure a modern and safe future network, IR is implementing its indigenously developed world-class technology KAVACH (Train Collision Avoidance System) across its network.
	IR is redeveloping 400 marquee railway stations into hubs for transit-oriented development with the goal to enrich passenger experience by creating world class facilities.
	India’s first High-Speed Rail Corridor from Mumbai to Ahmedabad is under construction, which when completed will reduce travel time from 8 hours to 2 hours.
	Indian Railways has also introduced Semi High-Speed trains called Tejas Express and the Made in India Vande Bharat Express. Further, the Union Budget 2022-23 announced manufacturing of 400 Vande Bharat trains over the next 3 years.
	IR is working on a mission mode to electrify the entire broad- gauge route by 2023 which will lead to annual energy savings of $1.55 bn

Question 30

What is the evaluation Criteria for selection of company under the PLI Scheme?

Accepted Answer

Score will be given to a company based on 5 factors including manufacturing turnover, Existing Patent / Technology transfer, Existing ISO 13485, Average R & D expenses, and Regulatory approval. Applicants will be selected basis the score. (refer scheme guidelines for more information).

Question 31

What is the tenure of the PLI Scheme for Medical Devices?

Accepted Answer

The tenure of the PLI Scheme for Medical Devices shall be from FY 2020-21 to FY 2027-28

The tenure of the PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals (with focus on in-vitro diagnostic devices) shall be from FY 2020-21 to FY 2028-29

Question 32

What does the notification called the Indian Medicine Central Council (Post Graduate Ayurveda Education) Amendment Regulations, 2020 deal with?

Accepted Answer

The notification relates to the Shalya and Shalakya streams of Post Graduate Education in Ayurveda. The notification specifies (in clearer terms than the earlier notification on the subject)a total of 58 surgical procedures that PG scholars of these streams (cumulatively) need to be practically trained inso as to enable them to independently perform the said activities after completion of their PG Degree. The notification is specific to these specified surgical procedures and does not allow Shalya and Shalakya Post Graduates to take up any other types of surgery.

Question 33

What is the evaluation Criteria for selection of state under the Parks Scheme?

Accepted Answer

Score will be given to a state based on 11 parameters. The top 4 states will be selected for incentives under the parks scheme. The Evaluation Criteria is as follows: 


	
		
			S. No.
			Parameter
			Maximum Marks
		
		
			1
			Utility charges
			25
		
		
			2
			State Incentive Infrastructure
			12
		
		
			3
			Connectivity of the Park
			12
		
		
			4
			Lease rate
			10
		
		
			5
			Total area of the proposed park
			10
		
		
			6
			Uninterrupted 24*7 availability
			7
		
		
			7
			Stamp Duty and Registration charges
			5
		
		
			8
			Ease of Doing Business Ranking of the State
			5
		
		
			9
			Availability of Technical Manpower
			5
		
		
			10
			Presence of Institutes for technology transfer
			5
		
		
			11
			Industrial Network
			4

Question 34

Who are all the responsible authorities for the Scheme?

Accepted Answer

Project Management Agency (PMA)
	
		Project Management Agency (PMA) will be nominated by Department of
		Pharmaceuticals for providing secretarial, managerial and implementation support to DoP for effective implementation of the Scheme.
	
	
	Technical Committee (TC)
	
		Technical Committee, constituted by the DoP and experts having knowledge and experience in regulations, manufacturing of medical devices and R&D of medical devices will assist in technical matters referred to by the DoP & SSC.
	
	
	State Implementing Agency (State Implementation Agency)
	
		State Implementing Agency (SIA), a legal entity shall be set up by the State Government to implement the Medical Device Park Project.
	
	
	Scheme Steering Committee (SSC): 
	
		Proposals under the Scheme will be approved by the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC). The committee will comprise of:
		
			Secretary, DoP - Chairperson
			Financial Adviser, DoP - Member
			Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change -Member
			Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade -Member
			Joint Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare — Member
			DCGI, Central Drug Standard Control Organization - Member
			Joint Secretary (Policy), DoP - Convenor
		
		
	
	
	State Government 
	
		Responsible for the submission of the Project Report and other information pertaining to the Medical Device Parks.

Question 35

Will grants be applicable for investment for construction of roads, buildings, etc.?

Accepted Answer

No grant shall be given towards construction of roads, compound wall and buildings. However, as far as various scientific facilities/ centres are concerned, 30% of the estimated cost of the respective facility/ centre will be allowed from grant-in-aid towards the construction of the building.

Question 36

Who will be responsible for Maintenance of Assets?

Accepted Answer

State Implementation Agency shall be responsible for Operation and Management of assets created under the Scheme.

Question 37

How will funds for the Medical Parks be disbursed?

Accepted Answer

Grant-in-aid will be released in four instalments in the following manner:


	
		
			Installment
			Percentage of Funds
			Remarks/ Pre-requisites
		
		
			First
			30
			On final approval of the project by the SSC and after the deposit of 30% of SlA's share in the project cost in the Trust and Retention Account (TRA) or Escrow or No Lien Account as the case may be, subject to the condition that all relevant environment clearances are in place.
		
		
			Second
			30
			60% utilisation of the first instalment and after the proportionate expenditure has been incurred by the SIA with proportionate physical progress of the Medical Device Park as per the DPR.
		
		
			Third
			30
			100% utilisation of first instalment and at least 60% utilization of second instalment and after the proportionate expenditure has been incurred by the SIA with proportionate physical progress of the Medical Device Park as per the DPR.
		
		
			Fourth
			30
			100% utilisation of second and third instalments and SIA has mobilized and spent its entire share in proportion to the grant and completed the project in all respects.

Question 38

Is the list of common facilities applicable in the scheme exhaustive?

Accepted Answer

The list of common facilities/center given in the list are indicative and states are encouraged to plan for facilities, the implementing agency considers useful.

Question 39

Can an Applicant apply for incentives under the scheme in multiple target segments?

Accepted Answer

There shall be no restriction on any applicant applying in more than one target segment. However, the applicant shall be required to submit a separate application along with the application fee for each target segment and shall be required to separately meet the eligibility criteria of threshold Investment and Incremental Sales of Manufactured Goods for each application.

Question 40

Will brownfield projects be eligible under the scheme?

Accepted Answer

No only Greenfield as per the scheme definition are eligible for the Production Linked Incentive scheme for Medical Devices. (refer scheme guidelines for more information).

Question 41

Will exports be counted in the Incremental sale calculation?

Accepted Answer

Exports of the Eligible Product(s) stated in the approval letter will be counted in the Incremental sale calculation.

Question 42

What is the regulatory environment for medical devices in India as per 'New Medical Devices Rules'?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday notified Medical Devices Rules, 2017, which are in conformity with Global Harmonisation Task Force (GHTF) framework. The rules have come into effect from 1 January 2018.
The rules have been drafted with the intention to distinguish medical devices from pharmaceuticals for improved and well-defined regulation. The key highlights of the rules are:
1) Redefining ‘medical devices’, making it more comprehensive and easy to comprehend.
2) Introduction of risk-based classification system for class-wise regulation.
3) Single window clearance (online portal) for applications for import, manufacture, sale or distribution and clinical investigation.
4) Establishment of product standards for medical devices for being conformed.
5) Rationalization of timelines for obtaining licenses required to market medical devices.
6) Consolidation of registration certificate and import license into a single license.
7) New regulatory framework for clinical investigation of medical device.

Question 43

How will the incentive be calculated?

Accepted Answer

The incentive applicable for a selected applicant will be computed as follows: 

Net Incremental Sales of Eligible Product(s) x Rate of Incentive

Where: 


	Eligible Product(s) means the products stated in the approval letter.
	Incremental Sales shall be Net Sales Turnover of Eligible Product(s) for the period of which claim for disbursement of incentive pertains minus the Net Sales Turnover of said Eligible Product(s) for the base year.
	In case of return of Sales of Eligible Product(s), the Gross Sales Turnover shall be reduced by the amount corresponding to such return of sales. If the corresponding sales have been considered for claim processing for the earlier period, the sales return shall be adjusted with Gross Sales Turnover for the period in which the actual sales return takes place.
	Rate of incentive: 5%

Question 44

How are the applications for the scheme to be submitted?

Accepted Answer

All applications will be submitted through an online portal maintained by the Project Management Agency (PMA). In case, the portal is not available; applications may be submitted in physical form to the PMA. The URL of the online portal will be made available on the website of the DoP.

Question 45

Will used machinery be allowed under the calculated Investment under the threshold Investment?

Accepted Answer

Used / Refurbished machinery will not be counted in the investment calculation under the threshold.

Question 46

What are the eligible Investments, that will be calculated for the threshold Investment?

Accepted Answer

The investments that are eligible for the threshold investment calculation are: 


	Expenditure incurred on new Plant, Machinery, Equipment and Associated Utilities
	
		Eligible investment includes expenditure on a new plant, machinery, equipment and associated utilities as well as tools, dies, moulds, jigs, fixtures (including parts, accessories, components, and spares thereof) of the same, used in the design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, packaging or processing of any of manufactured goods covered under target segments. 
	
	
	Expenditure incurred on new Research and Development (R&D)
	
		Eligible investment includes capital expenditure on R&D and product development related to Target Segments. 
	
	
	Expenditure related to Transfer of Technology (ToT) Agreements
	
		Eligible investment includes the cost of technology and initial technology purchase related to manufactured goods covered under Target Segments. 
	
	
	Associated Utilities
	
		Expenditure incurred on associated utilities as defined in the scheme guideline shall be considered as Investment for determining eligibility under the Scheme. 
	
	


(refer scheme guidelines for more information)

Question 47

Is assembly of products considered to be ‘Manufacturing’ under the scheme?

Accepted Answer

All activities applicable under the Central Goods and Service Tax 2017 definition of 'Manufacturing' will be eligible under the PLI scheme for incentives. (refer scheme guidelines for more information).

Question 48

If a company misses a threshold (investment / incremental sale) in one year but compensates for that in the next year by having met the total cumulative figure – Then will the company be eligible for the missed incentive?

Accepted Answer

In case an applicant does not meet minimum threshold criteria for any given year, the applicant shall not be eligible for disbursement of incentive for that particular year. However, the applicant will not be restricted from claiming incentive for subsequent years during the tenure of the Scheme, provided eligibility criteria are met for such subsequent years.

Question 49

How much FDI is permitted under medical devices sector?

Accepted Answer

100% FDI is permitted under medical devices sector through automatic route.

Question 50

How are IVDs classified in India under Medical Device Rules, 2017? Who will have the responsibility of doing Classification of IVD as per Class A/B/C/D?

Accepted Answer

IVDs are classified under Chapter II, Rule 4, Sub-rule (2) of Medical Device Rules, 2017 on the basis of parameters specified in Part II of the First Schedule, in the following
classes, namely:
i) Low risk - Class A,
ii) Low moderate risk- Class B.
iii) Moderate high risk- Class C.
iv) High risk- Class D.                                                                       
Reference Rule 4 (3): This rule specifies that Central Licensing Authority shall classify the Medical Devices.

Question 51

What are the changes that require an applicant to make afresh Registration?

Accepted Answer

The following changes require a fresh registration:
1) Any change with respect to manufacturer (legal/actual) like change in constitution,change in name, change in address, etc.
2) Any change with respect to importer/Indian Agent like change in constitution, change in name, etc.

Question 52

What is the process for classification verification with CDSCO or notified body prior to submission?

Accepted Answer

The Central Licensing Authority shall, classify medical devices referred to in Rule 2, based on their intended use and other parameters specified in the First Schedule.
Based on the classification referred to in sub-rule (3), class wise list of medical devices shall be published on the website of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO): Provided that the Central Licensing Authority may, from time to time, make additions or deletions in such list of medical devices or modify the class of any medical device. CDSCO has already displayed the list of medical devices with classification, which is dynamic in nature.

Question 53

What are the requirements to be a registered Notified body?

Accepted Answer

The requirements are laid down in Part I of Third Schedule of Medical Devices Rules, 2017.

Question 54

Who grants Mining Leases (ML) and Prospecting License-cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML)?

Accepted Answer

As per the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act (MMDR) Amendment Act 2015, the grant of Mining Leases (ML) and Prospecting License-cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML) happens only through an auction process.

For more information, click here.

Question 55

Who grants mineral concessions in India?

Accepted Answer

The State Governments grant the mineral concessions for all the minerals located within the boundary of the State, under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957, and Mineral Concession Rules (MCR), 1960. Under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957 and MCR, 1960, prior approval of the Central Government is required in the several cases.

For more information, click here.

Question 56

Who has the authority to grant mining license?

Accepted Answer

Mineral Resources Department & respective State Government is empowered to sanction Prospecting License/Mining Lease.

For more information, click here.

Question 57

What are the precautions to be taken for filing applications for obtaining Mineral Concessions?

Accepted Answer

The application must be filled within the prescribed format as per Mineral Concession Rule 2016. Entries must be complete in all respect and should be supported with documentary evidences as per the Rule.

For more information, click here.

Question 58

What kind of mines does Central Government own?

Accepted Answer

The Central Government is the owner of the minerals underlying the ocean within the territorial waters or the Exclusive Economic Zone of India.

For more information, click here.

Question 59

How much FDI is allowed in mining and exploration of metal and non-metal ores?

Accepted Answer

Coal & Lignite: 100% FDI is allowed under automatic route
	Mining and exploration of metals and non-metals ores: 100% FDI is allowed under automatic route
	Mining and mineral separation of titanium bearing minerals and ores: 100% FDI is allowed under Govt. route


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Question 60

What is the GST rate for minerals and ores in Composition Scheme?

Accepted Answer

In a case where the process amounts to manufacture, the rate of tax will be 1% (CGST) and 1% 
(SGST/UTGST). In any other case, the rate will be 0.5% (CGST) and 0.5% (SGST/UTGST).

Question 61

Will the basic exemption limit from GST be applicable to the tiny and micro segment in mining?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the basic exemption limit of $15,385 ($7693 in the case of special category States) is applicable to the tiny and micro segment even in mining. However, a person engaged in making taxable supply and having aggregate annual turnover (more than $15,385 in any State other than the special category States) would be liable to obtain registration under GST. The return has to be filed on monthly basis by regular taxable persons and on quarterly basis by the taxable persons registered under the composition scheme.

Question 62

What are the Existing Legislative Provisions regarding safety, health and welfare of mine workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Constitution of India, safety, welfare and health of workers employed in mines are the concern of the Central Government (Entry 55- Union List- Article 246). The objective is regulated by the Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder which are administered by the Directorate- General of Mines Safety (DGMS), under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment.
A list of the subordinate legislation under the Mines Act administered by DGMS are:
1) Coal Mines Regulations, 1957. 
2) Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961.
3) Oil Mines Regulations, 1984. 
4) Mines Rules, 1955. 
5) Mines Vocational Training Rules, 1966. 
6) Mines Rescue Rules, 1985. 
7) Mines Creche Rules, 1966.

Question 63

Will ITC be available on steel, timber and sometimes cement which are used in the underground mines to provide a protective device for security purpose?

Accepted Answer

Credit will not be available, if these goods are supplied for construction of an immovable property. 
But if these are temporarily placed for protective purposes, credit will be available.

Question 64

What are the activities of ENVIS Centre, MINENVIS ?

Accepted Answer

Maintains a database management system to cater to the requirements of various users/ 
stakeholders of the mineral industry and regularly publishes Newsletters and Monographs.

Questions?