current affairs jan 14

Anand Sharma Expresses Optimism for Economy in 2014

The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma expressed optimism for the economy in 2014. In a statement, Shri Sharma said:

In 2013, India was rated as the most favored investment destination globally. The bold decisions of the UPA Government for liberalizing Foreign Direct Investment Policy in key sectors such as civil aviation, retail and telecom have resonated with the global community and we have seen results in the last few months. The Government will continue its endeavour for liberalizing the FDI Policy further in the coming weeks to ensure that India retains its leadership position for attracting foreign investments.

I am also happy to see that manufacturing seems to be on the mend and there is visible rebound in industrial activity. The Indian economy has inherent strengths which give it resilience from external pressures and the series of steps taken by the Government both on the fiscal and current account front have yielded positive results.

The coming months will see a greater push for development of industrial corridors across the country and work will commence for establishment of the first few cities along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. I expect that with greater foreign investment and technology collaborations, Indian manufacturing will also move up the value chain and acquire greater competitiveness globally.

PARAM Supercomputer Among the Most Power Efficient Systems of the World

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has achieved a significant milestone with PARAM Yuva II supercomputer being ranked 1st in India, 9th in the Asia Pacific Region and 44th in the world among the most power efficient computer systems as per the Green500 List announced at the Supercomputing Conference (SC`2013) in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Supercomputers, in general, consume a lot of electrical power and produce much heat that necessitates elaborate cooling facilities to ensure proper operation. This adds to increase in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a supercomputer. To draw focus towards development of energy efficient supercomputers, Green500 ranks computer systems in the world according to compute performance per watt, thus providing a world ranking based on energy efficiency.

Energy consumed by supercomputers is measured at various Levels – L1, L2, L3 - for purpose of reporting. As the level increases, accuracy and rigor of measurement exercise also increases. It is also a measure of our capability and noteworthy that C-DAC is the second organization worldwide to have carried out the Level 3 measurement of Power versus Performance for the Green500 List.

Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister for Communications & Information Technology, has congratulated C-DAC for this significant achievement. He said that supercomputing is very important for the all round advancements in the country, and the Government is planning a big impetus for capacity building and advanced R&D in this area. He would expect many more contributions from C-DAC, as a key player, in this endeavour.

PARAM Yuva – II uses hybrid technology – processor, co-processor and hardware accelerators - to provide the peak compute power of 520.4 Teraflop/s using 210 kiloWatt power. The interconnect network comprises of homegrown PARAMNet-III and Infiniband FDR System Area Network. This system is designed to solve large and complex computational problems. The system has 200 Terabytes of high performance storage, and requisite system software and utilities for parallel applications development.

VVIP Choper Agreement with AgustaWestLand International Ltd. (AWIL) Terminated

The Government of India has terminated with immediate effect the Agreement that was signed with M/s. AgustaWestLand International Ltd. (AWIL) on 08 February, 2010 for the supply of 12 VVIP/VIP helicopters on grounds of breach of the Pre-contract Integrity Pact (PCIP) and the Agreement by AWIL.

Based on the opinion received earlier from the Attorney General of India, it has been the view of the Government that integrity-related issues are not subject to arbitration. However, AWIL has since pressed for arbitration and appointed an arbitrator from its side. In view of this, MoD sought afresh the opinion of the Attorney General. With a view to safeguard the interests of the Government, MoD has nominated Hon’ble Mr Justice BP Jeevan Reddy as its arbitrator.

In a major achievement for the power sector, Southern Grid synchronously connected with the National Power Grid Indian power system becomes one of the largest operating synchronous grids in the world

The Southern Grid has been synchronously connected to the rest of the Grid in the country. With this, the mission of ‘One Nation – One Grid – One Frequency’ has been successfully accomplished. The southern grid connectivity was achieved on the evening of December 31, 2013 through commissioning of Raichur-Solapur 765 kV single circuit transmission line by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, the Central Transmission Utility of the country, interconnecting the Southern grid synchronously with the rest of the national power grid facilitating bulk transfer of power across regional boundaries. This line of 208 circuit kilometers (ckm) and 765/400 kV substations at Raichur and Sholapur has been commissioned five months ahead of its contractual schedule i.e. 31st May, 2014 at a cost of approximately Rs.815 crores. With this interconnection, Indian power system has entered into a new era and become one of the largest operating synchronous grids in the world with about 232GW of installed power generation capacity. Synchronous integration of Southern Grid with rest of the national power Grid shall not only augment the inter-regional power transfer capacity of Southern region but also relieve the congestion being experienced in few transmission corridors. This will be a great boost for further economic growth of the country. It is likely to take a few months before power flow over this line is stabilized.

Indian Power System is operating through five Regional Grids and a Pan India synchronous grid was envisaged for optimal utilization of the generation resources in the country. Till now, four regional grids namely Northern, Eastern, Western and North-eastern regions (NEW grid) were connected synchronously and Southern Region (SR) was connected to this NEW grid through HVDC links. Synchronous interconnection of SR with NEW grid was envisaged through high capacity 765 kV Raichur – Sholapur lines, as an ultimate step towards establishment of an “All India Synchronous National Grid” facilitating bulk transfer of power across regional boundaries..

Honest implementation of the New Land Acquisition Act will curb the Maoist menace, says Jairam

The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 has come into force from today and the Land Acquisition Act 1894 stands repealed and cannot be invoked in any other acquisition proceedings from this day forth. Briefing the media here, the Minister for Rural Development Shri Jairam Ramesh said that if implemented properly, the new Act will help in curbing the maoist menace in States like Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. He said that under the old Act of 1894, the tribals in these states were not given adequate compensation even after large scale displacements. The Minister underlined that the 13 Central Acts under which land can also be acquired have to be amended within one year to bring them at par with the new Land Acquisition Act as far as compensation to the land losers are concerned.

The Minister said, to aide and facilitate the implementation of the new Act the Ministry of Rural Development is now taking the following steps:

Rules

Rules are intended to bring clarity to certain key processes defined in the parent law.

Work on a set of draft Rules to the new Act began almost immediately in the wake of the

new law being passed by both houses on September 5th, 2013. A draft set of Rules had

been prepared after a nationwide consultation process with stakeholders from across the

spectrum and it was submitted to the Law Ministry for approval.

· These Rules, as finalized by the Law Ministry, have now been notified officially in

the Gazette for the formal consultation with the public. While the Ministry has carried out

a process of consultation prior to the preparation of these draft rules, the law requires a

formal declaration to seek comments from the public for 45 days.

· These Rules will lay down processes for the conduct of Social Impact Assessment

and will also provide details for obtaining the consent of affected families.

· However it must be pointed out that the new law can function and operate even

without the Rules coming into force. Given that the law was drafted as a complete and

self-containing statute, the absence of Rules is not a detriment to the law being invoked.

Other Highlights of the Ministry

Apart from the revolutionary Land Acquisition Act which will provide just and fair

compensation to farmers while ensuring that no land can be acquired forcibly, the

year also saw Rural Development Ministry coming out with phase II of the Pradhan

Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to build and upgrade rural roads. While the

existing PMGSY scheme will continue, under PMGSY phase II, the roads already

built for rural connectivity will be upgraded to enhance village infrastructure and

better rural connectivity. Another significant achievement was granting approval for

setting up of an independent society for transforming livelihoods and lives of rural

households with an emphasis on women in tribal areas.

The Rural Development Ministry`s proposal to set up the Bharat Rural Livelihoods

Foundation (BRLF) with a corpus of Rs 500 crore in partnership between the

government and private sector organisations was another highlight of the Ministry.

The Ministry also announced important changes to its flagship MGNREGA programme seeking to ensure permanent and durable asset creation in rural areas and introduction of penalty for delayed wage payments.

.. “Incredible India Promotional Calendar 2014” launched by Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism today launched the ‘Incredible India Promotional Calendar 2014.” The calendar containing 24 photographs on double sided paper was launched by Tourism Secretary Mr. Parvez Dewan in a function in the Capital today. Launching the calendar, Mr. Dewan said that every State has been covered and suitable regions/ regional balance has been maintained. All the north-eastern States have also been represented in the calendar. Mr. Parvez Dewan said that the calendar captures the rich variety and wide spectrum of destinations offered by India.

The calendar has also been launched digitally wherein it can be seen at the website of the Ministry www.incredibleindia.org. All the pages of the calendar have been made available through high resolution photographs on the website.

The January month shows the Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep and Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. The February month takes the travellers to the Siang River, Arunachal Pradesh and Aizawl, Mizoram.

• The month of March captures the Junagarh Fort, Gujarat and the Royal Bengal Tiger and Sunderbans, West Bengal. Keeping in view the festival of Baisakhi, the month of April has the picture of Golden Temple and Sri Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamilnadu.

The month of May depicts the scene of the Betla National Park, Jharkhand and the Great Buddha, Bodh Gaya, Bihar whereas the month of June shows the pictures of Manda Peak, Uttarakhand and Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi.

July month is depicted with the photos of Cave Temples & Monastries of Ellora, Maharashtra and Chitrakoot Falls, Chattisgarh. The pictures of the Jagannath Temple, Tripura and the Classical Dance Raas Leela, Manipur adorn the calender month August.

Aayi Mandapam, Puducherry and the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple of Andhra Pradesh are shown with the month of September. October shows the Diu Fort, Daman & Diu and Dzukou Valley, Nagaland.

The calendar ends with the pictures of One-horned Rihonceros, kaziranga, Assam, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa and Lingdum Monastery, Sikkim & Signature Golf Course, Gurgaon, Haryana for the months of November and December respectively.

The Tourism Secretary also highlighted the efforts of the Ministry on revamping the website of Incredible India. He said that the print ready material would be made available on the website which would facilitate the professionals in the tourism industry to bring out brochures and other publicity material. This information would be provided in 10 languages – English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, French, Korean Japanese, Portugese, Italian, German in addition to Hindi. Mr. Dewan also highlighted the fact that information about 15 Sound and Light Shows have been provided through YouTube in Dolby sound which is the first of its kind in the entire world.

Additional allocation of foodgrains to States/Union Territories for natural calamities/festivals/additional requirements

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved, that subject to availability of foodgrains in the Central Pool, allocation of foodgrains for festivals and natural calamities to States/ Union Territories (UTs) will be made at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and MSP derived prices for wheat and rice respectively, and at economic cost for any other additional foodgrains requirement of the States/UTs. The CCEA has also approved the revision in price of allotment made to the Government of Uttarakhand for flood relief in the current year from economic cost to MSP/MSP derived prices in consonance with this decision regarding allocation for calamity relief. Background: The Government of India allocates foodgrains to States/UTs under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). However, requests are received from State Governments and UT administrations for additional allocation on account of either higher coverage of population under the Targetted Public Distribution System (TPDS) or for natural calamities such as droughts, floods, earthquakes etc. or festivals like Onam, Kumbh Mela, Char Dham Yatra, Amarnath Yatra etc. The Government has been making additional allocation of foodgrains on the basis of the Cabinet`s instructions in February, 2000 and E-GoM`s decision dated 17.9.2009 at Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) prices, economic cost or MSP/MSP derived prices at present.

Security for women in public road transport in the country

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved setting up of a unified system at the national level (National Vehicle Security and Tracking System) and State level (City Command and Control Centre) for Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking of the location of emergency buttons in and video recording of incidents in public transport vehicles, in 32 cities of the country with a population of one million or more according to the 2011 census.

The implementation of the project will help in:

i) Mapping of routes of public vehicles;

ii) Tracking of vehicles on the route;

iii) Highlighting of violations through visual and text signals;

iv) Panic button alert to transport and police through visual, text and voice.

v) Permit, registration and licence cancellation based criteria for enforcement.

(vi) Providing safety and security to women / girl child in distress in minimum response time.

The total estimated cost of the project will be Rs.1405 crore. The project will be implemented within a period of two years after allocation of funds to set up a National Level Vehicle Security and Tracking System and City Command & Control Centre with installation of GPS / CCTV / Panic buttons in public road transport.

The scheme for security for women in public road transport has been formulated with purpose of improving safety and protection of women from violence by using information technology in the following manner:

I. Tracking of all public transport vehicles: This shall be done in accordance with Sections 72, 74, 75 and 76 of Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Defaults will be reported and updated on the data base of the vehicle.

II. Emergency button in all public transport vehicles: The button will generate an alarm in the system. For vehicles which are also provided with facilities for video recording, the City Command and Control Centre can receive pictures of actual incidents and raise an alarm with the nearest police and transport patrol to reach the bus.

III.Video recording in public transport vehicles with large seating capacity: Incidents recorded will be kept for seven days in the on-board unit and can be used as evidence and arrest of accused in case of any incident.

Background:

Women play an important role in the economy, politics and social sectors of a country. People from smaller towns, including a large number of women, move to cities in search of jobs or studies. With increasing participation of women in the economic sphere, safer mobility of women is essential. As most people, particularly women and the girl child, cannot afford their own transportation, they depend on public transport.

The Justice JS Verma Committee constituted in December, 2012 to look into the possible amendments in the criminal laws related to sexual violence against women made various recommendations for public transport vehicles in its report.

The Report of Justice (Retired) Ms. Usha Mehra, Commission of Enquiry constituted under the Commission of Enquiry Act, 1952 to look into the incident of gang-rape and assault on a woman on 16.12.2012 in Delhi suggested measures for safety and security of women in the NCT of Delhi and NCR.

Centrally sponsored scheme for establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare relating to the Centrally sponsored scheme for establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals.

The approval is for establishment of 58 new medical colleges by upgradation of existing district hospitals in deficient states with intake capacity of 100 MBBS seats in each medical college. This will result in an increase of about 5800 seats.

The central assistance share will be of Rs. 8457.40 crore and State/UT share of Rs. 2513.70 crore. The funding pattern will be 90:10 by Central and State Governments respectively for North Eastern States and special category States and in the ratio of 75:25 for other States. The total cost of establishment of the one medical college is approximately about Rs.189 crore. The distance between the district/referral hospital and the medical college shall be within 10 kms and on two pieces of land.

Minimum Support Price of Raw Jute for 2014-15 season

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 2014-15 season for TD-5 grade of Jute at Rs.2400 per quintal for the entire country. This is an increase of Rs.100 per quintal over the MSP announced by the Government for the last season. The increase in the MSP of raw jute is expected to encourage farmers to step up investment in jute cultivation and thereby production and productivity of jute in the country.

In order to incentivize farmers for the production of higher grades, the premiums for TD-3 and TD-4 varieties of raw jute will be maintained at 20 percent and 8 percent respectively in relation to the price of TD-5.

The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) would continue to act as the nodal agency to undertake price support operation at MSP in jute growing states.

The World Bank assisted Rural Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Low Income States of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the implementation of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Low Income States (RWSSP-LIS) of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh with World Bank assistance over a period of six years (from 2013-14 to 2019-20).

The project is expected to directly benefit a rural population of about 78 lakh persons including 44 lakh Scheduled Castes and more than 8 lakh Scheduled Tribes, with improved piped water supply cov ering approximately 17,400 habitations in 2,150 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the following 33 districts of the four States:

a) Assam: 7 districts (Hailakandi, Kamrup, Jorhat, Morigaon, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur and Sibsagar) with an estimated population coverage of about 14 lakh.

b) Bihar: 10 districts (Patna, Begusarai, Munger, Muzzafarpur, West Champaran, Nalanda, Nawada, Saran, Purnia and Banka) with an estimated population coverage of about 24 lakh.

c) Jharkhand: 6 districts (East Singhbum, Dumka, Garwah, Palamu, Saraikela-Kharsawan and Khunti) with an estimatedpopulation coverage of about 12 lakh.

d) Uttar Pradesh: 10 Eastern UP districts (Gorakhpur, Kushi Nagar, Deoria, Basti, Ghazipur, Ballia, Allahabad, Sonbhadra, Bahraich and Gonda) with an estimated population coverage of about 28 lakh.

The key features of the project are:

(i) Strengthening and empowering of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as well as ensuring direct involvement of beneficiary communities in the scheme implementation. Schemes will be implemented with integral involvement of GPs.

(ii) Sanitation in conjoint approach with water is conceptualized as an integrated component of the proposed project,

(iii) The project will implement pilot programs such as 24/7 water supply provision in select areas, and new technologies such as use of solar energy,

(iv) There shall be an intensive Capacity Building programme for all stakeholders down to the GP level,

(v) Intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) programs will be carried out.

(vi) The project will support the universal provision of household connections, meters for bulk water supply, and promotion of household meters, wherever appropriate,

(vii) There will be a focus on monitoring and surveillance of drinking water quality,

(viii) Grievance redressal measures of a GP, District and State level will be captured by the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system proposed under the project,

(ix) Technical, financial, procurement and social audits during scheme planning, implementation and O&M will be conducted,

(x) Demonstration of beneficiary support for the schemes through a one time upfront community contribution (Rs. 450 per household/ Rs. 225 for SC/ST household) towards capital cost,

(xi) The Project will adopt a phased approach for achieving full Operation and Maintenance (O&M) cost recovery through user fees.

The project will improve access and usage of piped drinking water supplied into individual homes. Women and children will benefit significantly from project intervention as they currently bear most of the burden of securing daily water supplies.

The Project will improve sanitation conditions in the targeted districts by adopting the convergence approach with the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) and the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) and saturate the project area in terms of access to water supply, household and institutional toilets and solid and liquid waste management.

24 quality affected (arsenic/fluoride/iron) districts will be covered under the program to provide potable water.

The rural population will benefit from effective IEC and Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) programs.

The total Project cost of Rs. 6,000 crore will be financed through Government of India [from the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) allocation – 33 percent], State Government (fund sharing as per NRDWP guidelines – 16 percent), beneficiary contribution (1 percent) and external financing (World Bank-IDA funds – 50 percent).

Government of India will repay the amount of US$ 500 million extended as credit by the World Bank over a period of 25 years with 1.25 percent interest rate.

Background:

The 12th Five Year Plan for Rural Water Supply envisages achieving piped water supply coverage for 50 percent rural population in the country with 30 percent rural population having household tap connections. This project is therefore conceptualized to provide a focused thrust in the four low income states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand which have less than 10 percent piped water coverage) and Uttar Pradesh (Eastern) which has high incidences of JE/AES cases.

Central Government to Release More Funds for Control of Pollution in Yamuna River in Delhi

The Union Ministry of Urban Development has approved the proposal for release of 2nd installment of Rs. 7128 lakhs for the project of laying interceptor sewers along the 3 major drains for abatement of pollution in the Yamuna River in Delhi. The approval was given at

the recently held meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) on JnNURM under the chairmanship of Dr. Sudhir Krishna, Secretary, Union Ministry of Urban Development. The approved cost of the project is Rs. 135771.00 lakhs with a total central share of Rs. 47520.00 lakhs. The physical progress of the project is about 55 percent with delay in the project being caused by delay in getting permissions from the Department of

Forests and the Railways Authorities and also in acquisition and handing over of land by the DDA. The project is likely to be completed by March, 2014.

The CSMC also approved a new project of BRTS of 31 Km for the city of Amritsar in Punjab. The approved cost of the project is Rs. 49554.00 lakhs with a central share of 50 percent. The

proposal will now be processed for approval of Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Urban Development and Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Finance Minister.

The CSMC approved the proposal for the release of 4th installment of Rs. 3678.00 for BRTS Phase II of Ahmedabad. The physical progress of the project as reported is 79 percent and

the project is likely to be completed by March, 2014.

India Signs Credit Afreement with World Bank for Rajasthan Road Sector Modernisation Project

An agreement for credit of US$ 160 million (equivalent) from World Bank for the Rajasthan Road Sector Modernisation Project was signed today at New Delhi by Mr. Nilaya Mitash, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs Ministry of Finance o n behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Manoj Jain, Acting Director, New Delhi Office on behalf of World Bank.

Similarly the Project Agreement was signed by Mr. J.C.Mohanty, Principal Secretary, Public Works Department on behalf of Government of Rajasthan.

The Objective of the project is to improve rural connectivity, enhance road safety and strengthen road sector management capacity of the state of Rajasthan.

Project Components: The new project has three main components: (i) Rural Connectivity Improvement; (ii) Road Sector Modernisation and Performance Enhancement; (iii) Road Safety Management.

The closing date of RRSMP is December 2018.

The Lokpal And Lokayuktas Bill, 2013 Receives the Assent of the President

Published in the Gazette of India as Act No. 1 of 2014

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2013 has received the assent of the President of India. It has now been published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section-1, dated the 1st January 2014.

Security for women in public road transport in the country

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved setting up of a unified system at the national level (National Vehicle Security and Tracking System) and State level (City Command and Control Centre) for Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking of the location of emergency buttons in and video recording of incidents in public transport vehicles, in 32 cities of the country with a population of one million or more according to the 2011 census.

The implementation of the project will help in:

i) Mapping of routes of public vehicles;

ii) Tracking of vehicles on the route;

iii) Highlighting of violations through visual and text signals;

iv) Panic button alert to transport and police through visual, text and voice.

v) Permit, registration and licence cancellation based criteria for enforcement.

(vi) Providing safety and security to women / girl child in distress in minimum response time.

The total estimated cost of the project will be Rs.1405 crore. The project will be implemented within a period of two years after allocation of funds to set up a National Level Vehicle Security and Tracking System and City Command & Control Centre with installation of GPS / CCTV / Panic buttons in public road transport.

The scheme for security for women in public road transport has been formulated with purpose of improving safety and protection of women from violence by using information technology in the following manner:

I. Tracking of all public transport vehicles: This shall be done in accordance with Sections 72, 74, 75 and 76 of Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Defaults will be reported and updated on the data base of the vehicle.

II. Emergency button in all public transport vehicles: The button will generate an alarm in the system. For vehicles which are also provided with facilities for video recording, the City Command and Control Centre can receive pictures of actual incidents and raise an alarm with the nearest police and transport patrol to reach the bus.

III.Video recording in public transport vehicles with large seating capacity: Incidents recorded will be kept for seven days in the on-board unit and can be used as evidence and arrest of accused in case of any incident.

Background:

Women play an important role in the economy, politics and social sectors of a country. People from smaller towns, including a large number of women, move to cities in search of jobs or studies. With increasing participation of women in the economic sphere, safer mobility of women is essential. As most people, particularly women and the girl child, cannot afford their own transportation, they depend on public transport.

The Justice JS Verma Committee constituted in December, 2012 to look into the possible amendments in the criminal laws related to sexual violence against women made various recommendations for public transport vehicles in its report.

The Report of Justice (Retired) Ms. Usha Mehra, Commission of Enquiry constituted under the Commission of Enquiry Act, 1952 to look into the incident of gang-rape and assault on a woman on 16.12.2012 in Delhi suggested measures for safety and security of women in the NCT of Delhi and NCR.

Central Government to Release More Funds for Control of Pollution in Yamuna River in Delhi

The Union Ministry of Urban Development has approved the proposal for release of 2nd installment of Rs. 7128 lakhs for the project of laying interceptor sewers along the 3 major drains for abatement of pollution in the Yamuna River in Delhi. The approval was given at the recently held meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) on JnNURM under the chairmanship of Dr. Sudhir Krishna, Secretary, Union Ministry of Urban Development. The approved cost of the project is Rs. 135771.00 lakhs with a total central share of Rs. 47520.00 lakhs. The physical progress of the project is about 55 percent with delay in the project being caused by delay in getting permissions from the Department of Forests and the Railways Authorities and also in acquisition and handing over of land by the DDA. The project is likely to be completed by March, 2014.

The CSMC also approved a new project of BRTS of 31 Km for the city of Amritsar in Punjab. The approved cost of the project is Rs. 49554.00 lakhs with a central share of 50 percent. The proposal will now be processed for approval of Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Urban Development and Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Finance Minister.

The CSMC approved the proposal for the release of 4th installment of Rs. 3678.00 for BRTS Phase II of Ahmedabad. The physical progress of the project as reported is 79 percent and the project is likely to be completed by March, 2014.

Gross direct tax collections during april-december of the current financial year 2013-14 is up by 12.33 percent and stood at rs. 4,81,914 crore as against rs.

4,29,023 crore in the same period last year

Gross direct tax collections during April-December of the F.Y. 2013-14 is up by 12.33 percent at Rs.4,81,914 crore as against Rs.4,29,023 crore in the same period last year. While gross collections of Corporate taxes have shown an increase of 9.35 percent and stood at Rs.3,10,126 crore as against Rs. 2,83,605 crore during the same period in last year. Gross collection of Personal income tax is up by 18.53 percent and stood at Rs.1,67,589 crore as against Rs. 1,41,385 crore during the same period in last year. Net direct tax collection is up by 12.53 percent and stands at Rs. 4,15,328 crore, as compared to Rs. 3,69,067 crore in the same period in the last fiscal.

The collection of Securities Transaction Tax (STT) stands at Rs. 3427 Crore showing the growth of 4.04 percent. The Wealth Tax collection has posted a growth of 11.92 percent and stood at Rs. 742 crore as against Rs. 663 crore during the same period in last year.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2014 to Connect India Diaspora Across Generations

India’s efforts to engage with the India Diaspora will receive a shot in the arm when the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from January 7, 2014to January 9, 2014 is organised in Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan which will seek to connect persons of Indian origin and non-resident Indians across generations. The main event will be inaugurated on January 8, 2014 by the Prime Minister of India.

The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, will deliver the valedictory address on January 9th and will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.

Addressing a press conference Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Sh. Vayalar Ravi said the purpose of the PBD is to have a meaningful integration with overseas Indians that would address their issues and concerns. The PBD Convention provides a unique platform for overseas Indians to interact among themselves and with the Government of India and the Governments of various Indian States. It is forum where the Government of India showcases investment opportunities in India and its potential in various sectors.

Sh Ravi said that the key focus area of PBD 2014 is Youth PBD on January 7th. The event is expected to open new horizons of a strong network of Young Overseas Indians to contribute to India’s engagement with youth in all sectors. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will be the Partner Minstery for the event. India is a young nation and youth is one of the engines that drive a nation and if we are to propel India to greater heights, we need to harness this energy, Hence, it is in the fitness that the 12th editions of PBD is focusing on youth, the Minister added.

He said that India is fast emerging as a youthful and exuberant nation where approximately 50 percent of the working population falls in the age group 18-35 years. There has been a sharp reversal in migration trends and a number of experienced and educated NRIs are now returning home to use their knowledge to build an inclusive and economically sound future for the country. This led to the creation of a unique synergy where in young Indians worldwide are now set to shape the future of the Indian growth story. This synergy is expected to be directed by the core principal of inclusive prosperity and driven by innovation and technology.

Sh. Vayalar Ravi said that the demographic dividend expected from this synergy is the one which creates a self sustaining impetus where in young Indians are expected to contribute towards all the variables that determine economic growth. They are attracting investment into the economy; being more educated than their previous generations they are providing the human capital required to service industrial growth; and finally are working towards building institution that are becoming a medium of change in society, he added, On the first day a session on ‘Aspiration of Diaspora Youth’ will be held during the Youth PBD. Followed by concurrent session on ‘Sharing a Common Heritage: ‘The Emotional Connect’, and on Young Achievers.

On January 8th, after the inauguration session, Plenary sessions on ‘India’s Growth & Development Agenda’, ‘India’s Soft Power and ‘PBD Oration’ will be held.

The final day of PBD will witness sessions on ‘Investment Opportunities in State’ and “Parallel State Sessions’ Concurrent sessions on ‘Innovation and Technology’; ‘Healthcare Opportunity in India’; ‘Meeting of Diaspora organization’; ‘Making India the Hub of Media & Entertainment Industry’ and “Issues of NRIs in the Gulf’ will be organised.

PBD 2014 will showcase the participation of the state governments, corporate, financial institutions, NGOs and other sectors through the Exhibition that is behind the Vigyan Bhawan.

Growth of 6.3 percent in the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA’s) in the month of December, 2013

There has been a growth of 6.3 percent in the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA’s) in the month of December, 2013 as compared to FTA’s in the month of December, 2012.

The following are the important highlights regarding FTAs and FEEs from tourism during the month of December 2013.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs):

• FTAs during the Month of December 2013 were 8.00 lakh as compared to FTAs of 7.53 lakh during the month of December 2012 and 7.37 lakh in December 2011.

• There has been a growth of 6.3% in December 2013 over December 2012 as compared to a growth of 2.2% registered in December 2012 over December 2011.

• FTAs during the period January to December 2013 were 68.48 lakh with a growth of 4.1%, as compared to FTAs of 65.78 lakh with a growth of 4.3% during January to December 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from Tourism in rupee terms and US$ terms • FEEs during the month of December 2013 were ` 11,680 crore as compared to ` 10,549 crore in December 2012 and ` 8,870 crore in December 2011.

• The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms in December 2013 over December 2012 was 10.7% as compared to 18.9% in December 2012 over December 2011.

• FEEs from tourism in rupee terms during January to December 2013 were ` 1,05,836 crore with a growth of 12.0%, as compared to the FEEs of ` 94,487 crore with a growth of 21.8% during January to December 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.

• FEEs in US$ terms during the month of December 2013 were US$ 1.886 billion as compared to FEEs of US$ 1.931 billion during the month of December 2012 and US$ 1.688 billion in December 2011.

• The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in December 2013 over December 2012 was a negative growth of 2.3% as compared to the growth of 14.4% in December 2012 over December 2011.

• FEE from tourism in terms of US$ during January to December 2013 were US$ 18.133 billion with a growth of 2.2%, as compared to US$ 17.737 billion with a growth of 7.1% during January-December 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.

Amendment no. 2 to the Notice Inviting Applications for the Spectrum Auction by the Department of Telecommunications

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, has issued the 2nd Amendment to the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the Spectrum Auction of 1800 MHz band and 900 MHz band. As per the Amendment, some changes have been made in some parts of Clause Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and Annexure 2A. The details of the Amendment are available on the website of DoT.

Meanwhile, as per the first Amendment to the NIA, the Department issued clarifications on the queries raised about the NIA on 2nd January 2014 which are also available on the DoT website.

As per the revised schedule of the Auction process, the last date for submission of application is January 15, 2014.

Prithvi Launch Successful

A missile unit of the elite Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully launched a Prithvi missile today from the test range at Chandipur, off the Odisha Coast as part of a scenario based live launch training exercise. The launch was flawless and achieved all its targeting and technical parameters set out for the training exercise.

‘The launch was conducted as a culmination to a strategic training exercise. The aim of this exercise was to validate our readiness by undertaking launches in various contingencies’, said an SFC spokesperson.

Prithvi missiles are indigenously produced and are equipped with improved high accuracy navigation and manoeuvring system. Inducted into India’s Strategic Forces Command in 2003, the Prithvi missile, the first missile to be developed under India’s prestigious IGMDP strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence

4th India-South Korea Finance Ministers Meeting to Discuss Macro Economic Situation and Policy Responses, Cooperation Among

Both Countries in Trade and Investement as Well as in Taxation and Finance Matters Among Others

The 4th Indo-Korea Finance Ministerial meeting will be held tomorrow in the national capital. The meeting will be attended by the Finance Minister of India, Mr. P. Chidambaram along with Mr. Sumit Bose, Finance Secretary, Dr. Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, and other senior officials on behalf of the Government of India while Mr. Hyun Oh Seok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, Republic of Korea along with Mr. Yoon Tae Yong, Director General, International Economic Affairs Bureau, Mr. Gwak Bum Gook, Director General, Treasury Bureau and Mr. Han Myung Jin, Director General, Tax Analysis and International Tax Affairs Bureau among others on behalf of the Republic of Korea.

Both the sides will discuss Macro Economic outlook of the world economy in general and of the two countries in specific along with general directions of policy responses to the same. Besides it, both the sides will also discuss about cooperation between the two countries under multi-lateral framework including the G20 and EAS and direction of bilateral collaboration. Both the sides will also discuss issues of mutual cooperation in trade and investment including establishing a road map for mid-term and long term cooperation between Korea and India, cooperation between custom authorities and reducing difficulties in customs clearance, permitting SME cooperation between Korea and India and providing more investment opportunities in both the countries. The two sides will also discuss revision of the Korea-India Double Taxation Convention (DTAC), bi-lateral cooperation between supervising agencies in the financial sector and cooperation in permission obtaining process to establish branches of Korea commercial banks in India. Both the sides will have general discussion on policies for permitting infrastructure development in India and Korea with opportunities for further cooperation.

Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad launches the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)

Shri Azad: Rksk will Comprehensively Address the Health Needs of the Country’s Adolescent Population

Shri Ghualm Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launched the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), here today. He also inaugurated the three-day National Adolescent Health Consultation.

The Union Health Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad while addressing the gathering stated that the programme will comprehensively address the health needs of the 243 million adolescents, who account for over 21% of the country’s population. He said that so far the efforts have been partial, confined to sexual and reproductive health, that too at select government facilities. The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) will bring in several new dimensions, which he listed as- mental health, nutrition, substance misuse, gender based violence and non-communicable diseases. The programme introduces community based interventions through peer educators, and is underpinned by collaborations with other Ministries and State governments, knowledge partners and more research. Referring to the strategic approach to RMNCH+A(Reproductive, Maternal, New born, Child Health + Adolescent) in which `A` denotes adolescents, unveiled last year at Mahabalipuram, the Health Minister said that new focus on adolescents is in recognition of the fact that without adolescent health, maternal and child health outcomes may continue to elude us.

Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the 5 by 5 RMNCH+A matrix has been developed which lists out the 5 high impact interventions under each of the 5 pillars, all of which need to be implemented together, at the same time, with high coverage and quality.

Speaking at the occasion, Sh K Desiraju, Health Secretary said that the programme is an effort to move away from a ‘doctor-driven’ effort towards a holistic and participative programme. The RKSK recognizes that all adolescents need attention even before the occurrence of any disease or problem, and in order to make informed decisions and choices.

Highlighting the salient features of the programme and the need for an enhanced and sharper focus on adolescents, Smt Anuradha Gupta, Addl. Secretary and Mission Director, NRHM stated that adolescents present a unique opportunity to reap the country’s demographic dividends. This, she pointed out, will not be possible without investing in their health needs. She explained that lifestyle and behavior related diseases such as substance abuse, inflicting self harm, tendency towards gender-based violence, low nutrition and physical inactivity, which begin and occur more during this phase, are fast becoming the causes for the highest mortality in this age group. She stated that in the coming years in the developing countries, seven out of ten deaths will be due to non-communicable diseases.

The RKSK programme defines an adolescent as a person within 10-19 years of age, in urban and rural areas, includes both girls and boys, married and unmarried, poor and affluent, whether they are in school or out of school. This broad definition helps to address the myriad problems of adolescents across various groups and categories, she stated. The programme emphasis seven ‘Cs”- coverage, content, communication, counselling, clinics and convergence. She stated that active use of new technologies and social media platforms will form an integral part of the programme to reach the adolescents in their own spaces, with strategic partnerships with communities and peers. The Health Minister also launched the handbooks on strategy frameworks which includes the framework for monitoring, supervision and evaluation of the programme once it is rolled out; the handbook on operational framework which will help to translate the programme into action; and the resource pack for the ANMs, ASHAs, medical officers, LHVs and peer educators. Also present at the launch function were Ms. Kate Gilmore, Deputy Executive Director, UNFPA, Ms. Fredika Meijer, UNFPA representative for Bhutan and India, senior officers from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Health Secretaries from different States, and representatives from UNICEF.

Improving travel experience of NRI youth is high on Civil Aviation Ministry’s agenda: K.C. Venugopal

Shri K.C. Venugopal, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, has underlined the Govrnment’s commitment to improve the travel experience of the youth who search for greener pastures across the world.

Addressing a session on ‘Young Achievers’ at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Minister said, “Air India as the National Carrier is indebted to the Overseas Indians and always offers you the opportunity to fly you around. Air India had a bad time combating with debts. Now we are regaining the ground. We are happy that the improved customer confidence is being reflected in the bookings as well. There were certain issues and concerns about the performance of Air India Express, the low cost carrier from Air India Group. Air India Express is specially designed for Gulf sector services. The process of empowering Air India Express as an independent business entity is progressing. We have rolled out many initiatives to make Air India Express complaint free. We have also increased our services to Gulf Sector, and on time performance is monitored at the apex level to ensure customer satisfaction. To hear from the NRIs personally about their concerns about Air India Express, I started a mail service too”, he said.

The Minister said that every generation of NRIs has its own specific opportunities and challenges. The long cultural exchange and bartering between the countries have set the soil ready for larger acceptance of young Indians.

He said, “The second generation NRIs are the ambassadors of a resurgent India, which has opened its doors for the world. Ambition, innovation and management expertise in international trade are the trademarks of a successful Young Indian. They have enhanced footsteps of Indian business across the world. Even in Kerala, we have many such young investors who ventured to go out from their middle class houses in small towns to international business hotspots. However, the expectation levels and competencies of new generation NRIs are manifold compared to their predecessors. They deserve more handholding and enabling policies by the Indian Government. It is a fact that there are initiatives to motivate the young investors back home in India. But I do believe that we have to expand our net so that a government umbrella for Young Overseas Indians can be set up. Such a body will have to extract data regarding investment potential in each sector, may tie up prospective cash flow for various PPP models, may ensure single window clearance for NRI investments etc.”

“As a country and a responsible government we are committed to provide young Indians similar opportunities elsewhere, so that they can confidently invest in India. It is high time that we need to develop our own engineering research and reduce dependence on the borrowed technologies. In this liberalized economy now we can afford to integrate R&D into the prime business of Indian companies. The companies also need to promote the synergy between industries & education,” said Shri Venugopal

PBD should evolve non-formal and seamless connect for Diaspora and Indian youth: Manish Tewari

The aspirations of Diaspora youth and resident Indians were articulated here on the opening day of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) with Shri Manish Tewari, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, stating that while border control, visa regulations and immigration formalities were the ground realities in connecting the global youth, it was undeniable that the march of technology, through the use of the internet, has enabled them to become a part of the global conversation.

Speaking at the Plenary Session of Youth PBD, Shri Tewari said that the internet represented the largest ungoverned space on earth and every two days more data is produced than since the dawn of civilization to the year 2000. This technology has given rise to a virtual civilization that allows young people who have the desire and passion to connect with others with similar aspirations around the world.

The Minister said that during his overseas travel in recent months he has discovered that the younger generation has a common aspiration: to make a life for themselves and make the world a better place to live in. In this context, Shri Tewari suggested that PBD should evolve a non-formal connect in an unstructured manner to allow the youth across the world to connect with one another seamlessly.

The session provided insights into India’s fast emergence as a youthful and exuberant nation where approximately 50% of the working population falls in the age group of 18- 35 years. There has been some reverse migration in which a number of experienced and educated NRIs are now returning home to use their knowledge to build an inclusive and economically sound future for the country. This has led to the creation of a unique synergy wherein young Indians worldwide are now set to shape the future of the Indian growth story. This synergy is expected to be directed by the core principle of inclusive prosperity and driven by innovation and technology.

Greater connectivity Between Indian and Diaspora Youth Will Result In Creation of Wealth and Prosperity: Shri Vayalar Ravi

Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affirs, Launches Youth Session of the 12th Pravashi Bharatiya Divas

Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi, today called for greater connectivity between Indian and diaspora youth ‘which should eventually result in economic cooperation leading to the creation of wealth, livelihoods and prosperity.’

Shri Ravi was addressing the youth session of the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Today’s session precedes the main session of the three day event to be formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, tomorrow.

Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Jitendra Singh, also addressed the session.

The following is the full text of his speech:

I am very happy and privileged to meet you in this youth session of the 12th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi. As you know, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being celebrated on the 9th of January every year to mark the return of our greatest Pravasi, Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa. Thus, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is of great importance as it symbolises the struggle for freedom of our mother country, India.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas fosters a new bond between India and her overseas Indian citizens who work and live in various parts of the world for generations. The PBD will be formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister tomorrow. Today we are meeting for the special sessions organised for youth. It is very heartening to see young diaspora delegates from second and third generations of people of Indian origin in this august gathering. Your mother country, India has been recognising and appreciating the valuable contribution of its diaspora by granting Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to its distinguished diaspora members who have excelled in various fields.

On this occasion, I would like to mention that we will have the privilege of having Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, Federal Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Government of Malaysia as our Chief Guest for this 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

This 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is very significant in view of the fact that a Youth PBD is being celebrated on the first day. India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is the partner Ministry for this event. You have already heard my colleague, Shri Jitendra Singh, who is in charge of this Ministry. Considering the fact that the youth population in India is one of the largest in the whole world, this makes India a very youthful and vibrant country. It is estimated that more than 50% of our working population is between the age group of 18-35 years and are contributing immensely to the growth and development of our great country India.

It is also exhilarating to note that diaspora youth are also excelling in various fields and contributing immensely to the growth of their host countries, in the same way their parents and forefathers did. Many young people of Indian origin are beginning to occupy important positions of leadership in their countries. It is also pertinent to note that the youth diaspora is upholding the great traditions and cultural heritage of their mother country India, thereby setting valuable examples for the youth population of their host countries. It is necessary for our youth to interact with their Pravasi counterparts and today’s sessions provide an important forum for this.

The various sessions of this Youth PBD like ‘Aspirations of Diaspora Youth’, ‘Sharing a Common Heritage: The Emotional Connect’ and that on ‘Young Achievers’ should witness meaningful dialogue and interaction between eminent speakers from among the representatives of Indian Diaspora and the Youth delegates. It is hoped that these sessions will also serve to inform the participants of India’s cultural heritage. They will also expose the youth diaspora from various countries to the opportunities for growth and development India’s growing economy presents today. Indeed, the interactions today should foster greater connectivity between Indian and diaspora youth, which should eventually result in economic cooperation leading to the creation of wealth, livelihoods and prosperity.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has been in the forefront in engaging the youth diaspora residing in various countries by introducing various schemes and projects like Know India Programme (KIP); Study India Programme (SIP) and Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC). These schemes and programmes have benefitted the diaspora youth as well as the diaspora children immensely by exposing them to the cultural heritage and the growth and development story of their mother country, India. It is our endeavour to further enrich and expand these programmes so that our young diaspora continue to benefit and stay connected to their mother country. This association will be mutually beneficial to all of you and your host country as well as to your ancestral country, India. It is my hope that the deliberations in today’s meetings will throw up new ideas for us to engage more with Pravasi youth.

Government to unveil a new National Youth Policy with the vision of empowering the youth of the country to achieve their full potential: Jitendra

Singh The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Jitendra Singh has said that the Government of India is in the process of introducing a new National Youth Policy with the vision of empowering the youth of the country to achieve their full potential. Addressing the youth session of the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here today, he said, the new Youth Policy focuses on Developing the Youth into a productive work force, by providing them the right education and skills and promoting entrepreneurship, Developing a strong and healthy generation through effective healthcare and promotion of a healthy lifestyle and sports, Promoting social values and spirit of community service, Effectively engaging with the youth and facilitating their participation in governance process and Inclusive policies to take care of disadvantaged sections of youth and the youth with special needs. He said, The Government of India, through the proposed new National Youth Policy, also intends to promote ‘social entrepreneurship’ as an attractive employment proposition and to create an enabling policy regime for setting up of venture funds and provide angel investment that the social entrepreneurs require. This would facilitate setting up of social ventures in India by the Overseas Indians.

Here is the full text of Minister’s speech:

“I would like to compliment the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for creating an excellent platform, in the form of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, for engaging with the distinguished Indian Diaspora from across the world and more so, for deciding to celebrate the first day of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas this year as the Youth PBD. I also express my gratitude for an opportunity to share my views with all of you on this occasion.

The youth are the most important and dynamic segment of the population in any country. In India, 27.5% of the population belong to the 15-29 year age group while 41.3% are in the 13-35 years age group. By the year 2020, the population of India is expected to have a median age of 28 years only as against 38 years for US, 42 years for China and 48 years for Japan; making India one of the youngest nations in the world. This “demographic dividend” is a fantastic opportunity which we must capitalise on.

A significant section of Indian Diaspora consists of highly skilled young professionals, who have been successful in their respective spheres of work and have earned a name for themselves as well as for the country of their origin making us proud. A recent trend in the past few years has been that a number of young Indians have started returning home – attracted by opportunities created by the fast-growing Indian economy. Most of these individuals are highly skilled young men and women who are either taking senior management positions or are setting up their own enterprises in emerging industries. Many of them have also started working on developing self-sustaining non-for-profit institutions that work towards promoting various social causes like access to quality education, health education, gender empowerment, social cohesion, etc.

I am glad to mention that the Government of India is in the process of introducing a new National Youth Policy with the vision of empowering the youth of the country to achieve their full potential. The new Youth Policy focuses on:

(i). Developing the Youth into a productive work force, by providing them the right education and skills and promoting entrepreneurship.

(ii). Developing a strong and healthy generation through effective healthcare and promotion of a healthy lifestyle and sports.

(iii). Promoting social values and spirit of community service.

(iv). Effectively engaging with the youth and facilitating their participation in governance process.

(v). Inclusive policies to take care of disadvantaged sections of youth and the youth with special needs.

In this context, the two youth volunteer networks created by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, with pan-India presence, namely, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) can play a very crucial role. NYKS currently has about 8 million non-student youth volunteers enrolled through about 2.80 lakh youth clubs across rural India. NSS has about 3.25 million student volunteers in senior secondary schools and colleges all over the country. These networks promote social values and the spirit of community service. I encourage the Overseas Indian community to connect to these networks and work with them. In fact, some of brightest NSS volunteers, who have been chosen to participate in the Republic Day Parade this year, are present here today and so are some NYKS volunteers. This is an opportunity for the Indian Diaspora to interact with them.

The Government of India, through the new National Youth Policy, also intends to promote ‘social entrepreneurship’ as an attractive employment proposition and to create an enabling policy regime for setting up of venture funds and provide angel investment that the social entrepreneurs require. This would facilitate setting up of social ventures in India by the Overseas Indians.

I wish to add that my Ministry will seriously work to create an institutional framework under which the Overseas Indians will get an opportunity to come and work with NYKS, NSS or other Social Organisations in India, thereby further strengthening their ties with India.

India And Korea Share A Common Vision Towards Building An Equitable And Just Politico-Economic International Order: FM

The Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram said that India and Korea share a common vision towards building an equitable and just politico-economic international order. Shri Chidamabaram said that relations between India and Korea are based on strong historical ties, shared cultural heritage, commitment to democracy and a mutual desire to establish and strengthen long-term comprehensive strategic partnership. The Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram was speaking at the 4th India-Korea Finance Ministerial Meeting here today.

The Finance Minister stressed that India’s economic fundamentals are strong. He said that between 2005 and 2007, India achieved its growth potential – in fact exceeded it – and recorded growth rates of over 9 percent. During the 20-year period from 1991 to 2011, the average growth rate was close to 7 percent. As is evident, even in face of most adverse global factors, we have remained as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, the Minister added. He said that in this uncertain global situation, both India and Korea can and should articulate common positions and play a vital role in international economic diplomacy.

The Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram said that to promote domestic and foreign investments in infrastructure, we have taken two major steps: First, a Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) has been set-up to expedite decisions and clearances for implementation of projects. This is headed by the Prime Minister. Second, is the creation of Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDFs) to raise low-cost long term resources for refinancing infrastructure projects. The Finance Minister said that he is confident that Korean companies will make good use of these opportunities to our mutual advantage.

The Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram said that India is in the process of deepening policy reforms in its financial sector and addressing gaps in the overall regulatory architecture. The Finance Minister said that India and Korea could collaborate more intensively in this area through experience sharing. Financial inclusion remains a very high priority for us, the Minister added. He said that we had constituted the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) to review and rewrite the legal-institutional framework of the Indian financial sector laws. Its recommendations are currently being examined for implementation, he added.

The Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram said that since the country’s growth potential is around 8%, several steps have been in the recent months to reverse the economic slowdown, rein in the fiscal stress and improve investment climate. These measures inter-alia include liberalization in the FDI regime, measures to improve performance of the manufacturing sector, promotion of exports, banking reforms, deepening of financial markets, and fiscal consolidation. He said that in the case of POSCO plant in Orissa, he is made to understand that the land acquisition process has been completed.

Beside the Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram, Shri Sumit Bose, Finance Secretary, Dr Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri K.P. Krishnan Additional Secretary along with other senior officers from the Ministry of Finance were part of the Indian delegation. Korean side was led by Mr. Hyun Oh Seok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, Republic of Korea along with Mr. Yoon Tae Yong, Director General, International Economic Affairs Bureau, Mr. Gwak Bum Gook, Director General, Treasury Bureau and Mr. Han Myung Jin, Director General, Tax Analysis and International Tax Affairs Bureau among others.

Following is the text of the Agreed Minutes of the Fourth India-Korea Finance Ministerial Meeting which were signed here today at the end of the aforesaid Meeting by both the Finance Ministers i.e. the Finance Minister of India Shri P. Chidambaram and Mr Hyun Oh Seok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, Republic of Korea:

“The Fourth Korea-India Finance Minister’s Meeting (hereinafter the "Finance Minister’s Meeting") was held here today between the Ministry of Strategy and Finance of the Re-public of Korea (hereinafter “Korea”) and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of India (hereinafter “India”).

The delegation of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter the "Korean side") was led by Mr Oh-Seok Hyun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance and the delegation of the Republic of India (hereinafter the "Indian side") was led by Shri P.Chidambaram, Minister of Finance. Both sides exchanged views on macroeconomic outlook and policy directions and measures necessary to reinforce cooperation under the multilateral framework and appreciated the deepening and developing bilateral economic cooperation. Both sides had in-depth discussions on issues of mutual interest in areas of trade and investment, public service and fiscal affairs, taxation and finance, and infrastructure development and cooperation. Macroeconomic Developments and Policy Directions Both sides exchanged views on the current economic situation and policies of each country, and recognized the need for strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

Cooperation between Korea and India under Multilateral Framework Both sides recognized the need to strengthen cooperation under the multilateral frame-work, and agreed to facilitate discussions at the G20 level and regional cooperation fo-rums to actively address other global issues. Cooperation in Trade and Investment Both sides underscored the need to evolve a vision for medium and long-term coopera-tion between the two countries for systematic and close bilateral cooperation, and agreed that identified research institutes of the two countries would jointly discuss this subject. The India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has contributed to enhancing trade and investment flows between the two coun-tries. It has brought the two economies closer. Both sides agreed to continue their consul-tations on the CEPA. In order to enhance trade relations, both sides further agreed that, in case either Customs Authority notifies its counterpart of difficulties encountered in the process of Customs clearance, the two Authorities will make efforts to address the diffi-culties expeditiously.

Both sides agreed to make efforts to promote SME cooperation be-tween the two countries by sharing knowledge and experience gained on SME policies and by creating strategic industrial partnerships for in-vestment and technical cooperation. Cooperation in Public Service and Fiscal Affairs Both sides shared the view that a financial manage-ment information system contributes to strengthening of a nation’s fi-nancial management. Both sides agreed to boost mutual benefits through closer cooperation in the subject. Both sides agreed on the importance of management of state prop-erty and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the development of systems that will enable the management of state property. Furthermore, both sides agreed to promote the sharing of ideas for efficient management of state property and hold regular meetings on the issue when required. Both sides agreed to cooperate and work together to improve public procurement systems including e-procurement systems. Both sides agreed to cooperate to facilitate mutual exchange between the public procurement entities of Korea and India. The Korean side proposed cooperation through a Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP) in order to facilitate mutual eco-nomic cooperation, and the Indian side agreed to consider this favourably.

In accordance with the MOU on cooperation between the Ministry of Strategy and Finance of Korea and the Ministry of Fi-nance of India, both sides agreed to promote a short-term training course for identified officials of the two Finance Ministries at a mutually agreed location and time. Cooperation in Taxation and Finance Both sides agreed to make an effort to conclude the revision of the Korea-India Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) expeditiously after reviewing their re-spective positions on major pending issues for the revision. Both sides agreed to consider issue of license necessary to establish Bank Branches and offices in each other’s country if an applicant bank is judged to have qualified based on relevant laws, regulations and eligi-bility requirements. Both sides shared recognition of the necessity for co-operation in financial supervision and agreed to discuss and conclude an MOU on financial supervision between The Reserve Bank of India and the Financial Services Commission, Korea.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the infrastructure sector between the two countries by the signing of an MOU between the Ex-port-Import Bank of Korea and India Infrastructure Financing Company Ltd in January 2014 for the purpose of mutual exchange of information on infrastructure development projects. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in bilateral trade by means of the Master In-terbank Export Credit Agreement worth USD 200 million between the Export-Import Bank of Korea and State Bank of India to be signed in January 2014, which will facilitate the provision of export credit to India. Cooperation in Infrastructure Development The Indian side agreed to the proposal from the Ko-rean side for the two sides to sign the MOU on railway cooperation and for holding a senior officer level railway cooperation meeting between the two countries. The Indian side agreed to the proposal by the Korean side for the two sides to sign the Framework of Cooperation (FOC) on roads and to hold a Joint Committee Meeting on road cooperation be-tween the two countries after the FOC has been signed.

The Indian side requested the Korean side to encourage investment by Korean long-term infrastructure related funds in the various infrastruc-ture investment instruments that have been and are being launched in India. The Korean side agreed to consider the same positively. The Korean side requested for facilitation from the Government of India for speedy administrative support including issue of clearances and licenses required in the various projects that Korean companies are participating in and committed to at the State level. The Indian side agreed to provide all possible assistance within the federal structure in India. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of air con-sultations in a mutually beneficial way recognizing the importance of air services in promoting, economic, social and cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions. The Korean side proposed to conclude an MOU including establishing cooperation channel, a joint committee at the Director General level, for enhanced cooperation and exchanges in the field of electric power and the Indian side agreed to consider the pro-posal including holding a joint committee meeting on cooperation in electric power at a mutually agreed time.

Recognizing that a Science and Technology Cooperation fund of USD 10 million has served to implement joint research projects, both sides agreed to step up cooperation by creating an additional joint fund of USD 10 million (with a contribution of USD 5 million by each side) to promote applied research and development programmes which will be conducted jointly by academia, research institutes and businesses of both countries. Both sides recognized that the Korea-India Finance Ministers’ Meeting can contribute practically to reinforcing economic cooperation between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to making efforts to strengthen basis for mutual cooperation in the future. Both sides agreed to hold the Fifth Korea-India Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Korea in 2014.”

Salman Khurshid’s Call to Expatriates to Help Build India’s Brand Image By 2025, 90 crore Working Age Indians will Knock at Government’s Doors for

Infrastructure and Growth Opportunities: Kapil Sibal

Minister of External Affairs Sh. Salman Khurshid, has exhorted the overseas Indians to become India’s best ambassadors to spread and popularize the country’s values, beliefs, culture and heritage overseas. Presiding over the session on ‘India Soft Power’ on Day-2 of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014, Sh. Khurshid called upon the delegates to be active in social networking to enable India to build its brand name and image so that deeper economic engagements are concluded with overseas economies, irrespective of their size.

Addressing the session, Sh. Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communication & Information Technology and Law & Justice said, the present aspirational India will begin to inspire the remaining part of the globe by 2025, as it will have 90 crore people in the working age population, throwing a lone challenge for successive governments to provide infrastructure and growth opportunities for the people to realize their collective potential.

Sh. Sibal said that by 2020, 60 crore Indians would have migrated to large cities, embracing latest technologies with the best of education at their command. This would create windows for them to unleash their potential and make India a hub to interact and interconnect with the rest of the world.

The revenue generated in 2006 through IT &ITEs was estimated at $40 billion which has gone up to $100 billion now. Of this, $75 billion was contributed by export earnings. This was indicative of the strides made by the Indian economy, he added.

Sh. Sibal complimented the diaspora present at the convention, saying that it epitomized India’s soft power and has done India proud and hoped that it continued to serve India.

Minister of Culture, Smt Chandresh Kumari Katoch in her presentation, stated that the Indian diaspora should actively spread its civilization, heritage and cultural ethos in their host countries and organize promotional events.

Government Introduces “Know India Programme” for NRI and PIO Youth

The Government has introduced a programme named “Know India Programme” for young persons of Overseas Indians with a view to provide them an exposure to the country of their origin so that they can understand it better and more intimately. Addressing a press conference on the 2nd day of PBD -2014, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Sh. Vayalar Ravi said that under the Programme, 20 young persons of Indian origin in the age group of 18 to 24 from different countries visit India extensively every year, which will provide them an opportunity to have a deeper insight into Indian people and society.

Sh. Ravi said more than 900 delegates of Overseas Indians from about 50 countries have participated in this PBD and the highest number of 200 delegates are from Malaysia only.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Centre in Delhi which was scheduled to be completed in September last year, will be completed very soon, he added,

Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for bringing out a comprehensive regulatory framework in the form of guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India. These guidelines cover detailed procedures for registration of rating agencies, eligibility norms, terms and conditions of registration, cross-holdings, methodology for audience measurement, a complaint redressal mechanism, sale and use of ratings, audit, disclosure, reporting requirements and action on non-compliance of guidelines etc. The proposal is based on recommendations made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on "Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies" dated 11th September, 2013.

Based on the recommendations of TRAI, comprehensive policy guidelines for television rating agencies have been formulated.

Salient features of these guidelines are as follows:

• All rating agencies including the existing rating agencies shall obtain registration from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

• Detailed registration procedure, eligibility norms, terms and conditions, cross-holding norms, period of registration, security conditions and other obligations have been delineated.

• No single company / legal entity either directly or through its associates or interconnect undertakings shall have substantial equity holding that is, 10 percent or more of paid up equity in both rating agencies and broadcasters/advertisers/advertising agencies.

• Ratings ought to be technology neutral and shall capture data across multiple viewing platforms viz. cable TV, Direct-to- Home (DTH), Terrestrial TV etc.

• Panel homes for audience measurement shall be drawn from the pool of households selected through an establishment survey. A minimum panel size of 20,000 to be implemented within six months of the guidelines coming into force. Thereafter the panel size shall be increased by 10,000 every year until it reaches the figure of 50,000.

• Secrecy and privacy of the panel homes must be maintained. 25 percent of panel homes shall be rotated every year.

• The rating agency shall submit the detailed methodology to the Government and also publish it on its website.

• The rating agency shall set up an effective complaint redressal system with a toll free number.

• The rating agency shall set up an internal audit mechanism to get its entire methodology/processes audited internally on quarterly basis and through an independent auditor annually. All audit reports to be put on the website of the rating agency. Government and TRAI reserve the right to audit the systems /procedures/mechanisms of the rating agency.

• Non-compliance of guidelines on cross-holding, methodology, secrecy, privacy, audit, public disclosure and reporting requirements shall lead to forfeiture of two bank guarantees worth Rs. one crore furnished by the company in the first instance, and, in the second instance shall lead to cancellation of registration. For violation of other provisions of the guidelines, the action shall be forfeiture of bank guarantee of Rs. 25 lakh for the first instance of non-compliance, forfeiture of bank guarantee of Rs.75 lakh for the second instance of non compliance and for the third instance, cancellation of registration.

• 30 days time would be given to the existing rating agency to comply with the guidelines.

• The guidelines would come into effect immediately from the date of notification. The Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India are designed to address aberrations in the existing television rating system. These guidelines are aimed at making television ratings transparent, credible and accountable. The agencies operating in this field have to comply with directions relating to public disclosure, third party audit of their mechanisms and transparency in the methodologies adopted. This would help make rating agencies accountable to stakeholders such as the Government, broadcasters, advertisers, advertising agencies and above all the people.

Background:

Television Rating Points (TRPs) have been a much debated issue in India since the present system of TRPs is riddled with several maladies such as small sample size which is not representative, lack of transparency, lack of reliability and credibility of data etc. Shortcomings in the present rating system have been highlighted by key stakeholders that include individuals, consumer groups, government, broadcasters, advertisers, and advertising agencies etc. Members of Standing Committee on Information Technology had also expressed concern over the shortcomings.

In 2008, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) had sought recommendations of TRAI on various issues relating to TRPs and policy guidelines to be adopted for rating agencies. TRAI, in its recommendations in August 2008, had amongst other things recommended the approach of self-regulation through the establishment of an industry-led body, that is the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC).

The Ministry had constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Amit Mitra, the then Secretary General FICCI, in 2010 to review the existing TRP system In India. The committee also recommended that self-regulation of TRPs by the industry was the best way forward.

Since, the BARC could not operationalise the TRP generating mechanism, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting sought recommendations of TRAI in September 2013 on comprehensive guidelines/accreditation mechanism for television rating agencies in India to ensure fair competition, better standards and quality of services by television rating agencies. TRAI recommendations on Guideline for Television Rating Agencies were received in September 2013. While supporting self-regulation of television ratings through an industry-led body like BARC, TRAI recommended that television rating agencies shall be regulated through a framework in the form of guidelines to be notified by MIB. It also recommended that all rating agencies, including the existing rating agency, shall require registration with MIB in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed under the guidelines.

Introduction of National Youth Policy-2014

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for introduction of the National Youth Policy-2014 (NYP-2014), replacing NYP-2003 currently in force.

The vision of NYP-2014 is to empower youth to achieve their full potential, and through them enable India to find its rightful place in the community of nations. For achieving this vision, the Policy identifies five well-defined objectives and 11 priority areas and suggests policy interventions in each priority area. The priority areas are education, skill development and employment, entrepreneurship, health and healthy lifestyle, sports, promotion of social values, community engagement, participation in politics and governance, youth engagement, inclusion and social justice.

The focused approach on youth development and empowerment involving all stakeholders, as envisaged in NYP-2014, would result in development of an educated and healthy young population, who are not only economically productive, but are also socially responsible citizens contributing to the task of nation-building.

It will cover the entire country catering the needs of all youth in the age-group of 15-29 years, which constitutes 27.5 per cent of the population according to Census-2011, that is about 33 crore persons.It will replace NYP-2003, to take care of developments since 2003 and future policy imperatives.

The NYP-2014 proposes broad policy interventions for the youth consistent with the 12thPlan priorities and does not propose any specific programme/ scheme, having financial implications. All concerned Ministries/ Department would be requested to bring focus on youth issues within the framework of their plans/ programmes/ schemes etc.

Background:

India is one of the youngest nations in the world and is expected to have a very favourable demographic profile in the near future. This is a great opportunity as well as a challenge. NYP-2014 seeks to suggest a framework for appropriate policy interventions by Government and non-Government stakeholders, to empower the youth to enable them to realize their full potential as also to contribute to the progress of the nation.

India Signs Loan Agreements With World Bank for US $ 250 Million for Uttarakhand Disaster Recovery Project

The Loan Agreements for World Bank (IDA) assistance of US$ 250 million for Uttarakhand Disaster Recovery Project were signed between the Government of India and the World Bank here today.

The Loan Agreement was signed by Shri Nilaya Mitash,Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Mr Onno Ruhl, Country Director (India) of World Bank on behalf of the World Bank. The Project Agreement was also signed by Shri Rakesh Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand on behalf of the Government of Uttarakhand.

The objective of the project is to restore housing, rural connectivity and build resilience of communities in Uttarakhand and increase the technical capacity of the State entities to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency.

The primary beneficiaries of the project would be the communities in the State that would benefit from the restoration of housing, rural connectivity, and risk mitigation infrastructures. By strengthening disaster risk management systems and institutions, the Project has the potential to benefit the entire State of Uttarakhand.

The project will have six components which are (i) Resilient Infrastructure Reconstruction, (ii) Rural Road Connectivity, (iii) Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for Disaster Risk Management, (iv) Financing Disaster Response Expenses, (v) Project Implementation Support, and (vi) Contingency Emergency Response.

The Project constitutes a large multi-sector engagement on risk and vulnerability reduction, with assistance for reconstructing damaged infrastructure, restoring connectivity and improving technical support for enhancing disaster risk management systems. The Project Design has incorporated lessons learned from previous national and global post-disaster recovery projects to ensure that the recovery is targeted, effective and is built back “smarter” in order to build resilience of local communities to risks in the future.

It is a loan for an implementation period of four (4) years. Government of Uttarakhand is the implementing agency.

Efforts being made to set-up a National Offshore Wind Energy Agency

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is making efforts to set up a National Offshore Wind Energy Agency to explore wind generation potential in the offshore areas. Speaking on the occasion of a daylong “National Level Consultation on National Wind Energy Mission” in the capital today, Dr.Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable Energy said that the potential of generatingpower through wind energy in the offshore areas was immense and the Ministry will approach the Union Cabinet soon for a decision.

Dr. Abdullah also expressed the hope that the Finance Ministry will restore the benefits of Accelerated Depreciation for Wind Power Producers in the Interim Budget to be presented next month. The Union MNRE Minister also supported the idea of appropriate financial support to the wind power producers.

The one day long National Consultation has been organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to discuss the need and scope of a National Wind Energy Mission which work towards improvinginvestment climate by resolving issues connected with resource potential, land availability, grid connectivity, clearance procedure and zoning. This initiative is part of the efforts of the Ministry to remove hurdles in wind power development in the country, and bring together all stakeholders on a common platform to work in a coordinated and concerted manner. The Consultation is being attended by industry representatives, state electricity regulators, State and Central Government officials and research and development experts.

NABARD Initiates A Slew of Measures for Promoting Rural Credit and Rural Infrastructure

NABARD has initiated a slew of measures for improving rural credit and rural infrastructure particularly warehousing as decided at the 198th Meeting of the Board of Directors chaired by Dr Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Chairman, NABARD, held here yesterday.

The Board has approved the launch of three crop specific Pilot Projects with production and post-production interventions to be implemented through Primary Agriculture Co-operative Society (PACS). The three Pilot Projects include business models for potato in Hooghly district, West Bengal, tomato in Karnal district, Haryana, and onion in Nasik district, Maharashtra. The total outlay for the projects is Rs 37.20 crore, comprising loan and grant support from NABARD of Rs 18.43 crore and Rs 2.43 crore respectively and a subsidy support of Rs 16.34 crore from the Central/State Governments.

The Pilot Projects envisage crop-specific market surveys, identification of specific market players and marketing support through establishment of Project Market Facilitation Centres (PMFCs). The Projects will provide for productivity enhancing measures and post-harvest interventions. These measures include support for irrigation particularly micro-irrigation, scientific storage facility, cold storages and setting-up of agro-service centres. The pilots will also support promotional interventions including field demonstrations, crop and activity specific training and capacity building of farmers, exposure visits, etc. for ensuring technology adoption by them.

NABARD has sanctioned 548 warehousing projects in seven states amounting to Rs 1,046 crore under the NABARD Warehousing Scheme (NWS). These projects on completion will create an additional storage scientific space of 11.30 lakh MT for agriculture commodities and also help in better price discovery for farmers.

NABARD Warehousing Scheme 2013-14 has been formulated as per the announcement made in the Union Budget with a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore. The scheme envisages financial support for construction of warehouses, godowns, silos, cold storages and cold chain infrastructure to store agriculture produce, both in public and private sectors.

As decided by its ALCO, NABARD has revised the rate of interest on refinance provided to banks for investment credit with effect from January 7, 2014. The refinance rate has been reduced by 20 basis points, and the revised rate of interest on refinance for a period of five years for Commercial Banks, State Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Primary Urban Cooperative Banks will be 9.70%. The revised rate of interest for refinance for a period of three to five years will be 9.90%.

Further, banks drawing refinance of Rs 500 crore and more in a single drawal will be allowed further reduction of 10 basis points, making the effective rate 9.60% and 9.80% respectively. However, for State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (SCRDBs), 10 basis points reduction is allowed for a single drawal of Rs 200 crore and above.

SAMARTH 2014 – A Curtain Raiser

SAMARTH 2014 – Celebrating Diversity is a national festival for showcasing the abilities of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) is being organized by the Department of Disability Affairs under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India during 15 – 16 January, 2014 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. This event will be inaugurated by Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, United Progressive Alliance.

As per Census 2011, there are 2.68 crore persons with disabilities and constitute 2.22 percent of the total population of the country. The persons with disabilities form a very diverse group and include persons with impairments such as visual (18.8%), hearing (18.9%), speech (7.5%), loco- motor (20.3%), mental retardation (5.6%) mental illness (2.7%) and multiple disability (7.9%).

The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals and implicitly mandates an inclusive society for all including persons with disabilities. The Government recognises that persons with disabilities are valuable human resource for the country and seeks to create an environment that provides them equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation.

The Department of Disability Affairs under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’s mandate and rehabilitation and empowerment of PwDs. As rehabilitation is multidisciplinary, the Department has adopted a multi-pronged collaborative approach involving all the appropriate partners: Governments/UTs, Central/State undertakings, local authorities, NGOs etc.

India has also signed and ratified the United Nations Convention for protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Among the many commitments towards the said Convention, a major one is building capacity among people with disabilities and raising awareness about disability issues. SAMARTH is an important step in this direction.

The objectives of organizing Samarth are to showcase the abilities and potential of PwDs; create awareness about their rights and entitlements; and provide PwDs and those working for them an opportunity for an interface with each other.

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/convtexte.htm

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/convtexte.htm

Sports Ministry releases Standard Operating Procedure to be followed for grant of various National Sports Awards

For streamlining the procedure for grant of various National Sports Awards viz. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards, Dronacharya Awards and Dhyan Chand Awards to be followed by various agencies viz. the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), State Governments, National Sports Federations (NSFs), and Sports Promotion and Control Boards, it has been decided with the approval of competent authority to prescribe the following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed and kept in view in processing the cases relating to above mentioned National Sports Awards starting from inviting nominations to constitution of Selection Committees : (i) Nominations for the National Sports Awards would be called for in January each year in the prescribed application format. Last date for receipt of nominations will be 30th April or the last working date in April each year.

(ii) The authorized signatory for sending nominations will be as follows:-1. Indian Olympic Association – President/Secretary General.2. National Sports Federations – President/Secretary General [In the case of Cricket, there is no federationrecognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Nominations for cricket will need to be sent by President/ Secretary General of the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI)].3. State/ UT Governments/ Sports Control/ Promotion Boards – An officer of not less than the rank of Secretary or Director (Sports) of the organization after taking due approval of the competent authority.4. Sports Authority of India- Director General/Secretary

(iii) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardees of previous years may send nominations for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Dronacharya Awards in their own disciplines. (iv) Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Dronacharya awardees of previous years may send nominations for any of these awards in their respective disciplines.Nominations forwarded by any office-bearer other than those mentioned above will not be considered.(v) Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports may suo-moto also nominate sportspersons/coaches from any sports discipline. (vi) Following undertaking has been included in the application form for the award (to be given by the sportsperson being nominated) :-

"That I have carefully read the provisions of the Scheme for the Award and hereby accept all its provisions. I have never been penalized for any unfair practice like age fraud/ doping etc."In case any enquiry has been initiated or warning given, details should be given by the sportsperson. (vii) Following undertaking has been included in the application form for the award (to be given by the person/organization nominating the sportsperson for the award):-"That I have carefully read the provisions of the Scheme for the Award and hereby confirm that the sportsperson is eligible for the same. It is certified that the nominee is clear from vigilance/ disciplinary angles and is not involved in acts of criminal nature and moral turpitude. In case of sportspersons employed with Central Government/State Governments/PSUs or in private organizations, a certificate has been obtained from the concerned employer (copy enclosed) to this effect". (Employer also to give details of charge sheet/ disciplinary action taken/ pending, if any). (viii) A copy of those nominations received within stipulated time period from organizations/agencies other than the NSF of the concerned sports discipline, will be sent to the concerned NSF for verification of the details and achievements stated in the nomination form and for checking if the sportsperson has ever been warned/ penalized for any unfair practice like age fraud/ sexual harassment, doping etc. All details in this regard, if any, to be given by the NSF along with the verification report.

This activity will be completed latest by 31st May. (ix) A copy each of all nominations received before the last date and through the prescribed agencies will be sent to Sports Authority of India (SAI) by 15th May, which will independently verify the details stated in the nomination form including character verification. SAI will carry out the verification of details latest by 31st May. (x) A Screening Committee consisting of Joint Secretary (Sports), Secretary, SAI, Director (Sports) and Director (Teams), SAI will meet preferably before 15th June for scrutiny of the nominations received. Based on the reports of NSFs and SAI, the eligibility will be checked by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (except for verification from doping point of view). Thereafter, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will shortlist the required number of sportspersons/coaches in various sports disciplines as per guidelines.(xi) Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will seek a report from the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) about each of the sportspersons, who has been short- listed for verifying if anyone of them has ever been found positive for doping. (xii) Since dope testing laboratories are now accredited to World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) and not to International Olympic Committee, provision about ineligibility of positive dope-tested applicants has been re-phrased as under in the case of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Awards, Dhyan Chand Awards:

"Sportspersons who have been penalized or against whom enquiry is pending/ongoing for use of drugs/substances banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) based on a sample collected by the National Anti- Doping Agency (NADA) or any other agency authorized by WADA and tested by National Dope Testing Laboratory or any other WADA accredited laboratory, will not be eligible for the Award." In respect of Dronacharya Award, relevant para has been re-worded as follows: "A coach found encouraging the use of drugs/substances, banned by the World Anti Doping Agency, by a sportsperson whom he/she is coaching, will not be eligible for the Dronacharya Award. A coach against whom enquiry is going on/pending in this regard will also not be eligible". (xiii) Selection Committee in each category of the Awards will be constituted preferably by 15th June. (xiv) All the eligible cases will be put up before the concerned Selection Committees. Meetings of Selection Committee should be held preferably by 30th June.

Do not disturb fragile tribal communities in the name of development, says President while inaugurating the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research

Institute

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research Institute (ANTRI) today (January 12, 2014) at Port Blair.

Speaking on the occasion, the President made a passionate plea against forced assimilation into mainstream of marginal and highly fragile tribal communities. He said such tribal communities should not be disturbed in the name of development, lest they get destroyed as has happened in the past as a result of attempts to assimilate them. Any assimilation should come from within, not imposed from outside.

Complimenting the ANTRI for its proposed research plans, he said research should form the basis of policy making and decisions vis a vis the tribals. Institutions like ANTRI should guide policy makers on how to avoid decisions which are contrary to the natural instincts and practices of the tribals. He said policy should not be static but adjusted as per developments.

The President expressed appreciation for ANTRI`s plans to create a non conventional museum and said such a museum should not be for tourism or commercial exploitation of the artifacts and handicrafts of tribals. Instead, it should encourage the tribals tell their own stories and through this process help them identify their needs as well as shortcomings. It should empower them address deficiencies on their own. He said ANTRI should study how tribal practices have evolved over centuries, how such practices are suited to them and provide relevant inputs for policy making.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan sigh Lays Foundation Stone of 2800 MW Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (Nuclear Power Project) Says Nuclear

Power Plant will Usher in Opening of New Vista’s of Development

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today laid the foundation stone of 2800 Megawatt Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (Nuclear Power Project) in the Gorakhpur Village of Fatehabad district of Haryna. He was accompanied by Shri Jagannath Pahadia, Governer of Haryana and Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Detailing the specifications of GHAVP Dr. Manmohan Singh said the 1st phase will see the commissioning of two units producing 1400 MWe of electricity. The Commissioning of 1st phase will be completed by 2020-21. The second phase will start after that which will double the capacity tio full 2800 MWe,

The Prime Minister said Nuclear Energy is one of the safest and clean option for electricity. India is among those few nations where technology to establish nuclear power projects has been developed. Today we are capable of producing 4800 MW power and in the coming 10 years we will be able to produce more than 27,000 MW of electricity.

Dr. Manmohan Singh said this nuclear Power project based on the indigenous technology developed by our scientists and we are proud of it. The Technology being used in this project is very effective and duly tested. The types of reactors established here will also be commissioned in Kakrapar of Gujarat and Rawatbhata of Rajasthan. Also, the state of art and most advanced security measures will be enacted in this project.

He also emphasised on the international cooperation in coping with the energy requirements of country.

Dr. Manmohan Singh said the environmental concerns have already been addressed before approving this projects, He said no one will be displaced from his house while commissioning of this project. He also stated that persons giving their land for this project will be given an annual additional money for next 33 years in addition to compensation. Around 8-10 thousand person are also expected to get employment during 1st phase through contractual assignments. He further expressed the hope that on completion and commissioning of all the four units of 700 MW each in this project , the energy needs of country particularly Haryana will be fulfilled to a large extent as half of this will be for It is bound to produce local employment also. Priority will be given to persons who are likely to be affected by this project.

Dr. Manmohan sigh lauded the role of NPCIL and DAE authorities in the progress so far made.

Gorakhpur Anu Vidyut Pariyajana (GHAVP-1 to 4) is an ambitious initiative of The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, A Govt. of India Enterprise. Being built at an estimated cost of Rs. 20,594 Crore, this will be the 1st Nuclear Power Plant of Haryana and will be 21st in the country. For it the Haryana State Government has provided 1319 Acre ( 534 Hectare) land for the project and neqrly 186 acre (75 Hectare) for the housing colonies of plant personnel and CISF personnel.

The proposed 700 MWe PHWR rectors are indigenous and similar o the ones currently under construction in Gujrat State (KAPP-3 &$) and Rajasthan state (RAPP-7 & 8). Also, the reactor size and the design features of 700 MWe are similar to that of 540 MWe of TAPP 3 &4 Units, except that partial boiling of the coolant upto about 3% (nominal ) at the coolant channel exit has been allowed.

The function witnessed the presence of by Shri Jagannath Pahadia, Governer of Haryana and Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Ms. Sailaja, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Dr. Ashok Tanwar, MP from SIRSA.

The function was moderated by DR. r.k.Sihha, Secretary Deptt. Of Atomic Energy and Chaiman Atomic Energy Commision. The Chairman of NPCIL Shri K.C. Purohit was also present on the occasion.

Statement of Srikant Kumar Jena on Consumer Price Index

Shri Srikant Kumar Jena, Minister of State (Independent charge), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation announced the release of the monthly provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Base 2010=100 along with annual inflation rates for December 2013, compiled by the Central Statistics Office. Final CPI numbers for the month of November 2013 have also been released simultaneously.

All India General (all groups) CPI numbers of December 2013 for Rural, Urban and Combined are 140.1, 135.3 and 138.0 respectively. Provisional annual inflation rate based on all India general CPI (Combined) for December 2013 on point to point basis (December 2013 over December 2012) is 9.87%. The corresponding inflation rates (provisional) for Rural and Urban areas are 10.49% and 9.11% respectively. Inflation rates (final) for Rural, Urban and Combined for November 2013 are 11.66%, 10.53% and 11.16% respectively.

Provisional annual inflation rates of December 2013 for Rural, Urban and Combined in respect of ‘food and beverages’ are 12.76%, 11.06% and 12.16% respectively.

Conversion of 1500 Volt D.C. Into 25000 Volt A.C. Traction System Over Central Railway

The historic milestone has been achieved by the Indian Railways in the early morning hours of yesterday i.e. 12th January, 2014 with the conversion from 1500 Volt d.c. to 25000 Volt a.c. traction system over Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Thane (exclusive) via 5th & 6th line & Thane (exclusive) to Kalyam. This smooth and major transition has been achieved without traffic block and without any disruption or inconvenience to the travelling public. Out of total project cost of Rs. 1299.91 crore, the cost of this portion of conversion work is Rs. 147.70 crore.

The major benefits of this conversion includes seamless operation on 25000 Volt electric traction services for 43 pairs of mail/express trains (including non-daily), coming/going from lgatpuri side to LTT and vice versa. This will release 20 WCAM3 (AC/DC Locomotives) thereby leading to saving towards lease charges of Rs. 14.5 crore per annum. Due to energy efficiency associated with AC traction system, energy savings of Rs. 51 crore per annum would be achieved, besides staff savings of Rs. 3.5 crore per annum.

Another major benefit of this work is that incoming traction power supply has been shifted from Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) to TATA which is cheaper by Rs. 2.05 per unit, thereby resulting into annual saving to the tune of Rs. 12crore/annum.

Therefore, total recurring annual savings would be about Rs. 81 crore. In addition, there will be other benefits which includes elimination of technical halt of 15 minutes at lgatpuri for 43 pairs of Mail/Express trains as Kalyan-Kasara-lgatpuri section has already been converted on 25000 Volt a.c. system, increased traffic flows, improvement in speed and sectional capacity, reduced cost of operation and substantially higher reliability. Trial run on a.c. traction services ahs been started on this section since 12.01.2014.

To cater to the ever increased traffic requirement in Mumbai area and for better reliability to sub-urban services, the work of 1500 V d.c. to 25000 a.c. conversion was sanctioned in 1996-97 on Central Railway. The project cost is Rs. 1299.91 crore. The A.C. system has added advantage of substantial higher reliability, more than 30 per cent energy saving and substantial reduction in maintenance cost.

Mumbai sub-urban section (Mumbai V.T. to Kalyan) was electrified in 1925 at 1500 D.C. traction system which was the only modern traction system available at that time. Since, then this system was catering to the sub-urban commuter services over the years. For any increase in services (i9ncreased frequency and longer trains), additional power is required. Over the years, 1500 V d.c. system was not able to handle any further additional power requirement on account of steep fall in reliability and increased propensity to fire hazards. Space availability for additional sub-stations also posed a serious limitation.

Measures Taken to Enhance Safety in Train Operation During Foggy Weather

In an order to enhance safety in train operation during foggy weather, works to provide Modified Automatic Signal between two stations has been completed before onset of fog in Automatic Block Signalling territories in North Central Railway and Northern Railway.

Automatic Train Protection System is a vital technological aid to the loco pilot to control the train speed as per signal aspect preventing signal passing at danger which is very critical in foggy weather. Works have been sanctioned for provision of Train Protection system on 3330 route kilometres on Automatic Signaling sections and Heavy Density Network which also covers fog prone sections of Northern Railway and North Central Railway.

Earlier, instructions on “Winter precautions for Signaling Systems” have been issued to all Zonal Railways so as to enhance the level of safety in train operation during foggy conditions prevailing in winter season.

India and Canada sign Letter of Intent for Co-operation in Iron and Steel Sector

The Union Minister of Steel, Shri Beni Prasad Verma, taking forward his efforts to foster cooperation in mining and steel sector, interacted with a high-level delegation from Canada headed by Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Canada, Mr. Joe Oliver here today. During the interaction, A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed to further supplement the dialogue of co-operation in the iron and steel sector.

Through the LoI, both countries plan to develop and expand mutual co-operation, inter-alia, through information exchanges in areas of mutual interest including iron-ore, coking coal and other steel making raw materials and encourage bilateral investment opportunities in iron and steel related business. Efforts made by the two countries would ensure raw material security and forge alliances with global entities for tapping new market.

On the occasion, Shri Verma held discussions with the Canadian Minister which aimed at expanding and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and also identifying areas of cooperation and assistance where India could be benefitted from Canada, endowed with a huge wealth of natural resources especially coking coal. They exchanged their views on prospects and growth of the iron and steel industry, as well as investment opportunities in raw materials, including pelletization plants and other associated industries in both the countries.

Present on the occasion were the Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri G. Mohan Kumar, Joint Secretaries of Ministry of Steel and CMDs of PSUs under the Ministry of Steel. The Canadian delegation comprised Mr. Stewart Beck, High Commissioner of Canada, Ms. Rosaline Kwan, Deputy Commercial Program Manager, Mr. Jay Khosla, Assistant Deputy Minister, Energy Sector, NRCan and officials from Energy Division & International Affairs.

Salaries Through Aadhaar Payment Bridge

A project was launched to disburse salaries to employees of a private corporate company leveraging Aadhaar Payment Bridge (APB) in New Delhi today by the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India , Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Shri Nandan Nilekani, Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India(UIDAI).

Speaking on the occasion the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, complimented the Trident Group of companies and UIDAI for successful launch of Aadhaar Linked Disbursal of Salary to employees of this company.

The Chairman UIDAI, congratulated the group for being the first corporate in the country to implement Aadhaar linked salary disbursal for its employees. Speaking on the Aadhaar generation, Shri Nilekani added that Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has completed issuance of 54 crore Aadhaar numbers and with generation of about 11 lakh Aadhaar every day, the flagship programme appears all set to complete its mandate of covering 60 crore population in coming months.

The Chairman Trident Group, Sh. Rajinder Gupta, speaking on the occasion said has decided to link all their future recruitment with Aadhaar number for demographic verification.

National Convention to Monitor the Progress of RTE Act Inaugurated

Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women & Child Development inaugurated a two-day National Convention on ‘Three Years of Completion of the RTE Act” in New Delhi today. Inaugurating the Convention Smt. Tirath said that the onus is on the Government to provide and ensure free and elementary education to all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years.

She further added that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and SCPCRs should monitor out-of-school children to facilitate their access and participation in the schooling system. This would include children who have never enrolled or have dropped out, children who are temporarily absent, and children who are permanent migrants or who migrate seasonally with their parents.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri R. Bhattacharya, Secretary, Education and Literacy said that considerable progress has been made by the states and UTs with regard to meeting the standards given in the schedule of the RTE Act. He further said that most eligible habitations in the country are being provided with neighborhood schools, residential schools and transportation facilities to provide access to elementary education. He further went on to state that 98% of the habitation in this country have elementary schools within 1 km and 92% have upper primary schools within 3 km of their locations.

Welcoming the delegates, Chairperson NCPCR Ms. Kushal Singh urged all the participants to come out with constructive ideas and participate in the discussions to make the Convention meaningful and successful. Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, Country Representative, UNICEF and Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission also spoke on the occasion.

This Convention has been jointly organized by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and UNICEF. Around 300 participants associated with the implementation of RTE Act and other stakeholders from across the Country are attending the Convention.

Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily provides a major thrust to secure oil assets and downstream projects abroad by Indian Oil PSUs

Bilaterals with Oil Ministers of Ecuador, Uganda, Canada, Sudan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held on sidelines of Petrotech 2014

Petrotech 2014 has been an emphatic success and the best ever so far, said Dr. M Veerappa Moily, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, while addressing the media today on the penultimate evening of the mega international event at Greater Noida, organized by ONGC under the Aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Announcing a major development on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project, Dr. Moily shared that the framework is being readied on a fast-track basis by the officials of the four stakeholder nations. The transactional advisor for the project has been appointed and sale purchase agreement has been drawn. The aim is to bring gas from Turkmenistan to the Indian border by 2017.

“Apart from gas, this TAPI pipeline would usher in peace among the nations as well”. The gas is expected to reach the border of India by August 2017, said the Minister, who had a hectic schedule of bilateral and multilateral meetings with his counterparts of 15 emerging nations, who participated in this edition of Petrotech.

Another major development was the signing of MoU between ONGC and Kuwait’s PIC for cooperation in hydrocarbon value chain. The MoU will see bilateral cooperation among the two nations in the upstream and downstream hydrocarbon sector, especially petrochemicals.

Sharing the successes in brief, Dr. Moily announced the technological cooperation opportunities thrown up in the Petrotech, especially in the domain of hydraulic fracturing (‘Fracking’) required for production of shale gas. The premier of Province of Alberta, Canada is expected to offer Indian upstream companies like ONGC state-of-art fracking technologies, to develop the vast potential of shale in this country.

In exchange, more of Indian national Oil & Gas companies will increase their investments and presence in the Canadian Hydrocarbon sector. A term contract for Canadian crude is under finalization by Indian Oil Corporation. The Minister was happy to see that the Canadian government would consider Indian suggestion to review its investment norms to facilitate participation by Indian companies.

Dr. Moily and the team also held Bilateral meetings with Ministerial delegations of Ecuador, Uganda, Sudan, and Azerbaijan to open up vast possibilities for cooperation in exploration (both offshore & onshore), petrochemicals, refineries, providing training to their oil and gas personnel, etc. A joint Indo-Ugandan working team is under formation to look into opportunities for cooperation in the newly opened up Ugandan hydrocarbon sector.

Similar opportunities are expected to be leveraged in Ecuador, especially in exploration of oil and gas, petrochemicals and urea.

“Sudan and South Sudan are coming to terms with the emerging opportunities in global cooperation and Indian companies are tapping the potential opportunities. Two blocks have been offered to India,” he informed. ONGC Videsh Limited is already present in Sudan in a big way and the future may see the presence expanding its frontiers.

Azerbaijan, a prolific oil producer, invited upstream Indian companies like ONGC to participate in their oil and gas industry and enable skill development in the new country. “It is a full cycle for skill development, as ONGC learnt the oil business from the former USSR, and now imparting the skills to Azerbaijan”, said Dr. Moily. Indian Oil Corporation has a term contract for Azeri crude also while BPCL and HPCL too were keen to enter term contract for sourcing crude oil from Azerbaijan.

Regarding attracting foreign investment to Indian oil and gas sector, the Minister said that the platform of Petrotech-2014 has been used to launch the NELP X. “We will hold Roadshows soon to offer the details of the Blocks”.

Smt. Krishna Tirath Inaugurates National Convention on the RTE Act Smt. Tirath: RTE Act is a Revolutionary Act

Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women and Child Development Ministry inaugurated a two-day National Convention on ‘Three Years of Completion of the RTE Act” in New Delhi, here today. This convention has been jointly organized by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and UNICEF. Around 300 participants associated with the implementation of RTE Act and other stakeholders from across the country are participating in the convention.

Inaugurating the convention Smt. Tirath said that the title of the RTE Act incorporates the words ‘Free and Compulsory Education’, which implies that the onus is on the Government to provide and ensure free and elementary education to all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. It casts a legal obligation on both the central and State Governments to implement this fundamental child right as enshrined in the Article 21’A’ of the Constitution of India in accordance with the provisions of the RTE Act, 2009, she added. She said that the Act is a revolutionary Act.

Stating that there is an urgent need to bring about a synergy and convergence with various departments and ministries of the Government, Smt. Tirath urged that other ministries such as HRD, Social Justice & Empowerment, Health & Family Welfare, Tribal and Minority Affairs should also be taken on board to ensure that there is no duplication of efforts and the resources can be used to the optimum level.

Appreciating NCPCR’s role in monitoring the progress of RTE Act the Minister said that NCPCR and SCPCRs should also monitor out-of-school children to facilitate their access and participation in the schooling system. This would include children who have never enrolled or have dropped out, children who are temporarily absent, and children who are permanent migrants or who migrate seasonally with their parents. She also asked NCPCR to carry forward its initiatives of linking and networking with civil society organizations for monitoring. The purpose of holding the National Convention is to jointly take an overview of the RTE Act implementation so far and to review the progress made since its coming into effect on April 1, 2010. The convention bring togethers, on a common platform, representatives from NGOs, Civil society partners, International Organizations, concerned Central Government Ministries, State and Local Governments, and SCPCRs/REPAs, who are all involved in making RTE Act implementation a reality, and to solicit their opinions, concerns and suggestions. This forum will provide stakeholders such as community members, teachers and principals of both, the government supported and private schools, an opportunity to share their experiences and views on the Act’s implementation since its coming into effect.

Welcoming the delegates, Chairperson NCPCR Ms. Kushal Singh urged all the participants to come out with constructive ideas and participate in the discussions to make the convention meaningful and successful. The two-day convention will discuss various aspects that hinder the effective implementation of the RTE, and ways to make it sharper in its focus and more effective. The participants will bring their knowledge and experience of working with the Act during the discussions and deliberations.

Shri R. Bhattacharya, Secretary School Education highlighted the many appreciable outcomes that have been a result of the RTE such as drop-out rates have come down by about 7% in various categories in the last decade, and about 4% among the SC students. Enrolment figures have gone up due to better infrastructure, focus on providing amenities and facilities within the school campus, building primary schools within one km radius, teacher training and evaluation modules. Enrolment numbers have increased among girl students at the primary and upper primary levels, and also for Muslim students, he stated.

Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, Country Representative, UNICEF; and Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission were also present during the inaugural ceremony.

Extension of Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for extension of the Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from 7th January, 2013 to 31st March, 2017. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Anand Sharma while welcoming the decision ofand Uttarakhand and generate gainful employment especially for the rural youth. It will also give a fillip to manufacturing and the Small and Medium Enterprises in these two States.”

The objective of the scheme is to create an enabling growth and industrialization of these States and generation of more employment.

All new industrial units and existing units on substantial expansion would be eligible for Central Capital units at the rate of 15 percent of their investment in plant and machinery.

Subsidy would be available to all new and existing units on substantial expansion located in notified areas as well as to “thrust industries" for units located anywhere in these States. Only those units that pre-register under the scheme, commence commercial production/ operation before 31st March 2017 and file claims within one year of the commencement of commercial production shall be eligible for subsidy under the scheme.

Incentive on substantial expansion will be given to units affecting an increase by not less than 25 percent in the value of fixed capital investment in plant and machinery for the purpose of expansion of capacity. Expenditure on purchase / procurement / installation of second hand plant and machinery will not be eligible for subsidy under the Central Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme. A single unit cannot avail subsidy both from the Central as well as State Government for the same purpose.

Background:

The New Industrial Policy and other concessions for the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand were announced on 7th January, 2003 for a period of ten years, keeping in view the facts that these States lag in industrial development. The objective of the Policy is to provide the required incentives as well as enabling environment for industrial development, improve availability of capital and increase market access to provide fillip to private investment.

The policy package announced on 7th January, 2003 for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand was for a period of ten years. The State of Himachal Pradesh has been able to attract 300 percent more investment as compared to the pre-incentive package level. On an average, total investment generated in Himachal Pradesh is above Rs.12,500 crore and number of units set up has grown by 28 percent while growth in employment generation is more than 33 percent.

Extension of Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for extension of the Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from 7th January, 2013 to 31st March, 2017. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Anand Sharma while welcoming the decision of the CCEA for extending the special package of industrial incentives for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand mentioned that “the UPA Government has always been sensitive to the aspirations of the hill people. This decision will catalyse industrial development in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and generate gainful employment especially for the rural youth. It will also give a fillip to manufacturing and the Small and Medium Enterprises in these two States.”

The objective of the scheme is to create an enabling environment for industrial development to provide a fillip to private investment in these States. Private entrepreneurs will be encouraged to set up more industrial units in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, leading to overall growth and industrialization of these States and generation of more employment.

All new industrial units and existing units on substantial expansion would be eligible for Central Capital Investment Subsidy at the rate of 15 percent of investment in plant and machinery subject to a ceiling of Rs.30 lakh. Further, the cap on amount of subsidy will be raised from Rs. 30 lakh to Rs.50 lakh for MSME units at the rate of 15 percent of their investment in plant and machinery.

Subsidy would be available to all new and existing units on substantial expansion located in notified areas as well as to “thrust industries" for units located anywhere in these States. Only those units that pre-register under the scheme, commence commercial production/ operation before 31st March 2017 and file claims within one year of the commencement of commercial production shall be eligible for subsidy under the scheme.

Incentive on substantial expansion will be given to units affecting an increase by not less than 25 percent in the value of fixed capital investment in plant and machinery for the purpose of expansion of capacity. Expenditure on purchase / procurement / installation of second hand plant and machinery will not be eligible for subsidy under the Central Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme. A single unit cannot avail subsidy both from the Central as well as State Government for the same purpose.

Background:

The New Industrial Policy and other concessions for the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand were announced on 7th January, 2003 for a period of ten years, keeping in view the facts that these States lag in industrial development. The objective of the Policy is to provide the required incentives as well as enabling environment for industrial development, improve availability of capital and increase market access to provide fillip to private investment.

The policy package announced on 7th January, 2003 for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand was for a period of ten years. The State of Himachal Pradesh has been able to attract 300 percent more investment as compared to the pre-incentive package level. On an average, total investment generated in Himachal Pradesh is above Rs.12,500 crore and number of units set up has grown by 28 percent while growth in employment generation is more than 33 percent.

In Uttarakhand, investment generated is close to Rs. 30,000 crore, which is 42 times the level in the year 2000. The number of units set up has grown by more than 130 percent while growth in employment generation is more than 490 percent for the same period.

Commissioning of Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS ‘Abhinav’

The Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Abhinav’, the third in the series of twenty Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), designed and built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited, was commissioned today at Kochi by the Director General of Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal.

The 50 meter indigenous FPV displaces 290 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots with an endurance of 1500 nautical miles at economical speed of 13 knots, equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment. She makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast missions such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation. The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous Fire Control System (FCS).

In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal termed the FPVs as the work horses of Coast Guard. The Flag Officer also dwelt upon the fast paced development of the Indian Coast Guard and acknowledged the support of Government for the Coast Guard’s plan to increase force levels substantially to face the emerging security challenges in the maritime domain. He emphasised the importance Government of India accords to Coastal Security in view of the asymmetric threats from the sea. Indian Coast Guard will be a 150 ships/boats and 100 aircraft maritime force in next five years. In addition to these operational assets, a Coastal Surveillance Network is being established with 46 stations to ensure real time coastal surveillance.

Indian Defence Technologies on Display at Bahrain International Airshow

India is showcasing during the Bahrain International Airshow, its state-of-the-art airborne platforms and associated sensors & communication systems designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO). DRDO, along with some of its production partners is displaying India’s strength and expertise in design, development and leading to production at the ‘Bahrain International Airshow’ being held at Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain from 16 – 18 Jan 2014, with the aim of exploring the potential of exporting these advanced systems to friendly countries in the region.

The show will witness flying demonstration of the ‘AEW&C India’ the latest and state of the art Airborne Early Warning and Control system that can detect, identify and classify threats present in the surveillance area and act as a command and control centre to support variety of air operations. The system with its multiple Communication and data links can alert and direct fighters against such threats while providing “Recognizable Air Surface Picture” to the Commanders at the Ground Exploitation Stations. It also comprises of electronic and communication support measures that intercept and classify unfriendly radar transmissions and communication signals. "AEW&C India" with Mission Systems developed by DRDO with modular design and seamlessly integrated on an Embraer 145 aircraft provides a very cost effective solution for C4ISR capabilities. It is based on modern state of art technologies and can be adapted to the needs of any country.

DRDO is also displaying models of Light Combat Aircraft ‘TEJAS’, the ‘Four plus’ generation and highly cost effective fighter aircraft designed and developed by the Department of Defence R&D of the Ministry of Defence and being produced by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Models of trainer and the Naval versions are also on display. The other items include models of ‘Expendable high Speed Aerial Target’, ‘NISHANT’, the multi mission UAV with Day and Night operational capability for battlefield surveillance & reconnaissance, target tracking & localization and artillery fire correction and OBOGS (On Board Oxygen Generation System)

A high level DRDO delegation led by Dr Avinash Chander, Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary Defence R&D is participating in the event. The delegation includes Dr S Christopher, Distinguished Scientist and Director ‘Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), Mr Radhakrishnan, Outstanding Scientist and Director Industry Interface & Technology Management and Senior level officials from Indian Industries partnering DRDO in the production of various systems.

Girija Vyas Launches Housing Start up Index Logo, Web Site and Monitoring Tool for Rajiv Awas Yojana

Dr Girija Vyas , Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has launched the Housing Start Up Index (HSUI) logo, web site and monitoring tool “Integrated Urban Poverty Monitoring System” (IPoMs) for JnNURM and Rajiv Awas Yojana ( RAY) here today.

While addressing on the occasion, Dr Vyas said that the Housing Start Up Index is a joint initiative, of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA) through its integral arm, the National Building Organization and the Reserve Bank of India. The HSUI, is an index, that tracks the, number of houses, being constructed, every year, across the country. The Housing and Construction related activities, in our country, with its backward and forward linkages, with nearly 254 ancillary industries, have huge multiplier effects on the economy. Thus making the HSUI, a leading indicator of the National Economy itself, Dr Vyas added. She also disclosed that the results of the pilot index initiated in 25 cities will be released in the last week of this month or first week of February 2014.

In her address, the Minister spoke about the various schemes of Mo HUPA viz. JnNURM, Rajiv Awas Yojana, (RAY), Rajiv Rinn Yojana (RRY) and National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM). Dr Vyas also highlighted the Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC), developed by the Mo HUPA, which is a first time initiative in the country. The other achievements highlighted were the Real Estate regulation Bill and the Street Vendors Bill .

The event culminated with the launch of the web based MIS system “Integrated Urban Poverty Monitoring System” (IPoMS) for JnNURM & RAY. In order to closely monitor the submission of the Detailed Project Reports under RAY, by the States, a web-based tool called the Integrated Urban Poverty Monitoring System or IPoMs, has been designed by the Ministry. Through this tool, the implementation, of the scheme, can be expedited and tracked effectively. This will also ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.

In his welcome address, Shri VP Baligar, Chairman and Managing Director, Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) briefly listed out various achievements made by HUDCO in the last one year. The function was attended by Shri A.K. Mishra, Secretary,M/HUPA and several senior officers of the Ministry and HUDCO.

India and Mozambique seeks early monetization of Rovuma Area 1 offshore gas block Two countries to soon sign MoU for enhancing cooperation in oil and gas sector Mozambique Minister for Mineral Resources promises early LNG deals

with Indian companies

In a crucial bilateral meeting between Indian petroleum Minister Dr M VeerappaMoily and his Mozambique counterpart MsEsperanca Bias, Mozambique Minister for Mineral Resources e during Petrotech 2014 at greater Noida today, the two Ministers agreed to concluded a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Mozambique for accelerating the cooperation in hydrocarbon sector.Dr. Moily said that a draft of the MoU between the Indian and Mozambique governments have been framed and sent to the Indian High Commission at Mozambique. “We need to expedite the signing of this MoU as soon as possible.” Mozambique Minister invited the Indian ministerial delegation for the formal signing of this MoU, to document this G-2-G cooperation.Dr. Moily said that India will respond to the invitation very soon.

Dr. Moliy urged the Mozambique minister to expedite the consortium related issues and also fast-track the development of the discovered assets. The Indian companies hold 30 per cent of the project , the operatorship of which lies with Anadarco. The visiting Minister for Mineral Resources exuded optimism that the deals relating the LNG project will fructify soon. This was one of the 11 bilateral meetings lined up during the Petrotech-2014, organized by ONGC.

The Indian minister also said that India has large demand for natural gas including in the power sector where 18,000MW gas based power projects have been commissioned and another 10,000MW gas based power projects are under implementation. Keeping this in mind we need about 8 trains of LNG. Given the expertise of Indian upstream companies like ONGC in petroleum business, Mozambique asked for training their youth. “We are starting just now and our people need training from Indian companies who have been there for a long time”, said the Mozambique Minister. Minister assured that India has the expertise to train oil and gas personnel in entire value chain .The meeting was also attended resented by Petroleum Secretary, ONGC CMD, OVL MD and other corporate honchos.

PM’s statement to the media during the State Visit of the President of Republic of Korea

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s statement to the media during the State Visit of the President of Republic of Korea, in New Delhi today:

“I am delighted to welcome President Park on her State Visit to India. We have just concluded wide-ranging discussion on matters of bilateral interest and regional and global importance. This has enabled us to impart further substance, greater content and new momentum to the Strategic Partnership between our two countries.

President Park and I agreed that sustaining trade growth and expanding economic exchanges are vital for a stronger India-Korea relationship. Korean businesses were in the vanguard of the discovery of India unleashed by our structural reforms in the early 1990s. Today, as a result of further reforms, India offers greater avenues and opportunities for them.

Our negotiations for revision of the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention have concluded. We have been exploring the possibility of establishing a Korean Industrial Park in India. President Park and I have agreed to set up a CEOs Forum comprising captains of industry and commerce from both countries to provide us with new ideas for deepening our economic collaboration.

I am very happy that the large-scale POSCO steel project in Odisha is set to be operational in the coming weeks, following the revalidation of its environmental clearance. Grant of mining concession for the project is also at an advanced stage of processing. I conveyed to President Park our hope that this project will confirm that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

Political and security cooperation between our two countries is expanding steadily. President Park and I have decided to establish an annual interaction between the national security structures of our two countries. We also have agreed to launch a Cyber Affairs Dialogue between our Governments.

India and the Republic of Korea recently held the first round of structured consultation between senior defence officials. President Park and I have recognized the possibility of defence trade and joint production by further promoting collaboration between our defence research organizations. The Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information signed today will also boost our defence engagement.

In the area of Science and Technology, our collaboration has been highly rewarding, with many practical projects being financed through the 10 million US dollar Joint Fund that we established in 2010. The Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Applied Research signed today will enable our scientists to work together and develop technologies for our common benefit. We are also stepping up collaboration in the peaceful uses of space science and technology.

Distance has been no barrier to communication between the people of India and Korea since ancient times, and we are determined to bring them ever closer in the years that lie ahead. The Cultural Centres set up in Seoul and New Delhi have energized people-to-people engagement. Korean tourists are visiting India in increasing numbers. I have conveyed to President Park the decision of the Government of India to extend a ‘tourist visa on arrival facility’ to nationals of the Republic of Korea. We are also exploring the possibility of better civil aviation links.

President Park and I have also had an opportunity to touch upon regional issues, particularly developments in the Korean peninsula and our cooperation in the East Asia Summit processes.

The visit of President Park has imparted fresh momentum to our partnership. I am confident that our talks today have laid out a road map for the expansion and enhancement of our Strategic Partnership in the coming years.

Steps to Safeguard the Interest of Indian Women from Fraudulent Marriages with Overseas Indians

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has launched an educational –cum- awareness campaign for the Indian brides getting married to overseas Indians and published a Guidance Pamphlet on “Marriages to Overseas Indians” in English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Punjabi. A booklet in English have been published containing information on safeguards available to women deserted by their NRI spouses, legal remedies available, authorities that can be approached for redressal of grievances and NGOs which can provide assistance. This is also posted on Ministry’s website. The Government has taken several steps to safeguard the interest of Indian women from fraudulent marriages with overseas Indians. The steps taken in this direction include providing legal/financial assistance to the Indian women who are deserted/divorced by their overseas spouses. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs also implements a scheme for legal assistance to Indian women deserted by their overseas husbands. Under the scheme, assistance of US$3000 in developed countries and US$2000 in developing countries is given through Indian Missions for filling cases in the local courts or for legal counseling through the NGOs empanelled with Indian Missions/posts. The Ministry promotes publicity-cum-awareness campaign through audio visual advertisement on regional TV network and print media from time to time.

Petroleum Minister Calls for highest priority to conservation of Petroleum Products by all Consuming Sectors Dr Moily inaugurates OGCF 2014

BEE Presents Star Labels for LPG hot stoves & Diesel Mono Set pumps

Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dr M Veerappa Moily has called for according the highest priority to conservation of petroleum products by all consuming sectors in the country. He has also said that there was an urgent need for conservation of petroleum products in view of the fast depleting fossil fuels. Inaugurating Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight (OGCF) here today, Dr Moily emphasized the role of children as a prime mover in the concerted effort towards conservation & environmental sustenance. He further lauded the efforts of Petroleum Conservation and Research Association (PCRA), in spreading the message of Oil & Gas conservation to every corner of the country & extolled the recently concluded mega media campaign by PCRA in association with oil PSU’s. Inaugural event of OGCF was also attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Smt Panabaka Laxmi , Petroleum Secretary Shri Vivek Rae, and other senior officials from Govt. and Oil Companies. This year the OGCF theme is “SAVE FUEL, SAVE MONEY, SAVE ENVIRONMENT”. The OGCF-2014 inaugural Function was held on 16.01.2014 at Manekshaw Center, Parade Road, Delhi Cantt. The event was also attended by approximately 800 young students from different schools of Delhi

The function also witnessed presentation of Star Labels by Director General (DG), Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to Additional Secretary, MoP&NG for newly approved benchmarking initiatives for LPG hot stoves & Diesel Mono Set pumps. During the function, PCRA book titled “Handbook on Energy Efficiency in Pharma Sector” was also released. The Minister gave away awards for exemplary work in Oil & Gas conservation by oil industry & also to the winners of National Level essay & Painting competition for school children..The function culminated with flagging-off of publicity vans by dignitaries carrying PCRA conservation messages to various towns and villages of Northern India.Petroleum Conservation and Research Association (PCRA), a National Body which was setup under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), Govt. of India, has been engaged in formulating & implementing strategies for effective utilization of petroleum products .The key mandate of PCRA is to create awareness amongst the masses as regards the importance and methods of conserving them. OGCF is a significant annual event of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which is organized by PCRA in association with Public Sector Oil & Gas Companies every year from 16th to 31st January.

Guidelines on New Land Policy for Major Ports Released

The Union government today unveiled new policy guidelines for major ports, aimed at helping them leverage their land resources for commercial advantage. Participating in the `Ports in India` annual conference in Mumbai, Shipping Secretary Vishwapati Trivedi said the new guidelines provide necessary regulatory framework for land allotment by major ports. Mr.Trivedi said these guidelines have been drawn to help the ports to carry out leasing and licensing of port land in a transparent manner. Discretionary powers have been reduced and tender-cum-auction has been prescribed as the most preferred method of allotment, he added.

Major ports in India have between them 2.64 lakh acres of land, which is a major resource. So far, the land utilization has not been optimum and often yielded lesser returns. The thrust of the new policy has been on linking the value of land with prevailing market rates.

Under the new policy guidelines, land can be allotted only through licensing in custom bond areas by inviting competitive bidding, while land outside custom bond areas can be leased through tender-cum-auction. There is also a provision to license land outside custom bond areas, but it should be only for port related activities. The Boards of respective ports can approve leasing of land for a period up to 30 years. For leasing of land beyond 30 years and up to 99 years, approval of the Government has to be obtained through the mechanism of Empowered Committee.

[ All the 12 major ports of the country are required to draw land use plan covering all land owned or managed by them. The new guidelines are applicable to all major ports in India except for the land relating to township areas in Mumbai, Kolkata and Kandla.

The new policy guidelines for land management are part of the on going process of port reforms and liberalization. While Major Ports, owned by the Centre operate in a comparatively more regulated environment, the non-major ports, comprising state ports and private ports enjoy substantial degree of flexibility. The government has been working towards creating a level playing field for major and non-major ports. Earlier, in 2013, as a part of reform process in the Ports sector tariff setting in major ports was liberalized and indexed to inflation and minimum efficiency standards were prescribed for cargo terminals.

The 12 major ports in India – Kandla, Mumbai, JNPT, Marmugao, New Managlore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore, V O Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) handle approximately 61% of cargo traffic. The Government is committed to further augmenting the port capacity in the major ports sector.

During 2013-14 it is planned to augment port capacity by 220 mtpa through 30 port projects. Out of these 20 port projects, with a capacity of approximately 100 mtpa have already been approved. The remaining port projects, including the ambitious Rs 8,000 crore JNPT Terminal-4, are likely to be approved during the fourth quarter of the current fiscal.

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues 56 crore Aadhaar Numbers

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has completed issuance of 56 crore Aadhaar Numbers. With generation of about 13-14 lakhs Aadhaar Numbers every day, the flagship programme appears all set to complete its mandate of covering 60 crore population in the next few weeks.

Established as an Attached Office of the Planning Commission, through a Government Notification in January 2009, the UIDAI issued the first Aadhaar Number on 29th September 2010, after completing necessary preliminaries including establishing various standards relating to collection of data and biometric information such as finger prints and iris images. The UIDAI issued 25 crore Aadhaar Numbers in the period up to December 2012 at an average rate of almost one crore Aadhaars per month. During 2013, UIDAI issued a total of 29.1 crore Aadhaars at an average rate of over 2.4 crore Aadhaars per month.

With an increased capacity of Aadhaar generation, UIDAI is currently generating more than 3 crore Aadhaar Numbers per month and has a capacity to process 15-16 lakh enrolment packets every day leading to generation of 13-14 lakhs Aadhaar Numbers per day.

Edible Oil, Oilseeds, Rice Exempted from Stock Holding Limit Under the Essential Commodities Act

The Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Anand Sharma has welcomed the Order issued by Department of Consumer Affairs to exempt stocks of edible oil, edible oilseeds and rice meant for export from the stock holding limit under the Essential Commodities Act. The exporters have been demanding that they should not be subjected to stock holding limit prescribed under the Essential Commodities Act, if they have merchandize stocks of such commodities meant for exports.

The DGFT had taken up this matter with the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Department of Consumer Affairs have issued Removal of (Licensing requirements, Stock limits and Movement Restrictions) on Specified Foodstuffs Order, 2002 on 9th January 2014.

This will address the long felt need of such exporters and reduce their transaction cost.

States Asked to Open More Purchasing Centers for Increased Procurement of Foodgrains for Implementation of National Food Security Act

State Governments have been urged to open more purchasing centers and assess all necessary infrastructure requirements for increased procurement of foodgrains for implementation of Food Security Act. It should include storage space, credit and staff requirement. A meeting of Food Secretaries of various States has been convened in the second week of February by the Government of India to review the arrangements for procurement of wheat for coming marketing season and other infrastructure requirements. In order to implement the National Food Security Act, requirement of foodgrains is estimated to be 614.3 lakh tons against the average procurement of 514 Lakh tons in last five years.

Under the National Food Security Act, the Government of India will now provide assistance to States in meeting the expenditure incurred by them on transportation of foodgrains within the State, its handling and FPS dealers’ margin as per norms to be devised for this purpose.

In the meeting, estimated marketable surplus ratio of wheat for each State and estimated procurement of wheat for Rabi Marketing Season will also be discussed.

Under the Act, Grievance Redressal Mechanism at the District and State levels have to be set up and provisions have to be made for disclosure of records relating to PDS. The Act also provides for social audits and setting up of Vigilance Committees in order to ensure transparency and accountability. Provision for penalty on public servant or authority, to be imposed by the State Food Commission, in case of failure to comply with the relief recommended by the District Grievance Redressal Officer, has also been made in the Act.

One of the most significant features is the provision for Food Security Allowance to entitled beneficiary in case of non-supply of entitled foodgrains or meals. No doubt, the Act will provide food security to two-third population of the country and with its focus on nutritional support to children and pregnant women it will address the problem of malnutrition also effectively.

FCI to move foodgrains through ship in coastal areas

For the first time in its history, Food Corporation of India (FCI), which has been moving huge quantities of food grains from one part of the country to another mainly through road and railways, has decided to take recourse to movement of food grains through sea route also. A beginning in this regard has been made with Prof. K.V. Thomas, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution approving the container movement of 20,000 MTs of rice per month from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh to Kochi in Kerala through ship. Tenders to this effect have been finalised and operations are expected to start in the near future. The first ship carrying the containers is expected to proceed from Kakinada in February, 2014.

The decision to open sea route has been taken to reduce the bottlenecks and stress experienced in the inland transportation of food grains and also to open up multi-model transportation methodology involving sea route as well which would be cheaper as also easier in the long run. In future, it will be explored if more ports in Kerala and other parts of the country could take recourse to the sea route for transportation of food grains from one part of the country to another. Traditionally, Kerala receives boiled rice from Andhra Pradesh to the extent of 70000 to 80000 MTs per month. Initially the depots in Southern Kerala such as Kochi, Alleppey, Arakkulam, Mavelikkara, Chingavanam and Anagammally will get the benefit of movement of food grains from Kakinada through Vallarpadam Container Terminal of the Kochi Port.

Special Gram Sabha Meetings in January /February 2014

Government has asked all the Gram Panchayats in the country to hold special Gram Sabha meetings on various programmes relating to economic well-being of people on any day in January/ February-2014.

It has been emphasized that in these meetings, officials in-charge of programmes relating to Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Fisheries National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Backward Region Grant Found (BRGF), Watershed, Soil conservation, Irrigation, Electrification, Handlooms, Handicraft, Food processing, Small and Micro enterprises etc. should remain present. The District and Block level officials will coordinate the dates of the meeting so that the above mentioned functionaries will be able to participate in all Gram Sabha meetings. The officials in-charge of all the above Departments, Schemes and Programmes should attend these meetings because this will improve the progress in their schemes and also make them transparent thereby resulting in making the programmes more effective.

The Gram Panchayats have been asked to report the participation to the Block/ District Administration and in particular any instance of non-cooperation.

The purpose of special Gram Sabha meetings is to make Gram Sabhas more active as well as empowering people and making panchayats accountable.

Seven States/UTs Get Allocations Under National Food Security Act

With the implementation of National Food Security Act in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh also, the National Food Security Act has taken off now in seven states/ UTs- Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh . The Government of India has made foodgrain allocations to these States/UTs as per requirements projected by them for the implementation of the Act. Uttrakhand and Chandigarh are also expected to join this group soon.

The people as identified beneficiaries by the State Governments will now get foodgrains at highly subsidized prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains. Each beneficiary will get five Kg. foodgrain per month. However, existing entitlement of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households’ which is 35 kg. of per household per month will be protected, since AAY constitute poorest of the poor.

The Center has also decided to protect existing allocation of each state in case the allocation under the proposed legislation is lower than its current allocation. It will be protected upto the level of average offtake during last three years, at prices to be determined by the Central Government.

With the implementation of the Act now pregnant women and lactating mothers and children in the age group of 6 months to 14 years will be entitled to meals as per prescribed nutritional norms under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) schemes. Higher nutritional norms have been prescribed for malnourished children upto 6 years of age. Beside this pregnant women and lactating mothers will also be entitled to receive maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000.

The Act will also give significant contribution in the women empowerment in the country with its provision of declaring eldest woman of the household of age 18 years or above as the head of the household for the purpose of issuing of ration cards.

The Government has notified the National Food Security Act, 2013 on September10, 2013 to further strengthen the efforts to address the food security of the people. The Act provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), thus covering about two-thirds of the population. The Act also has a special focus on the nutritional support to women and children.

Centre issues directive for 150 days work under MGNREGA for STs in Forest Areas.

The Ministry of Rural Development has issued a directive to provide 150 days of wage employment under MGNREGA for Scheduled Tribe households living in forest areas. The move will benefit about Eight lakh people in the states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, The additional 50 days of employment beyond the stipulated 100 days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will be applicable to those individuals who got pattas under Forest Rights Act, FRA( 2006). Approximately, 14 lakh individual and community titles have been distributed under FRA 2006. Of these around 8 lakh individual titles have been given in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa. It is these individuals who will be able to claim the benefit of 150 days.

The Ministry of Rural Development thinks that this is an important initiative since a lot of land-levelling, plantation and other activities are required to be undertaken on these lands to make them more productive. The additional days through MGNREGA will allow the households to undertake additional work on their own land. Further, FRA beneficiaries have already been automatically included for assistance under the Indira Awaas Yojana.

Other initiatives for ensuring effective implementation of MGNREGA in naxal affected areas have also been taken like a convergence project with National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in 250 most backward blocks of the country. Several of these ST-dominated blocks are located in Naxal districts. The Ministry has also allowed for cash payments of wages in 88 Integrated Action Plan (IAP) districts. To proactively register demand, the Ministry has launched Kaam Maango Abhiyan and the project is being implemented in 6 pilot districts including West Singhbhum in Jharkhand and is being upscaled to all naxal affected areas.

Morever, it has initiated the Governance and Accelerated Livelihood Support project in collaboration with UNDP in 12 naxal affected districts and they are Latehar, Palamu, Gumla and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada and Kalahandi in Odisha and Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Balrampur in Chhattisgarh. The Project will focus on livelihood assets creation through MGNREGA IN 500 Gram Panchayats in these districts.

Finally, new works have been added to the existing list of permissible works under MGNREGA with a focus to strengthen synergy between MGNREGA and rural livelihoods, particularly in agriculture. Besides ensuring durable quality assets, the expansion of MGNREGA works is likely to improve the socio-economic condition of marginalized section of the society like SC/ST, Small and Marginal farmers, IAY beneficiaries, Forest Right Act beneficiaries etc as most of the new works are now permitted on the land or homestead of specified individual beneficiaries.

Setting up of Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor and formation of Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor Development Corporation

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for setting up the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) and formation of the AKIC Development Corporation (AKICDC).

The AKIC is proposed to be developed in a band of 150-200 kms on either side of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), in a phased manner, and would therefore comprise a belt of at least 5.5 lakh square kms in the seven States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.

Phase-1 will be in the nature of a pilot project, during which at least one Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) of 10 square kms each, in each of the seven States would be set up, as identified by State Governments. The States would however, be free to set up more than one IMC, if they choose to do so. Uttarakhand, being a hill state would be given flexibility with regard to the size of the cluster. Both brownfield as well as green field IMCs can be set up.

At least 40 percent of the land in each IMC will be permanently earmarked for manufacturing and agro-processing, considering that substantial part of the area in these States, except Jharkhand, is under agriculture.The IMCs envisaged under the project would be entitled to all the benefits available under the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), 2011, provided they are organized as envisioned in the NMP.

For infrastructure development, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode would be encouraged. While viability gap funding would be available for infrastructure amenable to PPP, trunk infrastructure not amenable to PPP will be developed through grant-in-aid from the Central Government. The Central Government will also provide interest subsidy to States for land acquisition, grant-in-aid for project development and master planning of IMCs, set up AKICDC, provide external connectivity and all benefits under NMP, 2011, facilitate the establishment of tool room in clusters, enable technology partnership with Indian Institutes of Technology/National Institutes of Technology, grant of approvals for the IMC as well as help State Governments to promote global investments in clusters.

State Governments would be responsible for ensuring availability of land for development of IMCs, necessary spurs for road infrastructure, facilitate generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in IMCs, putting in place single window clearance mechanism, setting up Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for development of clusters, identify and facilitate anchor industries in the IMCs, ensure provision of built up places and low cost housing.

A three tier institutional structure at the Central level will be set up comprising an Apex Monitoring Authority under the Industry Minister, an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) under Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and the AKICDC for project development, coordination of implementation of the projects and inter-state activity.

At the State level, a cell under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary/Industrial Development Commissioner would be constituted. State Governments will set up a nodal agency at the cluster level for administration of clusters, or nominate an existing Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

For approval of individual IMC, in the first stage, based on an appraisal of the proposal by the Inter-Ministerial Group, `in-principle` approval will be accorded , and final approval would be granted after the conditions laid down in the `in-principle` approval and other conditions that may be considered necessary are fulfilled, through a detailed prescribed process.

A financial indicative commitment of about Rs 5600 crore, spread over 15 years, by way of budgetary support from the Central Government has been estimated in the first pilot phase for setting up seven IMCs in the AKIC.

The Union Cabinet also approved that AKICDC will be set up immediately with a total equity base of Rs 100 crore, with 49 percent stake of the Central Government, with balance equity to be taken by stakeholder State Governments as per option and willingness, and HUDCO.The Central Government will also provide Rs 100 crore as project development fund to AKICDC.

Inclusion of Jains as a minority community under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval forinclusion of Jains as a minority under Section 2 (c ) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 and the Attorney General through the Ministry of Law and Justice has opined that this would be neither be illegal nor unconstitutional. The Cabinet approved the inclusion of Jains in the list of notified minority communities under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 pending the outcome of court cases in addition to the five communities already notified as minorities under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.These communities are Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and Zoroastrians (Parsis)

Background:

Under Section 2(c) of National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992, five religious communities; Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis are declared as minority communities through a Government Notification issued in October 1993. Thereafter, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has been receiving regular representations and RTI applications for inclusion of Jains as a minority community under this Section.

Approval for development of trunk infrastructure for integrated industrial township at Vikram Udyogpuri, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh in the Delhi Mumbai

Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the development of trunk infrastructure for the integrated industrial township at Vikram Udyogpuri near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) in the Pithampur, Dhar Mhow investment region of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project at an estimated project cost of Rs.808.60 crore for Stage 1 of the Project.

CCEA has also approved investment of Rs.59.50 crore as 50 percent equity contribution of DMIC Trust to the JVC for the Project and further investment of Rs.372.80 crore as debt with a 10 year moratorium from the start of the project and 12 year repayment at an annual interest of 8.5 percent. The remaining 50 percent of the equity will be met by the State Govt. The balance funding required for trunk infrastructure will be met from internal accruals of the JVC.

The development of infrastructure industrial township at Vikram Udyogpuri is expected to attract private sector investments of around Rs.13,000 crore. The primary objectives of development of the township is to initiate industrial development, enabling the Pithampur, Dhar Mhow Investment region to take off, while providing essential infrastructure and services to support establishment of institutions that would create the skilled and employable work force. It will drive manufacturing and act as a catalyst for the growth of industrial development of the DMIC region by attracting skilled human resources. In addition to significant economic benefits the project will also have a multiplier effect on the region including employment generation and revenue generation. The development of the integrated industrial township mainly targets non-polluting industries and knowledge related uses on the lines of a "green city".

In the first stage of the Project, the JVC consisting the subsidiaries of the Government of Madhya Pradesh and DMIC Trust would take up creation of trunk infrastructure for the development of the township at Vikram Udyogpuri. In the second stage, the JVC will invite private developers to develop, operate and maintain real estates and commercial development on PPP basis as well as operation and maintenance of selected trunk infrastructure. Development of trunk infrastructure will be undertaken on design-build basis by the JVC who will engage Transaction Adviser (s) for structuring and bidding out PPPable projects and monitoring the execution of the projects.

Approval for development of trunk infrastructure for integrated industrial township at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh in the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor

project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the formation of a Joint Venture Company (JVC), with equity contribution of 50 percent each from the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Trust and the Government of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) represented by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). The JPC is for development of trunk infrastructure of the integrated industrial township at Greater Noida, in the Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad Investment Region of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor.

The development of the infrastructural industrial township is expected to attract private sector investments of over Rs.33,000 crore over a period of 30 years, generate significant employment (direct or indirect) and lead to multiplier effect in each of the target industry sectors, including backward and forward linkages with other sectors of the economy. The project will drive manufacturing and catalyse the growth of industrial development in the DMIC region by attracting skilled human resources at the Integrated Industrial Township at Greater Noida.

The project cost of Rs.1714.70 crore is proposed to be met by equity contribution of Rs.617.20 crore by the DMIC Trust and the State Government. The equity from the State Government would be in the form of land which would be transferred to the JVC. The capital expenditure of Rs.480.30 crore will be met from internal accruals.

The project is proposed to be implemented in two stages. In the first stage, the JVC formed by DMIC Trust and Govt. of UP will ensure the creation of trunk infrastructure for the overall infrastructural industrial township development. This will attract private sector investments and enhance the marketability of the project. In the second stage, private players will be invited for the phased development of the township. The JVC will evaluate the results of PPP developments and consider the development of the subsequent phases through PPP or land monetization as may be appropriate.

Background

The Government of India is developing the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project as a global manufacturing and investment destination by utilizing a high capacity 1483 Km long western dedicated Freight Corridor as the backbone. The Dadri Noida Gaziabad Investment Region (DNGIR) located in Uttar Pradesh is one of the eight investment regions/industrial areas identified for development in the first phase of the DMIC Project. Delhi Mumbai Industrial Development Corporation (DMICDC), in consultation with the Govt. of UP, has identified the development of the infrastructural industrial township to drive manufacturing activities and promote sustainable development. The site for the township at Greater Noida is a part of the delineated DNGIR planned within the notified Greater Noida Master Plan -2021 and covers a total area of 302.5 hectares (747.5 acres).

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a proposal to provide financial support of Rs. 2727.10 crore to Nalanda University over a period of 12 years from 2010-11 to 2021-22.

The salient features of the financial support are:-

i) Rs. 1749.65 crore will be spent towards capital cost of the project.

ii) Rs. 977.45 crore has been provided to meet the University`s recurring expenditure for eight years from 2014-15 to 2021-22.

iii) iv) The main campus, including residences of teaching and non-teaching staff is being built on a plot measuring 455 acres, provided free of cost by the Government of Bihar on a 99-year lease.

v) vi) The University has already received US$ 11.55 lakh as voluntary contribution from China, Thailand and Laos. Singapore has offered to build a library at a cost of US$ 5 million. Australia has commited Australian $ 1 million for a Chair in the School of Ecology and Environment Studies. Japan has pledged assistance for the renovation of highways leading to the University. Other participating countries will contribute as the University progresses.

vii) viii) An Endowments Committee has been constituted to raise funds through public-private partnerships.

ix) x) The University will also start generating its own revenues to meet a part of its recurring expenditure when teaching commences in phases.

xi) xii) The approved financial support will be other than voluntary contributions from participating countries, endowments to be received through public-private partnerhsips, and the revenues generated by the University in due course.

The establishment of Nalanda University will benefit 2450 Indian and foreign students by the end of 2021-22.

The funding by the Government of India would enable the University to establish itself as an international institution of excellence.

455 acres of land has been provided by the Government of Bihar. Construction in the first phase is expected to begin this year. Teaching in the first two Schools is expected to begin from leased premises in September, 2014. Teaching in all the seven Schools will commence in the academic year 2017-18. A Headquarters Agreement granting privileges and immunities to the academic staff has been signed between the Government of India and Nalanda University in July, 2013 to facilitate hiring of the best faculty from across the world.

Approval for formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle for implementation and operation of Model Solar Power Project at Neemrana, Rajasthan

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementation and operation of the Model Solar Power Project at Neemrana, Rajasthan as a 100 percent subsidiary of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC).

The total financial implications for the Government of India is around Rs. 35.34 crore, out of which the equity component is Rs. 13 crore and the debt component is Rs. 22.34 crore.

The project demonstrates the integration of solar power with industrial diesel generator sets (as the backup facility). The project has the latest cutting edge technological breakthroughs in the field of solar generation and smart grid from Japan and is expected to yield the following benefits:

a) Production of green power while reducing CO2 emissions by cutting down diesel consumption.

b) Demonstrating the concept of integrating solar power with industrial diesel generator sets through smart micro grid technology;

c) Enable the dissemination of solar PV and smart micro grid technology on a large scale and promote replication of this technology in other industrial areas which will help in reducing the carbon footprint by combining solar power with DG power; d) Promote manufacturing of solar panels and other equipment facilities.

The Government of India is developing the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project as a global manufacturing and investment destination by utilizing a high capacity 1483 km long western dedicated Freight Corridor as the backbone. The Government of India in association with the Government of Japan has proposed to develop a model Solar Power Project at Neemrana, Rajasthan using cutting edge Japanese technology.

The SPV for the implementation and operation of the Model Solar Power Project will be a 100 percent subsidiary of DMICDC. A sum of Rs 13 crore required for subscription to the equity of DMICDC (i.e., the proposed SPV) as well as Rs 22.34 as debt to the SPV will be released by the DMIC Trust to DMICDC. The upsides from such investment will flow back to the DMIC Trust. The power generated through the 5MWp component would be sold to NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) at a tariff of Rs. 8.77 per unit (derived as weighted average of tariffs arrived in the bidding for 350 MW Solar Power in Batch-11 of Phase I of JNNSM). 1 MW Smart Micro Grid (1 MW Solar PV integrated with 1 MW Diesel Generator sets) will be used for supplying power to identified industrial consumers in the Neemrana Industrial Park and will be operated for a period of 10 years. The tariff applicable to industrial consumers will be determined at the time of signing the Power Purchase Agreement by the SPV with users.

Utilisation of Japanese Assistance under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through Special Terms For Economic Partnership (STEP) of Japanese Official Development Assistance loans for the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the utilisation of Japanese assistance under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) of Japanese official development assistance loans for the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project and the operational rules, terms and conditions of this tied loan facility.

The Government of India is developing the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project as a global manufacturing and investment destination by utilizing a high capacity 1483 Km long western dedicated Freight Corridor as the backbone. The development of industrial cities with world class infrastructure in the DMIC region will attract an estimated investment of around US $ 90-100 billion, while providing employment opportunities for over three million people. The proposal for availing the US $ 4.5 billion facility through a STEP loan is expected to bring in Japanese funding, cutting edge technology and knowhow into projects implemented in DMIC. This would also enable the Japanese companies to establish their manufacturing facilities in India and enable transfer of technology from Japan to India.

JICA will conduct consultation with Japanese companies for a project to be financed by a STEP loan to promote more appropriate formulation and prompt implementation of the project as well as to promote more active participation of Japanese companies. All efforts will be made by JICA/ DMICDC/ Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Government of Japan (METI) to ensure that there is price discovery through participation of a minimum of two companies/ consortia. The conditions of the STEP loan permit that the 30 percent of the goods to be sourced from Japan can be procured from local companies in India, where Japanese companies hold 10 percent or more equity. This will encourage Japanese companies to create joint ventures in partnership with Indian companies and address concerns regarding high cost of goods procured from Japan.

The ODA loan under the STEP scheme is available at an interest rate of 0.1 percent for a repayment period of 40 years covering up to 100 percent of the project cost. The scheme also provides for a moratorium of 10 years. Based on a cost comparison communicated by DMICDC, the ODA loan under the STEP scheme provides for substantial savings, in comparison to other standard ODA loans with interest rates ranging from 0.8 percent to 1.4 percent for a repayment period of 15 to 30 years.

Moily Approves setting up Multi Organisation Team (MOT) for Re-assessment of Hydrocarbon Resources of India

Resources Estimation Exercise covering all 26 Sedimentary Basins to be completed within 30 months

The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Dr. M. Veerappa Moily has approved constitution of a Multi Organization Team (MOT) to carry out re-assessment of Hydrocarbon Resources of India in all its 26 sedimentary basins. The Exercise will cover all the 26 sedimentary basins of India. Resource assessment is required to be completed within 30 months. The Keshav Dev Malviya Institute of Petroleum Engineering (KDMIPE) of ONGC will act as leader with Director (Exploration) of ONGC as Chairman and Director (Exploration & Development) of Oil India Ltd (OIL) as Co-chairman. A National Level Committee headed Petroleum Secretary will monitor & review the progress of work periodically. It may be recalled that during the course of implementation of pre-NELP (New Exploration Licensing Policy) and NELP rounds and other exploration and production activities, substantial geo-scientific data have been acquired and interpreted. New oil and gas fields have also been discovered by utilizing improved geological understanding and new technology. With the increase in exploration spread and quantum jump in availability of geo-scientific data generated under NELP there is a need to revisit the Hydrocarbon Resource assessment of India.

Japanese Health Ministry Fixes MRL for Ethoxyquin in Shrimps

Marine Products Export Development Authority Chairman Ms. Leena Nair today said that the Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare has officially notified the MRL for Ethoxyquin. The Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) has been fixed at 0.2 ppm in crustaceans including farmed shrimp. This ends the 18 month long battle by MPEDA, with the support of Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Embassy of India, Tokyo. In its meeting of 29th November 2013, the committee of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare has approved to fix a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 0.2 ppm in crustaceans including farmed shrimp. The MRL was notified on 2nd December 2013 for public comments in Japan, besides was also placed in WTO.

It may be recalled that the import inspection authorities of Japan had suddenly enforced the default level of 0.01ppm for Ethoxyquin in shrimps from India and Vietnam without any reason in August 2012. The issue was immediately taken up with the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), METI and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, MPEDA and Embassy of India, Tokyo citing the lack of scientific reasoning behind their action. Subsequently, then Minister of Health, Labour & Welfare referred the matter to the Food Safety Commission (FSC) under Cabinet Secretariat to asses and recommend Accepted Daily Intake (ADI) of Ethoxyquin in shrimps. The issue was also taken up at almost all bilateral meetings between India and Japan including at the Prime Minister’s level. Subsequently, the subcommittee of Food Safety Commission fixed the ADI for Ethoxyquin as 0.0083 mg /kg body weight in its meeting on 19th November 2013.

Meanwhile, the imports of shrimp from India has shown an increase of 20.10% in quantity and 61.79% in value on an year on year basis for the period January –November 2013 compared to 2012. The increased intake in the country is attributed to short supply of shrimps from other major shrimp farming countries due to the Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) disease and increased confidence in Indian farmed shrimp, especially the white leg (Litopenaeus vannamei) variety. The total shrimp imports upto November 2013 is 29153 tons worth 29651 million Yen. India stands at third position in shrimp imports to Japan during 2013. The first position is occupied by Vietnam, followed by Indonesia. However, India became the largest supplier of frozen shrimp to Japanese market since September 2013. Overall seafood imports from India also showed an increase of 44.15% in value during the same period, though the quantity showed a slight decline of 0.17%.

Visible improvement in School Infrastructure since implementation of RTE Act, 2009

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, came into force from 1st April 2010. The Act laid down a three year time frame to attain various norms and standards as specified in the Schedule to the RTE Act. The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development has been documenting the progress made by States and UTs every year since the RTE Act came into force on the basis of DISE data. Recently the Ministry has published RTE: The 3rd Year on the basis of DISE Data 2012-13 with respect to children’s enrolment, teacher availability and infrastructure indicators for each State as well as at the national level. RTE: The 3rd Year has also captured additional indicators on the child centered provisions as well as quality. The publication focuses on the progress made by States and UTs since the enactment of the Act in the last three years. State wise stock taking of various indicators is helpful in analyzing the trends and also for further planning.

All States and UTs have notified the State RTE Rules. Major notifications with regard to setting up systems to implement the RTE Act have also been put in place. All States/UTs have notified their State Academic Authorities and issued notifications with regard to the elementary education cycle of 8 years. Also notifications with regard to no corporal punishment, banning of private tuitions, banning of screening procedure and capitation fees and no board examinations up to the elementary level have been put in place by all the States/ UTs. By 2012-13, 88% of the schools had a School Management Committee as per provisions of the RTE Act. 75% of the members of SMCs are parents of children studying in school and at least 50% of these are women.

Total enrolment in the elementary education have been steadily rising and stands at 13.47 crores at primary and 6.49 crores at upper primary level with girls forming 48% and 49% of the enrolment respectively. There is also a very encouraging trend of the enrolment of SC/ST and Muslim children which is representative of their share in the population.

The pupil teacher ratio at the national level has shown a dramatic improvement. It has come down from 32 in 2009-10 at the elementary level to 27 in 2012-13. 26 States/UTs had also conducted one/more rounds of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) by September 2012.

School infrastructure has been steadily improving since coming into force of the RTE Act. Number of elementary schools in the country (Government and unaided) stands at 11,53,472. The student-class room ratio is down to 29 students per class room. 95% of the schools have been provided with drinking water facility and coverage of separate girls’ toilets has increased from 59% in 2009-10 to 69% in 2012-13. States/UTs like Chandigarh, Delhi, Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Punjab, Puducherry etc. have covered all schools with drinking water facility.

The RTE Act also lays down the working hours and instructional hours in schools. Each state has issued its own notification in this regard. 30 States have developed a Continuous Comprehensive Education module and in 26 States, it has been implemented universally in all schools.

Minister of Mines Dedicates Advanced Light Helicopter – Garuda Vasudha to the Nation

Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of Mines, dedicated the Advanced Light Helicopter “Garuda Vasudha” of Geological Survey of India equipped with Heliborne Geophysical Survey System (HGSS) to the nation here today through video-conferencing. The helicopter was launched from the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) Complex, Bangalore. The Minister also laid the foundation stone of a Centre of Excellence Laboratory building of GSI at its Bangalore complex at a cost of Rs. 42 crore.. The Garuda Vasudha a ‘Dhruv’ category helicopter has been indigenously built by HAL and the HGSS comprising four aerogeophysical sensors, namely Time Domain Electromagnetic, Magnetic, Spectrometric and Gravimetric alongwith Data Acquisition Systems, have been procured from M/s Pico Envirotec Inc., Canada. The installation and integration of the sensor system has been carried out at HAL. The total cost of the HGSS is about Rs. 63 crores. Speaking on the occasion Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of Mines, expressed his pleasure in dedicating Garuda Vasudhawhich would be used for extensive surveys by the GSI for locating hidden mineral health.

The Minister further added that the state-of-the-art Heliborne Geophysical Survey System (HGSS) will bolster the probing prowess of aerogeophysical surveys for locating concealed and deep seated mineral deposits of the country. The Minister said that the moment has come when Remote Sensing and Aerial Survey Wing of Geological Survey of India would be using both the aerial and heliborne survey together and would be effectively used in locating mineral resources which is going to fulfill rising demands and will also result in saving valuable foreign exchange.

Praising GSI for its Centre of Excellence, the Minister said that the establishment of one more Centre of Excellence at Bangalore is part of the modernization Program. The objective is to create a highly modernized and sophiticatedly equipped state-of-the-art centre for carrying out diverse geoscientific studies. The Centre will be equiped Electron Probe Micro Analyser, In Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, X-ray fluorescence Spectrometer, X-ray diffraction spectrometer, Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic absorption spectrometer. The Centre will further have facilities for Fluid inclusion studies, petrological studies, Geophysical data analyses etc. The centre of excellence will give a huge fillip to the laboratory support for mineral exploration and research.

At present GSI has three Centres of Excellence in the cities of Faridabad, Kolkata and Bangalore. On the occasion two brochure ‘ Remote Sensing and Aerial Surveys and Heliborne Geophysical Survey System were released.

Present during the videoconferencing were senior officers from the Ministry of Mines and Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence and GSI.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductively_coupled_plasma_mass_spectrometry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductively_coupled_plasma_mass_spectrometry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-ray_fluorescence

India and Japan Enter into Memorandum in the Field of Tourism

India and Japan have entered into a Memorandum for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism. The Memorandum was signed between Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Japan Tourism Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure , Transport and Tourism, Government of Japan in New Delhi on 22nd January, 2014. Mr. Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism in his capacity as Director General, Tourism and Mr. Shigeto Kubo, Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency signed the Memorandum.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shigeto Kubo, Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency expressed the hope that the Memorandum would facilitate travel and tourist visits and further strengthen the tourism partnership between the two countries.

Mr. Parvez Dewan , Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said that religious tourism in the form of Buddhist heritage sites is a great attraction for Japanese tourists to India. He said that Japanese tourists have been availing visa-on-arrival in a major way and the highest number of visas on arrival were issued to the tourists from Japan during 2013, as in previous years.

Japan is an important source market for Indian Tourism. During 2013, India received 2.20 lakh tourists from Japan.

This Memorandum between India and Japan is intended to serve as the key instrument for greater action oriented cooperation and further strengthening the close tourism partnership between the two countries. The main objectives of the Memorandum are :

a) To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector; b) To exchange information and data related to tourism ; c) To encourage cooperation between Tour Operators and tourism stakeholders including Hotel owners; d) To establish exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resource Development; e) To exchange visits of Tour Operators/Media/ Opinion Makers for promotion of two way tourism; f) To exchange experience in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management; g) To participate in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country; and h) To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.

Chairperson and Members of Lokpal to be Appointed Shortly More Anti Corruption Legislations being Expedited

As a first step towards the setting up of Lokpal, the Government has invited applications for filling up one post of Chairperson and eight posts of Members in the Lokpal. Out of eight Members in the Lokpal, four posts are of Judicial Members and other four posts are for other than Judicial Members. Fifty percent of members of Lok Pal shall be from amongst SC, ST, OBC, Minorities and Women. The Government has circulated these vacancies to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, the Registrars of High Courts, Chief Secretaries of State Governments and Secretaries in the Central Government Departments and Ministries, calling for nomination of eligible candidates by Feb 7, 2014. The new enactment is indicative of the resolve of the Parliament and the Government to give to the nation an effective anti-corruption framework. The historic Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 passed by Parliament (December 17, 2013 in Rajya Sabha and December 18, 2013 in Lok Sabha) paves the way for setting up of the institution of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in States by law enacted by the respective State Legislatures within one year of coming into force of the Act. The new law provides for a mechanism for dealing with complaints of corruption against public functionaries, including those in high places.

Another significant feature of the Act is that it has taken its present shape after repeated consultations with all stake holders including civil society. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act is perhaps the only legislation in the history of independent India, which has been so widely discussed, both inside and outside Parliament and has, thus generated so much awareness in the public mind about the need to have an effective institution of Lokpal to tackle corruption. The Government has decided to expedite some of the pending important anti-corruption legislations such as Whistle-blowers Protection Bill, 2011, Foreign Bribery Bill and Private Sector Corruption, Amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act and Right to Time-bound Delivery of Goods and Services Bill in the Parliament. Whistle-blowers Protection Bill, 2011 Persons who report the corruption or wilful misuse of power or wilful misuse of discretion which ceases demonstrable loss to the Government or commission of a criminal offence by a public servant need statutory protection. The Whistle-blowers Protection Bill,2011 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Dec.27, 2011 and the said bill is now pending in the Rajya Sabha.

Foreign Bribery Bill and Private Sector Corruption The prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public officials and officials of Public International Organisations Bill, 2011 was introduced in Lok Sabha in March, 2011. The Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law & Justice and Personnel has submitted its report on the Bill and the majority of recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee have been accepted by Government. The Bill could not be taken up for discussion during the recent winter session of Parliament. Amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act The Government has decided to amend the prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by incorporating provisions for confiscation and forfeiture of property illegally acquired by corrupt public servants. The Bill for the purpose was introduced in Parliament on Aug.19, 2013 and has been referred to the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Law & Justice for examination. Right to Time-bound Delivery of Goods and Services BillThe Government has introduced a Bill to empower the citizen and to improve accountability and transparence in governance titled ‘The Right of Citizens for Time-bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill’ in the Lok Sabha in December, 2011. The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice has submitted its report on the Bill to Parliament and the Bill is presently pending in Lok Sabha.

Smt. Krishna Tirath launches the Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Programme (MSNP) and Nutrition Resource Platform (NRP) on the occasion of

National Girl Child Day

The Women and Child Development Minister, Smt Krishna Tirath launched the Multi Sectoral Nutrition Programme (MSNP) and National Resource Platform (NRP) on the occasion of National Girl Child Day, here today. The National Girl Child Day is celebrated on 24th January to commemorate the day when late Smt. Indira Gandhi was sworn in as the first woman Prime Minister of the country. This year’s theme of Girl Child Day is ‘Safety and Development of girl child’.

Speaking at the occasion Smt. Krishna Tirath said that the Multi -Sectoral Nutrition Programme (MSNP) aims to bring inter-sectoral convergence and coherence in policy, planning and action with core focus on both direct interventions and indirect interventions for maternal and child under nutrition, thus providing a continuum of care and follow a life cycle approach. The programme will be implemented as a special intervention in 200 high burden districts spread over 19 States, beginning with 100 districts in the current financial year, she added.

The Minister also launched the Nutrition Resource Platform (NRP) that aims to collect, collate and make available resources and materials on nutrition and child development to various stakeholders. It will also be an interactive knowledge resource base which facilitates real time interaction, exchange of ideas and discussions. NRP is functional at National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) and is a virtual repository with the support of Food and Nutrition Board and NIC.

Smt. Tirath said that child sex ratio in the 0-6 year age group declined steeply from 927 in 2001 to 919 in 2011 implying that millions of girls went missing in just a decade. The practice of child marriage is still prevalent in the country as 47 % of women in the age 20-24 were married before the age 18.Thus the Ministry has embarked on a multidimensional strategy for the welfare of the girl child for bringing about attitudinal changes in the society towards the girl child through legislative, preventive, advocacy and programmatic inputs. Highlighting the success of Sabla scheme the Minister said that one crore sablas will be trained as Ahimsa Messengers through NIPCCD and they will help to spread awareness on gender issues.

The Minister stated that the efforts of Ministry of Women and Child Development are to ensure the survival of the girl child and her right to be born and nurture her so that she grows up to be an informed, secure and productive participating member of the community and society. Smt. Tirath said that all private institutions should also provide child care leave to their women employees so that they can look after their children better and help in development of the nation.

Speaking at the occasion the Secretary WCD, Shri A.K Jain said that the Ministry aims to develop girl child as a National resource. He said that poor nutrition starts before birth and is carried on to adolescents and then to adults as mothers. This intergenerational cycle of undernourishment is more likely to experience health failures. There are problems like gender discrimination, early marriage, etc which lead to a cycle of multiple deprivation for girl. The recent initiative named Multi Sectoral Nutrition Programme (MSNP) will help to overcome the under nutrition in girls. Rs 1213 crores have been approved for the programme during 12th Plan period and 75% of this amount i.e. around Rs 944crores will be provided by the Government of India. The NRP is an e-platform and is a valuable source of information. The Ministry will see to it that the schemes are properly implemented, he added.

On the occasion cultural programmes were organised by National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) which included Nehru Bal Sangh, 2014 Declaration from Mini India including signatures signed by 600 children culminating with ‘Adhikaarin’, a beautiful choreographed presentation and a group song in Hindi on the theme of declining child sex ratio and welfare of the girl child by Read India which is a thematic partner of NMEW.

Present at occasion were Ms. Preeti Sudan, Additional Secretary WCD, Ms. K Ratna Prabha, Additional Secretary WCD, various officials from WCD Ministry, officials from NIPCCD, NMEW, Planning Commission and State Governments.

Anand Sharma Invites Japanese Companies to Establish Chip and Semiconductor Manufacturing Units Offers Incentives for Electronic System Design and

Manufacturing

India today extended a package of incentives to Japan in order to encourage Investment in Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) in the country. In a meeting with Mr. Hiromasa Yonekura, Chairman, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) along with the top Japanese Business representatives in India, here today, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Anand Sharma said, “Government of India has decided to offer a package of incentives to attract domestic and global investments into ESDM sector within Electronic Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) Schemes. In addition, the Government has recently approved the proposal for setting up of two Semi-conductor Wafer Fabrications (FAB) manufacturing facilities in the country.” Shri Sharma invited all Semi Conductor Wafer Fabrication (FAB) manufacturers in Japan to avail subsidy/other benefits/support being offered by Government of India for establishing FAB facilities in India.

The Indian Minister conveyed that Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (now also known as ITA-1), a plurilateral agreement of WTO has not benefitted India as far as manufacturing in the domestic hardware industry is concerned. it has led to sharp decline in investments in manufacturing of components, raw materials, parts and even electronic sub-assemblies, loss of investment in high value added manufacturing ,decline in the share of domestically manufactured electronic components .In light of this many measures have been taken by the Government to build a sound manufacturing environment in the field of Electronics and Information Technology and Japanese companies can benefit from them.

Shri Sharma also stressed strengthening of cooperation in creative industries, which ranges from design, apparel, fashion, food, house-hold goods, music, movies, animation and traditional craft would further promote and deepen mutual understanding of the two countries. Shri Sharma and METI Minister Mr Edano met on 30th April 2012 in New Delhi and reached the common recognition that enhancing bilateral cooperation in the area of Creative Industries will be regarded as an important new pillar of Japan and India industry cooperation. Secretary DIPP Shri Saurabh Chandra met his counterpart in May 2013 and December 2013 to take the process forward. Six MOUs between Japanese companies and Indian companies in areas such as traditional/regional products, animation, apparel/fashion, lifestyle/luxury products and food were signed in recent past. National Institute of design (NID), Ahmadabad is taking lead in implementing the tasks assigned to them as regards to cooperation on Creative Industry.

MSME and National Innovation Council Launch The India Inclusive Innovation Fund

The National Innovation Council (NInC) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) jointly announced the creation of the India Inclusive Innovation Fund (IIIF) here today. IIIF approved by the Union Cabinet seeks to combine innovation and the dynamism of enterprise to solve the problems of citizens at the base of the economic pyramid in India.

Speaking about the Fund, Sam Pitroda, Chairman of NInC and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovation said: “The needs of the people at the base of the economic pyramid are today served by philanthropy and Government grants / subsidies which can never be either adequate or scalable. IIIF seeks to leverage the model of Venture Capital to transform the lives of the less privileged”.

The Fund will be registered under SEBI’s Alternative Investment Fund Category I guidelines with an initial corpus of Rs. 500 crores, with the Ministry of MSME committing to 20% (Rs 100 crores) and the balance being given by Banks, insurance companies, overseas financial and development institutions. The Fund will endeavour to provide modest financial returns, while ensuring significant social impact to the community. The Fund’s eventual aim is to expand the corpus to Rs. 5,000 crores over the next 24 months.

Speaking on the occasion the Secretary, MSME, Shri Madhav Lal said that the underline philosophy of the programme is to bring various stakeholders together not only for financing the enterprises but also providing handholding support in different manner through technical inputs to connect with the markets. A number of initiatives will be brought on board and will have a bearing in future on this programme. The Ministry of MSME is very happy on playing an important role, so that programme reaches new heights. The Programme is first of its kind in the country.

The IIIF seeks to create a new class of capital which helps set up and scale entrepreneurial skills and innovation which address the needs of the base of the economic pyramid. The Fund will invest in innovative ventures that are scalable, sustainable and therefore profitable but address social needs of our less privileged citizens in areas such as healthcare, food, nutrition, agriculture, education / skill development, energy, financial inclusion, water, sanitation, employment generation, etc.

Lack of Capital is one of the major reasons why ventures and entrepreneurs seeking to address the needs at the base of the economic pyramid have failed to take off. IIIF seeks to address exactly this gap and therefore at least 50% of its investments initially will be to enterprises that fall in the MSME stage. It has been observed globally that new enterprises have the highest potential for job creation and hence IIIF will seek to address this aspect as well.

The IIIF will also partner the entire ecosystem in this space, including incubators, angel groups, and also public R&D programmes and laboratories to support the commercialisation and deployment of socially relevant innovative technologies and solutions.

The Government will not be involved in the day to day operations of the Fund, which will be entrusted to an Asset Management Company (AMC), set up as a Section 25 not for profit company. The AMC will appoint a professional management team for this purpose as also an Investment Committee comprising professionals of repute, which will take all investment / divestment decisions. A Governing Council comprising government nominees as well as eminent persons from the fields of public service, industry, finance, entrepreneurship, etc. will provide oversight and ensure the Purpose of the Fund is maintained. The AMC will also build a mentoring network, enable incubation and provide training and skills development programmes to entrepreneurs and IIIF assisted companies.

Present on the occasion were Mr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman, CA Technologies, Dr. B. K. Gairola, Member Secretary, National Innovation Council and Mission Director, NeGP and other Senior official of the Ministry of MSME and National Innovation Council.

TRAI Releases Recommendations on ‘Working Guidelines for Spectrum Trading’

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has finalized its recommendations on the ‘Working Guidelines on Spectrum Trading’. The salient features of the recommendations are given below:

· Under spectrum trading, only outright transfer of spectrum is permitted, i.e. the ownership of the usage right is transferred to the buyer. Spectrum leasing is not permitted at this point of time.

· Spectrum trading will not alter the original validity period of spectrum assignment.

· For the present, Spectrum Trading shall be permitted only on a pan-LSA (Licensed Service Area) basis i.e. spectrum cannot be traded for a part of the LSA.

· The seller and the buyer shall be required to inform the Licensor regarding the spectrum trade, 6 weeks prior to the effective date of trade. However, no permission will be required from the Licensor/Government for Spectrum Trading.

· All spectrum bands earmarked for Access Services by the Licensor will be treated as tradable spectrum bands. Currently spectrum in 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz and 2500MHz spectrum bands have been allocatedfor Access Services.

· Only CMTS/UASL/UL (AS)/UL licensees shall be eligible to participate in the spectrum trading. The entire spectrum held by the licensee in a particular spectrum band within an LSA should be tradable i.e. it has either been assigned through an auction in the year 2010 or afterwards, or on which the TSP has already paid the prescribed market value (as decided by the Government from time to time) to the Government.· A TSP will not be permitted to trade any spectrum in the spectrum band in which it has acquired any spectrum through trading (or auction) for a period of 2 years from the effective date of transfer of spectrum (or effective date of assignment), i.e. TSP is required to hold spectrum for at least two years from the date it acquires the spectrum.

Earlier, TRAI in its recommendations on ‘Valuation and Reserve price of Spectrum’ dated 9th September 2013 had recommended that spectrum trading should be permitted in the country. In its reference dated 11th October 2013, the DoT conveyed its in-principle acceptance of TRAI`s recommendation to permit spectrum trading in the country.

Clarification on Media Reports on Drinking Water Supply Scheme to Tumkur, Bangalore (Rural), Kolar & Chikaballapur Districts Published on 24.1.2014

The proposal of Drinking Water Supply Scheme to Tumkur, Bangalore (Rural), Kolar & Chikaballapur Districts by diverting excess floodwater from west flowing rivers such as Yettinahole, Kadumanehole, Kerihole and Hongadallahole located in Sakleshpur of Hasan District in Western Ghats region by M/s. Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd, a PSU of Government of Karnataka seeking clarification on requirement of Environment Clearance (EC) under EIA Notification, 2006 received in October, 2012 in the Ministry of Environment & Forest.

The proposal was discussed by the designated Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) in its 63rd meeting held during 26th – 27th December, 2012.

• The proposal being a Drinking Water Supply Scheme, the EAC upon appraisal of the project observed that the proposal is neither for hydro power development nor comprises irrigation component and therefore, expressed its inability to consider the project for the purpose of TOR/EIA/EMP etc as this does not fall within the purview and mandate of the EAC, as drinking water schemes do not attract the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006 and its subsequent amendment, 2009. This was accordingly clarified to M/s Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd by the Ministry.

UPA Government fully committed to the Strengthening of AYUSH in the Country: Smt. Santosh Chowdhry

Two days AROGYA Health Mela begins at Phagwara

Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Smt. Santosh Chowdhry has said that the UPA Government is fully committed to the strengthening of AYUSH System in the country. Addressing the inaugural function of Arogya Mela at Phagwara of District Kapurthala in Punjab today she said health facilities are being provided to the common man at their door-step. Mrs. Chawdhry said the AYUSH system is totally free from side effects of medicines and it is also cheaper too. She said that more than Sixteen Thousand AYUSH Centre have been set-up in the Country and Mobile Ambulances are also being provided for the AYUSH system. Smt. Chowdhry exhorted the people to take maximum benefits of Arogya Mela and encourage others to participate in the comprehensive AYUSH health fair on Ayurveda, Yoga, Homeopathy and Unani. Those who spokes on the occasion includes Secretary Department of AYUSH Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Shri Nilanjan Sanyal and Secretary Health Govt. of Punjab Shri Hussan Lal. On the 1st day hundreds of people thronged to the Ramgarhia Polytechnic College, Phagwara, venue of the Arogya Mela to avail the facilities of free Health check-up and free medicines. Many departments and Health Organizations have put-up exhibition stalls for display of AYUSH Medicines, Herbal Products and Medicinal plants. Live Yoga demonstration of treatment of various diseases by experts of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga New Delhi is one of the main attractions of the Arogya Mela.

NRLM emerges as biggest programme for women empowerment, says Jairam

Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Jairam Ramesh said that NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission) is the biggest programme for women empowerment in India. Talking to the media here after signing of an MoU between NRLM and Digital Green, a Microsoft Research Project, he said, Women Self Help Groups Movement is going to stay despite political changes. He said, at present there are 3 crore women, who are members of Self Help Groups, SHGs and in the next 5 to 7 years , Seven crore women households will be covered under it. Shri Ramesh said, at present Bank linkages to NRLM are to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore, which will be expanded to One lakh crore in the next five years in the Central and Eastern India as 80 percent of the current loan disbursement is concentrated in the Four Southern States. The Minister also emphasized that new direction is being given to NRLM to make Sanitation part of the scheme and he underlined that women must take up the ownership of sanitation as this is linked to their dignity and self respect.

Referring to the success stories of NRLM in States like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Ramesh said, the use of technology will help in documenting of best farm practices in the rural hinterland.

He also informed that in areas where farmers have 2nd source of income apart from traditional crop agriculture like livestock or Non timber forest produce, the cases of farmer’s suicides are low. Quoting data, the Minister said that at present one third of all farm households are owned by women in India.

A Release Issued by the Ministry States that National Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (NRLPS) has a strategy to partner with various stakeholders like NGOs, CSOs to enhance the pace of the program delivery. NRLM can draw from these learning and use the knowledge created in the course to reach out to the marginalized communities of rural India. National Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society has already partnered with PRADAN, a reputed NGO as National Support Organization on Livelihoods, and entered into an MOU with them recently.

Digital GREEN works with partners to effectively exchange relevant livelihood practices among rural communities using locally produced videos and mediated dissemination. Incubated as a research project in Microsoft Research India’s Technology for Emerging Markets team in 2006, digital GREEN spun off as an independent non-profit charitable trust in 2008. digitalGREEN’s innovative ICT based approach focuses on low cost and effective peer-to-peer learning processes which strives to empower poor households to increase their productivity and incomes in a sustainable manner. It builds on the existing extension systems of public, private, and civil society organizations and strengthens them to be more effective and efficient. This has been widely applied in the context of agriculture and agri-based livelihood in the different parts of country.

Australia Can Supply Coking Coal to Indian Steel Industry on Priority: Steel Minister

The Union Minister of Steel, Shri Beni Prasad Verma, leading a delegation to Australia for strengthening ties between the two countries in areas of mining and coal supply, met with the Australian Minister of Industry and Resources, Mr. Ian Macfarlane, in Brisbane today. He also met with the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Julie Bishop during a meeting of Australia-India Business Council. Discussions were held on forging collaborative partnerships between the two countries in the areas of mining and coal trade.

Interacting with Mr. Macfarlane, Shri Verma spoke about the potential for supply of coal to India. He said, “There is a huge potential for consumption of coking coal in India. Our country is looking for reliable raw material suppliers. I think Australia can consider supply of coking coal to Indian steel Industry on priority basis.”

Describing the quantum of this demand he said, “We plan to increase our steel production to 300 million tonnes from the present level of about 80 million tonnes. Our coal requirement is also set to rise in a decade’s time”. Shri Verma also talked about exploring the possibility of a long term agreement between Australian miners and Indian steel producers for export of coking coal.

Talking about cooperation between India and Australia in the field of mineral exploration and its trade, Mr. Macfarlane said that Australia has been supplying coking coal to India and understands the potential of Indian steel industry. He was of the view that the relationship between the two countries should be taken forward.

During the Australia – India Business council meeting, Shri Verma shared his views about the steel industry and on issues of the economic cooperation. Assuring support to Australian miners, Shri Verma invited Australian businessmen to jointly collaborate with Indian companies in areas of mining and coal trade. He also spoke about the huge potential for increasing import of coking coal from Australia.

The Indian delegation comprises Chairman, SAIL, NMDC and ICVL, Shri C.S. Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri S. Abbasi, CMD, MOIL Ltd., Shri G.P. Kundergi and CEO, ICVL, Shri Ajay Mathur.

Curtain Raiser – Beating Retreat Ceremony 2014

Like yesteryears, this year also the Indian tunes will be the flavour of the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony. As many as 18 out of 21 performances have been composed by Indian musicians and just three popular tunes by foreign musicians. Salient feature of this year’s Beating Retreat Ceremony lies in the fact that 10 new compositions are being played for the first time – four by Army (‘Jahan Daal Daal Pe Sone ki Chidiya’, ‘Swarnim Desh’, ‘Blessing of the God’ and ‘Dhruv’) and six by Navy and Air Force (‘Skylord’, ‘Brave Warriors’, ‘Stride’, ‘The Western Seas’, ‘Rejoice in Raisina’ and ‘Fidos’). Also for the first time ‘Gagan Damama Bajio’ quick march tune is being played in Beating the Retreat Ceremony. Other than ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ rest of the tunes are being played after a gap of six or more years. This year for the first time Indian Army is introducing a drum ‘Tum Tum’ comprising of four sets of small drums in the Beating the Retreat Ceremony.

The ceremony at the Vijay Chowk on January 29th every year marks the culmination of the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations. This year, 14 Military Bands, 17 Pipes and Drums Bands, 85 Buglers and 14 Trumpeters from various Regiments of Army are participating in Beating the Retreat Ceremony. Besides, four Military Bands each of Indian Navy and Indian Air Force will also form part of the event.

The principal conductor of the Beating Retreat ceremony will be Sqn Ldr G Jayachandran while military bands conductor will be Subedar Major (Musician) Ramesh Singh and Navy and Air Force bands commander will be Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician) Ramesh Chand. Buglers will perform under the leadership of Subedar Major (Musician) Hem Raj and pipes and drums bands will play under the instructions of Subedar Major (Musician) Vijayan TV.

‘Beating the Retreat’ has emerged as an event of national pride when the Colours and Standards are paraded. The ceremony traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the massed bands. ‘Beating Retreat’ marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. Colours and Standards are cased and flags lowered. The ceremony creates a nostalgia for the times gone by.

Overall Teledensity in the Country increases to 73.69 at the end of November 2013

With the number of telephone subscribers in the country increasing to 910.14 million at the end of November 2013, the overall Teledensity in India has increased from 73.32 at the end of October, 2013 to 73.69 at the end of November, 2013. This shows a monthly growth of 0.62%. As per the latest data released by TRAI, the share of urban subscribers has declined from 60.26% to 60.06% whereas share of rural subscribers has increased from 39.74% to 39.94% in the month of November 2013.

As per the latest data, subscription in the urban areas increased from 545.09 million in October, 2013 to 546.64 million at the end of November, 2013. Subscription in rural areas increased from 359.48 million to 363.50 million during the same period. The monthly growth rate of urban and rural subscription is 0.28% and 1.12% respectively. The overall urban Tele-density has increased from 144.28 to 144.46 and Rural Tele-density increased from 42.00to 42.43 in November 2013.

India and the Republic of Fiji Sign Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal

Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income

The Government of the Republic of India signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with the Government of Republic of Fiji for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. The Agreement was signed here today by Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Minister of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and by Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anti-Corruption, Public Enterprises, Communications, Civil Aviation, Tourism, Industry and Trade, on behalf of the Government of Republic of Fiji.

Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram said that the need for the DTAA between the two countries was felt and negotiations were completed in 2011. He said that the Agreement will provide tax stability to the residents of India and Fiji and facilitate mutual economic cooperation as well as stimulate the flow of investment, technology and services between India and Fiji. The Finance Minister further said that the Agreement incorporates provisions for an effective exchange of information and assistance in collection of taxes between tax authorities of the two countries including exchange of banking information.

The DTAA provides that business profits will be taxable in the source State if the activities of an enterprise constitute a permanent establishment in the source state. Profits derived by an enterprise from the operation of aircraft in international traffic shall be taxable in the country of place of effective management of the enterprise. Dividends, interest, royalty income and fees for technical or professional services will be taxed both in the country of residence and in the country of source. However, the maximum rate of tax to be charged in the country of source will not exceed the prescribed limit for such dividends, interest, royalties and fees for technical services. Capital gains from the sale of shares will be taxable in the country of source. The Agreement also incorporates anti-abuse provisions to ensure that the benefits of the Agreement are availed of only by the residents of the two countries and to prevent any abuse of treaty.

he Government of India and Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI) Sign A Contribution Agreement to Facilitate Contribution of Government of India to GAVI; India Assumes Leading Role Towards Global Commitment for Vaccination and Immunization in Particular and Health of Children in General

A Contribution Agreement was signed here today between the Government of India and Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI). The agreement was signed by Dr Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Mr Seth Berkley, CEO, GAVI on behalf of the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI) to facilitate contribution of Government of India to GAVI. As per the terms of agreement, the Government of India has decided to contribute to GAVI @ US$ one million per year for the four years from 2013-14 to 2016-17 (i.e. during 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17).

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mayaram, Secretary, DEA said that India has a tradition of reaching-out to needy and lending support to various activities carried out by different agencies/government. He said that India is giving aid internationally through loans and grants. Dr Mayaram said that it is expected that this effort of the Government of India will place it as an important leading player, towards global commitment for vaccination and immunization in particular, and health of children in general.

India supports multi-lateral institutions such as the GFATM and now GAVI in the health sector. The GAVI Alliance (formerly the “Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation”), a public-private global health partnership committed to increasing access to immunisation in poor countries, was launched on January 29, 2000.

GAVI is doing work in India – including GAVI’s role in the pentavalent national roll-out. GAVI has an HSS grant to India (USD 107m). It is famous as an innovative health PPP namely ‘The Vaccine Bonds Programme (IFFI) and Matching Fund’ that encourages corporate sector to commit resources. India is committed to tackling the Millennium Goal to save children’s lives. In this direction, the Government of India has decided to contribute 1 million USD each year (for 4 yrs) to GAVI Alliance, impressed at the achievements of GAVI – 440 million children immunized globally and 6m lives saved.

India and Netherlands sign MoU in the field of Health and Medicine

India signed a MoU with The Netherlands in the field of health and medicine to strengthen bilateral cooperations, here today. The MoU was signed by the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ms. Edith I Schippers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Speaking at the occasion Sh Azad said that development and strengthening of cooperation between the two countries will result in mutually beneficial exchanges in the areas of communicable diseases; anti-microbial resistance; public health policy; health systems strengthening including e-health and governance; medical equipment and pharmaceutical products; and life sciences and medical technology. Under the agreement both countries can also encourage greater research collaboration between universities, foundations, industry and the health services in both the countries, he noted.

Shri Azad said that this is a very positive development and a step forward from the sectoral MoU between respective food regulatory authorities in the area of food safety. He expressed his happiness that the United Nations has recognized the important role of health in the next generation of global development goals beyond 2015, suggesting an illustrative goal of “Ensuring healthy lives”.The agreement coincides with the on-going debate on the development goals the global community should set next, he added.

Ms. Edith I Schippers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Kingdom of the Netherlands had visited New Delhi in May 2012, when discussions were done on possibilities of co-operation in public health and drug regulatory mechanisms. That was followed by Shri Azad’s visit to Netherlands in October 2012 to attend the Ministerial Conference on "Responsible Use of Medicines & Anti-Microbial Resistance" at Amsterdam. Since then, there has been substantial progress to address the twin issues of rational use of medicines and the anti-microbial resistance. Speaking at the signing, Ms. Edith I Schippers said that this MoU will strengthen ties between the two countries in the areas of health. She stated that the Netherlands has experience of PPPs in health; the two countries can cooperate in this area to learn from the experiences of both.

Present during the MoU signing were Sh K Desiraju, Secretary, MoHFW; Dr Katoch, DG ICMR, Sh Jagdish Prasad, DG CGHS and senior offices of the Ministry. Mr Alphonsus Stoelinga, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India was also present.

Guidelines and Strategy for National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) Issued

Focus on Increasing Production of Traditional Crops and Trees and Bringing More Area Under Oil-Palm Cultivation

Agriculture Ministry has issued detailed guidelines and strategy to be adopted for implementation of the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP).

Rs. 3507 crore have been sanctioned for NMOOP in the 12th Plan. The scheme aims at enhancing production of traditional oilseed and tree-borne oilseed. In addition, significant area is sought to be brought under oil palm.

The strategy to implement the proposed Mission includes

· increasing Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR) with focus on Varietal Replacement;

· increasing irrigation coverage under oilseeds from 26% to 36%;

· diversification of area from low yielding cereals crops to oilseeds crops; inter-cropping of oilseeds with cereals/ pulses/ sugarcane;

· use of fallow land after paddy /potato cultivation;

· expansion of cultivation of Oil Palm and tree borne oilseeds in watersheds and wastelands;

· increasing availability of quality planting material enhancing procurement of oilseeds and collection; and

· processing of tree borne oilseeds.

Inter-cropping during gestation period of oil palm and tree borne oilseeds would provide economic return to the farmers when there is no production.

The scheme would be implemented in mission mode through active involvement of all the stakeholders. The Centre and States will bear costs in the ratio of 75:25. Fund flow would be strictly monitored to ensure that benefit of the Mission reaches the targeted beneficiaries in time to achieve the results.

Sh Ghulam Nabi Azad Inaugurates ‘Mother and Child Tracking Facilitation Centre’

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad inaugurated the Mother and Child Tracking Facilitation Center at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, here today. Speaking at the occasion Sh Azad said that Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS) initiative was launched under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in December 2009. While earlier a call center operated from the Ministry premises, the Facilitation Centre shall be able to reach out to a much larger number of pregnant and feeding mothers through the larger infrastructure. MCTS is a name based web based service that captures the details of pregnant women and children up to 5 years and tracks delivery of due services to them. Over 10.5 crore pregnant women and children have been registered in MCTS till now. The aim of MCTS is to ensure that every pregnant woman gets complete and quality ante and post natal care and every child receives a full range of immunisation services. Details of pregnant women and children are captured through the web based system. Regular SMSes are being sent to pregnant women and parents of children to make them aware of the services due to pregnant women / children so that they may get those services. More than 71 lakh SMSes have been sent to beneficiaries in January 2014 alone, the Health Minister stated.

Sh Azad said that the tracking system will help to gather very valuable data from the states on the health schemes and facilities reaching the beneficiaries. This will help to better the facilities and also evaluate them. The Health Minister while inaugurating the Facilitation Centre himself spoke to some of the beneficiaries to find out about the status of services being provided to them, and the outreach help by ANMs and ASHAs. He also interacted with some ASHA workers. Besides monitoring delivery of MCH services to the pregnant women and children, MCTS system will make full use of opportunity to directly communicate with the ANMs, ASHAs and pregnant women and parents of young children on their mobiles. Over 8.92 crore mobile numbers of beneficiaries have so far been captured. It will also generate awareness about their entitlements under various government programs and schemes. This facility will inter-alia be used for:

Ø Sending appropriate health promotion messages in voice and text to beneficiaries that are relevant according to the month of pregnancy or age of the child.

Ø Transfer of JSY benefits to pregnant women as is presently being done in 121 DBT districts.

Ø Transfer of ASHA payments directly into their accounts. This will help to ensure that ASHAs receive full range of incentives payment timely and regularly.

Ø Training of ASHAs through an IVR system as per need and requirement.

Aajeevika -Interest subvention for Women SHGs to get loans at 7%

Interest subvention for the loans taken by women Self Help Groups, SHGs is an important initiative underAajeevika-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), a flagship programme of the Ministry of Rural Development, for empowerment and promotion of livelihoods of rural poor women. The interest subvention component was approved by Govt . of India in May, 2013, and is applicable for loans availed by women S.H.G s from 1st April 2013.

The operational Guidelines were issued by R.B.I and N.A.B.A.R.D in November, 2013 and subsequently the Ministry has completed all the preparations, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, for implementing the scheme. Instructions have been issued to all Public Sector Banks, RRBs and Co operative banks for implementation of the Scheme.

Accordingly, from 1st Feb 2014, all Banks (PSBs, RRBs, Cooperative Banks and Private Banks) will lend to all the women SHGs at upfront 7% interest(for loans upto Rs. 3 lakhs) in 150 select backward districts (details in Annexure). These SHGs will get a further 3% subvention on prompt repayment, thus the effective charge on all such loans will be 4% only. In addition, all women SHGs with outstanding loans (from 1st April 2013 onwards for loans upto Rs. 3 lakhs) will pay interest only at 7% from February 1st. They will be reimbursed the differential interest amount for the period 1st April 2013 to 31st January, 2014.

In the remaining districts, women SHGs that are NRLM compliant and are regular in repaying Bank loans will enjoy interest subvention on reimbursement basis, making effective interest 7% for loans upto Rs. 3 lakhs. This is also with effect from 1st April 2013.