Economic Survey: The Constitutional Amendment on GST will create a common Indian market, improve tax compliance and governance and boost investment and growth.

The Economic Survey 2016-17 presented in Parliament today states that against the backdrop of robust macro-economic stability, the year was marked by two major domestic policy developments-the passage of the Constitutional Amendment, paving the way for implementing the transformational Goods and Services Tax (GST),



Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley Presented Economic Survey 2016-17 in the Parliament today

The Indian Economy has sustained a macro-economic environment of relatively lower inflation, fiscal discipline and moderate current account deficit coupled with broadly stable rupee-dollar exchange rate.



Friends of Wighton Lunchtime Recital

From Sheena Wellington :

Wednesday 1st February, 1.15pm (admission free) – Lunchtime Recital at the Wighton Heritage Centre.    

For their first Lunchtime Recital of 2017 Friends of Wighton are delighted to welcome Just3Folk!

Just 3Folk (J3F) got together when they helped to start up a folk club called Sunday Sessions in Monifieth.  The group:  Liz Crawford, Maggie Douglas and Anne Hamilton share a common love of folk music and have been on an exciting musical journey over the past two years.

The group has taken part in many Folk sessions in Tayside, Angus, and Fife, and are regular performers at Sunday Sessions in Monifieth.   They are bowled over by the friendliness of all the singers and musicians they have met in the different venues and love learning new songs and music from these talented performers.

The highlight of 2016 was when they went on tour in Donegal, enjoying 5 gigs in 5 nights.   On one memorable occasion J3F found themselves performing to a bus load of American and Swedish tourists in Leo’s Tavern, the home of Enya and Clannad .  

J3F have developed a varied repertoire of traditional and contemporary folk music, arranging the songs in three part harmony, and performing them accompanied by guitar, banjo and occasionally ukulele. 

Liz, Maggie and Anne have been incredibly busy in musical pursuits since retiring from full time employment.   Anne, as well as teaching classical guitar in Broughty Ferry, runs a very popular folk singing group and co-runs a unique string group for Dundee U3A.   Liz leads the very successful Dee Ukes, a Ukulele band who play in many different locations throughout Dundee and further afield.   And Maggie is busy developing her ukulele and guitar skills. 

J3F are keen to perform wherever and whenever possible and thoroughly enjoy every minute of their musical experience. They plan to do another tour this summer on the West Coast of Scotland.   They are delighted to be playing at the Wighton Centre lunchtime concert.


Extra protection for Wales’ sea birds and harbour porpoise approved

Following a consultation last year for new Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for harbour porpoise, the Cabinet Secretary has approved three areas. These have now been submitted to the European Commission for consideration.

The three areas are North Anglesey Marine, West Wales Marine and the Bristol Channel Approaches.

The areas have been identified based on 18 years of data on harbour porpoise distribution and have been identified as important, having persistently higher densities of harbour porpoise compared to other areas. The SACs will complement existing conservation measures in place throughout UK waters to help maintain the favourable status of the species.

The Cabinet Secretary has also approved three additional marine areas as Special Protection Areas. 

These include Northern Cardigan Bay which is home to the wintering red throated diver and an extension to two important seabird breeding areas, Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and Skokholm and Skomer, to include areas which are vitally important to preening and other behaviours during the birds’ breeding season. 

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“We are committed to creating a network of marine protected areas in Wales so species and habitats can thrive. A rich and healthy marine environment ensures the sustainable use of our seas now and in the future.

“The wide response to Natural Resources Wales’ consultation on the protection of marine porpoises shows the value people place in protecting marine life. I am pleased we are taking steps to provide protection for our harbour porpoise and protect important areas for sea birds.” 

Ceri Davies, Natural Resources Wales’ Executive Director for Evidence, Policy and Permitting, said:

“We are proud that the seas around Wales support such a rich diversity of wildlife, which is highly valued by local communities and sustains important businesses such as fishing, tourism and recreation. 

“NRW looks forward to working with stakeholders to ensure that these sites are appropriately managed to help conserve them for future generations.” 



Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of Government of India Floating Rate Bonds

Government of India have announced the Sale (re-issue) of (i) “Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2024” for a notified amount of Rs. 2000 crore (nominal) through price based auction,