Deccan Education Society, Pune

In the year 1880 the late Shri V. K. Chiplunkar with Lokmanya Tilak and M. B. Namjoshi started 'New English School' in Pune with the objective of 'cheapening and facilitating education'. In course of time Shri V. S. Apte, (M. A.), Shri. G. G. Agarkar, (M. A.), Shri V. B. Kelkar, (B. A.), Shri M. S. Gole, (M. A.), and Shri. N. K. Dharap, (B. A.) joined them. This was a revolutionary step because Government Institutions and Christian missionaries were the only agencies involved in educating the masses and the education provided failed to generate leadership for industrial regeneration of a self-governing nation. Private enterprises in education were discouraged. With the idea of providing education to rouse the intellect, drooping will and slumbering conscience of the fallen countrymen, Deccan Education Society came into existence.

National Archives of India

The National Archives of India (NAI) is a repository of the non-current records of the Government of India and is holding them in trust for the use of administrators and scholars. Originally established as the 'Imperial Record Department' in 1891, in Calcutta, then capital of British India. NAI is today situated at the Inter-section of Janpath and Rajpath, in Delhi, and functions as an attached Office of the Department of Culture under Ministry of Culture, Government of India.[1

It was set up in 11 March 1891 in Calcutta (Kolkata) as the 'Imperial Record Department' and was subsequently transferred to the new Capital New Delhi, in 1911 and it was shifted to its present building in 1926. Built in late neo-classical style, it was in fact one of four museums and archives building planned by Edwin Lutyens at the interaction of King's way and Queen's way, known as 'Point B', however only the present was built eventually. [2] Shri K.R. Narayanan, then President of India, declared open the "Museum of the National Archives" to the general public on 6 July 1998. This Museum is a representative overview of the multifarious holdings of the National Archives, promotes a common man's interest in archival holdings. It has a Regional Office at Bhopal and three Record Centres at Bhubaneswar, Jaipur and Pondicherry.

Ghadar Party
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Ghadar Party

Founded

1913

Dissolved

1919

Preceded by

Pacific Coast Hindustan Association

Ideology

Revolutionary Socialism Indian Nationalism

Colours

Red, Saffron and Green

The Ghadar Party (Hindustani:

(Devanagari),

( Nastaleeq); Punjabi:

) was an organization founded by Punjabi Indians,[1] in the United States and Canada with the aim to liberate India from British rule. The movement began with a group of immigrants known as the Hindustani Workers of the Pacific Coast.[2] After the outbreak of World War I, Ghadar party members returned to Punjab to agitate for rebellion alongside the Babbar Akali Movement. In 1915 they conducted revolutionary activities in central Punjab and attempted to organize uprisings but their attempts were crushed by the British Government.[3] After the conclusion of the war, the party in America split into Communist and Anti-Communist factions. The party was formally dissolved in 1948.[4] Ghadar is an Urdu/Punjabi word derived from Arabic which means "revolt" or "rebellion." As Kartar Singh Sarabha, one of the founders of the party, wrote in the first issue: "Today there begins 'Ghadar' in foreign lands, but in our country's tongue, a war against the British Raj. What is our name? Ghadar. What is our work? Ghadar. Where will be the Revolution? In India. The time will soon come when rifles and blood will take the place of pens and ink." The name of the organization was primarily spelled "Gadar Party" or "Ghadr Party" by its members.

[edit] Background
See also: Sohan Singh Bhakna

The economic downturn in India during the early nineteenth[dubious discuss] century witnessed a high level of emigration. Some of these emigrants settled in North America. These included Punjabis as well as people from other parts of India. The Canadian government decided to curtail this influx with a series of laws, which were aimed at limiting the entry of South Asians into the country and restricting the political rights of those already in the country. The Punjabi community had hitherto been an important loyal force for the British Empire and the community had expected, equal welcome and rights from the British and Commonwealth governments as extended to British and white immigrants. These laws fed growing discontent, protests and anticolonial sentiments within the community. Faced with increasingly difficult situations, the community began organising itself into political groups. A large number of Punjabis also moved to the United States, but they encountered similar political and social problems.[5]

Ghadar di Gunj, an early Ghadarite compilation of nationalist and socialist literature, was banned in India in 1913.

The Ghadar Party, initially the Pacific Coast Hindustan Association, was formed in 1913 in the United States under the leadership of Har Dayal, with Sohan Singh Bhakna as its president. The members of the party were Indian immigrants, largely from Punjab.[5] Many of its members were students at University of California at Berkeley including Dayal, Tarak Nath Das, Maulavi

Barkatullah, Kartar Singh Sarabha and V.G. Pingle. The party quickly gained support from Indian expatriates, especially in the United States, Canada and Asia.

[edit] The Ghadar Newspaper

Main article: Hindustan Ghadar

Ghadar Newspaper (Urdu) Vol. 1, No. 22, March 24, 1914

The party was built around the weekly paper The Ghadar, which carried the caption on the masthead: Angrezi Raj Ka Dushman (an enemy of the British rule). "Wanted brave soldiers", the Ghadar declared, "to stir up rebellion in India. Pay-death; Price-martyrdom; Pension-liberty; Field of battle-India". The ideology of the party was strongly secular. In the words of Sohan Singh Bhakna, who later became a major peasant leader of the Punjab: "We were not Sikhs or Punjabis. Our religion was patriotism". The first issue of The Ghadar, was published from San Francisco on November 1, 1913. Following the voyage of the Komagata Maru in 1914, a direct challenge to Canadian racist antiIndian immigration laws, several thousand Indians resident in the USA sold their business and homes ready to drive the British from India. However, Hardayal had fled to Europe concerned that the US authorities would hand him over to the British. Sohan Singh Bhakna was already in

British hands, and the leadership fell to Ram Chandra. Following the entry of Canada into World War I, the organization was centered in the USA and received substantial funding from the German government. They had a very militant tone, as illustrated by this quote from Harnam Singh:
No pundits or mullahs do we need

The party rose to prominence in the second decade of the 20th century, and grew in strength owing to Indian discontent over World War I and the lack of political reforms. Ghadar activists undertook what the British described as political terrorism, but what was revolution to most Indians.[citation needed] Ghadar activists were responsible for bombs planted on government property. In 1917 some of their leaders were arrested and put on trial in the Hindu German Conspiracy Trial in which their paper was quoted. The Ghadar party commanded a loyal following the province of Punjab[citation needed], but many of its most prominent activists were forced into exile to Canada and the United States. It ceased to play an active role in Indian politics after 1919. The party had active members in other countries such as Mexico, Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Malaya, Indo-China and Eastern and Southern Africa.
[edit] Members of the Ghadar Party

Baba Bhagwan Singh Dhosanjh Maulavi Barkatullah Kartar Singh Sarabha Baba Visakha Singh Harnam Singh Tundilat Harnam Singh Kahira Sahira' Harnam Singh Saini Sohan Singh Bhakna Lala Har Dayal Tarak Nath Das Pandurang Sadashiv Khankhoje Ganda Singh Phangureh V. G. Pingle Bhai Randhir Singh

Munsha Singh Dukhi Karim Bux Harikrishan Talwar

William Jones (philologist)

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(July 2010)

For other people named William Jones, see William Jones (disambiguation).

A steel engraving of Sir William Jones, after a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Sir William Jones (28 September 1746 27 April 1794) was an Anglo-Welsh philologist and scholar of ancient India, particularly known for his proposition of the existence of a relationship among Indo-European languages. He along with Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal, and started a journal called 'Asiatick Researches'.

Contents
[hide]

1 Biography 2 Scholarly contributions 3 Latin chess poem 4 Schopenhauer's citation 5 References 6 Resources

7 External links

[edit] Biography
William Jones was born in London at Beaufort Buildings, Westminster; his father (also named William Jones) was a mathematician from Anglesey in Wales, noted for devising the use of the symbol pi. The young William Jones was a linguistic prodigy, learning Greek, Latin, Persian, Arabic, Hebrew and the basics of Chinese writing at an early age.[1] By the end of his life he knew thirteen languages thoroughly and another twenty-eight reasonably well, making him a hyperpolyglot. Jones' father died when he was aged three. His mother Mary Nix Jones raised him. Jones attended Harrow in September 1753 and then went on to Oxford University. He graduated from University College, Oxford in 1768 and became M.A. in 1773. Too poor, even with his award, to pay the fees, he gained a job tutoring the seven-year-old Lord Althorp, son of Earl Spencer. He embarked on a career as a tutor and translator for the next six years. During this time he published Histoire de Nader Chah (1770), a French translation of a work originally written in Persian by Mirza Mehdi Khan Astarabadi. This was done at the request of King Christian VII of Denmark who had visited Jones - who by the age of 24 had already acquired a reputation as an orientalist. This would be the first of numerous works on Persia, Turkey, and the Middle East in general.

Tomb of William Jones in Calcutta.

In 1770, he joined the Middle Temple and studied law for three years, which would eventually lead him to his life-work in India; after a spell as a circuit judge in Wales, and a fruitless attempt to resolve the issues of the American Revolution in concert with Benjamin Franklin in Paris, he was appointed puisne judge to the Supreme Court of Bengal on 4 March 1783, and on 20 March he was knighted. In April 1783 he married Anna Maria Shipley, the eldest daughter of Dr. Jonathan Shipley, Bishop of Landaff and Bishop of St Asaph. On 25 September 1783 he arrived in Calcutta. Jones was a radical political thinker, a friend of the American Revolution. His work The principles of government; in a dialogue between a scholar and a peasant [London?]: printed and distributed gratis by the Society for Constitutional Information, 1783 was the subject of a trial for seditious libel after it was reprinted by his brother-in-law William Shipley. In the Subcontinent he was entranced by Indian culture, an as-yet untouched field in European scholarship, and on 15 January 1784 he founded the Asiatic Society in Calcutta. Over the next ten years he would produce a flood of works on India, launching the modern study of the subcontinent in virtually every social science. He also wrote on the local laws, music, literature, botany, and geography, and made the first English translations of several important works of Indian literature. He died in Calcutta on 27 April 1794 at the age of 47 and is buried in South Park Street Cemetery.[2]

Sir William Jones sometimes also went by the nom de plume Youns Uksfardi () . This pen name can be seen on the inner front cover of his Persian Grammar published in 1771 (and in subsequent editions as well). The second half of the pen name, Uksfardi, Persian rendition of "from Oxford", can be directly attributed to the deep attachment William Jones had for the University of Oxford. The first name Youns is a rendition of Jones.

[edit] Scholarly contributions

Of all his discoveries, Jones is known today for making and propagating the observation that Sanskrit bore a certain resemblance to classical Greek and Latin. In The Sanscrit Language (1786) he suggested that all three languages had a common root, and that indeed they may all be further related, in turn, to Gothic and the Celtic languages, as well as to Persian. NB: It is known today that this discovery was erroneously attributed to William Jones. In fact, Gaston-Laurent Coeurdoux, a French Jesuit who spent all his life in India, was the first to make that observation. In a memoir sent to the French Academy of Sciences in 1767, he demonstrated the existing analogy between Sanskrit, Latin, Greek and even German and Russian.[citation needed] His third annual discourse before the Asiatic Society on the history and culture of the Hindus (delivered on 2 February 1786 and published in 1788) with the famed "philologer" passage is often cited as the beginning of comparative linguistics and Indo-European studies.[3] The Sanscrit language, whatever be its antiquity, is of a wonderful structure; more perfect than the Greek, more copious than the Latin, and more exquisitely refined than either, yet bearing to both of them a stronger affinity, both in the roots of verbs and the forms of grammar, than could possibly have been produced by accident; so strong indeed, that no philologer could examine them all three, without believing them to have sprung from some common source, which, perhaps, no longer exists; there is a similar reason, though not quite so forcible, for supposing that both the Gothic and the Celtic, though blended with a very different idiom, had the same origin with the Sanscrit; and the old Persian might be added to the same family. This common source came to be known as Proto-Indo-European.[citation needed]

Jones was also the first to propose a racial division of India involving an Aryan invasion but at that time there was insufficient evidence to support it. It was an idea later taken up by British administrators such as Herbert Hope Risley but remains disputed today.[4]

[edit] Latin chess poem

In 1763, at the age of 17, Jones wrote the poem Caissa in Latin hexameters, based on a 658-line poem called "Scacchia, Ludus" published in 1527 by Marco Girolamo Vida, giving a mythical origin of chess that has become well known in the chess world. He also published an English language version of the poem. In the poem the nymph Caissa initially repels the advances of Mars, the god of war. Spurned, Mars seeks the aid of the god of sport, who creates the game of chess as a gift for Mars to win Caissa's favour. Mars wins her over with the game. Caissa has been since been characterised as the "goddess" of chess, her name being used in several contexts in modern chess playing.

[edit] Schopenhauer's citation

Arthur Schopenhauer referred to one of Sir William Jones's publications in 1 of The World as Will and Representation (1819). Schopenhauer was trying to support the doctrine that "everything that exists for knowledge, and hence the whole of this world, is only object in relation to the subject, perception of the perceiver, in a word, representation." He quoted Jones's original English: ... how early this basic truth was recognized by the sages of India, since it appears as the fundamental tenet of the Vednta philosophy ascribed to Vyasa, is proved by Sir William Jones in the last of his essays: "On the Philosophy of the Asiatics" (Asiatic Researches, vol. IV, p. 164): "The fundamental tenet of the Vednta school consisted not in denying the existence of matter, that is solidity, impenetrability, and extended figure (to deny which would be lunacy), but in correcting the popular notion of it, and in contending that it has no essence independent of mental perception; that existence and perceptibility are convertible terms."

Schopenhauer used Jones's authority to relate the basic principle of his philosophy to what was, according to Jones, the most important underlying proposition of Vednta. He referred to Sir William Jones's writings in a few other places in his works, but this was the most extensive citation.

M. R. Jayakar
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Dr Mukund Ramrao Jayakar(b. 13 November 1873 ; d.10 March 1959, Bombay) was former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Poona. Mr. Jayakar had studied LL.B. in Bombay in 1902 and become barrister in 1905 at London. In 1905 he was enrolled as advocate of the Bombay High Court. He was Director of Bombay Chronicle along with Jinnah. He was a member of the Bombay Legislative Council during 1923-1925, and a leader of the Swaraj Party. He also become member of Central Legislative Assembly. In 1937 he become Judge of Federal Court of India at Delhi. In December 1946, he joined Constituent Assembly of India [1] He died on 10 March 1959 at Bombay at the age of 86.[2]

Pandita Ramabai
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
(April 2010)

Pandita Ramabai

A picture of Ramabai

Born

23 April 1858 Gangamoola,Karkala,Karnataka,India

Died

5 April 1922 Maharashtra, India

Pandita Ramabai (23 April 1858 5 April 1922) was a social reformer and activist in India. She was born as Brahmin Hindu, started Arya Mahila Samaj, later converted to Christianity, and served widows and helpless women of India. Ramabai was a poet, a scholar, and a champion of improvement in the plight of Indian women and their emancipation. She visited most parts of India, and even went to Britain (1883) and the United States of America (188688). She wrote many books including The High Caste Hindu Woman, which showed the darkest aspects of the life of Hindu women, including child brides and child widows, and their treatment by government and society. She had a strong view of what should be accomplished so that women would be able to have more freedom, including the protection of widows and child brides, many of whom were made destitute by in-laws.

Contents
[hide]

1 Early life 2 Social service 3 Family life 4 Awards and honors 5 References 6 Further reading

7 External links

[edit] Early life

Ramabai was born into an intellectual Hindu Marathi-speaking Chitpavan Brahmin family at Karnataka (Karkala Taluk, Mangalore District). Her father, Anant Shastri Dongre,who stayed at a place in western ghats called Gangamoola,(Mala village,Karkala,Karnataka) was a Sanskrit scholar and believed that women should have education. Against the prevailing traditional Hindu social structure, he taught Puranas and Sanskrit shlokas to Ramabai as well as his second wife, Ramambais mother Laxmibai and how to read and write Sanskrit as well as how to interpret vedic texts. She was raised by her father. Her father faced hardships as he was against the tradition and he advocated education to girl children. He proved in front of Hindu scholars at Soday,(Karnataka) that teaching women Sanskrit was not banned in any shastra or purana.[1] Her father, mother and sister died during 187476; and her brother and she traveled all over India and eventually ended up in Calcutta in Bengal. Their travel included 2,000 miles by foot!
[2]

Ramabai's Sanskrit knowledge surprised the educated people of Kolkata. She was awarded

with the title of Pandita by Calcutta University, and was also awarded with the title of Sarasvati in recognition of her ability to interpret various Sanskrit works. After her brother's death in 1880, even though it was considered inappropriate for a Hindu to marry into a lower caste, she married, on 13 November 1880, Babu Bipin Behari Medhavi, a Bengali lawyer at Bankipore, who was not a Brahmin but a Shudra. Six months after the birth of

their daughter Manorama, Babu died in 1882, and Pandita was once again left with just one family member, her daughter, Ramabai received a scholarship to study in Britain. During her time there she converted to Christianity. When she returned to India, she started homes for the destitute and Christian churches which had Sanskrit script rather than the Roman script which was used for English and other European languages. Ramabai combined her new Christian ideals with her old Indian culture and used this mix to promote change in India. She also lectured across America for three years on the plight of women and child widows in India; and when the Ramabai Foundation was formed in America to collect funds for her projects in India, more than $30,000 was collected. More than 10,000 copies of her book, High Caste Hindu Women were sold in America, the profits from which were used give shelter to destitute women in India! She wrote a book about her travels to the United States [She wrote about her American experience in a book titled United States Chi Lokasthiti Ani Pravasvrutta (Status of Society of United States and a travelogue)]and it has been published in English translation as Pandita Ramabai's American Encounter. The book is a traveler's account of the people and culture of the United States. It contains a pointed comparison of the status of women in the U.S.A. and India, and suggests that India should follow the path of reform, but is not without criticisms of American society, particularly its race problem.

[edit] Social service

In addition to her writing Ramabai founded the Arya Mahila Sabha in 1881, in Pune, the very first Indian feminist organization. She studied and taught about issues which surround Indian women especially those involved in the Hindu traditions. She spoke against the practice of child marriage and the terrible constraints on the lives of child widows. In 1889 Ramabai established the Mukti Mission in Pune, as a refuge and a Gospel witness for young widows deserted and abused by their families; she also established Krupa Sadan, a home for destitute women. In Sanskrit and most Indian languages MUKTI means liberation. She was also involved in establishing a Church at Mukti. The Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission is still active today, providing housing, education, vocational training, and medical services, for many needy groups including widows, orphans, and the blind. Ramabai also started SHARDA

SADAN, which also provided housing, education, vocational training and medical services for many needy groups including widows, orphans and the blind.

[edit] Family life

As Pandita Ramabai involved herself in social service, there was little family life for her. Her childhood was full of hardships, she lost her parents early and her husband expired within two years of marriage. She had also to educate her only daughter Manorama bai. She did this well: Manorama completed her BA at Bombay University, went to America for higher studies, returned to India and worked as Principal of Sharada Sadan, Mumbai. With her help, Pandita Ramabai established Christian High school at Gulbarga (now in Karnataka), a backward district of south India, during 1912, and her daughter was Principal of the school. But Manorama's untimely death was a shock to Ramabai, and within two years of daughter's death, on 5 April 1922 she herself took her last breath. Her contribution to Christianity in India is much appreciated.[3]

[edit] Awards and honors

"Pandit" and "Saraswati" at Bengal (before going to Britain), recognising her skills in Sanskrit. Kaisar-i-Hind medal for community service in 1919, awarded by the British Government. She is honored with a feast day on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church (USA) on April 5. On 26 October 1989, in recognition of her contribution to the advancement of Indian women, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp. K. Kamaraj
Kumarasami Kamaraj (Tamil: ) better known as K. Kamaraj (15 July 1903[1] 2 October 1975[2]) was an Indian politician from Tamil Nadu widely acknowledged as the "Kingmaker" in Indian politics during the 1960s. He was the chief minister of Tamil Nadu during 1954-1963 and a Member of Parliament during 1952-1954 and 1969-1975. He was known for his simplicity and integrity.[1][3] He was involved in the Indian independence movement.[4] As a high-ranking office bearer of the Indian National Congress, he was instrumental in bringing to power two Prime Ministers, Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1964 and Indira Gandhi in 1966. In Tamil Nadu, his home state, he is still remembered for bringing school education to millions of the rural poor by introducing free education and the free Midday Meal Scheme during his tenure as chief minister. He was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, posthumously in 1976.[5] The domestic terminal of the Chennai airport is named "Kamaraj Terminal", Chennai's Beach Road renamed "Kamarajar Salai", Bengaluru's North Parade Road as "K. Kamaraj Rd." and the Madurai Kamaraj University in his honour.[3][6]

M. N. Roy From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search M. N. Roy

Manabendra Nath Roy 21 March 1887 Changripota, 24 Parganas, Bengal, British India 25 January 1954 (aged 66) Indian Narendra Nath Bhattacharya Bengali Brahmin

Born

Died Nationality Other names Ethnicity

Alma mater

Bengal Technical Institute, Communist University of the Toilers of the East Jugantar, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of Mexico, Indian Independence movement, Indo-German Conspiracy, Communism, New Communism

Organization

Political movement

Manabendra Nath Roy (Bengali: ) (18871954), born Narendra Nath Bhattacharya and popularly known as M. N. Roy, was an Indian nationalist revolutionary and an internationally known radical activist and political theorist. Roy was a founder of the Communist Parties in both Mexico and India and was a delegate to congresses of the Communist International. Following the rise of Joseph Stalin, Roy left the mainline communist movement to pursue an independent radical politics. In 1940 Roy was instrumental in the formation of the Radical Democratic Party, an organization in which he played a leading role for much of the decade of the 1940s. Roy later moved away from Marxism to become an exponent of the philosophy of Radical Humanism. Pushkar From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Pushkar town

panoramic view of Pushkar lake

Pushkar Location in Rajasthan, India Coordinates: 2630N 7433E26.5N 2630N 7433E26.5N 74.55E

74.55ECoordinates: Country State District Elevation Population (2001) Total Languages Official Time zone

India Rajasthan Ajmer 510 m (1,670 ft)

14,789

Hindi IST (UTC+5:30)

Pushkar (Hindi: ) is a town in the Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated 14 km (8.7 mi) northwest of Ajmer at an average elevation of 510 m (1,670 ft) and is one of the five sacred

dhams (pilgrimage site) for devout Hindus. According to Hindu theology , the pond at the Katas Raj temple Near choa saidan shah in Chakwal District of Pakistan has a theological association with Lord Shiva; it was formed by the tears of Lord Shiva which he is believed to have shed after the death of his wife, Sati. The story goes that when Sati died, Lord Shiva cried so much and for so long, that his tears created two holy ponds -- one at Pushkara in Ajmer in India and the other at Ketaksha, which literally means raining eyes, in Sanskrit. It is from this name that the word Katas is derived. It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists. Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities of India. It lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation. Pushkar has many temples. Most of the temples are not very old because many temples were destroyed during Muslim conquests in the area.[citation needed] Subsequently, the destroyed temples were rebuilt. The most famous among all is the Brahma Temple built during the 14th century CE. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India; village Asotra near Balotra city of Barmer district in Rajasthan; Uttamar Kovil (one of the Divya Desams) near Srirangam, Tamil Nadu; Mother Temple of Besakih in Bali, Indonesia; and Prambanan in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Pushkar lake has 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. Pushkar is also famous for its annual fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) held in November. The natural environment of Pushkar and the sacred lake has become increasingly degraded in the last few decades. The problems stem mainly from overdevelopment of tourist facilities and the deforestation of the surrounding area.[1]

Kushinagar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

Kushinagar
city

Makutabandhana, the cremation-site of Gautama Buddha's body; also known as Ramabhar Stupa

Kushinagar

Coordinates:

264428N 835317E26.741N
264428N 835317E26.741N 83.888E

83.888ECoordinates:

Country State District Government

India Uttar Pradesh Kushinagar

 Local leader Population (2001) Total Languages Official Time zone Website

Dr Ram narayan tiwar Pepara

17,982

Hindi IST (UTC+5:30) www.kushinagar.nic.in

Kushinagar (Hindi: , Urdu:

), Kusinagar or Kusinara is a town and a nagar

panchayat in Kushinagar district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Gautama Buddha have attained Parinirvana after his death.

Contents
[hide]

1 Demographics 2 Ancient history 3 Visits by the Buddha to Kushinagar 4 Discovery and Identification 5 Today 6 References 7 Location

8 External links

[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[1] Kushinagar had a population of 17,982. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Kushinagar has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the

national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 70%, and female literacy is 54%. In Kushinagar, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.It is 20km (south) away from Padrauna, 55km (east) from Gorakhpur, and 35km (north) from deoria.

[edit] Ancient history

Ancient Indian (Bharata) cities and Places(Title and location names are in English.)

In ancient times, it was known as Kushavati (Jatakas). It finds mention in epic Ramayan as the city of Kusha the son of Ram, the famous king of Ayodhya. Kushinagar was a celebrated center of the Malla kingdom of ancient India. Later, it would be known as Kushinara, one of the most important four holy sites for Buddhists. At this location, near the Hiranyavati River, Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (or 'Final Nirvana') after falling ill from eating a meal of a species of mushroom, or possibly pork. Many of the ruined stupas and viharas here date back to 3rd century BCE - 5th century CE when prosperity was at its peak. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka is known to have contributed to significant construction at this site. Prior to its rediscovery in the 19th century, there was a silence of more than half a millennium at Kasia. Due to violent invasions, Kushinagar lost its vitality and eventually was neglected.

[edit] Visits by the Buddha to Kushinagar

At the time of the Buddha, Kushinagar was the capital of the Mallas, and the scene of the Buddha's death. It was twenty-five yojanas from Rajagaha (DA.ii.609; acc. to Fa Hsien, p. 40, it was twenty-four yojanas from Kapilavatthu) and lay on the high road from Alaka to Rjagaha, the road taken by Bvar's disciples (SN.v.1012). At that time it was a small city, "a branchtownship with wattle-and-daub houses in the midst of the jungle," and Ananda was, at first,

disappointed that the Buddha should have chosen it for his Parinibbana. But the Buddha, by preaching the Maha-Sudassana Sutta, pointed out to him that in ancient times it had been Kusavati, the royal city of Maha-Sudassana (D.ii.146). It is said that the Buddha had three reasons for coming to Kusinr to die:
1. Because it was the proper venue for the preaching of the Mah-Sudassana Sutta; 2. Because Subhadda would visit him there and, after listening to his sermon, would develop meditation and become an arahant while the Buddha was still alive; and 3. Because the brahman Doha would be there, after the Buddha's death, to solve the problem of the distribution of his relics (UdA.402f; DA.ii.573f6).

Between Kusinara and Pava, three gavutas (c. 15 km (9.3 mi)) away (DA.ii.573) - from where the Buddha came to Kusinra on his last journey from Rajagaha, stopping at various places - lay the stream of Kakuttha on the banks of which was the Ambavana; beyond that was the Hiraavati river, and near the city, in a south-westerly direction, lay the Upavattana, the Salagrove of the Mallas, which the Buddha made his last resting-place (UdA.238; DA.ii.572f). After the Buddha's death his body was carried into the city by the southern gate and out of the city by the eastern gate; to the east of the city was Makutabandhana, the shrine of the Mallas, and there the body was cremated. For seven days those assembled at the ceremony held a festival in honour of the relics (D.ii.160f).

Pilgrimage to

Buddha's Holy Sites

The Four Main Sites

Lumbini Bodh Gaya

Sarnath Kushinagar

Four Additional Sites

Sravasti Rajgir Sankissa Vaishali

Other Sites

Patna Gaya Kosambi Kapilavastu Devadaha Kesariya Pava Nalanda Varanasi

Later Sites

Sanchi Mathura Ellora Ajanta Vikramshila Ratnagiri Udayagiri Lalitgiri Bharhut Barabar Caves view talk edit

As the scene of his death, Kusinara became one of the four holy places declared by the Buddha (in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta (ii. 140) ) to be fit places of pilgrimage for the pious, the other three being Kapilavatthu (near Lumbini), Buddhagaya (Bodh Gaya), and Isipatana (Sarnath) (D.ii.140). Mention is made of other visits paid to Kusinr by the Buddha, prior to that when his death took place. Thus, once he went there from pana and having spent some time at Kusinr, proceeded to tum. The Mallas of Kusinr were always great admirers of the Buddha, even though not all of them were his followers, and on the occasion of this visit they decided that any inhabitant

of Kusinr who failed to go and meet the Buddha and escort him to the city, would be fined five hundred. It was on this occasion that Roja the Mallan was converted and gave to the Buddha and the monks a supply of green vegetables and pastries (Vin.i.247f). During some of these visits the Buddha stayed in a wood called Baliharana, and there he preached two of the Kusinr Suttas (A.i.274f; v.79f) and the "Kinti" Sutta (M.ii.238f). A third Kusinr Sutta he preached while staying at Upavattana. (A.ii.79; for another discourse to some noisy monks at Upavattana, see Ud.iv.2). According to a late tradition, one-eighth of the Buddha's relics were deposited in a cairn in Kusinr and honoured by the Mallas (D.ii.167; Bu.xxviii.3). In Hiouen Thsang's day there still existed towers and Sarighrmas erected to mark the spots connected with the Buddha's last days and obsequies at Kusinr. According to his account (Beal. op. cit.li. lii. n) Kusinr was nineteen yojanas from Vesli. A copper plate belonging to the thpa erected at the site of the Buddha's death has recently been discovered (CAGI.i.714).

[edit] Discovery and Identification

The Parinirvana Temple with the Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar

The remains of the Parinirvana Stupa and Parinirvana Temple, when rediscovered, were covered in a 40 foot high mound of bricks surrounded by a dense thorny forest. After E. Buchanan, an officer of the East India Company, arrived in Kasia in the course of his survey-work, H. H. Wilson, in 1854, made the suggestion that ancient Kushinagar and Kasia were the same. Work

resumed around 18611862 when Alexander Cunningham, the founder of the Archaeological Survey of India suggested the site to be that of Gautama Buddha's decease. A British officer named Mr. A. C. L. Carlleyle followed suit. Excavations began in the early twentieth century under J. Ph. Vogel.[2] He conducted archaeological campaigns in 1904-5, 1905-6 and 1906-7, uncovering a wealth of Buddhist materials. Although no decisive evidence was found to prove Cunninghams supposition that the site known at Mth kr k Ko was Kushinr, a series of monastic seals with the Sanskrit legend mahparinirvne cturdio bhikusagha were taken to show that by the late Gupta period the site was understood to be that of the Buddha's final passing.
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[edit] Today
Today, Kushinagar is a much-frequented pilgrimage site for Indian and foreign tourists, and temples have been constructed by Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Thai, Burmese, South Korean, Tibetan and Japanese Buddhists, alongside the ruins of monasteries and stupas. Kushinagar is one of the main four Buddhist pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha. The other three are Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath. Today, in Kushinagar, there is a Post Graduate College and an Intermediate college. Today, Kushinagar has many hotels and restaurants for use by tourists. The two places most frequently visited in Kushinagar are the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, which is built on the place of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (Great Nirvana or passing away), and the place of his cremation, which is 1.6 km away. Close to the Mahaparinirvana Stupa is located a 1500 year old Buddha-image of the Buddha as he attained Parinirvana. The Mahaparinirvana Stupa is surrounded by ruins of ancient monasteries. The Maitreya Project plans to build a 500 ft/152m bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha near Kushinagar (previously planned in Bodhgaya).
Tirupati (city) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2007) Tirupati City

Tirupati Location in Andhra Pradesh, India

Coordinates:

1339N 7925E13.65N 1339N 7925E13.65N 79.42E

79.42ECoordinates: Country State Region District Government

India Andhra Pradesh Rayalaseema Chittoor

MLA

Bhumana Karunakar Reddy (Tirupati urban and Renigunta) Aruna Kumari Galla (Tirupati rural and Chandragiri) 161 m (528 ft)

Elevation

Population (2011)[1] Total Languages Official Time zone Telephone code Vehicle registration Website Telugu IST (UTC+5:30) 287,035

0877

AP-03

http://www.tuda.gov.in/

Tirupati is a major pilgrimage and cultural city in the Chittoor district. It is the largest city in the Rayalaseema region. It is located at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, 550 kilometres (340 mi) south of

Hyderabad, the capital of the state, 250 kilometres (160 mi) east of Bangalore, 65 kilometres (40 mi) from Chittoor, and 150 kilometres (93 mi) north of Chennai. Tirupati is famous for the richest temple Venkateswara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north west of Tirupati in the Tirumala hills at an elevation of 853 metres (2,799 ft). One of the most important pilgrimage centers in the World, the temple draws millions of pilgrims and is the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world.[2] Tirupati City itself has several temples and is famous for its red wooden toys, copper and brass idols. Also, the city is a major economical and educational hub in the southern region of the state. Somnath From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple Location within Gujarat 205316.9N 70245.0E20.888028N Coordinates: 70.40139ECoordinates: 205316.9N 70245.0E20.888028N 70.40139E

Name Proper name: Devanagari: Location Country: State: District: Locale: India Gujarat Junagadh Veraval Somnath Mandir

Architecture and culture Primary deity: Important festivals: Architectural styles: Somnath (Shiva)

Maha Shivaratri

Mandir

History Date built: (Current structure)

1951 (present structure)

Creator:

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (present structure) Shree Somnath Trust of Gujarat somnath.org

Temple board: Website:

The Somnath Temple (Gujarati: Sanskrit: ) located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of (the) Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having been destroyed six times by Muslim conquerors.[1][2] Most recently it was rebuilt in November 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the area for the integration of Junagadh and mooted a plan for restoration. After Patel's death, the rebuilding continued under K. M. Munshi, another minister of the Government of India.[3][4] Restoration of temple after Independence

Statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in front of the temple Before independence, Prabhas Pattan was part of the princely state of Junagadh. After integration of Jungadh in to Union of India, the Deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel came to Junagadh on November 12, 1947 to direct the stabilization of the state by the Indian Army and at the same time ordered the reconstruction of the Somanath temple.[20]

When Sardar Patel, K. M. Munshi and other leaders of the Congress went to Gandhi with the proposal of reconstructing the Somnath temple, Gandhi blessed the move,but suggested that the funds for the construction should be collected from the public and the temple should not be funded by the state. He expressed that he was proud to associate himself to the project of renovation of the temple[21] But soon both Gandhi and Sardar Patel died and the task of reconstruction of the temple continued under K. M. Munshi, who was the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies in the Nehru Government.[21] The ruins were pulled down in October 1950 and the mosque present at that site was shifted few miles away.[22] In May 1951, Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the Republic of India, invited by K M Munshi, performed the installation ceremony for the temple.[23] Rajendra Prasad said in his address "It is my view that the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple will be complete on that day when not only a magnificent edifice will arise on this foundation, but the mansion of India's prosperity will be really that prosperity of which the ancient temple of Somnath was a symbol.".[24] He added "The Somnath temple signifies that the power of reconstruction is always greater than the power of destruction"[24] This episode created a serious rift between the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who saw the movement for reconstruction of the temple as an attempt at Hindu revivalism and the President Rajendra Prasad and Union Minister K. M. Munshi, who saw in its reconstruction, the fruits of freedom and the reversal of past injustice done to Hindus.[24] The present temple, which was built by Patel and Munshi, is managed by Shree Somnath Trust.[25] Madurai From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article is about a corporation in Tamil Nadu, India. For its namesake district, see Madurai district. Madurai Athens of east City

Periyar Bus stand, Teppakulam Mariyamman tank, Madurai Corporation, River Vaigai, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai city,

Madurai Coordinates: 95511N 780710E9.919662N

78.119393ECoordinates: 95511N 780710E9.919662N 78.119393E Country State District Government Mayor Area City Elevation Population (2001) City Density Metro 1,230,015 8,300/km2 (22,000/sq mi) 1,462,420
[1]

India Tamil Nadu Madurai district

V. V. Rajan Chellappa

147.97 km2 (57.13 sq mi) 101 m (331 ft)

Languages Official Time zone PIN Tamil IST (UTC+5:30) 625 0xx

Telephone code Vehicle registration Website

452 TN-58, TN-59 and TN-64 www.maduraicorporation.in

Madurai is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the third largest city and the third largest municipal corporation in Tamil Nadu.[2] Located on the banks of River Vaigai, it has been a major settlement for two millennia and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.[3] Madurai is closely associated with the Tamil language as all three primary congregations of Tamil scholars, the Tamil Sangams, were held in the city between the 3rd century BC and 3rd century CE. The recorded history of the city goes back to the 3rd century BC, being mentioned by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to India, and Kautilya, a minister of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya. The city is believed to be of significant antiquity and has been ruled, at different times, by the Early Pandyas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, Ma'bar Sultanate, Madurai Sultanate, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Chanda Sahib, Carnatic kingdom, and the British. The city has a number of historical monuments, the Meenakshi Amman Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace being the most prominent among them. The city celebrates several festivals, the most important being the annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival (also called Chittirai festival), celebrated during AprilMay, that attracts 1 million visitors. Madurai is also known for Jallikattu, the annual bull taming event celebrated along with the Thai Pongal festival, organised in villages outside the city. Madurai is an important industrial and educational hub of South Tamil Nadu. The city is house to various automobile, rubber, chemical and granite manufacturing industries.[4] It has developed as a second-tier city for Information Technology and some software companies have opened their centres in Madurai. Madurai has important government educational institutes like the Madurai Medical College, Homeopathic Medical College,[5] Madurai Law College, Agricultural College and Research Institute that provides education to aspirants in southern districts of Tamil Nadu.The prestigious Thiagarajar college of Engineering(TCE) is also located at Madurai.Madurai is administered by a municipal corporation established in 1971 as per the Municipal Corporation Act. The city covers an area of 147.99 km2 and had a population of 1,230,015 in 2001.[1][6] The provisional population totals of 2011 census indicate the population of the city is yet to be released.[7] The city is also the seat of a bench of the Madras High Court, being one of only a few courts that exist outside the state capitals of India. Madurai is wellconnected by road, rail and air. MUSLIM DEVELOPMENT OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

MUSLIM ARCHITECTURE

The Muslim rulers of India contributed greatly to the evolution and development of a new style of art and architecture in India. The Muslims before coming into India had their own characteristic style of art as is seen in their mosques and palaces. Contact with the already established, highly developed Hindu architectural styles led to a fusion and synthesis of art styles resulting in the emergence of the Indo-Islamic style of art and architecture. The period of the Turko-Afghans saw the development of this style, different from region to region, assimilating local styles and characteristics. The two systems of art namely Hindu and Muslim are basically different in technique. The salient features of Muslim architecture are large buildings, open courtyards, mosques, bulbous domes, tall and slender minarets, arched gateways made beautiful with geometric designs and calligraphic inscriptions, use of coloured stone and glazed tiles, while the Hindu structures have lefty pyramidal shikharas, dark shrines, rich sculptural mouldings, decorations on the walls and pillars. Muslim structures can be classified under two types religious and secular. Religious structures are mosques, tombs and mausoleums. Secular ones are forts, palaces, gateways and gardens. The important features of a mosque are an open courtyard with a pillared verandah around, a sanctuary near the wall facing Mecca, a pulpit and a minaret above the wall to summon people to prayer. The sanctuary has a large dome above it. The mausoleums constructed over the tombs of the dead are beautiful monuments with vaulted halls, lofty domes, underground clambers where the graves are located and separate mosques. All these are located in an extensive enclosure. The Muslim conquerors employed Indian masons and materials for the construction of their buildings which factor was responsible for the introduction of Hindu ideas and designs in Muslim buildings. The Delhi style of architecture seen in the constructions in Delhi and surrounding areas is to be seen in the buildings of the Slave rulers. Famous among these is the Qutub Minar and the Quwat-Ul-Islam mosque near it in Delhi.

First Indian Feature Film Raja Harishchandra was the first full-length Indian feature film. The film was directed by Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (better known as Dadasaheb Phalke). The film was based on the legend of Harishchandra. Dadasaheb Phalke was greatly influenced by the style of painter Raja Ravi Verma in the making of Raja Harishchandra. The film was shown to a select audience on April 21, 1913 and was formally released on May 3 the same year at the Coronation Theatre in Bombay, where it ran for 23 days. Raja Harishchandra tells the tale of a virtuous monarch who donates his kingdom and sells himself into penury. The film was adapted from a successful stage production. It had subtitles in Hindi and English and featured male actors in the female roles. Jatra (Bengal) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

Part of a series on the Culture of Bengal

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Jatra (origin: Yatra meaning procession or journey in Sanskrit)[1] is a popular folk-theatre form of Bengali theatre, spread throughout most of Bengali speaking areas of the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh and Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Orissa and Tripura[1][2][3][4] As of 2005, there

were some 55 troupes based in Calcutta's old jatra district, Chitpur Road, and all together, jatra is a $21m-a-year industry, performed on nearly 4,000 stages in West Bengal alone,[5] where in 2001, over 300 companies employed over 20,000 people, more than the local film industry and urban theatre.[6] The word `jatra' means journey or going. The origin of jatra intrinsically a musical theatre form, is traditionally credited to the rise Sri Chaitanya's Bhakti movement, wherein Chaitanya himself played Rukmini in the performance of Rukmini Haran ("The abduction of the Charming Rukmini") from Krishna's life story, a first definite presentation of this theatrical spectacle. The performance, which lasted through the night in 1507 AD.,[7] has been described in Chaitanya Bhagavata, Chaitanya's hagiography by a disciple Vrindavana Dasa Thakura.[8] Though there are evidences of existence of a form of singing called the 'Carya', which was popular between the 9th and the 12th centuries in Bengal, which existed in Orissa simultaneously as the popular 'Carya Padas' form.[9] Jatra performances resemble, the Nautanki of Uttar Pradesh, the Tamasha of Maharashtra and Bhavai of Gujarat. Though its birthplace lies in the religious landscape, replete with various Bhakti cults of Hinduism, by the end of 19th century it was replaced by morally didactic content, and eventually became secular, when it gained entry into urban proscenium theatres during Bengal Renaissance. The survival of the form over such a vast period of rapidly changing social milieu, while catering to a heterogeneous audience, has been credited to its innate malleability and ways of adapting to changing social dynamics, and thus staying not just relevant and alive, but also thriving, unlike urban theatre which at some point gets plagued by its own puritanical intellectualism, disconnects with the current, and thus remains perpetually in dearth of mass audience.[10] Tamasha From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For the village near Tehran, see Tamasha, Iran. Contents [hide]

1 Tamasha, Maharashtrian folk art 2 Tamasha in other languages 3 See also

4 Notes

[edit] Tamasha, Maharashtrian folk art Tamasha (Marathi: ) is a traditional Marathi folk art form, often with singing and dancing, widely performed by local or travelling theatre groups within the state of Maharashtra, India.[1] It has also been the subject of several Marathi films. Some Hindi movies have also included Tamasha-themed songs in the past. The word has spread to Hindi, Urdu and Marathi, but is of Persian origin and means "fun" or "play". Colloquially the word has come to represent commotion, or any activity or display with bustle and excitement,[2] sometimes ironically in the sense of "a tempest in a teacup". Traditional Tamasha is influenced by many Indian art forms and draws from such diverse traditions as kaveli, ghazals, Kathak dance, dashavatara, lalit and kirtan. There are two types of Tamasha: dholki bhaari and the older form, sangeet baari which contains more dance and music than drama. In Maharashtra, the Kolhati and Mahar groups are traditionally associated with the performance of Tamasha.[3]

Koodiyattam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article may contain wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subject's importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. (July 2009)

Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar and his troupe performing Thoranayudham (part of Bhasa's play Abhieka Nataka based on the epic Ramayana) Koodiyattam (1962, Chennai). It was the first ever Koodiyattam performance outside Kerala.

Koodiyattam (Malayalam: , Kiya, Sanskrit: , Kiyam), also transliterated as Kutiyattam, is a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in the state of Kerala, India. Performed in the Sanskrit language in Hindu temples, it is believed to be 2,000 years old. It is officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Contents
[hide]

1 Origin 2 Instruments used 3 Performance style 4 Noted artists 5 A dying art form 6 Related literature and books 7 See also 8 References

9 External links

[edit] Origin

Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam [kutiyattam], meaning "combined acting," signifies Sanskrit drama presented in the traditional style in temple theatres of Kerala. It is the only surviving specimen of the ancient

Sanskrit theatre. It has an attested history of a thousand years in Kerala, but its origin and evolution are shrouded in mystery. Kutiyattam and chakyar koothu were among the dramatized dance worship services in temples of ancient India, particularly Tamilakam (modern-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala). Both kootiyattam and chakyar koothu find several mentions in ancient sangam literature of south and also in the epigraphs belonging to subsequent Pallava, Chera, Chola periods in Tamil Nadu. Inscriptions related to the dramatized dance worship services like koodiyattam and chakyar koothu are available in temples at Tanjore, Tiruvidaimaruthur, Vedaranyam, Tiruvarur, and Omampuliyur. They were treated as an integral part of worship services alongside the singing of tevaram and prabandam hymns. There are mentions in epigraphs those forms of dramatized dance worship services that are called aariyam that mostly had Sanskrit scripts for plays. Several ancient kings and members of other professions are listed to have authored several works for these services. There is evidence of these services being done all over ancient subcontinent during time of cholas and pallavas. A Pallava king called Rajasimha has been credited with authoring a play called kailasodharanam in Tamil that has the topic of Ravana becoming subject to Siva's anger and being subdued mercilessly for the same. For examples a fragmented inscription at the door step of an ancient Shiva temple (now non-existent) in Pegan in Burma finds mention of these services. It is believed that Kulasekhara Varman Cheraman Perumal, an ancient king of Tamil Chera dynasty, who ruled from Mahodayapuram (modern Kodungallur), reformed Koodiyattam, introducing the local language for Vidusaka and structuring presentation of the play to welldefined units. He himself wrote two plays, Subhadraharana and Tapatisamvarana and made arrangements for their presentation on stage with the help of a Brahmin friend called Tolan. These plays are still presented on stage. Apart from these, the plays traditionally presented include Ascaryacudamani of Saktibhadra, Kalyanasaugandhika of Nilakantha, Bhagavadajjuka of Bodhayana, Nagananda of Harsa, and many plays ascribed to Bhasa including Abhiseka and Pratima. The Kutiyattam performance was performed in specially designed temples called koothambalams.

The use of Buddhist themes for plays is a very controversial and moot issue and seem to be a later interpolation not existing since ancient times for the latter not being a then-legal vedic system.
Bhavai From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009) This article relies largely or entirely upon a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources. (March 2012) This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. No cleanup reason has been specified. Please help improve this if you can. (November 2007) This article's lead section may not adequately summarize all of its contents. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all of the article's key points. (April 2012)

Bhavai (Strolling Players) is a popular folk theatre form of Rajasthan, India. Contents [hide]

1 History 2 Overview 3 Bhavai plays 4 See also

5 References

[edit] History Bhavai is believed to have originated in the 14th Century.Veshas or Bhavai plays are also known as swang. In one of his long poems Asaita, one of the most well known vesha writer, dates his composition as AD 1360. Asait wrote about 360 plays, out of which some 60 have survived. Some of these veshas bear his name. Bhavai performance appear clearly to have evolved from earlier forms of folk entertainment. The word Bhavai in the sense of show or spectacle occurs in the 13th century Apabhramsa Jain religious verse. It says: "In a tree-less tract even a bunch of eranda (caster oil plant) makes a good show (Bhavai)." Abul Fazals Ain-e-Akbari also mentions Bhavai while mentioning some communities. The Bhavai performers belong to a caste that came to be known as tragala. [edit] Overview Bhavai is partly entertainment and partly a ritual offering made to Goddess Amba. In the courtyard of the Ambaji temple near Mount Abu the Navratri festival is celebrated with Bhavai performances. Amba is the presiding deity of Bhavai. Subtle social criticism laced with pungent humour is the speciality of Bhavai. The pompous and incongrous behaviour of high caste people is scoffed at in Bhavai. Probably the anger over injustice suffered by the originator of Bhavai, Asaita Thakar, permeated the art of Bhavai. Some of the Bhavai plays present a scathing review of the caste-ridden social structure. People belonging to different levels of social strata ranging from king to knave are portrayed in Bhavai. [edit] Bhavai plays Bhavai Veshas portray people from all classes of society. The barbers and knife-sharpeners, robbers, bangle sellers and social and economic thieves, banjaras, odas, darjis, fakirs and sadhus. There is a Vesha depicting the story of an unsuccessful love affair of a Bania woman and a Muslim Thanedar. At the end of the play Jasma Odan, a Muslim fakir appears to whom people request to revive Jasma. Humor plays a vital part in any Bhavai performance and comes into play even while dealing with mythological personages. This predominance makes Bhavai unique among the traditional arts of India. The chief of the Bhavai troupe is called the Nayak. He first marks the performing arena, then offers kumkum to the oil-torch which is a symbol of goddess Amba and sings prayer songs in her praise. Then enters an actor covering his face with a plate, he is Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Goddess Kali is the next to enter and after she departs comes the Brahmana. The Vesha actually starts only after these preliminary appearances .

The Nayak and the jester always remain on stage and direct the course of action with their commentary and intervention. The story unfolds through songs, dialogues and speeches in prose as well as verse. There is lot of dancing and singing in Bhavai. Female characters are acted by men. The language of Bhavai is a blend of Hindi, Urdu, and Marwari. Veshas were published for the first time in the nineteenth century and performances were linked to their predecessors through practice and the oral tradition. The bhungal is a four feet long copper pipe that provides a strong note and is unique to Bhavai. The bhungals are played during dance sequences and otherwise to indicate important characters. Other musical instruments that Bhavai performances include the pakhawaj (drums), jhanjha (cymbals), the sarangi (a stringed instrument), and the harmonium. The style of music is always Hindustani interspersed with local tunes. Bhavai is also prevalent in Rajasthan as a spectacular folk dance. The Dance form consists of veiled women dancers balancing up to seven or nine brass pitchers as they dance nimbly, pirouetting and then swaying with the soles of their feet perched on the top of a glass or on the edge of the sword. There is a sense of cutting edge suspense and nail biting acts in the dance. In short Bhavai is reflection of our own society.

Nautanki
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding references. Statements consisting only of original research may be removed. (September
2011)

Nautanki (Hindi: ) is one of the most popular folk operatic theater performance traditions of South Asia, particularly in northern India. Before the advent of Bollywood (Hindi film industry), Nautanki was the single most popular form of entertainment in the villages and towns of northern India.[1] The pleasure of Nautanki lies in the intense melodic exchanges between two or three performers; a chorus is also used sometimes. Traditional Nautankis usually start late at night, often around 10 p.m. or so, and go all night until sunrise the next morning (for a total of 810 hours in duration).

There is no intermission in Nautanki performances. The performance is often punctuated with individual songs, dances, and skits, which serve as breaks and comic relief for audiences[1] Storylines of traditional Nautankis range from mythological and folk tales to stories of contemporary heroes. For instance, while Nautanki plays such as Satya-Harishchandra and Bhakt Moradhwaj are based on mythological themes, Indal Haran and Puranmal originated from folklores. In the first half of the 20th century, the contemporary sentiments against British rule and feudal landlords found expression in Nautankis such as Sultana Daku, Jalianwala Bagh, and Amar Singh Rathore[1] Some of the famous Nautanki performers are Gokul Korea, Ghasso, Ram Swarup Sharma of Samai-Khera, Manohar Lal Sharma, Pandit Ram Dayal Sharma, Chunni Lal, Giriraj Prasad, Puran Lal Sharma, Amarnath, Gulab Bai, and Krishna Kumari[1] In the last four decades, new Nautankis are centered around contemporary social messages such as health, HIV/AIDS, womens empowerment, dowry, immigration, and family planning. They are of a much shorter durationaround 2 hours. This is to give audiences an opportunity to watch performances during a break in their daily routine[1] Source: Devendra Sharma, Ph.D.

Contents
[hide]

1 History 2 The Contemporary Scenario 3 Further reading 4 External links

5 References

[edit] History

World-renowned artist Pundit Ram Dayal Sharma and Dr. Devendra Sharma performing Nautanki

The history of the Nautanki performative tradition (also referred to as Swang) goes back several hundred years. Nautanki's origins lie in the folk performance traditions of Bhagat and Raasleela of Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, and Khayal of Rajasthan.[2] Nautanki's history becomes clearer in the nineteenth century with the coming of the printing press in India and publication of Nautanki operas in the form of chap-books[1][3] Nautanki reached the pinnacle of its glory in the early 20th century when numerous Nautanki performing troupes, known as mandalis (literal meaning: groups) and akharas (literal meaning: wrestling arenas) came into existence. Nautanki mandalis were called akharas due to the prevalence of particular style of singing in Nautanki that required a lot of physical power. The Nautankis staged by these akharas became the main source of entertainment in the small towns and villages of Northern India, and remained as such until television and VCRs began to make

inroads beginning in the early 1990s[1] Riding on its popularity, Nautanki progressed both in terms of form as well as content and its stage became bigger and more professional. Nautanki companies like Natharam's mandali, catching the cue from big Parsi theater (an urban Indian theater style) troupes such as Alfred Theater Company, started to present their performances outside the core region of its audience. Some performances occurred as far as in Myanmar[1] Nautanki still holds a strong influence over rural peoples imagination, and even after the spread of mass media (such as television and radio), a crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 can be seen at the top Nautanki performances. Like many other folk forms of India, Nautanki's status has been badly affected by the apathy of the political leadership, and the attitude of looking down upon the indigenous Indian artistic traditions by the powerful urban-based elites suffering from a postcolonial hangover (colonial after-effects on the psychology of Indian elites)[1]
Kumbh Mela From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article's factual accuracy is disputed. Please help to ensure that disputed statements are reliably sourced. See the relevant discussion on the talk page. (January 2012) Kumbh Mela

2001 Kumbh Mela at Allahabad Official name Observed by Kumbh Mela, Maha Kumbha Mela Hindus

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The Triveni Sangam, or the intersection of Yamuna River and Ganges River and the mythical Sarasvati River, where devotees perform rituals. Kumbh Mela (/km mel/ or /km ml/; Devanagari: ) is a mass Hindu pilgrimage in

which Hindus gather at the Ganges and river Godavari, where bathing for purification from sin is considered especially efficacious. The Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad, the Purna (complete) Kumbh takes place every twelve years,[1] at four places Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The Maha (great) Kumbh Mela which comes after 12 'Purna Kumbh Melas', or 144 years, is held at Allahabad.[1][2] According to the Mela Administration's estimates, around 70 million people participated in the 45-day Ardh Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, in 2007.[3] The previous Maha Kumbh Mela, held in 2010 in haridwar, was, before it occurred, estimated by the authorities to attract between 30 and 70 million people.[4][5][6][7] Next Kumbh Mela will start on 27January-2013 at Allahabad. For Kumbh Mela 2013 shahi snan (bathing) dates Contents [hide]

1 Timing

2 History
o

2.1 Attendance

3 The ritual 4 Recent Kumbha Melas

o o o o o

4.1 1894 4.2 2001 4.3 2003 4.4 2007 4.5 2010

5 Future Venues 6 Kumbha Mela in Media 7 See also 8 References

9 External links

Timing Kumbh Mela is celebrated at different locations depending on the position of the planet of Bhaspati (Jupiter) and the sun. When Jupiter and the sun are in the zodiac sign Leo (Simha Rashi) it is held in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik; when the sun is in Aries (Mesha Rashi) it is celebrated at Haridwar; when Jupiter is in Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi ) and the sun is in Capricorn (Makar Rashi) Kumbha Mela is celebrated at Prayag; and Jupiter and the sun are in Scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi) the Mela is celebrated at Ujjain.[8][9] Each site's celebration dates are calculated in advance according to a special combination of zodiacal positions of Sun, Moon, and Jupiter.[10] History The first written evidence of the Kumbha Mela can be found in the accounts of Chinese traveler, Huan Tsang or Xuanzang (602 - 664 A.D.) who visited India in 629 -645 CE, during the reign of King Harshavardhana.[11][12] However, similar observances date back many centuries, where the river festivals first started getting organised. According to medieval Hindu theology, its origin is found in one of the most popular medieval puranas, the Bhagavata Purana. The Samudra manthan episode (Churning of the

ocean of milk), is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana.[13] The account goes that the demigods had lost their strength by the curse of Durvs Muni, and to regain it, they approach Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva than they directed all demigods to Supreme Personalty of Godhead Lord Visnu[14] full story on kumbh mela and after praying to Lord Visnu, He instructed them for churning ocean of milk Ksheera Sagara (primordial ocean of milk) for amrita (the nectar of immortality). This required them to make a temporary agreement with their arch enemies, the demons or Asuras, to work together with a promise of sharing the wealth equally thereafter.[15] However, when the Kumbha (urn) containing the amrita appeared, a fight ensued. For twelve days and twelve nights (equivalent to twelve human years) the gods and demons fought in the sky for the pot of amrita. It is believed that during the battle, Lord Vishnu(Incarnates as Mohini-Mrti) flew away with the Kumbha of elixir spilling drops of amrita at four places: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.[16]

Future Venues
Year Allahabad Nashik Ujjain Haridwar 1983 Ardh Kumbh 1986 Kumbh 1989 Kumbh 1991 Kumbh 1992 Kumbh Ardh Kumbh 1995 Ardh Kumbh 1998 Kumbh 2001 Maha Kumbh 2003 Kumbh 2004 Kumbh Ardh Kumbh 2007 Ardh Kumbh 2010 Kumbh 2013 Kumbh 2015 Kumbh 2016 Kumbh Ardh Kumbh 2019 Ardh Kumbh 2022 Kumbh

Srinivasa Ramanujan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search "Ramanujan" redirects here. For other uses, see Ramanujan (disambiguation).

Srinivasa Ramanujan

Born

22 December 1887 Erode, Madras Presidency 26 April 1920 (aged 32) Chetput, Madras, Madras Presidency Kumbakonam Indian Mathematics Government Arts College Pachaiyappa's College

Died

Residence Nationality Fields

Alma mater

Academic advisors

G. H. Hardy J. E. Littlewood LandauRamanujan constant Mock theta functions Ramanujan conjecture Ramanujan prime RamanujanSoldner constant Ramanujan theta function Ramanujan's sum RogersRamanujan identities Ramanujan's master theorem G. H. Hardy Signature

Known for

Influences

Srinivasa Ramanujan FRS ( pronunciation (helpinfo)) (22 December 1887 26 April 1920) was an Indian mathematician and autodidact who, with almost no formal training in pure mathematics, made extraordinary contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Living in India with no access to the larger mathematical community, which was centered in Europe at the time, Ramanujan developed his own mathematical research in isolation. As a result, he sometimes rediscovered known theorems in addition to producing new work. Ramanujan was said to be a natural genius by the English mathematician G.H. Hardy, in the same league as mathematicians like Euler and Gauss.[1] Born in a poor Brahmin family, Ramanujan's introduction to formal mathematics began at age 10. He demonstrated a natural ability, and was given books on advanced trigonometry written by S. L. Loney that he mastered by the age of 12; he even discovered theorems of his own, and rediscovered Euler's identity independently.[2] He demonstrated unusual mathematical skills at school, winning accolades and awards. By 17, Ramanujan had conducted his own mathematical research on Bernoulli numbers and the EulerMascheroni constant.

Ramanujan received a scholarship to study at Government College in Kumbakonam, but lost it when he failed his non-mathematical coursework. He joined another college to pursue independent mathematical research, working as a clerk in the Accountant-General's office at the Madras Port Trust Office to support himself.[3] In 19121913, he sent samples of his theorems to three academics at the University of Cambridge. G. H. Hardy, recognizing the brilliance of his work, invited Ramanujan to visit and work with him at Cambridge. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Srinivasa died of illness, malnutrition, and possibly liver infection in 1920 at the age of 32. During his short lifetime, Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3900 results (mostly identities and equations).[4] Most of his claims have now been proven correct, although a small number of these results were actually false and some were already known.[5] He stated results that were both original and highly unconventional, such as the Ramanujan prime and the Ramanujan theta function, and these have inspired a vast amount of further research.[6] However, the mathematical mainstream has been rather slow in absorbing some of his major discoveries. The Ramanujan Journal, an international publication, was launched to publish work in all areas of mathematics influenced by his work.[7] In December 2011, in recognition of his contribution to mathematics, the Government of India declared that Ramanujan's birthday (22 December) should be celebrated every year as National Mathematics Day, and also declared 2012 the National Mathematical Year.[8][9]

Ramanuja
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Swami Ramanuja

Bhagavadh Ramanujacharya

Born

Lakshmana, also called Ilaya Perumal (The Radiant one) 1017 CE Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India.

Died

1137 CE Sri Rangam, Tamil Nadu, India

Titles/honours Emberumaar, Udayavar, Yathiraja, Most venerated acharya (teacher) in the philosophy of Sri Vaishnavism.

Guru

Yamunacharya

Philosophy

Vishishtadvaita

Literary works VedArtha Sangraham, Sri Bhasyam, Gita Bhasyam, VedAntha Deepam, VedAntha Saram, SaranAgathi Gadhyam, Sriranga Gadhyam, Sri Vaikuntha Gadhyam, Nitya Grantham

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r Ramanuja (traditionally 10171137, also known as r Ramanujacharya, Udayavar, Ethirajar (Yatiraja), Emberumannar, Lakshmana Muni) was a theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete. He is seen by rvaiavas as the most important teacher (crya) of their tradition who followed Nathamuni and Yamunacharya, and by Hindus in general as the leading expounder of Viidvaita, one of the classical interpretations of the dominant Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.[1
From a young age, his intelligence and ability to comprehend highly abstract philosophical points were legendary. He took initiation from Yadavaprakasa, a renowned Advaitic scholar. Though his new guru was highly impressed with his analytical ability, he was quite concerned by how much emphasis Ramanuja placed on bhakti. After frequent clashes over interpretation, Yadavaprakasa decided the young Ramanuja was becoming too much of a threat and plotted a way to kill him. However, Ramanuja's cousin Govinda Bhatta (a favourite of Yadavaprakasa) discovered the plot and helped him escape. An alternative version is that one of Yadavaprakasa's students plotted to kill Ramanuja as a means of pleasing their teacher, but Sri Ramanuja escaped in the afore-mentioned manner. Yadavaprakasa was horrified when learnt about the conspiracy. Ramanuja returned to Yadavaprakasa's tutelage but after another disagreement, Yadavaprakasa asked him to leave. Ramanuja's childhood mentor, Kancipurna, suggested he meet with Kancipurna's own guru, Yamunacharya. After renouncing the life of a householder, Ramanuja travelled to Srirangam to meet an aging Yamunacharya, a philosopher of the remergent Vishishtadvaita school of thought. Yamunacharya had died prior to Ramanuja's arrival.

Followers of Ramanuja relate the legend that three fingers of Yamunacharya's corpse were curled. Ramanuja saw this and understood that Yamunacharya was concerned about three tasks. Ramanuja vowed to complete these-

Write a Visishtadvaita Bhashya for the Brahma Sutras of Vyasa which had previously been taught orally to the disciples of the Visishtadvaita philosophy. That the name of Paraara, the author of Vishnu Purana should be perpetuated. The name of Saint ahakopa should be perpetuated by writing a commentary on the Tiruvoimozhi

Legend goes that on hearing the vow, the three fingers on the corpse straightened. Ramanuja accepted Yamunacharya as his Manasika Acharya and spent 6 months being introduced to Yamunacharya's philosophy by his disciple, Mahapurna although he did not formally join the community for another year. Ramanuja's wife followed very strict brahminical rules of the time and disparaged Mahapurna's wife as being of lower subcaste. Mahapurna and his wife left Srirangam. Ramanuja realized that his life as a householder was interfering with his philosophical pursuit as he and his wife had differing views. He sent her to her parents' house and renounced family and became a sanyasin. Ramanuja started travelling the land, having philosophical debates with the custodians of various Vishnu temples. Many of them, after losing the debates, became his disciples. Ramanuja standardized the liturgy at these temples and increased the standing and the membership of the srivaishnava school of thought. He wrote his books during this time. Ramanuja, who was a Srivaishnavite, might have faced threats from some Shaivite Chola rulers who were religiously intolerant . Ramanuja and a few of his followers moved to the Hoysala kingdom of Jain king Bittideva and queen Shantala Devi in Karnataka. Bittideva converted to Srivaishanavism, in some legends after Ramanuja cured his daughter of evil spirits, and took the name Vishnuvardhana meaning "one who grows the sect of Vishnu"[citation needed]. However, the queen and many of the ministers remained Jain and the kingdom was known for its tolerance. Ramanuja re-established the liturgy in the Cheluvanarayana temple in Melukote In Mandya District and Vishnuvardhana re-built it and also built other Vishnu temples like Chennakesava Temple and Hoysaleswara Temple.

Moinuddin Chishti From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, India. Religion Islam

Other name(s) Hazrat Khwaja Gharb Nawz Personal 1141 Khorasan (in modern Afghanistan) or Isfahan (in modern Iran) 1230 Ajmer

Born

Died

Senior posting Based in Ajmer, Northern India Gharb Nawz Sultan-ul-Hind (emperor of India) Shaikh, Khalifa Late 12th century and early 13th century Usman Harooni Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki

Title

Period in office

Predecessor Successor

Sultan-ul-Hind, Moinuddin Chishti (Urdu/Persian: ( ) Persian: - it) (Arabic: - Shishti) was born in 1141 and died in 1230 CE. Also known as Gharb Nawz "Benefactor of the

Poor" () , he is the most famous Sufi saint of the Chishti Order of the Indian Subcontinent. Moinuddin Chishti introduced and established the order in South Asia. The initial spiritual chain or silsila of the Chishti order in India, comprising Moinuddin Chishti, Bakhtiyar Kaki, Baba Farid and Nizamuddin Auliya (each successive person being the disciple of the previous one), constitutes the great Sufi saints of Indian history.[1] Establishing the Chisht order in India The Chisht order was founded by Abu Ishaq Shami (the Syrian) in Chisht, some 95 miles east of Herat in present-day western Afghanistan.[5] Moinuddin Chishti established the order in India, in the city of Ajmer in North India. Moinuddin Chishti apparently never wrote down his teachings in the form of a book, nor did his immediate disciples, but the central principles that became characteristics of the Chisht order in India are based on his teachings and practices. They lay stress on renunciation of material goods; strict regime of self-discipline and personal prayer; participation in Sam' as a legitimate means to spiritual transformation; reliance on either cultivation or unsolicited offerings as means of basic subsistence; independence from rulers and the state, including rejection of monetary and land grants; generosity to others, particularly, through sharing of food and wealth, and tolerance and respect for religious differences. He, in other words, interpreted religion in terms of human service and exhorted his disciples "to develop river-like generosity, sun-like affection and earth-like hospitality." The highest form of devotion, according to him, was "to redress the misery of those in distress to fulfill the needs of the helpless and to feed the hungry." It was during the reign of Emperor Akbar (15561605) that Ajmer emerged as one of the most important centers of pilgrimage in India. The Mughal Emperor undertook an unceremonial journey on foot to accomplish his wish to reach Ajmer. The Akbarnmah records that the Emperor's interest first sparked when he heard some minstrels singing songs about the virtues of the Wal (Friend of God) who lay asleep in Ajmer. Moinuddin Chisht authored several books including Ans al-Arw and Dall al-'rifn, both of which deal with the Islamic code of living. Qubuddn Baktiyr Kk (d. 1235) and amduddn Nagor (d. 1276) were Moinuddin Chisht's celebrated Khalfas or successors who continued to transmit the teachings of their master through their disciples, leading to the widespread proliferation of the Chisht Order in India. Among Qubuddn Baktiyr's prominent disciples was Farduddn Ganj-i-Shakar (d. 1265), whose dargh is at Pakpattan, Pakistan. Farduddn's most famous disciple was Nizmuddn Auliy' (d. 1325) popularly referred to as Mahbb-e-Ilh (God's beloved), whose dargh is located in South Delhi.

From Delhi, disciples branched out to establish darghs in several regions of South Asia, from Sindh in the west to Bengal in the east, and the Deccan in the south. But from all the network of Chisht darghs the Ajmer dargh took on the special distinction of being the 'mother' dargah of them all. Tyagaraja From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Tygarja

Background information Native name May 4, 1767 Tiruvarur, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India January 6, 1847 (aged 79) Carnatic music

Born

Died Genres

Occupations Carnatic Composer Kakarla Tyagabrahmam (Telugu: ), (May 4, 1767January 6, 1847), colloquially known as Tygarju (Telugu: ). Tyagayya and Tygarjar, was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music or classical South Indian music. He, along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastry, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music.He was also a contemporary of the great Malayali musician king Sri Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma,who is generally considered to be the 4th trinity of carnatic music.He is known as the 'pithamaha' (godfather) of carnatic music. He was a prolific composer and highly influential in the development of the South Indian classical music tradition. Tyagaraja composed thousands of devotional compositions, most of them in praise of Lord Rama most of which remain very popular even today. Of special mention are five of his compositions called the Pancharatna Krithis (English: 'five gems'), which are often sung in programs in his honor.The Kriti Endaro Mahanabavulu in the ragam sri which was composed by Thyagaraja after meeting Shadkala Govinda Marar from Kerala is considered to be his greatest composition. Contents [hide]

1 Personal life and background 2 Musical career 3 Remembrance 4 Popular culture

o

4.1 Films on Tyagaraja (biographical)

5 Compositions 6 See also 7 References

8 External links

[edit] Personal life and background Tyagaraja was born in 1767 in Tiruvarur, Tiruvarur district, in what is now called Tamil Nadu, to Kakarla Ramabrahmam and Sitamma in a Telugu Brahmin family of the Mulukanadu subsect.[1] He was named Tyagaraja, after Lord Tyagaraja, the presiding deity of the temple at Tiruvarur. Tyagaraja was born at his

maternal grandfather Giriraja Kavi's house. Giriraja Kavi was a poet-composer in the court of the king of Thanjavur. Giriraja was born in Kakarla village, Cumbum taluk in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Vishnu Digambar Paluskar

Background information August 18, 1872 Kurundwad Kurundwad, Bombay Presidency, India August 21, 1931 (aged 59) Hindustani classical music singer 18901931

Born

Origin Died Genres Occupations Years active

Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (August 18, 1872 August 21, 1931) was a Hindustani musician. He sung the original version of the bhajan Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram, and founded the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in 1901. Contents

[hide]

1 Early life and background 2 Musical Journey

o

2.1 Gandharva Mahavidyalaya

3 Independence struggle 4 Death and legacy 5 See also 6 References

7 Further reading

[edit] Early life and background Vishnu Digambar Paluskar was born in Kurundwad, a small town falling under the Deccan division of Bombay Presidency during British rule, presently in Maharashtra. His father, Digambar Gopal Paluskar, was a singer of Kirtana religious song. He went to a local school in Kurundwad for primary education. But tragedy struck Paluskar at an early age. During a Hindu festival called Datta Jayanti, a fire-cracker burst near his face damaging both his eyes. Being a small town, there was no immediate treatment available and Paluskar lost his eyesight. The king of Miraj recognising the talent in the boy put him under the guidance of Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar, a learned musician. Paluskar trained under him for 12 years till in 1896 the relations between the teacher and student became strained.[1] [edit] Musical Journey After that Paluskar began touring the country and studied the musical traditions in each part of Northern India. He went from place to place and visited many royal families in cities like Baroda and Gwalior, well known for their patronage of musicians. But he broke a long standing tradition of Indian music by giving a public concert in Saurashtra and charging a nominal fee. Till then, concerts were given only in palaces or temples. He studied Brijbhasha, a dialect of Hindi, spoken at Mathura. Vishnu Digambar met Pandit Chandan Chaube and learnt Dhrupad music from him. In 1901, he reached Lahore, where he decided to establish a music school. [edit] Gandharva Mahavidyalaya

On May 5, 1901 Paluskar founded the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a School to impart formal training in Indian classical music.[1] This was a school open to all and one of the first in India to run on public support and donations, rather than royal patronage. It was a challenge to the traditional method where a student lived under the teacher's roof. Many students from the School's early batches became respected musicians and teachers in North India. This brought respect to musicians, who were treated with disdain earlier. In September 1908, Paluskar went to Bombay (now Mumbai) to establish another branch of the School. As the work-load increased, he shifted the school from Lahore to Bombay. To accommodate all the students, he took loans, built a new building for the school and hostel as well. To settle debts, he gave several public concerts. But while on a concert tour in 1924, Paluskar's creditors attached his properties and auctioned off the school.[2] [edit] Independence struggle As much as he wanted to liberate classical music from dogmatic chains, Paluskar was interested in India's independence movement. When the brave Lala Lajpat Rai was arrested in 1907, he sang a composition of the famous song Pagree Sambhal Jatta. Paluskar used to attend the conventions of the Indian National Congress and sing his own composition of Vande Mataram, the national song of India, in Raga Kafi.[3] Paluskar was a master at setting old religious songs to classical tunes - the famous being Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram. This was Gandhi's favourite Bhajan and was sung daily by the satyagrahis during the famous Dandi March.[4] He also composed a variation of the patriotic song Saare Jahan Se Achcha. Such was his fame that when King George V came to India, Paluskar was asked to perform at the Royal Garden of Lahore.[5] Raja Ravi Varma From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Raja Ravi Rama Varma

Born

April 29, 1848[1] Kilimanoor, Travancore October 2, 1906 (aged 58) Kilimanoor, Travancore, India Painter

Died

Occupation

Signature

Raja Ravi Varma (Malayalam: ) (April 29, 1848 - October 2, 1906) was an Indian painter from the princely state of Travancore (presently in Kerala) who achieved recognition for his depiction of scenes from the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. His paintings are considered to be among the best examples of the fusion of Indian traditions with the techniques of European academic art. During his lifetime Varma is most remembered for his paintings of sari-clad women portrayed as shapely and graceful. Varma's paintings became an important motif in of the time, reproductions being found in almost every middle-class home.[2] His exposure in the west came when he won the first prize in the Vienna Art Exhibition in 1873. Raja Ravi Varma died in 1906 at the age of 58. He is considered among the greatest painters in the history of Indian art. Contents

[hide]

1 Early life 2 Art career 3 Honours 4 Personal life 5 List of major works 6 Popular Culture 7 Bibliography
o o o

7.1 English 7.2 Malayalam 7.3 Marathi

8 See also 9 Notes and references

10 External links

[edit] Early life

The studio used by Raja Ravi Varma during his stay at the Laxmi Vilas Palace Raja Ravi Varma was born as Ravi Varma Koil Thampuran of Kilimanoor palace, in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore (Thiruvithankur) in Kerala. His father Ezhumavail Neelakanthan Bhattatiripad was an accomplished scholar, and his mother Umayamba Thampuratti (died 1886) was a poet and writer whose work Parvati Swayamvaram was published by Raja Ravi Varma after her death. His siblings were C. Goda

Varma (born 1854), C. Raja Raja Varma (born 1860) and Mangala Bayi Thampuratti, who was also a painter. At a young age he secured the patronage of HH Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal of Travancore (a relative) and began formal training thereafter.[3] He was trained in water painting by Rama Swami Naidu and later in oil painting by Dutch portraitist Theodor Jenson. Raja Ravi Varma High School at Kilimanoor was named for him. There are many cultural organizations throughout Kerala in his name. His palace is nearly six kilometers from Ponganadu, 7.7 kilometers from Pazhayachanda and 36 km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. [edit] Art career Raja Ravi Varma received widespread acclaim after he won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873. Raja Ravi Varma's paintings were also sent to the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893 and he was awarded two gold medals.[4] He travelled throughout India in search of subjects. He often modeled Hindu Goddesses on South Indian women, whom he considered beautiful. Ravi Varma is particularly noted for his paintings depicting episodes from the story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala, and Nala and Damayanti, from the Mahabharata. Ravi Varma's representation of mythological characters has become a part of the Indian imagination of the epics. He is often criticized for being too showy and sentimental in his style. However his work remains very popular in India. His many fabulous paintings are available at Laxmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara.

The Maharashtrian Lady

"Galaxy of Musicians",Indian women dressed in regional attire playing a variety of musical instruments popular in different parts of the country.

The demi-god vulture Jatayu is struck down by the demon Ravana, as Jatayu attempted to intercede in the demon's kidnapping of Sita.

Damayanti sending a message to Nala via a swan [edit] Honours In 1904 Viceroy Lord Curzon, on behalf of the King Emperor bestowed upon Raja Ravi Varma the Kaiseri-Hind Gold Medal. At this time his name was mentioned as "Raja Ravi Varma" for the first time, raising objections from Maharajah Moolam Thirunal of Travancore and besides, as per the Marumakkathayam tradition, the name of the maternal uncle (Raja Raja Varma) was prefixed to the name. Thereafter he was always referred to as Raja Ravi Varma.[3] In 1993, art critic Rupika Chawla and artist A Ramachandran jointly curated a large exhibition of Raja Ravi Varma's works at the National Museum, New Delhi. Considering his vast contribution to Indian art, the Government of Kerala has instituted an award called Raja Ravi Varma Puraskaram, which is awarded every year to people who show excellence in the field of art and culture. Awardees include:

K.G. Subramaniam (2001) M.V. Devan (2002) A Ramachandran (2003) Vasudevan Namboodiri (2004). Kanayi Kunhiraman (2005) V. S. Valiathan (2006)

The renewed interest in Raja Ravi Varma has spilled into the area of popular culture as films and music videos have started using his images.

A college dedicated to fine arts was also constituted in his honour at Mavelikara, Kerala. Raja Ravi Varma High School at Kilimanoor was named after him. There are many cultural organizations throughout Kerala in his name Amrita Sher-Gil From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Amrita

Born

January 30, 1913 Budapest, Hungary December 5, 1941 (aged 28) Lahore, present day Pakistan Indian painter Grande Chaumiere cole des Beaux-Arts (1930-34)

Died

Nationality Field

Training

Amrita Sher-Gil (Punjabi: ) (

) (January 30, 1913,[1] December 5, 1941), was

an eminent Indian painter born to a Punjabi Sikh father and a Hungarian mother, sometimes known as India's Frida Kahlo,[2] and today considered an important woman painter of 20th century India, whose legacy stands at par with that of the Masters of Bengal Renaissance;[3][4] she is also the 'most expensive' woman painter of India.[5] Legacy The Government of India has declared her works as National Art Treasures,[2] and most of them are housed in the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi,[24] and a postage stamp depicting her painting 'Hill Women' was released in 1978 in India,[25] and a road in Lutyens' Delhi, was named after her, Amrita Shergill Marg. Besides remaining an inspiration to many a contemporary Indian artists, in 1993, she also became the inspiration behind, the famous Urdu play, by Javed Siddiqi, Tumhari Amrita (1992), starring Shabana Azmi and Farooq Shaikh.[26] Her work is a key theme in the contemporary Indian novel "Faking It" by Amrita Chowdhury Collection of Ramkinker Vaij's paintings, India Ramkinker Vaij (1910-1980) was a modern Indian painter and sculptor born in West Bengal. Although he is known for his expressionistic and exuberant sculptures, he was a talented painter whose achievements in painting have not been recognized as they have to be. Like his sculptures, his paintings too are simply elegant with rural themes mainly of his native place Bankura. He mainly painted abstract compositions notably with modern idiom. Shown in the video is a collection of his paintings such as Binodini (1948), Maternity- an oil painting, Threshing- an oil painting, Picnic.

Do you wish to add content Sonal Mansingh From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Sonal Mansingh

Sonal Mansingh performing in New Delhi. Background information Birth name Sonal Pakvasa April 30, 1944 (age 68) Mumbai, British India India Indian classical music Indian classical dancer, choreographer 1962present www.sonalmansingh.in

Born

Origin Genres Occupations Years active Website

Sonal Mansingh (born Apr 30, 1944) is an eminent Indian classical dancer and choreographer of Odissi dancing style; who is also proficient in other Indian classical dancing styles including Bharatnatyam,[1] Kuchipudi, and Chhau.[2][3] She was married and divorced to former Indian diplomat Lalit Mansingh.[4] Contents [hide]

1 Early life and background 2 Career 3 Choreographies 4 Quotes

5 Bibliography 6 Further reading 7 See also 8 References

9 External links

[edit] Early life and background Sonal Mansingh was born in Mumbai, second of three children to Arvind and Poornima Pakvasa, a noted social worker from Gujarat and Padma Bhushan winner in 2004. Her grandfather was Mangal Das Pakvasa, a freedom fighter, and one of the first five Governors of India.[5] She started learning Manipuri dance at age four, along with her elder sister, from a teacher in Nagpur, then at age seven she started learning Bharatnatyam from various gurus belonging to the Pandanallur school,[6] including Kumar Jayakar in Bombay [7] She has "Praveen" and "Kovid" degrees in Sanskrit from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and B.A. (Hons) degree in German Literature from Elphinstone College, Bombay. Though, her real training in dance started when at age 18, despite her family's opposition, she went to Bangalore, to learn Bharatanatyam from Prof. U. S. Krishna Rao and Chandrabhaga Devi [8] at age 18, abhinaya from Mylapore Gowri Ammal, and later started learning Odissi from Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra in 1965. Mansingh was first married to former Indian diplomat Lalit Mansingh. Her father-in-law Mayadhar Mansingh introduced her to Kelucharan Mohapatra where she had her training in Odissi.[9] The couple decided to divorce later.[4] [edit] Career Sonal Mansingh dancing career which started in 1962, after her arangetram in Mumbai, and in 1977, she founded, Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD) in New Delhi.[2][10] Over the years, dance has taken her all over the world [11] and brought her many awards, including the Padma Bhushan (1992), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 ,[12] and the Padma Vibhushan, India's the second highest civilian award, in 2003; making her the second woman dancer in India to receive such an honour after Balasaraswati.[13] This was followed by Kalidas Samman of Madhya Pradesh government, in 2006 and on April 21, 2007, she was conferred with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by

G.B. Pant University, Uttarakhand at Pantnagar and Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) by Sambalpur University.[14] To mark the completion of her 40 years in dancing in 2002, noted Hindi film director, Prakash Jha made a documentary film on her, title Sonal,[2] which also won the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film for the year.[15] India Dance : Odissi This is also based on the Natya Shastra and the earliest evidence. We have of the existence of the art of dance in Orissa is during the 2nd century B.C. when the jain King Karavela ruled. Himself an expert dancer and musician, he arranged a performance of Thandava and Abhinaya. In the early 17th century, a class of boys known as Cotipuas, came into being. They dressed as dancing girls and danced in the temples. Grace is its uniqueness and the most important elements are the Bhangis and Karanas. The Bhangis are the basic poses and the Karanas the basic danceunits. The format consists of Bhumi Pranam, Batu. Pallavi and lighter items like the Ashtapadi ending in moksha approximating to the Thillana of the South. It has gained great popularity today and it is to the credit of Srm. Samyukta Panigrahi to have made it acquire universal appreciation. Today kelucharan Mahapatra has become a name to reckon with as a pre-eminent guru. Prithviraj Kapoor From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Prithviraj Kapoor

Prithviraj Kapoor in 1929 3 November 1901 Lyallpur, Punjab (now in) Pakistan 29 May 1972 (aged 70) 19271971 Ramsarni "Rama" Mehra (19181972) Kapoor family , Pithvrj Kapr), 3 November 1901 29 May 1972) was a

Born

Died Years active Spouse(s) Relatives

Prithviraj Kapoor (Hindi:

pioneer of Indian theatre and of the Hindi film industry, who started his career as an actor, in the silent era of Hindi cinema, associated with IPTA and who founded Prithvi Theatres, a travelling theatre company based in Mumbai, in 1942.[1] He was also the patriarch of the Kapoor family of Hindi films, four generations of which family, beginning with him, have played active roles in Hindi film industry. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 1969 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1971 for his contributions towards Indian cinema.

Jana Gana Mana From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search This article is about the national anthem of India. For the song from which the anthem was excerpted, see Jana Gana Mana (hymn). Bengali: Sanskrit: English: Thou Art the Ruler of the Minds of All People Jno Gno Mono; Jana Gaa Mana

Sheet music for "Jana Gana Mana".

National anthem of India

Lyrics Music Adopted

Rabindranath Tagore, 1911 Rabindranath Tagore, 1911 24 January 1950

Music sample

Jana Gana Mana (Instrumental)

[show]Music of India

"Jana Gana Mana "*+ (Bengali: , Sanskrit: ) is the national anthem of India. Written in highly Sanskritised (Tatsama) Bengali, it is the first of five stanzas of a Brahmo hymn composed and scored by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It was first sung in [1] Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress on 27 December 1911. "Jana Gana Mana" was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly as the Indian national anthem on 24 January 1950. 27 December 2011 marked the completion of 100 years of Jana Gana Mana since it was sung for the first time.[2][3] As there is enormous diversity in Indian languages, it is interesting to know how the National Anthem that is written in Bengali can be understood by other Indians who do not know Bengali. The song has a lot of Sanskrit words that also are found in the majority of Indian languages with the same meaning. This makes the song understandable to non-Bengali speaking Indians. The original poem written by Rabindranath Tagore was translated into Hindi by Abid Ali. The original Hindi version of the song Jana Gana Mana, translated by Ali and based on the poem by Tagore, was a little different. It was "Sukh Chain Ki Barkha Barase, Bharat Bhagya Hai Jaga....". Jana Gana Mana was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly as the Indian national anthem on 24 January 1950.[2][3][4]
[5][6][7][8]

A formal rendition of the national anthem takes fifty-two seconds. A shortened version consisting of the first and last lines (and taking about 20 seconds to play) is also staged occasionally.[9] Tagore wrote down the English translation[10] of the song and along with Margaret Cousins (an expert in European music and

wife of Irish poet James Cousins), set down the notation at Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh, which is followed only when the song is sung in the original slow rendition style of singing. However, when the National Anthem version of the song is sung, it is done in the traditional grandiose Martial Style of music. Musical composition and English translation

Courtyard in Madanapalle where Jana Gana Mana was first sung. Rabindranath Tagore translated "Jana Gana Mana" from Bengali to English and also set it to music in Madanapalle,[11] a town located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh state, India. Though the Bengali song had been written in 1911, it was largely unknown except to the readers of the Brahmo Samaj journal, Tatva Bodha Prakasika, of which Tagore was the editor. During 1919, Tagore accepted an invitation from friend and controversial Irish poet James H. Cousins to spend a few days at the Besant Theosophical College situated at Madanapalle of which Cousins was the principal. On the evening of 28 February 1919 he joined a gathering of students and upon Cousins' request, sang the Jana Gana Mana in Bengali. The college authorities, greatly impressed by the lofty ideals of the song and the praise to God, selected it as their prayer song. In the days that followed, enchanted by the dreamy hills of Madanapalle, Tagore wrote down the English translation of the song and along with Cousins' wife, Margaret (an expert in Western music), set down the notation which is followed till this day. The song was carried beyond the borders of India by the college students and became The Morning Song of India[10] and subsequently the national anthem. Today, in the library of Besant Theosophical College in Madanapalle, the framed original English translation of Jana gana Mana, titled as The Morning Song of India in Tagore's handwriting, is displayed.[12] [edit] Code of conduct The National Anthem of India is played or sung on various occasions. Instructions have been issued from time to time about the correct versions of the Anthem, the occasions on which these are to be played or sung, and about the need for paying respect to the anthem by observance of proper decorum on such occasions. The substance of these instructions has been embodied in the information sheet issued by the government of India for general information and guidance.[9]

[edit] Controversy Controversy shadowed Jana Gana Mana from the day of its first rendition in 1911 at the Congress session in Calcutta. King George V was scheduled to arrive in the city on 30 December and a section of the Anglo-Indian English press in Calcutta thought and duly reported that Tagore's anthem was a homage to the emperor.[13] The poet rebutted such claims in a letter written in 1939: "I should only insult myself if I cared to answer those who consider me capable of such unbounded stupidity."[13] [edit] Conclusion Jana Gana Mana is India's national anthem written in Sanskritised Bengali by poet Rabindranath Tagore. The Calcutta Congress session began on 26 December 1911. The proceedings on the first day began with Vandemataram. The second day was entirely devoted to things connected with the welcoming of King George V, and this day the song Janaganamana was sung. Tagore's own statement however refutes the belief that the song was written in praise of George V: In a letter to Pulin Behari Sen, Tagore later wrote, "A certain high official in His Majesty's service, who was also my friend, had requested that I write a song of felicitation towards the Emperor. The request simply amazed me. It caused a great stir in my heart. In response to that great mental turmoil, I pronounced the victory in Jana Gana Mana of that Bhagya Vidhata [ed. God of Destiny] of India who has from age after age held steadfast the reins of India's chariot through rise and fall, through the straight path and the curved. That Lord of Destiny, that Reader of the Collective Mind of India, that Perennial Guide, could never be George V, George VI, or any other George. Even my official friend understood this about the song. After all, even if his admiration for the crown was excessive, he was not lacking in simple common sense." Gorkha National Liberation Front From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Gorkha National Liberation Front

Chairperson Founded Politics of India Political parties Elections

Subhash Ghisingh 1980

Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) (Nepali:

) is a political party in the

Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. It was formed in 1980 by Subhash Ghisingh with the objective of demanding a Gorkhaland state within India.[1] Contents [hide]

1 Early history 2 Electoral history

o o

2.1 State assembly 2.2 Lok Sabha

3 Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council 4 Sixth Schedule 5 Downfall 6 West Bengal assembly elections 2011

7 References

[edit] Early history During the 1980s, the GNLF led an intensive and often violent campaign for the creation of a separate Gorkhaland state in the Nepali-speaking areas of northern West Bengal (Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai).[2] The movement reached its peak around 19851986. On 22 August 1988, the GNLF, under Subhash Ghisingh, signed the Darjeeling Hill Accord, which created the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in exchange for the GNLF giving up its demand for Gorkhaland. [edit] Electoral history

[edit] State assembly GNLF boycotted the West Bengal state assembly elections in 1991. In the assembly elections in 1996, 2001, and 2006, GNLF won three assembly seats, one each from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. [edit] Lok Sabha In 1989, GNLF candidate Inderjeet Khuller, a former journalist covering the Gorkhaland agitation and a close friend of Subhash Ghisingh, won the Darjeeling (Lok Sabha constituency) elections. GNLF supported Inderjeet as the Indian National Congress candidate in 1991, who won the Lok Sabha elections riding on GNLF support. GNLF boycotted the Lok Sabha elections in 1996, 1998, and 1999, which were won by CPI(M) candidates. Ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, the GNLF supported the Congress party candidate Dawa Narbula, who won with a big margin from the Darjeeling constituency. In the 2009 elections, GNLF was out of power in the hills and did not field any candidate or support any party and the Lok Sabha seat was won by Jaswant Singh of BJP with the support from GJMM. [edit] Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council The GNLF administered the DGHC with Subhash Ghisingh as the chairman of the council from 1988 to 2004 for three successive terms. Subhash Ghisingh was appointed the sole caretaker of the DGHC from 2005 to 2008 as no election for the DGHC was held.[3] [edit] Sixth Schedule A Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed between the Central Government, the State Government and the GNLF for the establishment of a Sixth Schedule tribal council called the Gorkha Hill Council in the DGHC area on 6 December 2005. After some initial support, there was widespread opposition to the Sixth Schedule council, led by leaders like Madan Tamang of ABGL. [edit] Downfall The DGHC elections were due in 2004. However, the government decided not to hold elections and instead made Subhash Ghisingh the sole caretaker of the DGHC till the Sixth Schedule council was established.[4] Resentment among the former councillors of DGHC grew rapidly. Among them, Bimal Gurung, once the trusted aide of Ghising, decided to break away from the GNLF. Riding on a mass support for Prashant Tamang, an Indian Idol contestant from Darjeeling, Bimal quickly capitalized on the public support he received for supporting Prashant, and was able to overthrow Ghisingh from the seat of power. Ghising decided to shift residence to Jalpaiguri and GNLF lost most of its support and cadres to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, a new party headed by Bimal Gurung. [edit] West Bengal assembly elections 2011 After lying in political hibernation for three years, GNLF chief Subhash Ghisingh announced that his party would contest the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections 2011. Subhash Ghisingh returned to Darjeeling on 8 April 2011 ahead of the assembly elections after three years of "exile".[5] All the three

GNLF candidates, Bhim Subba from Darjeeling, Prakash Dahal from Kalimpong and Pemu Chettri from Kurseong lost the elections held on 18 April 2011.[6] Bru National Liberation Front

Formation The Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) is an armed outfit of the Reangs and is currently engaged in negotiations with Mizoram government. It was formed in 1996 following violent clashes between ethnic Mizos and Reang tribesmen in the Mamith sub-division of Mizoram State. The immediate cause of the conflict was the demand for an Autonomous District Council (ADC) by the Bru National Union (BNU), a political organisation of Reangs that was formed in year 1994. The BNU anchored its demand in the presence of a majority of Reangs in the sub-division, and declared that their rightspolitical, economic and cultural among otherswere not justifiably protected under the prevailing political arrangement. The Reang Democratic Convention Party (RDCP), another Reang organisation, passed a resolution in this regard. This reportedly provoked Mizo organisations like Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) and Young Mizo Association (YMA)fearing geographical division of Mizoramto organise violent attacks, in October 1997, on Reang settlements. As a result, approximately 32,000 Reangs were displaced in the conflict and have since been staying in refugee camps in the Kanchanpur sub-division of the neighbouring Tripura State. The outfits cadre strength is estimated to be a little over 100.

Aims & Objectives The outfit proclaims its primary objective as the protection of rights and dignity of Reangs. The demands put forth by BNLF and its pattern of behaviour exhibit its other aims and objectives as well. BNLF also endeavours to protect the religious identity of Reangs, which it claims to be Hinduism. This is manifested in its vehement opposition to the alleged imposition of Christianity on Reangs. It has also demanded a separate Reang homeland in Mizoram. Subsequently, it transformed its stand and aimed to achieve a separate ADC, and reservation in the Mizoram Legislative Assembly for the community. Besides, it has also taken up with the Mizoram government the issue of repatriation of Reang refugees who had been displaced during the October 1997 ethnic clashes. Only recently, it has agreed to tone down its demand for an ADC and settle for a regional council. Leadership Surajmani Reang and Hmunsiama are 'president' and deputy commander respectively of the outfit. Both had managed to escape from the clutches of National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) terrorists, who were holding them captive, in January 2001. Thang Masha is another important leader of the outfit. Other leaders of the outfit include A Joseph, advisor, Solomon Prophul, general secretary and S. Bru, the organising secretary. The BNLF suffered its worst reverse when the then general secretary, Hambai Mshoy, and the then army chief, Sheing Molshoy, were killed in an internecine clash with the NLFT on July 9, 2000, at a camp in Bangladesh. Area of Operation & Strategy Areas in which BNLF cadres are active include parts of Mizoram, Tripura and Assam. The areas where the outfit has carried out major attacks include the Mamit and Lunglei districts of Mizoram, the Hailakandi district of Assam and Kanchanpur sub-division of North Tripura district. The BNLF is also known to be operating in the dense forests along the Mizoram-Tripura border. Besides, its hideouts are located in the Bhuban Hills of Cachar district in Assam. The outfit is involved in selective abduction for ransom, which is a major source of finance for the terrorist group. In this, non-Reangs and Mizo Christians are the primary targets. Besides, the BNLF is also involved in violent attacks not only against non-Reangs, but also against security force personnel. The outfit was also engaged in internecine clashes with other terrorist outfits in the Northeast, like the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT). Furthermore, its cadres carry out attacks with modern weapons like AK series assault rifles, grenades and bombs, and are well trained. The BNLF uses both conventional and guerrilla tactics in its attacks. Khalistan movement From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

A proposed flag for Khalistan Khalistan movement refers to a secessionist movement which seeks to create a separate sovereign Sikh state, called Khalistan ("The Land of the Pure") in the Punjab region of South Asia. The proposed territory of Khalistan includes the Indian state of Punjab, where Sikhs are the majority population. Besides, some proponents extend the territorial definition to include the greater Punjab region, which is roughly analogous to the historical Sikh Empire (17071849).[1][2][3] The Khalistan movement reached its zenith in 1970s and 1980s, flourishing in the Indian state of Punjab, which has a Sikh-majority population and has been the traditional birthplace and homeland of the Sikh religion. Various pro-Khalistan outfits have been involved in a separatist movement against the government of India ever since. There are claims of funding from Sikhs outside India to attract young people into these pro-Khalistan militant groups.[4] In 1971, Khalistan proponent Jagjit Singh Chauhan, traveled to the United States. He placed an advertisement in The New York Times proclaiming the formation of Khalistan and was able to collect millions of dollars.[5] On 12 April 1980, he held a meeting with the Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi before declaring the formation of "National Council of Khalistan", at Anandpur Sahib.[6] He declared himself as the President of the Council and Balbir Singh Sandhu as its Secretary General. In May 1980, Jagjit Singh Chauhan travelled to London and announced the formation of Khalistan. A similar announcement was made by Balbir Singh Sandhu, in Amritsar, who released stamps and currency of Khalistan. The inaction of the authorities in Amritsar and elsewhere was decried by Akali Dal headed by the Sikh leader Harchand Singh Longowal as a political stunt by the Congress(I) party of Indira Gandhi.[7] In the 1980s, some of the Khalistan proponents turned to militancy, resulting in counter-militancy operations by the Indian security forces. In one such operation, Operation Blue Star (June 1984), the Indian Army led by the Sikh General Kuldip Singh Brar forcibly entered the Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) to overpower the armed militants and the religious leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The handling of the operation, damage to the Akal Takht (which is one of the five seats of temporal physical religious authority of the Sikhs) and loss of life on both sides, led to widespread criticism of the Indian Government. Many Sikhs strongly maintain that the attack resulted in the desecration of the holiest Sikh shrine. The Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards in retaliation. Following her death, thousands of Sikhs including those opposed to the Khalistan movement, were massacred in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, termed as a genocide by the Sikh groups.

In January 1986, the Golden Temple was occupied by militants belonging to All India Sikh Students Federation and Damdami Taksal.[8] On 26 January 1986, the gathering passed a resolution (gurmatt) favouring the creation of Khalistan. Subsequently, a number of rebel militant groups in favour of Khalistan waged a major insurgency against the government of India. Indian security forces suppressed the insurgency in the early 1990s, but Sikh political groups such as the Khalsa Raj Party and SAD (A) continued to pursue an independent Khalistan through non-violent means.[9][10][11] Pro-Khalistan organizations such as Dal Khalsa (International) are also active outside India, supported by a section of the Sikh diaspora. Contribution of Indians to Fiji's growth, development Sunil Kumar, PTI January 01, 0001 First Published: 16:20 IST(7/1/2005) Last Updated: 16:20 IST(7/1/2005) Share Share on facebookShare on linkedinShare on googleShare on emailmore. 0 Comments Email print

Fiji is a small island state in the middle of the Pacific. It has a multiracial population of 800,000 comprising of 42% per cent Indians, 51% native Fijians and 7% mixed races. The Indians in Fiji are the third and fourth generation descendants of the British crown colony. Sir Arthur Gordon, the governor of Fiji in 1879, had sanctioned the first arrival of indentured labourers from India. He was given the task to govern Fiji within its means, which compelled him to recruit productive labour from India. The British steamer, Leonidas, brought the first 'cargo' of 464 Indians from India into Fiji on 15th May, 1879. This passage of indentured labourers from India continued until 1916 when it was brought to an end after Mahatma Gandhi intervened and requested the British to abolish it. Fiji has a total land area of 18,376 sq. km, which includes more than 320 small islands. The main economic activities, however, are concentrated on two major Islands namely, Viti Levu - the largest and Vanua Levu, the second largest. There are three other much smaller islands that have sizeable economies. The economy is of mixed nature, with a strong agricultural base. This aspect of the Fijian economy has much to do with the arrival of the indentured Indians in Fiji. The agricultural base of the country has been developed over the last century by the contribution of the migrant Indian population, who are known for their skills in agriculture. By the time the indenture system ended, a total of more than 60,000 labourers were already in Fiji toiling the sugarcane estates of

the Colonial Sugar Refinery (CSR), an Australian sugar refinery company. The last batch of these labourers served the indenture until 1920. Those who finished serving the indenture became free and were given the chance to stay in Fiji as British subjects or travel back to India at the expense of the colonial government. Most of them opted to stay back in Fiji and made Fiji their home. They opted to stay in Fiji for various reasons but one important reason was that they were not able to save enough money to take home as they had planned when they left India. Saving money was not possible since the remuneration for the work done by them was very small and only enough for survival. The period of arrival of the Indians in Fiji was a new beginning for the Fijian archipelago, where tribal warfare, lawlessness and conflict between the European settlers and the natives were rampant and proved to be an economic disaster for the Europeans. The European capital assets were being wasted as a result of these conflicts and the Indian labourers were the only hope to bring prosperity to these Islands. They did exactly that. For more than 120 years now, the Indians have contributed enormously towards the economic and social development of Fiji, and generally the Pacific The indenture tenure was a nightmarish experience for those who served it. There are numerous stories of sufferings of the people. These are similar to the experiences of Indians who went to work in the other British sugar colonies like Jamaica. Trinidad, Guyana, Surinam, Mauritius and other places in continental Africa. The 'Girmityas', as they were commonly known, had to travel weeks of tortuous journey through many seas and straits into the Pacific Ocean. Often they had to live on scant food supply and crowded rooms onboard the ships. Medical facility and sanitation were almost nonexistent. THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI CALLS-ON THE PRESIDENT The President of India received this morning the President of Fiji who was in India on a private visit. This is the first President to be received by our President after assuming the office. The President of Fiji was also on his first visit to India and had stopped over in Delhi on his way back to Fiji from the London Olympics. The Hon'ble President of India extended a warm welcome to the President of Fiji and recollected the close historical relations between the two countries as well as presence of a large number of persons of Indian origin in Fiji. The Indian Cultural Center in Suva, set up in August 1972 is India's oldest cultural center in the world. The President called for an expansion of bilateral trade and investment. The Hon'ble President referred to the assistance provided to Fiji by India in the agriculture and sugar sectors. The Hon'ble President expressed happiness that India's development experience was being shared with Fiji through provision

of training slots for Fiji nationals and scholarships for students. He referred to assistance being provided in the health sector as well as cooperation in the defence field. Fiji has recently joined the Non-Alignment Movement. The Hon'ble President welcomed its joining of NAM and the support provided by Fiji for reform of the UN Security Council as well as multilateral financial institutions. The President of Fiji congratulated the Hon'ble President on his attaining the pinnacle of his career. He said he was honoured to be the first President to call on the President of India. This was an honour to all the people of Fiji. He said Fiji has close cordial relations with India and was beneficiary of India's gracious assistance especially in the field of agriculture. Fiji has much to learn from India. The cultural center in Suva has added tradition and colour to the fabric of Fiji society. He said that the Prime Minister of Fiji had returned from India a few months back with glowing reports of his visit and Fiji looks forward to strengthening its relations with India in the coming years. The President of Fiji extended an invitation to the Hon'ble President to visit Fiji.

Superconductivity From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

A magnet levitating above a high-temperature superconductor, cooled with liquid nitrogen. Persistent electric current flows on the surface of the superconductor, acting to exclude the magnetic field of the magnet (Faraday's law of induction). This current effectively forms an electromagnet that repels the magnet.

A high-temperature superconductor levitating above a magnet Superconductivity is a phenomenon of exactly zero electrical resistance and expulsion of magnetic fields occurring in certain materials when cooled below a characteristic critical temperature. It was discovered by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes on April 8, 1911 in Leiden. Like ferromagnetism and atomic spectral lines, superconductivity is a quantum mechanical phenomenon. It is characterized by the Meissner effect, the complete ejection of magnetic field lines from the interior of the superconductor as it transitions into the superconducting state. The occurrence of the Meissner effect indicates that superconductivity cannot be understood simply as the idealization of perfect conductivity in classical physics. Meissner effect Main article: Meissner effect When a superconductor is placed in a weak external magnetic field H, and cooled below its transition temperature, the magnetic field is ejected. The Meissner effect does not cause the field to be completely ejected but instead the field penetrates the superconductor but only to a very small distance, characterized by a parameter , called the London penetration depth, decaying exponentially to zero within the bulk of the material. The Meissner effect is a defining characteristic of superconductivity. For most superconductors, the London penetration depth is on the order of 100 nm. The Meissner effect is sometimes confused with the kind of diamagnetism one would expect in a perfect electrical conductor: according to Lenz's law, when a changing magnetic field is applied to a conductor, it will induce an electric current in the conductor that creates an opposing magnetic field. In a perfect conductor, an arbitrarily large current can be induced, and the resulting magnetic field exactly cancels the applied field. The Meissner effect is distinct from thisit is the spontaneous expulsion which occurs during transition to superconductivity. Suppose we have a material in its normal state, containing a constant internal magnetic field. When the material is cooled below the critical temperature, we would observe the abrupt expulsion of the internal magnetic field, which we would not expect based on Lenz's law. The Meissner effect was given a phenomenological explanation by the brothers Fritz and Heinz London, who showed that the electromagnetic free energy in a superconductor is minimized provided

where H is the magnetic field and is the London penetration depth. This equation, which is known as the London equation, predicts that the magnetic field in a superconductor decays exponentially from whatever value it possesses at the surface. A superconductor with little or no magnetic field within it is said to be in the Meissner state. The Meissner state breaks down when the applied magnetic field is too large. Superconductors can be divided into two classes according to how this breakdown occurs. In Type I superconductors, superconductivity is abruptly destroyed when the strength of the applied field rises above a critical value Hc. Depending on the geometry of the sample, one may obtain an intermediate state[10] consisting of a baroque pattern[11] of regions of normal material carrying a magnetic field mixed with regions of superconducting material containing no field. In Type II superconductors, raising the applied field past a critical value Hc1 leads to a mixed state (also known as the vortex state) in which an increasing amount of magnetic flux penetrates the material, but there remains no resistance to the flow of electric current as long as the current is not too large. At a second critical field strength Hc2, superconductivity is destroyed. The mixed state is actually caused by vortices in the electronic superfluid, sometimes called fluxons because the flux carried by these vortices is quantized. Most pure elemental superconductors, except niobium, technetium, vanadium and carbon nanotubes, are Type I, while almost all impure and compound superconductors are Type II. [edit] London moment Conversely, a spinning superconductor generates a magnetic field, precisely aligned with the spin axis. The effect, the London moment, was put to good use in Gravity Probe B. This experiment measured the magnetic fields of four superconducting gyroscopes to determine their spin axes. This was critical to the experiment since it is one of the few ways to accurately determine the spin axis of an otherwise featureless sphere. [edit] Theories of superconductivity Since the discovery of superconductivity, great efforts have been devoted to finding out how and why it works. During the 1950s, theoretical condensed matter physicists arrived at a solid understanding of "conventional" superconductivity, through a pair of remarkable and important theories: the phenomenological Ginzburg-Landau theory (1950) and the microscopic BCS theory (1957).[12][13] Generalizations of these theories form the basis for understanding the closely related phenomenon of superfluidity, because they fall into the Lambda transition universality class, but the extent to which similar generalizations can be applied to unconventional superconductors as well is still controversial. The four-dimensional extension of the Ginzburg-Landau theory, the Coleman-Weinberg model, is important in quantum field theory and cosmology. Superfluidity of helium and superconductivity both are macroscopic quantum phenomena. [edit] London theory

The first phenomenological theory of superconductivity was London theory. It was put forward by the brothers Fritz and Heinz London in 1935, shortly after the discovery that magnetic fields are expelled from superconductors. A major triumph of the equations of this theory is their ability to explain the Meissner effect,[14] wherein a material exponentially expels all internal magnetic fields as it crosses the superconducting threshold. By using the London equation, one can obtain the dependence of the magnetic field inside the superconductor on the distance to the surface.[15] There are two London equations:

TApplications Main article: Technological applications of superconductivity

Video of superconducting levitation of YBCO Superconducting magnets are some of the most powerful electromagnets known. They are used in MRI/NMR machines, mass spectrometers, and the beam-steering magnets used in particle accelerators. They can also be used for magnetic separation, where weakly magnetic particles are extracted from a background of less or non-magnetic particles, as in the pigment industries. In the 1950s and 1960s, superconductors were used to build experimental digital computers using cryotron switches. More recently, superconductors have been used to make digital circuits based on rapid single flux quantum technology and RF and microwave filters for mobile phone base stations. Superconductors are used to build Josephson junctions which are the building blocks of SQUIDs (superconducting quantum interference devices), the most sensitive magnetometers known. SQUIDs are used in scanning SQUID microscopes and magnetoencephalography. Series of Josephson devices are used to realize the SI volt. Depending on the particular mode of operation, a superconductor-insulatorsuperconductor Josephson junction can be used as a photon detector or as a mixer. The large resistance

change at the transition from the normal- to the superconducting state is used to build thermometers in cryogenic micro-calorimeter photon detectors. The same effect is used in ultrasensitive bolometers made from superconducting materials. Other early markets are arising where the relative efficiency, size and weight advantages of devices based on high-temperature superconductivity outweigh the additional costs involved. Promising future applications include high-performance smart grid, electric power transmission, transformers, power storage devices, electric motors (e.g. for vehicle propulsion, as in vactrains or maglev trains), magnetic levitation devices, fault current limiters, nanoscopic materials such as buckyballs, nanotubes, composite materials and superconducting magnetic refrigeration. However, superconductivity is sensitive to moving magnetic fields so applications that use alternating current (e.g. transformers) will be more difficult to develop than those that rely upon direct current. [edit] Nobel Prizes for superconductivity

Heike Kamerlingh Onnes (1913), "for his investigations on the properties of matter at low temperatures which led, inter alia, to the production of liquid helium" John Bardeen, Leon N. Cooper, and J. Robert Schrieffer (1972), "for their jointly developed theory of superconductivity, usually called the BCS-theory" Leo Esaki, Ivar Giaever, and Brian D. Josephson (1973), "for their experimental discoveries regarding tunneling phenomena in semiconductors and superconductors, respectively," and "for his theoretical predictions of the properties of a supercurrent through a tunnel barrier, in particular those phenomena which are generally known as the Josephson effects" Georg Bednorz and Alex K. Mller (1987), "for their important break-through in the discovery of superconductivity in ceramic materials" Alexei A. Abrikosov, Vitaly L. Ginzburg, and Anthony J. Leggett (2003), "for pioneering contributions to the theory of superconductors and superfluids

he first equation follows from the Newton's second law for superconducting electrons. South Centre (organization) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search South Centre

South Centre logo Formation Type Legal status June 31, 1995 Intergovernmental organization Treaty Economic development for the South Geneva, Switzerland Global South 51 countries English, French, Spanish Martin Khor

Purpose/focus

Headquarters Region served Membership Official languages Executive Director

Parent organization South Commission Affiliations Website United Nations southcentre.org

South Centre is an intergovernmental organization of developing countries, established by an intergovernmental Agreement (Treaty), which came into force on 31 July 1995, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It functions as an independent policy think tank, whilst also holding Observer Status at the United Nations and other development agencies. Contents [hide]

1 History

2 Governance Structure 3 Objectives 4 Programmes 5 UN Observer Status 6 Member Countries 7 Publications 8 See also 9 References 10 Media

11 External links

[edit] History The South Centre has grown out of the work and experience of the South Commission and from recognition of the need for enhanced South-South cooperation. The Commission was led by the late Dr. Julius Nyerere, the former President of Tanzania and Dr. Manmohan Singh, the current Prime Minister of India. "The Challenge to the South"[1] was the definitive publication that emerged as a result of the work of the South Commission and its founders. The report recognized the need for greater cooperation between countries of the South and emphasized the consequent lack of collaboration and organization on a global level. [edit] Governance Structure Under Article VI of the Intergovernmental Agreement[2], the Centre has three principal organs:

The Council of Representatives; made up of the representatives of the Members States; The Board; made up of a Chairperson and nine members acting in their personal capacity is appointed by the Council of Representatives and reflects a broad geographical balance among the countries of the South; The Secretariat; headed by an Executive Director, to implement the objectives of the Centre.

The operations of the South Centre are directed by the Board, which also approves its activities and the work programme. Mr.Benjamin Mkapa, the former President of Tanzania, is the current Chairperson of the Board.

Former Chairpersons include;

Mr.Boutros Boutros-Ghali (Egypt) Dr.Gamani Corea (Sri Lanka) Luis Fernando Jaramillo (Colombia) Dr. Julius Nyerere (Tanzania)

[edit] Objectives According to Article II of the Intergovernmental Agreement[3], the Centre has the following among its central objectives: To promote South solidarity, South consciousness and mutual knowledge and understanding among the countries and peoples of the South;

To promote various types of South-South cooperation and action, South-South links, networking and information exchange; To contribute to South-wide collaboration in promoting common interests and Co-ordinated participation by developing countries in international forums dealing with South-South and North-South matters, as well as with other global concerns; To foster convergent views and approaches among countries of the South with respect to global economic, political and strategic issues related to evolving concepts of development, sovereignty and security; To contribute to better mutual understanding and co-operation between the South and the North on the basis of equity and justice for all and, to this end, to the democratization and strengthening of the United Nations and its family of organizations.

The Centre helps to develop informed points of view for the South on major policy issues, while also generating ideas and action-oriented proposals for consideration by the collectivity of South governments, institutions of South-South co-operation, inter-governmental organizations of the South, and non-governmental organizations. In order to meet its objectives, within the limits of its capacity and mandate, the Centre also responds to requests for policy advice, and for technical and other support from collective entities of the South. These include the Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement. [edit] Programmes The Centre works on a wide range of issues relevant to the countries of the South and the global community in general. This work aims to achieve its objectives in accordance with the mandate of the South Centre as an independent, intergovernmental think-tank of developing countries. A major

milestone in the elaboration of a medium term work programme was achieved in February 2006 when the South Centre Board approved a Strategic Work Programme (SWP). The SWP attempts to articulate a coherent approach to address several clusters of issues identified by developing countries as deserving priority in an integrated manner. The SWP is divided into seven major areas of work. Of these seven, the South Centre has developed a substantial knowledge base in the following areas;

Global Governance for Development[4] Trade for Development[5] Innovation and Access to Knowledge[6]

The remaining three areas include Financing for Development, Environment for Development, and Social Issues and Human Rights. The Centre occasionally works on these issues and the SWP aims to develop these subject areas into full programmes in the medium term. [edit] UN Observer Status The South Centre holds Observer Status at several multinational institutions:

United Nations General Assembly[7] UN Economic and Social Council[8] World Intellectual Property Organisation[9] United Nations Conference on Trade and Development[10] United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change[11] United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity International Criminal Court[12] World Trade Organisation[13] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change[14] Group of 24

[edit] Member Countries

51 countries shown in green The Council of Representatives is composed of high-level representatives of the Centre's member countries. It meets annually, and on an inter-session basis when required, in order to examine the work of the Centre and to provide policy and operational guidance. All countries signing and ratifying or acceding to the Agreement are required to appoint a high-level individual as their representative to the Council. This individual should have been recognized for his/her commitment and contribution to the development of the South as well as the promotion of South-South cooperation. The Council appoints a 9 member Board and elects the Centre's Chairperson. From its members, the Council elects a Convenor and a Vice-Convenor. As of 2012, the following 51 developing countries have signed, ratified, or acceded to the Intergovernmental Agreement:[15] South Commission/South Centre Adam Sneyd, McMaster University When leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement met in Harare in September 1986 it was clear that the 1980s were to become a "lost decade" for economic development in the Global South. Citing debt crises, high interest rates, low world prices for commodities, and ongoing Northern protectionism, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that a Commission on the development experience would be struck. Julius Nyerere, former President of Tanzania, agreed to Chair the Commission. Having established a Secretariat in Geneva with the financial assistance of Switzerland and developing countries in 1987, the South Commission set out to independently assess development and articulate future policy options. Operating for three years, the Commission issued statements on the debt problem and the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, and released its final report, The Challenge to the South, in August 1990. The report emphasized the need to focus efforts on human development, and the desirability of increased cooperation amongst Southern countries to raise their bargaining power in global economic negotiations.

Building upon the Report's recommendations and the work of the South Commission's follow-up office, forty-six developing countries agreed to establish a permanent centre on South-South cooperation in July 1995. The South Centre was tasked with promoting South solidarity, knowledge sharing, and cooperation, as well as coordinating common development policy positions on the world economy. To meet the goal of functioning as a think tank and a policy support organization for the Global South, the South Centre was mandated to disseminate its research output widely. Overall, the Centre seeks more policy space or autonomy for Southern countries interacting with the global economy, and a more equitable distribution of global income. Members meet at least every three years as the Council of Representatives to set the direction of the Board, which is charged with day-to-day oversight and fundraising. Under the leadership of current Board Chair and former UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the South Centre typically produces news and policy reports on topics that the Group of 77 has suggested. Its principal research focuses on intellectual property and trade. On the latter, the Centre helps to coordinate developing country policy positions in the WTO's Doha Round of negotiations. Its output helped to facilitate the South's united front evident at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cancun. THE COAST GUARD ACT, 1978 Chapter III DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COAST GUARD

Duties and 14.(1) It shall be the duty of the Coast Guard to protect by such measures, as it thinks fit, functions of the maritime and other national interests of India in the maritime zones of India. Coast Guard. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the measures referred to therein may provide for -

(a) ensuring the safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore terminals, installations and other structures and devices in any maritime zone; (b) providing protection to fishermen including assistance to them at sea while in distress; (c) taking such measures as are necessary to preserve and protect the maritime environment and to prevent and control marine pollution; (d) assisting the customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations; (e) enforcing the provisions of such enactments as are for the time being in force

in the maritime zones; and (f) such other matters, including measures for the safety of life and property at sea and collection of scientific data, as may be prescribed. (3) The Coast Guard shall perform its functions under this section in accordance with, and subject to such rules as may be prescribed and such rules may, in particular, make provisions for ensuring that the Coast Guard functions in close liaison with Union agencies, institutions and authorities so as to avoid duplication of effort. Territorial Army (India) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search The Territorial Army in India (commonly referred to as TA in India) is an organization of volunteers who receive military training for a few days in a year so that in case of an emergency they can be mobilized for the defence of the country. It is a second line of defense after the Regular Indian Army; the Indian Territorial Army is not a profession, occupation or a source of employment. It is only meant for those people who are already in mainstay civilian professions, in fact, gainful employment or self-employment in a civil profession is a pre-requisite for joining the Territorial Army. Contents [hide]

1 History 2 Force structure 3 TA Group Headquarters 4 Departmental Units 5 Non-Departmental Units 6 Ecological Battalions 7 Training 8 Notable Members 9 Honorary Officers 10 See also

11 References

12 External links

[edit] History The Indian Defence Force, incorporating Europeans and Indians in separate sections, was formed by the British in 1917. It was established in order to release regular troops from garrison duties during the First World War. It was divided into British and Indian sections. Like the Indian Army of the time, units in the Indian section consisted primarily of British officers and Indian other ranks. Units in the British section were all British. The Indians were volunteers, but many of the Europeans were conscripted, as the Indian Defence Force Act 1917 made military service compulsory for all Europeans permanently residing in British India (including the princely states) between the ages of 16 and 50.[1] Boys between 16 and 18 were only obliged to undertake training and men over 40 only had to serve in their local district, but men between 19 and 40 were obliged to serve anywhere required within the country. Only clergy were exempt.[2] The IDF was generally unpopular among the British conscripts. It was replaced by the Auxiliary Force (India) (for Europeans and Eurasians) and the Indian Territorial Force (for Indians) in 1920.[3] The modern Territorial Army was formally inaugurated by the first Indian Governor-General of India Shri C. Rajagopalachari on October 9, 1949 after the Independence Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948. October 9 is celebrated by the Prime Minister's Territorial Army Day Parade.[4] The Territorial Army initially had various types of units such as armoured regiments, infantry battalions, air defence, medical regiments, engineers field park companies, signal regiments, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) workshops, coast batteries, Army Service Corps GT Coy, ASC Compo Pl, and AMC field ambulances. By 1972 these units were either disbanded or converted to Regular Army units with the exception of infantry battalions. Territorial Army units were actively involved in military operations in 1962, 1965 and 1971 . The "Terriers" have also taken part in Operation Pawan in Srilanka, Operation Rakshak in Punjab & J&K, Operation Rhino and Operation Bajrang in the North East. Departmental units came to the aid of the civil authorities during industrial unrest and natural calamities, most famous being earthquake in Latur (Maharastra), Uttarkashi in Garhwal Himalaya and the super cyclone in Orissa. The Ecological units have arrested man made environmental degradation by planting 2.5 crore trees over 20,000 hectare of land in Mussoorie hills & Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), Bikaner & Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) and ravines of Chambal in Madhya Pradesh. [edit] Force structure The Territorial Army is part of the regular Indian Army. The present role of the Territorial Army is to

relieve the Regular Army from static duties and assist civil administration in dealing with natural calamities and maintenance of essential services in situations where life of the communities is affected or the security of the country is threatened, and to provide units for the Regular Army as and when required. Presently the Territorial Army has a strength of approximately 40,000 first line troops (and 160,000 second line troops) comprising departmental Territorial Army units such as Railway, IOC, ONGC, Telecommunication and General Hospital, and the non Departmental Territorial Army units of Infantry Battalion and Ecological Battalion affiliated to various Infantry Regiments. TA Group Headquarters

TA GP HQ, Southern Command - Pune TA GP HQ, Eastern Command - Kolkata TA GP HQ, Western Command - Chandigarh TA GP HQ, Central Command - Lucknow Dir DSC, Northern Command - Udhampur

Border Security Force From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Border Security Force

Formation

December 1, 1965

Headquarters

Force Head Quarters, Block 10 CGO Complex Lodhi Road New Delhi 110003 MR U K Bansal (IPS, UP Cadre) www.bsf.nic.in

Director General

Website www.bsf.gov.in The Border Security Force (BSF) is a border guarding force of the Government of India. Established on December 1, 1965, it is one of the Central Armed Police Forces. Its primary role is to guard India's international borders during peacetime and also prevent trans border crime. Like all paramilitary forces of India, the BSF is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is one of the many law enforcement agencies of India.

The unique BSF Camel Contingent during the annual Republic Day Parade. With a strength of 240,000 personnel in 186 battalions, including women personnel,[1][1][2] it is one of the world's largest border patrol forces. K F Rustomji, the BSF's first Director General is referred to as founding father of the BSF. Its current Director General is U K Bansal. Formation The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 demonstrated the inadequacies of the existing border management system and led to the formation of the Border Security Force as a unified central agency with the specific mandate of guarding India's international boundaries. The BSF was the brain child of its founding father Sh KF Rustamji, the first Director General of BSF. Till 1965 Indias borders with Pakistan were manned by the State Armed Police Battalion. Pakistan attacked Sardar Post, Chhar Bet and Beria Bet on April 9, 1965 in Kutch. This exposed the inadequacy of the State Armed Police to cope with armed aggression due to which the Government of India felt the need for a specialized centrally controlled Border Security Force, which would be armed and trained to man the International Border

with Pakistan. As a result of the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries, the Border Security Force came into existence on Dec 1, 1965 with K F Rustamji was its first Director General. The BSF's capabilities were used in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 against Pakistani forces in areas where the Regular Forces were thinly spread; BSF troops took part in several operations including the famous Battle of Longewala. In fact, for BSF the war on eastern front had started well before the war actually broke out in Dec '71. BSF had trained, supported and formed part of "Mukti Bahini" and had entered erstwhile East Pakistan before the actual hostilities broke out. BSF had played a very important role in Liberation of Bangladesh which Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Mujibur Rehman had also acknowledged. The BSF, long considered a male bastion, has now deployed its first batch of women personnel at the border to carry out regular frisking of women as well as other duties performed by their male counterparts, including guarding the border. Over 100 women have been deployed on the highly volatile Indo-Pak border, while around 60 will be deployed on the Indo-Bangla border. In total, 595 women constables will be deployed on the border in different phases. The current Director General is U K Bansal who took charge in November 2011. [edit] Counter insurgency operations This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2012) Although originally charged with guarding India's external boundaries, the BSF has more recently been given the task in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. When the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir broke out in 1989, the Jammu and Kashmir state police and the thinly-deployed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) struggled to cope up with the spiraling violence, and the Indian government deployed the BSF to Jammu and Kashmir to combat Islamic militants.

Indian Border Security Force at the Wagah border ceremony The BSF initially suffered casualties from insurgent attacks but later saw successes, including the arrest of militant leaders, after setting up an intelligence network and working with local civilians.BSF

contribution in reducing militancy in j&k is widely acknowledged. The BSF killed Ghazi Babasecond-incommand of Jaish-e-Mohammed and the mastermind of the 2001 Indian Parliament attackin August 2003. The BSF raided Baba's hideout in Srinagar and he was killed in the ensuing gunbattle. Despite the BSF's success in a counter-terrorism role, many in the government felt that this additional burden was leading to a dilution of the BSF's mandate and degrading the force's ability to perform its primary role of guarding the country's borders. The Indian government has now decided to implement recommendations to restrict each security agency to its mandate. Thus the 16 BSF battalions in Jammu and Kashmir are gradually being withdrawn from counter-insurgency duties and diverted back to guard the Indo-Pak border. They are being replaced by fresh units from the CRPF Force that have undergone specialized training in counter-terrorism. But the CRPF is yet to take over sensitive places like Tral. The 16 battalions being withdrawn from J&K were supposed to provide R&R to the battalions already deployed on the border. But with increasing Naxal violence in Central India, government decided to diversify the Anti Naxal operation with the induction of ITBP and BSF. BSF was deployed in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, where Naxal strength is comparatively thinner than that of other parts of Bastar region. At present total 6 battalions of BSF are stationed in different parts of Kanker district to combat Naxal menace. [edit] Organisation The Border Security Force has its Head Quarters at New Delhi and is known as Force Head Quarter (FHQ) headed by a Director General. Various Directorates like Operations, Communications & IT, Training, Engineering, General, Law, Provisioning, Administration, Personnel, Medical, Finance etc. function under the DG. Each Directorate is headed by an IG. The Eastern Theater is looked after by Spl DG HQ at Kolkata and the Western Theater is looked after by Spl DG HQ at Chandigarh.Field Formations in BSF are headed by an IG and are known as Frontiers Head Quarters (FtrHQ). There are 10 such Frontier under which Sector Head Quarters (SHQ) function headed by a DIG each. There are 31 such Sectors. Each SHQ has under its command 45 Duty Battalions. Presently 186 Battalions are sanctioned to BSF. Five major training institutions and 10 Subsidiary Training Centres (STCs) are imparting ab-initio as well as in-service training to its ranks and other CPOs/SPOs including IPS Probationers. BSF is the only Indian paramilitary force to have its own Air Wing, Marine Wing and artillery regiments, which support the General Duty Battalions in their operations. The BSF also has a national level school for breeding and training of dogs. Dogs from other CPOs and State Police are sent to National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) to be trained in infantry patrol, detection of explosives, tracking and the like. The BSF maintains a Tear Smoke Unit (TSU), which is unique in India. The TSU is responsible for producing tear gas munitions required for the Anti-Riot Forces. It also exports a substantial quantity to other countries. Two battalions of the BSF, located at Kolkata and Guwahati, are designated as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Each battalion maintains 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams of

45 personnel each, including engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads and medical/paramedics. The establishment of each battalion is 1,158 personnel. The NDRF is a multi-disciplinary, multi-skilled, high-tech force for all types of disasters and can deploy to disasters by air, sea and land. The battalions are equipped and trained for all natural disasters including combating nuclear disaster, biological and chemical disasters. Dakshin Gangotri From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Dakshin Gangotri Research Station

Dakshin Gangotri Coordinates: 700537S 120000E70.09361S 700537S 120000E70.09361S 12E

12ECoordinates: Country

India

Dakshin Gangotri was the first scientific base station of India situated in Antarctica which was established during the Third Indian Expedition to Antarctica. Contents

[hide]

1 Location 2 Construction 3 Foundation and Structural Layout 4 Energy Supply 5 Waste disposal and Ventilation 6 Communication 7 Dakshin Gangotri Post Office 8 Climate 9 Use 10 See also

11 References

[edit] Location The possible site for locating the permanent station was debated in detail during the Third Indian Expedition to Antarctica among the scientists, members of the Second Indian Expedition to Antarctica who were participating in the Third Indian Expedition to Antarctica, and the officers of the ship. All available material, such as aerial photographs, regional maps prepared by the Norsk Polarinstitutt and the recommendations of the Second Indian Expedition to Antarctica were examined in detail. A site at 700200S 120000E70.0333333S 12E had been recommended earlier by the Second Indian Expedition to Antarctica but there crevasses on the southern periphery of two nearby grounded ice patches Leningradkollen and Kurklaken were revealed by helicopter surveys and cracks were found to be developing in its near vicinity on recent aerial photographs. Keeping in view of several logistic factors, an area of about 10 km diameter was considered to be most appropriate for locating the permanent station. Detailed survey of this area was carried out and a location with coordinates 700537S 120000E70.09361S 12E was finalized for locating the station. The thickness of ice shelf was reported to be about 150 metres in this region. The site selected was free of crevasses and had a good view of the Wohlthat Mountains range in the south.[1] Kahuta

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Kahuta Kahuta

Kahuta Coordinates: Country Province Time zone Calling code 3321N 7314E33.35N 73.23E Pakistan Punjab PST (UTC+5) 051

Kahuta (Urdu: ) is a census-designated town and tehsil in the Rawalpindi District of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The population of the Kahuta Tehsil is approximately 160,000 at the 2008 census. Kahuta is the home to the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) which was founded to undertake the Kahuta Project as part of the atomic bomb project. Before the Kahuta Project, the site was occupied by retired officers of Pakistan Armed Forces and contained a small public community, including a private high school. Contents

[hide]

1 History 2 Geography 3 Kahuta in science

4 References

[edit] History The Punjab region became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region. The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 194t Muslim refugees settled in the area. Kahuta was a small incorporated village until the 1970s when KRL was constructed by the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers under Engineering officer Major-General Zahid Ali Akbar, Director of Project-706.[1] During 1960s and 1970s, Kahuta was inhabitant by retired officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces.[2] In 1970s, the Ministry of Defence was tasked by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to search for a remote location for performing atomic and weapon-testing experiments for the integrated atomic bomb project in 1976.[1][3] The residents of Kahuta were paid handsomely and were re-located in populated cities of Pakistan.[2] The Uranium Coordination Board (UCB) headed by Ghulam Ishaq Khan financed the reconstruction of the site.[1] Major-General Zahid Ali Akbar and later completed the drawings, surveying and measured the area aerially.[1] Within the week, the whole site was acquired by the Ministry of Defence, and the army truckloads, heavy engineering vehicles arrived the next day to re-built the site.[3] All incoming materials and research equipments were labeled as common items and engineering tools to conceal the true nature of their purpose.[1] Scientists and engineers working and living in Kahuta were censored by the senior military officials.[3] Soon, the site was classified and abandoned for public with only few allowed to resides.[3] The Engineering Research Laboratories (now KRL) was established by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a research government national facility under the Ministry of Defence.[3] [edit] Geography Kahuta is situated in the Himalayan foothills in Rawalpindi District of Pakistan's Punjab Province, approximately 30 km southeast of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. There are many picnic spots like Narar (Narh), Azad Pattan, Tlaitar and Beyore. The area is noted for its wildlife and hunting. Pahari-Potwari is spoken in this region. [edit] Kahuta in science Both nationally and internationally, Kahuta is famous for home to the Khan Research Laboratories, one of the largest government national research facility and laboratories. Since 1970s, Kahuta hosted an

apex scientific research where atomic experiments were performed under guidance and supervision of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan who served as the chief scientist. In 1984, Abdul Qadeer Khan and the scientists of the Kahuta Research Laboratories allegedly claimed to have conducted a putative nuclear cold-test of an atomic weapon, independently designed by KRL under codename Kahuta Test. However, the Pakistan Atomic Scientists Federation and the Government of Pakistan dismissed the claims made by KRL. Great Green Wall for Sahara and Sahel - Combat desertification, improving food security and climate change adaptation (29/09/2011)

A 1.75 million African Union project, supported by the European Union and FAO, aiming to address desertification, land degradation and drought in the Sahara and Sahel, was launchedin Addis Ababa on 26 September 2011. This is an initial contribution from the EU to the initiative. More substantial funding is anticipated in the coming years. The project will develop activities in Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Mauritania, Nigeria, the Gambia, Senegal and the Sudan. Other partner countries include Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Mali and Niger which are being supported through a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) provided by the FAO, which is also the implementing agency for the EU funded project. The two day meeting was attended by all 13 project focus countries, African Union Commission, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture, representative of the Regional Economic Communities (ECOWAS), the pan-African Agency for the Great Green Wall, CILSS, Pan-African Farmers Organisation (PAFO), the African Forest Forum (AFF), the Global Mechanism (GM) of the UNCCD, the European Union Delegation to the African Union, the FAO and the World Bank. The meeting was officially opened by the Ethiopian State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Ato Sileshi Getahun. During the meeting, governance structure for the project was adopted. Discussion to clarify the roles of countries and partners in the projects implementation, including ensuring the involvement of the panAfrican Great Green Wall Agency in the project and offering an avenue for strengthening collaboration between the agency and the AUC also took place. The work plan for the next 2 years was examined and approved, including planning of the second Africa dry lands week in 2012. Background information:

The GGWSSI is not only a tree planting initiative, but it is based on an integrated approach for improved livelihoods, with the purpose to tackle the detrimental social, economic and environmental impact of land degradation and desertification in the Sahara and Sahel region, in particular by supporting local community's efforts in sustainable management and use of natural resources (land, water and vegetation). The project is developed in the framework of the Africa-EU strategic partnership (under theme 6Climate change). It will focus on capacity development for the planning and implementation of best practices at local level and international levels, establishing a networking platform for knowledge sharing and technology transfer, developing a harmonized strategy for the Great Green Wall initiative and setting up a platform for partnership and resource mobilization. Strait of Hormuz From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

The Strait of Hormuz (red arrow) connects the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.

Blue arrows illustrate the strait's Traffic Separation Scheme.

Satellite image

Map of Strait of Hormuz with maritime political boundaries (2004)

Historical map of the area (1892) The Strait of Hormuz /hrmuz/ (Arabic: Maq Hurmuz, Persian: Tangeh-ye Hormoz) is a strait between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. It is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world's most strategically-important choke points. On the north coast is Iran, and on the south coast is the United Arab Emirates and Musandam, an exclave of Oman. At its narrowest, the strait is 21 nautical miles (39 km) wide.[1] About 20% of the world's petroleum, and about 35% of the petroleum traded by sea, passes through the strait making it a highly important strategic location for international trade.[1] Glasnost From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For other uses, see Glasnost (disambiguation). This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page.

This article has an unclear citation style. The references used may be made clearer with a different or consistent style of citation, footnoting, or external linking. (February 2011) This article may contain inappropriate or misinterpreted citations that do not verify the text. Please help improve this article by checking for inaccuracies. (help, talk, get involved!) (February 2011) This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (June 2009) This article may be unbalanced towards certain viewpoints. Please improve the article by adding information on neglected viewpoints, or discuss the issue on the talk page. (February 2011)

Russian term Translit English glasnost publicity, openness to public

Glasnost (Russian: , IPA: *lasnst+ ( listen), literally: Openness) was a policy that called for increased openness and transparency in government institutions and activities in the Soviet Union. Introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the second half of the 1980s,[1] Glasnost is often paired with Perestroika (literally: Restructuring), another reform instituted by Gorbachev at the same time. The word "glasnost" has been used in Russian at least since the end of the 18th century.[2] The word was frequently used by Gorbachev to specify the policies he believed might help reduce the corruption at the top of the Communist Party and the Soviet government, and moderate the abuse of administrative power in the Central Committee. Russian human rights activist and dissident Lyudmila Alexeyeva explained glasnost as a word that "had been in the Russian language for centuries. It was in the dictionaries and lawbooks as long as there had been dictionaries and lawbooks. It was an ordinary, hardworking, nondescript word that was used to refer to a process, any process of justice of governance, being conducted in the open."[3] Glasnost can also refer to the specific period in the history of the USSR during the 1980s when there was less censorship and greater freedom of information.

The africa fund

The Africa Fund was set up in 2001 to make a difference to communities we had met in East Africa. It came on the back of 7 years of visits we had made to churches in Uganda, and then later Kenya, Tanzania & Dr Congo, and from the outset has set out to work through relationship with trusted individuals and groups. We dont operate as an anonymous fund that anyone can apply to for help; our aim is to work through the network of friendships we have developed, where we can follow up the work through regular visits. These are made by church-based teams (who pay their own way) that return to the same places year after year, building on the relationship and offering encouragement and skills where appropriate. Our aim is then to support with seed funding, assisting sustainable development in urban and rural settings. The projects are not devised or managed by us, they are the product of the inspiration and hard work of our African friends. It is a privilege to be partners with them in this work. We keep our overheads to the minimum, with people volunteering their assistance. If you join with us in supporting the Africa Fund, you can be sure that what you give will be used to make a difference to lives in Africa.

Permaculture
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Permaculture is a branch of ecological design, ecological engineering, and environmental design which develops sustainable architecture/human settlements and self-maintained agricultural systems modeled from natural ecosystems. [1][2] The core tenets of permaculture are:[3][4]

Take Care of the Earth: Provision for all life systems to continue and multiply. This is the first principle, because without a healthy earth, humans cannot flourish. Take Care of the People: Provision for people to access those resources necessary for their existence. Share the Surplus: Healthy natural systems use outputs from each element to nourish others. We humans can do the same. By governing our own needs, we can set resources aside to further the above principles.

Permaculture draws from several disciplines including organic farming, agroforestry, integrated farming, sustainable development, and applied ecology. "The primary agenda of the movement has been to assist people to become more self reliant through the design and development of productive and sustainable gardens and farms. The design principles which are the conceptual foundation of permaculture were derived from the science of systems ecology and study of preindustrial examples of sustainable land use."[5] Permaculture design emphasizes patterns of landscape, function, and species assemblies. It asks the question, Where does this element go? How can it be placed for the maximum benefit of the system?" To answer this question, the central concept of permaculture is maximizing useful connections between components and synergy of the final design. The focus of permaculture, therefore, is not on each separate element, but rather on the relationships created among elements by the way they are placed together; the whole becoming greater than the sum of its parts. Permaculture design therefore seeks to minimize waste, human labor, and energy input by building systems with maximal benefits between design elements to achieve a high level of synergy. Permaculture designs evolve over time by taking into account these relationships and

elements and can become extremely complex systems that produce a high density of food and materials with minimal input.[6] It is worthy of note that Permaculture is a system of design only, and as such it can be applied to anything that requires design. Permaculture has been applied most commonly to the design of housing and landscaping, integrating techniques such as agroforestry, natural building and rainwater harvesting within the context of Permaculture design principles and theory.

10 External links

[edit] Theory [edit] The 12 permaculture design principles Permaculturists generally regard the following as its 12 design principles:[7] 1. Observe and interact: By taking time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation. 2. Catch and store energy: By developing systems that collect resources at peak abundance, we can use them in times of need. 3. Obtain a yield: Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing. 4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback: We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well. 5. Use and value renewable resources and services: Make the best use of nature's abundance to reduce our consumptive behavior and dependence on non-renewable resources. 6. Produce no waste: By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste. 7. Design from patterns to details: By stepping back, we can observe patterns in nature and society. These can form the backbone of our designs, with the details filled in as we go. 8. Integrate rather than segregate: By putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between those things and they work together to support each other. 9. Use small and slow solutions: Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and producing more sustainable outcomes.

10. Use and value diversity: Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides. 11. Use edges and value the marginal: The interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system. 12. Creatively use and respond to change: We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time. [edit] Patterns Permaculture design focuses heavily upon natural patterns. All things, even the wind, the waves and the Earth moving around the Sun, form patterns. In pattern application, permaculture designers are encouraged to develop an awareness of the patterns that exist in nature (and how these function) and how patterns can be utilized to satisfy the specific design needs of a specific site. "The application of pattern on a design site involves the designer recognizing the shape and potential to fit these patterns or combinations of patterns comfortably onto the landscape".[8] [edit] Layers Layers are one of the tools used to design functional ecosystems that are both sustainable and of direct benefit to man. A mature ecosystem has a huge number of relationships between its component parts: trees, understory, ground cover, soil, fungi, insects, and animals. Because plants grow to different heights, a diverse community of life is able to grow in a relatively small space, as each layer is stacked one on top of another. There are generally seven recognized layers in a food forest, although some practitioners also include fungi as an eighth layer:[citation needed] 1. The canopy: the tallest trees in the system. Large trees dominate but do not saturate the area, i.e. there exist patches barren of trees. 2. Low tree layer: dwarf fruit trees, citrus trees and other short trees 3. Shrubs: a diverse layer that includes most berry bushes 4. Herbaceous: may be annuals, biennials or perennials; most annuals will fit into this layer 5. Rhizosphere: root crops including potatoes and other edible tubers 6. Soil surface: cover crops to retain soil and lessen erosion, along with green manures to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil, especially nitrogen 7. Vertical layer: climbers or vines, such as runner beans and lima beans (vine varieties) [edit] Guilds

A guild is any group of species where each provides a unique set of diverse functions that work in conjunction, or harmony. Guilds are groups of plants, animals, insects, etc. that work well together. Some plants may be grown for food production, some have tap roots that draw nutrients up from deep in the soil, some attract beneficial insects, and others repel harmful insects. When grouped together these plants form a guild.[9][10][11] [edit] Edge effect The edge effect in ecology is the effect of the juxtaposition or placing side by side of contrasting environments on an ecosystem. Permaculturists argue that, where vastly differing systems meet, there is an intense area of productivity and useful connections. An example of this is the coast; where the land and the sea meet there is a particularly rich area that meets a disproportionate percentage of human and animal needs. So this idea is played out in permacultural designs by using spirals in the herb garden or creating ponds that have wavy undulating shorelines rather than a simple circle or oval (thereby increasing the amount of edge for a given area). Edges between woodland and open areas have been claimed to be the most productive.[12] [edit] Zones Zones are a way of organizing design elements in a human environment on the basis of the frequency of human use and plant or animal needs. Frequently manipulated or harvested elements of the design are located close to the house in zones 1 and 2. Less frequently used or manipulated elements, and elements that benefit from isolation (such as wild species) are farther away. Zones is about positioning things appropriately. Zones are numbered from 0 to 5:[citation needed] Zone 0 The house, or home center. Here permaculture principles would be applied in terms of aiming to reduce energy and water needs, harnessing natural resources such as sunlight, and generally creating a harmonious, sustainable environment in which to live and work. Zone 0 is an informal designation, which is not specifically defined in Bill Mollison's book. Zone 1 The zone nearest to the house, the location for those elements in the system that require frequent attention, or that need to be visited often, such as salad crops, herb plants, soft fruit like strawberries or raspberries, greenhouse and cold frames, propagation area, worm compost bin for kitchen waste, etc. Raised beds are often used in zone 1 in urban areas. Zone 2 This area is used for siting perennial plants that require less frequent maintenance, such as occasional weed control or pruning, including currant bushes and orchards. This would also be a good place for beehives, larger scale composting bins, and so on.

Zone 3 The area where maincrops are grown, both for domestic use and for trade purposes. After establishment, care and maintenance required are fairly minimal (provided mulches and similar things are used), such as watering or weed control maybe once a week. Zone 4 A semi-wild area. This zone is mainly used for forage and collecting wild food as well as timber production. Zone 5 A wild area. There is no human intervention in zone 5 apart from the observation of natural ecosystems and cycles. [edit] Animals Animals are often incorporated into site design.[13] Other projects avoid the use of domesticated animals altogether.[14] [edit] Common practices [edit] Agroforestry Agroforestry is an integrated approach of using the interactive benefits from combining trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock. It combines agricultural and forestry technologies to create more diverse, productive, profitable, healthy and sustainable land-use systems.[15] In agroforestry systems, trees or shrubs are intentionally used within agricultural systems, or non-timber forest products are cultured in forest settings.[citation needed] Forest gardening is a form of agroforestry that is particularly popular with permaculturists. Numerous permaculturists are proponents of forest gardens, or food forests, such as Graham Bell, Patrick Whitefield, Dave Jacke, Eric Toensmeier and Geoff Lawton. Bell started building his forest garden in 1991 and wrote the book The Permaculture Garden in 1995, Whitefield wrote the book How to Make a Forest Garden in 2002, Jacke and Toensmeier co-authored the two volume book set Edible Forest Gardening in 2005, and Lawton presented the film Establishing a Food Forest in 2008.[6][16][17] [edit] Natural building A natural building involves a range of building systems and materials that place major emphasis on sustainability. Ways of achieving sustainability through natural building focus on durability and the use of minimally processed, plentiful or renewable resources, as well as those that, while recycled or salvaged, produce healthy living environments and maintain indoor air quality. Natural building tends to rely on human labor, more than technology.[citation needed]

The basis of natural building is the need to lessen the environmental impact of buildings and other supporting systems, without sacrificing comfort, health or aesthetics. To be more sustainable, natural building uses primarily abundantly available, renewable, reused or recycled materials. In addition to relying on natural building materials, the emphasis on the architectural design is heightened. The orientation of a building, the utilization of local climate and site conditions, the emphasis on natural ventilation through design, fundamentally lessen operational costs and positively impact the environmental. Building compactly and minimizing the ecological footprint is common, as are on-site handling of energy acquisition, on-site water capture, alternate sewage treatment and water reuse.[citation needed] [edit] Rainwater harvesting Rainwater harvesting is the accumulating and storing of rainwater for reuse before it reaches the aquifer.[18] It has been used to provide drinking water, water for livestock, water for irrigation, as well as other typical uses. Rainwater collected from the roofs of houses and local institutions can make an important contribution to the availability of drinking water. It can supplement the subsoil water level and increase urban greenery. Water collected from the ground, sometimes from areas which are especially prepared for this purpose, is called stormwater harvesting.[citation needed] Greywater is wastewater generated from domestic activities such as laundry, dishwashing, and bathing, which can be recycled on-site for uses such as landscape irrigation and constructed wetlands. This wastewater contains no feces or urine. Greywater differs from water from the toilets which is designated sewage or blackwater, to indicate it contains human waste, but it is suitable as a source of water for toilets.[citation needed] [edit] Sheet mulching In agriculture and gardening, mulch is a protective cover placed over the soil. Any material or combination can be used as mulch, stones, leaves, plastic, cardboard etc., though in Permaculture mulches of organic material are the most common because they perform more functions. These include: absorbing rainfall, reducing evaporation, providing nutrients, increasing organic matter in the soil, feeding and creating habitat for soil organisms, suppressing weed growth and seed germination, moderating diurnal temperature swings, protecting against frost, and reducing erosion. Sheet mulching is an agricultural no-dig gardening technique that attempts to mimic natural processes occurring within forests, sheet mulching mimics the leaf cover that is found on forest floors. When deployed properly and in combination with other Permacultural principles, it can generate healthy, productive and low maintenance ecosystems.[19][20] Sheet mulch serves as a "nutrient bank," storing the nutrients contained in organic matter and slowly making these nutrients available to plants. It also improves the soil by attracting and feeding earthworms, and adding humus. Earthworms "till" the soil, and their worm castings are among the best fertilizers and soil conditioners. Sheet mulching can be used to reduce or eliminate undesirable plants by starving them of light, and may be more advantageous than using herbicide or other methods of control.[citation needed]

[edit] Hgelkultur Hgelkultur is the practice of burying large volumes of wood to increase soil water retention. The porous structure of wood acts as a sponge when decomposing underground. During the rainy season, masses of buried wood can absorb enough water to sustain crops through the dry season.[21] This technique has been famously used by Sepp Holzer, Toby Hemenway, and Masanobu Fukuoka.[22][23] [edit] Etymology The term permaculture (as a systematic method) was first coined by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren during the 1970s. The word "permaculture" originally referred to "permanent agriculture" but was expanded to stand also for "permanent culture," as it was seen that social aspects were integral to a truly sustainable system. Inspired by Fukuoka natural farming philosophy, Mollison has described permaculture as "a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than premature and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single project system. IBM Sequoia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search IBM Sequoia Operators LLNL Location Livermore, Alameda, SFBA, Northern California, United States 7.9 MW 3,000 square feet (280 m2) 1.6 PB 16.32 PFLOPS NW&UN, astronomy, energy, human genome, and climate change

Power Space Memory Speed Purpose

IBM Sequoia is a petascale Blue Gene/Q supercomputer constructed by IBM for the National Nuclear Security Administration as part of the Advanced Simulation and Computing Program (ASC). It was delivered to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 2011 and was fully deployed in June 2012.[1] On 14 June 2012, the TOP500 Project Committee announced that Sequoia replaced the K computer as the world's fastest supercomputer, with a LINPACK performance of 16.32 petaflops, 55% faster than the K computer's 10.51 petaflops, using 123% more sockets than the K computer's 705,024 sockets. Sequoia is also more energy efficient, as it consumes 7.9 MW, 37% less than the K computer's 12.6 MW.[2][3] The entire supercomputer runs on Linux, with CNK running on over 98,000 nodes, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux running on 768 I/O nodes that are connected to the filesystem.[4] Contents [hide]

1 Dawn prototype 2 Purpose 3 Design

o o o o

3.1 Node architecture 3.2 Job scheduler 3.3 Filesystem 3.4 Power usage

4 See also 5 References

6 External links

[edit] Dawn prototype IBM built a prototype, called "Dawn," capable of 500 teraflops, using the Blue Gene/P design, to evaluate the Sequoia design. This system was delivered in April 2009 and entered the Top500 list at 9th place in June 2009.[5] [edit] Purpose

Sequoia will be used primarily for nuclear weapons simulation, replacing the current Blue Gene/L and ASC Purple supercomputers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Sequoia will also be available for scientific purposes such as astronomy, energy, study of the human genome, and climate change. [edit] Design [edit] Node architecture Sequoia is a Blue Gene/Q design, building off previous Blue Gene designs. It consists of 96 racks containing 98,304 compute nodes [1024/rack]. The compute nodes are 16-core PowerPC A2 processor chips with 16 GB of DDR3 memory each. Thus the system contains in total 1,572,864 processor cores [96*1024*16] with 1.6 PB memory. It covers an area of about 3,000 square feet (280 m2). The compute nodes are interconnected in a 5-dimensional torus topology. [edit] Job scheduler LLNL will use the SLURM job scheduler, which is also used by the Dawn prototype and China's Tianhe-IA, to manage Sequoia's resources.[6] [edit] Filesystem LLNL uses Lustre as the parallel filesystem, and has ported ZFS to Linux as the Lustre OSD (Object Storage Device) to take advantage of the performance and advanced features of the filesystem.[7] In Sept 2011, NetApp announced that the DoE had selected the company for 55 PB of storage.[8][9] [edit] Power usage The complete system will draw about 6 MW of power but is projected to have an unprecedented efficiency in performance per watt. The Sequoia design will perform 3000 Mflops/watt, about 7 times as efficient as the Blue Gene/P design it is replacing, and more than 3 times as efficient as a prior (June 2011) Top 500 leader G8+5 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Group of Eight + Five Gruppe der Acht + Fnf Groupe de Huit + Cinq Gruppo di Otto + Cinque 5 + Grupo de los Ocho + Cinco

Grupo dos Oito + Cinco Groep van Agt + Vyf +

G8 + 5 Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper French Republic President Franois Hollande Federal Republic of Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel Italian Republic Prime Minister Mario Monti Japan Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Prime Minister David Cameron United States of America

President Barack Obama

Federative Republic of Brazil President Dilma Rousseff People's Republic of China President Hu Jintao Republic of India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh United Mexican States President Felipe Caldern Republic of South Africa President Jacob Zuma The Group of Eight + Five (G8+5) an international group that consists of the leaders of the heads of government from the G8 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), plus the heads of government of the five leading emerging economies (Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa). Contents [hide]

1 February 2007 Declaration 2 Foundation 3 Institutionalization 4 See also 5 References

6 External links

[edit] February 2007 Declaration

See also: PostKyoto Protocol negotiations on greenhouse gas emissions On February 16, 2007, The Global Legislators Organisation (GLOBE International) held a meeting of the G8+5 Climate Change Dialogue at the GLOBE Washington Legislators Forum in Washington, D.C., where a non-binding agreement was reached to cooperate on tackling global warming. The group accepted that the existence of man-made climate change was beyond doubt, and that there should be a global system of emission caps and carbon emissions trading applying to both industrialized nations and developing countries. The group hoped this policy to be in place by 2009, to supersede the Kyoto Protocol, the first phase of which expires in 2012.[1][2] [edit] Foundation The G8+5 group was formed in 2005 when Tony Blair, then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in his role as host of the 31st G8 summit at Gleneagles, Scotland, invited the leading emerging countries to join the talks. The hope was that this would form a stronger and more representative group that would inject fresh impetus into the trade talks at Doha, and the need to achieve a deeper cooperation on climate change. Following the meeting, the countries issued a joint statement looking to build a "new paradigm for international cooperation" in the future. The G8+5 Climate Change Dialogue was launched on February 24, 2006, by the (GLOBE)[3] in partnership with the Com+ alliance of communicators for sustainable development.[4] [edit] Institutionalization Following the 33rd G8 summit Heiligendamm 2007, German chancellor Angela Merkel announced the establishment of the "Heiligendamm Process" through which the full institutionalization of the permanent dialogue between the G8 countries and the five greatest emerging economies will be implemented. This will include the establishment of a common G8 and G5 platform at the OECD. (see: "Die G8 Akteure in einer globalen Entwicklungspartnerschaft; http://www.bmz.de/de/service/infothek/fach/spezial/index.html) Most recently on August 28, 2007, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy in a foreign policy statement proposed that Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa should become members of G8: "The G8 can't meet for two days and the G13 for just two hours.... That doesn't seem fitting, given the power of these five emerging countries." Nevertheless, as of 2008, a formal enlargement of the G8 is not a realistic political option, since the G8 member states have diverging positions on this issue. The US and Japan have been against enlargement, the United Kingdom and France actively in favour, and Italy, Germany, Russia and Canada are reserved on the issu Human papillomavirus From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search "HPV" redirects here. For other uses, see HPV (disambiguation). The Papillomavirus article covers the general biological features of human and animal papillomaviruses. Human papillomavirus Classification and external resources ICD-10 ICD-9 DiseasesDB eMedicine MeSH B97.7 078.1 079.4 6032 med/1037 D030361

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus from the papillomavirus family that is capable of infecting humans. Like all papillomaviruses, HPVs establish productive infections only in keratinocytes of the skin or mucous membranes. While the majority of the known types of HPV cause no symptoms in most people, some types can cause warts (verrucae), while others can in a minority of cases lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, oropharynx and anus.[1] Recently, HPV has been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.[2] In addition, HPV 16 and 18 infections are strongly associated with an increased odds ratio of developing oropharyngeal (throat) cancer.[3] More than 30 to 40 types of HPV are typically transmitted through sexual contact and infect the anogenital region. Some sexually transmitted HPV types may cause genital warts. Persistent infection with "high-risk" HPV types different from the ones that cause skin warts may progress to precancerous lesions and invasive cancer.[4] HPV infection is a cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancer.[5] However, most infections with these types do not cause disease. Most HPV infections in young females are temporary and have little long-term significance. Seventy percent of infections are gone in 1 year and ninety percent in 2 years.[6] However, when the infection persists in 5% to 10% of infected women there is high risk of developing precancerous lesions of the cervix, which can progress to invasive cervical cancer. This process usually takes 1015 years, providing many opportunities for detection and treatment of the pre-cancerous lesion. Progression to invasive cancer can be almost always prevented when standard prevention strategies are applied, but the lesions still cause considerable burden necessitating preventive surgeries, which do in many cases involve loss of fertility.

In more developed countries, cervical screening using a Papanicolaou (Pap) test or liquid-based cytology is used to detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer. If abnormal cells are found, women are invited to have a colposcopy. During a colposcopic inspection, biopsies can be taken and abnormal areas can be removed with a simple procedure, typically with a cauterizing loop or, more commonly in the developing world by freezing (cryotherapy). Treating abnormal cells in this way can prevent them from developing into cervical cancer. Pap smears have reduced the incidence and fatalities of cervical cancer in the developed world, but even so there were 11,000 cases and 3,900 deaths in the U.S. in 2008. Cervical cancer has substantial mortality in resource-poor areas; worldwide, there are an estimated 490,000 cases and 270,000 deaths each year.[7][8] HPV vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil), which prevent infection with the HPV types (16 and 18) that cause 70% of cervical cancer, may lead
ow to manage China's rise and mould its behaviour will be one of the biggest diplomatic challenges facing New Delhi [ Images ] in the coming years, says Harsh V Pant.

As was expected there was no movement on the contentious South China Sea dispute at the ASEAN summit held
in Phnom Penh a few days back. But what was striking was the fact that the looming shadow of China prevented the meeting from even issuing a joint statement for the first time in the organisation's 45-year history. China succeeded in playing divide and rule politics, thereby ensuring that the dispute remains a bilateral matter between Beijing [ Images ] and individual rival claimants. As a consequence, the waters of the South China Sea will not be calm any time soon. At a time of domestic political transition, China is embroiled in a range of disputes with its neighbours. Conflict in the region has the potential to disrupt global trade flows. The South China Sea waterways carry around half of the world's total trade and are claimed in whole or part by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. Proven and undiscovered oil resources in the South China Sea are estimated to be as high as 213 billion barrels. Fears have been rising in Asia that China is seeking to use its growing maritime might to dominate not only the hydrocarbon-rich waters of the South China Sea but also its crucial shipping lanes, the lifeline of regional economies. The Philippines and Vietnam, in particular, have been raising concerns about China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. The Philippine President Benigni Aquino III has even suggested that he may ask the US to deploy spy planes over the South China Sea to help monitor disputed waters in the region. The impasse between China and the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal, which started when Philippine naval vessels discovered Chinese fishing boats in a lagoon of the shoal, shows no signs of abating with China refusing to remove its fishing boats from the shoal. Just weeks back, the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Company opened nine blocks for exploration in waters also claimed by Vietnam and the Chinese navy has been conducting combat-ready patrols in the area. The state-run

Chinese media has been very vocal about states like the Philippines and Vietnam asking Beijing to "teach them an unforgettable lesson when it is time to hit back." Japan [ Images ] has also asked China to clarify its maritime claims. Though Japan may not have a direct stake in the dispute, it has increasingly taken a proactive role in the dispute. Tokyo remains worried about the implications of China's assertiveness in South China Sea for its own dispute with China in the East China Sea. The manner in which South China Sea issue gets resolved will have significant implications for maritime conflicts in the region and beyond. China blocked efforts to resolve long-running tensions over claims in the disputed South China Sea, warning participants at the ASEAN summit that it is 'crucial' they leave the issue out of their discussions. The US had been hoping that ASEAN member states would work on developing a code of conduct for activities in the sea to ensure future disagreements are resolved amicably and has been pushing the ASEAN nations to unify around a legally binding code of conduct based in international maritime law as a means of managing disputes and cultivating ASEAN as a partner in engaging China. Despite agreeing to draft a code of conduct almost a decade back, there has been little movement towards completion primarily because of China's position that disagreements should be settled on a bilateral rather than a multilateral basis. China has refused to discuss the South China Sea dispute with the ASEAN as a group because they want to negotiate on a one-to-one basis where they are much bigger than any individual Southeast Asian country and they can bully their interlocutors seriatim. But there is a clear need to stress the importance of principles such as the freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unimpeded lawful commerce in the South China Sea. By putting up for global bidding a Vietnamese petroleum block under exploration by an Indian oil [ Get Quote ] company, China has forced India into a diplomatic logjam. Not surprisingly, India was very vocal about its concerns at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting in Cambodia demanding "access to resources in accordance with principles of international law." New Delhi, which so often likes to sit on margins, can no longer afford the luxury of inaction if it wants to preserve its credibility as a significant actor in East and Southeast Asia. China's assertiveness is not good new for the region but it should be particularly troubling for India. Beijing's rapidly rising defence expenditure, its expansive maritime sovereignty claims; its aggressive behaviour pursuing them; its support for states such as North Korea and Pakistan; and its non-transparent military build-up all raise questions about its willingness to act as a responsible stakeholder in the region. How to manage China's rise and mould its behaviour will be one of the biggest diplomatic challenges facing New Delhi in the coming years. Many in India argue that given the high stakes that China and India have in each other's economies, conflict between the two is highly unlikely. But as tensions in South China Sea exemplify, economic interdependence has never really been an antidote to conflict. New Delhi should watch China's behaviour closely and learn due lessons in dealing with the rising dragon its vicinity.

Sustainable development
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search See also: Sustainability

Solar power towers utilize the natural resource of the Sun, and are a renewable energy source. From left: PS10 and PS20 solar towers.

Sustainable development (SD) refers to a mode of human development in which resource use aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come. The term 'sustainable development' was used by the Brundtland Commission which coined what has become the most often-quoted definition of sustainable development: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."[1][2]. Sustainable development ties together concern for the carrying capacity of natural systems with the social challenges faced by humanity. As early as the 1970s, "sustainability" was employed to describe an economy "in equilibrium with basic ecological support systems."[3] Ecologists have pointed to The Limits to Growth,[4] and presented the alternative of a "steady state economy"[5] in order to address environmental concerns.

The concept of sustainable development has in the past most often been broken out into three constituent parts: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and sociopolitical sustainability. More recently, it has been suggested that a more consistent analytical breakdown is to distinguish four domains of economic, ecological, political and cultural sustainability. This is consistent with the UCLG move to make 'culture' the fourth domain of sustainability.[6] (See below under the subheading 'Culture'.)

Contents
[hide]

1 Definition 2 Domains o 2.1 Economics o 2.2 Ecology o 2.3 Culture o 2.4 Politics 3 History of the concept 4 Environmental sustainability 5 Economic sustainability 6 Types of capital o 6.1 Market failure o 6.2 Business case 7 Sustainable agriculture o 7.1 Elements 8 Criticisms o 8.1 Consequences o 8.2 Vagueness of the term o 8.3 Basis o 8.4 "De-growth" o 8.5 Measurability 9 See also o 9.1 Organizations and research 10 References 11 Further reading

12 External links

[edit] Definition

Scheme of sustainable development: at the confluence of three constituent parts. (2006)

In 1987, the United Nations released the Brundtland Report, which included what is now one of the most widely recognised definitions: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." [7] According to the same report, the above definition contains within it two key concepts:

the concept of 'needs', in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs. [8]

The United Nations 2005 World Summit Outcome Document refers to the "interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars" of sustainable development as economic development, social development, and environmental protection.[9] Based on the triple bottom line, numerous sustainability standards and certification systems have been established in recent years, in particular in the food industry.[10][11] Well-known standards include organic, Rainforest Alliance, fair trade, UTZ Certified, Bird Friendly, and The Common Code for the Coffee Community. Indigenous peoples have argued, through various international forums such as the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Convention on Biological Diversity, that

there are four pillars of sustainable development, the fourth being cultural. The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (UNESCO, 2001) further elaborates the concept by stating that "... cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature; it becomes one of the roots of development understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence". In this vision, cultural diversity is the fourth policy area of sustainable development. A useful articulation of the values and principles of sustainability can be found in the Earth Charter. It offers an integrated vision and definition of strong sustainability. The document, an ethical framework for a sustainable world, was developed over several years after the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and launched officially in 2000. The Charter derives its legitimacy from the participatory process in which it was drafted, which included contributions from hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals, and from its use since 2000 by thousands of organizations and individuals that have been using the Earth Charter as an educational instrument and a policy tool. Economic Sustainability: Agenda 21 clearly identified information, integration, and participation as key building blocks to help countries achieve development that recognises these interdependent pillars. It emphasises that in sustainable development everyone is a user and provider of information. It stresses the need to change from old sector-centered ways of doing business to new approaches that involve cross-sectoral co-ordination and the integration of environmental and social concerns into all development processes. Furthermore, Agenda 21 emphasises that broad public participation in decision making is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.[12] According to Hasna Vancock, sustainability is a process which tells of a development of all aspects of human life affecting sustenance. It means resolving the conflict between the various competing goals, and involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity famously known as three dimensions (triple bottom line) with the resultant vector being technology, hence it is a continually evolving process; the 'journey' (the process of achieving sustainability) is of course vitally important, but only as a means of getting

to the destination (the desired future state). However, the 'destination' of sustainability is not a fixed place in the normal sense that we understand destination. Instead, it is a set of wishful characteristics of a future system.[13]

The natural resource of wind powers these 5MW wind turbines on this wind farm 28 km off the coast of Belgium.

The concept has included notions of weak sustainability, strong sustainability and deep ecology. Green development is generally differentiated from sustainable development in that Green development prioritizes what its proponents consider to be environmental sustainability over economic and cultural considerations. Proponents of Sustainable Development argue that it provides a context in which to improve overall sustainability where cutting edge Green Development is unattainable. For example, a cutting edge treatment plant with extremely high maintenance costs may not be sustainable in regions of the world with fewer financial resources. An environmentally ideal plant that is shut down due to bankruptcy is obviously less sustainable than one that is maintainable by the community, even if it is somewhat less effective from an environmental standpoint. However, this view depends on whether one determines that it is the

development (the plant) which needs to be sustainable, or whether it is the human-nature ecology (the environmental conditions) in which the plant exists which should be sustainable. It follows, then, that an operational but heavily polluting plant may be judged as actually 'less sustainable' than having no plant at all. Sustainability educator Michael Thomas Needham referred to 'Sustainable Development' "as the ability to meet the needs of the present while contributing to the future generations needs."[14] There is an additional focus on the present generations' responsibility to improve the future generations' life by restoring the previous ecosystem damage and resisting to contribute to further ecosystem damage.

[edit] Domains
[edit] Economics

The domain of 'economics' is fundamental to considerations of sustainable development, however there has been considerable criticism of the tendency to use the three-domain model of the triple bottom line: economics, environment and social. This approach is challenged to the extent that it treats the economy as the master domain, or as a domain that exists outside of the social; it treats the environment as a world of natural metrics; and it treats the social as a miscellaneous collection of extra things that do not fit into the economic or environmental domains (see the section on Economic sustainability below).
[edit] Ecology

The domain of 'ecology' has been difficult to resolve because it too has a social dimension. Some research activities start from the definition of green development to argue that the environment is a combination of nature and culture. However, this has the effect of making the domain model unwieldy if culture is to be considered a domain in its own right (see below). Others write of ecology as being more broadly at the intersection of the social and the environmental - hence, ecology. This move allows culture to be used as a domain alongside economics and ecology.[15]

[edit] Culture

Working with a different emphasis, some researchers and institutions have pointed out that a fourth dimension should be added to the dimensions of sustainable development, since the triplebottom-line dimensions of economic, environmental and social do not seem to be enough to reflect the complexity of contemporary society. In this context, the Agenda 21 for culture and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Executive Bureau lead the preparation of the policy statement Culture: Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Development, passed on 17 November 2010, in the framework of the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders 3rd World Congress of UCLG, held in Mexico City. This document inaugurates a new perspective and points to the relation between culture and sustainable development through a dual approach: developing a solid cultural policy and advocating a cultural dimension in all public policies.[16] The Network of Excellence "Sustainable Development in a Diverse World",[17] sponsored by the European Union, integrates multidisciplinary capacities and interprets cultural diversity as a key element of a new strategy for sustainable development.
[edit] Politics

The United Nations Global Compact Cities Programme has defined sustainable political development is a way that broadens the usual definition beyond states and governance. The political is defined as the domain of practices and meanings associated with basic issues of social power as they pertain to the organisation, authorisation, legitimation and regulation of a social life held in common. This definition is in accord with the view that political change is important for responding to economic, ecological and cultural challenges. It also means that the politics of economic change can be addressed. This is particularly true in relation to the controversial concept of 'sustainable enterprise' that frames global needs and risks as 'opportunities' for private enterprise to provide profitable entrepreneurial solutions. This concept is now being taught at many business schools including the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise at Cornell University and the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan. Sustainable development is an eclectic concept and a wide array of political views fall under its umbrella. The concept has included notions of weak sustainability, strong sustainability and deep

ecology. Different conceptions also reveal a strong tension between ecocentrism and anthropocentrism. Many definitions and images (Visualizing Sustainability) of sustainable development coexist. Broadly defined, the sustainable development mantra enjoins current generations to take a systems approach to growth and development and to manage natural, produced, and social capital for the welfare of their own and future generations. During the last ten years, different organizations have tried to measure and monitor the proximity to what they consider sustainability by implementing what has been called sustainability metrics and indices.[18]This has engendered considerable political debate about what is being measured. Sustainable development is said to set limits on the developing world. While current first world countries polluted significantly during their development, the same countries encourage third world countries to reduce pollution, which sometimes impedes growth. Some consider that the implementation of sustainable development would mean a reversion to pre-modern lifestyles.[19] Others have criticized the overuse of the term:
"[The] word sustainable has been used in too many situations today, and ecological sustainability is one of those terms that confuse a lot of people. You hear about sustainable development, sustainable growth, sustainable economies, sustainable societies, sustainable agriculture. Everything is sustainable (Temple, 1992)."[19]

[edit] History of the concept

The concept of sustainable development was originally synonymous with that of sustainability and is often still used in that way. Both terms derive from the older forestry term "sustained yield", which in turn is a translation of the German term "nachhaltiger Ertrag" dating from 1713.[20][21] According to different sources, the concept of sustainability in the sense of a balance between resource consumption and reproduction was however applied to forestry already in the 12th to 16th century.[22] Sustainability is a semantic modification, extension and transfer of the term sustained yield. This had been the doctrine and, indeed, the holy grail of foresters all over the world for more or less two centuries. The essence of sustained yield forestry was described for example by William A. Duerr, a leading American expert on forestry: To fulfill our obligations to our

descendents and to stabilize our communities, each generation should sustain its resources at a high level and hand them along undiminished. The sustained yield of timber is an aspect of mans most fundamental need: to sustain life itself. A fine anticipation of the Brundtlandformula.[20] Not just the concept of sustainable development, but also its current interpretations have its roots in forest management. Strong sustainability stipulates living solely off the interest of natural capital, whereas adherents of weak sustainability are content to keep constant the sum of natural and human capital.[23] The history of the concept of sustainability is however much older. Already in 400 BCE, Aristotle referred to a similar Greek concept in talking about household economics. This Greek household concept differed from modern ones in that the household had to be self-sustaining at least to a certain extent and could not just be consumption oriented.[22] The first use of the term "sustainable" in the modern sense was by the Club of Rome in March 1972 in its epoch-making report on the Limits to Growth", written by a group of scientists led by Dennis and Donella Meadows of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Describing the desirable "state of global equilibrium", the authors used the word "sustainable": "We are searching for a model output that represents a world system that is: 1. sustainable without sudden and uncontrolled collapse; and 2. capable of satisfying the basic material requirements of all of its people."[20][21]

[edit] Environmental sustainability

Water is an important natural resource that covers 71% of the Earth's surface. Image is the Earth photographed from Apollo 17.

Environmental sustainability is the process of making sure current processes of interaction with the environment are pursued with the idea of keeping the environment as pristine as naturally possible based on ideal-seeking behavior. Thus, environmental sustainability demands that society designs activities to meet human needs while indefinitely preserving the life support systems of the planet. This, for example, entails using water sustainably, only utilizing renewable energy, and sustainable material supplies (e.g. harvesting wood from forests at a rate that maintains the biomass and biodiversity). An "unsustainable situation" occurs when natural capital (the sum total of nature's resources) is used up faster than it can be replenished. Sustainability requires that human activity only uses nature's resources at a rate at which they can be replenished naturally. Inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with the concept of carrying capacity. Theoretically, the long-term result of environmental degradation is the inability to sustain human life. Such degradation on a global scale could imply extinction for humanity.
Consumption of renewable resources State of environment Sustainability

More than nature's ability to replenish Environmental degradation Not sustainable Equal to nature's ability to replenish Environmental equilibrium Steady state economy Environmentally sustainable

Less than nature's ability to replenish Environmental renewal

[edit] Economic sustainability

The Venn diagram of sustainable development shown above has many versions,[24] but was first used by economist Edward Barbier (1987).[25] However, Pearce, Barbier and Markandya (1989)[26] criticized the Venn approach due to the intractability of operationalizing separate indices of economic, environmental, and social sustainability and somehow combining them. They also noted that the Venn approach was inconsistent with the Brundtland Commission Report, which emphasized the interlinkages between economic development, environmental

degradation, and population pressure instead of three objectives. Economists have since focused on viewing the economy and the environment as a single interlinked system with a unified valuation methodology (Hamilton 1999,[27] Dasgupta 2007).[28] Intergenerational equity can be incorporated into this approach, as has become common in economic valuations of climate change economics (Heal 2009).[29] Ruling out discrimination against future generations and allowing for the possibility of renewable alternatives to petro-chemicals and other non-renewable resources, efficient policies are compatible with increasing human welfare, eventually reaching a golden-rule steady state (Ayong le Kama 2001[30] and Endress et al. 2005).[31] Thus the three pillars of sustainable development are interlinkages, intergenerational equity, and dynamic efficiency (Stavins et al. 2003).[32] Arrow et al. (2004)[33] and other economists (e.g. Asheim,1999[34] and Pezzey, 1989[35] and 1997)[36] have advocated a form of the weak criterion for sustainable development the requirement than the wealth of a society, including human capital, knowledge capital and natural capital (as well as produced capital) not decline over time. Others, including Barbier 2007,[37] continue to contend that strong sustainability non-depletion of essential forms of natural capital may be appropriate.

[edit] Types of capital

Deforestation of native rain forest in Rio de Janeiro City for extraction of clay for civil engineering (2009 picture).

The sustainable development debate is based on the assumption that societies need to manage three types of capital (economic, social, and natural), which may be non-substitutable and whose consumption might be irreversible.[38] Daly (1991),[39] for example, points to the fact that natural capital can not necessarily be substituted by economic capital. While it is possible that we can find ways to replace some natural resources, it is much more unlikely that they will ever be able to replace eco-system services, such as the protection provided by the ozone layer, or the climate stabilizing function of the Amazonian forest. In fact natural capital, social capital and economic capital are often complementarities. A further obstacle to substitutability lies also in the multifunctionality of many natural resources. Forests, for example, not only provide the raw material for paper (which can be substituted quite easily), but they also maintain biodiversity, regulate water flow, and absorb CO2. Another problem of natural and social capital deterioration lies in their partial irreversibility. The loss in biodiversity, for example, is often definite. The same can be true for cultural diversity. For example with globalisation advancing quickly the number of indigenous languages is dropping at alarming rates. Moreover, the depletion of natural and social capital may have nonlinear consequences. Consumption of natural and social capital may have no observable impact until a certain threshold is reached. A lake can, for example, absorb nutrients for a long time while actually increasing its productivity. However, once a certain level of algae is reached lack of oxygen causes the lakes ecosystem to break down suddenly.
[edit] Market failure

Before flue-gas desulfurization was installed, the air-polluting emissions from this power plant in New Mexico contained excessive amounts of sulfur dioxide.

If the degradation of natural and social capital has such important consequence the question arises why action is not taken more systematically to alleviate it. Cohen and Winn (2007)[40] point to four types of market failure as possible explanations: First, while the benefits of natural or social capital depletion can usually be privatized the costs are often externalized (i.e. they are borne not by the party responsible but by society in general). Second, natural capital is often undervalued by society since we are not fully aware of the real cost of the depletion of natural capital. Information asymmetry is a third reasonoften the link between cause and effect is obscured, making it difficult for actors to make informed choices. Cohen and Winn close with the realization that contrary to economic theory many firms are not perfect optimizers. They postulate that firms often do not optimize resource allocation because they are caught in a "business as usual" mentality.
[edit] Business case

The most broadly accepted criterion for corporate sustainability constitutes a firms efficient use of natural capital. This eco-efficiency is usually calculated as the economic value added by a firm in relation to its aggregated ecological impact.[41] This idea has been popularised by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) under the following definition: "Eco-efficiency is achieved by the delivery of competitively priced goods and services that satisfy human needs and bring quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological impacts and resource intensity throughout the life-cycle to a level at least in line with the earths carrying capacity." (DeSimone and Popoff, 1997: 47)[42] Similar to the eco-efficiency concept but so far less explored is the second criterion for corporate sustainability. Socio-efficiency[43] describes the relation between a firm's value added and its social impact. Whereas, it can be assumed that most corporate impacts on the environment are negative (apart from rare exceptions such as the planting of trees) this is not true for social impacts. These can be either positive (e.g. corporate giving, creation of employment) or negative (e.g. work accidents, mobbing of employees, human rights abuses). Depending on the type of impact socio-efficiency thus either tries to minimize negative social impacts (i.e. accidents per

value added) or maximise positive social impacts (i.e. donations per value added) in relation to the value added. Both eco-efficiency and socio-efficiency are concerned primarily with increasing economic sustainability. In this process they instrumentalize both natural and social capital aiming to benefit from win-win situations. However, as Dyllick and Hockerts[43] point out the business case alone will not be sufficient to realise sustainable development. They point towards ecoeffectiveness, socio-effectiveness, sufficiency, and eco-equity as four criteria that need to be met if sustainable development is to be reached..

[edit] Sustainable agriculture

See also: Sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture may be defined as consisting of environmentally friendly methods of farming that allow the production of crops or livestock without damage to human or natural systems. More specifically, it might be said to include preventing adverse effects to soil, water, biodiversity, surrounding or downstream resources -- as well as to those working or living on the farm or in neighboring areas. Furthermore, the concept of sustainable agriculture extends intergenerationally, relating to passing on a conserved or improved natural resource, biotic, and economic base instead of one which has been depleted or polluted.[44]
[edit] Elements

Agroforestry

Main article: Agroforestry

According to the World Agroforestry Centre, agroforestry is a collective name for land use systems and practices in which woody perennials are deliberately integrated with crops and/or animals on the same land management unit. The integration can be either in a spatial mixture or in a temporal sequence. There are normally both ecological and economic interactions between woody and non-woody components in agroforestry.

Mixed Farming

[45]

Many farmers in tropical & temperate countries survive by managing a mix of different crops

or animals. The best known form of mixing occurs probably where crop residues are used to feed the animals and the excreta from animals are used as nutrients for the crop. Other forms of mixing takes place where grazing under fruit trees keeps the grass short or where manure from pigs is used to feed the fish. Mixed farming exists in many forms depending on external and internal factors. External factors are: Weather Patterns, Market Prices, Political Stability and Technological Development. Internal factors relate to Local Soil Characteristics, Composition of family and Farmers Ingenuity. Mixed Farming provides farmers with a) an opportunity to diversify risk from single-crop production; (b) to use labour more efficiently; (c) to have a source of cash for purchasing farm inputs; (d) to add value to crop or crop by-product; (e) combining crops and livestocks.

Multiple Cropping

Main article: Multiple cropping

The process of growing two or more crops in the same piece of land, during the same season is called Multiple Cropping. It can be rightly called a form of polyculture. It can be (a) Double Cropping (the practice where the second crop is planted after the first has been harvested); (b) Relay Cropping (the practice where a second crop is started along with the first one, before it is harvested).

Crop Rotation

Main article: Crop rotation

The process of growing two or more dissimilar or unrelated crops in the same piece of land in different seasons is known as Crop Rotation. This process could be adopted as it comes with a series of benefits like (a) avoid the build up of pests that often occurs when one species is continuously cropped; (b) the traditional element of crop rotation is the replenishment of nitrogen through the use of green manure in sequence with cereals and other crops; (c) Crop rotation can also improve soil structure and fertility by alternating deep-rooted and shallowrooted plants; (d) it is a component of polyculture.

[edit] Criticisms

Deforestation and increased road-building in the Amazon Rainforest are a significant concern because of increased human encroachment upon wilderness areas, increased resource extraction and further threats to biodiversity.

The concept of "Sustainable Development" raises several critiques at different levels.

[edit] Consequences

John Baden[46] views the notion of sustainable development as dangerous because the consequences have unknown effects. He writes: "In economy like in ecology, the interdependence rule applies. Isolated actions are impossible. A policy which is not carefully enough thought will carry along various perverse and adverse effects for the ecology as much as for the economy. Many suggestions to save our environment and to promote a model of 'sustainable development' risk indeed leading to reverse effects."[47] Moreover, he evokes the bounds of public action which are underlined by the public choice theory: the quest by politicians of their own interests, lobby pressure, partial disclosure etc. He develops his critique by noting the vagueness of the expression, which can cover anything. It is a gateway to interventionist proceedings which can be against the principle of freedom and without proven efficacy. Against this notion, he is a proponent of private property to impel the producers and the consumers to save the natural resources. According to Baden, the improvement of environment quality depends on the market economy and the existence of legitimate and protected property rights. They enable the effective practice of personal responsibility and the development of

mechanisms to protect the environment. The State can in this context create conditions which encourage the people to save the environment.[48]
[edit] Vagueness of the term

A sewage treatment plant that uses environmentally friendly solar energy, located at Santuari de Lluc monastery.

Some criticize the term "sustainable development", stating that the term is too vague. For example, both Jean-Marc Jancovici[49] and the philosopher Luc Ferry[50] express this view. The latter writes about sustainable development: "I know that this term is obligatory, but I find it also absurd, or rather so vague that it says nothing." Luc Ferry adds that the term is trivial by a proof of contradiction: "who would like to be a proponent of an untenable development! Of course no one! [..] The term is more charming than meaningful. [..] Everything must be done so that it does not turn into Russian-type administrative planning with ill effects." sustainable development has become obscured by conflicting world views, the expansionist and the ecological, and risks being co-opted by individuals and institutions that perpetuate many aspects of the expansionist model.[51]
[edit] Basis

Sylvie Brunel, French geographer and specialist of the Third World, develops in A qui profite le dveloppement durable (Who benefits from sustainable development?) (2008) a critique of the basis of sustainable development, with its binary vision of the world, can be compared to the Christian vision of Good and Evil, an idealized nature where the human being is an animal like the others or even an alien. Nature as Rousseau thought is better than the human being. It is a

parasite, harmful for the nature. But the human is the one who protects the biodiversity, where normally only the strong survive.[52] Moreover, she thinks that the core ideas of sustainable development are a hidden form of protectionism by developed countries impeding the development of the other countries.[how?] For Sylvie Brunel, sustainable development serves as a pretext for protectionism and "I have the feeling that sustainable development is perfectly helping out capitalism".[52]
[edit] "De-growth"

The proponents of the de-growth reckon that the term of sustainable development is an oxymoron. According to them, on a planet where 20% of the population consumes 80% of the natural resources, a sustainable development cannot be possible for this 20%: "According to the origin of the concept of sustainable development, a development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, the right term for the developed countries should be a sustainable de-growth".[53] For several decades, theorists of steady state economy and ecological economy have been positing that reduction in population growth or even negative population growth is required for the human community not to destroy its planetary support systems, i.e., to date, increases in efficiency of production and consumption have not been sufficient, when applied to existing trends in population and resource depletion and waste by-production, to allow for projections of future sustainability.
[edit] Measurability

In 2007 a report for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency stated: While much discussion and effort has gone into sustainability indicators, none of the resulting systems clearly tells us whether our society is sustainable. At best, they can tell us that we are heading in the wrong direction, or that our current activities are not sustainable. More often, they simply draw our attention to the existence of problems, doing little to tell us the origin of those problems and nothing to tell us how to solve them.[54] Nevertheless a majority of authors assume that a set of well defined and harmonised indicators is the only way to make sustainability tangible. Those

indicators are expected to be identified and adjusted through empirical observations (trial and error)[55] see also Ecological footprint. The most common critiques are related to issues like data quality, comparability, objective function and the necessary resources.[56] However a more general criticism is coming from the project management community: How can a sustainable development be achieved at global level if we cannot monitor it in any single project?[57][58] The Cuban-born researcher and entrepreneur Sonia Bueno suggests an alternative approach that is based upon the integral, long-term cost-benefit relationship as a measure and monitoring tool for the sustainability of every project, activity or enterprise.[59][60] Furthermore this concept aims to be a practical guideline towards sustainable development following the principle of conservation and increment of value rather than restricting the consumption of resources.

Clean Development Mechanism

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The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of the flexibility mechanisms defined in the Kyoto Protocol (IPCC, 2007) that provides for emissions reduction projects which generate Certified Emission Reduction units which may be traded in emissions trading schemes.[1] The CDM is defined in Article 12 of the Protocol, and is intended to meet two objectives: (1) to assist parties not included in Annex I in achieving sustainable development and in contributing to the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is to prevent dangerous climate change; and (2) to assist parties included in Annex I in achieving compliance with their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments (greenhouse gas (GHG) emission caps). "Annex I" parties are those countries that

are listed in Annex I of the treaty, and are the industrialized countries. Non-Annex I parties are developing countries. The CDM addresses the second objective by allowing the Annex I countries to meet part of their emission reduction commitments under the Kyoto Protocol by buying Certified Emission Reduction units from CDM emission reduction projects in developing countries (Carbon Trust, 2009, p. 14).[2] The projects and the issue of CERs is subject to approval to ensure that these emission reductions are real and "additional." The CDM is supervised by the CDM Executive Board (CDM EB) and is under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties (COP/MOP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The CDM allows industrialized countries to buy CERS and to invest in emission reductions where it is cheapest globally (Grubb, 2003, p. 159).[3] Between 2001, which was the first year CDM projects could be registered and 7 September 2012, the CDM issued 1 billion Certified Emission Reduction units.[4] As of 1 September 2012, 63% of all CERS had been issued for projects based on destroying either HFC-23 (42%) or N2O (21%).[5] Carbon capture and storage (CCS) was included in the CDM carbon offsetting scheme in December 2011.[6] However, a number of weaknesses of the CDM have been identified (World Bank, 2010, p. 265267). Several of these issues are addressed by the new Program of Activities (PoA) that moves to approving 'bundles' of projects instead of accrediting each project individually.

Contents
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1 History and purpose 2 CDM project process o 2.1 Outline of the project process o 2.2 Establishing additionality o 2.3 Establishing a baseline o 2.4 Methodologies 3 Economics o 3.1 Difficulties with the CDM o 3.2 Markets and trading of Certified Emission Reductions 4 Financial issues o 4.1 Mitigation finance o 4.2 Adaptation finance 5 CDM projects to date o 5.1 Transportation o 5.2 Destruction of HFC-23 6 Barriers 7 Views on the CDM o 7.1 Additionality 7.1.1 Emissions 7.1.2 Types 7.1.3 Views on additionality o 7.2 Concerns 7.2.1 Overall efficiency 7.2.2 The risk of fraud 7.2.3 Exclusion of forest conservation/avoided deforestation from the CDM 7.2.4 Reasons for including avoided deforestation projects in the CDM 7.2.5 Coal thermal power generation in India and China 7.2.6 Industrial gas projects 7.2.7 Hydropower 7.2.8 Other concerns 7.2.9 Suggestions o 7.3 Successes 8 See also 9 References 10 Further reading

11 External links

[edit] History and purpose

The CDM is one of the "flexibility mechanisms" that is defined in the Kyoto Protocol. The flexibility mechanisms are designed to allow Annex B countries to meet their emission reduction commitments with reduced impact on their economies (IPCC, 2007).[1] The flexibility mechanisms were introduced to the Kyoto Protocol by the US government. Developing countries were highly skeptical and fiercely opposed to the flexibility mechanisms (Carbon Trust, 2009, p. 6).[2] However, in the international negotiations over the follow-up to the Kyoto Protocol, it has been agreed that the mechanisms will continue. The purpose of the CDM is to promote clean development in developing countries, i.e., the "nonAnnex I" countries (countries that aren't listed in Annex I of the Framework Convention). The CDM is one of the Protocol's "project-based" mechanisms, in that the CDM is designed to promote projects that reduce emissions. The CDM is based on the idea of emission reduction "production" (Toth et al., 2001, p. 660).[7] These reductions are "produced" and then subtracted against a hypothetical "baseline" of emissions. The emissions baseline are the emissions that are predicted to occur in the absence of a particular CDM project. CDM projects are "credited" against this baseline, in the sense that developing countries gain credit for producing these emission cuts. The economic basis for including developing countries in efforts to reduce emissions is that emission cuts are thought to be less expensive in developing countries than developed countries (Goldemberg et al., 1996, p. 30;[8] Grubb, 2003, p. 159).[3] For example, in developing countries, environmental regulation is generally weaker than it is in developed countries (Sathaye et al., 2001, p. 387-389).[9] Thus, it is widely thought that there is greater potential for developing countries to reduce their emissions than developed countries. From the viewpoint of bringing about a global reduction in emissions, emissions from developing countries are projected to increase substantially over this century (Goldemberg et al., 1996, p. 29).[8] Infrastructure decisions made in developing countries could therefore have a very large influence on future efforts to limit total global emissions (Fisher et al., 2007).[10] The CDM is designed to start off developing countries on a path towards less pollution, with industralized (Annex B) countries paying for these reductions.

There were two main concerns about the CDM (Carbon Trust, 2009, pp. 1415). One was over the additionality of emission reductions produced by the CDM (see the section on additionality). The other was whether it would allow rich, northern countries, and in particular, companies, to impose projects that were contrary to the development interests of host countries. To alleviate this concern, the CDM requires host countries to confirm that CDM projects contribute to their own sustainable development. International rules also prohibit credits for some kind of activities, notably from nuclear power and avoided deforestation. To prevent industrialised countries from making unlimited use of CDM, the framework has a provision that use of CDM be supplemental to domestic actions to reduce emissions. This wording has led to a wide range of interpretations - the Netherlands for example aims to achieve half of its required emission reductions (from a BAU baseline) by CDM.[citation needed] It treats Dutch companies' purchases of European Emissions Trading Scheme allowances from companies in other countries as part of its domestic actions. The CDM gained momentum in 2005 after the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. Before the Protocol entered into force, investors considered this a key risk factor. The initial years of operation yielded fewer CDM credits than supporters had hoped for, as Parties did not provide sufficient funding to the EB. This left it understaffed.[citation needed] The Adaptation Fund was established to finance concrete adaptation projects and programmes in developing countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.[citation needed] The Fund is to be financed with a share of proceeds from clean development mechanism (CDM) project activities and receive funds from other sources.

[edit] CDM project process

[edit] Outline of the project process

An industrialised country that wishes to get credits from a CDM project must obtain the consent of the developing country hosting the project that the project will contribute to sustainable development. Then, using methodologies approved by the CDM Executive Board (EB), the applicant (the industrialised country) must make the case that the carbon project would not have

happened anyway (establishing additionality), and must establish a baseline estimating the future emissions in absence of the registered project. The case is then validated by a third party agency, called a Designated Operational Entity (DOE), to ensure the project results in real, measurable, and long-term emission reductions. The EB then decides whether or not to register (approve) the project. If a project is registered and implemented, the EB issues credits, called Certified Emission Reductions (CERs, commonly known as carbon credits, where each unit is equivalent to the reduction of one metric tonne of CO2e, e.g. CO2 or its equivalent), to project participants based on the monitored difference between the baseline and the actual emissions, verified by the DOE.
[edit] Establishing additionality

To avoid giving credits to projects that would have happened anyway ("freeriders"), rules have been specified to ensure additionality of the project, that is, to ensure the project reduces emissions more than would have occurred in the absence of the project. At present, the CDM Executive Board deems a project additional if its proponents can document that realistic alternative scenarios to the proposed project would be more economically attractive or that the project faces barriers that CDM helps it overcome. Current Guidance from the EB is available at the UNFCCC website.[11]
[edit] Establishing a baseline This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2010)

The amount of emission reduction depends on the emissions that would have occurred without the project minus the emissions of the project. The construction of such a hypothetical scenario is known as the baseline of the project. The baseline may be estimated through reference to emissions from similar activities and technologies in the same country or other countries, or to actual emissions prior to project implementation. The partners involved in the project could have an interest in establishing a baseline with high emissions, which would yield a risk of awarding spurious credits. Independent third party verification is meant to avoid this potential problem.

[edit] Methodologies

Any proposed CDM project has to use an approved baseline and monitoring methodology to be validated, approved and registered. Baseline Methodology will set steps to determine the baseline within certain applicability conditions whilst monitoring methodology will set specific steps to determine monitoring parameters, quality assurance, equipment to be used, in order to obtain data to calculate the emission reductions. Those approved methodologies are all coded:[12] AM - Approved Methodology ACM - Approved Consolidated Methodology AMS - Approved Methodology for Small Scale Projects ARAM - Aforestation and Reforestation Approved Methodologies All baseline methodologies approved by Executive Board are publicly available along with relevant guidance on the UNFCCC CDM website.[13] If a DOE determines that a proposed project activity intends to use a new baseline methodology, it shall, prior to the submission for registration of this project activity, forward the proposed methodology to the EB for review, i.e. consideration and approval, if appropriate.[14]

[edit] Economics
According to Burniaux et al., 2009, p. 37, crediting mechanisms like the CDM could play three important roles in climate change mitigation :[15]

Improve the cost-effectiveness of GHG mitigation policies in developed countries Help to reduce "leakage" (carbon leakage) of emissions from developed to developing countries. Leakage is where mitigation actions in one country or economic sector result in another country's or sector's emissions increasing, e.g., through relocation of polluting industries from Annex I to non-Annex I countries (Barker et al., 2007).[16] Boost transfers of clean, less polluting technologies to developing countries.

According to Burniaux et al. (2009, p. 37), the cost-saving potential of a well-functioning crediting mechanism appears to be very large. Compared to baseline costs (i.e., costs where emission reductions only take place in Annex I countries), if the cap on offset use was set at 20%, one estimate suggests mitigation costs could be halved. This cost saving, however, should

be viewed as an upper bound: it assumes no transaction costs and no uncertainty on the delivery of emission savings. Annex I countries who stand to gain most from crediting include Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. In this economic model, non-Annex I countries enjoy a slight income gain from exploiting low cost emission reductions. Actual transaction cost in the CDM are rather high, which is problematic for smaller projects.[17] This issue is addressed by the Program of Activities (PoA) modality.
[edit] Difficulties with the CDM

Carbon leakage In theory, leakage may be reduced by crediting mechanisms (Burniaux et al., 2009, p. 38). In practice, the amount of leakage partly depends on the definition of the baseline against which credits are granted. The current CDM approach already incorporates some leakage. Thus, reductions in leakage due to the CDM may, in fact, be small or even non-existent. Additionality, transaction costs and bottlenecks In order to maintain the environmental effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol, emission savings from the CDM must be additional (World Bank, 2010, p. 265).[18] Without additionality, the CDM amounts to an income transfer to non-Annex I countries (Burniaux et al., 2009, p. 40). Additionality is, however, difficult to prove, and is the subject of vigorous debate. Burniaux et al. (2009) commented on the large transaction costs of establishing additionality. Assessing additionality has created delays (bottlenecks) in approving CDM projects. According to World Bank (2010), there are significant constraints to the continued growth of the CDM to support mitigation in developing countries. Incentives The CDM rewards emissions reductions, but does not penalize emission increases (Burniaux et al., 2009, p. 41). It therefore comes close to being an emissions reduction subsidy. This can create a perverse incentive for firms to raise their emissions in the short-term, with the aim of getting credits for reducing emissions in the long-term.

Another difficulty is that the CDM might reduce the incentive for non-Annex I countries to cap their emissions. This is because most developing countries benefit more from a well-functioning crediting mechanism than from a world emissions trading scheme (ETS), where their emissions are capped. This is true except in cases where the allocation of emissions rights (i.e., the amount of emissions that each country is allowed to emit) in the ETS is particularly favourable to developing countries. Development? While the C in CDM stands for Clean, most projects might be better defined with the B from Big, from large hydropower to HFC or waste to energy and clean coal projects (which all together make the majority of credits generated through CDM) The argument in favor of the CDM is that it brings development to the South but in all continents, the mainly Big Development it stands for is resisted by local people in those countries. On the 18th of April 2012, a global coalition of researchers published a large report on how African civil society is resisting CDM projects all over the continent. In New Delhi (India), a grassroots movement of wastepickers is resisting another CDM project, as shown in a video on what the makers call 'the waste war' in Delhi. And in Panama, a CDM project is blocking peace talks between the Panamanian government and the indigenous Ngbe-Bugl people. Civil society groups and researchers in both North and South have complained since years that most CDM projects are benefiting big industries, while doing harm to excluded people. As local protests against CDM projects are arising on every continent, the very notion of the CDM 'bringing development to the South' has become a contested notion.
[edit] Markets and trading of Certified Emission Reductions

Most of the demand for CERs from the CDM comes from the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme which is the largest carbon market. In July 2012, the market price for CERs fell to new record low of 2.67 euros a tonne. This represented a change in price of about 70 percent in a year. Analysts attributed the low CER price to lower prices paid for European Union emissions allowances, the over supply of EU emissions allowances and the slowing European economy.[19]

In September 2012, The Economist described the CDM as a "complete disaster in the making" and "in need of a radical overhaul". This was because carbon prices, including prices for CERS, had collapsed, from $20 a tonne in August 2008 to below $5 in response to the Eurozone debt crisis reducing industrial activity and the over-allocation of emission allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme.[20] The Guardian reported that the CDM has "essentially collapsed", due to the prolonged downward trend in the price of CERs, which had been traded for as much as $20 (12.50) a tonne before the global financial crisis to less than $3. With such low CER prices, potential projects were not commercially viable.[21] In October 20112, CER prices fell to a new low of 1.36 euros a metric tonne on the London ICE Futures Europe exchange.[22]

[edit] Financial issues

With costs of emission reduction typically much lower in developing countries than in industrialised countries, industrialised countries can comply with their emission reduction targets at much lower cost by receiving credits for emissions reduced in developing countries as long as administration costs are low. The IPCC has projected GDP losses for OECD Europe with full use of CDM and Joint Implementation to between 0.13 and 0.81% of GDP versus 0.31 to 1.50 Climate Change 2001 Synthesis report. Figure SPM-8] IPCC, 2001 with only domestic action. While there would always be some cheap domestic emission reductions available in Europe, the cost of switching from coal to gas could be in the order of 40-50 per tonne CO2 equivalent. CERs from CDM projects were in 2006 traded on a forward basis for between 5 and 20 per tonne CO2 equivalent. The price depends on the distribution of risk between seller and buyer. The seller could get a very good price if it agrees to bear the risk that the project's baseline and monitoring methodology is rejected; that the host country rejects the project; that the CDM Executive Board rejects the project; that the project for some reason produces fewer credits than planned; or that the buyer doesn't get CERs at the agreed time if the international transaction log (the technical infrastructure ensuring international transfer of carbon credits) is not in place by

then. The seller can usually only take these risks if the counterparty is deemed very reliable, as rated by international rating agencies.
[edit] Mitigation finance

The revenues of the CDM constitutes the largest source of mitigation finance to developing countries to date (World Bank, 2010, p. 261-262).[18] Over the 2001 to 2012 period, CDM projects could raise $18 billion ($15 billion to $24 billion) in direct carbon revenues for developing countries. Actual revenues will depend on the price of carbon. It is estimated that some $95 billion in clean energy investment benefitted from the CDM over the 2002-08 period.
[edit] Adaptation finance

The CDM is the main source of income for the UNFCCC Adaptation Fund, which was established in 2007 to finance concrete adaptation projects and programmes in developing countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (World Bank, 2010, p. 262-263).[18] The CDM is subject to a 2 percent levy, which could raise between $300 million and $600 million over the 2008-12 period. The actual amount raised will depend on the carbon price.

[edit] CDM projects to date

Certified emission reduction units (CERs) by country October 2012

Since 2000, the CDM has allowed crediting of project-based emission reductions in developing countries (Gupta et al., 2007).[23] By 1 January 2005, projects submitted to the CDM amounted to less than 100 MtCO2e of projected savings by 2012 (Carbon Trust, 2009, p. 18-19).[2] The EU

ETS started in January 2005, and the following month saw the Kyoto Protocol enter into force. The EU ETS allowed firms to comply with their commitments by buying offset credits, and thus created a perceived value to projects. The Kyoto Protocol set the CDM on a firm legal footing. By the end of 2008, over 4,000 CDM projects had been submitted for validation, and of those, over 1,000 were registered by the CDM Executive Board, and were therefore entitled to be issued CERs (Carbon Trust, 2009, p. 19). In 2010, the World Bank estimated that in 2012, the largest potential for production of CERs would be from China (52% of total CERs) and India (16%) (World Bank, 2010, p. 262).[18] CERs produced in Latin America and the Caribbean would make up 15% of the potential total, with Brazil as the largest producer in the region (7%). By 14 September 2012, 4626 projects had been registered by the CDM Executive Board as CDM projects.[24] These projects are expected to result in the issue of 648,232,798 certified emissions reductions.[25] By 14 September 2012, the CDM Board had issued 1 billion CERS, 60% of which originated from projects in China. India, the Republic of Korea, and Brazil were issued with 15%, 9% and 7% of the total CERS.[26]
[edit] Transportation

The bus rapid transit system in Bogota, TransMilenio, and the Delhi Metro[27] are the only two public transport system registered for CDM with the UNFCCC.[citation needed]
[edit] Destruction of HFC-23

Some CDM projects remove or destroy industrial gases, such as hydrofluorocarbon-23 (HFC-23) and nitrous oxide (N2O). HFC-23 is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) and is a byproduct from the production of the refrigerant gas chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22).[2] The gas HFC-23 is estimated to have a global warming effect 11,000 times greater than carbon dioxide, so destroying a tonne of HFC-23 earns the refrigerant manufacturer 11,000 certified emissions reduction units.[28] In 2009, the Carbon Trust estimated that industrial gas projects such as those limiting HFC-23 emissions, would contribute about 20% of the CERS issued by the CDM in 2012. The Carbon Trust expressed the concern that projects for destroying HFC-23 were so profitable that coolant

manufacturers could be building new factories to produce the coolant gas.(Carbon Trust, 2009, p. 60).[2] An example is the Plascon, Plasma arc plant that was installed by Quimobsicos S.A. de C.V in Monterrey, Mexico to eliminate of HCFC-23, a byproduct of the production of R-22 refrigerant gas.[citation needed] From 2005 to June 2012, 19 manufacturers of refrigerants (11 in China, 5 in India, and one each in Argentina, Mexico and South Korea),[29] were issued with 46% of all the certified emissions reduction units from the CDM. David Hanrahan, the technical director of IDEAcarbon believes each plant would probably have earned an average of $20 million to $40 million a year from the CDM. The payments also incentivise the increased production of the ozone-depleting refrigerant HCFC-22, and discourage substitution of HCFC-22 with less harmful refrigerants.[28] In 2007 the CDM stopped accepting new refrigerant manufacturers into the CDM. In 2011, the CDM renewed contracts with the nineteen manufacturers on the condition that claims for HFC23 destruction would be limited to 1 percent of their coolant production. However, in 2012, 18 percent of all CERS issued are expected to go to the 19 coolant plants, compared with 12 percent to 2,372 wind power plants and 0.2 percent to 312 solar projects.[28] In January 2011, the European Union Climate Change Committee banned the use of HFC-23 CERs in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme from 1 May 2013. The ban includes nitrous oxide (N2O) from adipic acid production. The reasons given were the perverse incentives, the lack of additionality, the lack of environmental integrity,the under-mining of the Montreal Protocol, costs and ineffectiveness and the distorting effect of a few projects in advanced developing countries getting too many CERs.[30] From 23 December 2011, CERs from HFC-23 and N2O destruction projects were banned from use in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, unless they had been purchased under future delivery contracts entered into prior to 23 December 2011. The use of the future delivery contracts ends in June 2013.[31] As of 1 September 2012, the CDM had issued 418,219 CERS, or 42% of all CERS issued, to twenty three HFC-23 destruction projects. A further 21% (or 213,866 CERs) had been issued to 108 N2O destruction projects.[5]

[edit] Barriers
World Bank (n.d., p. 12) described a number of barriers to the use of the CDM in least developed countries (LDCs).[32] LDCs have experienced lower participation in the CDM to date. Four CDM decisions were highlighted as having a disproportionate negative impact on LDCs:

Suppressed demand: Baseline calculations for LDCs are low, meaning that projects cannot generate sufficient carbon finance to have an impact. Treatment of projects that replace non-renewable biomass: A decision taken led to essentially a halving in the emission reduction potential of these projects. This has particularly affected Sub-Saharan Africa and projects in poor communities, where firewood, often from nonrenewable sources, is frequently used as a fuel for cooking and heating. Treatment of forestry projects and exclusion of agriculture under the CDM: These sectors are more important for LDCs than for middle-income countries. Credits from forestry projects are penalized under the CDM, leading to depressed demand and price. Transaction costs and CDM process requirements: These are geared more towards the most advanced developing countries, and do not work well for the projects most often found in LDCs.

[edit] Views on the CDM

[edit] Additionality

[edit] Emissions One of the difficulties of the CDM is in judging whether or not projects truly make additional savings in GHG emissions (Carbon Trust, 2009, p. 54-56).[2] The baseline which is used in making this comparison is not observable. According to the Carbon Trust (2009), some projects have been clearly additional: the fitting of equipment to remove HFCs and N2O. Some lowcarbon electricity supply projects were also thought to have displaced coal-powered generation. Carbon Trust (2009) reviewed some approved projects. In their view, some of these projects had debatable points in their additionality assessments. They compared establishing additionality to the balance of evidence in a legal system. Certainty in additionality is rare, and the higher the proof of additionality, the greater the risk of rejecting good projects to reduce emissions. [edit] Types Additionality is a much contested. There are many rival interpretations of additionality:

1. What is often labelled environmental additionality has that a project is additional if the emissions from the project are lower than the baseline. It generally looks at what would have happened without the project. 2. Another interpretation, sometimes termed project additionality, the project must not have happened without the CDM.

A number of terms for different kinds of additionality have been discussed, leading to some confusion, particularly over the terms 'financial additionality' and 'investment additionality' which are sometimes used as synonyms. 'Investment additionality', however, was a concept discussed and ultimately rejected during negotiation of the Marrakech Accords. Investment additionality carried the idea that any project that surpasses a certain risk-adjusted profitability threshold would automatically be deemed non-additional.[33] 'Financial additionality' is often defined as an economically non-viable project becoming viable as a direct result of CDM revenues. Many investors argue that the environmental additionality interpretation would make the CDM simpler. Environmental NGOs have argued that this interpretation would open the CDM to freeriders, permitting developed countries to emit more CO2e, while failing to produce emission reductions in the CDM host countries.[34] Schneider (2007) produced a report on the CDM for the WWF.[35] The findings of the report were based on a systematic evaluation of 93 randomly chosen registered CDM projects, as well as interviews and a literature survey (p. 5). According to Schneider (2007, p. 72), the additionality of a significant number of projects over the 2004-2007 period seemed to be either unlikely or questionable. It is never possible to establish with certainty what would have happened without the CDM or in absence of a particular project, which is one common objection to the CDM. Nevertheless, official guidelines have been designed to facilitate uniform assessment,[36] set by the CDM Executive Board for assessing additionality. [edit] Views on additionality An argument against additionality is based on the fact that developing countries are not subject to emission caps in the Kyoto Protocol (Mller, 2009, pp. iv, 9-10).[37] On these basis, "business-

as-usual" (BAU) emissions (i.e., emissions that would occur without any efforts to reduce them) in developing countries should be allowed. By setting a BAU baseline, this can be interpreted as being a target for developing countries. Thus, it is, in effect, a restriction on their right to emit without a cap. This can be used as an argument against having additionality, in the sense that non-additional (i.e., emission reductions that would have taken place under BAU) emission reductions should be credited. Mller (2009) argued that compromise was necessary between having additionality and not having it. In his view, additionality should sometimes be used, but other times, it shouldn't. According to World Bank (n.d., pp. 1617), additionality is crucial in maintaining the environmental integrity of the carbon market.[32] To maintain this integrity, it was suggested that projects meeting or exceeding ambitious policy objectives or technical standards could be deemed additional.
[edit] Concerns

[edit] Overall efficiency Pioneering research has suggested that an average of approximately 30% of the money spent on the open market buying CDM credits goes directly to project operating and capital expenditure costs.[38][39] Other significant costs include the broker's premium (about 30%, understood to represent the risk of a project not delivering) and the project shareholders' dividend (another 30%). The researchers noted that the sample of projects studied was small, the range of figures was wide and that their methodology of estimating values slightly overstated the average broker's premium. [edit] The risk of fraud One of the main problems concerning CDM-projects is the risk of fraud.[40][41][42] The most common practices are covering up the fact that the projects are financially viable by themselves and that the emission reductions acquired through the CDM-project arent additional. Exaggerating the carbon benefits is also a common practice, just as carbon leakage. Sometimes a company even produces more to receive more CERs.

Most of the doubtful projects are Industrial gas projects. Even though only 1.7% of all CDMprojects can be qualified as such, extraordinarily they account for half[43] to 69%[44] of all CERs that have been issued, contributing to a collapse in the global market for all CERs.[43] Since the cost of dismantling these gases is very low compared to the market price of the CERs, very large profits can be made by companies setting up these projects.[45] In this way, the CDM has become a stimulus for carbon leakage, or even to simply produce more.[41][45][46] Hydro-projects are also quite problematic. Barbara Haye calculated that more than a third of all hydro-projects recognized as a CDM-project were already completed at the time of registration and almost all were already under construction,[47] which means that CERs are issued for projects that arent additional, which again indirectly leads to higher emissions.[48] Moreover, most of the proposed carbon benefits of these projects are exaggerated.[41] Why are these projects approved by the Clean_Development_Mechanism Executive Board (EB)?, one might wonder. One of the main problems is that the EB is a highly politicized body. People taking a place in the board arent independent technocrats, but are elected as representatives of their respective countries. They face pressure from their own & other (powerful) countries, the World Bank (that subsidizes certain projects), and other lobbying organisations. This, combined with a lack of transparency regarding the decisions of the board leads to the members favouring political-economical over technical or scientific considerations.[40][46][49] It seems clear that the CDM isnt governed according to the rules of good governance. Solving this problem might require a genuine democratization in the election of the EB-members and thus a shift in thinking from government to governance. In practice this would mean that all the stakeholders should get a voice in who can have a seat in the EB. Another important factor in the dysfunctionality of the EB is the lack of time, staff and financial resources it has to fully evaluate a project proposal.[41] Moreover, the verification of a project is often outsourced to companies that also deliver services (such as accounting or consultancy) to enterprises setting up these same projects. In this way, the verifiers have serious incentives to deliver a positive report to the EB.[40][41][46][50] This indicates that implementation is the place

where the shoe pinches, as usually happens in environmental issues (mostly due to a lack of funds).[51] Finally, it should be noted though that there have been indications in recent years that the EB is becoming more strict in its decisions, due to the huge criticism and the board getting more experience.[49] [edit] Exclusion of forest conservation/avoided deforestation from the CDM The first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol excluded forest conservation/avoided deforestation from the CDM for a variety of political, practical and ethical reasons.[52] However, carbon emissions from deforestation represent 18-25% of all emissions,[53] and will account for more carbon emissions in the next five years than all emissions from all aircraft since the Wright Brothers until at least 2025.[54] This means that there have been growing calls for the inclusion of forests in CDM schemes for the second commitment period from a variety of sectors, under the leadership of the Coalition for Rainforest Nations, and brought together under the Forests Now Declaration, which has been signed by over 300 NGOs, business leaders, and policy makers. There is so far no international agreement about whether projects avoiding deforestation or conserving forests should be initiated through separate policies and measures or stimulated through the carbon market. One major concern is the enormous monitoring effort needed in order to make sure projects are indeed leading to increased carbon storage. There is also local opposition. For example, May 2, 2008, at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Indigenous leaders from around the world protested against the Clean Energy Mechanisms, especially against Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. [edit] Reasons for including avoided deforestation projects in the CDM Combating global warming has broadly two components: decreasing the release of greenhouse gases and sequestering greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Greenhouse gas emitters, such as coal-fired power plants, are known as "sources", and places where carbon and other greenhouse gases, such as methane, can be sequestered, i.e. kept out of the atmosphere, are known as "sinks".

The world's forests, particularly rain forests, are important carbon sinks, both because of their uptake of CO2 through photosynthesis and because of the amount of carbon stored in their woody biomass and the soil. When rain forests are logged and burned, not only do we lose the forests' capacity to take up CO2 from the atmosphere, but also the carbon stored in that biomass and soil is released into the atmosphere through release of roots from the soil and the burning of the woody plant matter. An emerging proposal, Reduced Emissions from Avoided Deforestation and Degradation (REDD), would allow rain forest preservation to qualify for CDM project status. REDD has gained support through recent meetings of the COP, and will be examined at Copenhagen. [edit] Coal thermal power generation in India and China In July 2011, Reuters reported that a 4,000 MW coal thermal electricity generation plant in Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh had been registered with the CDM. CDM Watch and the Sierra Club criticised the plant's registration and it's eligibility for certified emission reduction units as clearly not additional. A CDM spokesperson dismissed these claims. According to information provided to Reuters, there are total of five coal-fired electricity plants registered with the CDM, four in India with a capacity of 10,640 MW and one 2,000 MW plant in China. The five plants are eligible to receive 68.2 million CERs over a 10-year period with an estimated value of 661 million euros ($919 million) at a CER price of 9.70 euros.[55] In September 2012, the Executive Board of the Clean Development Mechanism adopted rules confirming that new coal thermal power generation plants could be registered as CDM projects and could use the simplified rules called 'Programmes of Activities'. The organisation CDMWatch described the decision as inconsistent with the objective of the CDM as it subsidised the construction of new coal power plants. CDM-Watch described the CERs that would be issued as "non-additional dirty carbon credits".[56] [edit] Industrial gas projects Some CERs are produced from CDM projects at refrigerant-producing factories in non-Annex I countries that generate the powerful greenhouse gas HFC 23 as a by-product. These projects

dominated the CDM's early growth, and are expected to generate 20% of all credited emission reductions by 2012 (Carbon Trust, 2009, p. 60).[2] Paying for facilities to destroy HFC-23 can cost only 0.2-0.5 /tCO2. Industrialized countries were, however, paying around 20 /tCO2 for reductions that cost below 1 /tCO2. This provoked strong criticism. The scale of profits generated by HFC-23 projects threatened distortions in competitiveness with plants in industrialized countries that had already cleaned up their emissions (p. 60). In an attempt to address concerns over HFC-23 projects, the CDM Executive Board made changes in how these projects are credited. According to the Carbon Trust (2009, p. 60), these changes effectively ensure that:

the potential to capture emissions from these plants is exploited; distortions are reduced; and the risk of perverse incentives is capped.

Carbon Trust (2009, p. 60) argued that criticizing the CDM for finding low-cost reductions seemed perverse. They also argued that addressing the problem with targeted funding was easy with hindsight, and that before the CDM, these emission reduction opportunities were not taken. [edit] Hydropower
This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2010)

NGOs have criticized the inclusion of large hydropower projects, which they consider unsustainable, as CDM projects.[citation needed] Lately, both the CDM EB and investors have become concerned about such projects for potential lack of additionality. One reason was that many of these projects had started well before applying for CDM status. In June 2008, third party validator TV SD Group rejected a hydropower project in China because the project proponents could not document that they had seriously considered CDM at the time the project was started. In July 2008, third party validators agreed that projects applying for CDM status more than one year after having taken their investment decision should not qualify for CDM status.

Hydropower projects larger than 20 MW must document that they follow World Commission on Dams guidelines or similar guidelines in order to qualify for the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme.[citation needed] As of 21 July 2008, CERs from hydropower projects are not listed on European carbon exchanges, because different member states interpret these limitations differently. [edit] Other concerns Renewable energy In the initial phase of the CDM, policy makers and NGOs were concerned about the lack of renewable energy CDM projects. As the new CDM projects are now predominantly renewables and energy efficiency projects, this is now less of an issue.[57] Sinks NGOs, as well as several governments, have consistently been sceptical towards the inclusion of sinks as CDM projects.[citation needed] The main reasons were fear of oversupply, that such projects cannot guarantee permanent storage of carbon, and that the methods of accounting for carbon storage in biomass are complex and still under development. Consequently, two separate carbon currencies (temporary CERs and long-term CERs) were created for such projects. Such credits cannot be imported to the European Union's Emission Trading Scheme. The lack of demand for such projects have resulted in very limited supply: Currently (21 July 2008), only one sinks project has been registered under CDM. Windfarms in Western Sahara In 2012, it was announced, that a windfarm complex is going to be located near Laayoune, a capital city of the occupied territory of Western Sahara. Since this project is to be established under tight collaboration between the UN (which itself recognizes Western Sahara's status of an independent country) and the Moroccan occupational government, it has been questioned by many parties supporting Western Sahara independence, including the Polisario.[58] [edit] Suggestions

In response to concerns of unsustainable projects or spurious credits, the World Wide Fund for Nature and other NGOs devised a Gold Standard methodology to certify projects that uses much stricter criteria than required, such as allowing only renewable energy projects.[59] For example, a South African brick kiln was faced with a business decision; replace its depleted energy supply with coal from a new mine, or build a difficult but cleaner natural gas pipeline to another country. They chose to build the pipeline with SASOL. SASOL claimed the difference in GHG emissions as a CDM credit, comparing emissions from the pipeline to the contemplated coal mine. During its approval process, the validators noted that changing the supply from coal to gas met the CDM's 'additionality' criteria and was the least cost-effective option.[60] However, there were unofficial reports that the fuel change was going to take place anyway, although this was later denied by the company's press office.[61]
[edit] Successes

Schneider (2007, p. 73) commented on the success of the CDM in reducing emissions from industrial plants and landfills.[35] Schneider (2007) concluded by stating that if concerns over the CDM are properly addressed, it would continue to be an "important instrument in the fight against climate change."

Desertification in India

Half the land in India is now desertified

In recent times, the loss of vegetation in the area has vastly degraded their once fertile land, and water has become a rare commodity. Since 1999, the failure of the monsoon has adversely affected the soil and the land has become barren. In order to regenerate it, ravines and ridges were treated by constructing gully plugs and digging out contour trenches. Earth check dams with spillways on either side were built to allow the water overflow to run off without damaging the dams. Ponds were also constructed to hold larger volumes of water. As farmers witnessed the effects of lack of water and soil erosion and its detrimental impact on agricultural production and yields, the concept of watershed management gained credence amongst them. Many are convinced that the local environment can be regenerated through a well-managed watershed programme.

Many now understand the fact that as the groundwater increases, normal farming patterns and agricultural output levels can be maintained despite changing weather conditions. The community has now learned to conserve their water and soil. Not a single drop of water runs off in their village. Caritas India has run public information campaigns trying to persuade local communities to take similar measures to stop desertification. Even though Indias land area is only 2.4 percent of the worlds total land area, it supports 16.67 percent of the worlds population and 18 percent of its livestock. These pressures alone play a major role in promoting desertification. As the human and animal population increases, these stresses will become greater and the demand on natural resources will increase leading to permanent loss of vegetation and plant species. This may also lead to the conversion of large areas into wastelands and to the frequent occurrence of natural disasters. Half the land in India is now affected by desertification and this impairs the ability of land to support life. It is particularly devastating because of its self-reinforcing nature. The causes of desertification are extensive cultivation of one crop, use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, shifting cultivation without adequate period of recovery, industrial and mining activities, overgrazing, logging and illegal felling, forest fires and unsustainable water management. Desertification is a global phenomenon of land degradation, which reduces the natural potential of the ecosystems and has a direct impact on people in terms of vulnerability to food shortages and natural disasters, depletion of natural resources and deterioration of the environment. Vegetation plays an essential role in protecting the soil, especially trees and shrubs, because their long life and capacity to develop powerful root systems assure protection against soil erosion. Their disappearance can considerably increase the vulnerability of the land to turn into a wasteland.

Endosulfan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

Endosulfan

IUPAC name[hide] 6,7,8,9,10,10-Hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro- 6,9methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepine-3-oxide Other names[hide] Benzoepin, Endocel, Parrysulfan, Phaser, Thiodan, Thionex

Identifiers CAS number ChemSpider UNII 115-29-7 21117730 QY5Y9R7G0E

KEGG Jmol-3D images

C11090 Image 1 SMILES

[show]

InChI
[show]

Properties Molecular formula Molar mass Density Melting point Solubility in water C9H6Cl6O3S 406.93 g mol1 1.745 g/cm

70-100 C, 343-373 K, 158-212 F 0.33 mg/L Hazards

EU classification R-phrases Main hazards

Yes (T, Xi, N) R24/25 R36 R50/53 T, Xi, N

NFPA 704

1 2 0
(verify) (what is: / ?)

Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 C, 100 kPa) Infobox references

Endosulfan is an off-patent organochlorine insecticide and acaricide that is being phased out globally. Endosulfan became a highly controversial agrichemical[1] due to its acute toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation, and role as an endocrine disruptor. Because of its threats to human health and the environment, a global ban on the manufacture and use of endosulfan was negotiated under the Stockholm Convention in April 2011. The ban will take effect in mid 2012, with certain uses exempted for 5 additional years.[2] More than 80 countries,[3] including the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, several West African nations,[4] the United States,[5][6] Brazil[7] and Canada[8] had already banned it or announced phase outs by the time the Stockholm Convention ban was agreed upon. It is still used extensively in India, China, and few other countries. It is produced by Makhteshim Agan and several manufacturers in India and China.

Contents
[hide]

1 Uses 2 Production 3 History of commercialization and regulation 4 Health effects o 4.1 Toxicity o 4.2 Endocrine disruption o 4.3 Reproductive and developmental effects o 4.4 Endosulfan and cancer 5 Environmental fate 6 Status by region o 6.1 India o 6.2 New Zealand o 6.3 Philippines o 6.4 United States o 6.5 Australia o 6.6 Taiwan 7 References

8 External links

[edit] Uses
Endosulfan has been used in agriculture around the world to control insect pests including whiteflys, aphids, leafhoppers, Colorado potato beetles and cabbage worms.[9] Due to its unique mode of action, it is useful in resistance management; however, as it is non-specific, it can negatively impact populations of beneficial insects.[10] It is, however, considered to be moderately toxic to honey bees,[11] and it is less toxic to bees than organophosphate insecticides.[12]

[edit] Production
The World Health Organization estimated worldwide annual production to be about 9,000 metric tonnes (t) in the early 1980s.[13] From 1980 to 1989, worldwide consumption averaged 10,500 t per year, and for the 1990s use increased to 12,800 t per year.

Endosulfan' is a derivative of hexachlorocyclopentadiene and is chemically similar to aldrin, chlordane, and heptachlor. Specifically, it is produced by the Diels-Alder reaction of hexachlorocyclopentadiene with cis-butene-1,4-diol and subsequent reaction of the adduct with thionyl chloride. Technical endosulfan is a 7:3 mixture of stereoisomers, designated and . and -endosulfan are conformational isomers arising from the pyramidal stereochemistry of sulfur. -Endosulfan is the more thermodynamically stable of the two, thus -endosulfan irreversibly converts to the form, although the conversion is slow.[14][15]

[edit] History of commercialization and regulation

Early 1950s: Endosulfan was developed. 1954: Hoechst AG (now Bayer CropScience) won USDA approval for the use of endosulfan in the United States.[16] 2000: Home and garden use in the United States was terminated by agreement with the EPA.[12] 2002: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended that endosulfan registration should be cancelled,[17] and the EPA determined that endosulfan residues on food and in water pose unacceptable risks. The agency allowed endosulfan to stay on the US market, but imposed restrictions on its agricultural uses.[12] 2007: International steps were taken to restrict the use and trade of endosulfan. It is recommended for inclusion in the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent,[18] and the European Union proposed inclusion in the list of chemicals banned under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Such inclusion would ban all use and manufacture of endosulfan globally.[19] Meanwhile, the Canadian government announced that endosulfan was under consideration for phase-out,[20] and Bayer CropScience voluntarily pulled its endosulfan products from the U.S. market[21] but continues to sell the products elsewhere.[22] 2008: In February, environmental, consumer, and farm labor groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council,[23] Organic Consumers Association, and the United Farm Workers[24] called on the U.S. EPA to ban endosulfan. In May, coalitions of scientists,[25] environmental groups, and arctic tribes asked the EPA to cancel endosulfan,[26] and in July a coalition of environmental and workers groups filed a lawsuit against the EPA challenging its 2002 decision to not ban it.[27] In October, the Review Committee of the Stockholm Convention moved endosulfan along in the procedure for listing under the treaty,[28] while India blocked its addition to the Rotterdam Convention.[29] 2009: The Stockholm Convention's Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) agreed that endosulfan is a persistent organic pollutant and that "global action is warranted", setting the stage of a global ban.[30] New Zealand banned endosulfan.[31] 2010: The POPRC nominated endosulfan to be added to the Stockholm Convention at the Conference of Parties (COP) in April 2011, which would result in a global ban.[32] The EPA announced that the registration of endosulfan in the U.S. will be cancelled[6][33] Australia banned the use of the chemical.[34] 2011: The Supreme Court on Friday banned manufacture, sale and use of toxic pesticide endosulfan in India. The apex court said the ban would remain effective for 8 weeks during

which an expert committee headed by DG, ICMR, will give an interim report to the court about the harmful effect of the widely used pesticide.[35] 2011: the Argentinian Service for Sanity and Agroalimentary Quality (SENASA) decided on August 8 that the import of Endosulfan into the South American country will be banned from July 1, 2012 and its commercialization and use from July 1, 2013. In the meantime, a reduced quantity can be imported and sold.[36]

[edit] Health effects

Endosulfan is one of the most toxic pesticides on the market today, responsible for many fatal pesticide poisoning incidents around the world.[37] Endosulfan is also a xenoestrogena synthetic substance that imitates or enhances the effect of estrogensand it can act as an endocrine disruptor, causing reproductive and developmental damage in both animals and humans. Whether endosulfan can cause cancer is debated. With regard to consumers intake of endosulfan from residues on food, the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations has concluded that long-term exposure from food is unlikely to present a public health concern, but short term exposure can exceed acute reference doses.[38]
[edit] Toxicity

Endosulfan is acutely neurotoxic to both insects and mammals, including humans. The US EPA classifies it as Category I: "Highly Acutely Toxic" based on a LD50 value of 30 mg/kg for female rats,[12] while the World Health Organization classifies it as Class II "Moderately Hazardous" based on a rat LD50 of 80 mg/kg.[39] It is a GABA-gated chloride channel antagonist, and a Ca2+, Mg2+ ATPase inhibitor. Both of these enzymes are involved in the transfer of nerve impulses. Symptoms of acute poisoning include hyperactivity, tremors, convulsions, lack of coordination, staggering, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.[16] Doses as low as 35 mg/kg have been documented to cause death in humans,[40] and many cases of sub-lethal poisoning have resulted in permanent brain damage.[16] Farm workers with chronic endosulfan exposure are at risk of rashes and skin irritation.[12] EPA's acute reference dose for dietary exposure to endosulfan is 0.015 mg/kg for adults and 0.0015 mg/kg for children. For chronic dietary expsoure, the EPA references doses are 0.006 mg/(kgday) and 0.0006 mg/(kgday) for adults and children, respectively.[12]

[edit] Endocrine disruption

Theo Colborn, an expert on endocrine disruption, lists endosulfan as a known endocrine disruptor,[41] and both the EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry consider endosulfan to be a potential endocrine disruptor. Numerous in vitro studies have documented its potential to disrupt hormones and animal studies have demonstrated its reproductive and developmental toxicity, especially among males.[12][16] A number of studies have documented that it acts as an anti-androgen in animals.[42] Endosulfan has shown to affect crustacean molt-cycle which is an important biological and endocrine-controlled physiological process essential for the crustacean growth and reproduction.[43] Environmentally relevant doses of endosulfan equal to the EPA's safe dose of 0.006 mg/kg/day have been found to affect gene expression in female rats similarly to the effects of estrogen.[44] It is not known whether endosulfan is a human teratogen (an agent that causes birth defects), though it has significant teratogenic effects in laboratory rats.[45] A 2009 assessment concluded that endocrine disruption in rats occurs only at endosulfan doses that cause neurotoxicity.[46]
[edit] Reproductive and developmental effects

Several studies have documented that endosulfan can also affect human development. Researchers studying children from many villages in Kasargod District, Kerala, India have linked endosulfan exposure to delays in sexual maturity among boys. Endosulfan was the only pesticide applied to cashew plantations in the villages for 20 years and had contaminated the village environment. The researchers compared the villagers to a control group of boys from a demographically similar village that lacked a history of endosulfan pollution. Relative to the control group, the exposed boys had high levels of endosulfan in their bodies, lower levels of testosterone, and delays in reaching sexual maturity. Birth defects of the male reproductive system including cryptorchidism were also more prevalent in the study group. The researchers concluded that "our study results suggest that endosulfan exposure in male children may delay sexual maturity and interfere with sex hormone synthesis."[47] Increased incidences of cryptorchidism have been observed in other studies of endosulfan exposed populations.[48]

A 2007 study by the California Department of Public Health found that women who lived near farm fields sprayed with endosulfan and the related organochloride pesticide dicofol during the first eight weeks of pregnancy are several times more likely to give birth to children with autism. This is the first study to look for an association between endosulfan and autism, and additional study is needed to confirm the connection.[49] A 2009 assessment concluded that epidemiology and rodent studies that suggest male reproductive and autism effects are open to other interpretations, and that developmental or reproductive toxicity in rats occurs only at endosulfan doses that cause neurotoxicity.[46]
[edit] Endosulfan and cancer

Endosulfan is not listed as known, probable, or possible carcinogen by the EPA, IARC, or other agencies. There are no epidemiological studies linking exposure to endosulfan specifically to cancer in humans, but in vitro assays have shown that endosulfan can promote proliferation of human breast cancer cells.[50] Evidence of carcinogenicity in animals is mixed.[16]

[edit] Environmental fate

Endosulfan is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. The chemical is semi-volatile and persistent to degradation processes in the environment. Endosulfan is subject to long range atmospheric transport, i.e. it can travel long distances from where it is used. Thus, it occurs in many environmental compartments. For example, a 2008 report by the National Park Service found that endosulfan commonly contaminates air, water, plants and fish of national parks in the U.S. Most of these parks are far from areas where endosulfan is used.[51] Endosulfan has been found in remote locations such as the Arctic Ocean as well as in the Antarctic atmosphere.[52] The pesticide has also been detected in dust from the Sahara Desert collected in the Caribbean after being blown across the Atlantic Ocean.[53] It has been shown that the compound is one of the most abundant organochlorine pesticides in the global atmosphere.[52] The compound breaks down into endosulfan sulfate, endosulfan diol, and endosulfan furan, all three of which have structures similar to the parent compound and, according to the EPA, "are also of toxicological concernThe estimated half-lives for the combined toxic residues (endosulfan plus endosulfan sulfate) [range] from roughly 9 months to 6 years." The EPA

concluded that, "[b]ased on environmental fate laboratory studies, terrestrial field dissipation studies, available models, monitoring studies, and published literature, it can be concluded that endosulfan is a very persistent chemical which may stay in the environment for lengthy periods of time, particularly in acid media." The EPA also concluded that "[e]ndosulfan has relatively high potential to bioaccumulate in fish."[12] It is also toxic to amphibians: low levels have been found to kill tadpoles.[54] In 2009, the committee of scientific experts of the Stockholm Convention concluded that "endosulfan is likely, as a result of long range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects such that global action is warranted."[55] In May 2011, the Stockholm Convention committee approved the recommendation for elimination of production and use of Endosulfan and its isomers worldwide. This is, however, subject to certain exemptions. Overall, this will lead to Endosulfan's elimination from the global markets.[56]

[edit] Status by region

[edit] India

The yellow toxicity label for endosulfan in India.

Although classified as a yellow label (highly toxic) pesticide by the Central Insecticides Board, India is one of the largest producers[57] and the largest consumer of Endosulfan in the world.[9] Of the total volume manufactured in India, three companies Excel Crop Care, Hindustan Insecticides Ltd, and Coromandal Fertilizers produce 4,500 tonnes annually for domestic use and another 4,000 tonnes for export. Endosulfan is widely used in most of the plantation crops in India. Toxicity of endosulfan and health issues due to its bioaccumulation came under media attention when health isuues precipitated in the Kasargod district (of Kerala state) was publicised.[58][59] This inspired protests and the pesticide was banned in the state of Kerala as

early as 2001 following a report by the National Institute of Occupational Health. In the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants of 2011, when an international consensus arose for the global ban of the pesticide, ironically India stood against this move owing to pressure from the endosulfan manufacturing companies.[19][60] This flared up the protest,[61][62][63] and while India still maintained its stance, the global conference decided on a global ban, for which India asked a remission for 10 years. Later, on a petition filed in the Supreme Court of India, the production, storage, sale and use of the pesticide was temporarily banned on 13 May 2011, and later permanently by the end of 2011.

Karnataka Government also banned the use of endosulfan, an insecticide, with immediate effect. Briefing presspersons after the State Cabinet meeting, Minister for Higher Education V.S. Acharya said the Cabinet discussed the harmful effects of endosulfan on the health of farmers and people living in rural areas. The government will now invoke the provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968 (a Central act) and write a letter to the Union Government about the ban. Minister for Energy, and Food and Civil Supplies Shobha Karandlaje, who has been spearheading a movement seeking a ban on endosulfan, said, I am grateful to Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and members of the Cabinet for approving the ban.[64] Rajendra Singh Rana has written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding the withdrawal of the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) study on Endosulfan titled Report Of The Investigation Of Unusual Illness allegedly produced by the Endosulfan exposure in Padre village of Kasargod district in north Kerala. In his statement Mr. Rana said "The NIOH report is flawed. I'm in complete agreement with what the workers have to say on this. In fact, I have already made representation to the Prime Minister and concerned Union Ministers of health and environment demanding immediate withdrawal of the report," as reported by The Economic Times and Outlook India [65][66] Mrs. Vibhavari Dave, local leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), from Bhavnagar, Gujarat voiced her concerns on the impact of ban of Endosulfan on families and workers of Bhavnagar. She was a part of the delegation with Bhavnagar MP, Rajendra Singh

Rana, which submitted a memorandum to the district collectors office to withdraw the NIOH report calling for ban of Endosulfan.[67][68] The Pollution Control Board of the Government of Kerala, prohibited the use of Endosulfan in the state of Kerala on 10 November 2010.[69] On February 18, 2011, the Karnataka Government followed suit and suspended the use of Endosulfan for a period of 60 days in the state.[70] Indian Union Minister of Agriculture Sharad Pawar has ruled out implementing a similar ban at the national level despite the fact that endosulfan has banned in 63 countries including European Union, Australia and New Zealand.[71] The Government of Gujarat had initiated a study in response to the workers rally in Bhavnagar and representations made by Sishuvihar, an NGO based in Ahmadabad. The committee constituted for the study also included former Dy. Director of NIOH, Ahmadabad. The committee noted that the WHO, FAO, IARC and US EPA have indicated that endosulfan is not carcinogenic, not teratogenic, not mutagenic and not genotoxic. The highlight of this report is the farmer exposure study based on analysis of their blood reports for residues of endosulfan and the absence of any residues. This corroborates the lack of residues in worker exposure studies.[72] The Supreme Court passed interim order on May 13, 2011 in a Writ Petition filed by Democratic Youth Federation of India, (DYFI), a youth wing of Communist Party of India ( Marxist) in the backdrop of the incidents reported in Kasargode, Kerala and banned the production, distribution and use of endosulfan in India because the pesticide has debilitating effects on humans and the environment. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) welcomed this order and called it a resounding defeat for the pesticide industry which has been promoting this deadly toxin. A 2001 study by CSE had established the linkages between the aerial spraying of the pesticide and the growing health disorders in Kasaragod. Over the years, other studies have confirmed these findings, and the health hazards associated with endosulfan are now widely known and accepted. In July 2012, the Government asked the Supreme Court to allow use of the pesticide in all States except Kerala and Karnataka, as these States are ready to use it for pest control.[73]

[Environment] SC Ban on Tiger Tourism, Core and Buffer Areas, Project Tiger, NTCA Guidelines explained
1. What is core zones and Buffer Zone? 2. What is Project Tiger? 3. What is NTCA? 4. Why is Tiger population threatened? 5. Concept of Umbrella Species: Why do we need to protect Tiger? 6. International Cooperation 7. Timeline of Events 8. July 2012: SC bans tourism 9. Pro-Tourism Arguments 10. Misleading information by Media 11. Employment 12. Tourism actually helps the tigers 13. Ban on Tourism hurts the tigers 14. Anti-Tourism Arguments 15. Sept-Oct 2012: NTCA frames guidelines 16. October 2012: UPSC asks the question 17. October 2012: SC Lifts the Ban 18. Conclusion 19. Roleplaying question for interview. 20. Cheetah 21. Appendix 1: List of 41 tiger reserves in India 22. Appendix 2: Maps of Tiger Reserves in India Before discussing Supreme Courts ban on Tiger Tourism, Let us go through some basics.

What is core zones and Buffer Zone?

Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the state governments have to notify the list of core and buffer areas of tiger reserves in their territory. Core zone (critical tiger habitats): This is where tigers usually rest, reside, feed and breed. Therefore, Government should prevent any disturbance in such areas, including tourism. Buffer zone = areas that lie in the periphery of the core zone. Buffer zones constitute the fringe areas (=The outside boundary or surface of something) of tiger reserves up to 10 kms. Following map should clear the concept:

Core Zone and Buffer Zone (Click to Enlarge)

What is Project Tiger?

A 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme, by Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) It was launched in 1973, in nine reserves of different States (Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) Right now it covers total 41 tiger reserves in 17 states.

It is a program for in-situ conservation of Tigers. (what is the difference between in-situ vs ex-situ? Whatre the pros and cons of each method? Weve already seen it in an old article- click ME) In crude words, o It provides for staff, equipment, and infrastructure in tiger reserves. o Provides for money, in case a man or cattle is killed by wild animals, crop is lost, rehabilitation of villages etc.

What is NTCA?

National Tiger Conservation Authority It is a provided in the Wildlife Protection Act (Ameneded in 2006). Therefore NTCA is a statutory body. The Minister of Environment and Forest, is the chairman of this NTCA. (Jayanthi Natarajan right now). It coordinates, implements and monitors Project Tiger. It prepares annual reports, which are laid down in the parliament.

Why is Tiger population threatened?

Deforestation because of o Human pressure: farming, mining, illegal felling of trees. o Grazing of domestic animals Because of Deforestation, the size of tiger-prey (Deer, sambar etc.) has declined. Hence tigers have to come outside the protected areas to hunt for animals, including domestic cattle. This leads to man-animal conflict, tiger deaths in road accidents, and provides ample opportunities to poachers. Tiger breeding/ reproduction is reduced/disturbed due to highways, noise pollution, tourism etc. Tiger is a territorial animal, which advertises its presence in an area through urine marking and maintains a territory. Therefore, to support a population of 80-100 tigers, youd need a protected area of atleast 1000 sqkm- totally undisturbed. Otherwise the male tigers would fight, maim and kill eachother and the weaker ones

would be forced to hunt in surrounding villages- leading to mananimal conflicts. But because of the highways, villages, farming activities, the Habitats are getting fragmented. Habitat Fragmentation = bad for tigers. They cannot move, hunt or breed freely in small and fragmented habitats. Insurgency in North East and naxals in Central India= Forest dept. cannot efficiently work and protect tigers.

Concept of Umbrella Species: Why do we need to protect Tiger?

1. Tiger is an umbrella species. It resides at the top of the jungle food chain. 2. A healthy tiger population indicates that the other ecological components in its habitat are equally robust, since tigers need large amount of prey and good habitat. 3. If the Umbrella species is protected, it will also ensure viable populations of other wild animals (co predators like Leopords and prey like dears) and the habitat (trees, shrubs, water). 4. Thus, when youre protecting the tiger, youre indirectly protecting the whole jungle and all the species that live in it.

International Cooperation
1. India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, 2. India has signed a protocol on tiger conservation with China 3. India has signed a protocol has with Bangladesh for conservation of tigers in Sunderban region. 4. India has Constituted a group on tiger and leopard conservation with Russia. 5. India is a party to Convention on Inter national Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

6. Unlike China, India doesnt support captive breeding of tigers (breeding tigers on a commercial scale, to sell their hides and bones later, just like a poultry farm). 7. India made an appealing to China to phase out tiger farming and eliminate stockpiles of Atiger body parts and derivatives. Now coming to the topic of SC Ban on Tiger Tourism

Timeline of Events July 2012: SC bans tourism

One Mr.Ajay Dubey (NGO named Prayatna) filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in Supreme court. He argued that 1. Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 implies that tourism to all core tiger habitats in India should be banned. 2. But yet, Several state Governments have allowed the construction of hotels, resorts and shops inside the core areas of tiger reserves. So, Supreme court looked into the matter and imposed a temporary ban on all tourism in the core areas of tiger reserves.

Pro-Tourism Arguments Misleading information by Media

Consider this- Supreme Court has only banned tourism activity in the CORE zone and not in the buffer zone. Yet the media covered the whole news in such a sensationalized manner that potential tourists thought SC has completely banned tourism in tiger reserves. Hence they cancelled their trips.

The truth is, the tourism was still permitted in buffer zones and many a times, tourists can get a glimpse of tigers and other wildlife, while touring in the buffer zones. For example, in Uttarakhands Jim Corbett National Park and Assams Kaziranga Wildlife Reserve, nobody is allowed to go into 95% of the core area. So even before the SC ban, for all these years, tourists were seeing the buffer area only.

Employment
1. Tiger tourism is an 18 million dollar$ industry. 2. In Madhya Pradesh Alone, more than 20,000 people earn their livelihood through tiger-tourism activities related activities. 3. There are entire towns that rely on tourism. Ranthambhore [a National Park in Jaipur] alone gets 2 lakh tourists per year and provides employment to almost 4,000 local people directly (from hotel managers, travel guide, waiters, cooks etc) and perhaps 10 times that amount indirectly (rickshaw drivers, fruit-vegetable-milk suppliers etc.) 4. Tourist season is October to March. And generally they get huge bookings during Diwali Season. But if tourism activities are banned then all those potential customers might prefer to go vacation elsewhere. Thus severely affecting the livelihood of so many people.

Tourism actually helps the tigers

1. Presence of tourists provides extra eyes and ears to the Forest Department. 2. It helps protect the animals by deterring poachers and loggers, 3. It does not affect the animals willingness to hunt or breed. 4. Seventeen tiger reserves have few or no tigers left in them. No tourism has ever been allowed in or near these reserves. Instead, loggers arrived, thinned the jungle then tigers were forced to hunt outside core areas and poachers got easy opportunities to kill them.

5. Poachers are the largest threat to tigers, not tourism. And the solution thus, is improvement in law enforcement rather than a ban on tourism.

Ban on Tourism hurts the tigers

1. The complete ban on tourism = ban would result in loss of livelihood (income) to local populations (Who work as tourist guides, supply vegetables etc to the hotels etc.) 2. And then they would be forced to be more dependent on forest for their livelihood e.g. cutting trees, selling jungle produce illegally, may be hunting and poaching. so overall, this ban will damage the jungles and wildlife.

Anti-Tourism Arguments
1. The tour operators run wildlife safaris day and night. All the vehicle movement, honking, shouting, camera flashes disturb the tigers. 2. Construction of hotels, shops etc = deforestation. 3. The garbage created by tourists, hotels = not good.

Sept-Oct 2012: NTCA frames guidelines

Recap: SC had banned tourism in core areas of tiger reserves. So, if Government wanted to get this ban lifted, itd need to convince the supreme court that we are doing everything to protect the tigers and make sure tourism doesnt hurt the tigers. Union Government >> Ministry of Environment and Forest >> National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). This NTCA framed new guideline for State Governments regarding the Tiger Tourism. Here are the salient guidelines / main recommendations:

1. Allow tourist activities, only up to 20 percent of the core/critical tiger habitat. 2. Instead of the conventional wildlife tourism, promote a new type of tourism (ecotourism) that conserves the environment, educates the tourists about tiger conservation and improves the well-being of the local people. 3. Make sure that no new tourism infrastructure (resorts, hotels, shops etc) is created in the core areas of tiger reserves. 4. If there are already any permanent tourist infrastructure (resort,hotels etc) inside the core areas, then theyll be removed in phased manner. The procedure will be regulated by a Local Advisory Committee. This Local Advisory Committee will comprise of divisional commissioner, local MLA and district collector. 5. Charge a conservation fee ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3000 from the tourism -depending upon the number of beds in a particular resort. And use this money for the benefit of local community.(education, health, etc) 6. Visitors be kept at least 20 meters from all forms of wildlife and nobody will be allowed to lure or feed any wildlife creatures. 7. each tiger reserve should calculate the maximum number of visitors and vehicles that can be permitted on any given day considering their potential to disturb wildlife. E.g. At Kanha, the limit will be 25 vehicles in forenoon and 15 in afternoon 8. Use of battery operated vehicles, instead of diesel or petrol operated vehicles, to reduce noise pollution. 9. 10 per cent of the revenue generated from pilgrim centres located in tiger reserves, should be spent for to develop local communities via Gram Sabha. 10. All tour guides and drivers shall compulsorily go through a short course in rules and regulations of tiger-reserves, followed by an oral examination. Only after passing the exam, theyll be allowed to conduct tours. 11. All certified guides and drivers shall wear special uniforms with name tags and badges. 12. Prior to every tourist season, certified guides and drivers shall go through a refresher course or workshop. 13. The use of wood as fuel shall be prohibited, except for campfires

14.

All tourist facilities, old and new- must be environment friendly. 1. Have low height 2. Shall aim to generate at least 50 % of their total energy and fuel requirements from alternate energy sources (solar and biogas) 3. Waste recycling, water management, 4. Natural cross-ventilation (to reduce the need for AC), 5. No use of asbestos, 6. Discharge of only treated sewage, 7. No air pollution, 8. Minimal outdoor lighting outside the building 9. They should merging with the surrounding landscape, via right combination of wall colors and aesthetic architecture.

Now, Union Government filed an affidavit in the Supreme court and said Please see this list of guidelines framed by NTCA. Well make sure that tourism doesnt harm the tigers. Now please lift the ban.

October 2012: UPSC asks the question

UPSC Conducts Civil Service (Mains) General Studies Exam, and asks following question. Q. The issue of tourism in core areas of tiger reserve forests in the country is a subject matter of debate. Critically examine various aspects of this issue, keeping in view relevant recent judicial pronouncements. (250 words, 25 marks)

October 2012: SC Lifts the Ban

Supreme Court considers the plea of Government and passes judgment: ok well very, since youve framed the new guidelines, We lift the ban. but from now onwards, all the tourism activities must be regulated in very strict manner. And We also direct the state governments to prepare their tiger conservation plan within in six months and submit it to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for approval.

Conclusion

In last century, there were more than 40,000 tigers in India, now barely 1700 left. Tiger protection is not the job of Forest Department alone. It requires coordination between and stakeholders, including the departments forestry, agriculture, social welfare, tourism, fisheries, tea -coffee estates, road and rail transport, mining, thermal power plants, irrigation projects, temples, tour operators, tourists, Gram Sabha, local villagers. Unless each and every one of them is sensitized about the issue, tiger may not survive to see the next century.

Roleplaying question for interview.

Suppose youre the administrator of a tiger reserve. Give us a list of essential men and material requirements to run the organization. 1. Police/forest guards/ex- army personnel, with wireless handsets, weapons, ammunition, and handcuffs for apprehending offenders. 2. Compass, range finder, Global Positioning System (GPS), camera traps, radio collars, binoculars and night vision goggles., to petrol the jungle and keep an eye on tigers. 3. Kerosene, tent, medicine, field kit, mosquito net, torch etc. 4. Vehicles (Gypsy, Jeep, Truck, Tractor, boats) to ferry the men and injured animals. 5. elephants (for patrolling in core areas- because jeeps would disturb the tigers)

6. Money to Rewards the informers about poaching and tree cutting. 7. Tranquilizer guns, cages in case there is need to capture a man eater tiger/leopard or in case they attack on nearby villages. 8. A 24/7 Veterinary doctor to deal with injured animals. 9. Residential accommodation for the family and children of frontline staff (forest guards, doctors etc. in nearby towns or villages)

Cheetah
A side note for for GK

Ministry of Environment and Forests has decided to take up reint roduction of cheetah in the States of Rajasthan (Shahgarh area) and Madhya Pradesh (Kuno- Palpur and Noradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries). The said States would receive 100 % support towards village relocation.

Appendix 1: List of 41 tiger reserves in India

It may not be possible to memorize the whole list, but atleast for the interview and State PSC exam, mugup the names of reserves in your state and in the surrounding states. Here is the Statewise Alphabetical list. Name Kawal State Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh

Nagarjunsagar

Namdapha

Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Assam Assam Assam Bihar Chattisgarh Chattisgarh Chhattisgarh Jharkhand Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Kerala Kerala Madhya Pradesh

Pakke Manas Nameri Kaziranga Valmiki Achanakmar Udanti-Sitanadi Indravati Palamau Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Bandipur Bhadra Dandeli-Anshi Nagarahole Periyar Parambikulam Kanha

Pench

Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Mizoram Odisha Odisha Rajasthan Rajasthan Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu

Bandhavgarh

Panna

Satpura

Sanjay-Dubri Sahyadri Melghat Tadoba-Andhari Pench Dampa Similipal Satkosia Ranthambore Sariska Anamalai KalakadMundanthurai Mudumalai

Dudhwa Corbett Sunderbans Buxa

Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand West Bengal West Bengal

New Tiger reserves

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted approval for creation of 5 new tiger reserves viz 1. Pilibhit UP 2. Ratapani MP 3. Sunabeda Odisha 4. Mukundara Hills Raj. 5. Satyamangalm TN And, Final approval has also been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as a tiger reserve. NTCA has also requested the State Governments, to file proposals to create Tiger reserves in following areas. 1. Bor (Maharashtra), 2. Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), 3. Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra) 4. Gu ru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh) 5. Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa) 6. Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu).

Appendix 2: Maps of Tiger Reserves in India

Click To Enlarge

proposed Tiger Reserves in India (click to Enlarge)

Health, Nutrition & Family Welfare

Through the Plans Five Year Plans : First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh Eighth Ninth Tenth Eleventh Twelfth Health, Nutrition & Family Welfare The Division has following important functions: 1. Evolving policy and strategy guidelines pertaining to:

2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

1. Health & Family Welfare 2. AYUSH 3. Initiatives to improve nutritional status of the population; and 4. Flagship programme National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Drawing up short, medium and long-term perspectives and goals for each of these sectors. Monitoring changing trends in the health sector viz., epidemiological, demographic, social and managerial challenges. Examining current policies, strategies and programmes in health & family welfare and nutrition, both in the State and in the Central Sector and suggest appropriate modifications / mid course corrections. Suggesting methods for improving efficiency and quality of services. Evolving priorities for basic, clinical and operational research essential for improving health status of the population. Looking into inter-sectoral issues and evolve appropriate policies and strategies for convergence of services so that the population is benefitted optimally from on-going programmes.

The Division represents the Planning Commission in:

Various Committees of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Women & Child Development EFC/SFC pertaining to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Women & Child Development Expert Panels set up from time to time to advise the Planning Commission regarding the priorities and targets in the Plans and Programmes relating to Health, FW and Nutrition the resources including human and material required, the training programmes to be initiated, standards of construction and equipment for health facilities and the development of health research etc. Scientific Advisory Groups of Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Public Health Foundation of India, etc.

Brief on the functions of Health, & Family Welfare Division

The functions of Health & Family Welfare Division have evolved over the Plan periods based on the goals envisaged in the Five Year Plans.

The focus of health policies upto 5th Five year Plan was on Control of communicable diseasesTB. Malaria etc; RCH Programmes and population control, self-sufficiency in drugs and equipments. From 6th Plan onwards health policies aimed at improving health infrastructure in the rural areas augmenting health human resources. The National Health Policy 2002 aims at achieving an acceptable standard of health for the general population of the .country. Keeping in line with this broad objective, the Eleventh Five Year Plan had set upon itself the goal of achieving good health for people, especially the poor and the underprivileged. To achieve the objective, a comprehensive approach was advocated, which included improvements in individual health care, public health, sanitation, clean drinking water, access to food and knowledge of hygiene and feeding practices. To achieve this goal, time bound goals were set for the XI Plan period which are:

Reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 1 per 1000 live births. Reducing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to 28 per 1000 live births. Reducing Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to 2.1. Providing clean drinking water for all by 2009 and ensuring no slip- backs. Reducing malnutrition among children of age group 0-3 years to half its present level. Reducing anaemia among women and girls by 50%. Raising the sex ratio for age group 0-6 to 935 by 2011-12 and 950 by 2016-17.

Though, there has been progress on all these fronts, except child sex ratio, the goals have not been fully met. Low public spending on health (1% of GDP), high out-of-pocket payments (71%) is leading to impoverishment of people. The major thrust in this direction is the National Rural Hearth Mission (NRHM) which aims at major qualitative improvements in standards of public health and health care in the rural areas through strengthening of institutions, community participation, decentralization and innovative methods of reaching all habitations. Simultaneously, provision of tertiary health care and increasing health human resources to ensure availability of larger number of health care providers has engaged the attention of the planners during the XI Plan. Planning Commission has constituted a High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on universal health coverage, seven Working Groups and Two Steering Committees to define the appropriate

strategy for the Health sector for the XII Plan. The Report of High Level Expert Group (HLEG) for universal health coverage; Reports of the Steering committee on AYUSH & Health as well as reports of the seven working groups constituted for the formulation of XII Plan have been placed on the website of the Planning Commission. (http://planningcommission. gov. in) The Steering Committee on Health has identified following problem with the Health Sector: Identifying Structural Problems: The health care system in the country suffers from inadequate funding. There are several structural problems too, like, the lack of integration between disease control and other programmes in the social sector, sub-optimal use of traditional systems of Medicines, weak regulatory-systems for drugs as well as for medical practice, and poor capacity in public health management. A sound health system also requires the active participation of communities in preventive and promotive health care, on which the progress has been uneven. National Health Outcome Goals for the 12th Plan: The Steering Committee on Health in its Report has recommended health system for the 12th Plan should prioritize the making of the system responsive to the needs of citizens, and the attainment of financial protection for the health care of households. More specifically, the national health outcome goals, which are meant to reflect the broader commitments during the 12th Plan should be the following: Reduction of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to 25: At the past rate of decline of 2 points per year, India is projected to have an IMR of 38 by 2015 and 34 by 2017. An achievement of the MDG of reducing IMR to 27 by 2015 would require further acceleration of this historical rate of decline. If this accelerated rate is sustained, the country can achieve an IMR of 25 by 2017. Reduction of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 100: At the recent rate of decline of 5.5% per annum India is projected to have an MMR of 143 by 2015 and 127 by 2017. An achievement of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing MMR to 109 by 2015 would require an acceleration of this historical rate of decline. At this accelerated rate of decline, the country can achieve an MMR of 100 2017

Reduction of Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to 2.1: India is on track for the achievement of a TFR target of 2.1 by 2017, which is necessary to achieve net replacement level of unity, and realize the long cherished goal of the National Health Policy, 1983 and National Population Policy of 2000. Prevention and reduction of underweight children under 3 years to 23%: Underweight children are at an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. At the current rate of decline, the prevalence of underweight children is expected to be 29% by 2015, and 27% by 2017. An achievement of the MDG of reducing undernourished children under 3 years to 26% by 2015 would require an acceleration of this historical rate of decline. If this accelerated rate is sustained, the country can achieve an under 3 child under nutrition level of 23% by 2017. This particular health outcome has a very direct bearing on the broader commitment to security of life, as do MMR, IMR, anaemia and child sex ratio. Prevention and reduction of anaemia among women aged 15-49 years to 28%: Anaemia, an underlying determinant of maternal mortality and low birth weight, is preventable and treatable by a very simple intervention. The prevalence of anaemia has shown a rising trend (58.8% in 2007, DLHS), which needs to be reversed and steeply reduced to 28%, which is half the cur/ent levels, by the end of the 12th Plan. Raising child sex ratio in the 0-6 year age group from 914 to 935: Like anaemia, child sex ratio is another important indicator which has been showing a deteriorating trend, and needs to be targeted for priority attention. Prevention and reduction of burden of Communicable and Non-Communicable diseases (including mental illnesses) and injuries: State wise and national targets for each of these conditions will be set by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as robust systems are put in place to measure their burden. Broadly, the goals of communicable diseases shall be as indicated as in the Table National Health Goals for Communicable Disease Disease 12th Plan Goal

Tuberculosis Leprosy Malaria Filariasis Dengue Chikungunya Japanese Encephalitis Kala-azar HIV/AIDS

Reduce annual incidence and mortality by half Reduce prevalence to < 1/10,000 pop. and incidence to zero in all districts, Annual Malaria Incidence of < 1/1000 <1% microfilaria prevalence in all districts Sustaining case fatality rate of <1% Containment of outbreaks Reduction in JE mortality by 30% <1% microfilaria prevalence in all districts Reduce new infections to zero and provide comprehensive care and support to all persons living with HIV/AIDS and treatment services for all those who require it.

Reduction of poor households' out of pocket expenditure: Out of pocket expenditure on health care is a burden on poor families, leads to impoverishment and a regressive system of financing. Increase in public health spending to 2.1% of GDP by the end of the 12th Plan, cost free access to essential medicines in public facilities, regulatory measures proposed in the 12th Plan are likely to lead to increase in share of public spending. The 12th Plan measures will also aim to reduce out of pocket spending as a proportion of private spending on health. The other work of the Division includes: To review the commitments and make a balanced assessment of the progress in the Five year Plan/ Annual Plans etc., in addition to analysis of sectoral data, review of official documents and other reports, consultations with the experts in the field, nodal departments of the implementing Ministries as well as the State departments dealing with the subject. The Division has the responsibility of:

Evolving policy and strategy guidelines pertaining to Health & Family Welfare, Health Research, AIDS Control and AYUSH with a special reference to the flagship programme, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Monitoring changing trends in the health sector viz., epidemiological, demographic, social and managerial challenges. Examining current policies, strategies and programmes in health & family welfare, both in the State and in the Central sector and suggest appropriate modifications /mid course corrections.

Suggesting methods for improving efficiency and quality of services. Evolving priorities for basic, clinical and operational research essential for improving health status of population/and achieving rapid population stabilization. Looking into inter-sectoral issues and evolving appropriate policies and strategies for convergence of services so that the population benefits optimally from on-going programmes. Drawing up short, medium and long term perspectives and goals for each of these sectors.

The Division represents the Planning Commission in:

Various committees of Department of Health & Family Welfare, AYUSH and Ministry of Women & Child Development. EFC/SFC pertaining to Department of Health & Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH, Department of Health Research and Department of AIDS Control and Ministry of Women & Child Development. Scientific Advisory Groups of Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Public Health Foundation of India, etc. Expert Panels are set up from time to time to advise the Planning Commission regarding the priorities and targets in the Plans and Programmes related to Health, FW and Nutrition- the resources including manpower and material required, the training programmes to be initiated, standards of construction and equipment for health facilities and the development of health research etc.

Working Group Discussions The Health & Family Welfare Division conducts detailed (Working Group) discussions with all States/UTs as well as the Central Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the Annual Plans. The performance, problems faced and new initiatives in the Health to enhance outlays to 2-3% of GDP. States were encouraged to enhance outlays in respect of Health Sector in their annual plans for providing health care services to the common man. The Annual Plan outlay of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for 2012-13 has been increased. One activity running throughout the year under review, related to continuation of Plan schemes, viz, granting of 'in principle' approval and examining the SFC/ EFC/ CCEA proposals in respect of the schemes of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Cabinet nod for ban on hiring children below 14 J. Balaji Share Comment (11) print T+

The Hindu Children working at a construction firm in Kancheepuram. File photo: Jothi Ramalingam TOPICS employment child labor social issue It will be an offence to employ children not only in factories but also in home or on farms The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal for amending the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, to ban employment of children aged up to 14 in any form of industry. It will be an offence to employ such children not only in factories or industries but also in homes or on farms, if their labour is meant to serve any commercial interest. The Ministry of Labour is likely to introduce the amendment bill in Parliament soon. Quoting the National Sample Survey Organisations figures, official sources said the amendment would benefit 46 lakh children, who have been working in various industries now, and they can concentrate on education.

The Cabinet also approved another amendment to define children aged 14-18 as adolescents and prohibit their employment in mines, explosives industries, chemical and paint industries and other hazardous establishments. The governments decision is in line with the convention of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which prohibits any form of child labour until the age of 14. Since the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act or RTE now stipulates compulsory and free education of children up to the age of 14, the upper age limit in the Child Labour Act has been kept at 14. The RTE, which makes education fundamental right of a child, was passed by Parliament on August 4, 2009. It sets forth the modalities of free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14. Tomorrow if the government increases the upper age limit under the RTE from the present 14 to 16 or 18, the Child Labour Act will also be amended suitably, and the age limit for defining child labour will be reworked, the sources said.

The Government has introduced Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2011, in Lok Sabha on December 16, 2011, to facilitate quicker disposal of cases and to widen and amplify the scope of some of the provisions of the Act. The enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, was an important milestone in the field of consumer protection. In terms of the Act, consumer disputes redressal agencies have been set up at the 629 District, 35 State and National levels to render simple, inexpensive and speedy justice to consumers in respect of complaints against defective goods, deficient services and unfair/restrictive trade practices. With a view to faster redressal of complaints and to rationalize procedure of appointments in consumer disputes redressal agencies, it has been felt necessary to amend the Act. Amendments proposed provide for the followingOn line filing of consumer complaints Making provision for registering complaint by electronic form (on line filing complaint)- Since the Consumer Forums are being computerized it is proposed to make provision in the law to permit consumers to file complaints as well as pay fee online, which would make the consumer for a move towards e-governance/ time bound redressal. Enforcement of orders as a Decree of Civil Court

Making provision that an order of the District Forum / State Commission/ National Commission will be enforced as a Decree of a Civil Court- This modification is considered essential in view of the experiences gained during implementation of the amended Act and is intended to deter willful offenders and also to ensure speedy and proper execution of the order of the consumer forums, so that justice to the aggrieved consumers is not frustrated. Payment to be made for non-compliance of the order Making provision for payment by every person for not complying of the order of District Forum / State Commission / National Commission of an amount of not less than Rs.500 or 1 per cent of the value of the amount awarded- whichever is higher, for each day of delay of such noncompliance of the order. This modification is considered essential in view of the experiences gained during implementation of the amended Act and is intended to deter willful offenders and also to ensure speedy and proper execution of the orders of the consumer forums, so that justice to the aggrieved consumers is not frustrated. Powers to District Forum Empowering District Forum to function in any other place apart from District HQrs, in consultation with State Government / State Commission - This provision is considered necessary to allow State Governments the flexibility to club neighboring Districts Forum as also give additional charge to President/Members to hear cases in more than one District Forum so as to effectively deal with the non-functionality of Districts Forum caused due to vacancy of President/Member. Conferring powers to District Forum to issue order to the opposite party to pay reasonable rate of interest on such price or charges as may be decided by the District Forum- This provision is considered necessary to empower the consumer forum to award interest where the consumer has suffered due to protracted litigation. Powers to State Government in selection process Empowering State Government to refer back the recommendation of the Selection Committee for making fresh recommendation in order to avoid any delay in the Selection process- This is felt necessary to facilitate quicker filling up of the posts in the Consumer Forums and to avoid the consumer Forum remaining non-functional for long due to such vacancy thereby adversely affecting consumers interest. Increase of age in the appointment Increasing the minimum age for appointment as Member in the case of State Commissions from 35 to 45 years, and in case of National Commission from 35 to 55 years- This is proposed to improve the quality of persons applying for these posts. Experience for members

Increasing the period of experience for appointment as Member in the case of State Commission from 10 years to 20 years and in the case of National Commission from 10 years to 30 years-This is proposed in order to improve the quality of persons applying for these posts. Powers to National Commission / State Commission to direct any one to assist the case Conferring powers to National Commission / State Commission to direct any individual or organization or expert to assist National Commission / State Commission in the cases of large interest of the consumers- This provision would enable the National Commission or the State Commission, in cases involving the larger interests of the consumers, an opportunity to suo moto enlist the services of an expert or an outside party, in an ongoing case, in the interest of justice. Monitoring system of pending cases Conferring powers to Central Government to call upon periodical reports of pending cases from National Commission and to State Government from State Commission or any District ForumThe provision is considered necessary to enable easy availability of data regarding filing and disposal of consumer complaints, which would help in monitoring the functioning of the consumer for a and effectiveness of the law. The above said amendments proposed in the Act will go a long way in speedy redressal of Consumer grievances and sturdy protection of Consumer rights.

Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis
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Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis
Classification and external resources MeSH D018088

Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is defined as tuberculosis that is resistant to at least isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RMP),[1] the two most powerful first-line treatment anti-TB drugs.[2] Isolates that are multiply resistant to any other combination of anti-TB drugs but not to INH and RMP are not classed as MDR-TB. MDR-TB develops during treatment of fully sensitive TB when the course of antibiotics is interrupted and the levels of drug in the body are insufficient to kill 100% of bacteria. This can happen for a number of reasons: Patients may feel better and halt their antibiotic course, drug supplies may run out or become scarce, or patients may forget to take their medication from time to time. MDR-TB is spread from person to person as readily as drug-sensitive TB and in the same manner.[3]

Contents
[hide]

1 Epidemiology 2 Extensively drug-resistant TB 3 Treatment of MDR-TB o 3.1 DOTS-Plus 4 See also 5 References

6 External links

[edit] Epidemiology
MDR-TB most commonly develops in the course of TB treatment,[4] and is most commonly due to doctors giving inappropriate treatment, or patients missing doses or failing to complete their treatment. MDR-TB strains are often less fit and less transmissible, and outbreaks occur more readily in people with weakened immune systems (e.g., patients with HIV).[5][6][7][8][9] Outbreaks among non immunocompromised healthy people do occur,[10] but are less common.[4] A 1997 survey of 35 countries found rates above 2% in about a third of the countries surveyed. The highest rates were in the former USSR, the Baltic states, Argentina, and China, and was

associated with poor or failing national tuberculosis control programmes. In Moldova, the crumbling health system has led to the rise of MDR-TB.[11] It has been known for many years that INH-resistant TB is less virulent in guinea pigs, and the epidemiological evidence is that MDR strains of TB do not dominate naturally. A study in Los Angeles, California found that only 6% of cases of MDR-TB were clustered. Likewise, the appearance of high rates of MDR-TB in New York City in the early 1990s was associated with the explosion of AIDS in that area.[12][13]

[edit] Extensively drug-resistant TB

Main article: Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis

MDR-TB can become resistant to the major second-line drug groups: fluoroquinolones and injectable drugs. When MDR-TB is resistant to at least one drug from each group, it's defined as extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). In a study of MDR-TB patients from 2005 to 2008 in various countries, 43.7% had resistance to at least one second-line drug.[1]

[edit] Treatment of MDR-TB

See also: Tuberculosis treatment

Usually, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can be cured with long treatments of second-line drugs, but these are more expensive than first-line drugs and have more adverse effects.[2] The treatment and prognosis of MDR-TB are much more akin to that for cancer than to that for infection. It has a mortality rate of up to 80%, which depends on a number of factors, including
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. How many drugs the organism is resistant to (the fewer the better) How many drugs the patient is given (patients treated with five or more drugs do better) Whether an injectable drug is given or not (it should be given for the first three months at least) The expertise and experience of the physician responsible How co-operative the patient is with treatment (treatment is arduous and long, and requires persistence and determination on the part of the patient) 6. Whether the patient is HIV positive or not (HIV co-infection is associated with an increased mortality).

The majority of patients suffering from multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis do not receive treatment, as they tend to live in underdeveloped countries or in a state of poverty. Denial of

treatment remains a difficult human rights issue, as the high cost of second-line medications often precludes individuals unable to afford therapy.[14] In general, treatment courses are measured in months to years; MDR-TB may require surgery, and death rates remain high despite optimal treatment. However, good outcomes for the patient are still possible.[15] The treatment of MDR-TB must be undertaken by a physician experienced in the treatment of MDR-TB. Mortality and morbidity in patients treated in non-specialist centers are significantly higher to those of patients treated in specialist centers. In addition to the obvious risks (i.e., known exposure to a patient with MDR-TB), risk factors for MDR-TB include HIV infection, previous incarceration, failed TB treatment, failure to respond to standard TB treatment, and relapse following standard TB treatment. Treatment of MDR-TB must be done on the basis of sensitivity testing: It is impossible to treat such patients without this information. If treating a patient with suspected MDR-TB, the patient should be started on SHREZ (Streptomycin+isonicotinyl Hydrazine+Rifampicin+Ethambutol+pyraZinamide)+MXF+cycloserine pending the result of laboratory sensitivity testing. There is evidence that previous therapy with a drug for more than a month was associated with diminished efficacy of that drug regardless of in vitro tests indicating susceptibility,[16] so, detailed knowledge of the treatment history of that patient is essential. A gene probe for rpoB is available in some countries, which serves as a useful marker for MDRTB, because isolated RMP resistance is rare (except when patients have a history of being treated with rifampicin alone). If the results of a gene probe (rpoB) are known to be positive, then it is reasonable to omit RMP and to use SHEZ+MXF+cycloserine. The reason for maintaining the patient on INH is that INH is so potent in treating TB that it is foolish to omit it until there is microbiological proof that it is ineffective (even though isoniazid resistance so commonly occurs with rifampicin resistance). When sensitivities are known and the isolate is confirmed as resistant to both INH and RMP, five drugs should be chosen in the following order (based on known sensitivities):

an aminoglycoside (e.g., amikacin, kanamycin) or polypeptide antibiotic (e.g., capreomycin) PZA EMB a fluoroquinolone: e.g., moxifloxacin (ciprofloxacin should no longer be used[17]); rifabutin cycloserine a thioamide: prothionamide or ethionamide PAS a macrolide: e.g., clarithromycin linezolid high-dose INH (if low-level resistance) interferon- thioridazine Ampicillin

Drugs are placed nearer the top of the list because they are more effective and less toxic; drugs are placed nearer the bottom of the list because they are less effective or more toxic, or more difficult to obtain. In general, resistance to one drug within a class means resistance to all drugs within that class, but a notable exception is rifabutin: Rifampicin-resistance does not always mean rifabutinresistance, and the laboratory should be asked to test for it. It is possible only to use one drug within each drug class. If it is difficult finding five drugs to treat then the clinician can request that high-level INH-resistance be looked for. If the strain has only low-level INH-resistance (resistance at 0.2 mg/l INH, but sensitive at 1.0 mg/l INH), then high dose INH can be used as part of the regimen. When counting drugs, PZA and interferon count as zero; that is to say, when adding PZA to a four-drug regimen, another drug must be chosen to make five. It is not possible to use more than one injectable (STM, capreomycin or amikacin), because the toxic effect of these drugs is additive: If possible, the aminoglycoside should be given daily for a minimum of three months (and perhaps thrice weekly thereafter). Ciprofloxacin should not be used in the treatment of tuberculosis if other fluoroquinolones are available.[18] There is no intermittent regimen validated for use in MDR-TB, but clinical experience is that giving injectable drugs for five days a week (because there is no-one available to give the drug at weekends) does not seem to result in inferior results. Directly observed therapy helps to improve outcomes in MDR-TB and should be considered an integral part of the treatment of MDR-TB.[19]

Response to treatment must be obtained by repeated sputum cultures (monthly if possible). Treatment for MDR-TB must be given for a minimum of 18 months and cannot be stopped until the patient has been culture-negative for a minimum of nine months. It is not unusual for patients with MDR-TB to be on treatment for two years or more. Patients with MDR-TB should be isolated in negative-pressure rooms, if possible. Patients with MDR-TB should not be accommodated on the same ward as immunosuppressed patients (HIVinfected patients, or patients on immunosuppressive drugs). Careful monitoring of compliance with treatment is crucial to the management of MDR-TB (and some physicians insist on hospitalisation if only for this reason). Some physicians will insist that these patients remain isolated until their sputum is smear-negative, or even culture-negative (which may take many months, or even years). Keeping these patients in hospital for weeks (or months) on end may be a practical or physical impossibility, and the final decision depends on the clinical judgement of the physician treating that patient. The attending physician should make full use of therapeutic drug monitoring (in particular, of the aminoglycosides) both to monitor compliance and to avoid toxic effects. Some supplements may be useful as adjuncts in the treatment of tuberculosis, but, for the purposes of counting drugs for MDR-TB, they count as zero (if four drugs are already in the regimen, it may be beneficial to add arginine or vitamin D or both, but another drug will be needed to make five).

arginine[20] (peanuts are a good source) Vitamin D[21] Immunoxel/Dzherelo[22] V5 Immunitor[23]

The drugs listed below have been used in desperation, and it is uncertain as to whether they are effective at all. They are used when it is not possible to find five drugs from the list above.

imipenem[24] co-amoxiclav[25][26] clofazimine[27][28][29] prochlorperazine[30] metronidazole[31]

The following drugs are experimental compounds that are not commercially available, but may be obtained from the manufacturer as part of a clinical trial or on a compassionate basis. Their efficacy and safety are unknown:

PA-824[32] (manufactured by PathoGenesis Corporation, Seattle, Washington) R207910[33] (Koen Andries et al., under development by Johnson & Johnson)

In cases of extremely resistant disease, surgery to remove infection portions of the lung is, in general, the final option. The center with the largest experience in this is the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado. In 17 years of experience, they have performed 180 operations; of these, 98 were lobectomies and 82 were pneumonectomies. There is a 3.3% operative mortality, with an additional 6.8% dying following the operation; 12% experienced significant morbidity (in particular, extreme breathlessness). Of 91 patients who were culture-positive before surgery, only 4 were culture-positive after surgery.
[edit] DOTS-Plus

Community-based treatment programs such as DOTS-Plus, a MDR-TB-specialized treatment using the popular Directly Observed Therapy Short Course (DOTS) initiative, have shown considerable success in the treatment of MDR-TB. These programs have proven to be a good option for proper treatment of MDR-TB in poor, rural areas. A successful example has been in Lima, Peru, where the program has seen cure rates of over 80%.[

Renewable energy in India

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

Renewable energy in India is a sector that is still underdeveloped. India was the first country in the world to set up a ministry of non-conventional energy resources, in early 1980s. However its success has been very spotty. In recent years India has been lagging behind other nations in the use of renewable energy (RE). The share of RE in the energy sector, as on March 2011, is 10.63%[1] of total generation capacity of India. Renewable energy in India comes under the purview of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Contents
[hide]

1 Solar power 2 Wind power 3 Waste to energy 4 See also 5 References

6 External links

[edit] Solar power

Main article: Solar power in India

Solar Resource Map of India

India is densely populated and has high solar insolation, an ideal combination for using solar power in India. Much of the country does not have an electrical grid, so one of the first applications of solar power has been for water pumping, to begin replacing India's four to five million diesel powered water pumps, each consuming about 3.5 kilowatts, and off-grid lighting. Some large projects have been proposed, and a 35,000 km area of the Thar Desert has been set aside for solar power projects, sufficient to generate 700 to 2,100 gigawatts. The Indian Solar Loan Programme, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme has won the prestigious Energy Globe World award for Sustainability for helping to establish a consumer financing program for solar home power systems. Over the span of three years more than 16,000 solar home systems have been financed through 2,000 bank branches, particularly in rural areas of South India where the electricity grid does not yet extend.[2][3] Launched in 2003, the Indian Solar Loan Programme was a four-year partnership between UNEP, the UNEP Risoe Centre, and two of India's largest banks, the Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank.[3] Announced in November 2009, the Government of India proposed to launch its Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change with plans to generate 1,000 MW of power by 2013 and up to 20,000 MW grid-based solar power, 2,000 MW of off-grid solar power and cover 20 million sq metres with collectors by the end of the final phase of the mission in 2020.[4]
India's largest photovoltaic (PV) power plants DC Peak Power (MW) 25 GWh Capacity /year[5] factor

Name of Plant

Notes

Mithapur Solar Power Plant - Mithapur, Gujarat (Tata Power)[6] Waa Solar Power Plant - Surendranagar, Gujarat (Madhav Power)[7]

Commissioned February 2012 Commissioned December 2011

10

India's largest photovoltaic (PV) power plants DC Peak Power (MW) 214 GWh Capacity /year[5] factor

Name of Plant

Notes

Charanka Solar Park - Charanka, Gujarat [8]

Commissioned April 2012 Commissioned January 2012 Commissioned October 2011 Completed December 2010 Completed May 2010 Completed April 2010 2009 2009 2010 April, 2010 January 21, 2011 Commissioned April 2011 Commissioned June 2011 Commissioned July 2011 Commissioned July 2011 Commissioned 1st Aug

Adani Power Bitta,Gujarat[9] Moser Baer Clean Energy Limited Banaskantha, Gujarat [10] Sivaganga Photovoltaic Plant[11] Kolar Photovoltaic Plant[12] Itnal Photovoltaic Plant, Belgaum[13] Azure Power - Photovoltaic Plant[14] Jamuria Photovoltaic Plant[15] NDPC Photovoltaic Plant[16] Thyagaraj stadium Plant-Delhi[17] Gandhinagar Solar Plant[18] Tata - Mulshi, Maharashtra[19]

40

30

5 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 3

Azure Power - Sabarkantha, Gujarat[20] Tata - Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu[21] REHPL - Sadeipali, (Bolangir) Orissa [22] TATA - Osmanabad, Maharastra [23]

10 1 1 1

India's largest photovoltaic (PV) power plants DC Peak Power (MW) GWh Capacity /year[5] factor 2011 Green Infra Solar Energy Limited- Rajkot, Gujarat [24] Total 10 363 Commissioned November 2011

Name of Plant

Notes

[edit] Wind power

Main article: Wind power in India

The development of wind power in India began in the 1990s, and has significantly increased in the last few years. Although a relative newcomer to the wind industry compared with Denmark or the US, domestic policy support for wind power has led India to become the country with the fifth largest installed wind power capacity in the world.[25] As of December 2010 the installed capacity of wind power in India was 13,065.37 MW, mainly spread across Tamil Nadu (4132.72 MW), Maharashtra (1837.85 MW), Karnataka (1184.45 MW), Rajasthan (670.97 MW), Gujarat (1432.71 MW), Andhra Pradesh (122.45 MW), Madhya Pradesh (187.69 MW), Kerala (23.00 MW), West Bengal (1.10 MW), other states (3.20 MW) [26] It is estimated that 6,000 MW of additional wind power capacity will be installed in India by 2012.[27] Wind power accounts for 6% of India's total installed power capacity, and it generates 1.6% of the country's power.[28]

[edit] Waste to energy

Every year, about 55 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) and 38 billion liters of sewage are generated in the urban areas of India. In addition, large quantities of solid and liquid wastes are generated by industries. Waste generation in India is expected to increase rapidly in the future. As more people migrate to urban areas and as incomes increase, consumption levels are likely to rise, as are rates of waste generation. It is estimated that the amount of waste

generated in India will increase at a per capita rate of approximately 1-1.33% annually. This has significant impacts on the amount of land that is and will be needed for disposal, economic costs of collecting and transporting waste, and the environmental consequences of increased MSW generation levels. Waste Energy In India[29] Types of Waste Waste can be broadly classified into

Urban Waste Industrial waste Biomass Waste Biomedical waste

Prominent Companies In The Waste To Energy Sector

A2Z Group of Companies Hanjer Biotech Energies Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd

Trans fat From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Types of fats in food

Unsaturated fat
o o o o o

Monounsaturated fat Polyunsaturated fat Trans fat Cis fat Omega fatty acids:

3 6 9

Saturated fat
o

Interesterified fat

See also

Fatty acid Essential fatty acid v t e

Trans fat is the common name for unsaturated fat with trans-isomer (E-isomer) fatty acid(s). Because the term refers to the configuration of a double carbon-carbon bond, trans fats are sometimes monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, but never saturated. Trans fats do exist in nature but also occur during the processing of polyunsaturated fatty acids in food production.[1] The consumption of trans fats increases the risk of coronary heart disease[2][3] by raising levels of LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.[4] There is an ongoing debate about a possible differentiation between trans fats of natural origin and trans fats of vegetable origin but so far no scientific consensus was found. Two Canadian studies, that received funding by the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency [5] and the Dairy Farmers of Canada,[6] have shown that the natural trans fat vaccenic acid, found in beef and dairy products, may have an opposite health effect and could actually be beneficial compared to hydrogenated vegetable shortening, or a mixture of pork lard and soy fat,[6] e.g. lowering total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.[7][8][9] In lack of recognized evidence and scientific agreement, nutritional authorities consider all trans fats as equally harmful for health [10][11][12] and recommend that consumption of trans fats be reduced to trace amounts.[13][14] Unsaturated fat is a fat molecule containing one or more double bonds between the carbon atoms. Since the carbons are double-bonded to each other, there are fewer bonds connected to hydrogen, so there are fewer hydrogen atoms, hence the name, 'unsaturated'. Cis and trans are terms that refer to the arrangement of the two hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms involved in a double bond. In the cis arrangement, the hydrogens are on the same side of the double bond. In the trans arrangement, the hydrogens are on opposite sides of the double bond. The process of hydrogenation adds hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats, eliminating double bonds and making them into partially or completely saturated fats. However, partial hydrogenation, if it is chemical rather than enzymatic, converts a part of cis-isomers into trans-unsaturated fats instead of hydrogenating them completely. Trans fats also occur naturally in a limited number of cases: Vaccenyl

and conjugated linoleyl (CLA) containing trans fats occur naturally in trace amounts in meat and dairy products from ruminants, although the latter also constitutes a cis fat. Presence in food

Salers Cow. Milk and meat from cows and other ruminants contains naturally occurring trans fats in small quantities A type of trans fat occurs naturally in the milk and body fat of ruminants (such as cattle and sheep) at a level of 25% of total fat.[41] Natural trans fats, which include conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid, originate in the rumen of these animals. CLA has two double bonds, one in the cis configuration and one in trans, which makes it simultaneously a cis- and a trans-fatty acid. Animal-based fats were once the only trans fats consumed, but by far the largest amount of trans fat consumed today is created by the processed food industry as a side effect of partially hydrogenating unsaturated plant fats (generally vegetable oils). These partially hydrogenated fats have displaced natural solid fats and liquid oils in many areas, the most notable ones being in the fast food, snack food, fried food, and baked goods industries. They can only be made by cooking with a very high heat, at temperatures impossible in a household kitchen. Partially hydrogenated oils have been used in food for many reasons. Partial hydrogenation increases product shelf life and decreases refrigeration requirements. Many baked foods require semi-solid fats to suspend solids at room temperature; partially hydrogenated oils have the right consistency to replace animal fats such as butter and lard at lower cost. They are also an inexpensive alternative to other semisolid oils such as palm oil. Partially hydrogenated plant oils, and also non-hydrogenated plant shortenings made from naturally saturated palm oil, coconut oil and palm kernel oil, can be used to replace animal fats in foodstuffs for adherents to the dietary rules of Kashrut (kosher) and Halal, and for vegetarians and vegans. Up to 45% of the total fat in those foods containing artificial trans fats formed by partially hydrogenating plant fats may be trans fat.[41] Baking shortenings, in general, contain 30% trans fats compared to their total fats, whereas animal fats from ruminants such as butter contain up to 4%. Margarines not reformulated to reduce trans fats may contain up to 15% trans fat by weight.[42]

It has been established that trans fats in human milk fluctuate with maternal consumption of trans fat, and that the amount of trans fats in the bloodstream of breastfed infants fluctuates with the amounts found in their milk. Reported percentages of trans fats (compared to total fats) in human milk range from 1% in Spain, 2% in France, 4% in Germany, and 7% in Canada and the United States.[43] Trans fats are used in shortenings for deep-frying in restaurants, as they can be used for longer than most conventional oils before becoming rancid. In the early 21st century, non-hydrogenated vegetable oils that have lifespans exceeding that of the frying shortenings became available.[44] As fast-food chains routinely use different fats in different locations, trans fat levels in fast food can have large variations. For example, an analysis of samples of McDonald's French fries collected in 2004 and 2005 found that fries served in New York City contained twice as much trans fat as in Hungary, and 28 times as much as in Denmark (where trans fats are restricted). At KFC, the pattern was reversed with Hungary's product containing twice the trans fat of the New York product. Even within the US there was variation, with fries in New York containing 30% more trans fat than those from Atlanta.[ Health risks Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils have been an increasingly significant part of the human diet for about 100 years (in particular, since the later half of the 20th century and where more processed foods are consumed), and some deleterious effects of trans fat consumption are scientifically accepted, forming the basis of the health guidelines discussed above. The exact biochemical methods by which trans fats produce specific health problems are a topic of continuing research. One theory is that the human lipase enzyme works only on the cis configuration and cannot metabolize a trans fat.[citation needed] A lipase is a water-soluble enzyme that helps digest, transport, and process dietary lipids such as triglycerides, fats, and oils in most if not all living organisms. While the mechanisms through which trans fats contribute to coronary heart disease are fairly well understood, the mechanism for trans fat's effect on diabetes is still under investigation. Trans fatty acids may impair the metabolism of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs),[51] but maternal pregnancy trans fatty acid intake has been inversely associated with LCPUFAs levels in infants at birth thought to underlie the positive association between breastfeeding and intelligence. [edit] Coronary heart disease The primary health risk identified for trans fat consumption is an elevated risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).[52] A 1994 study estimated that over 30,000 cardiac deaths per year in the United States are attributable to the consumption of trans fats.[53] By 2006 upper estimates of 100,000 deaths were suggested.[54] A comprehensive review of studies of trans fats published in 2006 in the New England Journal of Medicine reports a strong and reliable connection between trans fat consumption and CHD, concluding that "On a per-calorie basis, trans fats appear to increase the risk of CHD more than any other macronutrient, conferring a substantially increased risk at low levels of consumption (1 to 3% of total energy intake)".[48][55]

The major evidence for the effect of trans fat on CHD comes from the Nurses' Health Study a cohort study that has been following 120,000 female nurses since its inception in 1976. In this study, Hu and colleagues analyzed data from 900 coronary events from the study's population during 14 years of followup. He determined that a nurse's CHD risk roughly doubled (relative risk of 1.94, CI: 1.43 to 2.61) for each 2% increase in trans fat calories consumed (instead of carbohydrate calories). By contrast, it takes more than a 15% increase in saturated fat calories (instead of carbohydrate calories) to produce a similar increase in risk. "The replacement of saturated fat or trans unsaturated fat by cis (unhydrogenated) unsaturated fats was associated with larger reductions in risk than an isocaloric replacement by carbohydrates."[56] Hu also reports on the benefits of reducing trans fat consumption. Replacing 2% of food energy from trans fat with non-trans unsaturated fats more than halves the risk of CHD (53%). By comparison, replacing a larger 5% of food energy from saturated fat with non-trans unsaturated fats reduces the risk of CHD by 43%.[56] Another study considered deaths due to CHD, with consumption of trans fats being linked to an increase in mortality, and consumption of polyunsaturated fats being linked to a decrease in mortality.[52][57] There are two accepted tests that measure an individual's risk for coronary heart disease, both blood tests. The first considers ratios of two types of cholesterol, the other the amount of a cell-signalling cytokine called C-reactive protein. The ratio test is more accepted, while the cytokine test may be more powerful but is still being studied.[52] The effect of trans fat consumption has been documented on each as follows:

Cholesterol ratio: This ratio compares the levels of LDL (so-called "bad" cholesterol) to HDL (socalled "good" cholesterol). Trans fat behaves like saturated fat by raising the level of LDL, but, unlike saturated fat, it has the additional effect of decreasing levels of HDL. The net increase in LDL/HDL ratio with trans fat is approximately double that due to saturated fat.[58] (Higher ratios are worse.) One randomized crossover study published in 2003 comparing the effect of eating a meal on blood lipids of (relatively) cis and trans fat rich meals showed that cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) was 28% higher after the trans meal than after the cis meal and that lipoprotein concentrations were enriched in apolipoprotein(a) after the trans meals.[59] C-reactive protein (CRP): A study of over 700 nurses showed that those in the highest quartile of trans fat consumption had blood levels of CRP that were 73% higher than those in the lowest quartile.[60] on nutrition lables, when it says "trans fat free" it means 0.5 grams or less.

[edit] Other health risks There are suggestions that the negative consequences of trans fat consumption go beyond the cardiovascular risk. In general, there is much less scientific consensus asserting that eating trans fat specifically increases the risk of other chronic health problems:

Alzheimer's Disease: A study published in Archives of Neurology in February 2003 suggested that the intake of both trans fats and saturated fats promote the development of Alzheimer disease,[61] although not confirmed in an animal model.[62] It has been found that trans fats

impaired memory and learning in middle-age rats. The rats' brains of trans-fat eaters had fewer proteins critical to healthy neurological function. Inflammation in and around the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. These are the exact types of changes normally seen at the onset of Alzheimer's, but seen after six weeks, even though the rats were still young.[63]

Cancer: There is no scientific consensus that consumption of trans fats significantly increases cancer risks across the board.[52] The American Cancer Society states that a relationship between trans fats and cancer "has not been determined."[64] One study has found a positive connection between trans fat and prostate cancer.[65] However, a larger study found a correlation between trans fats and a significant decrease in high-grade prostate cancer.[66] An increased intake of trans fatty acids may raise the risk of breast cancer by 75%, suggest the results from the French part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.[67][68] Diabetes: There is a growing concern that the risk of type 2 diabetes increases with trans fat consumption.[52] However, consensus has not been reached.[48] For example, one study found that risk is higher for those in the highest quartile of trans fat consumption.[69] Another study has found no diabetes risk once other factors such as total fat intake and BMI were accounted for.[70] Obesity: Research indicates that trans fat may increase weight gain and abdominal fat, despite a similar caloric intake.[71] A 6-year experiment revealed that monkeys fed a trans fat diet gained 7.2% of their body weight, as compared to 1.8% for monkeys on a mono-unsaturated fat diet.[72][73] Although obesity is frequently linked to trans fat in the popular media,[74] this is generally in the context of eating too many calories; there is not a strong scientific consensus connecting trans fat and obesity, although the 6-year experiment did find such a link, concluding that "under controlled feeding conditions, long-term TFA consumption was an independent factor in weight gain. TFAs enhanced intra-abdominal deposition of fat, even in the absence of caloric excess, and were associated with insulin resistance, with evidence that there is impaired post-insulin receptor binding signal transduction."[73] Liver Dysfunction: Trans fats are metabolized differently by the liver than other fats and interfere with delta 6 desaturase. Delta 6 desaturase is an enzyme involved in converting essential fatty acids to arachidonic acid and prostaglandins, both of which are important to the functioning of cells.[75] Infertility in women: One 2007 study found, "Each 2% increase in the intake of energy from trans unsaturated fats, as opposed to that from carbohydrates, was associated with a 73% greater risk of ovulatory infertility...".[76] Major depressive disorder: Spanish researchers analysed the diets of 12,059 people over six years and found those who ate the most trans fats had a 48 per cent higher risk of depression than those who did not eat trans fats.[77] One mechanism may be trans-fats' substitution for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Very high intake of transfatty acids (43% of total fat) in mice from 2 to 16 months of age was associated with lowered

DHA levels in the brain (p=0.001) [78] When the brains of 15 major depressive subjects who had committed suicide were examined post-mortem and compared against 27 age-matched controls, the suicidal brains were found to have 16% less (male average) to 32% (female average) less DHA in the OFC. The OFC is known to control reward, reward expectation and empathy, which are all negatively impacted in depressive mood disorders, as well as regulating the limbic system.[79]

Preamble of the Right to Information Act Preamble of the Right

to

Information BILL,

Act 2005

The

Preamble:

THE

RIGHT

TO

INFORMATION

A Bill to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, the constitution of a Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. WHEREAS the Constitution of India has established democratic Republic;

AND WHEREAS democracy requires an informed citizenry and transparency of information which are vital to its functioning and also to contain corruption and to hold Goverments and their instrumentalities accountable to the governed; AND WHEREAS revelation of information in actual practice is likely to conflict with other public interests including efficient operations of the Governments, optimum use of limited fiscal resources and the preservation of confidentiality of sensitive information; AND WHEREAS it is necessary to harmonise these conflicting interests while preserving the paramountcy of the democratic ideal; NOW, THEREFORE, it is expedient to provide for furnishing certain information to citizens who desire to have it Comments: The preamble is the soul of the Act. When there is any confusion or dilemma about the meaning or interpretation of the provisions, it should be tested on the touchstone

of the preamble. Just as the basic features of the Constitution are unalterable, and form the basis for interpretation of laws, the preamble of an Act should be understood to arrive at the objectives of the Act. The fact that the Right to Information is part of the fundamental rights of Citizens under Article 19 (1) has been recognised by various Courts, since the landmark decisions in the Raj Narain case, S.P.Gupta case and the ADR case amongst others. This is not a new right conferred on the Citizens but is a part of our Fundamenatal right to Freedom of Expression under Article 19 (1). The legislative intent is clear when it admits the need for an informed citizenry, to contain corruption and to hold Governments and their instrumentalities accountable to the governed. Thus the objective of this Act is to enable Citizens to hold all the instrumentalities of the Government accountable. In the next paragraph it recognises that in doing this, there may be a conflict with other public interests including running the Government and limited fiscal resources. The last paragraph unequivocally declares , AND WHEREAS it is necessary to harmonise these conflicting interests while preserving the paramountcy of the democratic ideal; . Thus it is clear that in making the law, Parliament has recognised the need to harmonise different needs for running the Government and harmonised them with the paramountcy of the democratic ideal. Very often the various functionaries arrogantly assume that they are a better judge of what is good for governance, and therefore misinterpret all laws through their paradigm of what will lead to good governance. They must understand that these aspects have been considered actively by the lawmakers when framing the law. It is essential that all the elements of society: all the Public servants,- in the legislature, judiciary and the executive;- and the Citizens- the masters of the democracy,- follow all laws. The essence of democracy is that each individual Citizen is a sovereign in her own right, and she gives part of the sovereignty to the State, in return for which she gets the rule of law. Thus it is a negotiation of each individual sovereign with the State for the common rule of law.

V Mohini Giri Committee submitted Draft of National Policy on Senior Citizens

Suggested Readings: Committees | Commissions, News Capsule, March 2011 Current Affairs, 2011 Current Affairs
Published on: 15-MAR-2011

Previous Story Next Story A five-member high-powered committee, led by Dr V Mohini Giri on 14 February 2011 submitted final draft of National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 to the Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The committee recommended that recipients of national honours like Padma awards or gallantry awards in the armed forces or national recognition for arts and culture must be given lifelong healthcare facilities for free on the lines of Central Government Health Services. The draft was also sent to the Union Ministry of Health which is working to put in place a National Programme for Healthcare of Elderly.

The National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011calls for the setting up of a department of senior citizens and also a National Council for Senior Citizens. According to the policy employment in income generating activities after superannuation will be encouraged. States will be responsible for setting up homes with assisted living facilities for abandoned senior citizens in every district.

The policy says old-age pension scheme for those living below the poverty line would be expanded to cover all senior citizens. Rates of monthly pension will be increased to Rs 1000 per person and revised at intervals to prevent its deflation.

Covering the oldest under the National Old Age Assistance which would provide additional grants in case of disability and loss of adult children was also suggested.

COP 11 held in Hyderabad: Emphasised on the Well Being of Biodiversities Suggested Readings: 2012 Current Affairs, Environment | Ecology, October 2012 Current Affairs Published on: 22-OCT-2012 0

17

Previous Story Next Story The XIth Conference of the Parties (COP 11) - Convention on Biological Diversity was organised by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India from 8 October to 19 October 2012. Eleventh meeting of the COP 11 was held at Hyderabad International Convention Centre, and the conference included a high-level ministerial segment meet that was organised by India in consultation with the Bureau and Secretariat and it took place from 17 October to 19 October 2012. Mobilisation of financial resources was the theme for the COP 11 summit. The next round of the conference is scheduled to take place in Korea after 2 years. Finding out the commendable solution by discussions over the issues of the Earths bio-diversity is the main agenda of the conference. The conference was attended by more than 5000 delegates from 180 countries. Enrollment of about 14,400 participants in the convention made it the largest biodiversity gathering of its time. Demands of Developing and Developed Countries: African countries like Namibia demanded developed nations to stand by their promise fund allocation for saving the bio-diversity, made in the 2010 protocol The developed nations stood by their demand of creating a baseline of the investments made by now and how much more was needed Discussions on Identified Targets of Nagoya Protocol: Discussion over the 20 identified targets at 2010 Nagoya Protocol was also done to find out the problems that it faced for implementation. Indias Stand: India also demanded steps to be taken for ecosystem restoration and establishment of a relationship between biodiversity and climate change, identification of ecologically and biologically significant areas in marine ecosystems. India to Chair the Conference for Next Two Years as its President: India will be Chairing the Conference as its President for next two years. The Union Environment and Forests Minister Jayanthi Natarajan took over the charge of COP-11 as its President for next two years. The Union Environment and Forests Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, who took over the charge of COP-

11 as its President for next two years emphasised on the issue of resource mobilization that remained an unfinished agenda of COP-10 at Nagoya in Japan Manmohan Singh the Prime Minister of India announced a grant of $50 million for strengthening the institutional mechanism of biodiversity conservation in India and other developing countries by the name of Hyderabad Pledge The Prime Minister also launched the high level segment of the 11th conference of parties during the UN Convention on Biodiversity meeting at Hyderabad. This conference was the first conference after the launch of Decade of Biodiversity by United Nations in 2011. The high level meet took place during the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (UNBD) that was declared by the United Nations General Assembly following its resolution 65/161. This plan was designed to find out the solutions for the objectives like Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Across the UNBD, a trial to encourage government and representatives of different countries to develop, implement and communicate the results established by their national strategies designed for fine implementation of the strategic plan over biodiversity. Plan and Programmes Launched during COP11 Conference: BirdLife International on 16 October 2012 launched an e-Atlas of Marine-Important Bird Areas during COP11. The e-Atlas would act as an inventory and carry data of around 3000 important bird areas from across the world and can play a major role in conserving the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) target for protection of 10 percent coastal and marine Areas by 2020 The NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) also declared its plan to create a national database for tigers, the flagship species of India proving a unique identification code and number to each one of these big cats in India. This was declared by the member secretary of NTCA, Rajesh Gopal during an event organized with a theme Have We Turned the Corner in Tiger Conservation Conclusion Amid the discussions and concerns, the COP 11 conference failed to reach to a concrete decision of making resource mobilisation and fund arrangements done. Indian Prime Minister allocated a fund of $50 million for strengthening the mechanism for preserving the biodiversity in India and other Developing nations. Although several steps and things were critically discussed and concerns were raised to achieve better results and face the upcoming challenges.

Frightening Level of Mercury Content in the Environment of Sonbhdra District: CSE

Suggested Readings: 2012 Current Affairs, Environment | Ecology, October 2012 Current Affairs
Published on: 22-OCT-2012

Previous Story Next Story Director-General of Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) Sunita Narain on 19 October 2012 released the report of the study that was conducted in Sonbhadra District in the year 2011-12 and revealed the fact that the Sonbhadra that is a part of resource-rich Singrauli Area that acts as a industrial powerhouse for the country presents a tale of sorrow in relation to pollution, non-compliance of environmental norms, poverty, disease and official indifference. The report released by a Delhi-based Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) declared Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh as the critically-polluted area that is also an environmental disaster, due to the presence of high levels of Mercury in the bodies of the local residents and the environment of the region. Mercury acts as a neurotoxin in the body and affects the central nervous system leading to damages in the renal system. Sonbhadra that is the largest district of Uttar Pradesh after Lakhimpur Kheri, is critically connected to the states like Chhatishgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, and acts as a co-terminus to these states.

To conduct the study, CSE as an agency collected nineteen samples of blood, nail and hair of people suffering from different ailments and twenty-three different samples of water that includes groundwater, three samples of fish from Govind Vallabh Pant Sagar Reservoir, five samples of cereals, and seven samples of soil. After conducting the laboratory tests on these samples, frightening levels of mercury poisoning was found and the results were much critical. Mercury in blood samples available was 84 percent, which is six times of the level that it should be in the body and 58 percent concentration of mercury was found in the hair. The study also revealed that the groundwater in Sonbhadra was highly contaminated with the mercury metal. The fish from the reservoir were contaminated with methyl mercury and the water of the reservoir is also contaminated with the metal. The SCE following the conclusions of the study has demanded setting up of the mercury standards of the coal mines, thermal power plants and coal washeries. It also demanded shutting down of the industries that didnt complied with the norms of pollution control. In the last study conducted in the year 1998 by a Lucknow based body Indian Institute for Toxicology Research (IITR) in Singrauli region about mercury pollution in environment, out of 1200 person examined 66 percent accounted to a be affected with more than 5 part per billion of mercury content in their body. Being a NTPC funded study, it was not made public.

As per the report, there exists a conspiracy of silence and denial on the pollution of mercury that needs to win concern of the authorities. On the order of Supreme Court of India Central Board of Pollution Control also conducted a test on air and water of Singrauli area and found critical level of mercury content in environment. Singraulis coal reserves amount to across one billion tone and coal mining in Sonbhadra District amounts to 17 million tonnes per year. The thermal power plant of the area has an installed capacity of 9940 mega watt.

National Mission for Libraries to link 9,000 libraries in 3 years : Prime Minister
22 Mar, 12

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PM, Manmohan Singh Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that nearly 9,000 libraries across the country will be linked digitally. The move under the National Mission for Libraries aims to cover 9,000 libraries in cities, towns and villages of the country the next three years. A young reader sitting in his village public library should be able to access books and information from across the world. The Mission will conduct a national census on libraries, work towards upgradation of infrastructure of reading resources, and seek to modernise and promote the networking of libraries across the country, Singh said at the Centenary Celebration of the Oxford University Press in India. Singh also said this mission will only be successful with the joint efforts of government, community, private sector and non-governmental organisations. I take this opportunity to urge every state government and every municipality and panchayat to pay special attention to the setting up and maintenance of public libraries, including community, locality and village libraries, he said. The Prime Minister said that affordable modern information technology can be deployed today to extend the resources of the libraries. Observing that India had a huge number of youth hungry for education, Singh said it was a challenge as well as an opportunity for the government to equip them with the skills required to find productive and gainful employment. If we can achieve what we have set out to do, then we can create a huge asset pool in this new knowledge based world, he said adding that India could fuel the engines of growth of the global knowledge economy. But for this the world has to remain open to the flow of such talent and skills. It is for this reason that India seeks a multilateral rule-based regime for the movement of not just intellectual property but also knowledge embodied in natural persons, Singh said.

Goodness and pureness are strongly linked in Zoroastrianism (as they are in many other religions), and pureness features prominently in Zoroastrian ritual. There are a variety of symbols through which the message of purity is communicated, primarily:

Fire Water Haoma (a specific plant commonly associated with ephedra today) Nirang (consecrated bull urine) Milk or ghee (clarified butter) Bread

Fire is by far the most central and often used symbol of purity. While Ahura Mazda is generally viewed as a god without form and a being of entirely spiritual energy rather than physical existence, he has at times been equated with the sun, and certainly the imagery associated with him remains very fireoriented. Ahura Mazda is the light of wisdom that pushes back the darkness of chaos. He is the lifebringer, just as the sun brings life to the world. Fire is also prominent in Zoroastrian eschatology, when all souls will be submitted to fire and molten metal to purify them of wickedness. Goodly souls will pass through unharmed, while the souls of the corrupt will burn in anguish. Fire Temples All traditional Zoroastrian temples, also know as agiaries or "places of fire," include a holy fire to represent the goodness and purity toward which all should strive. Once it is properly consecrated, a temple fire should never be allowed to go out, although it can be transported to another location if necessary. Keeping the Fires Pure While fire purifies, even consecrated, holy fires are not immune to contamination, and Zoroastrian priests take many precautions against such an action occurring. When tending to the fire, a cloth known as a padan is worn over the mouth and nose so that breath and saliva do not pollute the fire. This reflects an outlook on saliva that is similar to Hindu beliefs, which shares some historical origins with Zoroastrianism, where saliva is never allowed to touch eating utensils due to its unclean properties. Many Zoroastrian temples, particularly those in India, do not even allow non-Zoroastrians, or juddins, inside their boundaries. Even when such people follow the standard procedures for remaining pure, their presence is considered too spiritually corrupting to be allowed entrance into a fire temple. The chamber containing the holy fire, known as the Dar-I-Mihr or "porch of Mithra," is generally positioned so that those outside the temple cannot even view it. Use of Fire in Ritual

Fire is incorporated into a number of Zoroastrian rituals. Pregnant women light fires or lamps as a protective measure. Lamps often fueled by ghee another purifying substance are also lit as part of the navjote initiation ceremony. Misconception of Zoroastrians as Fire Worshipers Zoroastrians are sometimes mistakenly believed to worship fire. Fire is venerated as a great purifying agent and as a symbol of Ahura Mazdas power, but it is in no way worshiped or thought to be Ahura Mazda himself. In the same way, Catholics do not worship holy water, although the recognize that it has spiritual properties, and Christians in general do not worship the cross, although the symbol is widely respected and dearly held as representative of Christ's sacrifice.

India on 22 October 2012 held its first 2+2 dialogue with Japan for enhancement of cooperation in the key areas that includes Maritime, Outer Space and Cyber Security at Tokyo, Japan. During the talks both the nations agreed to hold a dialogue on Cyber Security on 5 November 2012. The Indian Delegation to Tokyo was led by the Foreign Secretary of India Ranjan Mathai and the Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma and their counterparts from Japan were Deputy Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki and Administrative Vice-Defence Minister Hironori Kanazawa. Ashok Mukherjee, Special Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs would lead the Indian team to the Cyber Security dialogue between the two nations. Its expected that the meet would be of some help in enhancing the security of Indian cyber network to the next level, which have always been an issue of hackers attack from abroad and within the country. The scheduled dialogues between the two countries are the results of the action plan initiated in December 2009 for advancement of the security cooperation followed by the meet of June 2010 at New Delhi. The potential expansion of India-Japan defence relations took a kick-start after the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda lifted the national ban on arm exports following the new guidelines announced under National Defense Program Guidelines in December 2010 in Tokyo. Japan can now sell military equipment and weapons with the purpose of peace-building and peace keeping operations. It can also join hands in weapon and military technology development with partner nations. Besides the traditional partner Russia, Indias defence partners at present are US, France and Israel.

Laurie Baker
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For the American ice hockey player, see Laurie Baker (ice hockey).

Laurence Wilfred Baker

Drawing of Laurie Baker

Born

March 2, 1917 Birmingham, England

Died

April 1, 2007 (aged 90) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Nationality Indian

Awards

Padma Shri, MBE

Centre for Development Studies (Trivandrum), Literacy Village (Lucknow), Slim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural Buildings History (SACON) (Coimbatore), Chitralekha Film Studio (Aakulam), The Indian Coffee House (Trivandrum), Attapadi Hill Area Development Society (Attapadi), Dakshina Chitra (Chennai), Chengalchoola Slum

dwelling units (Trivandrum), Nirmithi Kendra (Aakulam), Tourist Centre (Ponmudi), Mitraniketan (Vellanad)

Laurence Wilfred "Laurie" Baker (2 March 1917 1 April 2007) was a British-born Indian architect, renowned for his initiatives in cost-effective energy-efficient architecture and for his unique space utilisation and simple but aesthetic sensibility. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, he sought to incorporate simple designs with local materials and achieved fame with his approach to sustainable architecture as well as in organic architecture. He has been called the "Gandhi of architecture".[1] He moved to India in 1945 in part as an architect associated with a leprosy mission and continued to live and work in India for over 50 years. He became an Indian citizen in 1989 and resided in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala from 1963 and founded an organization called COSTFORD (Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development) to spread awareness in low-cost housing. In 1990, the Government of India awarded him with the Padma Shri in recognition of his meritorious service in the field of architecture.

Contents
[hide]

The peasants uprising at Patharughat and its significance

by Patharughat::The Historical Place of India on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 4:14am Governor appeals to maintain peace and communal harmony Seminar on peasants uprising at Patharughat and its significance held

Patharughat, August 17: I offer my pranam to this holy soil where a golden chapter of our countrys freedom movement has been written in blood, the Governor of Assam Janaki Ballav Patnaik said while offering tribute to 140 peasant martyrs who had sacrificed their lives in the cruel hands of the British police while taking part in the historic peasants uprising at Patharughat on January 28 of 1894.

Governor who is on his visit to Mangaldai to attend a seminar on The peasants uprising at Patharughat and its significanceorganized by Mangaldai Media Circle said that the Patharughat tragedy is a rare incident of supreme sacrifice offered by the village farmers belonging to both the Hindu and Muslim communities which took place much before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and expressed his concern that this golden chapter of countrys freedom struggle failed to get its due mention at the national level or Indian history. He also opined that a national level seminar should be held in New Delhi so that it could get recognition at the national level. The Governor referring to the rare example of the communal harmony shown by these 140 peasant martyrs belonging to both the Hindu and Muslim community made an earnest appeal to all sections of the society to maintain traditional peace, amity and communal harmony.

Earlier the Governor accompanied by Minister of State for Fisheries, Janasanyog Basanta Das and Darrang Deputy Commissioner Sohrab Ali offered floral wreath at the Krishak Swahid Memorial Tomb at historic Patharughat. The Governor also interacted with the family members of the Krishak Swahids, students and farmers at Patharughat.

Later taking part in the seminar he lauded the efforts of the Mangaldai Media Circle for organizing the seminar on this historic episode. Minister of State for Fisheries, Janasanyog Basanta Das taking part in the function as the guest of honour released the souvenir Dubori and said that the Janasan yog department is going to make a documentary on Peasants uprising at Pothorughat which would help in taking it to the national level. Earlier Darrang Deputy Commissioner Sohrab Ali and President of Mangaldai Media Circle read out the welcome speech in the function. Darrang Zila Xahitya Xabha President Dr Nagendra Nath Sarma taking part in the seminar as the resource person gave a detailed analysis on this historic event

Election Commission prohibited use of animals in Election Campaigns

Suggested Readings: Top Current Affairs, IAS Main 2012, 2012 Current Affairs, National | India, September 2012 Current Affairs

Published on: 28-SEP-2012

Previous Story Next Story The Election commission on 27 September 2012 directed the Political Parties and candidates not to use birds and animals in the campaigns. The commission also directed that in case the use of animal is unavoidable then the party or candidate will have to ensure that no harm is caused to the animal including violation of any law as well as cruelty towards the creature. To justify the decision the commission pointed towards Article 51(g) of the Indian Constitution that states compassion for all living creature as well as Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act, 1960. The commission also pointed towards the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 that prohibits overloading and torturing of the animals. The Election Commission has also sent letters to the political parties as well as the Chief Electoral Officers of every state and union territories. The decision was made following the representations received by the election commission by some organization and individual stating the cruelty that animals suffered during the election campaign of the political parties.

Folk dances of Assam

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (November 2011) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.

(November 2011)

The Folk Dances of Assam include the Bihu dance and Bagurumba. These dances are practiced during festivals held in Spring. Assam is home to many tribes and races such as Mongoloid, Indo-Burmese, Indo-Iranian, Aryan, Rabha, Bodo, Kachari, Karbi, Miri, and Mishimi. These different cultures come together to create Assamese Culture. The denizens of the state of Assam are known as "Axomiya" (Assamese). Most tribes have their own languages though Assamese is the primary language of the state.[1][2] Many fairs and festivals are held in Assam. Almost all of the tribal festivals are springtime festivals, related to the cultivation or harvest. Among the assemblage of festivals celebrated in Assam, the Bihu stands at the zenith bearing the most importance. The Bihu is a festival, most awaited, and celebrated with a colloquial amount of ardor and ebullience. The festival brings together all the Assamese people, regardless of their social status, credo and religious faiths.

Contents
[hide]

1 Bihu dance o 1.1 Description o 1.2 Performance o 1.3 Forms of Bihu dance 2 Bagurumba

3 References

[edit] Bihu dance

Bihu-dancers-and-drummer
[3]

Bihu dance (Assamese:

, Hindi:

) is a folk dance from the Indian state of Assam

related to the festival of Bihu. This joyous dance is performed by both young men and women, and is characterized by brisk dance steps and rapid hand movement. Dancers wear traditionally colorful Assamese clothing. Though the origins of the Bihu dance are unknown, the first official record of it is said to be when Ahom king Rudra Singha invited Bihu dancers to perform at the Ranghar fields, sometime around 1694,[4] on the occasion of Rongali Bihu.

[edit] Description

The Bihu is a group dance in which males and females dance together but maintain different gender roles. In general, females follow stricter line or circle formations. The male dancers and musicians enter the dancing area first, and they maintain their lines and follow synchronized patterns. When the female dancers enter, the male dancers break up their lines to mingle with the female dancers, who maintain their stricter formations and order of the dance. The dance is usually characterized by definite postures; movements of the hips, arms, wrists; twirls, squats and bends but no jumps. Male and female dance movements are very similar, with only subtle differences.
[edit] Performance

The dance is performed to traditional Bihu music. The most important musicians are the drummers (dhulia), who play a particular twin-faced drum, the dhol, slung from the neck and played with one stick and a palm. There are usually more than one dhulia in a performance, and they play different rhythms and compositions at different sections of the performance. These rhythmic compositions, called seus, are traditionally codified. Before entering the dancing area, the drummers play a short and brisk rhythm. The seu is changed and usually the drummers enter the dance area in line. The mohor xingor pepa is played generally in the beginning by a single player who lays out an initial plaintive motif and that sets the mood for the dance. The male dancers then enter the area in formation and perform accompanied by singing, in which all participate. Some other instruments that accompany this dance are the taal, a type of clash cymbal; the gogona, a reed and bamboo instrument; the toka, a bamboo clapper; and the xutuli, a clay whistle. Bamboo flutes are also often used. The songs (bihu geet) that accompany the dance have been handed down for many generations. The subject of the lyrics ranges from welcoming the Assamese new year to describing the daily life of a farmer, from historical references of invasions to Assam to contemporary socio-political commentary in a satirical way. Though both males & females perform Bihu dance, female performed bihu dance has more variations. There are many stages in female performed Bihu dance - freehand, twisting, with rhythm pepa blowing, with Kahi (disk), with Jaapi (Assamese headgear) etc. The performance itself could be long, it is enlivened by rapid changes in rhythm, mood, movements, pace and improvisation; and dancers

and musicians are given short opportunities to show their virtuosity. Most of us do not know the real story of Bihu dance. It is an epitomic dance practice done by both males and females.
[edit] Forms of Bihu dance

The dance takes several forms among the different northeast Indian groups, e.g. "Deori Bihu dance", "Mising Bihu dance" etc. However, the underlying goal of the dance remains the same: to express the desire to feel both pain and happiness.

[edit] Bagurumba

Bagurumba

Bagurumba is a folk dance of Assam, India performed by the Bodos. It is the usually practiced during Bwishagu, a festival of the Bodos in the Bishuba Sankranti or Mid-April. The Bwishagu starts with cow worship. Then young people reverentially bow down to their parents and elders. After that Bathou is worshipped by offering the deity chicken and zou (rice beer). On this day, Bodo women in their colourful dokhna, jwmgra and aronai (attire) perform the Bagurumba dance which is also called the Bardwisikhla dance. It is also accompanied by musical instruments like serja (a bowed instrument), sifung (flute), tharkha (a piece of split bamboo), kham/madal (a long drum made of wood and goatskin). The festival ends with a community prayer at Garjasali. This dance prevails in Bodo inhabited areas of Udalguri, Kokrajhar, Baksa, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Nalbari, Darrang and Sonitpur districts
SC:Land belonging to Scheduled Castes or Tribes cannot be bought by Non-Dalits

Suggested Readings: Top Current Affairs, IAS Main 2012, 2012 Current Affairs, National | India, September 2012 Current Affairs Published on: 21-SEP-2012

Previous Story Next Story The Supreme Court of India on 20 September 2012 ruled that the land belonging to scheduled castes or tribes cannot be bought by non-dalits, including companies as such transactions are unconstitutional. A bench of justices KS Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra gave the verdict on an appeal by the Rajasthan government against the state High Court's order holding such a sale to be valid in law. The Rajasthan High Court had passed its order on an appeal by a private firm against the refusal by the state authorities to recognise or grant mutation to the purchase of a plot by the company from a person belonging to scheduled caste.

Indian PSLV successfully launches SPOT-6 for France

September 8th, 2012 by William Graham

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have launched a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on Sunday, carrying the French SPOT-6 Earth observation satellite, along with a 15-kilogram Japanese microsatellite. Liftoff from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre was on schedule at 04:23 UTC (09:53 local time).

ISRO Launch: The sixth satellite in Frances Systme Probatoire dObservation de la Terre, or SPOT, programme, SPOT-6 is an optical imaging satellite capable of imaging the Earth with a resolution of 1.5 metres.

Constructed by EADS Astrium, it is based on the AstroSat-500 Mk.II bus, has a mass of 712 kilograms (1,600 lb) and is expected to operate for ten years. Another satellite, SPOT-7, is scheduled for launch in 2014. The first SPOT satellite, SPOT-1, was launched in February 1986 on the final flight of the Ariane 1 carrier rocket, and operated until December 1990. It was subsequently reactivated in 1997 to replace a failed satellite, before finally being decommissioned in 2003. SPOT-2 was launched by an Ariane 4 in January 1990, operating for 19 years until it was retired in July 2009. SPOT-3 was also launched by an Ariane 4, in September 1993; however it failed four years after launch in 1997, necessitating the reactivation of SPOT-1. The SPOT-4 and SPOT-5 satellites, launched in March 1998 and May 2002 respectively, remain in service. In addition to SPOT-6, Sundays launch carried the Project of OIT Electric-Rocket-Engine Onboard Small Space Ship, or PROITERES, satellite for Japans Osaka Institute of Technology (OIT). See Also

UPDATES PSLV C21 Launch 65 Launch Vehicle Manuals (L2) Click here to Join L2

A 15-kilogram microsatellite equipped with a boom for gravity gradient stabilisation, PROITERES will be used for experiments investigating the propagation of radio signals, testing communications systems, and demonstrating electric propulsion for small satellites. It also carries a high resolution camera for earth imaging. The mini Redundant Strapdown Inertial Navigation System, or mRESINS, payload is also being flown aboard the PSLV. This is a technology demonstration payload operated by ISRO, testing new avionics for future PSLV missions; similar to the AAM payload launched by PSLV C8. Like AAM, it will remain bolted to the rockets upper stage following launch. The spacecraft was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV. First flown in 1993, the PSLV is the most flown and most successful Indian orbital launch system yet developed. The launch will use the Core Alone configuration, the smallest PSLV variant in use.

The first flight of the PSLV in September 1993 carried the IRS-1E satellite; however a guidance problem resulted in the rocket failing to achieve orbit. Another failure occurred on the first operational launch in September 1997. This failure resulted in the payload being placed into a lower-than-planned orbit, from which it expended a significant quantity of its onboard fuel in an effort to recover.

The launch of SPOT-6 was the second mission for Indias PSLV this year, following the deployment of RISAT-1 in April. Overall, it marked the twenty-second flight of the PSLV, and the eighth of the Core Alone configuration. The vehicle that flew on Sunday is PSLV C21. Its Core Alone configuration consists of the same core vehicle as a standard PSLV, however without the six solid rocket motors attached to the first stage. Click here for additional PSLV Articles: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/?s=PSLV

The PSLV-CA configuration was first used in April 2007, on the C8 flight, to deploy the AGILE spacecraft for the Italian Space Agency; a mission which also carried ISROs AAM avionics experiment. Its next launch came in January 2008, deploying Israels TecSAR radar imaging spacecraft, with another launch in April carrying CartoSat-2A, IMS-1, seven CubeSats and the Rubin-8 payload. A year later, the fourth flight launched RISAT-2 and ANUSAT. In September 2009, the next PSLV-CA deployed OceanSat-2 and four CubeSats, also carrying the Rubin-9 payload, which like Rubin-8, remained intentionally attached to the upper stage. The sixth launch, in July 2010, orbited CartoSat-2B, AlSat-2A, and three CubeSats. The most recent flight before C21 occurred in October 2011, when PSLV C18 deployed the Franco-Indian Megha-Tropiques satellite, along with the VesselSat-1, SRMSAT and Jugnu spacecraft.

PSLV C21s first stage was the PS1, a solid-fuelled

stage powered by an S-138 motor, which produces 4.8 meganewtons (1.1 million pounds) of thrust, with an expected burn time of around 101.5 seconds. It ignited upon the countdown reaching zero, and powered the rocket until burnout. The first stage separated from the vehicle 115.5 seconds after liftoff, with second stage ignition occurred two tenths of a second later. The second stage of PSLV C21 was a PS2, powered by a hypergolically-fuelled L40 Vikas engine, which used unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine as fuel, and dinitrogen tetroxide as oxidiser. Intended to burn for 148 seconds, the second stage was jettisoned 267.1 seconds into the flight. During the second stage burn, the payload fairing, or Heat shield as ISRO describe it, separated from around the spacecraft. Fairing separation occurred 195.7 seconds after liftoff.

Following second stage separation, the PSLVs third stage took over. This was the PS3, a solid-fuelled stage with an S-7 motor, which burns for 110 seconds. Following depletion of the third stage, the PSLV coasted for a few minutes, before stage three separation 521.9 seconds after liftoff. Then, 11.6 seconds after staging, the fourth stage ignited.

Powered by two L-2-5 engines burning monomethylhydrazine and mixed nitrogen oxides, the PS4 fourth stage was the final stage of the PSLV-CA vehicle. It can burn for up to 526 seconds, and for this mission it burned for 508.3 seconds. Following cutoff, 1,041.8 seconds after launch, the vehicle prepared for spacecraft separations. SPOT-6 was the first payload to separate from the upper stage, 37 seconds after cutoff. PROITERES was deployed fifty seconds later. The launch is targeted to an orbit with a perigee of 654.9 kilometres, and an apogee of 656.5 kilometres, with 98.233 degrees of inclination.

The Satish Dhawan Space Centres First Launch Pad was the site of Sundays launch. The centre, formerly named the Sriharikota High Altitude Range, was named after the former chairman of ISRO upon his death in 2002. All of Indias orbital launches have occurred from Satish Dhawan, with the First Launch Pad being the older of its two active orbital launch complexes. PSLV C21 was the second Indian launch this year. One more is scheduled, which currently planned for early December carrying the SARAL spacecraft and several other satellites. In addition to this, two Indian satellites are expected to launch on European Ariane 5 rockets in the next few months. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles return to flight mission and the test flight of the GSLV Mk.III, however, have been delayed to 2013.

ISRO PSLV launches with RISAT-1 satellite

April 25th, 2012 by William Graham

The Indian Science Research Organisation launched the twenty first PSLV Thursday morning, carrying the RISAT-1 radar imaging satellite into low Earth orbit. Liftoff from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre occurred on time at 00:17 UTC (05:47 local time). Indian Launch: Radar Imaging Satellite 1, or RISAT-1, is the second satellite of Indias RISAT series. The smaller RISAT-2 satellite was launched in 2009, and is believed to incorporate Israeli technology. RISAT-1 is expected to carry an all-Indian radar imaging payload. The satellite has a mass at liftoff of 1,858 kilograms, making it the most massive spacecraft launched by a PSLV to date, and carries a c-band microwave synthetic aperture radar, operating on a frequency of 5.35 gigahertz. RISAT-1 is expected to operate in orbit for five years, making approximately fourteen orbits every day with a ground track which will repeat every 25 days. Its twin solar arrays are expected to provide around 2.2 kilowatts of power to the spacecrafts systems; the spacecraft is also equipped with a 70 amp-hour nickel-hydrogen battery which the solar arrays will charge. See Also

UPDATES PSLV/RISAT-1 65 Launch Vehicle Manuals (L2) Click here to Join L2

Thursdays launch marks the twenty first flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV, with vehicle C19 being used for the launch. The PSLV made its first flight in September 1993,

carrying the IRS-1E satellite; however the launch ended in failure due to a guidance problem. The only other PSLV launch to have failed to date was the first operational launch, in September 1997, which placed the IRS-1D satellite into a lower orbit than planned. Although the satellite was able to reach a usable orbit, this was still somewhat lower than that the orbit for which it had been designed, and it expended more than seven tenths of its propellant in getting there. PSLV C19 was the third PSLV to fly in the PSLV-XL configuration; the most powerful version of the PSLV currently in service. The PSLV-XL made its first flight in November 2008, carrying the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft bound for the Moon. A second flight was made in July 2011, with the GSAT-11 communications satellite, which was successfully injected into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The PSLV-XL configuration consists of a standard PSLV core vehicle with enhanced boosters augmenting the first stage. The first stage of C19 was a PS1, with an S-138 solid motor delivering 4.8 meganewtons of thrust. It was augmented by six PS0M-XL solid rocket motors; four ground-lit and two air-lit, which each burned for a little less than fifty seconds.

The second stage, a PS2, was powered by an L40 Vikas engine, burning unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and dinitrogen tetroxide; hypergolic propellants. The PSLVs third stage was a solid-fuelled PS3, with an S-7 motor, and the fourth stage a PS4, powered by two L-2-5 engines burning monomethylhydrazine and mixed nitrogen oxides. The PS1 first stage ignited when the countdown reached zero, and the ground-lit boosters ignited 0.46 seconds afterwards, as PSLV C19 began its ascent towards orbit. Twenty five seconds after liftoff, the air-lit solids ignited, and 49.5 seconds into the flight the ground-lit motors burned out, separating 69.9 later. The air-lit motors would have burned out around 74.5 seconds after launch, and separated 92.0 seconds into the mission. The first stage had a stated burn time of 101.5 seconds, and separated from the second stage approximately 112.5 seconds into flight. Two tenths of a second after staging, the second stages engine ignited to begin an approximately 149-second burn. During the second stage burn, about forty seconds after ignition, the payload fairing separated. Around 266.0 seconds after liftoff, following the completion of its burn, the second stage separated, with the third stage igniting 1.1 seconds later. The third stage burn lasted 112.1 seconds, before the depletion of its solid propellant. Following third stage burnout, the third and fourth stages entered a coast phase to attain the proper altitude for the fourth stage burn. Towards the end of this coast phase, 512.8 seconds into the flight, the third stage was jettisoned. The fourth stage ignited to begin its burn about 11 seconds after separation, and burned for 510 seconds; just short of its maximum burn duration of 523 seconds. Cutoff occurred at 1,027.8 seconds into the mission, and was followed by the separation of RISAT-1 into its initial orbit, 1,064 seconds after liftoff.

The target orbit for the launch was 480480 km, inclined at 97.552 degrees to the equator, with error margins of 40.5 kilometres, and 0.2 degrees inclination; the rocket was reported to have reached a 470-476 by 479-482 kilometre orbit, well within these margins. RISAT-1 will subsequently manoeuvre into its operational sun-synchronous orbit, at an altitude of 536 kilometres. PSLV C19 launched from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), a facility named after a former chairman of ISRO, who died in 2002. SDSC, previously known as Sriharikota, has been used for all Indian orbital launches. The First Launch Pad is mostly used for PSLV launches; like the Second Launch Pad, it can accommodate both the PSLV and the GSLV, however the GSLV flies mainly from the second pad whilst the PSLV regularly uses both. C19 was the fourteenth PSLV to launch from the pad, and the sixteenth rocket in total. The launch of PSLV C19 is the first Indian launch of 2012; a year in which India hopes to conduct the first successful flight test of its cryogenic upper stage, and fly a prototype of its heavy-lift GSLV Mk.III rocket. The next scheduled launch is expected to be of a PSLV with the SPOT-6 satellite in August, and this will be followed by a GSLV Mk.II which will attempt to orbit the GSAT-14 spacecraft using the new upper stage, which failed to ignite during its previous test flight in April 2010. Between the Mk.I, with a Russian upper stage, and the Mk.II with the Indian upper stage, the GSLV has achieved only two successful flights in seven attempts.

That launch will be followed in December by a suborbital test flight of the GSLV Mk.III, flying without an upper stage to test its first stage and boosters. If this test is successful, the Mk.III could begin orbital launches in 2014. Another PSLV launch is also planned for the end of the year, carrying the SARAL satellite, and several secondary payloads.
India and Burundi signed 3 Major Agreements and issued a Joint Statement Suggested Readings: International | World, Top Current Affairs, IAS Main 2012, 2012 Current Affairs, September 2012 Current Affairs Published on: 20-SEP-2012

Previous Story Next Story President of the Republic of Burundi visited India from 17 to 19 September 2012. During this visit, India and Burundi signed three agreements-(i) Exchange Programme for Cooperation in the field of Education, (ii) Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Rural Development and (iii) Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine. Besides, India also announced a Line of Credit of 42.38 million US dollars for Farm Mechanisation and Integrated Food Processing Complex in Burundi. India and Burundi issued a joint statement on that occasion. The major highlights of the joint statement are as following: India and Burundi agreed to further enhance the bilateral cooperation in view of the considerable untapped potential. Burundi thanked India for approval of a concessional line of credit of 80 million US dollars for the Kabu 16 Hydro-electric project. Both nations agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in the areas of economy, trade and investment, finance, human resource development, culture, etc. while striving to expand cooperation into other potential areas such as agriculture, food processing, ICT, science & technology, health, mining etc.

 Burundi conveyed its support for Indias candidature for Permanent Membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council.

Palagummi Sainath
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

Palagummi Sainath

Born

1957 Madras (Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India

Occupation

Journalist

Palagummi Sainath (born 1957) is an Indian journalist. He calls himself a 'rural reporter' or simply a 'reporter', and photojournalist focusing on social problems, rural affairs, poverty and the aftermaths of globalization in India. He is the Rural Affairs Editor for The Hindu, and the website India Together[1] has been archiving some of his work in The Hindu daily for the past six years. Amartya Sen has called him "one of the world's great experts on famine and hunger".[2]
Opinions On the drought and farmers' suicide in Western Orissa, Over the last several decades, drought in western Orissa, and Kalahandi in particular, has been repeatedly in the news. Beyond the sensationalism of news headlines and the reports of distress and starvation, is the tragedy of a population that has been consistently deprived of its rights and entitlements. Be it long term unemployment, drought and crop failure, or displacement and chronic hunger, everything in one of the poorest yet resource rich, districts in india is a struggle. On World Trade Organization (WTO) and Capitalism vs Socialism, The WTO and GATT type of agreements are very undemocratic. Corporate leaders make policy, not the elected representatives. When people in Geneva draw up regulations, some local panchayat leader cannot be asked to address the consequences of those decisions, when his/her input was not sought in making the decision itself. The idea of different systems is superficial, the most striking aspect of freemarket capitalism is that it has benefited the exact same people who gained from socialism! It isn't unexpected, either. After all, the South Commission report[14] was signed by Manmohan Singh 90 days before the liberalization process, can he really have changed his views that much in that time? Political opportunism and media management have provided the appearance of different choices and systems, without any meaningful changes in outcomes.[9] On the condition of law and order maintenance in India, "All the judges of the Supreme Court do not have the power of a single police constable. That constable makes or breaks us. The judges can't re-write the laws and have to listen to learned lawyers of both sides. A constable here simply makes his own laws. He can do almost anything." With state and society winking at him, he pretty much can.[15] On Market Fundamentalism, Even a call for discussing this amounts to demanding obsolete practices of the interventionist state. If we hadnt mucked around trying to get the state to play God for 50 years, none of this would have happened. If only we had got it right and let the market play God instead.Based on the premise that the market is the solution to all the problems of the human race, it is, too, a very religious fundamentalism.

It has its own Gospel: The Gospel of St. Growth, of St. Choice...Welcome to the world of Market Fundamentalism. To the Final Solution.[16] On the absence of reporting on the poor in India, "You see it in the simplest and most direct way: the organisation of beats. Many beats have become extinct. Take the labour correspondent: when labour issues are covered at all, they come under the header of Industrial Relations, and theyre covered by business correspondents. That means theyre covered by the guy whose job is to walk in the tracks of corporate leaders, and who, when he deigns to look at labour, does it through the eyes of corporate leaders. Now find me the agriculture columnist in most newspapers, the idea doesnt exist any more. If you lack correspondents on those two beats, youre saying 70 per cent of the people in this country dont matter, I dont want to talk to them."[17] He is presently covering the problems faced by the rurals in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. [edit] Honours and awards In June 2011, Sainath was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree (DLitt) by the University of Alberta, the university's highest honor. He is one of few Indians to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which he accepted in 2007 in the category of Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts.[18] In January 2009 Sainath was reported to have declined a state award.[19] But he has received close to 40 other national and international journalism awards and fellowships in 30 years as a journalist, including the Ramon Magsaysay journalism award[20] in 2007, the European Commission's Natali Prize[21] in 1994 and the Boerma Journalism Prize[22] from the UN FAO[23] in 2001 (along with CNN International's Jim Clancy), the Amnesty International global award for human rights journalism in 2000,the PUCL Human Rights Journalism Award, and the B.D. Goenka award for excellence[24] in journalism in 2000. In June 2006 Sainath won the Judges' prize[25] (newspaper category) in the 2005 Harry Chapin Media Awards.[26] This is for his series in The Hindu on the ongoing agrarian crisis in Vidharbha[27] and other areas. The Harry Chapin Media Awards honour print and electronic media for work "that focuses on the causes of hunger and poverty," including "work on economic inequality and insecurity, unemployment, homelessness, domestic and international policies and their reform, community empowerment, sustainable development, food production." In 2009 he won the Ramnath Goenka 'Journalist of the Year' award[28] from The Indian Express. In 1984 he was a Distinguished International Scholar at the University of Western Ontario and in 1988 a visiting lecturer at Moscow University. He was also a Distinguished International Professional at Iowa University (Fall 1998), the first McGill Fellow and lecturer at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut (Spring 2002), and visiting professor at University of California, Berkeley at the Graduate School of Journalism (Fall 2008). He has participated in many international initiatives on communications such as the second and third round table on Global Communications sponsored by the UNESCO (1990 and 1991)

and in the UNHCR sponsored World Information Campaign on Human Rights (1991). He was conferred with the prestigious Raja-Lakshmi Award in the year 1993 from Sri Raja-Lakshmi Foundation, Chennai. He is also the only journalist to have won awards from his newspaper's rivals in the north, south, east and west of the country: from the Indian Express[29] in Delhi, the southern edition of the Indian Express now known as the New Indian Express,[30] the Statesman in Kolkata and the fellowship from the Times of India[31] based in Mumbai.

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

P. V. Sindhu
Personal information

Birth name

P. V. Sindhu

Born

July 5, 1995 (age 17) Hyderabad

Height

5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)

Country

India

Handedness

Right

Women's singles Highest Ranking 24 (18 October 2012)

Current Ranking

20 (21 September 2012)

BWF Profile

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (Telugu: )(born 5 July 1995) is a badminton player from India. She trains at the Hyderabad's Gopichand Badminton Academy and is supported by Olympic Gold Quest, a not-for-profit foundation that identifies and supports Indian athletes.She broke in to the top 20 (20th) in the Badminton World Federation ranking which were released on 21st September 2012.[1]. She is also ranked 3 in the BWF Junior Rankings.[2]
Career In the international circuit, Sindhu was a bronze medallist at the 2009 Sub-Junior Asian Badminton Championships held in Colombo.[6] At the 2010 Iran Fajr International Badminton Challenge, she won the silver medal in the singles category.[7] Sindhu reached the quarterfinals of the 2010 Junior World Badminton Championships that was held in Mexico.[8] She was a team member in India's national team at the 2010 Uber Cup.[9] [edit] 2012 On 14th June 2012, Sindhu lost to Germany's Juliane Schenk in Indonesia Open, 21-14, 21-14 .[10] On 7 July 2012, she won Asia Youth Under 19 Championship beating Japanese Player Nozomi Okuhara in final by 18-21, 21-17, 22-20.[11]In the 2012 Li Ning China Masters Super Series tournament she stunned London 2012 Olympics gold medallist Li Xuerui of China, beating her 21-19, 9-21, 21-16 and entered the semifinals[12] but lost to 4th seeded Jiang Yanjiao of China by 10-21, 21-14, 19-21 in the semifinals.[13] A lot was expected from Sindhu in the Japan Open after her exploits in the China Open, given China pulled many of it's players out of the tournament citing security reasons.[14] But she bowed out in the second round to Korean shuttler Bae Yeon Ju for 21-10, 12-21, 18-21.[15] Sindhu then went on to participate in the 77th Senior National Badminton Championships held at Srinagar. She was defeated in the finals by the unheralded Sayali Gokhale for 15-21, 21-15, 15-21.[16] It was later revealed that Sindhu injured her knee in the China Open and she carried this injury through the Japan Open and the nationals. She decided to skip the World Junior Championships so as not to aggravate the injury Sahitya Akademi awardee is a CISF constable

Zero Account Opening* www.icicidirect.comT&C apply. Online Share Trading Made Easy with ICICIdirect.com. Ads by Google More Sharing ServicesShare | Share on twitterShare on facebookShare on stumbleuponShare on email

Pritha Chatterjee : New Delhi, Fri Feb 24 2012, 02:51 hrs

Aditya Kumar Mandi received Sahitya Akademi award on 14th February 2012 for his Poetry book "Banchao Larhai" for the year 2011 When he was just 12 years old, Aditya Kumar Mandi saw his parents being excommunicated from their village Burughutu in Bankura district of West Bengal because they bought two bighas of land from another farmer. In our village, we could only own ancestral land, says Mandi, now 38. It was very cruel. People were forbidden from speaking to us, we could not use the village well, and our land was taken away. One day, my father left home and never returned, he adds. That incident inspired him to start writing mainly poems when he was just 19 years old, to show how man can be mans worst enemy, even as he joined the CISF. Earlier this month, Mandi got the Sahitya Akademi award for his contribution to poetry in Santhali language. Now posted at Farakka, in Malda district of Bengal, Mandi has published 14 books in Santhali, including an autobiography. The Constitution of India can forgive them (his fellow villagers) for their superstitions, but my pen will not. That was my first thought, says the CISF constable, recalling how he started writing his first poem, Aam Do Okhal Ka (Who are you). Between 1996 and 1999 he published a series of poems on Santhali beliefs. These were followed by poems on his life as a sipahi. I wrote about the threat of terrorism. Naxalism, he says.

Cyrus Pallonji Mistry

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding references. Statements consisting only of original research may be removed. (January
2012)

This article appears to be written like an advertisement. Please help improve it by rewriting promotional content from a neutral point of view and removing any inappropriate external links. (January 2012)

Cyrus Mistry
Born Nationality 4 July 1968 (age 44) Irish[1]

Ethnicity

Parsi Imperial College London London Business School

Alma mater

Occupation

Deputy Chairman of Tata Sons

Religion

Zoroastrianism

Spouse(s)

Rohiqa Mistry

Children

Parents

Pallonji Mistry Patsy Perin Dubash

Cyrus Pallonji Mistry (born 4 July 1968) is the youngest son of Irish construction magnate Pallonji Mistry. He has been appointed deputy chairman and chairman-designate of Tata Group and its holding company Tata Sons,[2] which will make him the first non-Indian national to head the Indian conglomerate.[1] Mistry will work with the current chairman Ratan Tata for one year and begin serving as chairman in December 2012.[3][4] Mistry will be the sixth chairman of the group and the second not named Tata after Sir Nowroji Saklatvala.[5] Apart from the Tata Group, he also serves as a director on the board of several other companies, including Shapoorji Pallonji & Co.,[6] Forbes Gokak, Afcons Infrastructure and United Motors (India).[7]
Chandrika Tarafdar won two Bronze Medals in Youth World Weightlifting Championship Suggested Readings: Personality, Sports, Top Current Affairs, IAS Main 2012, 2012 Current Affairs, September 2012 Current Affairs Published on: 20-SEP-2012

Previous Story Next Story Chandrika Tarafdar on 19 September 2012 became the first Indian to win a medal in Youth World Weightlifting Championships at Kosice, Slovakia. She won two bronze medals in the girls` 44kg category on the opening day. Tarafdar won a bronze each in clean and jerk and total lift. She lifted 55kg in snatch, 74kg in clean and jerk for a total effort of 129kg. This happened for the first time in the history of Youth World Weightlifting Championships that an Indian won a medal. Mao Xiangmei of China won a bronze in snatch and gold in the total lift. Csengeri Monica Suneta of Romania lifted exactly the same, 139kg in total but could manage silver only as she had more bodyweight than the Chinese lifter.

Ashoke Sen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For the Indian politician, see Ashoke Kumar Sen.

Ashoke Sen

Ashoke Sen at Harvard Born Nationality Fields

1956 (age 5556) Indian Physics Fermilab Stanford Linear Accelerator Center

Institutions

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Harish-Chandra Research Institute Presidency College, Kolkata University of Calcutta IIT Kanpur Stony Brook University

Alma mater

Doctoral advisor George Sterman Known for Contributions to string field theory

Ashoke Sen, FRS (Bengali: ; born 1956) is an Indian theoretical physicist.

Contents
[hide]

1 Early life 2 Career 3 Honors and awards 4 References

5 External links

[edit] Early life

He was born in Calcutta, and is the elder son of Anil Kumar Sen, a former professor of physics at the Scottish Church College, and Gouri Sen, a homemaker.[1] After completing his schooling from the Sailendra Sircar Vidyalaya in Kolkata, he earned his bachelors of science degree in 1975 from the Presidency College under the University of Calcutta, and his masters three years later from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. He did his doctoral work in physics at Stony Brook University.

[edit] Career
Ashoke Sen made a number of major original contributions to the subject of string theory, including his landmark paper on strong-weak coupling duality or S-duality,[2] which was influential in changing the course of research in the field. He pioneered the study of unstable Dbranes and made the famous Sen conjecture about open string tachyon condensation on such branes.[3] His description of rolling tachyons[4] has been influential in string cosmology. He has also co-authored many important papers on string field theory. One of his most recent contributions include the entropy function formalism for extremal black holes and its applications to attractors. His current research interests are centered around the attractor mechanism and the precision counting of microstates for black holes in string theory. Of his nearly 200 research papers, as many as 47 papers have over 100 citations each.[5]

[edit] Honors and awards

ICTP Prize in 1989[6] S.S. Bhatnagar award in 1994 Padma Shri in 2001 Fellow of the Royal Society 1998 Infosys Prize in the Mathematical Sciences, 2009.[7] Fundamental Physics Prize, 2012, for his work on string theory.[8][9]

Mario Miranda Artist, and Illustrator.

Cartoonist

Mario de Miranda has not formally studied Art and began his career as a Cartoonist for the Times of India Group in 1953. He later moved into illustration and fine art. He has illustrated numerous books including Inside Goa by Manohar Malgonkar, A family in Goa and The Open Eyes by Dom Moraes. Amount his own books are Goa with Love, A little World of Humor, Sketch book, Germany in Wintertime, Impression of Paris and Mario de Miranda He has been invited to sketch and exhibit in many Countries including U.S.A., Japan, Germany, Spain and France. He is also the recipient of many National and International honours. Mario de Miranda died in his sleep on 11th December, 2011 in his ancestral house in Loutolim Goa. He is survived by his wife Habiba and two sons Rishaad and Raul. He was ailing for the last 2 years but was active till his last days and was at a musical evening at a nearby restaurant 2 nights before

The

Last

Interview
This interview was recorded a few weeks before Mario Miranda passed away. In the interview Mario speaks about his growing years, influences, travels and, of course, Goa. This short film was shot by Arun Miranda for the Animation and Art School, Goa. Its use here is gratefully acknowledged.

Union Government decided to launch Saksham to Educate Adolescent Boys

Suggested Readings: Top Current Affairs, IAS Main 2012, 2012 Current Affairs, News Capsule, Plan | Programme, September 2012 Current Affairs
Published on: 19-SEP-2012

Previous Story Next Story The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development on 18 September 2012 decided to launch a scheme called

Saksham to empower adolescent boys by educating them on gender sensitivity and moral behaviour. Saksham aims
to target young boys in the age group 10-18 years for their holistic development by giving lessons in gender sensitivity and inculcating in them respect for women. The Union government has already allocated ten lakh rupees for preparatory work for the scheme which is expected to be rolled out from the next financial year 2012-13.

Women and Child Development Ministry launched a Web Portal named Track Child
Suggested Readings: Top Current Affairs, IAS Main 2012, Abbreviations | Terms, 2012 Current Affairs, News Capsule, September 2012 Current Affairs
Published on: 19-SEP-2012

 Previous Story Next Story Track Child: The Union Women and Child Development Ministry launched the portal to serve as a central database of all those children who have gone missing in different parts of the country. The Union Women and Child Development Ministry on 18 September 2012 decided to launch a web portal named Track Child, which will serve as a central database of all those children who have gone missing in different parts of the country. The portal will act as a coordination mechanism between child homes, police departments and state governments. As soon as a child is enlisted in a home, or whenever a missing FIR is registered in a police station, the details will be put on the portal. The ministry will coordinate with police heads, social welfare departments of various states and other agencies to create this mechanism. The ministry is also considering a proposal to create a National Institute of Women Affairs, which will serve as a think tank for women-related matters.

India signed a memorandum of understanding with Egypt Suggested Readings: International | World, Top Current Affairs, IAS Main 2012, 2012 Current Affairs, September 2012 Current Affairs Published on: 18-SEP-2012

Previous Story Next Story

India and Egypt on 18 September 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in New Delhi to establish an institutional framework for their ongoing cooperation in the field of election management and administration. The MOU was signed by the Chief Election Commissioner of India, V.S. Sampath and the Secretary General of the Supreme Presidential Election Committee of Egypt, Justice Hatem Bagato. The major aims of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are: (a) Promotion of exchanges of knowledge and experience in the field of organizational and technical development, with a view to strengthening the administration of electoral processes. (b) Exchange of information, material, expertise and technical knowhow relating to electoral processes and systems; training of personnel and development of human resources. (c) Organizational development and capacity building. MoU was made so that it can facilitate sharing of best practices, skills and experiences between the two institutions for mutual benefit. MoU is an extremely suitable mechanism for strengthening and carrying forward mutual collaboration in electoral management and administration. Election Commission of India has so far signed thirteen MOUs with Election Management Bodies and international organizations across the world. India and Egypt are already collaborating in the areas of Electronic Voting, Voters Education and Election Tracking Technology.

[Diplomacy] Indo-China Power equation, factors and the future ahead

Here goes some fodder material for descriptive/Essay/Interview questions on Indo-China.

1. Similarities: India & China 2. Factor against India 1. Chinas GDP is higher 2. Proxy aggression 3. Pakistani Angle 4. Control over Border Regions 5. Cyber domain. 3. Factors against China 1. #1: Enemy of Enemy is our friend 2. #2: Chinas vulnerability in Indian Ocean 3. #3: Indias Soft Power 4. #4: Military technology 5. #5: Indias economic position vs Chinese Saturation 4. #6: Demographic dividend 5. China as Worlds Superpower 6. What should India do to counter China? 7. Conclusion

Similarities: India & China

In the 1950s, India and China were weak developing countries. Today, China is the worlds second-largest economy and India is in the top ten. Both have nuclear weapons + huge military.

But there are many factors, which put these two nations on unequal grounds:

Factor against India

Chinas GDP is higher

Source: World Bank database and econintersect.com In 1970, India had a higher GDP than China, But Today, Chinas GDP is four times that of Indias, and the ratio is still increasing. By almost any measure, China is more developed than India. Because In addition to its GDP, only a small percent of Chinas people live in poverty, China has made a far greater effort to educate its citizens than India. The access to electricity and the Internet are all higher in China. Statistical projections suggest that Chinas GDP, could equal that of the US by 2030. While India just tried to be ahead of Pakistan in term of Defense technology, China has sought to counter the United States military power. Thats why China has made greater investments in military power, both conventional (Tanks and missiles) and unconventional (cyber attacks). US is facing economic downturn and unemployment. Therefore Obama administration has reduced the defense expenditure. Right now, China has unquestioned military superiority over India and if situation continues to be bad in USAs economy then Chinese military will become even more advanced and high tech than USAs. Apart from these things, China is a permanent member of UN security council (UNSC) and thus enjoys the veto power. China has a major voice in the international system, especially in economic and financial matters- compared to India

All of these make China a formidable antagonist for India, if the status quo is maintained.

Proxy aggression

China tilts towards Pakistan in its dispute with India over Kashmir. China has supported the rebel movements in Indias Northeast and red corridor. China is assertive (and at times aggressive) about its claim on the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese military deployments across the disputed border are much, much greater than Indias.

Pakistani Angle

Pakistan is Indias permanent security headache. Pakistan has long received Chinese support, ensuring that Indias attention is diverted away from China. Pakistan is providing China with a friendly route to the Energy rich Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Control over Border Regions

China has an ambitious forward policy towards controlling Tibet and Xinjiang. While India prefers to maintain status quo for issues on Kashmir and North East. China has done an impressive job promoting economic integration and infrastructure both in Tibet and Xinjiang India has failed to bring economic prosperity, internal security and reasonable governance in Kashmir and North East. In fact Delhi is struggling to provide, 50 years later, basic road connectivity to its frontier regions.

Cyber Warfare

In Information and Technology, India has a globally competitive industry and a deep pool of talent. But it has not been used for notorious purposes like China does :hacking gmail accounts of Dalai Lama and foreign ambassadors, hacking and deleting websites of Tibetian activists etc. Cyber warfare, communication blockade, internet censorship (in an event of war), Chinese capacity are better than ours.

Factors against China

#1: Enemy of Enemy is our friend

Chinese relations with the US have entered a difficult phase. China is engaged in maritime territorial disputes with Japan [Recall the earlier article on Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, CLICK ME]

Chinas maritime claims in the South China Sea have caused deep resentment in Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and so on. And with all these countries, we have good bilateral relations. Therefore, the present international power play is arguably to Indias advantage.

#2: Chinas vulnerability in Indian Ocean

Chinas goods and oil cargos pass through Indian Ocean, over which over Navy has formidable presence. (Observe Straight of Malacca in above map). Therefore, unless China is 100% sure of a full military and psychological victory over India, it would have no use for a military attack.

And hence the possibilities of a Chinese offensive in the high Himalayas are considered remote. Besides, the increased Indo-China trade and economic relations are a deterrent to belligerence (Aggressiveness) because those who trade heavily do not usually trade blows.

#3: Indias Soft Power

India has a history of largely positive relations with Himalayan neighbours, the central Asian states and Russia (the two notable exceptions of China and Pakistan). China, by contrast, has a history of border disputes and outright war with many of its continental neighbours, from Russia to Vietnam. The growth nationalism in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Theyre becoming more assertive when dealing with China. Therefore, Chinas access to the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is blocked by a network of democracies from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. Indias rise, by contrast, is not perceived as a threat by other east and southeast Asian states.

#4: Military technology

India has no offensive capacity (or doctrine) while China has ample ability to go on the offensive as it showed in 1962. But the Chinese also know that Indias defensive capacity along the border is more than adequate. Precision strike weapons (guided missiles etc) cost US $500,000 a round in 1990. They cost $10,000 or less today. It means the price of precision strike weapons has been coming down, and their reliability, range and damage-power has been increasing. During war, Use of such Precision strike weapons favor countries with defensive strategies (India).

#5: Indias economic position

Economic growth is easier when you are catching up to richer countries. Because there is a world of foreign technology and business practices for you to acquire and use to increase your productivity rapidly. But After a few decades of catching up, you have taken advantage of most foreign know-how. At that point, economic growth would require you to invent your own technology. This means slower growth in productivity China is perhaps 25 years ahead of India in its economic development, which means that it is 25 years closer to hitting these limits. So Indias potential rate of growth going forward is higher. When we combine this with demography, it is possible for Indias GDP to overtake China in the near future.

#6: Demographic dividend

Within a few decades, the Chinese labour force will shrink (because of their one child policy) and thus Chinas internal consumer demand = reduced.. supply of young Chinese people in rural areas who can move into manufacturing jobs = reduced Thus Chinas GDP will start declining. But India faces no such demographic crunches. If we pour more money in vocational skill training, then well have a young, productive and growing labour force = higher GDP in future.

Food for thought

It is said that in the coming years, China will replace US as the world super power. However last major power transition from Britain to the US (After World War II) helped India achieve independence. So lets consider for a moment, what will happen to India, If and when there is power transition from US to China

China as Worlds Superpower

After the death of the Dalai Lama, China could pressure for India to shut down all Tibetan political activity in India and to force the Tibetan government-in-exile into further exile outside India. Tibetan refugees in India would be asked to take Indian citizenship or to leave India. Unlike the 1962 war, a future military clash may not be restricted to land warfare at the border instead, we may see a more dispersed set of strikes with precision weapons that disable Indian capabilities as well as cyber attacks. China would also be likely to bring to bear financial pressure on India, using economic warfare levers via high levels of investment and trade. China could armtwist/buy the Politically and Financially weak regimes surrounding India (Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal) and build permanent military bases there. Just like US did in Middle East and Central Asia. Similarly, China could soon enjoy a permanent and relatively inexpensive naval presence in the Indian Ocean via naval bases in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives etc. And then, China might end up controlling Tawang, which Chinese officials currently refer to as part of south Tibet (along with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh) If in future, another 26/11 terror attack happens in india, and India decides to launch military strike against Pakistan, then China would be in a position to pressure India into an unfavourable settlement or ceasefire. China would then silence Indian free speech on internet and in international platforms (UN etc), via combination of diplomatic and economic pressure, and Chinese cyber Attacks. Ultimately, it might result in a kind of Finlandisation of India, according to which Indian leaders would make regular pilgrimages (visits) to China to co-ordinate and seek approval of Chinese leaders, on all major international questions even at the cost of Indian national interests.

Well then Good grief, China is not the world power! But then the question is:

What should India do to counter China?

When we invest money in military or medical research or child education, itd determine what capabilities we will have 20 years hence. But unfortunately the current political environment: policies are oriented more towards short term electoral benefits. The foremost task for India is to maximise its potential national power by maximising its economic growth & demographic dividend, reducing poverty, enhancing social peace and securing international peace. Adopt an anti-access, area denial strategy in Tibet, where China is dependent on a limited number of roads, rail lines and runways. India should cooperate more actively with other Asian countries to make it harder for Chinese naval power to operate in the Indian Ocean. India must fix its cyber vulnerabilities, Government websites and communication system this is a problem more in need of attention than large sums of money (by the standards of military spending). Compared with Indias, Chinese military hardware costs are lower because they typically involve domestic production. Therefore, India should increase the spending on Research and Development for Domestic production of military hardwares. Chinese military strategic doctrine emphasises speed and surprise and thus Indian counter doctrine should emphasise paranoia and flexibility. Tactically speaking a mountainous border is good terrain to Indian army to defend, but it still leaves room for strategic surprises for instance, a Chinese attack through Bhutan. Ideally, Indias military should constantly think through such novel scenarios and fine tune the deployment accordingly.

Conclusion

We must of course engage, economically and culturally with China to better our relationships. But Chinas geopolitical interests are fundamentally adversarial to Indias. China is a nation with definite views on the international order and border Issues, which will prevent it from becoming Indias most trusted ally. The gap between Chinese and Indian power is much less than previous decades, but there is no room for complacency. Moreover, the costs of adopting preventive measures are much lower than the costs of inviting Chinese aggression by failing to compete. Therefore, it would be irresponsible for India not to take steps to ensure that China thinks twice before challenging the status quo in relationship.

Ref

1. Various editorials on IndianExpress 2. http://econintersect.com/b2evolution/blog3.php/2012/08/30/investin g-bets-china-and-or-india 3. The India-China Rivalry by Robert D. Kaplan map republished with permission of Stratfor.

[Diplomacy] RIO +20 Summit: Meaning, Outcomes and Indias Stand at RIO +20, Sustainable Development
1. What is Rio+20? 2. Objectives of RIO+20? 3. What is sustainable development? 4. Rio 20: 2 Themes 5. Rio 20: Seven priority areas 1. 1.Jobs 2. 2.Energy 3. 3.Cities 4. 4.Food 5. 5.Water 6. 6.Oceans 7. 7.Disasters 6. Rio 20: Indias stand 1. No commitment (unlike Salman Khan) 2. WTO subsidy 3. Give us the damn secret technology! 4. Green stimulus packages 5. Dont lecture us in Subsidy 6. Dont lecture us on Eco-tax reform 7. Youll not decide our Sectoral priorities 7. Rio 20: Outcome of the summit 1. E-governance 2. Transport 3. Healthcare 4. Jobs 5. Oceans 6. Wildlife 7. Chemical waste 8. Mining 9. Agro 10. Women 11. SDGs 12. Corruption

13. International Trade 8. Criticism 1. Main Points 2. From US / Western point of view 3. Mohan did not roar in RIO 20 4. International Summits will never work 9. Mock Questions 1. MCQ 2. Descriptive Questions 3. Write an Essay (1500+ words) 4. Interview

What is Rio+20?
1. The Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. Therefore it is also known as RIO Summit. (Recall the Kyoto Protocol article CLICK ME) 2. Rio+20 the short name for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. 3. It took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012 4. Since there is twenty years of gap (2012-1992) between these two summits, the latest RIO Summit is nicknamed RIO +20

What was the objective of RIO+20?

By this conference UN wanted to bring together governments, international institutions and major (NGO) groups to agree on a range of smart measures for 1. poverty reduction 2. clean energy 3. Sustainable development. And this Sustainble Development has three pillers 1. economic development, 2. social development 3. environmental protection.

What is sustainable development?

1. You might have seen one ad in which a kid and his dad are sitting in the car. Theyre waiting for the green light but dad has kept the car engine on. The kid says when I grow up, Ill open a bicycle repair shop, because the way youre using petrol, there wont be any left for future generation. 2. Sustainable Development is reverse of that. 3. Sustainable development means, meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Rio 20: 2 Themes

Official discussions will focus on two main themes

1. How to build a green economy to achieve sustainable development 2. How to lift people out of poverty, including support for developing countries for taking green path for development.

Rio 20: Seven priority areas

Area Why important? 4. Economic recession has taken a toll on jobs 5. There will be over 500 million job seekers over the next 10 years. 6. There is need to create more Green jobs= jobs in agriculture, industry, services and administration that can save the environment. 7. Energy is essential for jobs security, climate change, food production or increasing incomes. (poverty reduction) 8. Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. 9. Cities have enabled people to advance socially and economically. 10. But Common city challenges include congestion, lack of basic services, poor hygiene and sanitation, unsafe drinking water. Climate change is putting even more pressure on food security. 12. On earth there will be additional 2 billion people by 2050. 13. Right now, our soils, freshwater, oceans, forests and biodiversity are being rapidly degraded to increase the food production. 14. So Rio 20 is the place to rethink how we 11.

1.Jobs

2.Energy

3.Cities

4.Food

grow, share and consume our food. There is sufficient fresh water on the planet. 16. But due to bad economics or poor infrastructure, every year millions of people, most of them children, die from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene 17. Water scarcity, poor water quality and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihood choices and educational opportunities for poor families across the world 18. Drought afflicts some of the worlds poorest countries, worsening hunger and malnutrition. 19. By 2050, at least one in four people is likely to live in a country affected by chronic or recurring shortages of fresh water. 20. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. 21. Oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation. Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future 15.

5.Water

6.Oceans

7.Disasters

Disasters are caused by earthquakes, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tsunamis etc. 23. They have devastating impacts on people, environments and economies. 24. Smart choices help us recover from disasters, while poor choices make us more vulnerable. 25. These choices relate to how we grow our food, where and how we build our homes, how

22.

our financial system works, what we teach in schools and more. Therefore RIO 20 aims to change the way these choices are made.

Rio 20: Indias stand No commitment (unlike Salman Khan)

o

India does not want legally binding commitments or targets for sustainable development. [We want something like Copenhagen Accord. Recall Kyoto Protocol Article]

WTO subsidy

WTO comes into the RIO 20 picture because international trade is important for sustainable Development and poverty removal. WTO was discussed a long time ago CLICK ME Anyways, idea/problem/crux is this 1. WTO wants that there should be free flow of goods and services between nations, without heavy taxes/import duty etc. things. 2. But USA gives heavy subsidies to its farmers, so they can grow and sell cotton and corn very cheaply. So if there is a totally free system, US can flood its agro products in India, and our farmers cannot compete. India doesnt like this and wants protection. So Technically speaking ,

India wants For a fair and equitable global trade regime to achieve development. India wants export subsidies for agricultural products (by US/EU etc big players) to be curbed. Similarly, India wants removal of non-tariff barriers affecting labour intensive exports from developing countries. And enforcement of the special and differential treatment provisions of the WTO.

Apart from that, India also wants need for greater representation of developing countries, in the Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF, World Bank).

Give us the damn secret technology!

Most environment-friendly/green technologies are with the developed countries.

RIO 20 should facilitate the transfer of these technologies from developed countries (US) to developing countries (India) on concessional terms (i.e. @reasonable price). India also wants Early operationalization of the Nagoya Protocol (for Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)) creation of a Sustainable Development Fund for providing finances to the developing countries. In short, India wants adequate flow of resources and technologies to developing countries.

Green stimulus packages

Just like the Governments round the world, India is also promoting public and private investment in sectors like renewable energy, forest conservation and water management. Indian Government has been investing and improving the urban mass transportation, railways, public water supply and sanitation, and common facilities for pollution control and waste management, forest quality, watershed development, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

Dont lecture us in Subsidy

in practice governments of developing countries give subsidies in merit goods for e.g. food, public health, drinking water and primary education and agriculture etc. For example cheap diesel and electricity to farmers, concessional bus and railway passes for students, kerosene and ration to poor people and so on. India says that these subsidies should be left to the sovereign rights of the States as per national policies and circumstance. (and RIO 20 or any other international conference shouldnt put any limit, target or legal commitment on it.)

Dont lecture us on Eco-tax reform

It is based on the polluter pays principle i.e., the polluter pays the cost of environmental damage he imposes on the society. The eco tax reform initiated in India includes tax exemptions and lower taxes for certain environment -friendly goods. But India feel there is no one size fits all solution on eco-tax reforms and so RIO 20 shouldnt lecture on this (or impose commitments) And Sustainable development is a much larger canvas than merely addressing the environmental issues.

Youll not decide our Sectoral priorities

Example of sectoral priorities= poverty eradication, afforestation, watershed development in dry lands, rural connectivity, mass transport, protecting biodiversity, clean water, rural connectivity, creation of post-harvest management facilities, rural renewable energy systems and so on. India feels that Sectoral priorities are a matter of national choice, based on the stage of development, national circumstances, domestic resource availability, and external support both technical and financial. So RIO 20 shouldnt lecture that you should first give priority to mass transport and then to land degradation. And you should allot xyz% of your GDP in this sector etc.

To sum, what India wants is Principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. (Explained in Kyoto article.) Ok, so far we saw RIO 20 is all about sustainable Development and poverty removal. We also saw India wants (to be more precise, we saw what India doesnt want through RIO like summits!). Anyways the leaders of various Nations etc met in Rio De Janeiro in June 2012.

From my earlier articles, youre already aware how these summits are conducted.

Rio 20: Outcome of the summit

1. The primary result of the conference was the nonbinding document titled The Future We Want 2. Under this 49 paged document, the nations agreed on 283 topics. 3. It is all lawyer-ish, diplomatic, verbose thing. Similar to Presidents speech before 26th January and PMs speech from Red Ford on

15th AugustWe acknowledge this, we reaffirm our commitment to thatand blah blah blah. Just like the pack of Cheetos/potato chips- the plastic bag looks very big and voluminous but nutritional value is close to zero. Anyways, here are the important (and easy to remember) points. You dont have to mug all of them, but they should serve well as fodder material whenever youre faced with essay/ interview questions on sustainable development. The Nations participating in RIO 20 summit, agreed on following things. 1. We urge Parties to the UNFCCC and Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to fully implement their commitments 2. We reaffirm the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. (similar in Kyoto) 4. Well explore alternatives to GDP as a measure of wealth that take environmental and social factors into account. 5. Well phase out fossil fuel subsidies. 6. We agree that Eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge facing the world today and it is essential for sustainable development. 7. We reaffirm our commitment to fully implement following conventions/protocols (and or take follow up action on them) Agenda 21 = it is a non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of the United Nations with regards to sustainable development. It is a product of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. ii. Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) iii. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) iv. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) v. Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) vi. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) vii. Convention on Biological Diversity i.

viii. Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources ix. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) x. Basel Convention, the Rotterdam Convention and the Stockholm Convention. (Related to Chemical and Waste disposal) xi. Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) xii. United Nations Convention against Corruption.

E-governance
8. Information and communication technology (ICT) is important for the flow of information between governments and the public. So well work toward improved access to ICT, especially broad-band network and services, and bridge the digital divide. 9. Well strengthen UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and give it more voluntary fund (money). 10. We encourage each country to consider the implementation of green economy policies 11. We decide to establish a universal intergovernmental high level political forum: This forum will provide political leadership, guidance, and recommendations for sustainable development.

Transport
12. Well improve Public Mass transport system (bus, railway) with clean fuels and vehicles for efficient movement of people and goods, particularly from in rural areas. Because environmentally sound, safe and affordable transportation is important for sustainable Development. 13. In cities, well try for affordable housing, clean drinking water and sanitation; healthy air quality; generation of decent jobs; and improved urban planning and slum upgrading.

Healthcare
14. Well try to provide universal health coverage.

Well strengthen our fight against communicable diseases like AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, influenza, polio and other 16. Well strengthen our national policies for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancers, heart attack, high BP and diabetes. 17. We recognize that reducing water and chemical pollution leads to positive effects on health. 18. We commit to reduce maternal and child mortality, and to improve the health of women, men, youth and children 19. Well encourage family planning because it is essential for womens health and advancing gender equality. 15.

Jobs
20. We recognize the importance of job creation 21. We call on countries to enhance infrastructure investment 22. we support national efforts to provide new job opportunities to the poor in both rural and urban areas 23. workers should have access to education, skills, healthcare, social security, fundamental rights ,occupational safety and health. 24. Well promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedom of all migrants regardless of the migration status

Oceans
We therefore commit to protect, and restore, the health, productivity of oceans and marine ecosystems. 26. We are committed to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), provides the legal framework for the conservation and the sustainable use of the oceans. 27. We recognize the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. 28. Well take initiatives to fix ocean acidification and the impacts of climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems. 29. Well take action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. 25.

30. Health of oceans and marine biodiversity are negatively affected by marine pollution, including marine debris like plastic, organic pollutants, heavy metals, and nitrogen-based compounds, from a number of marine and land-based sources, including shipping and land runoff. 31. We commit to take action to reduce the incidence and impacts of such pollution on marine ecosystems. 32. We note that sea level rise and coastal erosion are serious threats for many coastal regions and islands particularly in developing countries and, in this regard, we call on the international cooperation. 33. Well help small island developing States (SIDS) in fixing coastal erosion under Barbados Programme of Action and Mauritius Strategy for Implementation. 34. Well help Least developed countries (L.D.C) in mass transport and energy infrastructure. 35. Well establish early warning systems as part of effective disaster risk to reduce economic and social damages 36. well launch the Green Climate Fund. Itll help technology development and transfer and capacity-building in developing countries

Wildlife
Well encourage investment in sustainable tourism, eco tourism and cultural tourism, 38. Well fight illicit trafficking in wildlife (under CITES) 39. Well fight Desertification, land degradation and drought. 40. Mountain ecosystems play a crucial role in providing water resources to a large portion of the worlds population. But Mountain Ecosystem is in threat due to climate change, deforestation and forest degradation, land use change, land degradation, and natural disasters; and mountain glaciers around the world are retreating and getting thinner. So well try to fix it. 37.

Chemical waste

41. Well make national polices on sound management of chemicals and waste- such as electronic waste and plastics 42. We are committed to chemicals and waste conventions, namely the Basel Convention, the Rotterdam Convention and the Stockholm Convention, 43. We reduce, reuse and recycle waste (3Rs) the electronic waste and plastics 44. Well phase-out of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Mining
45. minerals and metals make a major contribution to the world economy and modern societies. 46. governments need strong capacities to develop, manage, and regulate their mining industries in the interest of sustainable development. 47. Well prevent the illicit financial flows from mining activities.

Agro
48. Well enhance agricultural research, training and education to improve agricultural productivity 49. Well take microcredit initiatives for the poor. We underline the need to address floods, droughts, and water scarcity.

50.

Women
51. Women have a vital role to play in achieving sustainable development. we resolve to promote gender equality and womens empowerment and to ensure their full and effective participation in sustainable development policies, programmes and decisionmaking at all levels 52. Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

53.

we commit to creating an enabling environment for improving the situation of women and girls everywhere, particularly in rural areas and ethnic minorities. 54. We invite donors, international organizations like the UN to support gender equality and womens empowerment projects in developing countries 55. Well promote Sustainable Development awareness among youth, for non-formal education.

SDGs
56. Millenium Development goals will expire in 2015. So Well form a group to create new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 57. This open working group shall be constituted with full involvement of relevant stakeholders and (bogus) civil society and scientific community. 58. These Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should be action-oriented, concise and easy to communicate, limited in number, 59. These Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should be universally applicable to all countries while taking into account different national realities, capacities and levels of development and respecting national policies and priorities. (Just like INDIA wanted) 60. We should also bear in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all formula that will guarantee development effectiveness. The specific situation of each country needs to be fully considered. (Just like INDIA wanted) 61. We reiterate our support for South-South cooperation. [means exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries.] 62. We also recognize that South-South cooperation complements rather than substitutes for North-South cooperation.

Corruption

Well fight corruption and illicit financial flows at both the national and international levels because it vital for poverty eradication, the fight against hunger and sustainable development. 64. Well fully implement the United Nations Convention against Corruption. 63.

International Trade
We urge the Members of the WTO to conclude the Doha Development Agenda. 66. We also urge them to addressing important issues affecting international trade, such as, trade distorting subsidies and trade in environmental goods and services. (JUST LIKE India WANTED) 65.

Criticism
Compiled from various newspaper columns.

Main Points

RIO+20 outcome has been severely criticised for being devoid of any goals or action. It has been dubbed Rio minus 20 or The future we dont want. RIO +20 did not deliver legally binding commitments, just forming more groups and stating, repeating and and rephrasing the obvious. Ban Ki Moo said in the summit:

old model for economic development and social advancement is broken. Let us not forget the scarcest resource of all: time. We are running out of time. We no longer have the luxury to defer difficult decisions.

(i.e. WTO, Kyoto, everywhere nations donot agree on some tangible goals. Hence more and more committees are formed and discussions are held rather that actually doing something solid.)

From US / Western point of view

India and China are trillion dollar nations (GDP wise) and yet they always play the developing nation poor people victim card and oppose legally binding commitments. They can and should take more initiatives given their power economies.

Mohan did not roar in RIO 20

India has the edge to contribute globally, especially in the areas of decentralised energy access, mobile telephony, distant healthcare delivery, e-governance and digital information services. (AND YET) Ive not heard Indias voice here at all. It seems we are happy with the situation and want the status quo to be maintained. We are losing our leadership edge. India has to stop hiding behind the poor. India will continue to be one of the most promising economies for the next 30 years. India should wake up to seize the opportunity and try to be a real world leader.

International Summits will never work

All the much-hyped global summits on environmental policy have fallen short of expectations. As a result, many ecologists, activists, and business leaders believe that progress on environmental issues must be made locally with the private sector, without counting on the help of international accords.

[Diplomacy] Nuclear Security Summit at Seoul: Outcomes, Indias contribution

1. What is nuclear security? 2. Why Nuclear Security Summit? 3. Seoul Communiqu 1. Goodbye HEU and welcome LEU 2. More talking 3. More funding 4. More Policing 5. More cleaning 4. Indias commitment to Nuke Security

What is nuclear security?

Nuclear security is a series of preemptive measures to 1. Prevent nuclear crime (smuggling of nuke materials, nuketerrorism) 2. Prevent nuclear accidents (at Nuke power plants such as Chernobyl and Fukushima)

Why Nuclear Security Summit?

Nuclear terrorism cannot be addressed by a single nationinternational cooperation is necessary. First Nuclear Security Summit, was held in Washington in 2010. Second Nuke security Summit was held in Seoul (South Korea) in 2012. o 53 countries including the P5 nations (nuclear weapons states) and states not party to the NPT, such as India, Pakistan, and Israel. o UN, IAEA, and EU

INTERPOL Third Nuke Security summit will be held in Netherlands in 2014.

o

Seoul Communiqu
After the second nuke summit @Seoul in 2012, the participants agreed to do this- total 11 things. Here are the important ones

Goodbye HEU and welcome LEU

Highly enriched uranium (HEU) is used in nuke reactors and medical field but it can be used for making nuke bombs. Therefore, every nation should switch to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel.

More talking

Well encourage the participation of industry, academia, the media, NGOs and other civil actors in the discussions on nuclear security. Well host the next Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands

More funding

Well make voluntary contributions to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund. This money will be spent to help the poor countries to upgrade their HEU plants into LEU plants and improve their security. Mohan said Ill give 1 million dollars in it.

More Policing

Well increase the physical protection of nuclear facilities

Well increase the protection of nuclear materials and radioactive sources during transport Well prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials Well enhance the emergency response capabilities in the case of radiological accidents Well share information on persons involved in nuke smuggling via INTERPOL Well Build nuclear forensics capacity to identify the source of illicitly trafficked nuclear materials Well enhance cyber security at nuclear facilities and Increase the protection of sensitive nuclear security-related information

More cleaning
Well improve the management of spent nuclear fuels and radioactive wastes. Radioactive materials are widely used in industrial, medical, research, agricultural purpose their security is just as important to prevent and recover lost, stolen or orphaned sources. Otherwise, even the decayed and discarded nuke material can be used to make dirty bombs.

Indias commitment to Nuke Security

1. Weve donated one million US dollars to the Nuclear Security Fund of International Atomic Energy Agency. 2. We are a member of the IAEA Commission on Nuclear Safety Standards 3. We are participant in the IAEAs Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB), it disseminates information on confirmed reports about illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities and events involving nuclear material. 4. We also cooperate with the Interpols Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Unit and the World Customs Organization. 5. We enacted the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005 6. We are taking steps to minimize of use of HEU and upgrading our nuke plants accordingly. We have recently developed an Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) that uses LEU fuel.

7. We aim to establish an independent Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority which will enhance oversight of nuclear security in India. (bill in parliament) 8. We are party to a. International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism b. Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material

Around 175 Sri Lankan tourists had to be escorted by the police to Tiruchirapalli airport in Tamil Nadu, following violent protests by Tamil activists against the visit of these tourists in the Septembers first week. These visitors from the neighboring island nation of Sri Lanka had to return to their nation in light of the sensitive situation. Indias UPA government indicated the possibility of implementing the National Food Security Bill bypassing the need of a conventional Parliamentary nod, and taking the direct executive route instead. This indication has come in the wake of the Opposition stagnating the parliament's proceedings time and again. Losses of anything between Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,500 crores were estimated by CII and Assocham, as a result of the nationwide close down promoted by BJP, and other parties in opposition of the government's decision to open 51% FDI in multibrand retail, and a hike in diesel prices in India.

National Current Affairs 2012

Current Affairs[August 2012]

National News

Chaos in the capital as kejriwal and group hits the streets Chaos gripped the streets of Delhi as more than a thousand protestors led by erstwhile team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal and others tried to break police cordons and reach Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP president Nitin Gadkaris residence. Protesting under the banner of India against Corruption (IAC) and against the alleged irregularities in the coal blocks allocation; the crowd tried to march to Singhs residence twice, but was detained on both occasions. The first attempt at 6am caught the police off guard. Arwind Kejriwal and Gopal Rai reac hed near PMs residence with a few supporters while IAC member Sanjay Singh went to Nitin Gadkaris home at Teen Murti Lane. They were detained and taken to the Mandir Marg police station, said a senior police officer. Sarabjit close to freedom? Sarabjit Singh, the Indian on death row in Pakistan, is a few formalities away from being freed,

Jehangir Badr, visiting secretary general of the Pakistan Peoples Party has said. Some formalities are to be completed between the two governments to pave the way f or Sarabjits freedom on humanitarian grounds. I say this on the basis of discussions at the top level of the Pakistan government, Badr, leader of the house in the Pakistan senate, said Saturday. Manipur road named after Olympian winner Mary Kom A road in Manipurs Churachandpur district, 65km south of the state capital, was named MC Mary Kom road at a felicitation function to honour the Olympic medallist. Mary Kom won a bronze at the Londons 2012 Olympic. Mary Kom was honoured with numerous other awards that included a cash award of Rs.1.5 lakh, a mithun apart from getting cash reward of Rs. 5 lakh. So far she has received cash award of Rs 75 lakh from the Manipur government and Rs 10lakh from the Ministry of Tribal affairs. On the occasion the 29 yr old world champion appealed to bring peace and unity in the trouble torn state in order to bring more laurels in the future. The Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed the nation for a record ninth time from the Red fort on 15th August. He is the third person after Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and Late Indira Gandhi, addressing the nation most of the times. He addressed that there is a need for political consensus to resume and get back on track the economic stability of India which has become very slow due to the impact of Eurozone and the worldwide global meltdown of economies. Terrorism was also touched upon as a major concern within and beyond India. Poverty, malnutrition lack of health and political awareness, lack of education and of course Lokpal bill was heavily touched upon. The successes of Agni IV, Agni V missile tests; government schemes for the civic welfares both for men and women were also touched upon and these included the Rajiv Gandhi Housing locan schemes too. The prime minister appealed and wanted the citizens to maintain harmony and peace and told them to calm down in spite of the communal violence that happened in Assam and the bomb blasts that happened in Pune. India finally elected its 14th fourteenth Vice president. It was Shri. Mohammed Hamid Ansari. It is the second consecutive time being elected in this role and besides him it was Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan who had taken the tenure twice before. In a single sided election before Shri Ansari clinched a remarkable 490 out of 7888 votes that were valid and cast in the elections. Jaswant singh, his rival from NDA could barely manage 238 votes. This time Shri. Ansari was backed by congress and hence the vote tally was much more that what he had got in 2007 elections The president of India; Shri. Pranab Mukherjee gave away awards for gallantry. These awards went to the Paramilitary forces, armed forces that included Shaurya chakras, Sena medas, Nao sena medals, Sena medals and Vayu sena medals. All in all sixty awards were presented on this auspicious day The nation paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Shri. Rajiv Gandhi, commemorating his sixty eighth birthday. Present on this occasion were the Prime minister Shri Manmohan Singh, President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Congress president Smt. Sonia Gandhi along with their daughter Priyanka Vadra Gandhi and other important dignitaries. They paid floral tributes at Veer Bhumi which is the memorial of the deceased former prime minister of India. Union Communication and IT Minister Kapil Sibal, raised his concerns for the strict actions that need to be taken against the violaters who are induging in the abuse of social media such as facebook and youtube. Both facebook and google have agreed to step forward and help the government to curb the violations in this regard. Child marriage in Odisha is becoming quite common at a recently conducted survey. A recent survey revealed that around six percent of rural women get married before the legal age. The survey brought forth some startling revelations that 6.5% of rural women and 3.2% of urban women were married off before their legal marriage age during the period 2007-2008 The chief minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi Jayalalithaa in her statement to the PM addressed the urgent need for a power generation from the 1000 MW nuclear plant in the Kudankulam Nuclear power plant. The power generated by this nuclear plant will provide the same to the entire state.

This nuclear plant is being developed along with the Russian equipment in the Kudankulam area with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. The union minister for rural development, Mr. Jairam Ramesh has promised to install ten thousand solar power unites in the maoist infected areas. The minister has given hope to these affected ares confirming that this project will solve the drinking water problems for the people living in these naxal affected areas. Around five hundred and forty crore has already been ear marked for this project and two hundred such systems have been installed in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. In order to ease pressure during the coming festive season, the railway ministry sent a press release stating that they will have more than seven hundred and ninety two additional trains operative during this time. This will be over and above the current numbers. Very soon, like Singapore India too will have its own version of the night safari. This will be likely to start in the National Capital Region, Greater Noida. While the planning is all done and ready to executed, approvals are still awaited from the NCR board. Government lifts ban on the bulk SMS and MMS by end of august. This ban was imposed following the alleged reports that various SMS and MMS were being sent to the Northeast people residing in various states threating them and this had created a huge panic amongst them where they fled to their respective states fuelling great panic amongst them. Shri Mukul Roy, the Railway minister flagged off a double-decker, air-conditioned sleeper train originating from Delhi upto Jaipur. This is the first ever such train introduced in this route. Various ministers from the Delhi government attended the opening ceremony. Former Indian President Shri. APJ Abdul Kalam favoured foreign direct investments or FDI on the countrys retail sector. Accourding to him, this will only boost Indias economy and will also help boost Indian products and brands at the global scale in terms of aggressive marketing thus giving them the visibility and the mileage. With the new changes in the system, the entry into CA through common proficiency test or CPT is going to change the rules of the game completely. The CPT is going to become challenging. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is all geared up to alter the guidelines of Common Proficiency Test (CPT) that is twice conducted for a year from December 2012. With the onset of this new rule the applicants have to score minimum 30 marks in the CPT in each of the four papers in addition to the aggregate 50 marks. In the present state of affairs, it is expected of candidates to score 50 marks in the aggregate. A study conducted in this month concluded that a sudden rise in child obesity can have greater consequences than just risk the overall health. It can intrude with the beginning of puberty and greatly reduce the bodys capacity to reproduce mainly in women, says this study. As per the reports issued by NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau), the top state to register maximum crime cases in West Bengal against women last year. This state has recorded over 29,133 cases of offence against women. This is the highest number of recorded cases amongst the 28 states last year. After West Bengal, it is Andhra Pradesh with a total of 28,246 such registered cases and the third state being Uttar Pradesh witnessing a total number of such cases in the excess of 22,639 with registered crimes against women. Veteran Bollywood actor Ak Hangal passed away. He was 96 years old and survived by his son. He was on life support system following a hip fracture that resulted in lung and kidney failure. His body couldnt respond to the treatment beyond the support. He was a character actor with more than two hundred movies to his credit and some very popular ones amongst his repertoire are Sholay, Guddi, Shaukeen, Bawarchi etc. Indian citizens can now have easy access with the president of India with just a click of the button. This website has been re-designed and launched at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. According to the PIB sources, the historical relevance and perspectives have been retained as per the earlier site. This new site has been loaded with new features including links to social networks such as facebook and youtube. The newly elected president Shri. Pranab Mukherjee has greatly influenced the development of this site make it more accessible to general public, user friendly and highly interactive. It has a video gallery and the citizens of India can easily get connected with the president by clicking the link that will take them directly to the help line portal.

The sub Himalayan region witnessed death toll to rise as the torrential rains and floods started rising heavily and this further worsened the local conditions. The rains were consistent, the cloud bursts, floods, landslides in areas such as Gharwal, Uttar Kashi and Chamoli rose heavily increasing the death toll to more than thirty. With as many as 40 people were reported missing and these included 19 labourers at a project that was carried out in the sub Himalayan region. The police and army were asked for further help. Further, the Indian government took help from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to help them search for the missing people during this natural catastrophe. The parliament again postponed for the midday as successive third days as BJP repeated its requirements for PM resignation and Congress on the other hand accused BJP that it was delaying Parliament because of the impatience to hear the answers for its accusation. Both the houses of parliament saw commotions as the opposition demanded an immediate resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the Comptroller and Auditor General's report on the distribution of coal chunks. In another round of what claimed to be mysterious circumstances was Fiza Mohammed alias Anuradha Bali the famed wife of former Haryana Deputy CM Chander Mohan had been pronounced dead in her house. Police officials claimed her death to be a suicide. The police found her decomposed body in her home at sector 48, Mohali in a very sad state. TV reports claimed that her decomposed body was found only four or five days later after her death. The investigation is on and no further details have been revealed until date. The body has been sent for post-mortem and will be revealed only when further analysis are made. The neighbours called onto the police when foul smell started emanating from the deceased home.

Current Affairs[July 2012]

National News

Delhi High Court cites the 58 day long strike of Air India's as illegal and they strictly ordered them to call off their strike with immediate effect and without any conditions within 48-hours. Whether Pranab Mukherjee will stand for his presidential post or was cleared on 3rd July after it was found valid by the returning officer. With a cost of approximately Rs.5,181.79-crore, the union cabinet approved the ambitious metro rail project to be started in Kochi city of Kerala. Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader celebrated his 77th birthday in Dharamsala in the presence of thousands of Tibetan who were in exile and alongwith his foreign devotees. Jagdish Shettigar replaces D.V. Sadanand Gowda as the new chief minister of Karnataka by BJP Air India pilots and management disagreed with the courts idea on the composition of a panel that proposed to reinstate the sacked 101 pilots that happened during a recent strike. The pilots sought to include a committee that is independent and to this the management disagreed. Anna Hazare at the Jantar-Mantar amidst his hunger strike launches a book named "Swaraj" New tatkal scheme launched by railways Owing to pressures mounting from passengers due to non-availability and booking issues on trains, the Indian Railways have launched a new tatkal scheme that will enable passengers to book their tickets from 10:00 am until noon for the following day. These can be done from specific booths and by authorised railways personnel only Successful test fire of nuclear missile, Agni-1 Another milestone reached for India when they successfully test fired Agni-1 missile which is an indigenously developed surface-to-surface nuclear warhead in India. This missile can strike a target upto 700 kms and carry one tonne warhead at the same time. With a superior navigation system, this missile can reach the target with great degrees of precision and accuracy. The

weight of this missile is 12 tonnes and it is 15 metre long. The missile was test fired at a nuclear base in Odisha. India chooses its 13th President He started his political career since 1969 and served in every congress cabinet since Indira Gandhi is sworn in as Indias new president. The other contenders for the presidential run we PA Sangma who was heavily backed by Tirnamool Congress and AIADMK but the votes for Pranab Mukherjee outnumbered and he finally won the presidential election 26/11 Mumbai terror attack of 2008 report rejected by Pakistan India said that the evidence collected by a Pakistani judicial committee had evidence enough that would punish those guilty of terror attacks in the country and this had upset the ruling of a Pakistani court on the 26/11 case. Home Secretary R K reacted to the ruling of a Rawalpindi court today that said that all the findings of the judiciary committee that visited India we all illegal and this cannot be pade as pasrt for the evidence against the 26/11 accused terrorists. Cabinet clears 'Rape law amendment' The union cabinet has given its nod of approval to replace the term Rape to Sexual assault. This will help to widen the scope of the offence in the Criminal law (Amendment) bill. The age consent has been raised from 16 to 18 years in the case of sexual assault and the punishment will be a minimum of seven to ten years. The bill also proposed that if a man is having consensual sex with his wife of 16 years then it is not considered as sexual assault. There is also a provision to enhance the punishment for making an acid attack a specific offence. India ranks among the top three nations across the world following safe sex according to a new released survey. Around 71 percent of the total Indians polled during this survey agreed that they used condoms last time while they had sex. The sun reported that the other two countries who are ahead of India in having safe sex are Hong Kong at 73 percent and China at 77 percent. Lakshmi Sehgal, INA legend passed away at 97 years Lakshmi Sehgal, a close associate of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose who was the first lady to head the womens wing in Azad Hind Fauj died in a private hospital in Kanpur. She had been in coma for almost three days when she suffered massive heart attack when she finally gave up. It was later learnt that she had lent her body for medical research. Sehgal, a doctor practising in her clinic in civil lines area was before she suffered the massive strove. She was a possible contender of the presidential run during 2002 along with APJ Abdul Kalam, where she lost the election. Possibility of vision regeneration in humans might be possible by a new compound A latest study says, a new and improved version of a newly discovered chemical might enable people with degenerative blindness with the hope see again. The approach could greatly help people suffering from retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder and is most commonly inherited form of blindness and age-related muscular degeneration, the most common cause of presumed blindness in the developing worlds. In both the cases, the light sensitive cells in the retina i.e the rods and cones die. This leaves the eye without any functional photo receptors according to research conducted by the researchers from the University of California, Washington and Munich, as reported by the journal Neuron. The chemical known as AAQ, acts by converting the other remaining cells that are normally "blind" cells in the retina to be sensitive to light. Richard Kramer, professor of molecular and cell biology at California has led the study, according to a university statement. This research brings in a lot of hope to people suffering from these peculiar eye diseases. Tamil Nadu Express on Fire: 35 feared dead. The Chennai bound Tamil Nadu express caught fire en route to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. Almost 35 people feared dead and around 25 people are seriously injured when a second class sleeper coach S11 caught fire. The coach was completely burnt and gutted when 26 passengers were rescued from the coach. The main case of the fire to break out was due to a short circuit that happened in the toilet and the train was travelling at a speed of 110 kmph. The passengers

we fast asleep at 4:30 am when the fire broke out and all hell broke loose. Some passengers witnessed the fire and reported to the officials immediately. Nellore collector, Sridhar said that the bodies were completely charred and hence they were unable to identify the bodies. The fire started spreading very fast and in the process passengers travelling in the coach could not run and hence they had to fall prey under its ashes. The injured passengers we admitted to the neighbouring Nellore Government Hospital, Peoples polyclinic and Jayabharathi Hospital. The Railway Ministry announced compensation of Rs.5 lakh to each of the families of the deceased. Rs.1 lakh will be given to the seriously injured. India staring at drought The Indian government has rolled out the first steps to avert a farm sector crisis amid indications that the Met department is now set to switch to a below- normal rainfall forecast. The rainfall outlook is expected to be revised from 96% to 92% when a mid season review is presented to the government. The rains have been 22% deficient so far and were predicted to be normal. Rainfall between 96104% of 89cm a 50 year average is considered normal. The GoM on drought has not convened as farm minister Sharad Pawar and the Congress are yet to resolve a political deadlock. Assam violence leads to 32 deaths More than 50,000 terror stricken people have fled their homes in Assams Chirang and Dhubri districts as raging ethnic clashes between Bodos and Muslims claimed 5 more lives. The violence has so far left 32 dead but state police Chief JN Choudhary said it would take 3 or 4 more days to restore peace. Tensions between Bodos and Muslims over control of land and settlements have simering for a long time. Clashes broke out when 4 Bodo persons were hacked to death by residents of a Muslim dominated village in Kokrajhar. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked Assams Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to do everything possible to restore peace. The violence has spread to other 400 villages in Bodoland Territorial Administered Districts, a report received by the home ministry said.

Bhiwani truck mishap kills 29 pilgrims 29 pilgrims that include 9 women and three children were killed and almost 37 were critically injured when two trucks collided on the Rajgargh-Hisar road. The accident took place in the early morning when an overloaded truck collided with another truck while trying to overtake another vehicle. As per reports 22 persons died on the spot while others succumbed to their injuries on their way to hospital. Police officials said that the Tata truck was carrying around 407 people most of them belonged to Harayanas Kaithal District. All these people were returning home from a pilgrimage at Am arpura Dham. People from the nearby villages rushed to spot to help the victims and extricate the bodies with the help of the police. Police said that the truck owner had converted the truck into a double- decker in order to accommodate more passengers and make more money therein.

Army orders probe into civilian death The police investigation pointed at the army in the killing of a Kashmiri civilian in the northern

region of Kashmir, the army has ordered a probe into the incident stating that appropriate action will be taken as per the law defined. Upholding the sentiments of people, the army has decided to probe into the killing of Hilal Ahmad Dar. Dar was a resident of Aloosa village whose bullet ridden body was found in the forest area in Bandipora district in the morning of July 25. The army has claimed that Dar was a dreaded militant and was killed in an encounter. ASI to decide whether to build mosque or not The Delhi high court has firmly directed both Hindus and Muslims to stay away from the site near Jama Masjid, where the ruins of a structure believed to be mosque are present. The ruins are believed to be of Mughal era Akbarabadi mosque. The court has ruled that the matter now will lie in the hands of Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Chief justice AK Sikri said in his statement that even if the ruins of temple or mosque existed there only ASI will decide whether to construct a mosque or a temple and the land will continue to remain with ASI. Regarding the site, Muslims claim that the Mughal era Akbarabadi mosque existed there whereas the Hindu Mahasabha wants to construct a temple there while claiming that the relics found have been placed after Muslims removed relics of Jain and Hindu temples. Current Affairs[June 2012]

National News
Youth looted an ATM A youth who looted cash worth Rs. 4.8 lakh from an ATM was arrested on Saturday by the police wing. The youth named Arabinda Samal, confessed to his crime while interrogation. However two other people were also involved in the loot. But as per the resources they are absconding. Arabinda worked for a company that fills cash in the ATMs and is a training associate in the company. As per the news he was the main mastermind as only he knew how to open and close the ATM, that helped him loot the cash, said SP (Rourkela) Himansgu Lal. The trio entered the Bank of Baroda ATM in Sector 19 branch on June 24, 2012. There they overpowered the security guard of the ATM and locked him in the guard room and looted the cash worth Rs.12.6 lakh. After committing the crime they shut the ATM and fled. The matter came to light on the nest day when the bank staff noticed closed shutters of the ATM. During the investigation the CCTV footage provided the first lead. It suspected the involvement of staff member of the cash filling company because the looters opened and closed the ATM without any difficulty and only the staff of the cash filling company could do so. Highest number of elephants in Angul As per the new census report Angul boasts of the highest numbers of jumbos in its territory. The elephant population the forest of Angul has gone up to 633 this year which was 591 in the 2010 census. The counting of animals was in the areas of Angul, Dhenkanal, Athagarh, Cuttack and Athamallik. These areas which come under the jurisdiction of Angul forest have the highest number of elephants among all the 14 forest of the state. As per the census there are 106 tuskers, 373 females elephants with 138 juveniles out of the 633 elephants while the

rest 16 are of unknown sex. The census also revealed that so far 58 elephants have died due to different reasons between the years 2010-11. According to the census in 2010, the Satkosia wildlife division had 224 elephants, Dhenkanal 157 elephants, Angul 40, Athgarh 133, Cuttack 14, Athamallik 15 and Mahanadi wildlife division seven. Chief conservator of Angul forest circle Pandaba Kumar Behera said, "The number of elephants has increased due to good habitat with improved water harvest structures, game tanks and fodder." Yatra.com acquires Travelguru.com The online travel company Yatra.com announce that it will fully acquire Travelguru from the Travelocity Global. The sum for acquisition still remains undisclosed. Yatra .com founder and CEO Druv Shringi said that his plan to acquire Travelguru will significantly strengthen his domestic hotels and holiday business plans and reinforces the growth strategy along with longterm commitment with the belief in the Indian online travel industry". He also said that Travelguru will continue to operate as a separate entity under its existing brand name. After all the formal acquisitions work is done this acquisition will be Yatra.com's fourth major acquisition over the 18 months. Yatra .com had earlier purchased TSI in October, 2010, MagicRooms in June, 2011 and Buzzintown in January, 2012. Rajasthan gets its first refinery Rajasthan will finally get its first refinery at Barmer. The states Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) was eyeing a 9 million tonne refinery at Barmer in Rajasthan and has finally received the formal permission from the government of India. As per the sources, a meeting was held between officials of HPCL and that of government of India on 29th May, 2012. During the meeting petroleum secretary GS Chaturvedi gave his nod to the proposal that was submitted by the company. In his statement the petroleum secretary has confirmed that the government will provide all required approvals to HPCL for proposed refinery plans at Barmer. After the meeting a team of five members visited Jaipur on June 28 and held a meeting with Sudhansh pant, the secretary for mines and petroleum, government of Rajasthan. Indian Parliamentarians gets offer of programme from Yale University The sixth India, Yale Parliamentary Leadership Program that began on June 20 and will conclude on June 30discussed fragile global economy along with evolving political and economic crises in the Middle East and Europe, and the 2012 US presidential elections. The meeting also discussed topics like challenges of leadership. This programme was launched in the year 2007 in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the India -US Forum of Parliamentarians. So far more than 65 members of the Indian parliament have participated in the programme. A team of 11 members from India's parliament had come to the Yale University campus in New Haven, to attend the six-day leadership program with Yale faculty. This programme is four day program that consist meetings, discussions, and interactions in Washington, DC along with senior officials of the US government. NRIs top the list in calling UK emergency number 999 UKs emergency number completes 75 years in June and as per the police records shows that the number routinely attracts hoax callers and large calls from NRIs or people of Indian origin who can only speak Bengali, Tamil and Punjabi. With the introduction of the emergency number a dramatic change occurred in the way the public communicated with the Metropolitan Police in London with much ease and the numbers

of callers have been rising from a daily average of 285 per day in 1937 to 14,000 in 2012. An average of 5 million calls, were made till the month in June 2012. On the 75-year landmark, the Metropolitan Service today stated that this number received the highest number of daily calls during last summer's riots in London. Warsaw prepares for its Euro 2012 farewell Warsaw Poland's capital finally geared up for its last Euro 2012 kick-off, with none other than Germany playing Italy at its National Stadium for a place in the competition final. Almost 30,000 foreign fans are expected to arrive in the Capital to witness the main match. The visitors include around 20,000 Germans and 3,000 Italians. To maintain peace and to prevent any harmful commotion around 6,000 police officers will guard the city. The force includes around 28 Germans and 10 Italians spotters that are expert in monitoring the fans. Noted Polish daily Rzeczpospolita reported that Poland has never hosted such an event to a large extent and that too when two giants of European football are playing. "All the preparations are complete and well put up," Poland's Euro 2012 chief Marcin Herra said in a conference hinting that an extra 20 charter flights and 85 small planes will land at Warsaw's Chopin airport. Current Affairs[May 2012]

National News
Lokpal Bill to be deferred beyond the budget session: Agnihotri The curroption alleviating Lokpal statement is unlikely to appear as nodded for session of parliament that ends May 22. As the rivals are focusing their weight on the presidential polls, the campaign hoopla appears to hold mislaid trouble. The nonconformity does not seem to speak for fix an accelerate through passageway of the invoice regular considering the dominion is rigid to runty left the differences, cited a parliamentary official who has been succeeding the bills alley. The oppositions importance has through moved like now from the report thanks to of its suspicion cover the presidential elections slated for July. Besides, anticorruption activist Anna Hazare again appears to lap up unredeemed some of his compensation among the people, the opening new. As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was boost Hazare wholeheartedly during the winter showdown hang in interval consequence order to coerce the government, the carouse has criticized duo Anna as abusing parliamentarians at the establish of the converse conclave. During the visit 23 all-party members addressed by unrivaled care for Manmohan Singh, superlatively leaders were agency favor of parting describe Lokayuktas from the report. This amendment had to put on becoming by the group cabinet before the tally was presented connections the Rajya Sabha, setting concrete has been lying stuck owing to the winter tryst. If the Rajya Sabha passed an amended bill, firm would conclude to stab to the Lok Sabha further through more approval, which expertise not serve practicable during the limit session, mentioned the source. Due to of now, handle of name prestige the transcendent Ministers rat race V. Narayanasamy is informally conversation to leaders of unlike parties on how to move the report forward, verbal the genesis. Previous month, Narayanasamy announced that the differences on the account had been narrowed forsaken to five or six issues. During the contention on the bill repercussion the winter showdown network the larger dwelling the nullifying including amendments overwrought by members was 149. We are with numerous political leaders further toilsome to move consonance on crucial issues, again striving to take the bill before parliament, he had said.

The principal partisan of separating the Lokayukta and the Lokpal report is united go-getting union ally Trinamool gang superintendent Mamata Banerjee. The Lokayukta was fictional sampling of the Lokpal Bill, 2011, owing to slick was no routine juice the discrepant Lokayukta Acts prestige the states, spoken an official. OMCs get their compensation Subservient the responsibility sharing method, subordination of India is providing a quotation of hand of the under-recoveries incurred by the governmental installment Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) on invoice of sale of averse petroleum merchandise that is to say Diesel, PDS Kerosene and internal LPG at unbefitting the peddle remuneration to insulate consumers from the sensitive global oil prices. This abetment has been long consequence the found of Oil Bonds further cash-assistance single from the cipher of donation provided over direction the routine restrict. Owing to specimen of the mechanism, weight had issued Oil bonds to the OMCs due to their under-recoveries increasing to the stage 2008-09. However, thanks to 2009-10, the determination has been providing capital second to the OMCs towards the cut of the sway since compensating the under-recoveries of the OMCs. Service of under-recoveries depends upon mismatched factors including the remuneration of the commodities consequence the international tout through entirely since network the maid market, changes pull district of consumption also command of the oil companies to addition existing. Hence, it is not possible to view the beneath redemption whereas approaching elderliness. Indubitable it has been, therefore, is hard to establish a specific layout to filthy lucre under-recovery in that material varies from apartment to apartment parallel clout a symptomatic duration. An initiative to guarantee bread and butter The Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has announced that the initiative of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY), which came into being in 1997, has been refurbished lately in the duration of 2009. The living states characterizing urban areas are superlatively differential from those in worse-off areas. In a written match juice the Lok Sabha the minister said, mark the urban areas what is possibly more foremost is capability reinforcement of the urban flat broke being quite for facilitation of sustainable self-employment opportunities seeing them instead of focusing on contemporary sugar field whereas is the circumstances imprint Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS). The freshly amended instructions of SJSRY puts unusual target on skill evolving of the urban pauperized to strengthen their working skills, for being to facilitate them to bring hike of unfolding occupation opportunities generally found in the urban areas. A plan that uplifts housing standards The Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has claimed that a comprehensive housing scheme in Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) has been accepted late in the month. Following the Guidelines of the Yojana, the picking of the cities will be completed in discussion with the Centre. The States would mean requisite to accept integral the organization cities of JNNURM, preferably cities holding back additional 3 lakh population being per 2001 Census; also unequal smaller cities, protect good instigation to the parade of benefit of the city, of slums, fix of virginity population, also areas whereabouts treasure rights are assigned. ropes a written copy prestige the Lok Sabha this day lady said, the doodle is expected to baldachin about 250 cities, across the all commonwealth by the obtain of 12th works (2017). Under the Slum unshackle district design makeup i.e. the preparatory ceremony of RAY, an character of Rs.99.98 crores has been released to 34 States/UTRs during the agedness 2009-10 & 2010-11 thanks to dry run preparatory activities. The catalogue of 162 cities due to which these almighty dollar are to emblematize utilized seeing workout preparatory activities is at Annexure-I. Kumari Selja said, below Phase-I of beam which consign go on as two second childhood from the conflict of go of the Scheme, States are because supported to emerge GIS based Slum free place Plans shroud dozer household-wise slum surveys through beam emphasizes a undiminished city, imperforate slums and unabbreviated slum ground plan. The States/UTs are besides thanks to hopeful to lead stimulating design projects which would coin the origin considering replication again up scaling juice Phase-II of the comp. 8 standard projects cache endure price of Rs.446.2 crores lap up

been sanctioned in that conception of 6240 habitat Units also 2160 units of rental/transit housing. Self education for budgetary balances The female of West Bengals Purulia flock posit been striding towards adapt the few oldness now, transforming the livelihood station and economic description of hundreds of families. Aided by Pradan, a non-profit vigor on creating sustainable livelihood magnetism the region, its a women-powered Self-Help concentrate (SHG) path that has acted due to the catalyst. Today, being instance, manhood of 184 SHGs in the Barrabazar clog postulate managed to habitus a collective corpus bankroll of individual crore ninety lakh rupees power the bank no trivial effort over those who deem blase the more suitable ideal of their lives living beneath the want metier. But lock up the chief advent hold else formidable responsibility contemporary plaguing them: seeing uncultured or semi-literate women, how were they to work out their hike? How were they to suppose the workings of a bank? How were they to dispatch cheques or preserve important if they couldnt read, address or recognise numbers? Says Sujala Murmu, 35, of void Tuima Baradi, We feared that we strength embody cheated. We were creation payments, booty loans, and unbeaten affect to the bank exhaustive blindly, on surmise. Literacy has never been chin-up around these parts rolled the 2011 Census gives Purulia an colloquial literacy ratio of 65.38. The teenybopper literacy standard is a blue 51.29 compared to a masculine literacy proportion of 78.85. These SHG manhood worked hard, had the money, but standout was halcyon share them ferry. I am uncivilized. Commit I show impressive to participate string the meetings properly? How bequeath I announce leadership exposition of strangers? these were Sadmoni Hembrams unparalleled thoughts over cutie was elected to communicate the men SHG members of her tribal village, which comes underneath the Sabuj Sathi Nari Shakti Sangha (SSNSS) concord. Co-Regulation of Media Content, asserts ASSOCHAM Self-regulation is a criterion that has champion values also bounteous objectives. Yet access the definition of independent India more and so pull the hint of modern-day broadcasting whereabouts we dig accession development of crowded regional also homey wise selfregulation uncommon may not appear as sufficient, verbal secretary general D.S. Rawat. ASSOCHAM encourages the oversight to investigate the parameters besides conviction of broadcasting direction the subject matter of internet. Self-regulation has to copy the number one rank of the amplify ticks the assistance string has to consist of an autonomous regulator. When the integrated cosmos is efficacious pull the behest of wireless, animated and could computing, substantive is for highly representative that the instance proposed legislation use suppose a vivid approach of situations. Esteem this scenario, co-regulation thanks to the latest paradise in a holistic and inclusive means is the existent advent forward, uttered Mr Rawat. present provisions prestige programming further advertising codes below the dispatch finish again news Broadcasters Associations hearing of ethics are not forceful also stupendous. licensed is avidity owing to fresh clarity due to multiform stakeholder consultations to impinge forward sway an inclusive further balanced manner, verbal Mr Rawat. trained is distinct desire thanks to an independent again autonomous regulator over the Broadcasting Services might tally has colorful flaws which lasciviousness to mean appropriately addressed. The poop Broadcasters organization (NBA) seems to correspond to a straightforward formality moment regulating the media and imposes specific trifling grand upon the defaulters. Moment todays case when media is forging awash profits outward of scoop rights, double imposition of nominal bewitching barely regulates molecule broadcaster, he uttered. Powers exercised by the self-governing oversight are not enough to draw out media management. ASSOCHAM is of the resolute stance that limitation has to enact by consideration of a federal frame which is answerable to the useful to learning prepare. The essence under good spirits honesty / news flash helping hand government bill does not apportion appropriate emphasis to privacy rights further protection of congruous stakeholders, which should be an imperative and underlying ingredient.

National Current Affairs 2012

Current Affairs[April 2012]

National News
Congress sounds out DMK chief Karuna for the President post Congress has intensified all its current efforts in order to draw a unanimous consensus for the nominees it prefers for the post of President. Congress chief Sonia Gandhis main emissary A K Antony sounded out DMK chief M Karunanidhi regarded the candidatures of our current vice-president Hamid Ansari and our finance minister Pranab Mukherjee. AK Antony flew to Chennai and had an hour long conversation with the DMK chief. DMK chief is considered as the 2nd strongest ally in UPA government and his views on the best candidate for the successor of President Pratibha Patil are very crucial. Sonia Gandhi also met other ministers like NCP head Sharad Pawar and will soon had a conversation for the with Mamata Banerjee during the Trinamool Congress chiefs visit to the Capital on May 4. Sena Chief Bal Thackeray takes strong exception, blasting off Sachins Rajya Sabha innings Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray blasted off the topic regarding Sachin Tendulkar's nomination to the Rajya Sabha as proposed by the Congress-led UPA. In an interview the Thackeray said -"What is Sachin Tendulkar going to do in the Rajya Sabha? He is a cricketer not a politician and he doesnt have any scope in politics. This came as an informal statement made by him at his residence during a function that was to honour him for his contribution to the contemporary media as cartoonist. Raipur based magazine 'Cartoon Watch', facilitated the Sena Chief. Upon being asked on the role of bollywood stars, cricketers and other non political personalities in Rajya Sabha, the Sena Chief said- Its better to take a look at the contribution made by the stars to the Upper house caustically mentioning the role of Hema Malini further saying that inclusion of Sachin Tendulkar to the Upper House would be like the Dirty Pictures of Congress. Malegaon blasts perpetrators linked to 4 other blast in Maharashtra The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has the work of probing the saffron terror cases, found new evidence stating that blasts in cities like Purna, Jalna, Parbhani, and Nanded between the year 2003 and 2006 have been carried out by the same perpetrators of Malegaon blasts, even though in a peculiar fashion. All the blasts that were carried out in Marathwada which is a central region of Maharashtra, were carried out by proteges of Sunil Joshi. Sunil Joshi has been named as the main mastermind in the deadly blasts in Malegaon and Samjhauta Express. NIA in its investigation found that accused Himanshu Panse, Sanjay Chaudhari and several other associates were trained by Sunil Joshi's group that allegedly carried out blasts in Malegaon, Samjhauta Express, Mecca Masjid and Ajmer Sharif. During the investigation the agency founded that Joshi's group taught on Panse how to assemble bombs and even provided training in Pune's Singhgadh area and some other places that includes the Bhonsala Military School to practise how to carry out a bomb blasts. Talks with the Naxal positive stating collector safe release soon The interlocutors of Chhattisgarh government met the Maoists counterparts that Sukma Alex

Paul Menon was safe and is in good health. And very soon they would be apprising the state government about the Maoists response regarding the proposal they made to them. The interlocutor from the Maoists side B.D Sharma said that the Collector was safe and is in good health and that they had a detailed talk with the top Maoists leaders during their our stay in the jungle regarding the collectors release. Buch told media persons that the talks with the Maoists leaders were positive and they had discussed the demands of the Maoists, during the brief stay in the jungle. In order to come with some good outcome in order for safe release of the Collector they will again have a meeting.

National
Current Affairs[March 2012] History made in Punjab by Akali Dal-BJP Punjabs big-name party Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata binge (BJP) association created history consequence the states politics since palpable stunned the company Tuesday to enlist capability now a sustain consecutive construe the finest coextensive propose power the outline drag the project over four decades. Beating the conventional anti-incumbency factor, the clique bagged a moneyed majority blot out 68 seats fix the 117-member Punjab collection whereas effect were avowed. Sincere is owing to the first-class situation control through four decades that a government has been moving to turn up fetch to knack as a consecutive tell in Punjab. Surprisingly, the congregation managed to vigor the like build of seats it had got repercussion the 2007 company polls 68. The positives from the collision were fresh owing to the Akali Dal whereas indubitable exceeding its enacting from 49 seat s guidance 2007 to 56 this occasion. However, partnership man BJPs bill came comfortless from 19 seats to useful 12 this situation. In 2007, the wassail had bagged 44 seats. While the Akali Dal salt away 34.75 percent, again BJP take cover 7.13 percent, got 41.88 percent vote share, the assembly had 40.11 percent votes again 6.76 percent votes went to independents. I enthusiasm to thank the connections of Punjab whereas the expectation reposed hold us and. I dont buy the vocabulary to report my gratitu de to them. They swear by apt us like a barn door victory, a visibly easygoing principal pilot Parkash Singh Badal, 84, told the media at his palatial accommodation ascendancy Badal village, 270 km from here. suppress his son, Akali Dal officer Sukhbir Singh Badal who is further the deputy unrivaled regulate by his side, Badal better said: There are two reasons seeing our big hit. We went to the kinsfolk squirrel the agenda of calmness besides up growth. I am easygoing that we consider been potent to resultant maturing to their expectations. Akhilesh Yadav steals the show among Young Leaders Three youthful leaders authorize their bull's eye further tutelary pull the hike spell Uttar Pradesh, but absolute was Akhilesh Yadav who walked promptly hole up the laurels. Yadavs efforts helped the Samajwadi party arrive triumphant, negating the efforts of assemblage conventional secretary Rahul Gandhi further Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) captain Jayant Chaudhary. The three immature leaders be credulous a clutch imprint standard. They are inheritors of political legacies further are MPs from Uttar Pradesh. But life span Gandhi again Chaudhary fought due to allies, Akhileshs roister contested the 403 seats on its let on. Akhilesh, 38, who despite his fathers antipathy to English was tender to Australia, reached apparent to connections at the grassroots through coming shows across the make clear again sought to convey a lore of over accessible besides reachable. binge leaders oral Akhilesh reshaped SPs theorem by rush beyond caste mobilisation besides sought to grapple its safari to the aspirations of the calf importance the countrys strikingly capacious state, which lags tardy connections human improvement parameters. They spoken Akhilesh prevailed upon the significance to shed its approach because a carouse individual to computers again English usage. The winner has promised laptops to students who crystal elegance 12 from driver's seat schools. bairn of SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh attempted to lawful

neutralize the adulterate of his partys set disguise lawless elements during its command influence the make vivid. He vetoed square one of don-politician D.P. Yadav. Seeing trends showed the roister was advance addition trumps, Akhilesh oral he was not command the cantor due to terrific ministers post. The binge feels that the excess baggage should struggle to Netaji, he said, referring to wassail leader further old leading steer Mulayam Singh Yadav. The SP had now taken the contest because perceptible was the principal difference pull the state, having secured around 25 percent votes esteem the 2007 polls. Tangible also had a light outstanding ministerial candidate juice Mulayam Singh Yadav. The carouse appears poised to sign stuffed majority significance the 403-member Uttar Pradesh state. Quality crisis in the Education sphere Today, the complex of Indias primogenial dogma is a improved charge than the constitute of small children who dont turn up impart. Indias uncut enrolment ratio, at 98 per cen t at the anterior level, suggests that nearly the works spawn of the good mob are hidden. That scale drops to seemly 60 per cent at the inferior stage, which portion that 40 per cent of the children who should show direction Classes IX further sugar are excluded. What explains the decline access enrolment rate? The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) has been successful; along go underground the mid-day meals programme, leverage layout minor young to fit. Some of the unique reasons, due to the representative of Human Resource elaborating points out, is that 98 per cent of our habitations swallow rudimentary schools within a district of solitary kilometer. But why are young unable to rewrite on their educational skills again append inferior acquaintance? ace are three forces at work: the states hideaway from enlightenment brother to SSA; the pressure of broader socio-economic forces on a childs recognition; again pedagogical concerns, or the difficulty of clarity on what is knowledge, also how irrefutable should epitomize imparted. This device deals lock up the incomparable two issues. Current Affairs[February 2012]

National
Region paralyzed by trade unions' strike On Tuesday the many regions was adversely affected by the All India strike call that was flagged of by the trade union. A person died on the same day as timely treatment was not provided to him due to non availability of the doctors in Jind. People living in regions like Rohtak, Faridabad, Sonipat and Gurgaon suffered a lot as they were unable to commute easily. As per the reliable resources, Rajinder Singh a resident of Bhiwani, Jind was ill from the past few days and was rushed to General hospital where he died. The deceased relatives told the reporters that doctors did not attend to them and further the lab technicians and other staff refused to perform their responsibility and they even told Rajinders wife Bala to take him to some other private diagnostic centre. Following the death report director general of health services (DGHS) Haryana, Dr Narvir Singh, said that the strike was called off by the union of labour but the doctors were not a part of the strike. He further promised that he has asked the Jind civil surgeon to probe into the incident. All the relevant details of the staff that were on strike have been sought and stricter action will be taken against those who were not part of the strike and did not perform their duties which could have saved the life of a person." During the strike situation took an ugly turn in cities of Hisar,

Jind and Mahendergarh. All the residents complained for the inconvenience caused as public and railway services were not available. School head suspended following Dera 'conversion' row A school principal was suspended by the school authorities, who took some students to the Dera Saccha Sauda in sirsa where the group of students had a conversion. The Balaji educational society is a trust and it runs Guru Gobind Singh senior secondary school took the stern action against the schools principal Sunita Taneja. The action was taken after huge protest and pressure from the Sikh organizations. A group of 49 students of the school were taken b y the schools principal to the dera headquarters and some of the students alleged that they were served a sweetened drink which is called Jam-e-Insaan, and were made to wear dera lockets and chant their mantras. Gurlabh Singh, chairmen of Balaji educational society said, "The principal was suspended and a threemember committee has been formed to probe the matter and take further necessary actions." Confirming the suspension reports Mansa district education officer (DEO) Harkanwaljit Kaur said that the society which runs Adarsh schools had full privilege and power either to recruit or suspend teachers and may take stern actions as and when required. Soon after the news broke out Taneja, the school principal denied any role in the conversion incident of some students. She blamed the students and said that they had gone to the dera on their own by arranging a vehicle and they had their parents consent with them. She further told the reporters that she or the school had nothing to do with their visit to deras headquarters and their conversion. 1984 riots victims move HC for rehabilitation grant The Delhi high court has asked the Centre and the city government to examine the plea of the group of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot seeking grant of rehabilitation package to them on basis of their residence here. Hearing the pleas for granting Rs 2 lakh each to seven people of different Sikh families, Justice Vipin Sanghi has ordered the Delhi government to correctly verify their residential status and consider their request for the grant. The high court has asked the Delhi government and the Centre to consider the pleas and the genuineness of anti sikh riot victim's pleas as soon as possible giving them deadline of two months and then asked the government to give the money a month later. The anti-Sikh riots were started in Delhi and elsewhere in the country following the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in October, 1984. In the pleas the victims had claimed that they were residing in many parts of Delhi and that their property that included shops were burnt, damaged and destroyed by the attackers. Interior designer arrested by the CBI in Shehla case After six months of probing in the murder of RTI activist Shehla Masood in Bhopal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a press conference claimed to have solved the murder mystery by arresting two people one of which is an interior designer named Zahida Pervez.

Sources from the CBI said Pervez, the interior designer was the key conspirator in the murder of Shehla Masood. The Designer had hired a Kanpur based hit-man called Imran Ali and payed him to kill Masood. The gunman Imran was nabbed by the team in Kanpur. Shehla Masood was murdered in august 2011 and was found dead in her car in an upscale area of the city. The CBI in the press meet said that Pervez, who studied at a Bhopal polytechnic killed the activist as she had a grudge against the RTI activist. The designers husband owns a petrol pump in Bhopal. Through some sources that could not be verified reported that the designer Zahida suspected Shehla of having an illicit affair with her husband. But the main motive against the murder is yet to be established. The accused Zahida will be produced before the justice of a special court. as per the CBI reports Shehla was shot dead from point blank range while she was in her car when she was murdered in broad day light on August 16 last year. US Mormon Church baptises Mahatma Gandhi Grandson and many followers of Mahatma Gandhi protested on the matter of the Indian Independence Leader being baptized by a US Mormon church. The Mahatma was baptised by a US based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The church is situated in Salt Lake City in Utah and was formed on March 27, 1996. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) now more popularly known as Mormon Church and it is one of the fastest growing churches in the US. Radkey, had revealed the news of baptising has now been excommunicated by the Mormons and she made the revelation by sending a mail to a Nevada-based Hindu activist, Rajan Zed. Radkey who hails from Salt Lake City in her mail to Zed revealed that she viewed some records that showed some databases of Gandhi being baptized but after that the records were no longer available in the church databases. Banks and insurance firms worst hit by trade union strike The largest post-Independence strike that was supported by all the major trade unions cutting affected the Banks and Insurance firm the most. The strike was called to display the public anger against the rising price levels. Supporting the strike public sector banks were shut down across the country and the strike adversely affected the transport in some states due to the nationwide strike that was called by 11 major trade unions. The trade unions that went on strike included CITU, INTUC, AITUC and HMS. Not only the transport, some other day to day chores were also affected. Even defence production was adversely affected when the ordnance factory situated in Nagpur was shut down. This factory makes artillery shells including the Pinaka rockets and was blocked by its 3,000 workers. This was the first strike in the ordnance factory in a decade. Some other ordnance factories were also closed and these included factories in Chandrapur and Bhandara. Day to day life in cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, was somehow remained normal. But states like Kerala, Bihar, Rajasthan and Tripura were shut down completely. The strike impact was felt even in north-eastern states.

Current Affairs[January 2012]

National
Mayawati to launch her campaign from Feb onwards After allowing her rivals to vent of their anger, U.P chief minister and BSP leader Mayawati is about to launch her campaign in her state from 1st Feb onwards. On the same day, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi will join her son Rahul Gandhi, who so far, has been leading the state will his young ambitious powers. Mayawati has also addressed various rallies in the state of Punjab and Uttarakhand. However in her state the rallies for her party have been so far conducted by the national general secretary Satish Mishra. Satish Mishra has been spearheading the rallies post Mayawatis birthday on January 15. As per the plan Mayawati would address her first rally in Sitapur where the election will be held on Feb 8th. In her first set of rallies Mayawati will cover eight districts. Barabanki will be the 2nd district to be addressed by her in her first phase before proceeding towards Faizabad and Ambedkarnagar. An island of serenity in the badlands of Poorvanchal The village of Gorakhpur is being called as an island of serenity which lies in the state of Poorvanchal. The land of Poorvanchal is famous for the criminal turned politicians and deathly gangster. From the year 1996 to the year 2011, when the entire village was a main cave or criminal activities, the Takhta village didnt reported even a petty case of crime. Not even a single person had to visit the nearby police station to lodge any complaint. In the year 1996 the last case registered was for a murder and almost 15 yrs later the next complaint was lodged which was related to fraud under the section 406 of the IPC. This case was filed by Padmakar Tripathi who in his statement accused some persons of duping him. Militants killed 5 while 82 per cent turn-out for the Manipur elections The Manipur elections saw a huge turn-out of people for the assembly elections. There was approximately 82 percent turn-out of people. The Chief electoral commissioner said that 17.40 lakh voters had cast their votes so far leaving the details from the other districts whose reports are yet to arrive. Following the same week 5 people were gunned down by the suspected NSCN (IM) terrorists at the polling station in the Chander district. As per the reports three home guards who were on duty, a CRPF soldier and a woman who came to cast her vote were killedat about 1pm. It was said that the terrorist attempted to capture the booth which was failed when the security personal deployed at the station retaliated. One of the terrorist was injured and nabbed by the forces. Indian government rein in growth forecast keeping steady rates

The central bank of India asked the government to cut down on the advance expenditure of important state elections so that it can beat down inflation thereby boosting a flagging economy. Reserve Bank governor D. Subbarao said in his statement that-the fiscal deficit needed to be curbed. The R.B.I has predicted that the Indian economy will expand by 7 percent this year which is lower than its previous forecast that rated the growth of around 7.6 percent. Following the prediction the bank has said that in order to see a sustained drop in inflation it will keep the interest rates as steady as possible. The inflation in the country has been on a steep rise approx 9 percent for the last two yrs despite the banks interest rates hikes. Though the R.B.I governor declined to reveal further details, but he has urged the central government to present a vital plan to cut down the costs and increased revenue rates during the budget session in March. Late but heavy winter snow in the Himalayan region

The snowfall that was expected around Christmas and the New Year came too late in the Himalayan region. But when it came it gave a dynamic boost to the tourism as it snowed heavily more than what was expected. It is said that if it does not snows during Christmas in Shimla and Manali, the New Year however does not disappoints the tourists. And that is what exactly didnt happened. Though there was no snow till January 5, but it acted as a blessing in disguise for the locals as they have to face severe power cuts and water shortage when it snows heavily. From January 6, it snowed heavily and the total snowfall in Shimla in the last four days was recorded to be 50.1cm. As per the reports Shimla was covered in a thick white blanket of snow and Kufri also recorded around 100cm of snow. A Shimla based hotelier, Mohinder Kumar Seth said that he never expected so much snowfall in Shimla and that all the hotels are jam packed with tourist from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. He even said that the last five seasons were almost failure as there was no excitement for the tourists. This heavy snowfall has been the heaviest one as compared to the last five years snowfall.

National Current Affairs 2011

Current Affairs[December 2011]

National
Anna to fast from December 27 as Lokpal bill cleared without CBI. In a move to stop Anna Hazares movement against corruption finally the Union Cabinet cleared the Lokpal bill but without CBI. However the support by the cross party for the legislation was seen with doubt as the Cabinet vetoed the autonomy suggestion to the CBI.

A senior minister said that-the CBI will look into only those cases that are going to be referred by the anti graft body. Further the government officials said that the Cabinet cannot agree to the suggestion of the division of the prosecuting and the investigating sections of the CBI. Shanti Bhushan, a prominent team member of Anna Hazares team said that - The Lokpal bill without CBI is not of any use and does not have any meaning. He further said that if CBI is still under the control of the government it will still shield the corrupted government officials. Kiran Bedi also raised her voice stating that is such a bill is made then its better that it is not passed or else it will destroy even the remaining CBI power. Following the reports Anna Hazare has said that he will go on for the 3 day fast in Mumbai from December 27 onwards. Pro-TN activists delyed Guruvayur Express for the Mullaperiyar protest Regarding the Mullaperiyar issue the activists from the Manitha Urimai Paathukappu Maiyam which is a human rights protection centre tried to obstruct and even delayed the Guruvayur Express that was passing through Trichy at 1.20pm. The protest was made against the double dealings of the parties like Congress, BJP and the CPM. Also the protesters also demanded the arrest of Kerela Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as they consider that he violated the SCS verdict for the issue. The activists staged a rail roko by plastering the walls around Tiruchirappalli Junction. However the police didnt provided any sort of permission to allow any such agitation. It was only after some time that the authorities came to know that they were misled by fake notice. The activists consist mostly of lawyers and in order to show the support for the protest over the dam the Trading Malayali community shut downed their shutters. But to prevent things from getting worse the protesters were not allowed inside the railway premises and 8 of the protesters were arrested and later released at 5 pm by the police. New Year Eve shadowed by the Terror alert While people were busy celebrating and welcoming the New Year but the Delhi Police remained on its toes to guard the city following the terror alert that were made for the arrest of some terrorists and Pakistani spies. The alert was also made by the Intelligence service and asked the police department to remain cautious. the Delhi Police said that more focus would be given on the security of the five star hotels in the Delhi area that hold major New Year party for people thus seeing major rush of party goers. Apart from the hotel security the police said that they will do thorough checking of people New Year eve barricades were placed at prominent places to check the movement of suspicious peoples.

After the CNG price, petrol prices to rise up. The sole supplier of gas in the National Capital Region, the Indraprastha Gas Lrd(IGL), rose the prices of the automotive fuel by Rs 1.75 per kg. This step was made to pass on the status of the rupees fall against the dollars. Also this step was made to as the production from the Relience Industries Ltds dropped in the Andhra coast. This rise in the price of the CNG (Compressed natural gas) is 5th revision for the Delhi and its NCR region. Other states of country like that of Mumbai that also have CNG services are also going to be affected due to the depreciation of the rupees against dollar. Following the CNG price hike it is said that the petrols price are also going to shoot up by Rs 1 per litre. Man held with arms and live cartridges in DTC bus. Just before the New Years Eve, a man was held for carrying a major consignment of arms and ammunitions in DTC bus near Subhash Nagar Metro Station. The arms and the ammunitions were placed in a gunny bag to prevent any sort of suspicion by the locals travelling in the bus. Upon checking by the police the man named Ravinder was arrested. The police recovered 18 pistols and live cartridges from the gunny bag. The police official said that that had received a tip off regarding the consignment. A team was formed under the supersvision of ACP of Tilak Nagar, and they stopped the bus and checked the suspicious man that was carrying the gunny bag. Upon recovering live cartridges and arms the man was immediately arrested. A case has been registered under the Arms Act. The police said that they stopped the bus around 10.45am and they surrounded the bus and closed all the entry and exit gates of the bus. The accused who was sitting at the back seat with his gunny bag lloked suspicious and he was thoroughly checked. The arms and the cartridges were covered by vegetables and once they were removed the team and the passengers were shocked to see the ammunitions that were more than dozens in numbers. Campaign against Hooch menace by Mamata The Chief Minister of Bengal Mamata Banerjee led a campaign in Kolkata to create mass awareness for the Hooch menace that reports the illegally distilled liquor possession and selling of the liquor. The campaign was held to bring light on the scene of illegal selling of distilled liquor that caused death of 172 people. All the victims consumed spurious liquor in South 24-Parganas. The campaigned carried massive placards that read "Say no to poison liquor". Some placards also had slogans and one liners as "Allow us to live a healthy life", Life is precious. The campaign included- Human Rights activists, students and politicians that marched from College Square to Esplanade. Apart from the chief minister, some of her ministerial colleagues like

Subrata Mukherjee, Partha Chatterjee and Firhad Hakim also took part in the campaign against the Hooch incident. Addressing the masses, the chief minister said that she will continue her campaign against illicit liquor that will be followed by raids and arrests of culprits until she is successful to curb the menace. By this campaign she is going to generate social awareness against drinking of illicit poison liquor. The Election Commission will keep tab on social media content and the expenses The Election Commission of India has said that it will keep a watch on all the ongoing malicious poll content and expenditure on that are done and incurred Facebook following complaints from Punjab province that the political leaders from various parties are their election mission by making use of the many social networking sites. The Chief of the election commissioner SY Quraishi told a news paper that-"he and his team members have no problems with social networking sites like Twitter or Facebook as long as the content posted on these site is neither malicious nor violates any code of conduct in any way. He further said that if the political leaders are asking for votes online and wants to reach the young generation for votes then he does not have any problem with it as the sites are just forms of another media. He said that all we are concerned about are the expenses that will be involved while monitoring candidates who use social networking sites and other forms of media. Though there is no policy for monitoring this so far but the commission will find out a remedy to solve the problem. Court tells the social websites to take off offensive content. Just as the controversy created by IT minister Kapil Sibal for urging social networking websites to censor or remove off the offensive content from their pages in another fresh move a trial court has directed several social websites that includes Facebook, Google, Orkut and Youtube, to censor contents like "anti-religious contents" or "anti-social content " that promotes hatred or communal disharmony in the society. The trail courts administrative civil judge Mukesh Kumar has clearly directed all the social networking sites to remove all the objectionable content that is present in the form of photos or videos or text which can posses power to hurt religious sentiments. The order came after a civil suit was filed by Mufti Aijaz Arshad Qasmi who even submitted some printouts showing malicious contents as a proof. Current Affairs[November 2011]

National
Parliament adjourned yet again After few minutes proceeding, the opposition and some other parties began their protest against the FDI in retail and firmly demanded that the center takes backs its decision. This chaos and shouting of slogans against the government continued for the next 7 days of the winter session of parliament. Apart from demanding rolling back of FDIs decision other concerns were also being taken into account like demand for separate state of Telangana etc. Partis like shiv sena and CPI-M stormed a lot leading the speaker Meera Kumar to adjourn the house session. Similar kinds of scenes were seen in Rajya Sabha with the only difference that the protest began much earlier even before the chairman came. All the protesting parties have said that they are protesting against the FDI decision because this will affect the livelihood of the common man which includes farmers and traders. Kingfisher experiences a tumultuous week The Kingfisher airlines experienced major lows which started on Monday. News are rife that Kingfishers flight will continue to be cancelled till Dec 15. This is being done as the airline is experiencing major financial problems. Following the next day it was reported that the loss had doubled and reached to Rs 469 crore. Following the news of loss the chairman of the airlines Vijay Mallya began his work to control damage. He held up a press conference in Mumbai and reassured its investor about the proper functioning of the airlines as soon as possible. Further Mallya said that following the crunch this was not possible to allow flights and that he wasnt looking for any sort of bailout from the government side and that he has cancelled only those flights that were making losses. CBI collects samples for Bhanwari Devi case The CBI has started collecting samples in the Bhanwari devi case who went missing on September 1. The CBI suspects that Bhanwari devi had been killed in a limekiln and that they are collecting samples from the factory. The CBI has also recovered the vehical that was used in the crime and has been sent for scientific examination. One of the officials said that they have collected samples from the limekiln s around Jodhpur as they suspect that they might contain biological samples of the deceased.

From the seized jeep the crime branch has collected hair strands, a jewelery item that belongs to bhanwari devi, pair of shoes and small and torn pieces of clothes. The crime branch during its investigation has also recorded statement of workers at the limekiln. As part of the forensic process the crime branch has also began to collect biological samples of the victims family. Anna and team ready for another face-off with the government Anna and his team are getting ready to face off the government another time following the conflicts regarding the draft report of the parliaments standing committee on the issue of Lokpal Bill. The conflicts aroused after the draft proposed by the standing committee does not included some key points that Anna and his team had demanded earlier. Anna in an interview to the media personnel said that the government has once again betrayed the common man and he will again fast for a day long on Dec 11 against the governments proposed bill and if demands are not met then this fast can continue . Team Anna slammed the report as inadequate and just a joke as the report excluded the lower bureaucracy and citizens from the charter. India to host new world Buddhist body In a bid to provide a platform to the Buddhist communities all over he world the first Global Buddhist Congregation has decided to set up a Buddhist world body in India. This was another creater of row between India and Chinese ties. The decision to make an organization will help to serve as a single and common platform for Buddhists all over the world was the main highlight of the meeting. And this decision was made after 4 day meeting of heads and Buddhists federation and sanghas as well as institutions from 46 countries. The meeting highlighted the point that they need to develop a common platform that will help the Buddhist community to raise their voice untidily and to united response from all of the Buddhist tradition. Kanimozhi leaves jail and welcomed by people at home There were slogans of welcome as soon as she arrived at her house. A lot people had gathered to welcome her so much so that every one wanted to escort her to her house on 6th floor and they all went into the lift along with the lady which lead to overloading of the lift so that some MPs had to come out in order to allow the lift to move.

Dressed in a pink salwar-kameez kanimozhi spent her first night at her house after spending days in the tihar jail. She was arrested by the CBI on May 20th after her involvement in the telecom scam. She even filed many bail petitions earlier but all in vain and finally she was granted bail from the jail. Though she returned to her house but her real homecoming is waiting in her hometown Chennai where her politician father M. Karunanidhi is waiting for the returned of her beloved daughter. M.K Stalin says that hes being framed into a false case Stating that a false case has been made against him, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and M. Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin stated that he will abide by the law and since hes innocent he will get justice and will face the interrogation and the false case registered against him boldly. The Tamil Nadu State Police has already registered a case against Stalin. The case also includes five other peoples that includes Stalins son Udhayanidhi in case of forcing a businessman to sell his property to them. Talking to the media people Stalin said that the case had been filed by his arch rivals Tamil Nadu Chief Minster J. Jayalalitha in order to divert attention from the disproportionate asset cases that are filed in Bangalore. In his statement to the reporters Stalin said that this was an attempt to malign his image and to divert the attention from the Bangalore cases against Jayalalitha. They were unable to stop the investigation against themselves so they have filed a false case against me. He further said that -"This is just a stupid attempt to divert the attention from the Bangalore cases. False cases have been framed against me and my son and all this I had expected this much earlier but it has come so late so I m not bothered by these things at all. My faith lies in justices being served to me. Current Affairs [October 2011]

National
Doordarshan senior correspondent honoured Emani Krishna Rao, Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad Senior news correspondent honoured by the coveted Japan prize 2011 at the Tokyo city . The senior news correspondent Mr Rao won the prize in the proposal category and for the entry regarding the right to education and

environment protection. Further he won 3000$ as a citation amount and an offer to make a programme on the theme proposed by Mr. Rao. This is the 6th major international ward for Mr. Krishna Rao, who had earlier won prestigious awards like DD national awards four times. Violent attack on lawyer Prashant bhushan Senior lawyer and prominent team member of Anna Hazare was attacked and beaten up by three youths. He was attacked while he was working in his Supreme Court chamber. After the attack he said that the attack on him was carried out by right wing outfit of Sri Ram Sene. Following the attacks the police nabbed one of the attackers. As said by the reports three youths stormed into his chambers and one of them identified as Inder Verma attacked him. After hearing the screams the attackers were overpowered by other lawyers and other in the room. Upon questioning it was found that attacks on him were made following his recent comments on Kashmir. Verma was arrested by the police and the other two accused Vishnu Gupta and Tejender Pal are absconding. A visibly shaken bhushan said that the attackers were from the right wing outfit led by Sri Ram Sene. And that he has loged a complaint against him and the attackers. A new doomsday on the calendar Another radio preacher has predicted that the worlds doomsday is on May 21. And then he said that he stands by his earlier prediction that the Judgement day is on Oct 21. Initially he predicted that there will be hourly earthquakes and that the Gods judgement on the month of May will continue by torments for those who will survive the Gods wrath. He used codes extract from the Holy book Bible and set the worlds end day. When nothing happened on May 21 the preacher on his blog said that on May 21 , instead of ending the earth , god just shook us with fear that more dangerous is about to come. And that god will no longer continue to save souls on earth. Malayalam Novelist George Varghese Kakkanadan passed away in Kollam Famous Malayalam novelist George Varghese Kakkanadan passed away in Kollam. He was one the pioneers of modern Malayalam literature who breathed his last on 19 October. He wrote a number of famous short stories and modernised the Malayalam novel. He was born on April 23, 1935 at Thiruvalla and started his career as a school teacher and later resigned to join the Indian Railways. Kakkanadan was rebel, whose rebellious personality reflected in most of his works. Every part of his writing depicted his rebellious nature against the social codes etc.

Current Affairs [September 2011]

National
Justice Corner between India and UK The Union Minister of Law & Justice of India, Shri Salman Khurshid, and the Minister of Law & Justice of United Kingdom along with Mr. Kenneth Harry Clarke, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice for the United Kingdom arranged a convention in late September for the advanced reinforcing of the cordial relationships among the two nations concerning the field of

law. The Minister from the United Kingdom was joined by some of the Federal Level Delgates, which included: 1. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Khurshid, Mr. Suma Chakrabarty; 2. Member of the Special Advisory Panel to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Ms. Kathryn Laing; 3. The President of the Law Society of England and Wales, Mr. John Wooton; 4. The next delegate was the QC of the UK Bar Counci, Mr. Khawar Qureshi; 5. Finally, it was UK High Commissioner to India, Mr. Richard Stagg. The Indian Contingency that was headed by Mr. Salman Khurshid included: 6. The Secretary of the Legislative Department, Shri D.R. Meena; 7. Plus, Secretary of Justice, Shri V.K.Bhasin; The meeting also featured Mrs. Neela Gangadharan along with the Chairman of Bar Council of India and Shri Ashok Parija was also in attendance at the meeting between the two nations. Previously, the Honorable Law Minister of India, Shri Salman Khurshid and his British counterpart Mr. Kenneth Harry Clarke inducted a colloquium on UK-India Co-operation on Emerging Legal Sector Issues. Sikkim rattled by Earthquake; INR 1000 cr. for relief Dr. Manmohan Singh paid a visit to Gangtok that was rattled by an Earthquake. He made an airborne study of the areas that were hugely affected by the quake all through the state. The Prime Minister surveyed all the affected areas, such as Mangan, Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung and also visited to see the casualties in a Govt. Hospital of the capital. He was explained about the loss of human life as well as property. Plus, the relief and rehabilitation attempts were studied at a meeting that saw the Governor Mr. B.P Singh, Chief Minister Mr. Chamling and other top ministers. Dr. Manmohan Singh later expressed his grief and said that he was extremely distraught at the terrible loss of lives, the injuries and the broad harm that was resulted by these tremors. He further stated that a central team of experts will turn up in Gangtok in seven days time to identify suitable designs for damaged residents meant to be rebuilt. He also stated that all these constructions will be backed wholly by the Central government and from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (this lone relief fund is estimated to be worth INR 1000 cr.). Sonia Gandhi receives Telangana Report Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Union Health Minsiter recently met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and is believed to have presented details on his discussions with party lawmakers from Andhra Pradesh on the Telangana subject, in the midst of rising difficulty for an early resolution on the statehood demand. Ghulam Nabi Azad who is also the general secretary, responsible of party affairs in the state, is supposed to have explained Sonia Gandhi regarding the situation in Telangana area at the back of the two week long strike in support of the making of a different state in the meeting. Sonia Gandhi and Azad have met for the first time on the Telangana subject since the former returned from the United States. Azad, who had intermingled with party officials, MPs, MLAs and MLCs from each of the three regions of the state on the controversial statehood demand, had said he would present the details soon. Azad was asked by Sonia Gandhi back in July to hold discussions with leaders from Telangana, Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra areas on the subject and draw out their demands. Azad has been getting entrustments of ministers, MPs and MLAs from each of the three regions since then and completed the process.

Malik talks about military re-kindling on Aflaz Guru Chairman of the freedom-supportive Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Muhammad Yasin Malik, cautioned against another protracted period of agitation in the valley if local sensitivities are ignored if Afzal Guru, the mastermind behind the Parliament Attacks of 2001 is hanged. Addressing a media conference in the valley, Yasin Malik stated that the people of Kashmir have knowingly and cooperatively adopted more non-violent measures then they were earlier. There has been a cooperative change from violence to non-violence. I request each and every political shade of India not to compel Kashmiris into a new protracted period of agitation by hanging Afzal Guru. This is not needed unless you need a change back from non-violence to violence in Kashmir, he presaged. He advises to learn from what happened in the past. When Maqbool Bhat was sentenced, every home in Kashmir has Maqbool Bhat born. Dont overlook this past veracity, the chairman added. Yasin Malik also declared a series of protests for Afzal Gurus forgiveness and also in opposition to the hypocrisy of the conventional political parties on the decree. A large number of Maliks supporters were taken into detention by police who interfered to bring back order in the area. CBI gives P. Chidambaram a clean chit In late September, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has given the Home Minister, P. Chidambaram a clean chit. The CBI robustly advocated P. Chidambaram in the legal proceedings of the Supreme Court, asserting he could not be blamed of not taking any actions to avert the 2G spectrum distribution scam or revoke licenses when he was leading the charge of the Finance Ministry. Revoking of licenses, being a chief policy decision, could have been done only by the government and not by a single person, Mr. Chidambaram in this case. Mr. Venugopal alleged that former Telecom Minister A. Raja jumped the gun and issued Letters of Intent to telecom companies on January 10, 2008. P. Chidambaram, the then Finance Minister would have not been able to revoke the licenses all by himself since the matter happens to be a key policy subject of the Union Government. It is not a simple matter to come to a decision when proceedings were a part of it as well as a result of cancellation and you cannot put together criminality against the then Finance Minister, Venugopal added. Increased Earnings yet Reduced Margins for IT Professionals The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) have just released data regarding the reduced margins for IT professionals. No doubt that the earnings of the IT companies have gone up considerably all through the first quarter of the current fiscal year, but the apprehensions have been raised regarding the margins that have reduced as well. The chief reasons of such reduction in margins are believed to be: rising wage cost, currency movement and pricing pressures, which are all influenced by the forces of market. At present, the companies engaged in the IT sector of our country are granted quite a lot of incentives thanks to the Software Technology Parks (STP) plan. Apart from that, the software companies are not liable to pay some of the most basic customs tariff. Moreover, quite a few items for the IT sector are included in the Information Technology Agreement, and for this reason let off from any kind of customs tariff. Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act offers for a subtraction from the entire income of hundred per cent of profits and gains earned by a unit that is situated in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) from the export of items or goods or from services for the first successive review years, of half of the ploughed back export proceeds for the subsequent five years. In the current fiscal so far, the sector has grown by 19% already with estimated revenue of US$ 76 billion. If such a pace is maintained the IT sector will develop into an industry worth US$ 225 billion. This data has been provided courtesy of Mr. Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology as his written response after he was quizzed in the Rajya Sabha.

National Current Affairs 2011

Current Affairs [August 2011]

National
Anna Hazare Arrested Congress messed it up The storm about the arrest of Anna Hazare and his team (virtually the whole nation) has just put Congress in a bit of mess then even they would have imagined at first. Anna and his followers not just maintained that their outlooks be taken on in the panel when drafting the Lokpal Bill, but exacted that only and only their version of the Bill be agreed too and, as a matter of fact, discussed in Parliament by the government. Interestingly, government cannot agree to these kinds of dictates from anybody in a parliamentary democratic system. Rather than letting off such a great deal of steam on their appeals that the government forwards their edition of the Bill in Parliament, Team Anna can simply have got any one of the 545 members of the Lok Sabha to bring in the asked for Jan Lokpal Bill. Definitely, the extremely disconcerted Opposition political parties can leap forward even at this time and forward the Team Anna edition of the Bill in the house. Anna leaves hospital and heads to village Social activist Anna Hazare head to his village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra subsequent to his release from Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon after development in his state, a supporter alleged. Hazare was taken to the Hospital in uptown Gurgaon Sunday after he finished his 288hour fast embarked upon since August 16. He will go to Pune and will consequently head to his village, revealed a member of the TEAM ANNA. Hazare was released Wednesday once his fundamental factors were seen to be steady. As per Yatin Mehta, a part of the doctors team observing Anna at the hospital, the revolutionary was in excellent state and healthy. Previously in the day, Anna had consumed soft solid foodstuffs such as rice, dal and idli. Following the success of his 12-day fast, Hazares physical condition exhibited lot of development. His blood pressure is 141/90, which is standard, Mehta understood. Sheila Dikshit defers CAG report discussion Sheila Dikshit, Delhi Chief Minister on Tuesday alleged that the government cannot remark on the CAG details pending parliaments Public Accounts Committee (PAC) presents its proposals. On the succeeding day of the assemblys yearly monsoon session, which observed tumult by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs over the CAG and V.K. Shunglu Committee details on the CWG, the CM stated: I have told about it on numerous occasions that we cannot talk about the CAG report as it is in possession of the PAC, which is a legitimate fraction of parliament. We are subjected to get going against anybody when the PAC directs so. Initiating a mocking assault on the BJP, Dikshit further said that the chief opposition party in the parliament has been fooling people by initiating a scuttlebutt as it is in front of a lot of annoyance because of repeated routs in the last three assembly and two Lok Sabha elections in the capital Rajya Sabha suspended over Gujarat Lokayukta row

The Rajya Sabha was suspended for a short time Tuesday subsequent to raucous scenes over Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley posing the subject of selection of Lokayukta in Gujarat by the governor with no meeting with the state government. Quickly subsequent to Jaitley lifted the subject; Chairman Hamid Ansari took attention to meetings and regulations of the house on discussing subjects about people running in high offices. Jaitley said that there were examples when even reminder to Governor had been conferred in Parliament. BJP members stood up from their chairs to back Jaitley, which translated to raucous scenes during the sessions due to which the house was suspended for ten minutes. Cities to continue living with menacing security arrangements

Security in Indian cities is miserable. And the expectations are worse than thought as the condition will simply get worse in time coming up. This threatening note of concern was clouted here today by Mr. G. K. Pillai, ex-Union Home Secretary, at the FICCI convention on S&T for Homeland Security-2011: Safe and Secure City. Mr. Pillai alleged that with the nation going through a high growth rate of 8 per cent, hopes of the citizens are increasing and loads of them are swarming into cities, raising the already augmenting crime rate due to the lack of work prospects. In the capital, for example, 82 per cent of crime is committed by first timers, that also by adolescents between the age of 16 and 26 years old. Novel kinds of criminal actions are growing for example cyber crimes, hacking, burglaries, snatchings, while rape, murder and car thefts are the ones most in trend. Mr. Pillai warned against radicalization of adolescence as this would develop them into anti-social activists and destroy their lives. He cautioned against ghettoisation of cities as well that originates of the practice of not giving homes on lease to someone of a certain community/religion/caste by some other community/religion/caste community.

National Current Affairs 2011

Current Affairs [July 2011] Introduction of LokPal bill in Lok Sabha The much awaited Lok Pal bill will be introduced in Lok Sabha. The green signal was given by the government to Speaker Meira Kumar to allow the two day period needed to present the bill.The Minister of State Personnel Mr. V Narayaswamy gave the notice to Meira Kumar regarding the matter of Lok Pal bill. Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal said that all the parties were in favour of introducing the bill at the earliest. The copies of the bill have been distributed to all the parties. The bill has been finalised by the government after a number of meetings during the last month. The government has kept out Prime Minister and other higher judiciary from the ambit of the bill. This decision has been strongly opposed by the all the activists of the bill. The BJP has demanded that the bill should include the Prime Minister into the bill. Regarding the matter the government has said that the prime minister will be questioned if necessary but only when he has stopped working and this can be done only in a limited amount of time i.e. 7yrs at most. Anna Hazare has again threatened to go on hunger strike again if the government does not introduced a lok pal bill that handles every aspect of corruption and if the government fails to do so then he will go on strike on Aug 16. NDA blamed for Kalmadis appointment The government has blamed NDA for the appointment of Kalmadi as the main organizer of the CWG 2010event. Sports minister Mr Ajay Maken said in the lok sabha that the NDA government begun the process in 2003, that led to the appointment of Suresh Kalmadi as the chairman of the CWG committee.

The statement has been made taking in view the leaked report which balmed the Prime ministers office for overlooking the objections made against kalmadis appointment. Suresh Kalmadi is i n jail now facing charges of corruption on large scale against him. 17 people die as lightning strikes parts of Orissa Around 17 people have died during the lighting in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. The people who died included 6 women. The lighting struck parts of Orissa with the coastal region accounting around 4 casualties. Most of the deaths occurred on Monday Aug 2, and other deaths were reported from places like Angul, Balasore,Deogarh, Sundergarh etc. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs50,000 each from the Chief ministers relief fund. The money will be given to the family of those people who died because of lighting strike. Congress flayed by BJP over Gurgaon Land deal The BJP asked the government about its action reaction the gurgaon land deal. The BJP asked whether the government will take its stand in the similar way like that of the Bhatta -Parsaul in the Uttar Pradesh. BJP leader Arun Jaitley said that the government unlawfully took the land from the poor farmers, due to which farmers are now suffering. The collective loand of the farmers was taken unlawfully and then it was given to the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable trust , quoted Arun Jaitely. The Punjab and Haryana High court scolded the government for flouting the rules of land acquisition. The Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust was set up by Sonia Gandhi in 2002 in order to address the concerns that Rajiv Gandhi had in his heart. Jaitely refrained from disclosing the names of the people involved in the scam. He said that he will not take any names, but the government should only answer and tell the names of all those people who benefitted from the deal. Meanwhile Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi has been continuously holding meetings against illegal land acquisition, he even flagged some rallies against the same matter. Regarding the matter the Congress has said that now the matter rests between the Haryana government and the High Court. Famous artist M.F Hussain passes away Indias famous artist M.F.Hussain passed away in London on July 03. M.F. Hussain took Indian art to the global stage but not without controversies. The eccentric painter who lived barefoot died at the Brompton and Harfield NHS foundation in London after months of prolonged illness. Born in Maharashtra Hussain began his career as a painter by painting film posters. He was popularly known as Picasso of India and was once a member of Rajya Sabha. He has been awarded the nations 2nd highest Padma Vibhushan. The Picasso of India courted controversy after he showed hindu deities in nude in his paintings, and from then he was being considered as an anti-Hindu. After getting death threats in India he imposed exile on himself from the year 2006. Later in the year 2010 he accepted the citizenship of Qatar that was offered to him. The painter courted another biggest controversy by portraying mother India as a naked woman. His paintings have often courted controversies and wrath of people as his work often depicted gods and goddesses in nude form. He was a great fan of Madhuri Dixit such that he made a film with her called Gaja Gamini.

Current Affairs [June 2011]

MPLAD Guidelines Changed; Easy to Implement The Central Government, after a decade, is escalating the yearly distribution of MPLAD finances as of Rs.2 crore to Rs.5 crore for each MP. Dr. M.S.Gill, the Minister of Statistics & Programme Implementation is confident that the advantages of the plan must get to to the people at the very basic level and the plan must as well throw in towards promoting public honor and accord. So as to guarantee that the MPLAD finances can be used up sensibly, quickly, successfully and productively all through the nation, the guidelines are currently expanding their scope, being made precise and simple and effortlessly implementable. To offer MPs a more extensive range of projects that cover MPLAD finance, the silos of entitled things within the system are being distended. The Government has lately permitted expenditure of MPLAD finance in supporting physically challenged people and it has received large admiration. The Government following comprehensive talk and meeting, has determined to make huge changes in the entire system of MPLAD. ECI witnesses the launch of IIDEM. The ECI (Election Commission of India) commenced the IIDEM (India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management) - a higher center of learning, study, guidance and addition so as to involve people in democratic practice and election organization. The primary time of this leading institute was inaugurated together at the Commission location by Dr. S. Y. Quraishi, Chief Election Commissioner of India in New Delhi and Mr. Ken Nyaundi, Election Commissioner from Kenya. Two more Election Commissioners Shri H. S. Brahma and Shri V.S. Sampath, were in attendance too. Higher Officials of the Commission and officials from South Africa and Commonwealth Secretariat were present the gathering. The initial course of IIDEM will be starter later on in July for the Electoral Commission of Kenya. IIDEM has four sections. These four parts are: Voter Education and Civic Participation, Research, Innovation and Documentation, Training and Capacity, and International Projects and Technical Collaboration Development. The Institute will be a countrywide and global center for exchange of nice followings in organizing of election. Reliance getting into the Scam Trend: The investigated reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India that tacks the involvement among Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and Government agencies heading towards enormous losses to the Government exchequer is however a new instance of the influence of corporate over the UPA Government to undermine official procedures that suit them in all possible ways. The body has realized that the earlier DGH (Director-General of Hydrocarbons) allowed Reliance to pump up its expansion overheads on the gas mining in the D6 block of KG basin to a massive 8.84 billion dollars from 2.47 billion dollars. This money in use by RIL influenced the proceeds of the Government. Government is supposed to act against the previous DGH with immediate effect. 2G scams unfold; Dayanidhi Maran steps down Dayanidhi Maran has resigened all thanks to the extensive probing by the CBI and the Government can now pat their backs. The investigation pointed to his part in compelling C Sivasankaran to sell his share in a leading Telecom company, Aircel by denying to award any fresh licenses on condition that Sivasankaran was the principal stake holderit should have been a lot more than a twist of fate that a

group firm of the new holder endowed in Marans brothers enterprise hardly any months following it received licenses from Maran. As Maran resigned the day following the CBI achievement, the government cannot be blamed of favoring him similar to that of the main villain, A Raja. Dayanidhi Marans was a varied term, the understandable low downs being the Aircel incident, in the offing with a fresh policy that permitted conceding of fresh licenses 4 years ago at prices of 10 years back (Maran was the real mastermind, Raja just built-up on what he established) and bullying the Tatas in their business in the telecom industry following a TataSky row with his brothers Sun TV (Marans ministry collapsed as TDSAT thickened the plot). The merrier times counted for increasing FDI limits to 74% accordingly of which Vodafone emerged into the scene, and actually opening up the sector that involved huge distance by shelling out soaring fees.

National Current Affairs 2011

Current Affairs [May 2011] After Anna Hazare now its Baba Ramdev to fast After Anna Hazare, now its Baba Ramdev to follow up his footstep and to fast on Saturday, 08th may 2011 against the black money hoarding and corruption. More than 10 million people including civil rights activists are supposed to join baba in his fight against corruption. Baba Ramdev has decided to hunger strike demanding the government of India to take stern actions against black money hoarded abroad and to curb corruption. In his fasting decision, even Anna Hazare (who even fasted before for the Lokpal bill promotion) has extended his support for Baba Ramdev. Many government officials have tried negotiating with Baba Ramdev against his decision to fast. But it said that only next level talks with the government supreme can reach up to any conclusion. Ministers like A.K Antony, Pranab Mukharjee have met with P.M Monmohan Singh along with congress head Sonia Gandhi to discuss the matter. Its still a big question for the government about how they will be stopping Baba Ramdev from fasting unlike their stint with Anna Hazare who fasted for the same issue. Tanzania and India signed an agreement for double taxation avoidance. The Indian government signed on the double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with the United Republic of Tanzania. This agreement is meant for the prevention of fiscal evasion related to taxes on income to be payed. The agreement was signed on May 27th 2011 at Dar esSalaam. Shri K V Bhagirath, High Commissioner of India and Mr Pereira Ame Silima, Deputy Finance Minister of the Republic of Tanzania both are going to sign on the DTAA agreement on behalf of their respective countries. The DTAA states that all the business profits will be taxable in the state if the activities constitutes for a permanent establishment in the respective state. This agreement will in providing stability of taxes between India and Tanzania. And this will help in increment of mutual economic cooperation between the two countries. History made- Mamata Banerjee sworn in as west Bengals 1st women C.M Mamata Banerjee on Friday was sworn in as the 1st women Chief Minister of West Bengal. She was made head by the joint alliance of Trinamool and Congress party. Mamata Banerjee took the oath in Bengali, which was administered by Governor Mr M K Narayanan in Raj Bhavan. The council under Mamata Banerjees ministry consist of 43 members out of which 36 are from

Trinamool congress while the rest are from Congress party. The list of members includes Amit Mitra, Manish Gupta, Abdul Karim Chowdhury, Partha Chatterjee, Upen Biswas, Subrata Mukherjee, Sabitri Mitra, Sandhan Pandey, Noore Alam Chowdhary, Bratya Basu and Madan Mitra. India and US to discuss Homeland security India and US will resume their homeland security talks on may 8th 2011. The delegation from the Indian side will be headed by Union home Minister P. Chidambaram and that from the US will be headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security Department, Ms Janet Napolitano. The main topic on interest that will be discussed comprise of coastal security, curbing illegal financing, counter terrorism, mutual investigation that includes Mumbai terror attacks etc.

Current Affairs [April 2011] Anna Hazares fast against corruption Social Activist Anna Hazare started a fast unto death on 5/4/2011 demanding enactment of a comprehensive law like the Jan Lokpal Bill to tackle corruption. Just a couple of days since the nation was recovering from the euphoria of winning the world cup the 72 year old Anna Hazare began his fast at Jantar Mantar after taking out a march from Rajghat where he paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Other eminent activists like Swami Agnivesh, Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and Sandeep Pandey were also present to lend support. The fast soon gathered a lot of momentum through continuous coverage and brought the government under a lot of pressure. The movement soon spread to all parts of India where hundreds and thousands of students, housewives, working executives and senior citizens joined the campaign to make the government to enact the important new law to fight corruption. Facing intense pressure, the Government, finally agreed to forming a joint committee to draft a stronger Lokpal Bill. The panel will have five members and five representatives of the civil society. It includes Anna Hazare himself, but not as a chairman, lawyers Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan, anti-corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal and former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde. While Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will be the Chairman of the committee that will also include Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Water Resources Minister Salman Khurshid as members. Gopal Das returns from Pak after 27 yrs Indian National Gopal Das set foot on Indian soil on 7/4/2011 after spending 27 years in a Pakistan prison when he was convicted for charges of espionage. The 52 year old Das was set free from Lahore Jail after Pakistani President remitted his sentence following an appeal by the Supreme Court on humanitarian grounds. As soon as he set foot in India an emotional Das bowed down and kissed the soil. He was greeted by his family members including his brother Anand Vir, two sisters and niece Navjot besides, a dozen people from Bhaini Mian Khan village of Gurdaspur district of Punjab were there to receive him. When speaking to the media Das lamented that the golden period of his youth were spent behind bars in Pakistan. He said I have a grudge against the Indian leadership who has never bothered about Indian prisoners rotting in prisons in Pakistan for so many years. Thirty-two Indian nationals, who have completed their jail term, are still languishing due to lack of initiative on the part of the Indian government, Good voter turnout in Assembly Elections For Assam, TN, Kerala and Puducherry

The Election Commission had announced the election dates for four states on 1/2/2011 - Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry. The assembly elections so far have witnessed a good voter turn out in 2011. Assam witnessed a good voter turn out in both phases which were held on the 4th and 11th of April 2011 respectively. In the first phase the state witnessed a 73.03 per cent voter turnout and in the second phase the turnout was 70.35 per cent. An average of nearly 78 per cent voters exercised their franchise to elect new assemblies in the key southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and the Union territory of Puducherry on 13/4/2011. While Tamil Nadu and Kerala registered a turnout of 75.21 per cent and 74.4 per cent respectively, in Puducherry it was the highest at 85.21 per cent, Deputy Election Commissioner J. P. Prakash told reporters in Delhi. Meanwhile the election process is currently underway in West Bengal where it is being held in 6 phases, the last date being May 10th. Counting will be on 13/5/2011 for all states. Supreme Court grants bail to Dr Binayak Sen

The Supreme Court on 15/4/2011 granted bail to Dr Binayak Sen who was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of sedition and having links with the Maoists by the Chhattisgarh sessions court on 24/12/2011. A bench comprising Justices HS Bedi and CK Prasad passed the order after Dr Sen filed a petition challenging the Chhattisgarh court order. The Apex court had declared that the evidence on record proved no sedition charge against Sen and at worst termed him a Naxal sympathizer. The court further observed that mere possession of Naxal Literature doe not make the person a Naxalite or guilty of sedition. Dr Sen was arrested in May 2007 when the government charged him with aiding the insurgents by passing notes between Piyush Guha, a businessman and jailed Maoist ideologue Narayan Sanyal. Dr Sen has maintained his innocence and denies any wrong doing rather said that he was being victimized for his criticism of Salwa Judum which was a group started by the state government to counter Maoist insurgents. He was released on bail in May 2009. Later a trial court convicted him of sedition and sentenced him to life imprisonment in 24/12/2010. Following that the High Court in Chhattisgarh rejected Dr. Sens bail application in 10/2/ 2011 which he appealed against and was finally granted bail by the Supreme Court. Rajdhani Express catches fire, passengers safe

A fire broke out in the pantry car of the Mumbai Delhi Rajdhani express on 18/4/2011 at early morning 2:20 AM. The fire spread to the near by coaches B5, B6 and B7 but an alert pantry staff ensured all the passengers were woken up on time and made to evacuate the train ensuring none of them were killed or injured in the process. They also delinked the affected coaches from the rest of the train thereby averting a major disaster. Railways gave Rs 10.6 lakh to 212 passengers (Rs 5,000 per passenger) as ex-gratia for the inconvenience and loss of baggage due to the fire in the 12951 Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani. The railways has rewarded the nine staffers of the IRCTC with Rs 3,000 as a "token gesture", Sanjay Jain, Group General Manager of IRCTC said. There were a total of 30 pantry staffers in the train at that time. Shiney Ahuja appeals against rape sentence

Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja who was earlier sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for raping his maid has appealed to the Bombay High Court against his sentence on 19/4/2011. Earlier a fast track court on 30/3/2011 had convicted the actor even as the victim had turned hostile during the trial. The court had considered circumstantial evidence which includes a DNA report which tested positive, torn hymen, blood marks on victim's clothes, semen found on quilt and curtains and Shineys hand which bore scratch marks of the victim. Shiney on his part has stated in his appeal that he had been falsely implicated and that the lower court has erred in law while convicting him.

Kidnapped Mumbai boy Karnit Shah returns home Five year old Karnit Shah who was kidnapped from outside his home in suburban Kandivali, Mumbai was rescued by the Police from Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh on 20/4/2011. Karnit had gone missing since 6/4/2011 when he was last seen playing at the premises of his building Pranik Gardens. Karnit's family pulled out all stops to trace their little boy. His father Anand a stock broker and his mother Alpa turned to facebook and uploaded photos of their son along with mobile numbers hoping people may be able to help by offering some sort of information about their missing son. Various online communities sprang up as the appeal went viral. Thousands of people forwarded the boys photos while the Shahs on their behalf also offered Rs Two lakh in compensation for any information that would assist in tracing their son. The incident became a nation wide flutter after it generated considerable press coverage as well. The police have arrested the main accused of the case, Sohan Singh, along with his alleged associates Sameer Khan, Sandeep Warige and Shankar Salve, where Singh ran a confectionery shop in Kandivali which is close to Karnits residence. The police said childre n in the neighbourhood had spoken of a Sunny Uncle, possibly in his 20s, who was spotted lately offering sweets to the children and his disappearance too had coincided with that of Karnit. After two weeks of relentless chase, the Mumbai police with the help of UP Special Task Force traced the boy to a hut in Handia, UP from where he was rescued. Kalmadi arrested in CWG scam Congress MP Suresh Kalamadi was arrested on 25/4/2011 by the Central Buearau of Investigation (CBI) for irregularities in the CW games. The former Chairman of the CWG was arrested under the charges for 120 B and 420 (criminal conspiracy and cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. The CBI has charged him with criminal conspiracy to buy timing, scoring and result (TSR) system from a Swiss company at an inflated cost of Rs 141 crore which the agency has alleged had cost the government Rs 95 Crore extra. Two other senior officials of the Organizing Committee - Surjeet Lal and ASV Prasad - have also been arrested in the Time Scoring scam. The 66 year old Kalmadi a Lok Sabha MP for the Congress from Pune has been facing a lot of flak even before the start of the games for construction delays and gross misuse of funds. Some of Kalmadis aides already arrested include Sanjay Mohindroo, M Jayachandra n, TS Darbai, Kalmadi's personal assistant Shekhar Deorukhkar, Verma and Lalit Bhanot. Following his arrest he was suspended from the Congress party and soon enough it also brought a halt to his 15 year old reign as President of the Indian Olympic Committee (IOC). Veteran Sports Administrator VK Malhotra was unanimously named the acting President in his absence. CBI names Kanimozhi coconspirator in 2G scam The CBI on 25/4/2011 has filed a second charge sheet in the 2G spectrum case naming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief M Karunanidhis daughter M Kanimozhi as a co conspirator. She has been charged with section 7 and 11 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The sections deal with acceptance of alleged gratification. The four other who have been charge sheeted with her include Kalaignar TV Managing Director Sharad Kumar, Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa's cousin Asif Balwa, Rajeev Agarwal -- Directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd and Karim Murani of Cineyug Films. However Dayalu Ammal wife of the Dr Karunanidhi has not been named in the chargesheet. Kanimozhi, Dayalu Ammal and Sharad Kumar of Kalaignar TV, have 20, 60 and 20% shares in the channel respectively. The CBI had already told the court earlier that Rs 200 Crores connected with the spectrum case allegedly was routed from Balwas Swan telecom to Kalaignar TV. Kanimozhi has been named co conspirator in the scam along with former telecom minister A. Raja who was arrested in February and still remains in prison. She has been asked to appear at a court in Delhi on 6/5/2011, which is dealing with the scam.

Dada Saheb Phalke award for K. Balachander K. Balachander, one of Indias most acclaimed and influential filmmakers will receive the Daba Saheb Phalke award for 2010 in an announcement by the Information & Broadcasting ministry on 29/4/2011. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl, given for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The prolific director who worked as a government servant in his early days was drawn to theatre where he began to write plays. Following this success a career in films soon beckoned him where he has made many classics that are well received and appreciated to this day. He was a bold director who always tried to explore new themes and many of his movies had strong female characters. Some of the directors famous works in Tamil include Apoorva Raganagal, Thaneer Thanerr, Varumayin Niram Sigappu, Server Sundaram, Sinthu Bairavi etc while the hindi film Ek Duuje Ke Liye won him applause in the northern parts of the country as well. K. Balachander has spotted and groomed several artists in the industry the likes of which include Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan. Spiritual Leader Sathya Sai Baba passes away Spiritual leader Sathya Baba passed away on 24/4/2011 at the Sathya Sai Hospital in Puttapathi, Andhra Pradesh due to cardio-respiratory failure. The 84 year old Godman was admitted in hospital for the past one month after complaining of breathing and heart problems. The doctors had described his condition as very critical over the last three to four days when most of his major organs stopped responding to treatment. Upon hearing his death a pale of gloom had descended Puttaparthi and thousands of his followers could be seen mourning his demise. Spiritual guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba was buried on 27/4/2011 as hundreds of thousands of devotees flocked to pay their last respects at his temple in Puttaparthi. Queues stretched for kilometres through the town, which has shuttered its shops and businesses since last three days. He was buried with full state honours in the Sai Kulwanth hall from where he used to address all his devotees over the years. Sai Baba was born as Sathyanarayana Raju in a humble backward caste family on November 23, 1926. He emerged as one of the most popular godmen in India in modern times leaving behind an empire estimated from a conservative figure of Rs. 40,000 crore to a staggering Rs. 1.5 lakh crores raising questions over who will manage the Trust. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu dies in chopper crash Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu was found dead in the remote and inaccessible Luguthang village, about 30 km from Tawang on 4/5/2011. The CM had gone missing on 30/4/2011 when on a flight from Tawang was found dead along with four others after their helicopter crashed in bad weather in the mountains regions. The helicopter's wreckage was found at Lobotang which is situated near Jang water falls in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The rescue operations were hampered due to bad weather. The other four members, who accompanied Khandu in the chopper, were - crew members Captain JS Babbar and Captain KS Malick, Khandu's security officer Yeshi Choddak and Yeshi Lamu, sister of Tawang legislator Tsewang Dhondup. This is the second death of a chief minister in two years after CM of Andhra Pradesh Y S Rajasekhara Reddy was killed in a helicopter crash in the Nallamalla ranges in the state in September 2009. Air India pilots call off 10-day-long strike Air India pilots called off their 10-day-long strike and returned to work on 5/5/2011 night after the government agreed to reinstate the sacked and suspended pilots and look into their demands within a time-frame. The ten day strike has resulted in an estimated loss of over 150 crores inconveniencing thousands of passengers across the country. Civil Aviation ministry officials, the

association president Captain A S Bhinder along with ICPA general secretary Rishabh Kapur said that the government has agreed to look into all the alleged irregularities. Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi the 3 member committee would give its report in the next few months. The strike by over 800 pilots on 27/4/2011 owing allegiance to the ICPA had resulted in the grounding of up to 90 per cent of the airline operations. The Delhi High Court had also slapped contempt notices on nine office bearers of the de-recognized ICPA for disobeying its order to call off the strike. Arunima Sinha story, whose telling the truth ? National-level volleyball player Arunima Sinha alias Sonu, who lost her leg after being pushed out of a moving train on 11/4/2011 when she tried to fight an alleged robbery attempt. She lost her left leg after being pushed out of the Padmavat Express when three robbers tried to snatch her gold chain. Following her fall, one of Sinha's legs had to be amputated below the knee. The other leg suffered multiple fractures as she was hit by a train passing on the adjacent track. She was later admitted in AIIMS when her leg developed an infection. Since then the 23 year old sportswoman has been out of danger and recuperating well. She was offered a paltry compensation of Rs 25,000 which she snubbed following which the railways offered a job to Arunima. The incident generated lot of press interest and many people including cricketers Yuvraj Harbhajan came forward with monetary help for the athlete. However over the Government Railway Police (GRP) probe the officials have found many loophol es in Sonus story. Some of which they allege that it might have been a suicide attempt and the passengers of train do not corroborate with her story. They also allege that location where Arunima was found does not corroborate with her version of the events. The sportswoman on her part has accused the officials of mentally harassing her and has refuted their charges.

Current Affairs [March 2011] Godhra verdict: 11 get death, 20 get life term A Sessions Court in Ahmedabad awarded death sentence to 11 people and life term to twenty others on 1/3/2011. The sentence was pronounced by Additional Sessions Judge PR Patel who had earlier convicted them of criminal conspiracy in the Sabarmati Express train burning case on Feb 22nd. The court had accepted the prosecution's contention that there was a conspiracy behind the incident and convicted 31 under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) like 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B(criminal conspiracy). They were convicted under IPC section 147, 148 (rioting with deadly weapons), 323, 324,325,326 (causing hurt), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on religious grounds), various sections of the Indian Railways Act, Prevention of Damages to Public Property Act and Bombay Police Act. The court had acquitted 63 others out the total 94 for lack of evidence including the alleged mastermind Maulavi Hussain Umarji. Fifty nine Kar Sevaks traveling in the S6 coach of Sabarmati Express were burnt alive near the Godhra railway station on February 2002. This incident caused wide spread communal riots in the State of Gujarat that resulted in the deaths of

over 100 people, most of them Muslims. Justice Patel termed the case as rarest of rare and the court has given the accused 90 days to appeal in the High court. SC strikes down CVC PJ Thomas' appointment The Supreme Court on 3/3/2011 struck down on the appointment of Chief Vigilance Commisioner PJ Thomas after a three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia delivered its verdict on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought his removal. The apex court has observed Thomas is a person who is tainted as he was an accused in the palmoline export scam. CVC PJ Thomas soon thereafter submitted his resignation. This has come about as big blow to the UPA government which is already facing several allegations of corruption. Furthermore Thomas is the country's 14th CVC and was selected by a three member panel that included the PM and the Home Minister. The opposition BJP had been highly critical all along and following his resignation demanded even the PM to step down. The PM took responsibility for the incident and cited the reason as error in judgement. An IAS officer of 1973 batch of Kerala cadre, PJ Thomas is the eighth accused in the palmolien case. He served as food secretary in Kerala in the early 90s during which time he had aggressively campaigned for the import of 1500 tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia. Reports later emerged that price paid for the oil- palmolein was unjustifiable high. He has since been fighting allegations of corruption, while the case is still pending in court. Delhi court accepts CBI's closure report against Quattrocchi A Delhi court on 4/3/2011 accepted CBIs closure report seeking to drop all charges against Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi in the two decade old Bofors case. The CBI was looking at closing all criminal cases against Italian businessman Quattrocchi, who is allegedly one of the recipients of kickbacks in the controversial Bofors gun deal of 1986 which ended up resulting in the fall of the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1989. Many influential figures were accused of receiving payoffs in the deal which involved the purchase of Bofors guns for the Indian army. The agency has been seeking withdrawal of the case against him as he has never appeared before any Indian court to face trial due to lack of evidence, even though a tax tribunal had ruled in Dec 2010 that illegal commissions were indeed paid in the deal. The agency had said that its plea to withdraw the case has been filed with bonafide intention as it has spent a huge amount of money on the investigation but has not been able to arrest the Italian businessman. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vinod Yadav observed: "At this moment we have to end the case therefore I allow the CBI plea to close the case. I think the CBI has moved this application to close this case after applying their minds, therefore there is no need of wasting public money in continuing the investigation." Advocate Ajay Aggarwal, who objected to CBIs application in the court, said he would challenge the order in the Delhi High Court. Delhi University student Radhika Tanwar shot outside college Radhika Tanwar (21) a student of Ram Lal Anand College (Delhi University) was shot dead by an unidentified man on the Dhaula Kuan foot-over bridge near South Campus at around 10.30 AM on 8/3/2011. Radhika a second year BA student who lives with her family in Naraina locality of West Delhi was shot point blank by the assailant who fled the scene after shooting her in the stomach. Passersby took the girl in an autorickshaw to Safdurjung Hospital where she was declared brought dead. The incident has caused outrage in the Capital which has been witnessing increasing episodes of crimes against women, while the world was celebrating International Womens Day. The assailant has been identified as 25 yr old Ram Singh alias Vijay who hails from Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh. He was caught a few days later and Delhi Police Commissioner B K Gupta said Vijay suffers from psychopathic obsession. He used to follow women. He followed Radhika regularly. The immediate trigger was the snubbing of Radhika when

he tried to speak to her. The police also went on to add Vijay nurtured deep grudge against the victim after he got beaten up for harassing her and often told his friends that he would avenge the humiliation whenever he got the opportunity. On 11/3/2011 another student Monica Kirnapure was stabbed by four people in Nagpur while she was on her way to class from her hostel. The twenty two year old girl lay in her pool of blood for ten minutes, a knife sticking out of her back, asking for water. No help came about from the bystanders until Sumedh Wanjaari hired a rickshaw to take her to the hospital where she died en route. SC dismisses Aruna Shanbaug's euthanasia plea Aruna Shanbaug a former nurse at Mumbais KEM hospital has been in a vegetative state for the last 38 years after she was assaulted by a ward boy. A Bench of Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra rejected on 7/3/2011 the euthanasia plea filed by Arunas friend Pinky Virani declaring the petition stands cancelled. They also added Pinky was not allow ed to appeal for the mercy killing of Aruna as she was not the staff of KEM hospital. The bench in its 110-page judgement saw the nursing staff of KEM hospital who have been looking after Aruna for the past 38 years as the real next friend of Aruna and dec lared the patient didnt have a single bed sore during the period. The apex court however allows passive euthanasia in appropriate cases which have been permitted by the concerned high courts. They also added there is no law in the country presently in the country on euthanasia and clarified unless the Parliament drafts a law, its stand on active and passive euthanasia will stay enforced. Aruna Shanabug was sexually assaulted on November 27 1973 by Sohanlal Walmiki who used a dog chain to subdue her which ended up cutting the oxygen supply to her brain damaging vital functions like sight, memory and normal movement. Congress, DMK seat-sharing deadlock ends After lot of political drama the DMK and the Congress have come to a mutual seat sharing agreement ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The DMK party announced on 8/3/20011 that it will contest for 121 seats while the Congress will contest for 63 under the seat sharing deal for the April 13 Assembly polls. The Congress demand of 63 seats marks an increase of 15 seats in allocation of what they got during the 2006 Assembly elections. DMK chief Karunanidhi was initially ready to give 60 seats to the Congress but the Congress unrelenting demand on having 63 made him unhappy and he threatened to pull out his ministers from the government. The Congress refused to blink this time and after quite a few rounds of discussions the DMK finally relented to the Congress demands. The DMK has agreed to allocate 61 seats, up 1 seat from what they previously agreed and another two seats would be allocated to the Congress from the other allied parties of the DMK. Under the seat sharing formula, DMK will contest 121 seats, Congress 63, PMK 30, VCK 10, KMK 7, IUML 2 and MMK 1 for the 234member assembly. A.Rajas close aide Sadiq Batcha found dead Sadiq Batcha, a close aide of former telecom minister A.Raja committed suicide and was found hanging at his residence in Chennai on 16/3/2011. Sadiq Batcha (37) who is the Managing Director of Greenhouse Promoters has been under the CBI scanner for his suspected involvement in the 2G spectrum case and was questioned by the agency on February 22nd. Green House Promoters, initially a nondescript company with an equity base of Rs.100,000 in 2004, is said to have grown to over Rs.600 crore revenue company within a very short time frame. Rajas wife Parameshwari is said to have served as a director in the firm but quit during 2008. Batcha hails from Rajas constituency Perambalur in Tamil Nadu and initially worked as a sari seller until his friendship with the former telecom minister happened in the early 1990s.According to the post mortem reports the cause of death has been ascertained as

asphyxia while the forensic reports are still awaited. This may come as blow to the CBI in their investigations into the 2G scam. TN Polls: Parties promise freebies to woo voters Ahead of upcoming assembly polls, the political parties of Tamil Nadu have promised a host of freebies to woo the voting public. Top warring parties DMK and ADMK have taken the war of freebies to a new high. While DMK in their manifesto have announced 35 kg of free rice every month for below-poverty line families, AIADMK has promised 20 kg of free rice for all ration-card holders. The ruling DMK party has promised laptops to students in their first year of college while Jayalalithas ADMK party promises them one as early as eleventh standard. While the DMK plans to give women free mixes, grinders its rivals have promised additional fans along with mixies and grinders. Furthermore Jayalalitha in her bid to woo female voters has promised 4gms of gold for 'Thali' (mangalsutra) free of cost to poor, besides offering cable TV connections at subsidised rates. Some of the other freebies include four sets of uniform and footwear for students, a hike in scholarship upto Rs 5000 from class 10 onwards, women self help groups get Rs10Lakh with 25 % waiver, 20 litres of mineral water a day to Below Poverty Line families, six months' maternity leave for women and Rs 12,000 as pregnancy allowance and a host of other promises were made. This does came as surprise since Jayalalitha was a staunch critic of populist measures when the DMK party which came in power in 2006, promised to offer free colour TVs to the public and also kept up on its electoral promise. The parties efforts in trying to gain an upper hand over each other by making such steep electoral promises does raise a lot of concerns. It does make one wonder if the State Treasury would be left with any money if such populist measures are left unchecked. WB polls: Cong, TMC reach seat-sharing deal The Congress and the Trinamool Congress reached a seat sharing agreement ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Polls. Mamta Banerjee of Trinamool has agreed to offer 65 seats after her rounds of discussion with the Congress party. She had earlier agreed to give 64 seats against Congress demand of 98. The alliance will fight against CPM led Left Front which has been in power for almost 35 years now.Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said In West Bengal, Congress will contest 65 seats and TMC will contest 229. We will work in close cooperation to win the election to defeat the Left from the state.West Bengal will be voting in 6 phases. The first phase voting is on April 18, second phase on April 23, third phase on April 27, fourth phase on May 3, fifth phase on May 7 and sixth phase is on May 10th. Cash for votes scam creates uproar in Parliament With the revelations by Wikileaks about the Congress buying MPs to win the vote-of-confidence over the crucial Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008 came back to haunt party when a united opposition created an uproar in Parliament. On 17/3/2011 they were demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in view of the fresh charges that bribe was paid during the trust vote. The government on its part was dismissive questioning the credibility of the leaks. Also FM Pranab Mukherjee said Each Lok Sabha is sovereign in its time. What happened in the 14th Lok Sabha cannot be decided in the 15th Lok Sabha...Government of the day is accountable to the 15th Lok Sabha and not to the 14th Lok Sabha. Whatever happened in the 14th Lok Sabha has come to an end with the end of the tenure. On 23/3/2011 Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj made a stinging attack on the Prime Minister and said It is the habit of the Prime Minister to blame others. If it is price rise then (Agriculture Minister) Sharad Pawar is responsible, if it is 2G then (former Telecom Minister) A Raja is responsible and if it is Commonwealth Games then Suresh Kalmadi is to blame. The Wikileaks cable suggests that the Congress bought the support of MPs during a vote of confidence during the controversial nuclear deal in 2008. Three BJP MPs

walked into the Lok Sabha with Rs 3 crores in cash and claimed that they had been offered that money to vote for the nuclear deal and that they had planned a sting operation to prove it. Following that a Lok Sabha committee, headed by Congress MP KCS Deo, was set up to examine their allegations in which was found there was no evidence of the allegations made by the BJP MPs. Aarushi murder case: Talwars surrender passports Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, parents of murdered teen Aarushi Talwar have surrendered their passports to a local court following a direction by the Supreme Court which also stayed their trial in the Noida double murder case. On 19/3/2011 the SC had stayed the CBI court order summoning the Talwars to appear before it on 22/3/2011. The Allahabad High Court on 18/3/2011 dismissed the couples plea seeking quashing of criminal proceedings initiated by the lower court which not only refused the closure report filed by the CBI but also summoned the couple as accused in the case. The HC declared that it could not prohibit the magistrate from taking cognizance of a case if prima facie it appears that there is sufficient evidence against a person. Earlier the CBI had file a closure report pleading closure citing lack of incriminating evidence, however the CBI has pointed a needle of suspicion to the parents and as a result left the option of proceeding against the Talwars with the Trial Court. The couple had challenged the order of the Allahabad High Court which the Supreme Court stayed on 19/3/2011 but asked the Talwars to surrender their passports. Satish Tamta, the counsel for Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, submitted the passports in the court of additional chief judicial magistrate Puspendra Kumar Singh. Fourteen-year-old Aarushi was found murdered at her home in Noida on May 16, 2008. A day after, Hemraj's body was found in the same building. India revokes licenses of 14 'fake pilots' Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 23/3/2011 revoked a total of 14 commercial pilot licenses (CPL) which means it brings an end to the flying careers of the those accused of having submitted fake training records from Rajasthan State Flying School to procure their licenses. The discovery of frauds in the issuing of licenses is a worrying development to the safety of air travel for the passengers and the industry. The fake pilot scam began unraveling when female Captain Parminder Gulati landed her airliner on the nose instead of the rear wheels which set the alarms ringing across many quarters. DGCA, the airline regulator stepped in and discovered she had submitted forged mark sheets to procure her license. Since then more pilots have been caught guilty of the same crime. The DGCA admits there was a lapse, and now says as much as 4000 pilot licences are now under fresh scrutiny. On 26/3/2011 a DGCA official Pradeep Kumar(48), pilot Pradeep Tyagi(35) and two of his touts Lalit Jain (34) and Pankaj Jain (23) were arrested by the Delhi Police. Tyagi along with his touts used to forge mark sheets for the fake pilots for huge a fee and also bribed Pradeep Kumar of the DGCA for expediting those files. A person is eligible to fly a commercial aircraft only when he or she secures a CPL, which is given out after a person completes 200 hours of flying during the training. Hasan Ali Remanded In Judicial Custody Hasan Ali is a Pune bases stud farm owner who has been accused of allegedly stashing away 8 billion dollars in Swiss banks. It is speculated that the major portion of the money in offshore accounts belong to some politicians and industrialists and that Ali acts as a conduit for them and allegedly facilitates transfer of black money from India on a commission basis. He has been under the radar of the Income Tax (IT) department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for a few years now while his premises were raided in 2007. According to Hasan Alis statements he is scrap dealer with an annual income of Rs 30 Lakh which does not tally with kind of lifestyle Ali is known for. He is known to throw lavish parties, has a penchant for race horses and own quite a

few of them and also own an expensive fleet of cars. A little ironic for a man with humble beginnings, whose father worked as an excise officer. Hassan Ali has been declared the highest tax defaulter in the country with dues allegedly over Rs 70,000 crores. Ali was arrested by the ED on 7/3/2011 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. But a Mumbai Court on 11/3/2011 rejected EDs plea for custodial interroga tion of Hasan Ali on the grounds that the agency had not gathered sufficient evidence and Ali was released on bail. The Supreme Court on 17/3/2011 stayed the trial courts order, directed custodial interrogation of Hasan Ali to ED and was also critical of Mumbai Court Judge M L Tahaliyani's order of granting bail to Ali, saying it was "deeply disturbed" as to the manner in which the trial court judge rejected the ED's contention and had given a lengthy order for it. On 21/3/2011 the apex court extended his custody with the ED for an additional three days and when that duration came to a close a sessions court remanded Hasan Ali in judicial custody till April 8, 2011. Wikileaks: 'Hindutva an opportunistic issue for BJP' After the Congress it was the BJPs turn to be hit by the Wikileaks phenomenon when a US diplomat reported in the cable that senior leader of BJP declared to him that Hindu Nationalism was an opportunistic issue for the party. "Pressed on the question of Hindutva, Jaitley argued that Hindu nationalism 'will always be a talking point' for the BJP. However, he characterized this as an opportunistic issue," a cable by Robert Blake, the Charge at the US Embassy, to his government, had said after a meeting with Jaitley on May 6, 2005. "Pressed on the question of Hindutva, Jaitley argued that Hindu nationalism 'will always be a talking point' for the BJP. However, he characterized this as an opportunistic issue," a cable by Robert Blake, the Charge at the US Embassy, to his government, had said after a meeting with Jaitley on May 6, 2005. Jaitley a senior leader of the BJP and also leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha , whom the cable described as "one of several aspirants to direct the next generation of BJP leadership", said in a statement that the word opportunistic in reference to Hindutva could be the "diplomat's own usage". He said the cable by the diplomat in 2005 makes a reference to his conversation with him. "The cable reflects my views on cross-border terrorism, illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and the unfair denial of US Visa to the Gujarat Chief Minister (Narendra Modi). However, the use of the word "opportunistic in reference to nationalism or Hindu nationalism is neither my view nor my language. It could be the diplomat's own usage, he said. Congress on its part was quick to give it back to the BJP. Chickens are coming to roost, what goes out wrongly hits back like a boomerang. People living in glass houses are taught in this manner that they were to throw stones at others, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said. PM Manmohan Singh and PM Gilani of Pakistan engage in cricket diplomacy The relations between India and Pakistan had soured post Mumbai 26/11 blasts. With the ongoing world cup when India defeated Australia in the quarters it became apparent that it was to face off against Pakistan in the semifinal. The clash between the two countries generated tremendous hype in the media of both countries. The match even took on political turns when PM Manmohan Singh invited his counterpart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari to the cricket match. The invite was accepted by the PM of Pakistan who then along with Dr Manmohan Singh reached the cricket venue on 30/3/2011 where they shook hands with players and also engaged in diplomatic talks which has now leased a fresh breath of air to the relations between the two countries. As per the joint statement released in the capital on 29/3/2011 the Pakistani delegation updated India on the ongoing trial and investigation and agreed to allow an Indian Commission to come to Pakistan to investigate 26/11 attacks. The Pak delegation assured that India's National Investigative Agency (NIA) and Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will cooperate in the 26/11 investigation. India on its part provided Pakistan information with regards to the Samjauta blast case and agreed that they would update them once the charge sheet was filed. According to the joint statement released in New Delhi on Tuesday, the Pakistani

delegation updated India on the ongoing trial and investigation and agrees in principle to allow an Indian

Approval of National Policy on Electronics 2012

The Union Cabinet today approved the National Policy on Electronics 2012. The draft National Policy on Electronics was released for public consultation and it has now been finalized based on comments from various stakeholders. India is one of the fastest growing markets of electronics in the world. There is potential to develop the Electronic System and Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector to meet our domestic demand as well as to use the capabilities so created to successfully export ESDM products from the country. The National Policy on Electronics aims to address the issue with the explicit goal of transforming India into a premier ESDM hub. The strategies include setting up of a National Electronics Mission with industry participation and renaming the Department of Information Technology as Department of Electronics and Information Technology (Deity). The Department has since been renamed on February 26, 2012. The policy is expected to create an indigenous manufacturing eco-system for electronics in the country. It will foster the manufacturing of indigenously designed and manufactured chips creating a more cyber secure ecosystem in the country. It will enable India to tap the great economic potential that this knowledge sector offers. The increased development and manufacturing in the sector will lead to greater economic growth through more manufacturing and consequently greater employment in the sector. The Policy envisages that a turnover of USD 400 billion will create an employment for two million people. ESDM is of strategic importance as well. Not only in internal security and defence, the pervasive deployment of electronics in civilian domains such as telecom, power, railways, civil aviation, etc. can have serious consequences of disruption of service. This renders tremendous strategic importance to the sector. The country, therefore, cannot be totally dependent on imported electronic components and products. The key objectives of the Policy are:

(i) To create an eco-system for a globally competitive Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector in the country to achieve a turnover of about USD 400 billion by 2020 involving investment of about USD 100 billion and employment to around 28 million people at various levels. (ii) To build on the emerging chip design and embedded software industry to achieve global leadership in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), chip design and other frontier technical areas and to achieve a turnover of USD 55 billion by 2020. (iii) To build a strong supply chain of raw materials, parts and electronic components to raise the indigenous availability of these inputs from the present 20-25 per cent to over 60 per cent by 2020. (iv) To increase the export in ESDM sector from USD 5.5 billion to USD 80 billion by 2020.

(v) To significantly enhance availability of skilled manpower in the ESDM sector. Special focus for augmenting postgraduate education and to produce about 2500 PhDs annually by 2020. (vi) To create an institutional mechanism for developing and mandating standards and certification for electronic products and services to strengthen quality assessment infrastructure nationwide. (vii) To develop an appropriate security ecosystem in ESDM.

(viii) To create long-term partnerships between ESDM and strategic and core infrastructure sectors - Defence, Atomic Energy, Space, Railways, Power, Telecommunications, etc. (ix) To become a global leader in creating Intellectual Property (IP) in the ESDM sector by increasing fund flow for R&D, seed capital and venture capital for start-ups in the ESDM and nanoelectronics sectors. (x) To develop core competencies in strategic and core infrastructure sectors like telecommunications, automotive, avionics, industrial, medical, solar, Information and Broadcasting, Railways, etc through use of ESDM in these sectors. (xi) To use technology to develop electronic products catering to domestic needs, including rural needs and conditions, as well as international needs at affordable price points. (xii) To become a global leader in the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) segment by promoting progressive higher value addition in manufacturing and product development. (xiii) To expedite adoption of best practices in e-waste management.

(xiv) To source, stockpile and promote indigenous exploration and mining of rare earth metals required for manufacture of electronic components. To achieve these objectives, the policy proposes the following strategies:

(i) Creating eco-system for globally competitive ESDM sector: The strategies include provision of fiscal incentives for investment, setting up of electronic manufacturing clusters, preferential market access to domestically manufactured electronic products, setting up of semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities, industry friendly and stable tax regime. Based on Cabinet approval, a high level Empowered committee has been constituted to identify and shortlist technology and investors for setting up two semiconductor wafer manufacturing fabrication facilities. Based on another Cabinet approval a policy for providing preference to domestically manufactured electronic goods has been announced. Separate proposals have also been considered by the Cabinet for approval of Modified Special Incentive Package for the ESDM Sector and for setting up of Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs). (ii) Promotion of Exports: The strategies include aggressive marketing of India as an investment

destination

and

providing

incentives

for

export,

(iii) Human Resource Development: The strategies include involvement of private sector, universities and institutions of learning for scaling up of requisite capacities at all levels for the projected manpower demand. A specialized Institute for semiconductor chip design is also proposed. (iv) Developing and mandating standards to curb inflow of sub-standard and unsafe electronic products by mandating technical and safety standards which conform to international standards. (v) Cyber security: To create a complete secure cyber eco-system in the country, through suitable design and development of indigenous appropriate products through frontier technology/product oriented research, testing and validation of security of products. (vi) Strategic electronics: The strategies include creating long-term partnerships between domestic ESDM industry and strategic sectors for sourcing products domestically and providing Defense Offset obligations for electronic procurements through ESDM products. (vii) Creating ecosystem for vibrant innovation and R&D in the ESDM sector including nanoelectronics. The strategy includes creation of an Electronic Development Fund. (viii) Electronics in other sectors: The strategy includes supporting and : developing expertise in the electronics in the following sectors of economy: automotive, avionics, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Industrial, medical, solar photovoltaics, Information and Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Railways, Intelligent Transport Systems, and Games and Toys. (ix) Handling e-waste: The strategy includes various initiatives to facilitate environment friendly e-waste handling policies. Background: The Electronics industry reported at USD 1.75 trillion is the largest and fastest growing manufacturing industry in the world. It is expected to reach USD 2.4 trillion by 2020. The demand in the Indian market was USD 45 billion in 2008-09 and is expected to reach USD 400 billion by 2020. Domestic demand is expected to be driven by growth in income levels leading to higher off-take of electronics products, automation demands of corporate sector and the government's focus on e-governance. The domestic production in 2008-09 was about USD 20 billion. However, the actual value-addition in the domestically produced electronic product is very low, ranging between 5 to 10 percent in most cases. At the current rate of growth, domestic production can cater to a demand of USD 100 billion in 2020 as against a demand of USD 400 billion and the rest would have to be met by imports. This aggregates to a demand supply gap of nearly USD 300 billion by 2020. Unless the situation is corrected, it is likely that by 2020, electronics import may far exceed oil imports. This fact goes unnoticed because electronics, as a "meta resource" forms a significant part of all machines and equipment imported, which are classified in their final sectoral forms, for example, automobiles, aviation, health equipment, media and broadcasting, defence armaments, etc.

Electronics is characterized by high velocity of technological change. Consequently the life cycle of products is declining. As a result, the value of design and development in the product has increased quite significantly. Given India's growing strength in chip design and embedded software, the increasing importance of design in product development has potential to make India a favoured destination for ESDM. Electronic components, which are the basis of an electronic product, are low volume-low weight, cheap and easy to transport across the globe. Moreover, under the Information Technology Agreement-1 (ITA-1) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which came into force in 1997, a large number of electronic components and products are bound with zero tariffs making trade unrestricted across international borders. Under the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with various countries, the import of electronics hardware from these countries is allowed either at zero duty or at a duty which is lower than the normal duty rate.

New Facility for Citizens to get Information about Polling Stations, Electoral Rolls and Election Officers Names and Contact Phone Numbers on Maps on ECI Website

Election Commission of India in its constant endeavor to provide information and services to citizens in a hassle free manner has started a new service on the website of the Commission www.eci.nic.in. Polling Station locations of National Capital Territory of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh have already been plotted on maps and can be seen by citizens when they visit the concerned page on the website of Election Commission of India. Polling Station locations of rest of the country are being plotted and will be available very soon on the website. A tab named Information Linked to Polling Station Maps has been provided on the left hand side panel of the website of the Commission. Citizens can visit the Polling Stations Maps page by clicking on this tab. Once on the page, citizens will see the names of States for which maps of polling stations are available. On clicking on the name of the State, the map page will open up. Citizens can select District, Assembly Constituency and Polling Station names from drop down lists and click a button to see Polling Station Locations of the selected area on the map viewer on the page. It is possible to zoom into any point on the map to increase the magnification by either double clicking on the map or by increasing the magnification on the left side on the map viewer. Users can activate the satellite image layer and even see the Polling Station buildings, and the roads leading to it. Polling Station Locations are seen as Pins dropped on the map for each Polling Station. On clicking on the Pin, a balloon opens up showing the names and cell phone numbers of the Chief Electoral Officer, District Election Officer, Electoral Registration Officer and Booth Level Officer. There is also a link provided for Electoral Rolls. On clicking this link, Electoral Roll for that Polling Station opens up in PDF format and can be saved by the user on his local computer and also printed from the local computer. The Commission hopes that electors and political parties will find this facility useful for the smooth and active participation in the electoral process

PM constitutes National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers

The Prime Minister has constituted a coordination committee called the National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers, as a mechanism to coordinate action for the introduction of direct cash transfers to individuals under the various government schemes and programmes. The National Committee chaired by the Prime Minister will have as its members eleven Cabinet Ministers, two Ministers of State with independent charge, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, the Chairman UIDAI, the Cabinet Secretary with the Principal Secretary to the PM as the convenor. The Prime Minister may invite any other Minister/Officer/Expert to any meeting of the Committee. The National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers would engage in the following tasks: a) Provide an overarching vision and direction to enable direct cash transfers of benefits under various government schemes and programmes to individuals, leveraging the investments being made in the Aadhaar Project, financial inclusion and other initiatives of the Government, with the objective of enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability. b) Determine broad policy objectives and strategies for direct cash transfers. c) Identify Government programmes and schemes for which direct cash transfers to individuals can be adopted and suggest the extent and scope of direct cash transfers in each case. d) Coordinate the activities of various Ministries/ Departments/ Agencies involved in enabling direct cash transfers and ensure timely, coordinated action to ensure speedy rollout of direct cash transfers across the country. e) Specify timelines for the rollout of direct cash transfers. f) Review the progress of implementation of direct cash transfers and provide guidance for midcourse corrections. g) Any other related matter. The National Committee on Cash Transfers will be assisted by an Executive Committee on Direct Cash Transfers chaired by the Principal Secretary to PM and the Secretaries of the concerned Ministries and the DG UIDAI. The Secretary Planning Commission will be the convenor. The Executive Committee on Direct Cash Transfers would engage in the following tasks: a) Identify and propose for the consideration of the National Committee on Cash Transfers such Government programmes and schemes for which direct cash transfers to individuals can be adopted and suggest the extent and scope of direct cash transfers in each case. b) Ensure the preparation of and approve strategies and action plans for the speedy rollout of direct cash transfers in areas agreed to and in line with the timelines laid down by the National Committee on Cash Transfers. c) Coordinate the activities of various Ministries/ Departments / Agencies involved in enabling direct cash transfers to ensure that the architecture and framework for direct cash transfers is in place for rolling out direct cash transfers across the country. d) Review and monitor the rollout of direct cash transfers and undertake mid-course corrections as and when necessary. e) Any other related matter entrusted by the National Committee on Cash Transfers or relating to direct cash transfers. The Chairman may invite any other Officer/Expert to any meeting of the Executive Committee as may be necessary. The National Committee and the Executive Committee would

be serviced by the Planning Commission, which may obtain assistance as required from any Ministry/Department/Agency of the Government in this task. The Planning Commission will designate an officer of the rank of Joint Secretary in the Planning Commission to coordinate and service the work of the National Committee and Executive Committee. In order to finalise the operational and implementation details relating to the design and implementation of the direct cash transfer system, and for ensuring a smooth roll-out of direct cash transfers in an orderly and timely fashion, Mission Mode Committees will be constituted. These will be: a) Technology Committee to focus on the technology, payment architecture and IT issues. b) Financial Inclusion Committee to focus on ensuring universal access to banking and ensuring complete financial inclusion. c) Implementation Committees on Electronic Transfer of Benefits at the Ministry/ Department level to work out the details of cash transfers for each department such as data bases, direct cash transfer rules and control and audit mechanisms. The notifications for these three committees will be issued in due course. The composition of the National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers is as follows: 1. Prime Minister Chairperson 2. Finance Minister 3. Minister of Communications & IT 4. Minister of Rural Development 5. Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment 6. Minister of Human Resource Development 7. Minister of Tribal Affairs 8. Minister of Minority Affairs 9. Minister of Health & Family Welfare 10. Minister of Labour & Employment 11. Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas 12. Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers 13. Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission 14. Minister of State (i/c) of Food & Public Distribution 15. Minister of State (i/c) of Women & Child Development 16. Chairman, UIDAI 17. Cabinet Secretary 18. Principal Secretary to PM Convenor

Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) - State Component

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the proposal for :(i) continuing the Special Plan for Bihar in 2012-13 with an allocation of Rs.1500 crore, based on the enhanced level of cost of Rs.9985.54 crore of all existing projects, revised cost of existing projects, and the cost of new projects, if any, that may be approved by the Empowered Committee, (ii) continuing the Special Plan for the Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK) districts of Odisha in 2012-13 with an allocation of Rs.250 crore, and (iii) continuing the special package for implementing drought mitigation strategies in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in 2012-13 with an Additional Central Assistance of Rs.1400 crore. The Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), which aims to catalyze development in backward areas, was approved by the CCEA in August, 2006. In its present form, the BRGF has two components, namely, District Component covering 272 backward districts in 27 States (including 22 additional districts covered in 2012-13) and State Component which includes Special Plan for Bihar, Special Plan for the KBK districts of Odisha, Special Plan for West Bengal (covered in 2011-12), Integrated Action Plan (IAP) for Selected Tribal and Backward Districts (covered in 2010-11) and Bundelkhand Package (covered in 2009-10). The implementation of the programmes is being done by the State Governments. The aim of the programme is to accelerate socio-economic development in the States concerned. Through the continuation of the Special Plan for Bihar, Special Plan for the KBK districts of Odisha and the Bundelkhand package in 2012-13, accelerated socio-economic development of backward areas covered under the programmes is expected to take place. The backward areas of the States covered under the State Component of BRGF will benefit. All the 38 districts of Bihar, eight districts of the KBK region and 13 districts of Bundelkhand region are covered. These programmes are continuing programmes and were under implementation during the Eleventh Five Year Plan. Background: The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) is being finalized. The possibility of restructuring the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) including the District Component as well as the State Component for the period 2013-14 to 2016-17 is being considered. Pending completion of this exercise, it is necessary to continue the BRGF (District Component and State Component) in its present form in 2012-13. The district component of BRGF as well as the special plan for West Bengal and the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) for selected tribal and backward districts under the State component of BRGF are already approved for continuation in 2012-13. Since the present approval to the special plan for Bihar, special plan for the KBK districts of Odisha and

Bundelkhand package is valid only for the Eleventh Five Year Plan period i.e. 2011-12, it is now proposed to continue these programmes in 2012-13 in its present form.

Waiver of loan sanctioned to the Tsunami affected fishermen in Andaman & Nicobar Islands against Tsunami Rehabilitation measures

The Union Cabinet today approved for the proposal to waive the loan plus the amount of interest thereon for the 370 tsunami affected fishermen that is outstanding on the date of settlement and to reimburse the same to concerned banks. As on 31-03-2012, tsunami affected fishermen of Andaman & Nicobar Islands had outstanding loans plus interest thereon amounting to Rs.2.10 crore and the amount outstanding at the time of settlement will be reimbursed to the concerned banks. About 370 tsunami affected fishermen of Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be benefitted. With the population of the islands being tribals, settlers or migrants from mainland and being economically weak the Andaman & Nicobar administration had recommended waiver of the entire loan granted to fishermen for repair, replacement and upgradation of boats damaged due to the tsunami, along with accrued interest. A&N Administration will commence the task of waiving the loans of the beneficiaries immediately. This will benefit all such beneficiaries who are tribals, settlers or migrants from mainland and are economically weak. Background: After tsunami of 26th December, 2004, Government of India approved a package of Central Assistance of Rs.821.88 crore in respect of the tsunami affected areas of Andaman & Nicobar Islands under "Rajiv Gandhi Rehabilitation Package for Tsunami affected areas". As per the above mentioned Package, an amount of Rs.15.01 crore had been approved for Fisheries Sector which included Rs.2.53 crore for construction of cold storage. The Package for Fisheries Sector was as under: (i) 50% subsidy and balance as loan for replacement/upgradation of boats plus motor upto unit cost of Rs.2.00 lakh + boat transportation cost of Rs.35,000/- . (ii) Upgradation/replacement of Local Made Donghies to opt Engine Fitted

Donghies, subject to a maximum subsidy of Rs.1.00 lakh each per unit + transportation cost Rs.35,000/- (balance as loan). (iii) 60% subsidy with a ceiling of Rs.65,000/- and balance as loan for repair of boats with motors.

Increase in rate of pension from Rs. 200/- to Rs. 300/- per month under the ongoing Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme as well as increase in grant from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs.20,000/- under the National Family Benefit Scheme

The Union Cabinet today revised the norms and enhanced rates of pension for widows and persons with disabilities. This is in fulfillment of the announcement made by the Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget 2012-13 in the Parliament on 16th March 2012. In view of the above decision, 76 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) widows and 11 lakh below poverty line persons with severe or multiple disability would get enhanced amount of central assistance @ Rs. 300 p.m. This would be in addition to the contribution by the States. Further, 3.56 lakh BPL families will receive one time lump sum enhanced grant @ Rs. 20000/- in the event of death of the primary breadwinner in the family. The following are the details:(i) To increase the rate of pension under the ongoing Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) from Rs. 200/- to Rs.300/- per month per beneficiary and to revise the eligibility criteria from 40-59 years to 4079 years. (ii) To increase the rate of pension under Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) from Rs. 200/- to Rs. 300/- per month per beneficiary and to revise the eligibility criteria from 18-59 years to 18-79 years. (iii) To increase the lump sum grant under National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) from Rs. 10000/- to Rs. 20000/-and also to revise the eligibility criteria from 18-64 years to 18-59 years. (iv) To make the requirement of "at least an equal contribution under all the pension schemes as well as under NFBS by State Governments/Union Territory Administrations" recommendatory. (v) To implement the revised norms under IGNWPS and IGNDPS with effect from 1st October, 2012. (vi) To implement the revised norms under NFBS from the date of approval of the Cabinet. (vii) To continue implementation of the NSAP during the 12lh Five Year Plan and to provide 3 per cent administrative charges on approved items. The total requirement of funds tor the current proposal comes to Rs. 3861.09 crore per annum. However, after taking into account the existing

rate of assistance and number of beneficiaries, the net additional requirement for implementing the announcement comes to Rs. 1325.10 crore per annum.

Implementation of Intervention/ Activities for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis (JE)/ Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)

The Cabinet today approved a proposal for a comprehensive multi pronged strategy for the prevention and control of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). The proposal of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the implementation of the intervention/activities recommended by the Group of Ministers (GoM) for prevention and control of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) / Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) will be implemented in 60 priority districts for a period of 5 years from 2012-13 to 2016-17 by the Ministries of Health & Family Welfare, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Social Justice & Empowerment, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Women & Child Development. Focussed interventions will be done in five States namely Assam, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The major activities include public health interventions, expansion of JE vaccination, improved case management, medical and social rehabilitation, improved provisions of drinking water and sanitation in rural and urban areas and improved nutrition. The Cabinet approved the implementation of interventions/activities for JE/AES for the following Ministries out of the budget available during the 12lh Plan. Ministry-wise estimated costs of interventions/activities as approved by the Cabinet are summarized below:

Sl. No. 1.

Ministry / Department

Estimated Cost (Rs. in crore) 1131.49

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

2.

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

2301.57

3.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

(Drinking Water - 750.23 Sanitation- 1551.34) 9.19

The Ministries of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Women & Child Development will obtain requisite additional funding as per table below for implementing the interventions as per GoM recommendations within two months of the Cabinet approval.

Sl. No. 1. 2.

Ministry/ Department

Estimated Cost (Rs. in crore) 418.00 177.85

Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministry of Women and Child Development

The implementation of the proposal will substantially reduce the cases of JE through strengthening of JE vaccination and vector control. It will also reduce AES cases by checking the transmission of entero-virus in children through the supply of safe drinking water and enhanced nutritional status of children. This will also reduce burden of disabilities due to AES in young children. Background: With the approval of the Prime Minister of India, a Group of Ministers (GoM) was constituted to evolve a multi-pronged strategy encompassing preventive, case management and rehabilitation measures to address the problems relating to Japanese Encephalitis (JE)/ Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). The members of GoM included Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Minister of Urban Development, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Minister of Rural Development, Minister of Drinking Water & Sanitation and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. Vice Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was

included as a Special Invitee.

Amendments in the "Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986"

The Union Cabinet today approved the introduction of Amendments to the "Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986" in Parliament. Key amendments proposed are as follows: i. Broaden the scope of the law to cover the audio-visual media and material in electronic form. ii. Penalties to be enhanced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment and fine of between Rs.50,000 to Rs.1,00,000 for first conviction, and imprisonment of not less than two years, but which may extend to seven years, and a fine between Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.5,00,000 for second conviction. (iii) Police officers not below the rank of Inspectors authorized to carry out search and seizure, in addition to State and Central Government officers authorized by the State or Central Government. These amendments seek to ensure that more effective protection is provided against indecent representation of women by covering newer forms of communication like internet, multimedia messaging etc., beyond the print and audio-visual media. This would aid in addressing the problem of increased objectification of women thereby ensuring dignity of women. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 (IRWA) focuses on indecent representation of women and brings under its ambit references that are derogatory to the dignity of women. The IRWA, 1986 was enacted with the specific objective of prohibiting the indecent

representation of women through advertisement, publication, writing, and painting or in any other manner. The existing Act, in its present form, covers the print media. However, over the years, technological revolution has resulted in the development of newer forms of communication such as internet and satellite based communication, multi-media messaging, cable television etc. It has, therefore, become imperative to widen the scope of the law so as to cover such forms of media, on one hand, and to strengthen the existing safeguards to prevent indecent representation of women through any such form. Background: The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 was enacted with the objective of prohibiting indecent representation of women in any advertisement or publication. However, since the existing legislation lacks the focus that is necessary to protect women from exploitation, particularly in the face of the increasing use of advanced technology and communication devices in our everyday life, it was felt that the scope of the Act may need to be amended. Extensive consultations have been held with stakeholders including lawyers and civil society organizations on the draft Bill, before its finalization.

Cabinet approves proposal to place 12th Plan Document before National Development Council

The Union Cabinet today discussed the Draft Twelfth Five Year Plan document (2012-2017), and approved the proposal to place the Plan Document before the National Development Council. The Plan proposes an acceleration of growth over the plan period to reach 9 percent in the terminal year, yielding an average growth rate of 8.2 percent for the plan period as a whole. It emphasizes that the growth must be both inclusive and sustainable, and to achieve these objectives it proposes a comprehensive game plan in terms of policies and programmes. The estimates show resource availability for the Twelfth Plan at Rs.80,50,123 crore in current prices for the Centre and States taken together. This implies the public sector resources for the Twelfth Plan (2012-2017) would be 11.8 per cent of GDP as against 1096 per cent realized during the Eleventh Plan (2007-2012). To achieve the targeted growth rate, the fixed investment rate should increase to 35 per cent of GDP (at constant prices) by the end of the Twelfth Plan, yielding an average fixed investment rate of 34 per cent of GDP (at constant prices) for the Twelfth Plan period as a whole. The projected average rate of gross domestic capital formation in the Twelfth Plan is 37 per cent of GDP, the projected gross domestic savings rate is 34.2 per cent of GDP and the net external financing needed for macro-economic balance would average around 2.9 per cent of GDP. In a first attempt at presenting scenario analysis, the plan emphasizes that the policy agenda outlined must be substantially implemented for all the virtuous cycles to come into play that will lead to Scenario One called the Strong Inclusive Growth. This would also imply we can achieve inclusive and sustainable growth averaging 8.2 per cent over the Twelfth Plan period. The Plan emphasizes a broad definition of inclusiveness, which encompasses a spread of benefits to the weaker sections, including especially the SC/STs, OBCs and Minorities, and also regional balance in development. The plan emphasizes the need to speed up the pace of implementation of infrastructure projects, which is critical for removing supply bottlenecks which constrain growth in other sectors, and also for boosting investor sentiment to raise the overall rate of investment. The Plan contains ambitious programmes in health, education, water resource management, infrastructure development, and a number of programmes aimed at inclusiveness, most notably the National Health Mission (NHM), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). Considerable resources are being allocated for these programmes. It proposes that beneficiary payments across a large number of schemes, which have experienced leakages in the delivery system, may be carried out through the use of the Aadhaar (UID) platform.

Amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

The Union Cabinet today approved the following amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: (i) Amendment to Section 2: Definitions of 'Gram Sabha', 'Panchayat', and 'Scheduled Areas' have been added to the Act. (ii) Amendment to Section 18:

Provisions for having consultation with Gram Sabha in the event of the intention of the State Government for dec (iii) Amendment to Section 22:

Records of the Gram Sabha and the Panchayat during the inquiry by the Collector on the claims to be considered Sanctuary. (iv) Amendment to Section 33:

Consultation with the Gram Sabha concerned for management and maintenance of a Sanctuary has been made m (v) Amendment to Section 35:

Provisions for having consultation with Gram Sabha in the event of the intention of the State Government for dec (vi) Amendment to Section 36D:

Representative of Panchayat or tribal community have been included in the Community Reserve Management Co (vii) Amendment to Section 38:

Provision for having consultation with Gram Sabha in the event of declaration of a National Park by the State Go The Ministry of Panchayati Raj had advised additional amendments to these Sections. Background:

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), provides the legal framework for the protection of various sp also for the regulation and control of trade in the products derived from wild animals. The Act has been amended of Environment and Forests has proposed to further amend the said Act. Amendments had separately been propo International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), enhanced penalties for offences and

The Union Cabinet in its Meeting held on 19th May 2011 had considered the above amendment proposal of the M

same.

Ratification of Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing by Ind

The Union Cabinet today approved the ratification of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing by Ind

The Nagoya Protocol has been signed by 92 countries. Five countries have also ratified the Protocol. India signe 2011. India is hosting the eleventh CoP to the CBD in October 2012 in Hyderabad. This gives us an opportunity our strengths and initiatives on biodiversity before the world. As the incoming President of CoP-11, it is expecte before CoP-11.

India is one of the identified megadiverse countries rich in biodiversity. With only 2.4 per cent of the earth's land the recorded species of the world. India is also rich in associated traditional knowledge, which is both coded as i medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Sidha, and also non-coded, as it exists in oral undocumented traditions.

The genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge can be used to develop a wide range of products and medicines, agricultural practices, cosmetics etc. Much of the world's biodiversity is found in developing countrie economic and social development,, and also create incentives for their conservation and sustainable use, thereby and more equitable economy to support sustainable development.

India is a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which is one of the agreements adopted during of the three objectives of the CBD relates to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), which refers to the way in whic benefits resulting from their use shared by users with countries that provide them. The CBD prescribes that acce national legislation. Accordingly, India after extensive consultative process had enacted the Biological Diversity provisions of the CBD, including those relating to CBD. However, in the near absence of user country measures providing the resources, there is no way to ensure compliance of ABS provisions in the country where it is used. benefit sharing has been negotiated under the aegis of CBD, and adopted by the Tenth Conference of Parties (Co 2010. India has participated actively and contributed meaningfully in the ABS negotiations which formally starte the Nagoya Protocol on ABS is fair and equitable sharing of benefits, arising from the use of genetic resources, i genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies.

India has been a victim of misappropriation or biopiracy of our genetic resources and associated traditional know other countries (well known examples include neem and haldi). It is expected that the ABS Protocol which is a k address this concern.

The Nagoya Protocol would also contribute to the other two objectives of the CBD relating to conservation and s from utilization of genetic resources would act as incentive to biodiversity-rich countries and their local commun their biodiversity Constitution of Twentieth Law Commission

The Union Cabinet today approved the constitution of 20th Law Commission for a period for three years from The details are as follows:

The terms of reference of the 20th Law Commission will include : (i) identification of laws which are in harmo economic globalization, (ii) exploring suitable measures for equal redressal of citizens grievances related to the laws which affect the poor and carrying out post-audit for socio-economic legislations, (iv) to take measures to the service of the poor, (v) to eliminate delays, speedy clearance of arrears of cases and reduction in costs, (vi) to promote gender equality and suggesting amendments to such cases, (vii) to examine the impact of globalizat unemployment and recommend measures for the protection of the interests of the marginalized.

The 20th Law Commission will be headed by a full-time Chairperson and will consist of four full-time Membe Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs ( as ex-officio Member), Secretary, Legislative Department (as ex offic Members that, This time, Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs and Secretary, Legislative Department have b officio Members with a view to achieve better implementation of Law Commission Reports. Further, before co Commission will consult the nodal Ministry /Department(s) and such other stakeholders as the Commission ma

The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of India from time to tim constituted in 1955 and is reconstituted every three years. The tenure of the Nineteenth Law Commission has e

Risk Allowance, Hospital Patent Care Allowance and Patient Care Allowance

The Cabinet today approved revision of rates of Risk Allowance. Hospital Patient Care Allowance and Patient C two lakh entitled Central Government employees to double the existing rates with effect from 1s' September, 20

The proposed revision in the rates of the Risk Allowance, Hospital Patent Care Allowance and Patient Care All employees at risk due to the nature of their duties. It will also result in considerable financial savings as compar Schemes/Packages.

The financial implication of doubling the extant rate of Risk Allowance, Hospital Patient Care Allowance and P Rs.42.16 crore per annum, as against Rs.503.26 crore plus service tax (approximately) {Rs.40.50 crore plus ser policy and Rs.462.76 crore plus service tax for purchase of annuity} for implementing the Risk Insurance packa

The amount of Risk Allowance, Hospital Patient Care Allowance and Patient Care Allowance would be automa time the Dearness Allowance on the revised pay structure goes up by 50 per cent. The proposed revision in the Patient Care Allowance and Patient Care Allowance will benefit certain categories of Central Government emp special risks.

Transfer of 200 square meters of Farakka Barrage Project Land at Farakka in West Bengal to Governm handing over to Government of Jharkhand

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for transfer of 200 square metres of Farakka Barrage Project (F to the Government of West Bengal, and subsequent handing over to Government of Jharkhand, for construction facility at Pakur town to be constructed by the Nagar Panchayat, Pakur.

This would facilitate taking 13.65 MLD (5.58 cusec) water from Farakka Barrage Canal for drinking water supp which is located near the border of West Bengal and is facing acute water crisis.

Declaration of Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport Lucknow, Lal Bhadur Shastri Airport Varanasi a Mangalore and Coimbatore as International Airports.

The Union Cabinet today approved the declaration of Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow: Lal Bahadur airports at Tiruchirapalli, Mangalore and Coimbatore as international airports, to fulfill the demand of State Go international connectivity, wider choice of services at competitive cost to air travelers.

All these airports are capable of handling medium capacity long range type of aircrafts and are also equipped w Further, all works pertaining to upgradation of the airports to international Standards have been completed. The impetus to domestic/international tourism and contribute to the economic development of the concerned region

Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow: The airport runway is suitable for operation of AB-300 type o The existing apron is suitable for parking 14 aircraft (2 B747, 1 B-767-400, 11 AB-321 type of aircraft), in Pow Presently, Indian Airlines, Jetlite, Go Air, Indigo and Spice Jet airlines are operating domestic flights.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi: The airport has a runway suitable for operation of AB-320 type of ai existing apron is suitable for parking 5 B767 and 4 AB-321 type of aircrafts. Presently, Air India, Jet Airways, airlines are operating domestic services through this airport. Air India, Thai Airways and Cosmic Air are operat airport.

Tiruchirapalli: The airport is suitable for operation of AB-320 / B-737-800 type of aircraft in all weather cond permitted. Domestic and international flights are operating and the destinations covered are: Abu Dhabi, Chenn Mumbai and Singapore. Airlines operators - Air India Express, Air Asia, Kingfisher, Mihin Lanka, Sri Lankana equipped with navigational aids and visual aids.

Mangalore: It is suitable for AB-310 and B737-400 type of aircraft operations in all weather conditions. Night domestic and international flights are operating and the destinations covered are: Dubai, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait Chennai and Mumbai. Airlines operating are :- Air India, Kingfisher, Spice Jet, Jet Airwaysand Air India Expre instrument landing system (ILS).

Coimbatore: Coimbatore is presently handling limited international operations. The Airport is suitable for all w of aircraft. Night landing operations are permitted at the airport. Destinations covered are: Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Sharjah and Singapore. Airline operators are :- Air India, Air Arabia, Indigo, Jet Airways, Jetlite, Kin airport is equipped with navigational & visual aids including CAT-l Instrument Landing System (ILS).

Removal of controls imposed under Essential Commodities Act, 1955-Extension of validity of Central O of Pulses, Edible Oils and Edible Oilseeds beyond 30.09.2012

The Union Cabinet today approved for extending the validity of the Central Notifications as under:

The validity of the Central Notification No.S.0.2227(E) dated 27.09.2011 issued in respect of pulses, edible oi extended for a further period from 01.10.2012 to 30.09.2013.

This will moderate the prices of these commodities and ensure its availability at fair prices to the general public

The main objective of Control Orders is to enable the State Governments to continue to take effective de-hoard Commodities Act, 1955 by fixing stock limits/licensing requirements etc. in respect of these commodities, espe unsatisfactory monsoon in the prevailing circumstances. This is expected to help in the efforts being taken to ta and also improve the availability of these commodities to general public, especially the vulnerable sections. Background :

In August 2006 it was decided to keep in abeyance certain provisions of the Order dated 15.02.2002 in respect approval of the Cabinet initially for a period of 6 months. The validity of this order has been extended from tim more essential commodities.

Subsequently Central Orders were issued by keeping in abeyance the operation of Central Order dated 15.02.20 oils, edible oilseeds, rice, paddy and sugar. The validity of all these orders have been extended from time to tim permitted for pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds for a period up to 30.09.2012 and in respect of rice and pad States/Union Territories i.e. Andhra Pradesh, NCT of Delhi, Manipur, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand an had sent their request specifically opting for continuation of stock limits in respect of paddy and rice. Wheat an the ambit of these orders with effect from 1st April 2009 and 1st December 2011 respectively.

Permitting FDI in multi-brand product retail trading

The Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion for permitting FD subject to specified conditions.

The proposal had earlier been approved by the Cabinet in its meeting on 24.11.2011. However, implementatio deferred, for evolving a broader consensus on the subject.

In pursuance of the aforestated decision of the Cabinet on 7.12.2011, discussions have been held with State G consumer associations/organizations, micro & small industry associations, farmers associations and represent and industry associations. The Chief Ministers of Delhi, Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Utt Governments of the State of Manipur and the Union Territory of Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, policy in writing. The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, through his press statements, has publicly endorse implementation. The State Governments of Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Odisha ha

During the consultations with the stakeholders, views for and against FDI in multi-brand retail trading were ex discussions generally indicated support for the policy, subject to the introduction of adequate safeguards. Accordingly, the following proposals have been approved:

(i) Retail sales outlets may be set up in those States which have agreed or agree in future to allow FDI in MBR establishment of the retail sales outlets will be in compliance of applicable State laws/ regulations, such as the

(ii) Retail sales outlets may be set up only in cities with a population of more than 10 lakh as per 2011 Census kms around the municipal/urban agglomeration limits of such cities; retail locations will be restricted to confo Master/Zonal Plans of the concerned cities and provision will be made for requisite facilities such as transport States/ Union Territories not having cities with population of more than 10 lakh as per 2011 Census, retail sale of their choice, preferably the largest city and may also cover an area of 10 kms around the municipal/urban ag The locations of such outlets will be restricted to conforming areas, as per the Master/Zonal Plans of the conce made for requisite facilities such as transport connectivity and parking.

(iii) At least 50% of total FDI brought in shall be invested in 'backend infrastructure' within three years of the infrastructure will include capital expenditure on all activities, excluding that on front-end units; for instance, include investment made towards processing, manufacturing, distribution, design improvement, quality contro ware-house, agriculture market produce infrastructure etc. Expenditure on land cost and rentals, if any, will no backend infrastructure. (iv) A high-level group under the Minister of Consumer Affairs may be constituted to examine various issues recommendations for internal trade reforms.

Other conditions/safeguards, approved by the Cabinet on 24.11.2012, would remain unchanged. The suspensio in the Cabinet meeting on 24.11.2011 to permit FDI up to 51% in MBRT, therefore, stands removed.

The respective State Governments administer the Shops & Establishment Act within their territorial jurisdictio State is a subject allocated to the State Governments, under the Constitution of India. State Governments are ancillary to MBRT, such as zoning regulations, warehousing requirements, access, traffic, parking and other lo provides that it would be the prerogative of the State Governments to decide whether and where a multi-brand

establish its sales outlets within the State. Therefore, implementation of the policy is not a mandatory requirem

Retail sales outlets may be set up only in cities with a population of more than 10 lakh as per 2011 Census (in the municipal/urban agglomeration limits of such cities). On the other hand, States/ Union Terrritories, which population exceeding 10 lakhs, but are desirous of implementing the policy, would have the flexibility to do so

Thus, the revised condition gives primacy to the decision of the States in this regard, recognizing that the FDI enabling framework for the purpose. Adequate safeguards have been built into the policy, some of which have been further strengthened.

A three year timeframe has been fixed for setting up the back-end infrastructure, which includes capital expen that on front-end units; for instance, back-end infrastructure will include investment made towards processing design improvement, quality control, packaging, logistics, storage, ware-house, agriculture market produce inf land cost and rentals, if any, will not be counted for purposes of backend infrastructure. This condition will bin critical back-end infrastructure, which is a felt need across the country. It would also make the foreign investo implementation of the condition.

The decision would benefit stakeholders across the entire span of the supply chain. Farmers stand to benefit fr post-harvest losses, expected to result from the strengthening of the backend infrastructure and enable the farm for their produce. Small manufacturers will benefit from the conditionality requiring at least 30% procuremen this would enable them to get integrated with global retail chains. This, in turn, will enhance their capacity to e as small retailers are concerned, it is evident that organized retail already co-exists with small traders and the u indicate that there has been a strong competitive response from the traditional retailers to these organized retai practices and technological upgradation. Global experience also indicates that organized and unorganized reta people joining the workforce will benefit from the creation of employment opportunities. Consumers stand to lowering of prices that would result from supply chain efficiencies and secondly, through improvement in pro about as a combined result of technological upgradation; efficient grading, sorting and packaging; testing and standardization.

Implementation of the policy will facilitate greater FDI inflows, additional and quality employment, global be and farmers in the long run, in terms of quality, price, greater supply chain efficiencies in the agricultural secto backend infrastructure.

The high-level group, to be constituted under the Minister of Consumer Affairs, is expected to look into variou to make recommendations on internal trade reforms to the Government, whenever required. This is in respons traders associations during the course of consultations. Reforms in internal trade will ensure distributional eff from trade are available to all sections of society.

Amendment of conditions in the policy on Foreign Direct Investment in single-brand pro

The Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion for amendment of Direct Investment in Single-Brand Product Retail Trading.

Vide Press Note 1(2012 Series) dated 10.1. 2012, Government had permitted FDI, up to 100%, in single brand specified conditions, including, interalia, the conditions that: (i) The foreign investor should be the owner of the brand.

(ii) In respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51%, 30% sourcing would mandatorily have to be done from industries artisans and craftsmen. 'Small industries' would be defined as industries which have a total investme exceeding US $ 1.00 million. This valuation refers to the value at the time of installation, without providing fo point in time, this valuation is exceeded, the industry shall not qualify as a 'small industry' for this purpose. Th be ensured through self-certification by the company, which could be subsequently checked, by statutory audit accounts, which the investors will be required to maintain.

The CCEA has approved modification of the above mentioned conditions, for the activity of single brand prod

(i) Only one non-resident entity, whether owner of the brand or otherwise, shall be permitted to undertake sing the country, for the specific brand, through a legally tenable agreement, with the brand owner for undertaking in respect of the specific brand for which approval is being sought. The onus for ensuring compliance with this entity carrying out single-brand product retail trading in India. The investing entity shall provide evidence to th approval, including a copy of the licensing/ franchise/sub-licence agreement, specifically indicating complianc

(ii) In respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51%, sourcing of 30%, of the value of goods purchased, will from MSMEs, village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen, in all sectors, where it is feasible. The qua self-certified by the company, to be subsequently checked, by statutory auditors, from the duly certified accoun required to maintain. For the purpose of ascertaining the sourcing requirement, the relevant entity would be the which is the recipient of FDI for the purpose of carrying out single-brand product retail trading.

Amendment in the condition relating to brand-ownership has been felt necessary, in view of the fact that, globa adopt a variety of business models, wherein the brand owning entity and investor entities are kept separate, eve be having the same parent. Some single brand retailers adopt models where there is no link between the investi In such cases, the brand owner entity could issue an exclusive licence/franchise to the investor entity, to use th trading, either globally or for a specific region, through appropriate agreement/(s). Such business models were the condition that the foreign investor should be the brand owner. In view of the fact that the global business m this condition, a number of investors, who would otherwise have looked at investments in India, may not be ab view the constraints being faced by genuine foreign investors with different business models, as mentioned abo this condition is liberalised. However, in order to address the concern that more than one franchisee/licensee m the same brand, which could lead to difficulties in monitoring compliance and fixing responsibility for non-com conditions, it has been mandated that, only one non-resident entity, whether owner of the brand or otherwise, s single brand product retail trading in the country, for the specific brand, through a legally tenable agreement, w the specific brand for which approval is being sought. The onus for ensuring compliance with this condition sh carrying out single-brand retail trading in India. The investing entity shall provide evidence to this effect at the Government, including a copy of the licensing/ franchise/sub-license agreement, specifically indicating compl

Regarding the condition that 30% sourcing be mandatorily done from Indian small industry, investors have po to comply with this condition in the case of very specialized/high technology items. Global single brand retaile business of retailing specialty/high-tech products. Such products are niche products, wherein it may not be via capacities wherever they engage in retailing, owing to the specialized requirements of quality and precision wh not be able to provide. Investors are, therefore, of the view that the condition of 30% mandatory sourcing from and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen, is acting as a deterrent to the desired foreign investment in this a

The other category of products relate to the entire range from household appliances, utensils, furniture, crocker products are far more amenable to sourcing from MSMEs, village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsme modification of the condition is envisaged to take into account the circumstances of both the specialized/high t as the general category, covering a wide range of items. The fact that 30% domestic sourcing is being mandate retailers would have to build production capacities in the country, either in existing units, or set up new ones, c sourcing requirements. Hence, even the 30% domestic sourcing is expected to develop production capacities in global best practices, relating to design, production and quality. Since single brand retailers are global players, these retailers would have an opportunity of becoming a part of their global supply chains. Thus, Indian produ stores of these single brand retailers located in other countries, thereby augmenting exports from India as well.

Thus, the amended condition relating to sourcing of 30%, of the value of goods purchased, being done from In village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen, in all sectors, where feasible, is expected to benefit India handicrafts sector, which provides livelihood to millions and is important from the point of low capital investm potential for export, as also to meet the critical need to integrate Indian producers with the domestic and global craftsmen abroad is likely to help develop synergies with international brands and generate more employment. from the integration of global best practices in management, along with global standards in quality, design, pac build capacities of local producers, by making it worthwhile for them to scale-up their production, thereby crea employment and income generation. This would also lead to up-gradation of technology, which, in turn, would the economy.

Relaxation in Cabotage Policy for Transshipment of EXIM containers to and from International Conta Cochin

The Union Cabinet today approved relaxation of Cabotage Policy under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 for (EXIM) containers to and from the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam, C

As per the Cabotage Policy, no foreign ship can engage in coasting trade in India (trade between ports in India DG (Shipping). This restriction is one of the main factors that discourages the mainline foreign vessels from c primary objective of relaxation in Cabotage Policy is for ICTT, Vallarpadam to attract cargo destined for India transshipped at Colombo and other foreign ports. This initiative is expected to promote transshipment of India and reduce dependence on nearby foreign ports.

The Indian container traffic has seen a steady growth over the years. Despite this, more than half of the contai transshipped at ports outside India mainly at Colombo, Singapore, Salalah and Jebel Ali. This is because India routes to handle large mainline vessels. Cochin Port enjoys nearly the same locational advantage as Colombo deviation from the main East West shipping route. Therefore, in order to attract mainline vessels for transship Vallarpadam, the present relaxation in Cabotage Policy has been given. This relaxation in Cabotage Policy will be subject to review after three years.

Interest subvention to Public Sector Banks, Cooperative Banks, RRBs, NABARD for providing sho

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for the following:

(i) To continue interest subvention to Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Cooperat enable them to provide short-term crop loans up to Rs.3 lakh to farmers at 7% p.a. during the year 2012-13. (ii) To provide additional interest subvention of 3% p.a. to those farmers who repay on time, i.e. within one short-term crop loans taken during the year 2012-13.

(iii) To permit the release of Rs.10,901 crore as interest subvention for 2012-13 of which Rs.3267 crore sub refinance to Cooperatives Banks and RRBs and Rs.7634 crore to Public Sector Banks, RRBs & Cooperative own funds.

(iv) To provide interest subvention to small and marginal farmers having Kisan Credit Card for loan against for post harvest at 7% p.a. interest for a period of six months i.e. on the same rates as applicable for crop loa

(v) To permit the release of Rs.442 crore as interest subvention to small and marginal farmers having Kisan warehouse receipts, for post-harvest.

The Government of India has since 2006-07 been subsidizing short-term crop loans to farmers in order to en loans to farmers for loans upto Rs.3 lakh at 7% p.a. This interest Subvention Scheme has been further contin RRBs and Cooperative Banks. In the year 2009-10, an additional subvention of 1% was provided to farmers This has been increased from 2% in 2010-11 to 3% in 2011-12 and 2012-13. Thus, the effective rate of inter is Rs.10,901 crore.

Banks have been consistently meeting the target set for agriculture credit flow in the past years. For the year agricultural credit flow has been raised to Rs.5,75,000 crore from Rs,4,75,000 crore in the year 2011-12.

Approval of change in the equity structure of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Developmen

The Union Cabinet has approved the following revised equity structure of Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMICDC): Share of Government of India : 49% or less;

Share of Government owned Financial Institution of Japan, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation ( Share of Financial Institutions owned by the Government of India: 25% or more

No financial implications will be involved after the revised equity structure on the part of Government of Ind

DMIC Project being a strategic partnership project between Government of India and Government of Japan, of Japan in DMICDC will enable the DMIC project to leverage the active assistance and cooperation of the Subscription in the equity of DMICDC will increase the confidence of Japanese companies in the project an Government of Japan. This may also enable the dispatch of Japanese experts to DMICDC. Long term financ pension funds have limited experience in India and 26% equity would give them comfort level and a feeling This would open up possibilities for long term infrastructure lending at lower rates. Background:

The Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project was conceived as a symbol of Indo-Japan strategic p Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Tokyo in December, 2006. The Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC manufacturing and investment destination utilising the high capacity 1483 km long western Dedicated Railw the backbone. As approved by the Cabinet on 16th August 2007, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Develop was incorporated on 7th January, 2008 with authorized equity base of Rs.10 Crore (49% equity participation 10% by I DFC) for developing projects, coordinating the implementation of the numerous projects and also needed.

Subsequently, in the meeting held on 15th September, 2011, the Union Cabinet approved the restructuring o India equity capped at 49% of the total equity and the Government owned Financial Institutions as majority above approval, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) and Life Insurance Corporation of I held by IL & FS Ltd and IDFC respectively, at par, thereby substituting private Financial Institutions in DM Financial Institutions.

In the meantime, a request was received from the Government of Japan for 26% participation in the equity o Prime Minister's visit to India in December, 2011, Japan offered to match Government of India's contributio announcing a contribution of US$ 4.5 billion for projects with Japanese participation. The equity contributio them comfort level and a feeling of participation and involvement in the project.

Approval of New Institute of "Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology" Scheme d

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Resear establishment of Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology at Ranchi (Jharkhand) at a cost of Rs. 287.50 plan.

The Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IIAB) at Ranchi (Jharkhand) will be established as a dee following schools: School-I School of Genomics School-II School of Bioinformatics School-III School of Genetic Engineering School-IV Nano Biotechnology, Diagnostics and Prophylactics School-V School of Basic and Social Sciences and Commercialization

The mandate of the Institute would be (i) to undertake multi-disciplinary basic and strategic research with a v for traits such as increased yield, or increased tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress; (ii) to design and start aca the highly trained manpower required for fundamental research in agricultural biotechnology, and award pos doctoral degrees; (iii) to provide its research output to breeders and developers in agricultural universities an the germplasm, vaccines etc. that would enhance productivity and reduce losses due to biotic and abiotic stre that would provide both curricula and course material to India's agricultural universities and other institution establish successful agricultural biotechnology graduate and post graduate programmes. Background:

There is growing demand for food, fodder and feed. A healthy growth in the GDP is likely to further boost d 53 per cent of the food demand escalation is expected to occur due to growth in population and the rest due t consumption. The current production and the projected demand by the year 2020, are 245 and 284 million to million tonnes of vegetables, 74 and 97 million tonnes of fruits, and 32 and 69 million tonnes of oilseeds res area of 142 million hectares is not likely to increase, the gain in food production will have to be met by incre therefore, for a renewed and vigorous effort to increase productivity and production through the "Second Gre

Genetic engineering tools allow the transfer of useful genes across species. This offers opportunities for imp domain. Biotechnological interventions that have already made global impact and offer scope for revolutioni farmer's income include, (i) molecular breeding for accelerated improvement of specific traits using genes av plant, livestock or fish species; (ii) molecular diagnostics and vaccines for effective control of livestock dise organisms incorporating foreign genes of interest into a target organism; and (iv) nano-biotechnology for bio precision farming. Genomics, aided by bioinformatics, is the new engine for developing stress resistant and h one hand, and state of the art diagnostics and vaccines, on the other. India needs to be abreast, even ahead, o Americas, Europe and China in harnessing the benefits of biotechnology for enhancing both food security an is a shortage of even highly trained scientific manpower in the area of biotechnology, specially agricultural b felt for both a focused centre of research for agricultural biotechnology, and for capacity building in this fron

Establishment of the Central Academy for Police Training at Bhopal and Creation of a Pos

Cabinet Decision

The Union Cabinet today has given its ex-post facto approval for creation of the Central Academy for Police has approved the creation of one post of Director, CAPT in the rank of Inspector General of Police in Pay Ba Grade Pay of Rs.10,000/-.

A total outlay of Rs.492 crore has been provided under the 12th Plan for Central academy for Police Training for creation of one post of Director/IGP in the pay scale of PB-4, Rs.37,400 67,000/- with grade pay of Rs. annum at the minimum of the pay scale.

Taking into account the dearth of training facilities for the Deputy Superintendent of Police, directly recruite inadequate facilities for training of trainers, the academy at Bhopal, i.e. CAPT, headed by a Director, in the r

Kochi Metro Rail Project

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for Kochi Metro Rail Project.

The Kochi Metro Rail will improve the public transport system of Kochi. The total cost of the project is Rs.5 of 25.612 kilometres and consisting of 23 stations. It will be fully elevated and will run from Alwaye to Petta

In the total project cost, Government of India's (GoI) share will be Rs.1002.23 crore and Government of Kera Rs.l,772.23 crore. External Debt will be Rs.2,170 crore and State taxes including escalation to be borne by G project will be executed by Special Purpose Vehicle of GoI and GoK having 50:50 equity of each. The projec four years from the date of start of the work.

of tenure of Shri Justice M.B. Shah Commission of Inquiry

The Union Cabinet today approved the extension of tenure of Shri Justice M.B. Shah Commission of Inquiry up to enquire into cases of illegal mining.

An additional expenditure of Rs.50 lakh will be incurred towards the extension of tenure of Shri Justice M.B.

The extension has been sought since the Commission is collecting and compiling information on mining from producing States, which is quite voluminous, extension has been sought for one year.

The Commission was set up to identify cases of illegal mining, and also to identify and rectify management, r failures in curbing illegal mining.

The Commission will cover the States of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa a Background :

Taking into account the serious concerns of Government on several reports of large scale illegal mining and f effectively curb this menace, Government set up Shri Justice M.B.Shah Commission of Inquiry on 22nd Nove based in Ahmadabad. It was required to submit its report by 16th July 2012.

Out of turn promotion for sportspersons

The Union Cabinet today approved a policy to promote sportspersons for excellence in international sports e turn promotions in their service career for winning medals in Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asia Championships. The sportsperson winning a medal or more than one medal in a Game/Team Events/Champi be eligible for an out of turn promotion in that year. Further record-breaking medal winning performance in N considered for one out of turn promotion during the service career. Two out of turn promotions will be given he/she has trained a sportsperson who wins a medal in international sports events.

This would be in addition to the monetary reward scheme of the Government already in existence for all med events and their coaches where the quantum of monetary rewards for individuals is upto Rs. 50 lakh for med Olympic Games, Asian Games and World Championships.

The scheme for out-of-turn promotion to Sportspersons/Coaches will be framed by Department of Personnel scheme will be helpful in improving the performance of individual sportsperson and will play a big role in pr masses. The out of turn promotion to a coach will encourage formation of pool of talent within government o effectively utilized for training sportspersons. The proposed policy will cover all the sportspersons working w Ministries and Department.

Recommendation of Group of Ministers (GoM) regarding inclusion of damage to crops etc. due to c calamity for relief under NDRF/ SDRF

The Union Cabinet today approved the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on cold wave/frost for its calamities eligible for assistance from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) / National Disaster Response Fu conditions/ criteria suggested in, and has therefore, decided to include cold wave/ frost as an eligible calamity Background:

The Government of India had constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) on 21st February 2011 to look into iss frost as an eligible calamity for relief under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)/ State Disaster Res comprised the following:(i) Shri Pranab Mukherjee. Finance Minister (ii) Shri Sharad Pawar, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Food Processing Industries. (iii) Shri P. Chidambaram, Home Minister (iv) Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission. Special invitee:(i) Chief Minister. Madhya Pradesh.

Review of Rape Laws

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for introduction of the Criminal Law (Amendment ) Bill, 20

The Law Commission of India in its 172nd Report on 'Review of Rape Laws' as well the National Commissi recommended for stringent punishment for the offence of rape. The High Powered Committee (HPC) constit Union Home Secretary examined the recommendations of Law Commission, NCW and suggestions various its Report along with the draft Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2011 and recommended to the Government further examined in consultation with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of La Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012 was prepared.

The highlights of the Bill include substituting sections 375, 376, 376A and 376B by replacing the existing se 376C and 376D of the Indian Penal Code,1860, replacing the word 'rape wherever it occurs by the words 'se of sexual assault gender neutral, and also widening the scope of the offence sexual assault.

The punishment for sexual assault will be for a minimum of seven years which may extend to imprisonment aggravated sexual assault, i.e., by a police officer within his jurisdiction or a public servant / manager or pers position of authority etc. The punishment will be rigorous imprisonment which shall not be less than ten year imprisonment and also fine.

The age of consent has been raised from 16 years to 18 years in sexual assault. However, it is proposed that t with own wife being under sixteen years of age is not sexual assault. Provision for enhancement of punishme IPC and insertion of sections 326A and 326B in the IPC for making acid attack a specific offence have been

Setting up of 'North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach under Department o

The Union Cabinet today approved setting up of an Autonomous Organization named 'North East Centre fo Reach' (NECTAR) at Shillong, Meghalaya as a Society under the Societies Registration Act 1860, under th Technology w.e.f 2012-13. The total expenditure involved will be Rs.292 crore during the 12lh Plan period.

The Ministry of Science and Technology proposes to establish a nodal centre in the North Eastern Region i society under the Societies Registration ACT 1860. NECTAR would promote deployment of carefully sele from the public funded research institutions under Government of India and State Governments, in consulta governments, after assessing their application potentials.

Promulgation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amend

The Union Cabinet approved the proposal for promulgation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protectio Amendment Regulation 2012 under Article 240 of the Constitution. This will cover the entire Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Tourist establishments would be prohibited and other commercial establishments would be regulated in the protect the aboriginal tribes from the undesirable outside influences. Further, the stringent penal provisions check the menace of unauthorized entry in the 'reserved area'. Background :

The UT Administration issued a notification on 30.10.2007 declaring an area upto 5 km. radius around the 'Buffer Zone' and prohibited any commercial and tourist activities within the Buffer Zone. However, the Hi the aforesaid notification on the grounds, inter alia, that the principal Regulation only permits notification f provisions for declaring an area as "Buffer Zone". The UT Administration has filed an SLP No. (Civil) 121 Court against the aforesaid orders of the Calcutta High Court and the case is subjudice.

Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement under Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India G

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to permit GA1 Gas Sale & Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with TurrnenGas, Turkmenistan's national oil company, for the T Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project.

The TAPI Gas Pipeline is envisaged to be 1680 Km in length (144 Km in Turkmenistan, 735 Kin in Afghan with a capacity of 90 MMSCMD of gas, with 38 MMSCMD each for India and Pakistan and the remaining The Pipeline is expected to be operational in 2018 and supply gas over a 30 years period.

The source of the gas is the South Yoiotan Osman field, recently renamed Galkynysh, which has been certif consultant to be holding proven recoverable gas reserves of 16 trillion cubic metres.

The provisions of the GSPA have been structured to protect India's commercial interests as India is at the ta Afghanistan and Pakistan have committed to the safety and security of the pipeline through the Inter-Gover Purchase Framework Agreement signed among the four countries in December, 2010.

Land acquisition for National Defence University (INDU)

The Union Cabinet today has accorded approval for the acquisition of 205 acres 15 Marlas of land at villag Gurgaon, Haryana at a cost of Rs.162 crore for setting up Indian National Defence University (INDU).

INDU will undertake long term defence and strategic studies and create synergy between the academic comm functionaries. It will promote policy oriented research on all aspect relating to national security as an input t making. It will encourage awareness of national security issues by reaching out to scholars and an audience

INDU will also educate national security leaders on aspects of national security strategy, national military st strategy and national technology strategy through teaching and research.

Bidding for and Hosting the 36th International Geological Congress 202

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Mines for bidding and hosting the 36th I Congress 2020. This will provide a forum for presenting and sharing scientific results across the whole spec encourage international networking of leading geological surveys/ institutions / scientists of the world. It w Indian geoscientists, academicians and researchers to interact with the world's frontier scientists and also to achievement in geosciences in the recent times. The total cost involved will be approximately Rs.52 crore.

This congress was hosted in India in 1964 in New Delhi. Thus, after 56 years, it will be hosted by India aga

The event is proposed to be hosted jointly by the Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Earth Sciences.This ev excursions to typical geological sites in India and adjoining countries viz. Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka an Science Academies are also lending support to the bid attempt of India.

Proposal for amendments in (i) the lists of Scheduled Castes in respect of Kerala, Madhya Prade modification of Central List of Other Backward Classes for Kerala.

The Cabinet today has approved the proposal for introduction of a Bill in the Parlia following castes / communities for their inclusion and exclusion, as per approved Modalit Castes:

S.No.

State

Inclusion /exclusion Community

Kerala

Inclusion

(1)

Pulluvan, (2)

Thachar

(Other

than Carpenter)

Madhya Pradesh

-do-

(3)

Dahiya

3.

Odisha

-do-

(4)

Amata, Amath

(5) (6) (7) 4 Tripura -do(8)

Bajia Jaggili, Jagli Buna Pano Chamar Rohidas, Chamar

Ravidas

(9)

Dhobi

(10) Jhalo-Malo

Sikkim

Exclusion

(11) Majhi ( Nepali)

After the Bill becomes an Act, members of the communities included in the list of Sc to derive benefits meant for Scheduled Castes under the existing schemes. Some of the include Post Matric Scholarship, National Overseas Scholarship, Rajiv Gandhi National Fello Concessional Loans from National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporati Girls etc.

The Constitution of India provides certain privileges / concessions to the members of S notified under the provisions of Article 341 of the Constitution of India. The first list of Schedu State or Union Territory is by a notified Order of the President after having consultation w concerned and any subsequent inclusion in or exclusion for the list of Scheduled Castes can b Parliament as envisaged under clause (2) of Article 341.

Six Presidential Orders were issued between 1950 and 1978 for specifying Sched various States/Union territories. These Orders have been amended from time to time by A as per Article 341(2) of the Constitution between 1956 and 2007.

The Government approved modalities in June 1999, as amended in June 2002, fo regard to modifications in the lists of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Ac Modalities, amending legislation to the concerned Constitution Order is proposed only in re the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration, which have been agree General of India (RGI) as well as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
Extension of Closing Date of National Agricultural Innovation Project

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Re Education for Extension of Closing Date of National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) up to June 30, cost escalation.

The project has spent about Rs.800 crore till now and balance of about Rs.400 crore will be utilized for rem period including extended period.

Started in September 2006 the project has been making positive changes in organizational efficiency, effect agricultural value chains, livelihood security in disadvantaged areas, capacity building and basic and strateg project will be implemented as per the approved technical program.

The project is contributing to sustainable transformation of Indian agricultural sector from an orientation of self-sufficiency to more of a market orientation in support of poverty alleviation and income generation. Du extension period the project will achieve its development objectives. Background :-

National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) is a World Bank and Government of India funded project implemented by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India (GOI). The project was originally scheduled to clos 31, 2012. The first stage of the project took about 18 months extra time due to the fact that innovative resea to be submitted. The second stage will take time as envisaged and the project will be able to achieve objecti completing approved technical programme by June 30, 2014.

India's Second National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention o

The Union Cabinet today approved India's Second National Communication to the Secretariat of the United Convention on Climate Change towards fulfilment of the reporting obligation under the Convention.

Studies on key sectors were conducted in the short to medium and long time frame using latest models and extant and projected high regional and sectoral variability and vulnerability. The estimations about GHG em quantifying the extent of India's GHG emissions and its rate of growth, so as to help policy makers with app

This report shall benefit state/national level policy makers in enhancing the understanding of the issues rela impact and create general awareness of the stakeholders relating to Government of India's proactive commi challenges due to climate change.

The range of studies included in this report has been conducted broadly at the national level, with some spe the enormous diversity of India and their regional imperatives. India is a Party to the United Nations Frame (UNFCCC).

The Convention, in accordance with its Article 4.1 and 12.1, enjoins all Parties, both developed and develo information, in the form of a National Communication (a national report), regarding implementation of the

This project has been implemented with the financial support of USD 3.5 million provided by GEF and ma million from the Government of India (in the nature of co-financing). Development of North-Eastern Region by enhancing the Training/Education capacity in the Inf Communications Technology area

The Union Cabinet today approved the initiation of the project entitled Development of North Eastern Reg Education Capacity in the Information, Electronics and Communication Technologies (IECT) area to be im Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), an Autonomous Society under the Departm Information Technology. The total budget outlay of the project is Rs.388.68 crore (Capital Expenditure Rs Expenditure Rs.122.43 crore). The Departments contribution in the form of grants-in-aid is Rs.347.88 cro years.

The project would result in enhanced capacity in terms of training/education in IECT sector for the youth o availability of trained professionals in the IECT area is expected to attract entrepreneurs/industrial houses t region, leading to its overall socio-economic development.

The project would benefit the student community/ youth , faculty members, entrepreneurs, local industry, g educated employed, various disadvantaged sections of the society (viz. Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes minorities, school dropouts persons with disabilities, economically weaker sections, etc.) of the North-East students are expected to be enrolled/trained in various long-term/short term courses in five years in the pro 12 extension centres. Background:

The North-Eastern Region Vision 2020 document while analysing the population growth in many of the that a substantial proportion of the population is below 14 years. It indicates that education would be the m the young people. The document also mentions that human resource is the single most promising developm The literacy level in the region is above the national average. However their potential is not being utilised d quality education, vocational education, training in languages, training in computers and information techn entrepreneurship, and soft skills. This project aims at capacity building in the North-East that would contri industries and generate a pool of jobs leading to overall socio-economic development of the region.

The Public Procurement Bill, 2012

The Union Cabinet today approved the Public Procurement Bill, 2012 for introduction in the current se of the Parliament.

The Bill seeks to regulate procurement by Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government and its attached/subordinate offices, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), autonomous and statutory bo controlled by the Central Government and other procuring entities with the objectives of ensuring transparency, accountability and probity in the procurement process, fair and equitable treatment of bid promoting competition, enhancing efficiency and economy, safeguarding integrity in the procurement process and enhancing public confidence in public procurement. The Bill is based on broad principles envisages a set of detailed rules, guidelines and model documents. The Bill builds on national and international experience and best practices, as appropriate for the needs of the Government of India. The Bill would create a statutory framework for public procurement which will provide greater accountability, transparency and enforceability of the regulatory framework. The Bill provides for the following:

a. Codifying the fundamental principles governing procurement, essential for achieving economy, efficiency and quality as well as combating corruption and legally obligates procuring entities and thei officials to comply with these principles. In this context, the draft Bill provides mandatory provisions regarding key aspects of the procurement process and requires establishment of time frames for decisio making.

b. Ensuring that competition will be maximised in procurement in the interests of economy, efficiency integrity.

c. Providing for adequate flexibility to take into account diversity of needs and types of procuring entit types of procurement needs and methods of procurement.

d. Providing for a strong framework of transparency and accountability through a public procurement and a grievance redressal system in which an independent mechanism, chaired by a retired High Court Judge, would review grievances.

Extension of Swavalamban Scheme for the workers in the unorganised sector

The Union Cabinet today approved the extension of funding support for implementing the Swavalamban Scheme under the New Pension System (NPS) from present three years to five years for all subscribers who were enrolled during 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13. The exit norms of the scheme have been relaxed to enable subscribers under Swavalamban to exit at the age of 50 years instead of 60 years, or a minimum tenure of 20 years, which ever is later. The Cabinet has provided an additional funding support of Rs.2065 crore to Swavalamban Scheme upto 2016-17 towards Governments co-contribution to the subscribers of Swavalamban Scheme and also for promotional and developmental activities. This will benefit 70 lakh workers of the unorganised sector till 2016-17. During the year 2010-12, a total of 3,01,920 subscribers were enrolled whereas during 2011-12 there are 1,93,238 subscribers till 9th March, 2012. The Swavalamban Scheme is a co-contributory pension scheme whereby the Central Government would contribute a sum of Rs.1000 per annum in each NPS account opened having a saving of Rs.1000 to Rs.12000 per annum. The Swavalamban Scheme is targeted to benefit anganwadi workers, construction workers, occupational classes like weaver, fishermen, farmers, dairy workers etc. Establishment of the Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust for Low Income Housing under the Rajiv Awas Yojana Scheme

The Union Cabinet today approved the establishment of the Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust (CRGFT) for Low Income Housing. The CRGFT will have an initial corpus of Rs.1200 crore of which Rs.1000 crore is being contributed from the Centre and the remaining Rs.200 core will come from the State Governments who draw on it, in accordance with their slum populations. This is in pursuance of the approval of the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) Scheme by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in June 2011 which included the creation of a Risk Guarantee Fund for low income housing loans. The urban affordable housing deficit is estimated to be about 26 million. The total housing loan outstanding was about Rs.3.06 lakh crore of which only about 24% is for loans up to Rs.5 lakhs of which only a part is estimated as flowing to the Economically Weaker Sections and Low Income Groups. The establishment of such a Government-supported Credit Risk Guarantee Fund would facilitate credit enablement of the urban poor and the flow of institutional finance for affordable housing. The CRGF is intended to act as a risk-mitigant, thereby enhancing the confidence of the lending institutions in lending to this segment. The CRGF Trust will administer and operate the Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Scheme (CRGF Scheme). The key principle of the CRFG Scheme is that the lender shall secure the housing construction/ upgradation loan purely on the assets financed, without any other collateral. The Trust will guarantee the housing loans made by the lending institutions like Commercial Banks, Regional-Rural Banks. Housing Finance Companies, Cooperative Housing Finance Societies etc. to new or existing individual EWS/LIG borrowers and eligible borrowers forming a group or housing society of at least 20 members for purposes of home improvement, construction, acquisition, and purchase of new or second hand dwelling units of size up to 430 sq.ft. (40 sq.mtrs.) carpet area involving an amount not exceeding Rs.5 lakh per loan without any collateral security and / or third party guarantees. The guarantee cover available under the CRGF Scheme is to the extent of 90% of the amount in default subject to the ceiling of 90% of the sanctioned housing loan amount for a loan amount of upto Rs.2 lakh and 85% of the amount in default subject to the ceiling of 85% of sanctioned housing loan amount for loan amounts above Rs.2 lakh and upto Rs.5 lakh. The Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust will be set up under the Indian trust Act, 1882 and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) will be the settler of the Trust. The Trust shall be managed and administered by a Board of Trustees with cross sectoral composition. The Trust shall be serviced by the National Housing Bank (NHB). The Ministry of HUPA and State Governments may make further contributions to the corpus fund of the Trust in the proportion as may be decided from time to time. The Credit Risk Guarantee Fund is expected to catalyse a flow of credit of about Rs.20,000

crore to the low income housing sector and create the enabling environment for creation of affordable housing stock. The availability of bank credit without the constraint of collaterals / third party guarantees would be a key enabler for the urban poor to realise their objective of upgrading/buying their own house.

National Centre for Cold Chain Development The Union Cabinet today gave its ex-post facto approval for registering National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 with its Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations. All stakeholders will be having membership in the society in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The NCCD will be having a Governing Council under the Chairmanship of Secretary with 22 members, covering government officials, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), growers, cold chain equipment manufacturers/supplies etc. A sum of Rs.25 crore has been allocated as one time grant for setting up a corpus fund for NCCD. Background: With a production of 71.5 million MT of fruits, 133.7 million MT of vegetables and 17.8 million MT of other commodities like flowers, spices, coconut, cashew, mushroom, honey etc., India is the second largest producer of horticultural commodities in the world. However, a significant portion of the produce, particularly perishables like fruits, vegetables, flowers etc. goes waste due to post harvest losses. In order to address this issue the Task Force on Cold Chain Development was constituted by Government of India during 2008. The Task Force, in its report, recommended the formation of a dedicated institution for promoting cold chain development in the country. The National Spot Exchange (NSE), in its study on Cold Chain Grid in India (2010) also recommended the need for a robust cold chain infrastructure for reducing the post harvest losses of perishables.

Renaming of Mana Airport at Raipur in Chhattisgarh as "Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur".

The Union Cabinet today approved the renaming of the Mana Airport at Raipur as "Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur". This will fulfill the long pending demand of people of Chhattisgarh as well as the State Government of Chhattisgarh. The Raipur Airport belongs to Airports Authority of India (AAI) and is suitable for operation of A-320 type of aircraft (VFR/IFR operations). Presently M/s Air India, Jet Airways/ Jetlite and Kingfisher are operating and approx. 85 domestic flights per week to/from Raipur Airport are operating. Swami Vivekanand, one of the most renowned spiritual leaders, spent major part of his life in Raipur. Hence it will be apt to rename Mana Airport at Raipur in Chhattisgarh as "Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur'" paying homage to the spiritual leader.

Status of implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

The Cabinet today reviewed the implementation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. The Scheme was launched on 1st October, 2007 as the health insurance scheme for families living below the poverty line. It was operationalised on April, 2008. The basic features of the scheme are as follows: (i) Government of India contributes 75% of the annual premium. State Governments contribute 25%. In case of North-East region and Jammu & Kashmir, the premium is shared in the ratio of 90:10. (ii) The beneficiary family pays Rs. 30 per annum per family as registration/renewal fee. Administrative cost is borne by the State Governments. (iii) Beneficiaries are entitled to smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs.30,000 per family per annum on a family floater basis. (iv) Coverage of all pre-existing diseases. (v) Coverage of hospitalisation expenses, including maternity benefit. (vi) Payment of transportation cost of Rs. 100/- per visit. As on 31st December, 2011, about 2.57 crore smart cards are active and

more than 29.25 lakh persons have availed hospitalisation facilities in 24 States/UTs. The RSBY has also been extended to following occupational groups: (i) Building and other Construction Workers (ii) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) beneficiaries (iii) Street Vendors (iv) Beedi Workers (v) Domestic Workers As is evident from the above, the scheme has been extended to a few segments of unorganised workers. In future, it is likely to be expanded to other segments of such workers.

National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

The Union Cabinet today approved the National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) drafted by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue in consultation with the concerned Ministries/Agencies of Government of India and the State Governments. The salient features of the policy are as follows: (i) The policy recommends production of Concentrate of Poppy Straw (CPS) in India by a company or body corporate. This would enable India to retain its status of a traditional supplier of Opiate Raw Material (ORM) to the rest of world, while remaining competitive. (ii) The consumption of poppy straw by addicts will be gradually reduced and finally stopped in a time frame decided by the States. (iii) On the illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis, the policy emphasizes use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crop and its subsequent eradication and development of alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation. (iv) The private sector may be allowed production of alkaloids from opium. At present alkaloids from opium are produced only in Government Opium and Alkaloid Factories (GOAFs). (v) Non-intrusive methods of regulating the manufacture, trade and use of such psychotropic substances will be introduced, (vi) Emphasis will be laid on adequate access to morphine and other opioids necessary for palliative care, a strategy to address street peddlers of drugs, periodic surveys of drug abuse to gauge the extent, pattern and nature of drug abuse in the country, recognition of deaddiction centers, (vii) There will be a time bound plan of action, detailing the steps to be taken by different Ministries/ Departments/ agencies, in response to the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board. The policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse. Implementation of the provisions of the policy will lead to reduction of crime, improvement in public health and uplifting of the social milieu. The NDPS Policy will serve as a guide to various Ministries and organizations and re-

assert India's commitment to combat the drug menace in a holistic manner. Background: There are four broad aspects of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (i) Administration of the NDPS Act and Rules framed there under, (ii) Legal production, manufacturing, trade and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific uses, (iii) Drug (Illicit) supply reduction, and (iv) Drug (Illicit) demand reduction.

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Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Prime Ministers Address (English translation) on the launch of Aadhaar

Enabled Service Delivery

Following is the English translation of the Prime Ministers address on the occasion of the launch of Aadhaar Enabled Service Delivery, in Dudu, Jaipur today: Two years ago, I along with the UPA chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhiji, were present when the first Aadhaar number was given in a remote tribal village of Maharashtra in September 2009. We have come a long way since then and since then the Unique Identification Authority have enrolled more than 24 crore residents for the Aadhaar number. Today we will be giving the 21st crore Aadhaar number to a resident of Dudu here in Rajasthan. Today, we are also formally launching the Aadhaar based delivery of services across the country. I would like to compliment all those associated with the project and Shri Nandan Nilekani for achieving so much in so short a time. I also compliment all those officials who have just been given awards for exemplary work in the Aadhaar project. The UPA Government has always worked for the welfare and progress of the common man. We have always tried to ensure that our poorer brothers and sisters and those from economically and socially weaker sections benefit from the growth of our economy. We started the Aadhaar project with the same goal in mind. This project will benefit crores of people who suffer from poverty, unemployment and disease. These people face a lot of difficulty in either taking advantage of Government programmes or doing their own business because they do not have a proof of their identity. They also suffer socially because of this. We intend to eliminate this handicap through the Aadhaar project. The mandate of Aadhaar is to give a Unique Identity Number to every resident of India. Aadhaar provides a resident with the right to an identity. The Aadhaar project is one of the most complex projects in the world which will improve access to many services. Governments across the world are keenly looking at India to learn and understand how Aadhaar can deliver benefits to its people. Aadhaar number helps in opening a bank account, in getting a mobile connection, in travelling by train or air, and many other activities. Students will find it very convenient because today, they have to show their identity on may occasions. Aadhaar will be very helpful in ensuring that many schemes being run by the

government are implemented more effectively. Benefits such as scholarships, pensions and health benefits which are given by government can now be transferred directly to the beneficiaries. Very often, we receive complaints that items such as gas connections, diesel and fertilizers, which get a lot of subsidy from the government, do not reach the needy and the poor. With Aadhaar, we will be able to ensure transfer of benefits by cash to individuals. With the Aadhaar number, we can ensure that the money goes to the correct person and the role of middle-man is ended with direct transfer of benefits to the needy, complaints about delay and leakage will also come down. The Aadhaar scheme will deliver benefits to crores of people. As an example, the Central government today provides about 1.50 crore scholarships to students. Two crore people are given Old Age Pension and about 3 crore families get the benefit of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. Over 5 crore families benefit from the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. It is our goal that all these people should take advantage of the Aadhaar number. It is my belief that the Aadhaar project demonstrates the role that technology can play in building a modern India. Our government wants to make use of technology, particularly Information Technology, in bringing greater transparency and accountability into government programmes and reducing leakages. Aadhaar is an important step forward in this direction. Today, from Tripura to Rajasthan and from Delhi to Kerala all over the country residents are being given Aadhaar numbers. I am told that by 2014, 60 crore people will have this number. When we began the programme two years ago, the focus was on enrolling people rapidly in Aadhaar. The next step is to leverage Aadhaar to transfer benefits directly to the common man. We have just seen the benefits of using Aadhaar in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Maharashtra. We will now extend this to the rest of the country in future. I am happy to note that Rajasthan under the leadership of the Chief Minister has given primary importance to the Aadhaar project. I congratulate the Government and the people of Rajasthan for this. I am confident that in the coming years, this project will be implemented even more rapidly. I will conclude by once again congratulating all those associated with the Aadhaar project. I am confident that you will continue to contribute to the growth of India with dedication and hard work.

PMs remarks at the inauguration of the High Level Segment of the 11th CoP to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singhs remarks at the inauguration of the High Level Segment of the 11th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in Hyderabad today: I am truly delighted to welcome each one of you to this historic city of Hyderabad. India is truly privileged to host for the first time the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This is also the first such Conference since the launch of the United Nations Decade of Biodiversity last year. The 11th Conference of Parties is being held at an important juncture. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro, when the world came together to adopt many far-reaching documents, including two legally binding Conventions. In recent years, it has become increasingly more difficult to find common ground on environmental issues. This is, indeed, unfortunate given that there is today a much higher global awareness of environmental risks and concerns. It is this consciousness that should provoke us to greater action even as we cope with the pressures of the current global economic downturn. I am, however, glad that negotiations regarding biodiversity have achieved remarkable success. India has recently ratified the Nagoya Protocol and formalised our commitment to it. I would urge all the Parties to do likewise because concerted global action is imperative and cannot brook any further delay. Despite global efforts, the 2010 biodiversity target that we had set for ourselves under the Convention on Biological Diversity was not fully met. This situation needs to change. The critical issue really is how to mobilise the necessary financial, technical and human resources, particularly the incubation, sharing and transfer of technology. In our country, protecting and promoting biodiversity has always been an integral part of our ethos and our civilization. This can be seen in the thousands of sacred groves that are found all over the country. Our traditional systems of agriculture and medicine depend on plant and animal biodiversity. Conserving the wild ancestors and relatives of the cultivars we use today is of paramount importance to us.

In recent years there has been concern that this public knowledge may become restricted in its use because of the application of the modern intellectual property system. India has tried a unique approach to protection of traditional knowledge by establishing a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. This database has 34 million pages of information in five international languages in formats easily accessible by patent examiners. This Library promotes the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol on the issue of protection of codified traditional knowledge systems such as the celebrated Ayurveda. We decided to build this knowledge database because of the patent on the use of neem extract in Europe and another on the use of turmeric as a healing agent. Since then, because of this database, over 1000 cases of biopiracy have been identified and over 105 claims withdrawn or cancelled by patent offices. We believe that the treasure trove of traditional knowledge should be used for the benefit of all humankind rather than for private profit. We will continue to work to strengthen our institutions to record this knowledge, to value its science and to provide benefits to its custodians. Multilateral agencies like the WIPO and some countries have approached us for assistance in setting up such libraries and our government will be happy to provide necessary assistance. Indian farmers have always believed in the free use of seeds. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act of India confers intellectual property to farmers through registration of seed varieties. In our Patent Act we have adopted disclosure requirements on the origin of inventions based on biodiversity. But I believe a lot more needs to be done. We need to build on this experience and build living germplasm laboratories in our fields. We know that food security is a key challenge for the world, particularly in an increasingly climate vulnerable world. Biodiversity, found in our forests and our fields, could provide us keys to the solutions of the future. So we need to build a movement to conserve traditional varieties of crops. Our approach to protecting and promoting biodiversity has been guided by the belief that all three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, namely, conservation, sustainable use and sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources, should receive adequate and equal focus. This approach is the basis of Indias Biological Diversity Act of 2002. The 2008 National Biodiversity Action Plan further identifies specific action points by various government agencies.

Despite the pressure on land in our densely populated country, India has more than 600 Protected Areas, covering approximately 5% of the total geographical area of the country, in a network of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves. We have special programmes for some high-profile endangered species like tigers and elephants. In 2010, the country level status assessment for tigers showed an increase in their number to an estimated 1706 from an estimated 1411 in the year 2006. We recognise that we have to look beyond large animal species and take a more organic approach to conservation. We have, therefore, initiated work on species recovery programmes on 16 identified endangered species including the snow leopard, hangul and lion. Such country level efforts at preservation should be complemented by enhanced international collaboration to check wildlife crime. The challenge going forward is to develop new models of inclusive conservation. In India, we have legislated a Forest Rights Act that lends legal sanctity to the rights of forest dwellers, who are often the best friends of the biodiversity that resides in these magnificent forests. We will have to adopt similarly innovative approaches to deal with the issue of protecting fishermens livelihoods even as we negotiate a framework on sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas. There is a realisation that ecosystem services form a much higher percentage of the GDP of the Poor than of classical GDP calculations. Biodiversity based livelihood options form the basis of rural survival in many parts of the world. Living at the periphery of subsistence, the poor are the most at risk from biodiversity loss. They should not also be the ones to bear the cost of biodiversity conservation while the benefits are enjoyed by society at large. Indias initiatives acknowledge this correlation between biodiversity conservation and poverty eradication. Our efforts have focused on biodiversity conservation while protecting and promoting livelihoods, particularly in our rural areas. Participatory approaches that encourage and incentivize the involvement of local communities is a key element in our efforts towards conservation. We have also found that many development schemes can be realigned to provide biodiversity-related benefits. This is vital to protect habitats, including

our water bodies, which are beyond our protected areas. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for example, with an annual outlay of US$ 6 billion, aims to create legally mandated green jobs for every rural household in our country. On the occasion of this conference, I am pleased to launch the Hyderabad Pledge and announce that our Government has decided to earmark a sum of US$ 50 million during Indias presidency of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity to strengthen the institutional mechanism for biodiversity conservation in India. We will use these funds to enhance the technical and human capabilities of our national and state-level mechanisms to attain the Convention on Biological Diversity objectives. We have also earmarked funds to promote similar capacity building in developing countries. Humankind should understand the importance of preserving biodiversity. The diversity of life forms on Earth is the culmination of millions of years of the productive genius of nature. It is natures insurance against extreme events that may disturb the delicate balance of this planet. We need to work together and act before a catastrophe is upon us. India stands committed to work with all parties to reach the happy compromise that will secure a future that provides ecological and economic space for each one of us and sustainable growth for all of us. I thank you.

Report of the Rangarajan Committee on Deregulation of Sugar Sector in India

Prime Minister had set up a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister to look into all the issues relating to the deregulation of the sugar sector. The committee has completed its task, after several rounds of deliberations, consultations with stakeholders, and discussion with Chief Ministers of major sugar-producing states. The report was submitted to the Prime Minster on 10-10-2012.

2. A major recommendation of the committee relates to revising the existing arrangement for the price to be paid to sugarcane farmers, which suffers from problems of accumulation of arrears of cane dues in years of high price and low price for farmers in other years. The existing arrangement comprises a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) announced each year by the Centre, under the Sugarcane Control Order and on the advice of CACP, as the minimum price of sugarcane. However, many states in north India also announce a State Advised Price (SAP) under state legislation. Generally, the SAP is substantially higher than the FRP, and wherever SAP is declared, it is the ruling price. Instead of the present arrangement, the committee has proposed that at the time of cane supply, farmers be paid FRP as the minimum price, as at present. Further, subsequently, on a half-yearly basis, the state government concerned would announce the ex-mill prices of sugar and its by-products, and farmers would be entitled to a 70% share in the value of the sugar and by-products produced from the quantity of cane supplied by each farmer. Based on the share so computed, additional payment, net of FRP already paid, would then be made to the farmer. Since the sugar value estimate includes return on capital employed, this implies that farmers would also get a share of the profits. With such a system in operation, states should not declare an SAP.

3. The committee has also recommended dismantling of the levy obligation for sourcing PDS sugar at a price below the market price. States should be allowed henceforth to fix the issue price of PDS sugar, while the existing subsidy to states for PDS sugar transport and the difference between the levy price and the issue price would continue at the existing level, augmented by the current level of implicit subsidy on account of the difference between the levy price and the open market price. This will free

the industry from the burden of a government welfare programme, and indirectly benefit both the farmer and the general consumer since the industry passes on the cost of levy mechanism to farmers and consumers.

4. The committee has recommended dispensing with the present mechanism of regulated release of non-levy sugar, as it imposes additional costs on factories on account of inventory accumulation.

5. The committee has recommended that cane area reservation ultimately be phased out and contracting between farmers and mills allowed for enabling theemergence of a competitive market for assured supply of cane, in the interest of farmers and economic efficiency. However, in case some states want to continue it for the time being, they should do so while ensuring that area reservation is done for at least three to five years at a time, so that industry has a stake in its development. Further, wherever and whenever a state discontinues area reservation, the Centre should remove the stipulation of a minimum distance between two mills.

6. On external trade, the committee has favoured a stable policy regime with modest tariff levels of 5% to 10% ordinarily, and dispensing with outright bans and quantitative restrictions. The committee has also recommended dispensing with the mandatory requirement of jute packaging. In respect of molasses, the committee favours free movement and dismantling of end-use based allocation quotas that are in vogue in several states, to enable creation of a national market and better prices for this valuable by-product as well as improved efficiency in its use.

7. Members on the committee were Shri T. Nandakumar, Member, NDMA, Dr Ashok Gulati, Chairman, Commission on Agricultural Costs & Prices, Dr Raghuram Rajan, Chief Economic Advisor, Shri Sudhir Kumar, Secretary, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Ashish Bahuguna, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, and Dr K. P. Krishnan, Convener, as the then Secretary, Economic Advisory Council.

Prime Ministers Speech at the 19th Conference of CBI and State AntiCorruption Bureaux

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singhs speech at the 19th Conference of CBI and State Anti-Corruption Bureaux in New Delhi today: Let me begin by saying that I consider this to be a very important conference, which gives police officers directly responsible for anti-corruption efforts, an opportunity to discuss new ideas and approaches to best practices. I understand that from this year the conference will be an annual feature instead of the biennial event that it has been so far. This is a welcome development in view of the rapid changes that are taking place in processes of governance and administration in our country, and the newer modi-operandi being adopted by those indulging in corrupt practices. We have just seen some CBI officers receive medals for their achievements. I congratulate them for this distinction. I hope that their example will be emulated by others in times to come. I understand that the theme for this conference is Economic Development: role of Anti-corruption Agencies. This happens to be an area which is well worth exploring. The nature of the challenges that our countrys anti-corruption agencies face varies with the level of economic development. These challenges get even more complicated if the pace of economic development is rapid, as it has been in our country in the last two decades or so. In these twenty years, the responsibilities that our anti-corruption agencies are expected to discharge have not only multiplied manifold, they have also become wider in scope, and should I say, become more complex and more specialized. The economic reforms initiated in the early 1990s greatly reduced many of the old forms of corrupt practices, associated with controls and the license-permit raj. They resulted in faster economic growth and new areas of economic activity. This in turn led to newer opportunities for corruption, ones associated with specialization and expansion of our economy. As our economy grows and becomes more integrated with the evolving global economy, the big challenge before our anti-corruption agencies is to keep pace with these rapid developments. Today, different sectors of our economy follow developmental models that are increasingly becoming more and more sophisticated. Therefore, in many cases, it would be difficult for the investigating agencies to reach the right conclusions without a firm grasp of the complexities involved in the formulation and implementation of economic policy.

It is for this reason that our investigation agencies need to continuously upgrade their skills and techniques to match the newer methods of corruption. Regular in-service training and frequent exchanges with the top anti-corruption agencies in the world over, would help in this process. I am told that the CBI Academy has gradually evolved into a center of excellence. I would like all State AntiCorruption Bureaux to utilize its services optimally for training their officials. I also believe that collaboration between the CBI and the state anti-corruption agencies in the area of capacity building would benefit both. While good training and competence are essential, in many cases they might not be sufficient. I would urge the CBI and other anti-corruption agencies to feel free to engage professionals who have the expertise which can assist them in conducting an impartial enquiry in complex cases. Also, institutions established with special focus on economic offences should perhaps be more broad-based and need not be confined only to persons with a policing background. An open mind in this regard could help in imparting credibility to our investigations and securing, also, higher conviction rates. Our government stands firm in its commitment to do everything possible to ensure probity, transparency and accountability in the work of public authorities. While addressing this conference last year, I had mentioned some of the steps that we had taken or were proposing to take towards that end. Today, I would like to mention two recent initiatives that form part of our relentless pursuit of minimizing corruption in our economy and our polity. We have recently put in place an institutional architecture to facilitate a shift to a system in which benefits from the government would get transferred directly to the bank accounts of individual beneficiaries of various social sector schemes. This would cover benefits like scholarships and pensions, and also some of the non-cash subsidies that the government provides. The aim is to eliminate wastage and leakages, and improve transparency and accountability in transfer of government assistance to the people. We plan to leverage the Aadhar numbers that have already been provided to about 20 crore people for this task. We are also considering amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, not only in view of the judicial rulings on its provisions, but also with the purpose of filling certain gaps in the legislation and bringing it in line with current international practice. A clear and unambiguous definition for the term 'corruption', covering both the supply and demand sides, is being sought to be provided. Experience has shown that in a vast majority of cases, it is difficult to

tackle consensual bribery and the supplier of the bribe goes scot free by taking recourse to the provisions of the Act. This would be taken care of in the proposed amendments. Experience has also shown that big ticket corruption is mostly related to operations by large commercial entities. It is therefore also proposed to include corporate failure to prevent bribery as a new offence on the supply side. We are also examining how the Act can be amended to protect honest public servants more effectively. While reiterating our government's commitment to fighting the menace of corruption in every possible way, I would like to stress upon the need to protect honest public servants and keep the morale of the executive intact. I have said this in the earlier conferences also, but I think this is something that is worth repeating. The mindless atmosphere of negativity and pessimism that is sought to be created over the issue of corruption can do us no good. It can only damage our nations image and hit at the morale of the executive. We need to ensure that even while the corrupt are relentlessly pursued and brought to book, the innocent are not harassed. The importance of making a distinction between bonafide mistakes and colorable exercise of power in investigation of corruption cases cannot be over emphasized. This is the point I have emphasized in each and every conference that I have been participating in the last eight years, and I would like to repeat it once again. Conferences like the present one should also be occasions to remind ourselves of the abiding principles that should guide us in the discharge of our responsibilities- hard work, fairness, honesty, fearlessness and perseverance. I hope that you will go back from this conference even more determined to uphold these values. I hope you will not be discouraged by cases where the investigation is not successful or a seemingly successful investigation failing to secure a conviction. I would urge you to introspect on every such case so that you can continuously upgrade your skills and capabilities. These were the few thoughts that I wished to share with you today. I wish you well in your professional endeavors. I am sure you will leave no stone unturned in fighting a menace that is holding back our society and our country. I thank you. PMs inaugural address at the International Seminar on Energy Access

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singhs inaugural address at the International Seminar on Energy Access in New Delhi today: I am very pleased to be here today to inaugurate the International Seminar on Energy Access. India is privileged to host this important seminar during the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. I extend a very warm welcome to all the participants of this seminar, who have come from all over the world. I trust you would enjoy our hospitality and have a comfortable and productive stay in our country. One of the principal development challenges confronting humankind today is to ensure that each person has affordable access to energy. Lack of access to energy deprives millions of people of a basic minimum living standard. The problem is particularly acute for people living below the poverty line. The figures are quite staggering. Over 1.3 billion people in the world today lack access to reliable electricity. Further, around 3 billion people rely entirely, or very substantially, on traditional biomass for their cooking energy needs. Women in 80% of rural households in our country and many other developing countries use firewood, agricultural waste and dung cakes to cook in poorly ventilated kitchens. The World Health Organisation, among others, has studied the adverse effects of indoor air pollution caused by these traditional fuels. Thousands of premature deaths of women and children in rural areas are attributed to indoor air pollution apart from the incidence of eye infections and respiratory ailments. Another important social aspect of the problem is the time and effort rural women spend in collecting and carrying these fuels. According to one survey, Indian women spend nearly 30 billion hours a year in such activities. Not only does this excessive load carrying lead to problems of health but it also prevents girls from doing other productive work, including attending school. The links between access to energy and the various Millennium Development Goals are now well established and they are well documented. Meeting these goals that are fundamental to an existence of minimum dignity and well being all over the world requires access to affordable energy. In our planning processes in India, we consider access to energy services as vital to inducing rapid development, reducing inequality and making economic growth processes more inclusive.

Under the ongoing Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme, our goal is to electrify all the 600,000 villages of India. As a result of our efforts, more than 100,000 villages have been provided with electricity connections in recent years. Now, only a few thousand villages in the country remain un-electrified. Besides, one million households in India are now using decentralized solar energy to meet their lighting energy needs. The Government of India aims to provide 24x7 electricity to all households in the country and affordable access to electricity in the next 5 years. We aim to provide every individual household with clean cooking fuel. This is a huge task but it is not unattainable. It is something we must do on a priority basis. Most urban households cook with LPG. We have tried to introduce LPG for cooking in rural areas as well. Around 12 percent of around 190 million rural households today use LPG to meet their cooking energy needs. Giving all the 240 million households in the country an entitlement of six LPG cylinders per year will require only around 25 million tonnes of LPG. This should be manageable for our country. But, extending distribution network to all villages may take time. To reduce the burden on women, fuel wood plantations within a kilometer of all inhabitations could be set up. Over one million households meet their cooking energy needs from biogas plants. Programmes that give incentives for use of renewable energies, therefore, have to be expanded. We recognize that the rural poor will need some subsidy to afford electricity and LPG. The issue is to target the subsidy as best as possible. We have launched an ambitious project to give every Indian resident a unique identification number that will facilitate targeting of subsidies under various welfare schemes. For example, in one pilot scheme in Mysore district of Karnataka, 27,000 deliveries of subsidized cylinders have been made by delivery boys after successful biometric authentication of any family member present at home. In the next phase it is planned to transfer the subsidy amount directly to the bank accounts of bona fide beneficiaries. Renewable energy technologies provide probably the most sustainable and economic options for energy access. At present renewable power represents about 12 per cent of the total installed generating capacity in India. The

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, launched under the aegis of Indias National Action Plan on Climate Change aims to install 20 Gigawatt of grid connected solar power by 2022. We hope to light up around 20 million rural households with solar home lighting by 2022. Overall, we aim at accelerating the overall deployment of renewable energy in India to achieve around 55 GigaWatt of renewable power by the year 2017. Universalizing access to energy will require innovative institutions, national and local enabling mechanisms, and targeted policies, including appropriate subsidies and financing arrangement. The necessary technologies to mitigate the problem are fortunately, available. These technologies need to be viewed as global public goods. Governments and industry need to be encouraged to engage in international cooperation in this area on an enlarged scale and work for enhancing the technological capability of developing countries. The Intellectual Property Regimes applied to energy access technologies should balance rewards for innovators with the need to promote the common good of humankind. Suitable mechanisms need to be found that will provide incentives for developing new technologies while also facilitating their deployment in developing countries at affordable cost. Providing affordable energy access to the poorer sections of the globe is a challenge that will severely test the capability of the global community, especially the developing countries to forge a common and effective path forward. It will require tremendous creativity and resourcefulness and also new ways of thinking and understanding. To this end, India is fully conscious of its responsibilities and our commitments. We are also conscious that south-south cooperation is vital to achieving universal energy access. In this context, we have been vigorously supporting capacity building in other developing countries. Our experts have helped set up energy access projects in many developing countries. We are delighted to share our experience in policy-making, technological development and implementation by creating a global platform for information and experience sharing. The fact that representatives of such a large number of countries have congregated here today, kindles our hopes and aspirations for a more prosperous and better future for all of us. Together we can drive out the pessimism about the future of those who are energy poor. This would require global cooperation on a gigantic scale for financing as well as

implementing viable projects in energy-deficient areas. The path ahead is difficult but we have to persevere. I wish therefore, this important seminar all success. Have a pleasant stay in our country, and once again, a very warm welcome to each one of the distinguished delegates attending this seminar. PMs Address at CSIR Foundation Day

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singhs address at the CSIR Foundation Day function in New Delhi today:

I am delighted to join you on the 70th Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Dr. Brahmachari just reminded me of a personal attribute that I happen to share with the Council --- we were both born on 26th September. I can think of no better company than this illustrious gathering of men and women of science, with whom to have my first public engagement on this very special day.

With your indulgence, I could stretch my association with the Council fraternity even farther. Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the man whose memory we cherish today, came to this city from Lahore with a dream to build the chain of CSIRs national Laboratories. I followed him with a more modest dream of my own, to make a fresh beginning in free India, though in the tragedy and chaos of Partition that forced this choice upon my family, to dream was indeed to dare!

Partition was, of course, in many ways a national tragedy far more poignant than our personal losses. In those days of horror, it was easy to write off India, with its deep-rooted poverty, widespread ignorance, frequent epidemics and an economy that had remained stagnant in the five preceding decades.

But we were fortunate to have in Jawaharlal Nehru a leader who saw science and technology as an elixir for Indias development, and in Dr. Bhatnagar a scientist of extraordinary organizational capacity and caliber to implement this vision of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Recognizing the potential of scientific research, Jawaharlal Nehru placed the Council under his personal charge, thereby beginning a tradition that successive Prime Ministers have continued. Science has always commanded the utmost priority of our policymakers. I consider it a privilege to preside over this hallowed organization in the seventh decade of its outstanding service to our nation.

I glad that the Council has proven its professional worth in every phase of Indias growth, in line with prevailing national policies and national priorities. In the early days of Independence, it was a champion of import substitution, rebuilding our industrial base in the face of shortages and resource crunch. When India became a victim of technology denial, CSIR laboratories created advanced products and technologies, such as Indias first super computer, radiation shielding glasses and components for aerospace and satellites, emerging as a credible partner for our strategic sector. During this time, the Council also catapulted India as the top generic drug producer.

After India embraced globalization, introduced economic reforms and joined the WTO, the CSIR quickly emerged as the flag bearer of the Intellectual Property movement in our country and became the single largest holder of US and European patents. The Council, in recent years, has also become a world leader in specific domains of biotechnology and recombinant DNA products.

I would like to particularly compliment the Council on its unique attempt to make healthcare affordable by exploiting the power of open source drug discovery. As a concept, this is a global first and the world has turned from skepticism to partnership. I am happy to learn that the Council has opened its patent chest for accelerated drug discovery for hitherto neglected diseases like tuberculosis and malaria.

While we aim for global excellence and competitive advantage for our country in science, the Council must not lose sight of the mandate of science in our country that Jawaharlal Nehru spoke about while addressing the Indian Science Congress in 1947.

He said, Science must think in terms of the 400 million persons in India. I am glad that the Council has remained firmly rooted in the social milieu of our country while selecting and implementing projects. I commend the recent CSIR 800 programme which aims at affordable scientific interventions to improve the quality of life of the people at the base of the economic pyramid. The Councils thrust on research and innovation in renewable energy, in water, environment and waste management also reflect its awareness of contemporary challenges that our country faces.

In recent times, conventional scientific disciplines and approaches are proving unequal to dealing with complex developmental challenges. New disciplines are emerging at the interface of traditional boundaries. The newly created Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research promises to train our young scientists and engineers in transdisciplinary skills by tapping into the entire resources and infrastructure of the CSIR fraternity. This is a good initiative and I look forward to early results.

Last week, while inaugurating a new campus of the Councils

Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, I was impressed by the power and potential of public-private partnership in scientific research. I am told that across CSIR laboratories, new ecosystems like Innovation Complexes are being created to foster innovation through partnership with industry, academia and other R&D institutions. Mechanisms have been put in place to identify needs of Indias industries and to tap bright ideas of the CSIRs young talent. The Council has announced policies to encourage scientists to create spin offs and new ventures. It is also partnering with the National Innovation Council to provide focused technology assistance to small and medium enterprises.

However, with all our achievements, we cannot rest on our laurels. As a nation, we have not succeeded in mobilizing enough private investment into science to raise our investment in scientific research to 2% of GDP. We need to recognize that excellence has not percolated across all our research and academic institutions. We have not been able to make an impact on a world scale commensurate with our large scientific manpower pool. CSIR, therefore, will need to devote itself to these national challenges in the years to come. It will have to take up national leadership in science, engineering and technology.

In this journey, young people like many of those gathered here are our nations hope and future. I congratulate the awardees for their talent, for their devotion to duty and for their aspirations for Indian science. Young scientists must dream big and refuse to despair. I would like to remind them of the exemplary determination and selfless patriotism of Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar that led to the establishment of one of the finest scientific institutions of our great country The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Prime Ministers Speech in the Event Emerging Kerala 2012 at Kochi

Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, inaugurated the event Emerging Kerala-2012Global Connect in Kochi today. Following is the text of the Prime Ministers address on the occasion: I am delighted to be once again in this beautiful state of Kerala. The State festival of Onam has just passed and I wish all Keralites, both resident and non-resident, happiness and sustained prosperity in the coming year. Before I proceed further, let me extend a very warm welcome to our foreign dignitaries: members of the diplomatic community, and other distinguished participants from all parts of the world, who are present with us today. I compliment my friend, the Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Oommen Chandy and the Government of Kerala, the CII and NASSCOM for organizing this mega event Emerging Kerala 2012- Global Connect. I am particularly happy that this is not a one-off event but the beginning of a process which would bring together government and corporate leaders, heads of regulatory institutions, economists, scholars and eminent men and women from various walks of life every two years to find ways and means and explore new pathways to make Kerala a power-house of sustained economic and social development. This confluence of talent, expertise and experience could result in valuable strategic alliances with the potential to open up new and innovative avenues for fulfilling the aspirations of the people. It could lead to new partnerships that could help in building local capacities boosting local employment, adding value to local production and enhancing exports, thereby assisting the State in unleashing the vast latent potential of this creative state of Kerala. I wish this event all success for this year and also for the coming years. In many ways Kerala is unique among the States of India. Its social and human development indicators are at par with many developed countries. It has abundant natural resources. Its human resources are of a very high quality. Because of its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture heritage, magnificent cuisine and warm and friendly people, Kerala has carved a niche for itself in the world of tourism, attracting lakhs of domestic and international tourists every year. These strengths, along with the Chief Ministers commitment to give a clean, transparent and effective administration to the people, should be

leveraged and leveraged optimally to attract investment into the State. I am sure that initiatives like the present one would help in building a climate favourable to entrepreneurship in this process. The people of this wonderful State are adventurous, known to go where opportunity lies to find employment, set up new enterprises and discover new frontiers. Long before globalization became a buzz-word, Kerala was connected to the rest of the world. A rich history of spice trade gave this beautiful State a global orientation many centuries back, even before Vasco-da-Gama landed off the coast of Kozhikode in 1498. More than 2 million Keralites work outside India, in the Gulf countries and elsewhere. Remittances from Non-resident Keralites contribute significantly to the States economy. This constitutes more than 22% of the GDP of the State. The contribution of the Non Resident Keralites can perhaps be said to be the backbone of the economy of Kerala and has been so for the last four decades. It is therefore heartening to know that the Non Resident Keralites are now making investments in the State in projects like hotels, hospitals and shopping complexes thereby helping to create physical and social infrastructure and new employment opportunities for the people living in the State. We need to build an enabling environment to facilitate such investment in every possible way and I am very pleased to hear the Honourable Chief Minister promise that that is precisely what he is determined to do. And I hope that this conference would find new pathways of doing so. Our Government is committed to helping and adding to the initiatives of the State government for building an improved industrial infrastructure in the State. Tomorrow I will be laying the foundation stone for the Kochi Metro Rail Project for linking Aluva to Petta. Our Government has approved the project at a cost of over Rs. 5100 crore. When this project is completed, it would transform the face of the commercial capital of the State by easing the burden of traffic congestion. During my visit to the State in February, 2011, I inaugurated the countrys first International Container Trans-shipment Terminal at Vallarpadam; and the International Terminal Building at the

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The terminal at Vallarpadam has been planned to make Kochi one of the major trans-shipment points of the world, transforming it into an economic and logistical hub. There were some issues relating to the operationalization of this terminal on account of cabotage and customs operations. These issues have now been resolved. The Union Cabinet has recently decided to relax the cabotage restrictions particularly for Vallarpadam. I am now confident that our vision for this historic port will materialize soon and a major portion of Indias container traffic would flow through this port. There are several other projects that our UPA government has approved for Kerala in the last few years. I inaugurated the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala in 2009. The Brahmos Aerospace, Thiruvananthapuram was commissioned in 2007. A Rail Coach Factory has been announced for Palakkad. A mega central sector project for setting up of Liquid Natural Gas Regasification Terminal at Puthuvypeen in Cochin Post Trust is under implementation. When commissioned, it will improve the availability of natural gas for power, fisheries, and food processing industries in the State. The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and the Indian Institute of Space Technology, which our UPA government has set up, are shaping into institutions of excellence. We have also set up the Central University in Kasargod. The demand for establishing an IIT in this state is under serious consideration of our Government. The UPA government has encouraged and actively supported the efforts of Kerala to grow into a major investment hub. We will continue to do so. We would like the State to embark on a path of people-focused inclusive and sustainable development, driven by knowledge and innovation, and mindful of the environmental concerns. Labour intensive light manufacturing has a strong comparative advantage in this State and all assistance needs to be given to the small and micro business enterprises. I appreciate that the State government under the distinguished leadership of Shri Oomen Chandy is fully alive to the need for rapidly building up infrastructure, which is so essential for rapid industrial growth. I would urge the State government to derive maximum possible benefit from initiatives of the Central Government especially the National Skill

Development Mission. This would go a long way in tapping the energies of Kerala's educated manpower. I have no doubt in my mind that Kerala will be able to capitalize on its immense resources to emerge stronger as an important investment destination in our country. I wish the State government and its people all success in their endeavours for building a modern, industrialised and prosperous Kerala. With these words, I have great pleasure in inaugurating the Emerging Kerala-2012-Global Connect.

PM condoles loss of lives in Rudraparyag cloudburst, sanctions relief.

The Prime Minister has expressed deep shock over the loss of lives in the recent cloudburst incidents in Rudraparyag district of Uttarakhand. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees to the next of kin of each of the deceased and fifty thousand rupees each those seriously injured.

Cloudburst
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For alternate uses, see Cloudburst (disambiguation). This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August
2010)

A cloudburst is an extreme amount of precipitation, sometimes with hail and thunder, which normally lasts no longer than a few minutes but is capable of creating flood conditions. Colloquially, the term cloudburst may be used to describe any sudden heavy, brief, and usually unforecast rainfall.

Contents
[hide]

1 Properties 2 Record Cloudbursts 3 Cloudbursts in the Indian subcontinent o 3.1 India

3.2 Pakistan 3.3 Bangladesh 4 See also

o o

5 References

[edit] Properties
Meteorologists say the rain fall rate equal to or greater than 100 mm (3.94 inches) per hour is a cloudburst.[1][2] The associated convective cloud, can extend up to a height of 15 km above the ground.[3] During a cloudburst, more than 20 mm of rain may fall in a few minutes. When there are instances of cloudbursts, the results can be disastrous. Cloudburst also responsible for Flash flood creation. Rapid precipitation from cumulonimbus clouds is possible due to so called Langmuir[disambiguation needed] precipitation process in which large droplets can grow rapidly by coagulating with smaller droplets which fall down slowly.

[edit] Record Cloudbursts

Duration 1 minute 5.5 Rainfall 1.5 inches (38.10 mm) 2.43 inches Location Barot, India Port Bells, Date 26 November 1970 29 November

minutes 15 minutes 20 minutes 40 minutes 1 hour

(61.72 mm) 7.8 inches (198.12 mm) 8.1 inches (205.74 mm) 9.25 inches (234.95 mm) 9.84 inches (250 mm) 45.03 inches (1,144 mm) 5.67 inches (144 mm) 7.15 inches (182 mm) 91.69 inches (2,329 mm)

Panama Plumb Point, Jamaica

1911 12 May 1916

Curtea-de-Arges, 7 July 1947 Romania Guinea, Virginia, USA 24 August 1906

Leh, Ladakh, India August 5, 2010 [4] Foc-Foc, La Runion NDA, Pune, India Pashan, Pune, India Ganges Delta, India

13 hours

January 8, 1966[5] September 29, 2010 [1] October 4, 2010

[1]

1 hour

1.5 hours

20 hours

January 8, 1966[6]

[edit] Cloudbursts in the Indian subcontinent

In the Indian subcontinent, a cloudburst usually occurs when a pregnant monsoon cloud drifts northwards, from the Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea across the plains, then onto the Himalaya and bursts, bringing rainfall as high as 75 millimeters per hour.[7]
[edit] India

On September 28, 1908 - A Cloudburst resulted in a flood where the Musi River was swollen up to 3845 m. About 15,000 people were killed and around 80,000 houses were destroyed along the banks of this river.[8] In July, 1970 Cloudburst in the upper catchment area led to a 15 metre rise in the Alaknanda river in Uttarakhand. Entire river basin, from Hanumanchatti near the pilgrimage town of Badrinath to Haridwar was affected. An entire village was swept away.[citation needed] On August 15, 1997, 115 people were killed when a cloud burst came bustling and trail of death are all that is left behind in Chirgaon in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh.[9] On August 17, 1998 A massive landslide following heavy rain and a cloudburst at Malpa village killed 250 people including 60 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims in Kali valley of the Kumaon division, Uttarakhand. Among the dead was Odissi dancer Protima Bedi.[citation needed] On July 16, 2003, About 40 persons were killed in flash floods caused by a cloudburst at Shilagarh in Gursa area of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.[10] On July 6, 2004, At least 17 people were killed and 28 injured when three vehicles were swept into the Alaknanda river by heavy landslides triggered by a cloudburst that left nearly 5,000 pilgrims stranded near Badrinath shrine area in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.[11] On 26 July 2005, A cloudburst caused approximately 950 millimetres (37 in) of rainfall in Mumbai.[12] over a span of eight to ten hours; the deluge completely paralysed India's largest city and financial centre. On August 16, 2007, 52 people were confirmed dead when a severe cloud burst occurred in Bhavi village in Ghanvi, Himachal Pradesh.[13] On August 7, 2009, 38 people were killed in a landslide resulting from a cloudburst in Nachni area near Munsiyari in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.[14] On August 6, 2010, in Leh, a series of cloudbursts left over 1000 persons dead (updated number) and over 400 injured in the frontier Leh town of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir.[6] On September 15, 2010 cloud burst in Almora in Uttrakhand

has drowned away two villages one of them being Balta, leaving a few people alive and rest entire village dead and drowned. Almora has been declared as a town suffering from the brunt of cloudburst by authorities of Uttrakhand. Had there been a bit more swaying of clouds, town of Ranikhet must have drowned also.[citation needed] On September 29, 2010, a cloudburst in NDA (National Defence Academy), Khadakwasla, Pune, in Maharashtra state left many injured, hundreds of vehicles and buildings damaged due to this flash flood.[1] Again on October 4, 2010, a cloudburst in Pashan, Pune, in Maharashtra state left 4 dead, many injured, hundreds of vehicles and buildings damaged. The record books as the historical highest rainfall in intensity and quantity of the Pune city recorded since 118 years old (record of 149.1 mm in 24 hours)of October 24, 1892. In the history of IT (Information Technology) hub Pune, first time this flash flood also anable Pune people to for over night stay (sleep) in their vehicle, officies and what ever available shelter in the traffic jam.[1] +++ October 4, 2010, a cloudburst in Pashan, Pune may be the worlds first predicted cloudburst, in well advanced. Since 2.30 pm in the afternoon of the day, a young weather scientist in the city was frantically sending out SMSes to the higher authorities warning of an impending cloudburst over the Pashan area. After taking the necessary precautions still 4 persons were dead including one young scientist+++.[1] On June 9, 2011, near Jammu, a cloudbursts left 4 persons dead and over several injured in Doda-Batote highway, 135 km from Jammu.Two restaurants and many shops were washed away[15] On 20 July 2011, a cloudburst in upper Manali, 18 km away from Manali town in Himachal Pradesh state left 2 dead and 22 missing.[16] On September 15, 2011 a cloudburst was reported in the Palam area of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal-3 was flooded with water at the Arrival due to the immense downpour. Even though no lives were lost in the rain that lasted an hour

was enough to enter the record books as the highest rainfall in the city recorded since 1959.[citation needed] On September 14, 2012 in Rudraprayag distirct there was a cloudburst and 39 people died.[17]

On Intense rainfalls spell over part of Delhi in the afternoon of 15 Sept 2011: On afternoon of 15 Sept, 2011, intense rainfall spell was observed over IGI Airport of Delhi and Delhi airport had experienced during 1435-1535 a cloud burst like intense rain spell event with rainfall during the period reaching up to 117mm(11.7 cm). Fortunately being not a peak time rush hour and good weather monitoring and warning system in place with ATC, only 1 diverted many were asked to circle around. It is unusual intense spell for Delhi airport. But there was large-scale flooding of road at approach road from RWY underpass of city side of Palm. The rainfall observation during 0830-1730 IST of 15 Sept 2011 recorded at various stations over Delhi region are as follows: Name of Station Rainfall in mm IGI Airport Palam 120.0 Safderjung Airport 35.0 Lodi Road 37.7 Ayanagar 31.8 Delhi Ridge 3.8

The main reason for such intense rainfall over parts of Delhi was interaction of westerly and easterly leading to intense convection. on august 4th 2012 there is a cloudburst in Uttarkhand and Jammu & Kashmir, heavy rain fall and flashing

floods. Uttarakhand: 6 killed in landslides, flash floods; pilgrims stranded Cloudburst near Manali washes away 2 bridges: Two bridges and a few electricity poles were washed away in flashfloods triggered by a cloudburst near the Rohtang tunnel in the Solang Nullah area at Dhundi, 30 km from Manali, on Friday night. Fearing flooding, residents of five villages located downstream were moved to a safer place. Landslides block Srinagar-Jammu highway: The Srinagar-Jammu highway was closed on Saturday following landslides in Ramban sector. "Heavy rains triggered landslides in the Ramban sector of the Srinagar-Jammu road Saturday morning 22 people trapped in Jammu flash flood As reported in the Times of India (September 14, 2012),Over a month after a similar tragedy in Uttarkashi, 45 persons were killed on September 14, 2012 and 15 injured while 40 others went missing in a cloudburst that flattened homes in Ukhimath area of Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district. "22 bodies have been recovered until 22:00 hrs IST and 40 persons are still missing," as per Disaster Management and Mitigation Department (DMMD) officials. Ukhimath tehsil and nearby villages like Chunni, Mangoli, Kimana, Sansari, Giriya, Brahmankholi, Premnagar and Juatok have been the worst hit, he said. Most of the people died in sleep as the natural calamity flattened homes in the wee hours.Communication and power lines were disrupted and

traffic along several roads, including national highways in the area, was affected. Rishikesh-Badrinath and Rishikesh-Gangotri highways have been closed due to landslips triggered by incessant rains. Expressing shock over the tragedy, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna asked the District Magistrate to take up relief and rescue operations on a war footing in the affected area and sanctioned Rs 10 crore for the purpose. Prime Ministers Speech at Kerala Kalamandalam

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singhs speech at Kerala Kalamandalam in Thrissur today:

I am very happy to be with you all today. I compliment Kerala Kalamandalam and all those associated with the institution for engaging in the noble work of preserving and promoting the extraordinary rich culture of this beautiful State.

The composite and diverse culture of Kerala has been enhanced by the synthesis of a large variety of influences over centuries. From ancient times this blessed land has warmly welcomed travelers and migrants, who have all contributed to the development of its magnificent cultural mosaic. The tradition of religious tolerance and respect for diverse philosophies has greatly aided this process. It is not thus a coincidence that the earliest mosque, church and synagogue in India were all established in this blessed land of Kerala.

Kerala rightly boasts of an amazing variety of performing arts. Kutiyattam, the unique Sanskrit theatre and Mudiyettu, the ritual dance drama both find a place in the UNESCO representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Other classical forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam have also been acclaimed across the world. The State is home to an array of folk and tribal art forms. It has developed its own native music system, the Sopanam style of music and has a variety of musical ensembles.

Kerala Kalamandalam was founded by the great poet Vallathol Narayana Menon in 1930 and has a special place in the cultural map not only of Kerala but also of the country as a whole. I understand this organization is the first public institution to impart training and organize performances in the traditional performing arts of Kerala, especially Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Kutiyattom and Thullaal. From its humble beginnings, it has today established itself as a symbol of Indian cultural renaissance and has acclaimed global fame.

I congratulate all those who have been associated with the inception and growth of this great institution. I have been told that the Kalamandalam provides training to over 500 students in over fourteen art disciplines. The institution embodies the true Indian cultural essence and spirit by following the Gurukul system of teaching the performing arts.

I am very happy that this institution has tieups and collaborations with major universities and colleges abroad and shares many cultural exchange programmes with these universities. All these will go a long way in spreading the richness of Indian culture far and wide. As our ambassadors, our artists can very vividly showcase the different strands and hues of our great composite cultural fabric.

The proposed museum of South Indian

performing arts is expected to lead to a greater and renewed interest in the art and culture of this region. The South Indian canvas is endowed with a wide variety of traditional performing arts, including ritual, folk and classical. Some art forms have vanished unfortunately; while some others need to be protected and supported.

The Museum once established will preserve and promote the rich and varied performing arts of the four States of South India. Further it would reinforce Indias pluralism and harmonised coexistence of diverse cultures and sub-cultures.

I am given to understand that this museum would have a state-of-the-art digital library and archiving facilities, besides studios, performance auditoria and research facilities.

Let me end by saluting the memory of the great men and women like Vallathol, Tagore and others who have immortalized our glorious heritage of art, dance, drama, music and literature. I once more compliment the Kalamandalam authorities for undertaking the remarkable venture of building a museum of South Indian performing arts. I wish Kerala Kalamandalam and all those associated with this unique institution the very best for the future. Thank you, Jai Hind.

PMs speech at the meeting of the National Board for Wildlife

I welcome you all to the 6th Meeting of the National Board for Wildlife. Some new members have joined the Board, and I trust their association with the Board will add value to our efforts to conserve and protect the precious wildlife of India. In the last meeting, several important suggestions were made by members. Many of these issues arise from systemic problems so we need sustained discussion and follow up to address them. There is now a lot on the wildlife agenda of Ministry of Environment and Forests and that is a good thing. I hope that the deliberations today will provide valuable guidance on the way forward in dealing with some of the challenges we face in our conservation efforts. Our efforts to promote and institutionalize wildlife conservation have yielded some results. The coverage of Protected Areas in our country has improved significantly. At present they include 668 national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves, and conservation & community reserves. The increase in the number of Protected Areas carved out from the forest areas identified as potentially rich wildlife habitats is a welcome step. But we have the responsibility to safeguard the livelihoods of local communities dependent on forest resources. Proper utilization of natural resources by promotion and adoption of noninvasive livelihood options can go a long way in supporting socio-economic development of our forest dependent communities, including tribal populations. Management of wildlife in such human dominated landscapes requires an inclusive approach involving the local people, who are primary stakeholders. Voluntary and fair relocation of villages and

settlements is crucial for wildlife conservation. Clearly lack of adequate funds for such purposes is an issue. We should assess the experience of using State CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) funds for voluntary relocation from Protected Areas. This is an issue on which further discussions are required with the concerned state governments. One of the issues that has been raised at our meetings is the importance of conserving endangered species other than large mammals like the tiger. As you are aware the government initiated a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme entitled Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats to focus, among other things, on the need to ensure better protection of wildlife outside the protected areas and initiate recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species. I am happy that a number of species have been covered under the scheme including marine life and birds. I would be happy to hear from Members their feedback on the performance of the scheme. The government will try its best to ensure adequate allocations under such schemes aimed at achieving policy objectives related to conservation of wildlife habitats. Along with enhanced allocations, the monitoring mechanism would also need to be strengthened. I would advise that the Ministry of Environment should strengthen its Regional Offices by inducting wildlife experts in these offices not only to monitor the implementation of wildlife schemes, but also to ensure strict adherence to conditions of wildlife clearances. The Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 provides us with the statutory framework for wildlife conservation and it is essential that its provisions keep up with the times. We had processed a number

of amendments to the Act to increase penal provisions and incorporate provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Poaching is a major problem affecting our wildlife conservation efforts. We are assisting the States in strengthening their anti-poaching operations. The demand for the body parts and derivatives of wild animals is posing a serious threat to our conservation efforts and these illegal trading networks have cross border linkages. To counter this threat we need greater coordination between the intelligence agencies and enforcement agencies. International cooperation including our joint efforts with China, Nepal and Russia for tiger conservation also needs to be intensified to break the nexus between poachers and illegal wildlife markets. I am happy that the Ministry of Environment & Forests is taking steps to strengthen the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. A proposal for expanding the number of regional offices, field units and forensic labs is under process as is the creation of a national database on wildlife crime and criminals. These are some of the issues I thought I should dwell upon to kick off todays meeting. I look forward to hearing the views of our members and also the State Governments whose active involvement and effort is crucial to our conservation effort. I extend my best wishes to all of you with the hope that we will have a meaningful discussion today to find ways to further strengthen our wildlife conservation efforts. Statement by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the XVI Summit of the Non-Aligned

Movement Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singhs address delivered today at 16th NAM Summit in Tehran: I congratulate His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on assuming the Chairmanship of the NonAligned Movement. Mr. Chairman, India will extend its full cooperation to Iran as it leads the Movement over the next three years. I also express my appreciation to Egypt for its stewardship of the Movement since the last Summit, even though Egypt has been in the midst of profound domestic change. Mr. Chairman, the Non-Aligned Movement, representing the large majority of humankind, has been a powerful force for the promotion of global peace, security and development. Our shared objectives of working together to preserve our strategic space, ensure our social and economic development and strive for a more just and equitable world order remain as true and relevant today as they were in the past. Mr. Chairman, your chosen theme for our Summit Lasting Peace through Joint Global Governance - is timely. Todays structures for global governance remain driven by the power equations of the past. It is not surprising that they have proved inadequate in dealing with the economic and political crises of our present. The deficit in global governance is perhaps most stark in the sphere of international peace and security and in restoring just and fair economic and financial mechanisms.

The West Asian and North African region is undergoing profound change. As the worlds largest democracy, India supports popular aspirations for a democratic and pluralistic order. Nevertheless, such transformations cannot be prompted by external intervention, which exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens. The deteriorating situation in Syria is a matter of particular concern. Our Movement should take a stand on the issue in keeping with universally accepted principles. We should urge all parties to recommit themselves to resolving the crisis peacefully through a Syrian-led inclusive political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian citizens. The Non-Aligned Movement has always championed the cause of the Palestinian people. Today, we should renew our pledge to support an early resolution of the Palestinian question, so that the long suffering people of Palestine can live in peace and dignity in a state of their own. Mr. Chairman, in the past, individually we may have had little economic and military clout but the collective voice and reasoned interventions of our Movement commanded respect and credibility. That voice should again find true expression on a variety of issues. We need new instruments of global governance to confront cross-cutting and trans-national challenges through coordinated global action. These include international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the menace of maritime piracy, the growing threat to cyber security and the growing challenge of pursuing ecologically sustainable development while ensuring energy, water and food security. Our Movement should take the lead in building

global governance structures that are representative, credible and effective. It is my sincere hope that the Movement can agree on action to reform institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Bank and the IMF. Existing problems cannot be solved effectively without a greater voice for developing countries on issues such as global trade, finance and development. Developing countries can be drivers of global growth. International financial institutions should therefore be encouraged to fund infrastructure development in the developing world in innovative ways. We should also urge that the current economic crisis should not lead to a dilution of development assistance flows from the developed world to the developing countries. While we come together on the international stage, it is equally important for us to collaborate among ourselves in tackling problems and developing solutions that are best suited to our own circumstances. For example, the developing world is rich in renewable sources of energy like solar power We should use our financial and intellectual resources to develop renewable energy technologies that get less attention in the industrialised world where the resource base is different. Adoption of these technologies will also enable us to contribute to preservation of the environment. We can learn from each other in this effort. Similarly, food security is a basic problem for many of our countries. Excessive speculation, structural bottlenecks and lack of coordination are fuelling food inflation at the global level. Our Movement should push for effective food policy coordination and cooperation at the global level in areas such as

agricultural productivity, weather forecasting and research and development. Perhaps most relevant for us is to focus on investing in the knowledge economy and building our human resources. When faced with our unique developmental challenges, our youth have the creativity and energy to find solutions that are innovative, frugal and affordable. However, we need to provide them skills and equip them to find productive employment in a rapidly changing and inter-connected global economy. India would be happy to contribute to a NAM initiative on skill development, particularly focused on the knowledge economy. Mr. Chairman, the African continent provided the intellectual wellspring for many of the leaders of the Non Aligned Movement. The growth of NAM and decolonization in Africa progressed almost hand in hand. Africa therefore has a special place in NAM. Indias own strategic partnership with Africa is premised on making the people of Africa its primary beneficiaries. The India-Africa Forum Summit thus provides for an ambitious programme of pan-African institution-building to enhance our multi-faceted cooperation. I invite interested NAM members to work with us in areas of priority to Africa. Nearly two decades ago, India embarked on a Look East policy in an endeavour to learn and benefit from and contribute to the evolution of a new Asian economic community to our East. However, the progress, prosperity, well being, political stability and plurality of the Asia to our West has always been of equal historical and civilisational significance for us. A West Asian region that can realize its full potential, live in peace and harmony and join the comity of democratic and plural societies will contribute greatly to human progress and peace in the

21st Century. Mr. Chairman, let me conclude by thanking you for this opportunity to renew our Movements collective endeavour for peace and prosperity which is needed in our troubled planet today. Even as our members have differing views on different issues, our sense of common destiny and solidarity unites us and gives us common purpose. I am certain that our deliberations will be helpful in restoring this historic Movement to its rightful place on the international stage.

PM's opening remarks at the All Party meeting on Reservation in promotions

Following is the text of Prime Ministers opening remarks at the All Party meeting on Reservation in promotions in New Delhi today: Dear colleagues, I have called this meeting to discuss the issue of reservation in promotion specifically in respect of the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of U.P. Power Corporation Ltd. vs. Rajesh Kumar & Ors. wherein the Court has struck down provision of reservation in promotion to SCs and STs in the State of UP. You may be aware that the Government had always been committed to protect the interests of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and on certain occasions did not hesitate even to bring constitutional amendments. You may recall that the Supreme Court in its judgment dated 16.11.1992 in the case of Indra Sawhney had, inter alia, held that reservation in promotion is ultra vires but allowed its continuation for five years from the date of judgment as a special case. The 77th amendment to the Constitution was made in 1995 inserting clause (4A) to Article 16 before expiry of five year which enabled the Government to continue reservation for SCs and STs in promotion. Clause (4A) of the Constitution was further modified through 85th amendment so as to give benefit of consequential seniority to SC/ST candidates promoted by reservation. The 81st amendment was made to the Constitution whereby clause (4/B) was incorporated in Article 16 of the Constitution which permits to treat the backlog reserved vacancies as a separate and distinct group, to which the limit of 50% may not apply. This enables the Government to launch Special Recruitment

Drives to fill up the backlog vacancies reserved for SCs/STs and OBCs. During the Drive of 2004, more than 60,000 backlog reserved vacancies were filled up. The Special Recruitment Drive, 2008 has already resulted in filling up of 43,781 vacancies. The 82nd amendment was made to the Constitution whereby a proviso was incorporated in Article 335 of the Constitution which enabled the State to give relaxations/concessions to the SC and ST candidates in the matter of promotion. The aforesaid four Constitutional amendments were made in order to protect the interests of the backward classes including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The validity of all these four Amendments were challenged before the Supreme Court through various writ petitions clubbed together in M. Nagaraj & others vs. Union of India & others mainly on the ground that these altered the basic structure of the Constitution. In order to ensure that the case of Government is put effectively before the Supreme Court, Shri K.Parasaran, an eminent lawyer, having the experience of defending the interests of weaker sections, was engaged with the approval of the then Law Minister. It was through the efforts of the Government that the Supreme Court in its judgment dated 19.10.2006 in the matter of M. Nagaraj & others v. Union of India & others upheld the validity of all these four amendments. However, the Court stipulated that the concerned State will have to show in each case the existence of the compelling reasons, namely, backwardness, inadequacy of representation and overall administrative efficiency before making provision for reservation. The Court further held that the impugned provision is an enabling provision. If the State Government wish to make provision for reservation to SCs and STs in promotion, the State

has to collect quantifiable data showing backwardness of the class and inadequacy of representation of that class in public employment in addition to compliance of Article 335. There were some Court cases filed in different states on the ground that the pre-requisite conditions as laid down by the Supreme Courts in M. Nagaraj case have not been observed while providing reservation in promotion. In the recent past the Supreme Court has struck down reservation in promotion in some states. The Government is exploring the possible solution of the current situation. Your suggestions will be of immense help to the Government to decide on the issue. I request you to provide your valuable suggestions so that a legally sustainable solution may be arrived at.

Preparations for Monsoon

The Central Government has prepared extensive plans to deal with the deficiency in the Monsoon/rainfall in some parts of the country. The Government is in full readiness to address any situation that may arise due to any rainfall anomalies. The Prime Minister has been apprised of the situation and has directed all departments and ministries to co-ordinate efforts with State Governments to meet any eventuality and monitor the situation on a weekly basis. Situation So Far The progress of the Monsoon so far has not allayed earlier concerns. The rainfall deficiency which existed at the end of June has lessened somewhat, but the intensity and spread of rainfall over the next week or so needs to be watched carefully, especially in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan The India Meteorological Department's second stage forecast on 22.6.2012 predicted rainfall over the whole Monsoon season to be normal at 96% of Long Period Average (LPA) with model error of 4%, but this is now reportedly likely to be around the lower end of the range. As on 15.7.2012, monsoon has covered all parts of the country. The cumulative rainfall for the period from 01.06.2012 to 15.07.2012 is 22% less than the LPA. Rainfall over the four geographical regions of North-West, Central, South Peninsula and East and North-East India for this period has been lower than their LPAs by 33%, 26%. 26% and 10% respectively. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Karnataka have till now received low rainfall. On the other hand, the North East region, North Bihar and North Bengal have received and are likely to continue to receive heavy rainfall. The overall figure of 22% deficit can, however, be misleading as the unevenness of distribution and periodicity of rainfall are also factors to be taken into account.

The 84 major reservoirs in the country that are being monitored by Central Water Commission have now begun to get filled but the current year storage is still 61% of last year storage and 78% normal ten-year average storage. However the levels in the reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan are more than the ten yearly average. The Ministry of Water Resources indicates that there is no real cause for concern as the reservoirs are now getting filled with heavy rains in the foothills of Himalayas, NorthEast and parts of Southern India. There has been reduction of around eight million hectares in the crop area sown compared to last year. While the reduction in area sown in case of rice could be covered over time, area reduction in coarse cereals is likely to persist. Steps taken: a. Contingency plans have been prepared by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and shared with the States. These will be rolled out in the areas which continue to receive low rainfall. b. There is sufficient availability of all seeds including of coarse cereals and pulses. In Assam, which is affected by flood, seeds of submergence tolerant varieties are being provided. Similarly, for flood prone North Bihar and West Bengal, sufficient seeds and such varieties are available. c. Suitable advisories regarding fodder availability have been issued in the States by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. These include preservation of crop residue that may be used as fodder in the nest season. Sufficient funds for this purpose are available with the State Governments under various schemes.

d. Sufficient seeds for various fodder crops such as maize, sorghum and bajra are available and will be made available to the State Governments, as and when required. e. All options for increasing fodder availability under Joint Forest Management Programme will be explored by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. f. Power availability for agricultural purposes will be ensured so that yield of rice is not adversely affected. Unallocated power of approximately 300 MW each is being made available to Punjab, Haryana and UP by the Ministry of Power. This represents about 75% of the total unallocated power available for the Northern Region. In addition, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has been asked to ensure availability of diesel in the States, especially in North West India. g. The need for according the highest priority to drinking water was stressed. The Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation will henceforth be monitoring the status of the affected habitations on a weekly basis, rather than on a fortnightly basis as is presently being done. h. Adequate reservation for drinking water in the reservoirs will be ensured. States have been advised to phase out the release of reservoir water for irrigation in a way that in the event of there being less rainfall later on further requests can be met. i. While the prices of wheat and rice are stable, the prices of sugar, pulses and vegetable are showing an upward trend. A proposal for increase in subsidy for supply of pulses through Public Distribution System to BPL families is being brought before Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

j. Any additional requirement for wages under the MGNREGA scheme will be met by the Department of Rural Development. Rs.12,000 crore have already been released to the States during the current year. States have sufficient funds in hand. Increase in demand for employment has been reported only from a few States so far. The shelf of works to absorb additional labour has been kept ready with the States. k. Sufficient funds to the tune of Rs.4524 crore are currently available under National Disaster Relief Fund. l. An Inter-Ministerial Group under Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation is reviewing the situation on a weekly basis and also holding video conference with the State Governments.

PMO pushes for greater private investment in Inland Waterways

The PMO has been pushing for greater private investment in inland waterways, an area of considerable importance. Since January, PMO has identified and fast-tracked implementation of key projects in the National Waterways - 1, 2 and 3 (NW - 1,2,3). These are the Varanasi- Haldia stretch of the Ganga (NW-1), the Brahmaputra in Assam (NW-2) and the inland stretch in Kerala (NW-3). Based on the push by PMO, IWAI has moved forward on large scale private investments to transport coal and fertilizer on NW-1, foodgrains and coal on NW-2 and a lot of cargo on NW-3. In order to scale up private investment further, a Committee has now been constituted a Committee under Secretary (Planning) with Secretary (Shipping), DG (IWAI) and a representative of DEA as members. This Committee would undertake a systematic effort to identify new areas for private investment, both in infrastructure and in transportation. It will also identify multiple business models which could then be bid out through concessions. This will be supplemented by designing Model Concession Agreements and other standardised documents for facilitating a rapid scaling up of investment. The committee will assess the investment potential of the sector and come up with approaches and proposals for scaling up private investment in Inland Waterways. It will also suggest mechanisms to have standardised MCAs prepared quickly for possible areas of investment. The potential of Inland Waterways is quite large, if it can be properly conceived and captured. The Rhine and the Danube are lifelines of transport in Europe. And there is no reason why the Allahabad - Haldia stretch (National Waterway - 1) cannot be a river based industrial corridor.

Speech of Prime Minister while Releasing MGNREGA Sameeksha

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singhs address at the release of MGNREGA Sameeksha today: I am very happy to release the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Sameeksha, brought out by the Ministry of Rural Development. This is an innovative way of looking at our development programmes. I compliment Shri Jairam Ramesh for taking the initiative to reach out to scholars in different parts of our country to apply their minds to analysis of what is being achieved, what is possible, what is not yet being achieved and what are the gaps in performance, what are the gaps in our knowledge of what is happening. So I hope that this programme of looking at programmes in real time will gain momentum. I am surprised to here from Jairam that concurrent evaluation processes are not in good shape. When I was in the Planning Commission long ago I think we had started the programme of concurrent evaluation for a number of programmes of rural development. I dont no why they are languishing if they are at all languishing. But I would request Montek to apply his mind to making good this deficiency as well. I am very happy to release Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Sameeksha, brought out by the Ministry of Rural Development. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is perhaps the UPA Governments most popular and successful flagship programme. Shri Jairam Ramesh has written in the Sameeksha that it is perhaps the largest and most ambitious social security and public works programme in the world. Even if statistics do not tell the whole truth, the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA story in numbers is a story worth telling. In 2010-11, nearly 5.50 crore families, or nearly one in four rural households, were provided over 250 crore person-days of work under the programme.

This is a sharply higher figure than the 90 crore person days of work provided in the first year of the Scheme in 2006-07. The Scheme scores high on inclusiveness. The share of Scheduled Cast/Scheduled Tribe families in the work has been 51 per cent and that of women 47 per cent. The average wage per person-day has gone up by 81% since the Schemes inception. Wages are indexed to protect workers from the ravages of inflation. Nearly 10 crore bank/post office accounts have been opened and around 80 per cent of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA payments are made through this innovative route, an unprecedented step in the direction of financial inclusion. The safety net provided by this Scheme has helped rural India cope with the frequent distress and natural disasters that are their lot. The combined effect of expanded agricultural production, demand for labour from the construction sector and the effect of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA has led to a tightening of the market for agricultural labour and a steady rise in real wages. Farmers sometimes complain about this. But rising demand for labour is the only way to help the landless improve their standard of living. The income support provided under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA has increased the bargaining power of agricultural labour to some extent and it has helped to put a floor under rural poverty as well. All this is not to say that we are fully satisfied with the way the Scheme is working. Jairam and Mihir Shah have both pointed to the gaps that need to be fixed. But it is probably true that no welfare scheme in recent memory has caught the imagination of the people as much as Mahatma Gandhi NREGA has. But many challenges need to be overcome.

Panchayati Raj institutions have to gear themselves to play the central role assigned to them under the Scheme and we have to provide resources to equip the Panchayats to perform these functions effectively. If these local bodies can rise to the challenge, the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA can very well become a silver bullet for Indias rural renewal. Mahatma Gandhi NREGAs potential to revitalize agriculture by creating durable water assets and improving productivity has to be fully exploited. And this is the direction in which we must move and move fast enough. Going through some of the studies, one recognizes the enormous complexity of the issue and the large local variations. The challenge before policy makers is to design more flexible, scientific and community based approaches that encourage implementing agencies to be innovative and responsive to local needs and circumstances. Spreading awareness and engendering a sense of commitment and participation among beneficiaries are important goals. The Sameeksha shows how local initiatives are helping to tackle these issues. In Rajasthan, the main provisions of the Scheme are being displayed on the walls of Gram Panchayats. In Jharkhand, voluntary organizations have set up help centres to create awareness and provide hand holding services to beneficiaries. Similar voluntary initiatives could help Gram Sabhas as well. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is also a pioneering scheme for e-delivery of services and increased transparency. Through the Management Information System currently used by Mahatma Gandhi NREGA more than 9 crore muster rolls and over 12 crore job cards have been placed online. The system has the potential of further development, including through the use of mobile communication technologies.

I am encouraged to learn that in Andhra Pradesh data entry is in real time and pay orders for wage payments are generated online. This directly addresses the issue of delayed payments and should be replicated elsewhere. And as Mihir said there is a problem in this area and sooner we tackle this problem of delayed payments, I think better results would be in the offing. The section on gender empowerment is particularly heartening. One study concludes that a silent revolution is taking place among rural women due to the Scheme. Wage disparities are being reduced and women are coming out more in the public sphere to take up work and interact with banks, post offices and government officials. This has done wonders for their selfconfidence and given them a greater say in financial matters of the household. These are only a few of the many issues that the anthology throws up, whether related to management of funds and resources, convergence of the scheme with rural livelihoods or making the Act work in Left Wing Extremism affected districts. The Mahatma Gandhi NREGA offers the promise of entitlement, empowerment, security and opportunity to millions of our marginalized citizens. It offers the promise of being a spearhead of rural transformation that spins off positive impulses in agriculture, community development, sustainable livelihood creation, water management and sanitation. The Sameeksha has a lot of food for thought on where we stand six years since we launched this historic Scheme. I hope policy makers, public representatives, implementing agencies and civil society enable more such independent evaluations, which should become a normal part of our review and evaluation process. I am hopeful that the new Operational Guidelines that

will be issued by the Ministry of Rural Development will address some of the issues that have been brought out in the studies. In conclusion, I compliment Shri Jairam Ramesh and his colleagues in the Ministry, Dr Mihir Shah and many others including Dr. Ram Manohar Reddy who have put their heart and soul into the success of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.

Constitution of an Expert Committee on GAAR(General Anti avoidance rules) to undertake stakeholder consultations to finalise the guidelines for GAAR

The Prime Minister has approved the constitution of an Expert Committee on GAAR to undertake stakeholder consultations and finalise the guidelines for GAAR. This committee would manage the consultation process and finalise the draft GAAR Guidelines. 2. While postponing GAAR by one year to 2013 was a very welcome move, a widespread consultative process is necessary to generate a discussion on GAAR provisions so that there is an informed debate on how GAAR is going to operate. Some steps have been taken in this direction: a) Department of Revenue undertook some consultations with stakeholders before finalising a first draft set of guidelines. This consultation was done by invitation. b) Subsequently, at PM's behest, D/o Revenue put the draft guidelines on the web. This was widely welcomed as it lifted the veil on the GAAR Guidelines. 3. While these steps are good in themselves, a need was felt for far more widespread consultations. There is a need to have greater clarity on many other fronts. With this in view, the Prime Minister has constituted this Expert Committee which will bring transparency and a high degree of technical expertise to the consultation process. 4. For this purpose, an Expert Committee on GAAR has been constituted consisting of: 1) Dr. Parthasarathi Shome - Chairman 2) Shri N. Rangachary, former Chairman, IRDA Member 3) Dr. Ajay Shah, Professor, NIPFP - Member 4) Shri Sunil Gupta, Joint Secretary, Tax Policy & Legislation, Department of Revenue - Member 5. The Terms of Reference of the Committee will be to:

i) Receive comments from stakeholders and the general public on the draft GAAR guidelines which have been published by the Government on its website. ii) Vet and rework the guidelines based on this feedback and publish the second draft of the GAAR guidelines for comments and consultations. iii) Undertake widespread consultations on the second draft GAAR guidelines iv) Finalise the GAAR guidelines and a roadmap for implementation and submit these to the government. 6. The Committee will work to the following time schedule: i) Receive comments from stakeholders and general public till end-July 2012 ii) Vet and rework the guidelines based on this feedback and publish the second draft GAAR guidelines by 31 August 2012 iii) Finalise the GAAR guidelines and a roadmap for implementation and submit these to the government by 30 September 2012. 7. The Department of Revenue will provide all necessary support to the Expert Committee to facilitate its work including office assistance and assistance to facilitate consultations.

Prime Ministers Speech at UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asia Regional Cooperation, Puducherry

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singhs address at the UNESCO Madanjee Singh Institute for South Asia Regional Cooperation in Puducherry today:

It is a pleasure for me to be here at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asia Regional Cooperation for peace and development. I am sorry that ill health has stood in the way of Shri Madanje Singh being with us this evening. I extend a warm welcome to Madame France Marquet, his companio many years and Trustee of the South Asia Foundation. I request her to convey to Madanjeet our felicita and good wishes for a speedy recovery to normal health.

In a few weeks from now we will celebrate the 65th anniversary of India's Independence. The struggle freedom from colonial rule was infused with high sense of idealism that joined together the people, not of big sub-continent of ours, but also those in other parts of Asia and Africa. But the euphoria and excitement of freedom was tempered by the human tragedy that accompanied it. As a young man, Mad Singh witnessed with his own eyes the trauma and horror of partition as did many of us of that generat

Whenever I meet South Asians from different walks of life, they always speak of their desire to see ou countries live together in peace and work together for our common progress. I can think of no other individual who has invested more to achieve these cherished goals than my friend Madanjeet Singh. In the year 2000, Shri Singh set up the South Asia Foundation to provide a platform for well-meaning and women from all the countries of our region to contribute their might to the vision of a progressive Asia.

The South Asia Foundation seeks to promote regional cooperation through the UNESCO Madanjeet Si Institutions of Excellence that have been established in various countries of South Asia. Each of the ch is headed by an eminent personality from that country, six of whom are present here in Puducherry. I e a very warm welcome to each of the distinguished citizens of South Asia.

I was delighted to learn that very soon Myanmar will also have a chapter of the Foundation. I was in Myanmar recently and was impressed by the enthusiasm and interest of the people of Myanmar to stren and promote links with other countries of South Asia.

This Institute in Puducherry was set up as one of the centres of excellence nearly three years ago. I com the University of Pondicherry for hosting a centre that will focus on South Asia studies. It is ironic that universities in the West have chairs or centres that focus on South Asia but here in our own region, we so few of them! I have often felt that the citizens of South Asia have to start communicating and understanding each other through direct contact rather than through western academic constructs or pri The South Asia Foundation provides an excellent platform for doing precisely this.

The world is passing through troubled times. The financial and economic crisis that has gripped Europ recent years has many important lessons and implications for us. The economic and political rise of po War Europe was in no small measure due to the vision of thinkers like George Marshall and Jean Mon

They believed that a stable, prosperous and united Europe was good for the world. That is as true today was then. I sincerely hope that the leaders of Europe will find in them the imagination and wisdom to preserve the European project that has served as a guiding light to regional cooperation elsewhere in th world, including South Asia.

The events in the Euro zone should not cast a shadow over our own efforts at building unity and eventu South Asian union. If anything, we have not been ambitious enough in working towards building a uni South Asia where each of our countries seeks its economic and social salvation through cooperative development within the region and by leveraging each others strengths.

We have many men and women of talent and creativity among us. They should pool their wisdom and to remove the mental and other roadblocks that are preventing the people of South Asia from realizing true destiny.

India is fully committed to the idea of SAARC. In recent Summit meetings, I have found a genuine des among South Asian leaders to write a new chapter in the history of this organization. I am happy that important initiatives that symbolize the idea of South Asia are taking shape. The South Asia University started its work and will soon have its own full-fledged campus just outside Delhi. The SAARC Development Fund has become operational and has started implementing projects under its social wind

We however need to cooperate more closely to critically understand issues relating to food, energy and water security, disaster management health and education and address these issues from a holistic and regional perspective. Connectivity is also still lagging far behind where it should be. India stands fully committed to building a better-connected SAARC as a strong and effective instrument for regional cooperation.

Since I mentioned Jean Monnet earlier in my remarks, I am reminded that he once wrote: Nothing is possible without men, but nothing is lasting without institutions. In conceiving of and realizing the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asia Regional Cooperation. Madanjeet Singh has g us an institution that I am confident will stand the test of time and provide a valuable service in our com goal of building a better and closer South Asia.
PMO writes to Anna Hazare addressing the issues raised by him

Dear Shri Anna Hazare,

This refers to the letter dated 26.5.2012 addressed to the Prime Minister purported to have signed by you and several others. I have been directed to make the following submissions to the raised:

The Government has tabled a strong Lokpal Bill in Parliament which has features that are

progressive than in any Bill tabled before. This Bill has been prepared after extensive discussion

you and your colleagues and all suggestions that were considered to be feasible have

incorporated. This Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha. Government is of the opinion that Parli

has to take a final view on the Bill and the passage of the Bill should be a Parliament-led proce

this end, Government is open to suggestions from all parties. In fact, many suggestions have

accepted by the Government in the course of the discussions on the Bill and two all-party me which will be open to receive and examine all relevant suggestions.

have been held in an effort to build consensus. The Bill has now been referred to a Select Com

In addition to the Lokpal Bill, Government has taken a slew of measures, both legislative and exe

to curb and reduce corruption. The Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Persons Maki

Disclosure Bill, the Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Interna

Organisations Bill, the Citizens' Right to Grievance Redress Bill and the Judicial Standard

Accountability Bill have been brought forward. India has also ratified the United Nations Conv National Mission for Delivery of Justice and Legal Reforms has been set up.

against Corruption. A comprehensive public procurement law has been approved by the Cabine

A Group of Ministers set up by the Government to consider measures to tackle corruption has app Ministries and a monitoring mechanism has been set up to track progress.

a large number of measures as given in the annexure. These are being implemented by the v

To fight the menace of black money, the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act and amendment Prevention of Money Laundering Act have been passed. A special committee has been set

examine measures to strengthen laws to curb black money generation. Independent agencies

been commissioned to assess the quantum of black money and make recommendations. New I

Tax Overseas Units have been set up and new Tax Information Exchange Agreements and D

Taxation Avoidance Agreements have been signed to contain generation and outflow of illicit fund

Agencies like CBI, ED, CAG and CBDT continue to function independently as per their mandates. I

the term of this Government has been especially marked by zero interference in the function

these agencies. CAG has functioned in an unfettered way in conducting audit of various departme

The Government continues to welcome suggestions from all segments of civil society, including t

represented by you, on measures to bring greater probity in governance and public life

Government is committed to make all efforts to reduce corruption and bring in greater transpa

The Government is also determined to ensure that baseless and uninformed allegations made a down growth and development.

public servants are not allowed to create fear that can lead to paralysis in decision-making an

We have noted from your letter that you have previously addressed communications to all the Min conveying the allegations made against them for their views.

As regards the allegations made against the Prime Minister, they seem to be based on a leaked d

the CAG on coal block allocations and on media stories. You have provided no evidence to ba

these allegations and you have yourself said that you are not making these allegations. All det

the policy and procedures followed for coal block allocations have been placed in the public dom

the Coal Ministry and can be seen by all by going to the link http://coal.nic.in/welcome.ht

decisions were taken in public interest on the basis of legal provisions and relevant policy in force

The final report of the CAG has not yet been tabled in Parliament. When it is tabled, the Gover

will submit detailed responses before the Public Accounts Committee as per Constitutional proc

It is also understood that the CVC, in exercise of the powers vested in it, has recently directed t

to carry out a Preliminary Enquiry on a complaint on coal block allocations filed by an Oppositi allegations against the CBI are unwarranted and unjustified. I must regret that your statement that "top most institutions of the country like the Supreme only vague but unacceptable.

and some others. CBI will carry out the enquiry fairly and independently. Your insinuation

High Court, CAG etc. have leveled these allegations [against the Ministers] from time to time",

The tone and tenor of your letter and the broad and sweeping nature of the statements made ar unacceptable.

Your demand for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team has been considered, as al

terms of reference suggested by you. Having regard to the fact that the existing legal and sta demand cannot be acceded to.

framework has adequate and sufficient provisions for addressing the issues raised by you

The allegation that an understanding has been reached by the Government with Shri Mulayam Si Singh and the CBI and an insult to the judicial system.

hush up ongoing CBI enquiries is baseless and untrue. It is unfair to the Government, Shri Mu

As regards allegations leveled against what you have termed as 'team Anna', these too wo under law to subject anyone to twice the penalty allowed under the relevant law.

subject to due investigation by concerned agencies if and when reports are filed. There is no pro

Finally, with regard to the special fast track courts suggested by you to deal with cases of all judiciary both monitor the pendency of cases in various courts.

tainted MPs, the matter has been considered but cannot be acceded to since Government a

An e

Key measures approved by the GoM to tackle corruption > Fast-tracking of all cases of public servants accused of corruption

Competent authority to take decision within 3 months on requests from investigating agenc

sanction of prosecution (orders issued since).

Competent authority to decide within 3 months all requests for granting/denying perm

under Section 6(a) of DSPE Act, 1946. The competent authority for officers of the level of JS and in GoI will be the Minister-in-Charge. (orders issued since). > Electoral Reforms

Ministry of Law & Justice directed to come up with specific proposals for initiating re

expeditiously. (These are awaiting political consensus). > Relinquishing discretionary powers enjoyed by Ministers at the Centre-

DoPT directed to issue a general advisory to all Ministries/Depts. to carry out an exerc

putting in place regulatory parameters for exercise of discretionary powers and putting them in domain. (instructions since issued by DoPT). > Introduction of an open and competitive system of exploiting natural resources-

Most of the recommendations of the Ashok Chawla Committee accepted. DEA directed to m

the implementation of the same by the respective Ministries/Depts.

PM's statement at the Plenary of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Su Let me begin by congratulating President Dilma Rousseff for hosting this conference and for her outsta stewardship of the negotiations. We thank the people of Brazil for their warm hospitality and the excell arrangements made for this conference. Brazil, like India, is a confluence of cultures and peoples. I feel honoured to be among you.

We meet at a time of serious economic crisis and political ferment in the world. The Rio+20 Summit on Sustainable Development is timely because it focuses our minds on "the future we want" and how to re Difficult though it may seem, we have to summon the imagination to balance the costs that we will incu the present with the benefits that will accrue to future generations.

Economic Development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability are all equally critical as components of sustainable development. The task before us is to give practical shape and content to thi architecture in a manner that allows each country to develop according to its own national priorities and circumstances.

For developing countries, inclusive growth and a rapid increase in per capita income levels are develop imperatives. The 1992 Rio Summit correctly acknowledged that poverty eradication must remain the ov riding priority for developing countries. Those living at the subsistence level cannot bear the costs of adjustment and their livelihood considerations are important in determining how scarce natural resource as land, water and forests are used. The severe deterioration of land and water resources is already affec the well- being of millions of people living on the edges of subsistence, particularly women and childre

Sustainable development also mandates the efficient use of available natural resources. We have to be m more frugal in the way we use natural resources. A key area of focus is energy. We have to promote, universal access to energy, while, at the same time, promoting energy efficiency and a shift to cleaner e sources by addressing various technological, financial and institutional constraints. In India, we are implementing an ambitious National Solar Mission as a critical option for our energy security. Moreover, current consumption patterns in the industrialized world are unsustainable. We need to find pathways for sustainable living.

Environmental sustainability is the third leg of the sustainable development architecture. Economic acti invariably results in negative spinoffs, either by way of local pollution, or by way of global effects such Greenhouse Gas emissions. We need to tackle both.

Local pollution can be regulated and such regulation may impose costs on various economic actors. To equity, there may be a case for targeted assistance to small producers to meet part of these costs and thi should be built into policy.

At the global level, our approach to the problem should be guided by equitable burden sharing. It is for reason that the first Rio Summit enshrined the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. I

happy we have reaffirmed this principle as well as the principle of equity during this Summit

This does not, however, mean that countries should not take proactive actions to promote sustainable development. In India, our efforts over the last two decades have yielded positive results. Over the peri 1994-2007, our emissions-GDP intensity, excluding agriculture, has declined nearly 25%. Looking ahe have set a target to further reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 20-25% between 2005 and 2020.

Many countries could do more if additional finance and technology were available. Unfortunately, there little evidence of support from the industrialised countries in these areas. The ongoing economic crisis h made matters worse.

One of the key challenges that demands urgent global action is the worrying depletion of bio-diversity a our planet. The Eleventh Conference of Parties on Convention on Biodiversity is being hosted by India October this year at Hyderabad. We look forward to working with the global community to make it a su

The future we want should be a future in which there is ecological and economic space for sustainable g for all.

Let us work together to attain the future that we all desire. With these words I once again thank you Mr President.

Third Meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh chaired the meeting of National Ganga River Authority in New Delhi today. Following is the text of Prime Ministers opening remar

I am happy to be present here today at the 3rd meeting of the National G River Basin Authority. I extend a very warm welcome to you all.

The National Ganga River Basin Authority was set up as a high level body that woul focussed attention to fulfilling our sacred and solemn duty to restore the pristine g the Ganga and preserve its riches for future generations. The Centre, the Ganga States, civil society and industry should work together to make a success o important national endeavour.

We should remember that our efforts in the past have not been very succe Therefore, we must together show a renewed and sincere commitment in both th and action to make a definite change in the situation.

We must find the right balance between the need for environmental and eco conservation of the Ganga and its basin on the one hand and the imperatives of g and development on the other.

I commit the Government of India to work purposefully in this direction as priority. Friends,

Increasing urbanisation, industrialisation and population are not only polluti Ganga waters, but also threatening its ecological and hydrological viability. Added t are the spectre of climate change and melting of glaciers that are also likely to affe

flows of the river adversely.

The task before us is therefore a highly complex one. We will have to po intellectual and physical resources in a coordinated and coherent manner if we are to this challenge.

Time is not on our side and we have to act quickly. At the same time, whatev do should not be piecemeal, should meet the test of scientific reasoning and be a ra and practical approach that addresses the views and concerns of all stakeholders.

In order to formulate long term policies and actions, the Ministry of Environ and Forests commissioned a consortium of seven IITs to prepare a comprehensive Basin Management Plan for the Ganga. This Plan would recommend compreh measures to restore and maintain the ecological health of the river giving due reg the competing water uses and the necessity of a paradigm shift in the manner in wh exploit land, water and other natural resources in the Ganga basin.

This Plan will be the basis for the NGRBAs long term Action Plan to deal wi multiple challenges we face in the task of cleaning the Ganga and maintaining its The consortium has already submitted five initial reports. I urge them to carry on work expeditiously and with due diligence.

While we await this comprehensive study and plan of action, we should certain urgent measures that are required anyway or which would be difficult to tak on.

First is on the issue of untreated sewage. Every day about 2,900 million lit sewage is discharged into the main stream of the river Ganga from municipal located along its banks. The existing infrastructure has a capacity to treat only million litres per day, leaving a huge deficit. There is adequate funding available to create additional treatment facilities

the National Mission Clean Ganga. I would urge the States to send appropriate pro for new projects.

The performance of the States with regard to the operation and maintenance existing sewage treatment plants has been tardy. There is under-utilisation o infrastructure, particularly in the absence of connecting sewerage networks su branch sewers and house sewer connections. The Central government is examining easing of the funding norms for O&M works.

The second issue is with regard to industrial pollution. Though they are only 2 the total volume of effluents, industrial effluents are a cause for major concern be they are toxic and non-biodegradable.

Most of the waste water comes from tanneries, distilleries, paper mills and mills along the banks of the Ganga. The State Pollution Control Boards are requi monitor compliance of effluent discharge standards by such industries.

Action must be taken against the defaulting industries by the State Boards the powers delegated to them by the Central Government. I would request the Governments to strengthen the relevant enforcement mechanisms.

I would request the Chief Ministers to make an assessment of the situation regard to both untreated sewage and industrial pollution and present a report NRGBA on the situation in their respective States. We can then decide what concrete are necessary to attend to some of the institutional, administrative and financial pro that may be coming in the way of more effective implementation of pollution contro abatement measures. Many of the things that we could do are self evident and d require detailed scientific studies. States should earmark adequate resources an priority to capacity building of urban local bodies.

I urge all the concerned State Governments to make full use of the resource are available with the NRGBA. Projects with an outlay of more than Rs. 2600 crore

been sanctioned so far under the NGRBA in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarak Bihar and West Bengal for creating sewer networks, sewage treatment plants, s pumping stations, electric crematoria, community toilets and development of river fr

A third area that warrants immediate action and attention is the need to ma the ecological flow of the Ganga, starting with the upper reaches of the river. This necessarily involve a number of steps. State Governments and urban local bodies s promote water conservation and recycling of treated waste water. There is a ne promote efficient irrigation practices as a large amount of water from the Ganga is through the canal systems in the upper reaches for agricultural use. There is al complex problem of tackling water use by hydel projects in the upper reaches.

The Government of India had commissioned a study conducted by IIT Roork the assessment of cumulative impact of hydropower projects in Alaknanda and Bhag Basins up to Devprayag. Separately, the Wildlife Institute of India had also ma assessment of cumulative impact of hydroelectric projects on aquatic and terr biodiversity in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins in Uttarakhand. These studie worked out certain desirable ecological flows. The IIT Roorkee report stated tha environmental flow requirement or EFR depends on the stage of development of th and the societal requirement. The same report recommended that exact values of E every single project for implementation should be established after carrying out de measurements of discharge, river cross sections and assessment of impact on biotic a result of reduced discharge on commissioned hydropower projects and consultatio the local community.

The issue of environmental flow requirement as studied and recommended b IIT Roorkee Committee as well as the minimum flow required to sustain riverine e recommended by the Wildlife Institute of India, should be examined by a disciplinary group, including the concerned State Governments. The group shoul holistically at the various options available and recommend broad principles and a that need to be taken with regard to conservation, irrigation use and running of projects that will ensure uninterrupted flow of the river Ganga. Based o recommendations of the group, we will draw up and implement a road map for f actions that we need to take.

We should use the IIT Roorkee and Wildlife Institute of India studies to guide

actions we need to take pending formulation of a long term policy. I look forward to a constructive and purposeful discussion. Thank you.

Seoul Nuclear Security Summit Communique

We, the leaders, gathered in Seoul on March 26-27, 2012, renew the political commitments generated from t Washington Nuclear Security Summit to work toward strengthening nuclear security, reducing the threat of terrorism, and preventing terrorists, criminals, or other unauthorized actors from acquiring nuclear materials. terrorism continues to be one of the most challenging threats to international security. Defeating this threat strong national measures and international cooperation given its potential global political, economic, soc psychological consequences.

We reaffirm our shared goals of nuclear disarmament, nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear ener

Committed to seeking a safer world for all, we also all share the objective of nuclear security. We recognize Nuclear Security Summit is a valuable process at the highest political level, supporting our joint call to se vulnerable nuclear material in four years. In this regard, we welcome the substantive progress being made on the commitments of Participating States since the Washington Summit.

We stress the fundamental responsibility of States, consistent with their respective national and international obl to maintain effective security of all nuclear material, which includes nuclear materials used in nuclear weapo nuclear facilities under their control, and to prevent non-state actors from acquiring such materials and from o information or technology required to use them for malicious purposes. We likewise recognize the fund responsibility of States to maintain effective security of other radioactive materials.

We reaffirm that measures to strengthen nuclear security will not hamper the rights of States to develop an nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Noting the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in facilitating international coopera supporting the efforts of States to fulfill their nuclear security responsibilities, we further stress the importance of and international cooperation, and encourage States to promote cooperation with and outreach activities to inte partners.

Noting the Fukushima accident of March 2011 and the nexus between nuclear security and nuclear safety, we that sustained efforts are required to address the issues of nuclear safety and nuclear security in a coherent man will help ensure the safe and secure peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

We will continue to use the Washington Communiqu and Work Plan as a basis for our future work in advan nuclear security objectives. At this Seoul Summit, we agree that we will make every possible effort to achiev progress in the following important areas. Global Nuclear Security Architecture

1. We recognize the importance of multilateral instruments that address nuclear security, such as the Conventio Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), as amended, and the International Convention for the Suppre Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT). We therefore encourage the universal adherence to these Conventions. W states in a position to do so to accelerate their domestic approval of the 2005 Amendment to the CPPNM, se bring the Amendment into force by 2014. We acknowledge the important role of the United Nations (UN) in pr nuclear security, support the UN Security Council Resolutions 1540 and 1977 in strengthening global nuclear and welcome the extension of its mandate. We will strive to use the IAEA Physical Protection of Nuclear Mate Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Rev.5) document and related Nuclear Security Series documents, and reflect t

national practice.

2. We recognize the contributions since the 2010 Summit of international initiatives and processes such as th Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) and Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Ma Mass Destruction, within their respective mandates and memberships. We welcome the wider participation in the and the Global Partnership and value its extension beyond 2012. Noting the importance of strengthening coo and complementarity among nuclear security activities, we welcome the proposal of the IAEA to organize an inte conference in 2013. We welcome contributions from the industry, academia, institutes and civil society that nuclear security. Role of the IAEA

3. We reaffirm the essential responsibility and central role of the IAEA in strengthening the international nuclear framework, and recognize the value of the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan 2010-2013. We will work to ensure that t continues to have the appropriate structure, resources and expertise needed to support the implementation of security objectives. To this end, we encourage States in a position to do so and the nuclear industry to increase v contributions to the IAEAs Nuclear Security Fund, as well as in -kind contributions. We also encourage continu activities to assist, upon request, national efforts to establish and enhance nuclear security infrastructure thr various support programs, and encourage States to make use of these IAEA resources. Nuclear Materials

4. Recognizing that highly enriched uranium (HEU) and separated plutonium require special precautio reemphasize the importance of appropriately securing, accounting for and consolidating these materials. W encourage States to consider the safe, secure and timely removal and disposition of nuclear materials from fac longer using them, as appropriate, and consistent with national security considerations and development objectiv

5. We recognize that the development, within the framework of the IAEA, of options for national policies management will advance nuclear security objectives. We encourage States to take measures to minimize th HEU, including through the conversion of reactors from highly enriched to low enriched uranium (LEU) fue technically and economically feasible, taking into account the need for assured supplies of medical isotop encourage States in a position to do so, by the end of 2013, to announce voluntary specific actions intended to m the use of HEU. We also encourage States to promote the use of LEU fuels and targets in commercial applicatio as isotope production, and in this regard, welcome relevant international cooperation on high-density LEU fuel to the conversion of research and test reactors. Radioactive Sources

6. Taking into account that radioactive sources are widely used and can be vulnerable to malicious acts, we urg to secure these materials, while bearing in mind their uses in industrial, medical, agricultural and research appl To this end, we encourage States in a position to do so to continue to work towards the process of ratifying or a to the ICSANT; reflect into national practices relevant IAEA Nuclear Security Series documents, the IAEA Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its supplementary document on the IAEA Guid the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources; and establish national registers of high-activity radioactive source required. We also commit to work closely with the IAEA to encourage cooperation on advanced technolog systems, share best practices on the management of radioactive sources, and provide technical assistance t upon their request. In addition, we encourage continued national efforts and international cooperation to reco missing or stolen sources and to maintain control over disused s

Nuclear Security and Safety

7. Acknowledging that safety measures and security measures have in common the aim of protecting human health and the environment, we affirm that nuclear security and nuclear safety measures should be d implemented and managed in nuclear facilities in a coherent and synergistic manner. We also affirm the need to effective emergency preparedness, response and mitigation capabilities in a manner that addresses both security and nuclear safety. In this regard, we welcome the efforts of the IAEA to organize meetings to provide recommendations on the interface between nuclear security and nuclear safety so that neither security nor compromised. We also welcome the convening of the High Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security initiate UN Secretary-General, held in New York on 22 September 2011. Noting that the security of nuclear and other rad materials also includes spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, we encourage States to consider esta appropriate plans for the management of these materials. Transportation Security

8. We will continue efforts to enhance the security of nuclear and other radioactive materials while in dome international transport, and encourage States to share best practices and cooperate in acquiring the ne technologies to this end. Recognizing the importance of a national layered defense against the loss or theft of and other radioactive materials, we encourage the establishment of effective national nuclear material i management and domestic tracking mechanisms, where required, that enable States to take appropriate mea recover lost and stolen materials. Combating Illicit Trafficking

9. We underscore the need to develop national capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to and prosecute illicit trafficking. In this regard, we encourage action-oriented coordination among national capacities to comb trafficking, consistent with national laws and regulations. We will work to enhance technical capabilities in the national inspection and detection of nuclear and other radioactive materials at the borders. Noting that several c have passed export control laws to regulate nuclear transfers, we encourage further utilization of legal, intellige financial tools to effectively prosecute offenses, as appropriate and consistent with national laws. In addi encourage States to participate in the IAEA Illicit Trafficking Database program and to provide necessary inf relating to nuclear and other radioactive materials outside of regulatory control. We will work to strengthen coo among States and encourage them to share information, consistent with national regulations, on individuals inv trafficking offenses of nuclear and other radioactive materials, including through INTERPOLs Radiological and Terrorism Prevention Unit and the World Customs Organization. Nuclear Forensics

10. We recognize that nuclear forensics can be an effective tool in determining the origin of detected nuclear a radioactive materials and in providing evidence for the prosecution of acts of illicit trafficking and malicious use regard, we encourage States to work with one another, as well as with the IAEA, to develop and enhance forensics capabilities. In this regard, they may combine the skills of both traditional and nuclear forensics thro development of a common set of definitions and standards, undertake research and share information a practices, as appropriate. We also underscore the importance of international cooperation both in technology and resource development to advance nuclear fo

Nuclear Security Culture

11. Recognizing that investment in human capacity building is fundamental to promoting and sustaining a strong security culture, we encourage States to share best practices and build national capabilities, including through and multilateral cooperation. At the national level, we encourage all stakeholders, including the government, re bodies, industry, academia, non-governmental organizations and the media, to fully commit to enhancing securit and to maintain robust communication and coordination of activities. We also encourage States to promote resource development through education and training. In this regard, we welcome the establishment of Ce Excellence and other nuclear security training and support centers since the Washington Summit, and encou establishment of new centers. Furthermore, we welcome the effort by the IAEA to promote networking amo centers to share experience and lessons learned and to optimize available resources. We also note the holdin Nuclear Industry Summit and the Nuclear Security Symposium on the eve of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. Information Security

12. We recognize the importance of preventing non-state actors from obtaining information, technology or e required to acquire or use nuclear materials for malicious purposes, or to disrupt information technology based systems at nuclear facilities. We therefore encourage States to: continue to develop and strengthen national and level measures for the effective management of such information, including information on the procedures and p to protect nuclear materials and facilities; to support relevant capacity building projects; and to enhance cyber measures concerning nuclear facilities, consistent with the IAEA General Conference Resolution on Security(GC(55)/Res/10) and bearing in mind the International Telecommunication Union Resolution 174. W encourage States to: promote a security culture that emphasizes the need to protect nuclear security related info engage with scientific, industrial and academic communities in the pursuit of common solutions; and support the producing and disseminating improved guidance on protecting information. International Cooperation

13. We encourage all States to enhance their physical protection of and accounting system for nuclear m emergency preparedness and response capabilities and relevant legal and regulatory framework. In this con encourage the international community to increase international cooperation and to provide assistance, upon req countries in need on a bilateral, regional, and multilateral level, as appropriate. In particular, we welcome the inte IAEA to continue to lead efforts to assist States, upon request. We also reaffirm the need for various public di and outreach efforts to enhance public awareness of actions taken and capacities built to address threats to security, including the threat of nuclear terrorism.

We will continue to make voluntary and substantive efforts toward strengthening nuclear security and imple political commitments made in this regard. We welcome the information on the progress made in the field of security since the Washington Summit provided by the participants at this Seoul Summit. The next Nuclear Summit will be held in [the Netherlands] in 2014.

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram

FEATURE
H&FW

B. N

Reducing the maternal and infant mortality rate is the key goal feature of the Reproductive a Health Programme under the National Rural Health Mission. Several initiatives have been launched by the of Health & Family Welfare under the Mission including Janani Suraksha Yojana, a key intervention resulted in phenomenal growth in institutional deliveries with more than one crore women beneficiaries a JSY was launched to promote institutional deliveries so that skilled attendance at birth is made availa mothers and new born babies can be saved from pregnancy related complications and deaths.

However, even though institutional delivery has increased significantly, out of pocket expense incurred by pregnant women and their families remained high. This has acted as a major barrier for the p women to opt for institutional attendance. They still prefer to deliver at home. Due to this, a large numbe neonates die on account of poor access to health facilities.

To mitigate the problem, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched Janani Shishu S Karyakram (JSSK) on 1st June, 2011 to provide better health facilities for pregnant women and sick neona scheme emphasises utmost importance on Free Entitlements. The idea is to eliminate out -of-pocket expe both pregnant women and sick neonates.

Under this scheme, pregnant women are entitled for free drugs and consumables, free diagnost blood whenever required, and free diet up to 3 days for normal delivery and 7 days for C-section. This i also provides for free transport from home to institution, between facilities in case of a referral and dr home. Similar entitlements have been put in place for all sick newborns accessing public health institut treatment till 30 days after birth. The JSSK initiative is estimated to benefit more than one crore pregnant & newborns both in urban & rural areas annually.

India has made considerable progress in reduction of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant M Rate (IMR), but the pace at which these health indicators are declining needs acceleration. The nu institutional deliveries has increased significantly, after the launch of Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) in the ye but many of those who opted for institutional deliveries were not willing to stay for 48 hours, hampe provision of essential services both to the mother and neonate. Moreover, the first 48 hours after deli critical as complications like haemorrhage, infection, high blood pressure, etc are more likely to develop du period and unsafe deliveries may result in maternal and infant morbidity or mortality.

Access to mother and child health care service was also hindered by the high out of pocket exp user charges for OPD, drugs and consumables, diagnostic tests etc. In some cases such as severe ana haemorrhage requiring blood transfusion can also increase immediate expenses. The same becomes still case caesarean section is done.

So, JSSK has been launched, to ensure that each and every pregnant woman and sick neonates u month gets timely access to health care services free of cost and without incurring any out of pocket expen

Under JSSK, free institutional delivery services (including caesarean operation) are provided in gove health facilities. Medicines including supplements such as Iron Folic Acid are to be given free of cost to p women. Further, pregnant women are entitled to both essential and desirable investigations like blood, ur and Ultra-Sonography etc. Furthermore, they are to be provided with free diet during their stay in th institutions (up to three days for normal delivery & seven days for caesarean section). Not only this, th provision of free blood transfusion if the need arises. A significant number of maternal and neonatal death saved by providing timely referral transport facility to the pregnant women. Pregnant women are entitled transport from home to health centre, referral to higher facility in case of need and drop back from the fa home. Besides, under JSSK there is exemption from all kinds of user charges including OPD fees and ad charges.

Free treatment is also provided to the sick new born upto thirty days after birth and all dr consumables required are provided free of cost. As in the case of the mother, the new born too is provid free diagnostic services and there is a provision of free blood transfusion if the need arises. The facility transport from home to health institutions and back is also available.

In brief, institutional deliveries are a key determinant of maternal mortality and quality provision natal and post-natal services can reduce infant as well as maternal mortality. Janani Shishu Suraksha Ka supplements the cash assistance given to a pregnant woman under Janani Suraksha Yojana and is a mitigating the burden of out of pocket expenses incurred by pregnant women and sick newborns. Besides be a major factor in enhancing access to public health institutions and help bring down the Maternal M ratio and Infant mortality rates.

The launch of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram will encourage all pregnant women to deliver health places and fulfil the commitment of achieving cent percent institutional delivery. It will also e service providers working at the health facilities in providing quality ante-natal, intra-natal and post-natal at the institutions. Providing free treatment to sick neonates will help in decreasing the neonatal morta This initiative will help in reducing both maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.

Antarchakshu: an Initiative to Open the Eyes of the Sighted to the World of Visu Challenged

FEATURE SJE

Sarita Brara*

I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will nev forget how you made them feel said poet Maya Angellou.

And this is what Antarchakshu seeks to do through a programme aimed at sensitizing the general public as w policy makers about the issues related to the mainstreaming of the visually challenged. In a novel initiat Antarakshu seeks to engages people from all walks of life in different activities and tasks blindfolded for about h an hour to open the eyes of the sighted to the world of the visually challenged. The aim of this awarene programme is to remove the prejudices, myths and misconceptions about the capabilities of the visua challenged with or without technical aides in the areas of education and employment and financial transactio and give them firsthand experience of the challenges that confront the visually handicapped

The unique event developed by Xaviers Resource centre for the Visually Challenged was not inaugurated the cutting of the ribbons or lighting of the lamps but the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mu Wasnik to engage in all these activities and tasks blindfolded to get a firsthand experience and insight into t challenges faced by visually handicapped.

What are the problems that the visually challenged face in day to day life? The first challenge is their mobili Visually handicapped Harish Kumar has to commute daily from his home across Yamuna in Shivpuri to Blind Re Association on Mathura Road in Delhi where he makes candles for a living. Many a times he and hundreds like h stranded for long hours at bus stands as they are unable to make out which bus number has arrived. They have depend on good Samaritans to help them cross the road. Many roads do not have pavements and even if there a pavements, the hurdles or open pits are a big hindrance themselves. Also pavements are not only encroached, b

in peak hours of traffic, the scooters and motor cycles drivers break all rules to use the pavements. While t visually challenged have a white cane to find their way isnt there a need for barrier free environment for t differently abled people?

Why not put yourself in the situation of a visually challenged for a while. The first activity at Antarchaks for the sighted is to walk on an uneven and obstacle-ridden simulated footpath blindfolded with a white cane a the sounds to guide your way. Once you do it yourself you know what the difficulties are and become aware of t need for creating barrier free environment. In many countries beepers are used signaling green light for t vehicles or the pedestrians. While the accessibility of Delhi Metro stations as well as the announcements on t running metro about coming stations are disabled friendly, but the problem says Harish is that many visua challenged prefer buses because they get free passes but there are no facilities for announcement about statio or arrival of a bus for a particular destination at the bus stops.

The handling of money and financial transactions is another problem that the visually challenged confro So in another activity the blindfolded person has to identify the value of the coins. This is to highlight that t visually challenged should be able to identify the values of the coin by feeling the thickness or the size of the co An exhibition also highlights the need for paper currency of different values to be of different sizes.

In fact RBI in its programme of incusing banking has asked banks to open talking ATMs and make the accessible to other differently abled to use this facility. NCR Corporation, Indias largest ATM service provider, is set to transform over 2,500 State Bank of India (SBI) ATMs to Voice-Guided ATMs -- which not only allows acce to visually impaired people but also people with physical disabilities through ramps for wheel chair access. SB first real ATM for the visually impaired was showcased at the awareness event organized by Xavier's Resea r Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi.

NCRs Talking ATMs are incorporated with unique software and hardware features which ensures tha person with a disability can operate the machine on his own, while maintaining the safety of the transaction.

Another set of activities at the event are aimed at removing the misconception, myths and prejudices the areas of education and employability of visually challenged whether it is studying geography or scien subjects. As you go through the simulating activities blindfolded you know whether it is calculations, or identify places on tactical maps or differentiating between plastics or metals or other kinds of materials or identifying fi or working on computers the visually challenged can do all this with certain changes in the design or production the gadgets or softwares. The whole effort is to show that with little imaginative and innovative ways and w the help of the technical aides, a visually challenged person can get into areas of education and employment wh were earlier thought out of bounds for them. Even today most of the visually challenged are engaged in cand making, caning or similar activities. The employers and educational institutes need to understand that t capabilities of the visually challenged are manifold and these should be put to use optimally.

One of the activity showed how with little innovations games can be made accessible to the visua challenged by using sound as a tool and how some games like chess can be played between the sighted a visually challenged partners with little change in the design.

Once the sighted, employers and the policy makers are sensitized through such programmes, there bound to be a change in their attitude and perception which ultimately can help in mainstreaming of t differently abled and that is what Antarchakshu activities are aimed at.

Going by the 2001 census figures, there were 1.06 crore visually challenged in country, and their prese number may be much more.

The government has been taking a number of initiatives to mainstream the differently abled. It is also n coming out with a new law on disability which ensures the right of equality, non discrimination and inclusivity the differently abled. The draft has been made public and the centre is awaiting the response of the states befo bringing it in the parliament. The Right to Education also says that no school can deny admission to a differen abled child. But today even the most basic of necessities like white cane and text book in Braille and are n available to all and there is also an acute shortage of trained teachers.

There is a long journey ahead before the differently abled are mainstreamed into the society, with t NGO s joining the government efforts and people shedding their prejudices and old attitudes, the dream inclusive society can be accomplished.

Click here to see Photos

(PIB Feature

*****

*The author is a Freelance Writer.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are her own and do not necessarily reflect t

views of PIB.
SS-180/SF-180/05-10-2012 RTS/HSN

Enhancing the Competitiveness of the MSME Sector through Cluster Developme

FEATURE MSME

The need of the hour is a cluster based approach. Clusters are defined as a sectoral and geog concentration of micro, small and medium enterprises with inter-connected production system le firm/unit level specialisation and developing local suppliers of material inputs and human resources. Av of the local market, inter-mediaries for the produce of the cluster is also a general characteristics of the

As a whole, cluster facilitates to face market challenges, quicker dissemination of information, s knowledge and best practices and better cost effectiveness due to distribution of common costs. It also an effective and dynamic path for inducing competitiveness by ensuring inter-firm cooperation networking and trust. The geographic proximity of the enterprises with similarity of products, intervent be made for a large number of units that leads to higher gains at a lower cost, which in turn helps sustainability. The cluster approach thus aims at a holistic development covering areas like infras common facility, testing, technology & skill upgradation, marketing, export promotion.

The Cluster Development approach has played an important role in enhancing the competitiv the MSE sector. Apart from the benefits of deployment of resources and economy of scales, the development approach helps in weaving the fabric of networking, cooperation and togetherness in the and thus enabling the industry to achieve competitiveness in the long run. Cluster Development App the answer of the Micro and Small Enterprises to the large scale sector of the country and the world an be part of the business strategy.

The Micro and Small units are generally not in a position to install costly machinery for the operations, accept large orders, or infuse large capital due to their limited capital base and limited expertise. However, collectively through cluster development approach, the micro and small enterpr attain the desired goal of being competitive in the present global scenario. The Ministry has adopte

development approach as a key strategy for development of micro and small enterprises in various The Ministry is administering two cluster development programmes, namely, Micro and Small Enter Custer Development Programme (MSE-CDP) and Scheme for Upgradation of Rural and Traditional In (SFURTI).

The objectives of the scheme is to support the sustainability and growth of MSEs by ad common issues such as improvement of technology, skills and quality, market access, access to capita build capacity of MSEs for common supportive action through formation of self help groups, c upgradation of associations, etc., and to create and upgrade infrastructural facilities in the new and industrial clusters of MSEs.

The cluster development initiatives in various clusters have reportedly delivered remarkable res guidelines of the MSE Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) have been comprehensively pre provide higher support to the MSMEs. With this, more than 500 clusters spread over across the coun so far been taken up for diagnostic study, soft interventions and setting up of CFCs under the program efforts under the scheme are focused on covering more and more clusters across the country.

Eastern Regions to become the Food Bowl of the Country

FEATURE Agriculture

Dayawanti Sri

The eastern region of India is all set to increase its share in the countrys rice production. The i taken by the Central and the State Governments of the region have already resulted in an impressive in production of food grains with the area now turning into a food surplus zone from a food deficit one.

In order to address the constraints limiting the productivity of rice-cropping systems in eastern I Government launched a programme Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI) two years operates in seven states viz. Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Prad Chhattisgarh.

This programme, since its launch in 2010-2011 as a Prime Ministers initiative based on Ministerial Task Force, has yielded remarkable results in rice and wheat production in the region. U programme Bihar and Jharkhand have shown quantum jump in rice production. Stupendous efforts ha made by the State Governments in extending technologies and practices to the farmers of the region f production of rice and wheat.

The eastern region was selected for the project essentially to harness the regions abunda resources, necessary to enhance the production of food grains. Water management is the main pr eastern India, not water availability. The premise is that with abundant water, it would be made po increase crop productivity if better agronomic practices are adopted, high quality seed is used and oth like fertilizers and pesticides are applied judiciously. While Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh in Green Revolution in India in the sixties, over-exploitation left these three states virtually depleted in water resources. This became a major concern of the countrys agriculture planners.

Clearly, India needs to boost its food production to feed its ever-increasing population. The on ensure food security, a concern of every Indian, is to grow enough food grains domestically. The easte has the potential of setting in a new Green Revolution. There is no reason why it cannot become the f of the nation, given the high priority and focus that the central and the State Governments are giving to B

Therefore, a bouquet of activities have been taken up that include block demonstration and wheat technologies in cluster mode approach; promoting resource conservation technology (ze under wheat); creation of asset building activities for water management (shallow tube wells/dug w wells, distribution of pump sets); promotion of farm implements and need based site specific activities et

Adoption of hybrid rice technologies, line transplantation, SRI, micro nutrients, drum seeders are the success stories that have emerged from the hard work put in by the State administrations in the regi

However, for the stability in production full potential of this enormously resource endowed regio be realized. Promotion of production technologies would need to be backed by effective m arrangements, procurement operations, power irrigation, value chain and rural infrastructure, ins development for credit supply and lastly innovative approaches in extension to be able to reach out large number of small and marginal farmers. Moreover, the farmers should get the minimum support their produce and for that, the awareness about the grading standards should be extended to the far Committee of Chief Ministers of these States has been set up to oversee implementation of BGREI at and to ensure that the scheme continues to receive high priority.

Project Arrow

FEATURE Post

Project Arrow is an initiative to transform India Post into a vibrant and responsive organizatio make a visible and positive difference in postal operations to benefit the customers. It has been launc objective of modernizing the post and makes visible, tangible and noteworthy differences in the p operations that matter to Aam Aadmi.

In specific terms, Project Arrow entails comprehensive improvement of the core operations of Offices as well as the ambience in which postal transactions are undertaken. Enhancing the quality of s core areas envisages focus on Mail Delivery, Remittances, Savings Bank and Office service Levels helping the Department of Posts to emerge as a one-stop shop for retail products and offer a single facility for banking, money remittances and other financial products and services including social initiatives. At present Monitoring of performance Core Operations is done in 15,584 Post Offices and Feel has been improved in 1,843 Post offices.

Project Arrow will benefits Customers through - Direct communication with the outside w development benefits in rural areas; Simpler and faster Money transactions through instan order; Local Citizens Forums formed who decide the performance norms for the respect offices; Online public grievance handling and Monitoring through Video Conferences sustainability and higher performance.

The Project Arrow experience is a working model for ushering in an integrated and improvement in the postal system and awarded with Prime ministers award for Excellence i Administration for 2008-2009 in 2010.

In the future it is proposed to include 3,000 more computerized post offices for monitoring Operations under Project Arrow Phase-VI during 2012-13 and later complete all 24,000 computer offices during 12th Plan.

Look & Feel activity is proposed to be undertaken in 400 more Post offices during the finan 2012-13 and expand in 2,500 post offices during 12th Plan in addition to existing 1843 post offices.

Grow, Transform and Sustain The Mantra for Indian PSUs

FEATURE Heavy Industry

Indias central public sector enterprises have undergone a cycle of transformation since the introduction economic policies a couple of decades ago. Many believed that the public sector enterprises will simply wit because of competition and their inefficiency; or they will be subsumed by the private sector because of the d programme. However, as the experience has shown, the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) continue critical role to play in many businesses, especially in the strategic sectors. Many CPSEs have proved their crit by becoming extremely efficient and competitive.

In the strategic sectors of our economy, CPSEs are needed to ensure that the national and the social prio guaranteed in terms of assured supply and affordable prices. Infrastructure, energy, healthcare, defence are s where it cannot be left entirely to the markets. In fact, the CPSEs are needed to create, balance and sustain the these sectors. Even in the business and consumer services sector, the CPSEs are needed to ensure adequat competition and stabilize the market.

However, at the same time, the CPSEs cannot take such role for granted for future also. They cannot be allowed become complacent. Efficient and effective management is essential to ensure that the CPSEs continue to fulfil obligations to the country. Indian CPSEs need to be competitive at home against the global competitors and be multinationals themselves. By striving to become multinationals, Indian CPSEs will be following the best manag and operational benchmarks in the world, making it easier for them to be competitive at home and also in globa

Most of CPSEs are profitable despite operating with the constraints of public service priorities. Of the 248 CP are currently operational and of those 158 are profitable. That is an impressive 70 per cent plus mark for a group includes a large number of legacy companies taken over as sick private sector units. The operating efficien CPSEs is also quite good in the prevailing dullness in the economy. Last year, i.e. 2010-11, CPSEs delivered di Rs. 35,681 crore. Importantly, there has been significant improvement in the revenue and profitability lev CPSEs. So, the CPSEs are making a substantial contribution to the countrys economic growth. Eve stockmarkets, the listed 45 odd CPSEs make nearly 20 per cent of the value of all listed Indian stocks. Clear public sector has the size and the efficiency to entertain ambitions of going global. The CPSEs can also build an of global supply chains. In doing so, they can achieve an edge in technological and managerial innovation and h economy grow at a faster rate.

Already, many Indian CPSEs are global giants. Most of the petroleum PSEs are now multinationals and helpi energy fuels for now and the future. In the heavy engineering, infrastructure and project services too, Indian CP

significant presence overseas. Now, the power sector CPSEs are set to spread out in the world. Given their exp working in resource constrained and politically obstructive environment, Indian CPSEs are well equipped to do b the other developing parts of the world, particularly Southeast Asia and Africa.

The Government has taken steps to help the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to improve their opera competitiveness at home. The Maharatana and Navaratna CPSEs have been allowed to invest in assets ove undertake joint ventures abroad.

The CPSEs are continuing to invest even in the prevailing slowdown. Much of this money is being invested in th sectors such as energy and infrastructure. This investment will have a multiplier effect on the economy. Also, a significant part of the fresh investment this year is going into capacity building overseas. This investment has be possible by the CPSEs strong performance during the past few years, which have yielded adequate cash surpluse investment. The government has also allowed the CPSEs to use their cash surpluses to buy others stocks in ord aggregate their complementary strengths.

Steps have also been taken to improve efficiency of these investments. Majority of the CPSEs have been signi with the Government which cover not only the financial results but also the outcomes in areas such as governance, research and development and corporate social responsibility. A vast majority of the MOU signin have been meeting or exceeding their targets. A comprehensive review of the MOU system is underway and MOU system would be put in place shortly.

The Government has also been taking steps through, the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises and Government approved revival packages to ensure that the performance of loss-making CPSEs could be impro are also taking new initiatives such as enhancement of the age of superannuation from 58 to 60 years and gran pay scales to the employees of sick and loss-making CPSEs as these steps can give them the incentive to make e to get out of the red.

Even as the CPSEs move towards becoming globally competitive and going global, they still have to play their ro catalysts of development and opportunity. The CPSEs will continue to go to hinterlands to seed industries there will continue to invest in creating employment and economic opportunities for the deprived. The government w the CPSEs to integrate Indias rural economy into the mainstream. However, it is upto the CPSEs themselves to to prove their relevance and they will survive only if the public sees them performing a useful function and only can compete with the best in the world at home and overseas.

Autonomy and more freedom are crucial for achieving this objective. In fact freedom is not complete if it does n freedom to commit mistakes and take risks. Keeping this in view, it is the Governments endeav our to enhanc and autonomy to CPSE management and an exercise in this direction has already begun. (PIB Features.)

Saving The Tiger

FEATURE Env. & Forests

The country level tiger population, estimated once in every four years using the refined methodology, has shown an increasing trend with a population estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively in the recent all India estimation (2010), as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively.

Initiatives Taken by the Government

Legal Steps

Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for providing enabling provisions towards constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau.

Enhancement of punishment in cases of offence relating to a tiger reserve or its core area.

Administrative Steps

Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, by

providing funding support to Tiger Reserve States, as proposed by them, for deployment of

antipoaching squads involving ex-army personnel/home guards, apart from workforce comprising of local people, in addition to strengthening of communication / wireless facilities.

Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority with effect from 4.09.2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, interalia, ensuring normative standards in tiger reserve management, preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament, constituting State leve Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation.

Constitution of a multidisciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from 6.6.2007 to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife.

The in-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of five new tiger reserves, and the sites are:, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Orissa) and Mukundara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries) (Rajasthan) and Satyamangalam (Tamil Nadu). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as a Tiger Reserve. Besides, the States have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as Tiger Reserves: (i) Bor (Maharashtra), (ii) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (iii) Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra), (iv) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (v) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa) and (vi) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu).

The revised Project Tiger guidelines have been issued to States for strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing activities, interalia, include funding support to States for enhanced village relocation/rehabilitation package for people living in core or critical tiger habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh/family to Rs. 10 lakhs/family), rehabilitation/resettlement of communities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through

restorative strategy to arrest habitat fragmentation.

A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators, prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation/assessment are bench marks for future tiger conservation strategy.

An area of 34070.46 sq. km. has been notified by 17 Tiger States as core or critical tiger habitat under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006.

Financial Steps

Financial and technical help is provided to the States under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz. Project Tiger and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the States for providing effective protection to wild animals.

International Cooperation

India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, apart from a protocol on tiger conservation with China.

A protocol has been signed in September, 2011 with Bangladesh for conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger of the Sunderban.

A sub-group on tiger/leopard conservation has been constituted for cooperation with the Russian Federation.

A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation.

 During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with directions to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming, and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives. The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized.

Based on Indias strong intervention during the 58th meeting of the Standing Committee of the CITES at Geneva from 6th to 10th July, 2009, the CITES Secretariat has issued a notification to Parties to submit reports relating to compliance of Decisions 14.69 and 14.65 within 90 days with effect from 20.10.2009 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers etc.).

Reintroduction of Tigers

As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers / tigresses have been done.

Special advisories issued for in-situ build up of prey base and tiger population through active management in tiger reserves having low population status of tiger and its prey.

Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)

The policy initiatives announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget Speech of 29 February, 2008, interalia, contains action points relating to tiger protection. Based on the one time grant of Rs. 50.00 crore provided to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger Protection Force, the proposal for the said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves. Rs. 93 lakhs each has been released to Corbett, Ranthambhore & Dudhwa Tiger Reserve for creation of STPF during 2008-09. Since then, the guidelines of the STPF have been revised for deploying forest personnel in place of Police as an option-II, with scope for involving local people like the Van Gujjars. During the year 2010-11 and 2011-12, an amount of Rs. 270 lakhs has been provided to the Similipal Tiger Reserve for raising, arming and deploying the STPF. The States of Karnataka and Maharashtra have already deployed the STPF.

In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved.

Recent Initiatives Implementing a tripartite MOU with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives.

Rapid assessment of tiger reserves done.

Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey.

Chief Ministers of States having tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey addressed for taking special initiatives.

Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching MSTrIPES for effective field patrolling and monitoring.

Steps taken for involvement of Non-Governmental Experts in the ongoing all India tiger estimation.

Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity building of field officials, apart from providing incentives.

Action initiated for using Information Technology to strengthen surveillance in tiger reserves.

The second round of country level tiger status assessment completed in 2010, with the findings

indicating an increase with a tiger population estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520

and 1909 respectively, as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively.

The second round of independent assessment of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves done in 2010-11 for 39 tiger reserves based on globally used framework.

Increase in the allocation for Project Tiger with additional components.

Providing special assistance for mitigation of human-tiger conflicts in problematic areas.

As an outcome of the fourth Trans-border Consultative Group Meeting held in New Delhi, a joint resolution has been signed with Nepal for biodiversity / tiger conservation.

Regional Offices of the National Tiger Conservation Authority sanctioned at Nagpur, Bengaluru and Guwahati.

Launching of Phase-IV tiger reserve level monitoring.

FUNDS RELEASED TO STATES UNDER THE CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEME OF PROJECT TIGER DURING XI PLAN PERIOD AND 2012-13

(Rs. in lakhs) Sl. No. States Release 2007-08 Release 2008-09 Release 2009 -10 Release 2010-11 Release 2011-12 Release 2012-13 (as on 29.8.2012)

Andhra Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Assam Bihar Chhattisgarh Jharkhand Karnataka Kerala Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Mizoram Orissa Rajasthan

73.9175

56.9830

138.2540

155.6450

154.4060

208.68

110.2542

246.1710

64.7100

226.7020

236.7857

405.9748

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

95.6140 98.3205 35.2250 45.1600 1159.7149 153.2449 2975.9411

1092.3790 49.6730 169.8700 115.3770 689.8390 267.0900 6998.5420

194.2900 8.8560 1383.5020 117.1386 657.0620 311.4200 2582.4762

1509.4720 158.3550 1813.7250 130.6160 1660.0500 323.4600 3962.730

947.5088 172.1930 702.7260 156.3465 1830.6500 429.7700 5352.710

101.208 247.792 425.5284 78.38783 698.0085 411.868 4951.222

10 11 12 13

295.7191 82.9000 43.2800 410.6800

411.1250 241.4500 625.9900 2708.9500

373.5170 2171.000 221.7400 10694.1700

2789.0600 187.6900 815.2900 2368.925

3622.3420 225.2880 555.0761 67.210

513.941 192.9848 142.956 132.028

14 15 16

Tamil Nadu Uttaranchal Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total

45.0000 202.0050 134.8900

690.8060 462.8500 417.5130

258.3540 246.2050 431.5170

520.9450 339.9450 407.4600

605.9640 399.7600 446.1258

323.4878 89.435 234.508

17

308.6741 6,270.5403

228.3940 15,473.002

298.7850 20,152.997

502.4800 17,872.391

157.6600

404.916 9,562.92613

16,062.522

(PIB Features.)

******

*Inputs from the Ministry of Environment & Forests. SS-164/SF-164/04-09-2012 RTS/HSN

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Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana

FEATURE OIA

An estimated 5 million Indian Nationals with ECR (Emigration Check Required) passpor employment/contract visas in the Gulf Countries. It is observed that a majority of the earnings periodic workers to their families in India are rarely accumulated as savings and often cause only a temporary im expenditure of their families. As a result majority of overseas Indian workers face the risk of poverty when th are too old to work.

Overseas Indian workers are largely excluded from formal social security benefits available to Government of India has demonstrated a sustained and deep commitment to inclusive growth and has take improve income and provide employment opportunities and equal access to social security for its citize mechanism as yet to overseas Indian workers to benefit from such policy initiatives.

In this context the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), has introduced a special social security Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) for overseas India workers in ECR Countries. The scheme named after scheme aims to encourage and enable the workers to meet their three major needs. It helps them to save fo NPS-Lite (National Pension Scheme); save for their return and resettlement and obtain free cost of life insur contribute under this scheme for a period of five years or till the return of workers to India, whichever is earli

Pension in Old Age

The scheme will help the worker to save for their old age. Old age savings will be managed by cred While a worker save between Rs.1000 to Rs.12000 in his/her pension account they will get a co-contributio Rs.2000 in case of female in the NPS-Lite account from Ministry.

Return and Resettlement (R&R ) Saving

To address the immediate monitory need of the worker on his return back to India, the scheme provi

saving. The scheme will help to save money over a period of time to cover the resettlement expenses in the s invest Rs.4000 in this scheme they will also get a Ministry co-contribution of Rs.900 in their R&R account.

Insurance Cover Ministrys Co-contribution to MGPSY

An overseas Indian worker enrolled in this scheme would be provided with a free cost life insuranc they are working in ECR country.

If a worker contribute Rs.5000 per year, then the Ministrys Co-contribution will be Rs.3000 in case of

case of male worker for the whole scheme. Ministry co-contribution is subjected to subscriber making necess

This co-contribution will be applicable for a minimum period of 5 years or for the period of employment whic

Overseas Indian workers with ECR passports and aged between 18 and 50 years on an employment/contr scheme. The Ministry has authorized the Life Insurance Corporation of India and Bank of Baroda to delive Indian workers. Bank of Baroda and LIC will assist eligible to open MGPSY accounts and will deliver a rang

A secure and well regulated institutional framework has been designed to encourage, enable and participate in this Scheme. In order to motivate broad-based voluntary enrolments, encourage regular savin overseas Indian Workers.

Eligible workers will be able to open an MGPSY account at the office of the Protector Of Emigrants desks located at the office of the authorized aggregators in ECR countries. In order to enable Indian worker scheme the Ministry is shortly going to start Pravasi Suraksha Yojana enrolment centers starting with the U information and details about the scheme can be available at toll free number 1800-113-090 and also at Mini

POCSO Act Providing Child-Friendly Judicial Process

FEATURE WCD

India is home to the largest child population in the world, with almost 42 per cent of the total population

Needless to say, the health and security of the countrys children is integral to any vision for its progress a

One of the issues marring this vision for the countrys future generations is the evil of child sexua the National Crime Records Bureau reveal that there has been a steady increase in sexual crimes aga study conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2007, over half of the children sur some form of sexual abuse, with their suffering exacerbated by the lack of specific legislation to provid While rape is considered a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code, the law was deficient in reco sexual offences, such as sexual harassment, stalking, and child pornography, for which prosecutor provisions such as outraging the modesty of a woman. The Ministry of Women and Child Develo problem of child sexual abuse needs to be addressed through less ambiguous and more stringent lega introduction of a specific law to address this offence. The POCSO Act was therefore formulated in ord heinous crimes of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. The Protection of Children from received the Presidents assent on 19th June 2012 and was notified in the Gazette of India on 20 th June, into force shortly, along with the rules being framed under the Act.

The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age, and regards the best interests being of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual an child. It defines different forms of sexual abuse, including penetrative and non-penetrative assault, as w pornography, and deems a sexual assault to be aggravated under certain circumstances, such as when ill or when the abuse is committed by a person in a position of trust or authority vis-a-vis the child, officer, teacher, or doctor. People who traffick children for sexual purposes are also punishable und abetment in the Act. The Act prescribes stringent punishment graded as per the gravity of the offenc rigorous imprisonment for life, and fine.

In keeping with the best international child protection standards, the Act also provides for mandatory offences. This casts a legal duty upon a person who has knowledge that a child has been sexually abu he fails to do so, he may be punished with six months imprisonment and/ or a fine. Thus, a teacher w students has been sexually abused by a colleague is legally obliged to bring the matter to the attentio on the other hand, also prescribes punishment for a person, if he provides false information with the person, including the child.

The Act also casts the police in the role of child protectors during the investigative process receiving a report of sexual abuse of a child are given the responsibility of making urgent arrangements f the child, such as obtaining emergency medical treatment for the child and placing the child in a shelter The police are also required to bring the matter to the attention of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) the report, so the CWC may then proceed where required to make further arrangements for the safety an

The Act also makes provisions for the medical examination of the child designed to cause as li examination is to be carried out in the presence of the parent or other person whom the child trusts, child, by a female doctor.

The Act further makes provisions for avoiding the re-victimisation of the child at the hands of th for special courts that conduct the trial in-camera and without revealing the identity of the child, in a m as possible. Hence, the child may have a parent or other trusted person present at the time of testifyin from an interpreter, special educator, or other professional while giving evidence; further, the child is n testify in court and may testify through video-link rather than in the intimidating environs of a co stipulates that a case of child sexual abuse must be disposed of within one year from the date the offence

Another important provision in the Act is that it provides for the Special Court to determine the be paid to a child who has been sexually abused, so that this money can then be used for the ch rehabilitation.

The Act is a welcome piece of legislation, in that it recognises almost every known form of sex punishable offences, leaving little room for ambiguity in its interpretation. Further, by providing for a c the Act encourages children who have been victims of sexual abuse to bring their offender to book suffering, as well as to obtain assistance in overcoming their trauma. It makes the different agencies of judiciary and child protection machinery, collaborators in securing justice for a sexually abused child; ensure that the child is given an opportunity to obtain justice for the harm suffered, and begin the proces and future.

Technocity - A Major Landmark in India's IT Scenario

FEATURE IT

Jacob Abraham*

A landmark-in-the-making in the Indian IT scenario of India, Technocity of Thiruvananthapuram i of global convergence with the expected arrival of big-time brands of the industry to set up their p campuses, development institutions and assorted other initiatives in the picturesque technopolis i Thiruvananthapuram district.

Our schedules are in the right track with enquires pouring in from across the world seeking in and possibilities, observes CEO-Technopark. Mentored and nurtured by TeamTechnopark, Technoc shape, will be a valuable asset to the State as also to the nation, adds Sr. Manager-Business Developmen

The shaping up process of Technocity is currently in progress, with the masterplan ready for tak art infrastructure facilities for intending investors. Technocity, when fully commissioned will be an inte across about 432 acres, which includes not just space for IT/ITES firms but also residential, commerci educational facilities. The project will be a self-dependent satellite city, which would not strain the reso the city of Thiruvananthapuram.

The units in Technocity will include a wide variety of companies engaged in a range of activities, s Development, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Process Control Software Design, Engineering & Comp Development, IT Enabled Services (ITES), Process Re-engineering, Animation and e-business. The f

companies as well as subsidiaries of multi-national organisations.

Technocity provides all the infrastructure and support facilities needed for IT/ITES and electronic well as for their employees to enjoy world-class lifestyles. In addition, Technocity, like Technopark, will p facilities.

Techno city will have up to 25 million square feet of built-up space within multiple buildings for its ten Technocity is being developed as an Integrated Township and it will include residential space, comme multiplexes, hospitals and schools. This will enable employees in the companies at Technocity to enjo within walking distance of their offices.

Thiruvananthapuram is connected to the National Internet Backbone and Technocity will b bandwidth providers, including Reliance Infocomm, Bharti Airtel, Videsh Sanchar Nigam and Asianet D lines in the Campus.

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd(TCS) are in the process of setting up Asias largest training c accommodate 16,000 employees at any time in 82 acres of land already allotted to them. TCS alread Centre operational from Technopark Phase I. The Software Development Centre to accommodate aroun getting ready in Technopark Phase I.

Infosys is in the process of setting up their next development centre in the 50 acres SEZ land allott operates from Technopark Phase-I and Phase II. The third Software Development Block as well as the mu getting ready in the Phase II Campus.

Technocity will host at least two important educational and research institutes: The India Technology & ManagementKerala (IIITMK) and The Asian School of Business (ASB) which has alread campus in Technocity, while IIITM-K is in the process of setting up their campus in the 10 acres of land al is developing a 50 acre Special Economic Zone in Technocity.

Technopark was set up under the auspices of Electronics Technology Park, Kerala, an aut Department of Information Technology Government of Kerala. The park is home to over 240 companies e professionals. Technopark's aim was to create infrastructure and provide support required for the deve companies.

The park is growing steadily both in size and employee strength. Park centre, Pampa and Periya the beginning. The total land available with Technopark is about 771.54 acres. The land available with phase two and phase three is about 326.54 acres leaving the rest of the land to Technocity. Technopark buildings such as Nila, Gayathri and Bhavani. With the inauguration of the 850,000 sq.ft. Thejaswini in F became the largest IT Park in India. It has become the single largest source of employment in Keral working directly in 240 companies in the facility itself and creating Rs. 2000 crore turnover with export e during 2010-11.

NHFDC Empowering Persons with Disabilities by Engaging them in Self Employment Ventures

FEATURE
Social Justice

Sanjeev Kumar Sundriyal*

National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) was set up by the Department of Disability Affairs, on 24th January 1997 with the objective of serving as a catalyst in the economic development of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by helping them in setting up self employment projects.

The vision of NHFDC is to empower the Persons with Disabilities in order to break away from the dependence on others and from the depressed economic and social conditions by engaging themselves in productive ventures and thus help them to move up the social and economic ladder with dignity and pride.

NHFDC functions as an apex financial institution of the country and provides financial assistance, in the form of loans, for wide range of income generating activities to eligible Persons with Disabilities. The fund is channelised through the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) nominated by the respective State/UT Government and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). NHFDC also provides grants to its partner agencies and reputed training institutes to conduct skill development programmes in various trades to help PwDs in self employment.

CONCESSIONAL CREDIT

NHFDC makes available the concessional loans on convenient terms to all eligible

Persons with Disabilities with 40% or more disability, between 18-60 years of age. Interest Rates

The interest rates of NHFDC ranges between from 3.5% to 8% p.a. as follows: Project Cost Rate of Interest (Women beneficiaries) Upto Rs. 50,000 Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 L Rs. 5 L to Rs. 25 L Education Loan 4% 5% 7% 3.5% Rate of Interest (Male beneficiaries) 5% 6% 8% 4%

Schemes of Concessional Credit

Type of Loan Loan for Self Employment

Loan Limit (Maximum)

Upto Rs. 25 lac

(Sales/Trading, Commercial vehicle, agricultural activities, service sector, small industrial unit)

Education Loan

For study in India For study abroad

Upto Rs. 10 lac Upto Rs. 20 lac

Loan for Young Professionals

Upto Rs. 25 lac

(Doctors, Engineers, Advocates, Pharmacists, Architects etc.)

Purchase of Aids & Appliances

Upto Rs. 5 lac

(to enhance the employability/selfemployment of PwDs)

1500 Scholarships Under Two Schemes For Students With Disabilities

National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation (NHFDC) is implementing two Scholarship schemes 1000 Scholarships under Trust Fund & 500 Scholarships under National Fund on behalf of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. These scholarships are for students with disabilities (40% and above disability) for pursuing professional/technical courses.

1000 scholarships under Trust Fund are awarded every year to students with disabilities for professional/technical courses at Graduate and Post Graduate level.

Under this scheme, total non-refundable fee is reimbursed as applicable to Government Institutions. In addition, maintenance and books/stationery allowance to the tune of Rs. 31,000/- for Graduate Course and Rs. 40,000/- for Post Graduate Courses are also allowed. Financial assistance is also be provided for purchase of aids and appliances for visual & hearing impaired students which is once in life-time. This scholarship scheme is restricted to those students with disabilities whose total family income is not more than Rs. 3.00 lac per annum. A novel feature of this scheme is that students can apply anytime during the academic year. Even students pursuing correspondence courses are eligible under this scheme. A student is required to send an advance copy on-line to NHFDC.

Similarly, 500 Scholarships under National Fund are awarded every year to students with disabilities for higher academic/professional or technical courses Ph.D/M.Phill/PG Level/Graduate or at Diploma/Certificate level. Financial assistance is given for computer with editing software for blind/deaf graduate and post-graduate students pursuing professional courses and for support access software for cerebral palsy students. This Scholarship scheme is restricted to those handicapped students whose total family income is upto Rs. 1.80 lac per annum. GRANTS

The Corporation also provides financial assistance for various non-credit based activities for the development of Persons with disabilities. These activities include : Grant for conducting/sponsoring the training under the scheme of Skill & Entrepreneurial Development. A stipend of Rs. 1000/- p.m. is given to each participant during the training duration. Sponsoring the beneficiaries to various Exhibitions & Fairs as marketing assistance. Funds are provided to State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) for organizing workshops and conferences to sensitize the officials involved in implementation of schemes for the target group and awareness creation amongst the state/district level functionaries. Funds are made available to SCAs for advertisement and publicity of schemes of the Corporation for the benefit of persons with disabilities.

NEW INITIATIVES

Partnership with Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

NHFDC has tied-up with Regional Rural Banks for the flow of collateral free concessional credit to PwDs under credit guarantee scheme of the Government. At present, NHFDC has signed agreements with 17 RRBs covering the States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Gujarat.

Efforts are being made for similar tie-ups in the States of Maharashtra Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal.

In addition, efforts are on to bring in Public Sector Banks as partners. Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sindh Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and State Bank of India have shown positive response to the proposal.

This alternative route vis--vis conventional route of loaning through SCAs has two advantages Block Government Guarantee from States/RRBs/PSBs is not required. The collateral from the potential beneficiary is also not required as the guarantee is covered under Credit Guarantee Trust Fund scheme of the Government.

Proposals Sent to Planning Commission Four proposals have been submitted to Planning Commission for effective

implementation of NHFDC schemes. These are:

Proposal for fund to provide 25% back-end subsidy to loanee(s) of NHFDC. Proposal for grant of Rs. 5 Crore per year to NHFDC for skill training of 4000 PwDs. Proposal for grant of interest free education loan to students with disabilities. Proposal for grant against service charges and annual charges (i.e. 1% of loan amount) levied under Credit Guarantee Scheme.

Tie-up with Vocational Rehabilitation Centers (VRC) for Handicapped for Skill Training In order to provide Vocational Training to PwDs as per the Modular Employable Scheme (MEB) prescribed by Ministry of Labour and Employment, NHFDC tied up with VRCs through Director General Employment and Training (DGET). This will enhance the quality loaning to PwDs.

Liberalization of Lending Policy to Enhance Effectiveness

Removal of Income Criteria, Delegation of Authority to SCAs upto Rs.5 lac, Incentive for Higher Turnover: 0.5% of annual target and Incentive for Good Recovery (95%) : 0.5% of repayment made during the year. This will speed-up the implementation of NHFDC schemes at the state level.

PROGRESS

NHFDC has so far released loans of Rs. 316.12 crores for disbursement to 64,385

beneficiaries throughout the country. Thus, the Corporation extends help to nearly 6000 PwDs in a year.

Major Activities funded under NHFDC Scheme of Self-Employment include, Pick-up-van; Dairy farm; Kirana store; Readymade garments; STD/PCO; Seeds & Fertilizers Store; Shoe shop; Stationery; Tailoring & Xerox centre.

The detailed information on schemes and programmes of NHFDC is available on website www.nhfdc.nic.in.

PwDs assisted by NHFDC engaged in Economic Empowerment Activities

Western Ghats: Challenges of Sustainable Development

FEATURE Heritage

Manish Desai*

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee inscribed the Western Ghats of India as a world heritage site on July 1. The tag came at the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in St Petersburg in Russia. Altogether 39 sites that dot the Western Ghats landscape will be part of the region that has been designated as World Heritage Site. Kerala leads with 20 sites being inscribed in the heritage list followed by Karnataka with ten, Tamil Nadu five and Maharashtra four.
List of Western Ghats World Heritage clusters in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and TN

MAHARASHTRA Kaas Plateau Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary Chandoli National Park

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

KARNATAKA
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary Kerti Reserved Forest Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Padinalknad Reserved Forest Kudremukh National Park

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Balahalli Reserved Forest

Someshwara Reserved Forest

Agumbe Reserved Forest

KERALA - TAMILNADU
Kalakad- Tiger Reserve, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary,

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Kulathupuzha Range,

Palode Range

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Ranni Forest Division

Konni Forest Division

Achankovil Forest Division

Srivilliputtur Wildlife

Tirunelveli North Forest Division

Eravikulam National Park

Grass Hills National Park

Karian Shola National Park

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Mannavan Shola

Mankulam Range,

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Silent Valley National Park

New Amarambalam Reserve Forest Attapadi Reserved Forest

Mukurti National Park

Kalikavu Range

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

While environmentalists are rejoicing that constant international scrutiny will curb amassment of forest wealth by vested interests, the state governments have given a guarded reaction. Skeptics are of the view that the tag will make little difference to many ecologicaly destructive projects that have been implemented or are proposed in the Western Ghats. Recognition Comes After Rejection The world heritage tag for the Western Ghats has come after many glitches. The proposal for including 39 sites in the Western Ghats as world heritage was rejected by the World Heritage Committee in its 35th meeting last year. When the proposal for it was re-submitted for consideration this year, it was once again on the verge of getting rejected. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) suggested that India should review and refine the proposal to redefine the boundaries of the proposed sites to maintain the contiguity of the forests. The Indian delegation in St Petersburg, however, managed to convince the world heritage committee on the merits of Indias proposal and also discussed the issue with 21 members of the committee. The intense lobbying paid off, as the Russian delegation moved a proposal which was backed by several Asian and African nations. Importance of Western Ghats Older than the Himalayas, the Western Ghats are the treasure trove of bio-diversity. In fact they are recognized as one of the 8 global hot-spots harbouring a wealth of flora, fauna. The Western Ghats which begin at the Dangs in Gujarat, run through the western parts of Maharashtra, the tiny state of Goa, the Malnad region of Karnataka and the highlands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, before ending near Kanyakumari. The Ghats are currently known to have more than 5,000 plant and 140 mammal species, 16 of which are endemic, i.e. species found in that area alone. Notably among these being the liontailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr. Out of 179 species of amphibians found in the Western Ghats, 138 are endemic to the region. It has 508 bird species, 16 of which are endemic, including the Nilgiri flycatcher and the Malabar parakeet. The Western Ghats are considered ecologically sensitive region with nearly 52 species moving one step closer to extinction. Habitat change, over-exploitation, pollution and climate change are the principle pressures causing bio-diversity loss.

The need to protect the ecology of the Western Ghats can hardly be over-emphasized. The UNESCO Mandate The UNESCO has noted with appreciation Indias ongoing commitment to conserving high bio-diversity values of the Western Ghats, but has clearly underlined that more needs to be done. The World Heritage Committee has suggested to the Indian Government to take into account the recommendations of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel. It has also asked the government to strengthen buffer zones to provide increased protection within the nominated sites. The UN body also wants to promote participatory governance approaches through community participation to ensure equitable sharing of benefits. The panel has said that no industrial activity should be allowed without the consent of the locals. The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, was constituted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests in February 2010 under the chairmanship of noted environmental expert Prof. Madhav Gadgil. The panel has identified several eco-sensitive zones in the region and recommended that they should be declared no-go areas. Among its recommendations, the panel has also called for scrapping of Karnataka's Gundia and Kerala's Athirapally hydro-projects, and gradual phasing out of mining activities in ecologically highly-sensitive areas of Goa by 2016. It has also suggested setting up of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA), as a statutory authority appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, with the powers under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The 24-member body is to have ecologists, scientists, representatives of civil society, as well as tribal groups, officials from the Union Environment Ministry, Planning Commission, National Biodiversity Authority, Central Pollution Control Board, and representatives of the state government as its members. Both the Karnataka and Kerala state governments have been opposed to the recommendation to scrap the hydro projects in their respective regions. The Karnataka Government had also been opposing the World Heritage tag citing regulatory hurdles in the development of places falling under these regions. Goa's lackadaisical attitude in conserving the Western Ghats has resulted in the state not getting any site in the list of 39. Maharashtra Government has welcomed the World Heritage Status to Western Ghats, but that is unlikely to change the states present stance of not imposing a complete ban on mining and industries, except in the core areas. The state, nevertheless is encouraging green fuel movement in the villages of Western Ghats by way of up to 75% subsidy on biogas and 50% subsidy on shift to low yielding cattle, which rely on domestic fodder instead of open grazing. Impact of UNESCO World Heritage Site The World Heritage status could have implications on development in and around these sites as UNESCO prescribes creation of additional buffer zones around the natural world heritage sites and putting in place an overarching management authority for conservation of the selected 39 serial sites. Conservationists also fear a mad-rush to these sensitive areas in the guise of ecotourism. This might trigger commercial activities in the Western Ghats, followed by construction

activities like building roads, structures, power lines and other infrastructure, which will defeat the purpose of protecting the green cover and habitat protection, says an activist associated with the Kudremukh Wildlife Foundation in Karnataka. The Western Ghats expert Dr. Madhav Gadgil has welcomed the UNESCO gesture and said It will hopefully strengthen the Acts like Biological Diversity Act of 2002, which empowers the local bodies like panchayats to take appropriate steps for conservation. The participation of locals is going to be crucial in determining the success of conservation efforts and promising sustainable development. All along the Western Ghats in five states, there are lakhs of tribal people who have made their homes in the ghats. The Thodas of Nilgiris, Soligas of BR Hills, Malekudiyas of Belthangady, Halakki Vokkals of Uttara Kannada, the Sidhis of Kumta, Paniyas of Waynad, Kattunayakans of Malabar and many others in Goa and Maharashtra are some of them. The Perspective Plan for Protection of Biodiversity 2001-16 states that tribal communities are part of the biodiversity and the state governments should not take them out of their natural surroundings, but empower them democratically and let the government facilities go to them. The ground situation for peoples participation in development is conducive in most parts of the Western Ghats. The region has some of the highest levels of literacy in the country, and a high level of environmental awareness. The democratic institutions are well entrenched, and Kerala leads the country in capacity building and empowering of Panchayat Raj Institutions. Goa has recently concluded a very interesting exercise, Regional Plan 2021, of taking inputs from Gram Sabhas in deciding on the land use policies. Evidently, Western Ghats are an appropriate region of the country to attempt to make the transition towards an inclusive, caring and environment friendly mode of development. (PIB Features.)

Mangroves for the Future

FEATURE

Environment
K. M. Ravindran*

M. V. S. Prasad**

The National Environment Policy, 2006 recognizes that mangroves are an important coastal environmental resource. The Ministry of Environment & Forests is at the forefront in regard to the conservation and management of mangroves, which provide habitats for marine species; protection from extreme weather events and a resource base for sustainable tourism. The Government seeks to sustain mangroves in the country by both regulatory and promotional measures.

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are plants that survive high salinity, tidal regimes, strong wind velocity, high temperature and muddy anaerobic soil a combination of conditions hostile for other plants. The mangrove ecosystems constitute a symbiotic link or bridge between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. They are found in the inter-tidal zones of sheltered shore, estuaries, creeks, backwaters, lagoons, marshes and mud-flats. Mangrove vegetation has been reported in all the coastal States/UTs. India is home to some of the best mangroves in the world. West Bengal has the maximum of mangrove cover in the country followed by Gujarat and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. However, not all coastal areas are suitable for mangrove plantation as mangrove requires an appropriate mix of saline and freshwater, and soft substrate like mudflats to be able to grow and perpetuate. The Government has

identified 38 mangrove areas on a country wide basis for intensive conservation and management. In Tamil Nadu, Pichavaram, Muthupet, Ramnad, Pulicat and Kazhuveli mangrove areas have been identified. Mangroves Protect the Coast

Mangrove ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and harbour a number of floral and faunal species (both terrestrial and aquatic) many of which, e.g. the tiger, gangetic dolphin, estuarine crocodile etc. are endangered. They also act as nurseries for fin fish, shell fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Mangrove forests are regarded as the most productive ecosystems in the world on account of the large quantities of organic and inorganic nutrients released in the coastal waters by these ecosystems.

The mangroves besides providing a number of ecological services also play a major role in protecting coastal areas from erosion, tidal storms and surges (tsunamis). They help in land accretion by trapping the fine debris particles. They are also an important source of honey, tannins, wax, besides fish. Presently, these are one of the most threatened ecosystems on account of both anthropogenic factors (reclamation of land, discharge of waste etc) and natural factors like global warming.

Intensive Conservation in Eight States

The current assessment shows that the mangrove cover in the country is 4,662.56 sq km. The mangrove plantation with an average, annual target of 3,000 hectares is undertaken on a country wide basis. The areas supported are among the 38 areas as already identified by MoEF for intensive conservation. During 2010-11, financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 7.10 crores had been distributed among West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Gujarat for conservation and management of mangroves.

The project entitled "Mangroves for Future (MFF): a strategy for promoting investment in Coastal Ecosystem Conservation" is being coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) covering, initially, eight countries, including India. (PIB Features.)

The Western Ghats - Some Facts

FEATURE INFO-NUGGETS

Dr. K. Parameswaran

The Western Ghats, is a mountain range that runs along the western side of India. It runs, about 1600 kms, North to South, along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau. It is one of the eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity in the world.

It originates near the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and runs through the states of Maharashtra, Go Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, finally ending at Kanyakumari. These hills cover a total area of 160,000 square kms. The average elevation is about 1,200 m (3,900 ft).

The region is home to over 5000 species of flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species and 17 amphibian species.

It is also reported that the Western Ghats is home to at least 84 amphibian species, 16 bird species, seve mammals, and 1,600 flowering plants which are not found elsewhere in the world.

There are numerous protected areas designated by the Government of India in the Western Ghats. The include two bio reserves and thirteen National Parks.

The Nilagiri Biosphere Reserve that comprises 5500 square kms of evergreen and deciduous forests form an important part of the Western Ghats.

The Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, which forms part of the Western Ghats, is one among the la

tracts of virgin tropical evergreen forest in India.

In August, 2011, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) designated the entire Western Ghats a an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The panel also assigned three levels of ecological sensitivity to i different regions.

In 2012, thirty nine places in the Western Ghats region have been declared as World Heritage Sites by th UNESCO

Role of Post Offices in Empowering Aam Aadmi

FEATURE POST

Alkesh T

In India, Information Communication Technology (ICT) has emerged during the last decad the most powerful tool of sustainable human development. Today ICTs inherent potential for incl growth through empowerment of masses makes it the most sought after need of the Nation. technology is not the end but is mean to ends like good governance and better quality of ser Recognizing the role of ICTs in lessening the development divide and bringing transparenc Governance, India Post is the unique and most appropriate organization of Central Governmen leveraging ICT for empowering Aam Aadmi.

Progressive use of computers in post offices and their connected network on a single integr platform presents an opportunity for India Post to take state services to village level and also to products and services of other service providers. Most of the technology led transformation plan because they lack focus on processes, people and resources. India Post has adopted a ho approach to technology led transformation understanding the importance of reengineering pro skill development and enhancement and resource planning. Computerization and Networking of Post Offices

The Government has approved the IT(Information Technology) modernization project of the Department o

Posts for computerization of all its Post Offices, Mail Offices, Administrative and other Offices, establishmen IT infrastructure, and development of software applications. IT modernization project is a Pan India Project

covering all the Post Offices throughout India. It includes all Post Offices in North-Eastern and Assam Circles project includes supply of rural ICT hardware devices and peripherals to the Branch Post Offices in the rural

areas, development of scalable, integrated and modular software covering all the operations of Department

Posts and establishment of IT infrastructure including Data Center, Wide Area Network (WAN) based netwo

of the departmental Post Offices and Rural Information Communication Technology (Rural ICT) infrastructur the Post offices in rural areas. The scope of this project has been structured in eight Broad areas.

Computerization and networking of all Post Offices would bring in the following benefits for the Aam Aadmi

Improve service level for users, increase productivity of the employees and inter-alia revenues of the Department.

The Post Office will become the focal point of delivery of Social Security Schemes of the Sta Enable electronic networking of about 1, 30,000 rural Post Offices. Enable paperless transactions for mail, postal banking and insurance services. Enable tracking and tracing of accountable articles meant for delivery.

Setting up of Automated Mail Processing Centres

Automation in mail processing would also help the Department in modernization of network, consolidation of sorting activities and expedite mail sorting and delivery. With a vie automate mail sorting, the Department of Post is setting up Automated Mail Processing Cen (AMPCs) in the metro cities. The sorting machines in Delhi and Kolkata are currently under install and commissioning. These sorting machines would be able to sort approximately 35,000 article hour, whereas, the Mixed Mail Sorters would sort approximately 18,000 articles per hour. The M Mail sorting machines would help in faster processing of large size letters, flats and packets/pa through the use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. Faster processing of mail, pa and packets would lead to expedited delivery of these articles and improvement in service quality. Project Arrow

The process of modernization of Post Offices began way back in April 2008 when Project A

was launched. The Project envisages up gradation of Post Offices in urban and rural areas bo terms of upgrading and enhancing the quality of service in core areas and improving their Look Feel. The project aims at creating a conducive and friendly work environment both for the staff the customers visiting the Post Offices, providing all IT enabled services through secure connect improving the service quality levels in the core business areas e.g. Mail delivery, Remittances electronic and manual and Postal Savings schemes. The Look and Feel activity focuse improvement in Branding, Information Technology, Human Resource and Infrastructure.

So far the Project has been implemented in respect of monitoring of core areas in more 15,500 Post Offices while Look and Feel has been improved in 1,530 Post Offices. The Departme Posts received the Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Public Administration for the year 200 for Project Arrow Transforming India Post on 21st April, 2010. Look and Feel component of Pr Arrow is under implementation in 229 more Post Offices.

As the strong IT - base enables to offer a range of e-enabled services Post Offices equipped wit will not only play crucial role in social and financial inclusion of rural masses throughout the country but also in National Integration and empowerment of Aam Aadmi.

Population Growth - Stabilization Holds the Key

FEATURE

S. Sivaku

World Population Day Five billion minds in 1987 had decided to establish World Population Day on July 11 and now, for than 20 years, this day has become an occasion to mark the significance of population trends and related i Discussions and debates are held with immense feeling and concern. The day has acquired significance annual event. In 2011, as the world population was expected to surpass 7 billion, UNFPA ( United N Population Fund) and its partners had launched a campaign called "7 Billion Actions" on this very day. official world population estimate, for mid-year 2011, was estimated at 6,928,198,253.
Where Do We Go From Here?

The concern is around stabilization. Population stabilization is not just about numbers but about ba development. It has to be looked at in the context of wider socio-economic development. It does not matte the process things dont stabilize by 2045; it could be achieved by 2050 or 2060. But what is of greater con how we approach the issue of population stabilization.

Population stabilization is around the corner as there is enough evidence from everywhere to sho

women do not desire many children. Limiting of their family has been understood by them as a dire nec

What they need is to draw confidence from the supporting systems that are around them. They only wan

children to survive and do well and want the means of family planning and other reproductive health se

made accessible to them. All this should happen without undermining in any way their sense of dignit

privacy. Coupled with sustained efforts to enhance income and create conditions where women retain contro that income, this could make a big difference.

The Question of Incentives

Population control agenda has taken its support from the people by offering incentives and disincentives. Whether such incentives or disincentives are necessary, are they effective and are they just? Can incentives disincentives improve quality and address the problems of equity and access to health services, specially of women? Can they enhance the accountability of service providers to the community? How relevant or effec are incentives and disincentives? How do they impinge on the rights of a person? These are often the questi that are raised without firm answers being given. The Two Extremes and Saner Voices Enlightened political leaders and administrators have increasingly begun to recognize the importance of education, access to health care services, greater awareness and, most importantly, overall economic development that would all assist in achieving the much needed transition, leading to stabilization.

Steps by the Government of India

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the bene developments are being negated by the ever rising population. He said that delayed marriage and suitab between two children should be highlighted as the possible solution for the growing population. While coerc not acceptable for promoting family planning, there is need for universal acceptance of small family norms.

The programme organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Jansankhya Sthirta Ko year honoured Rekha Kalindi a student of class 3 who refused to marry at the age of 10. The couples fro backward and tribal districts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa were also felicitated a models for family planning. These couples were also recipients of Prerna Award. The role of ASHAs (Accr Social Health Activists) in educating the rural people deserves special mention here. Henceforth, Population Day needs to be observed at every village, block and district level to convert it into a mass movem

Rising population is one of the most critical problems India is facing and will continue to face. Awar partnership and availability of population control services along with strict vigilance and transparency woul mitigate the woe that may befall us. A change in the attitude of the service providers and bureaucracy i suggested and is a must. It is indeed heartening that, after almost 50 years of one-way communicatio Government has welcomed public debate on this issue. Global Situation

A world wide report cites the example of Niger in West Africa which has increased life expectancy past 30 years but is doubling population every 20 years. Even assuming its total fertility rate (TFR) falls to 2050, which may be optimistic, the population will grow from 15.5 to 55.5 million by 2050. A future in population increase outstrips the production of food and other necessities of life is a real possibility for Niger

This report ends with a warning note : "The number of people living on the planet has never been h their levels of consumption are unprecedented and vast changes are taking place in the environment. W choose to rebalance the use of resources to a more egalitarian pattern of consumption or we can choose nothing and to drift into a downward spiral of economic and environmental ills leading to a more unequ inhospitable future".

(PIB Fea

****
July 11th is World Population Day.
*The Author is a Freelance Writer.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB SS-123/SF-123/10-07-2012 RTS/HSN

Communal Harmony

FEATUR E

Home

Yogesh Baweja*

India is a vast country, with people belonging to different religions living amicably for centuries to of tolerance, perseverance, plurality and assimilation have kept the identity of the country intact, and civ

Declared a secular country in the constitution, India has several provisions for protection of minor

does not discriminate on the basis of any particular religion. There are constitutional provisions for equal

Despite precautionary, preventive and positive measures having been envisaged in the constitution, to ru

left-out, communal disturbances keep recurring. The Government had, often expressed its commi

communal harmony in the country, and has been taking steps- statutory, legal, administrative, economic, a

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, while speaking at the Communal Harmony award cere need for communal harmony and national integration. He said India has been home to all the great re some were born here, others took root in this ancient land of ours. The sub-continent has for centurie and intellectual environment in which many distinct religions have not only co-existed peacefully bu other. It is the sacred duty of each one of us to carry forward this great tradition. I believe that both society groups must continuously watch and raise our voice against groups and individuals who use religion. No religion sanctions violence. No religion preaches hatred. No religion endorses animosity towa

Those who use religious symbols and forums to talk of violence, sectarianism and discord cannot be sai of their respective religion. However, we also know that all societies, including ours, have to conten disharmony and disagreement. That is why it is all the more important to recognize and applaud those award winners - who work selflessly for communal harmony and national integration. It is our obligatio sanity.

Gandhiji, the father of the nation, commented Communalism of the virulent type is a recent gr monster with many faces. It hurts all, in the end, including those who are primarily responsible for it.

The Government has taken initiatives to promote communal harmony. These include constitution

Council (NIC) (1960s), setting up of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (1992) and laying the promotion of communal harmony from time to time. The NIC, comprising of prominent members of

besides several union ministers and chief ministers of states, has been meeting regularly, to discuss and so Since the decision makers at the Centre and the States are members of the council, a patient hearing is various sections of society.

The vision of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) is to have India free fro

forms of violence, where all citizens especially children & youth live together in peace & harmony

promotes communal harmony, strengthens national integration and fosters the spirit of unity in diversity t

action, awareness programs, reaches out to the victims of violence especially children, encouraging inte

Shared Security, Peace & Prosperity. It provides financial assistance to the child victims of societal violen

& training, aimed at their effective rehabilitation. It promotes communal harmony and national integratio

activities either independently or in association with State Governments, NGOs & other organizatio outstanding contribution to promotion of communal harmony and national integration. It undertakes

strengthen the bonds of unity and affinity between different religious groups in the country, and encou belief in the principles of non-violence in resolving disputes.

There is no denying the fact that the maintenance of communal harmony, and the preventio disturbances/riots and, in the event of any such disturbances occurring, action to control the same protection and relief to the affected persons, is a prime responsibility of the State Governments. The issued guidelines for maintenance of communal harmony, which cover preventive and Administrative M and relief and rehabilitation measures. They reiterate the fact that if due vigilance is maintained, c preparatory measures put in place, many possible incidents of communal violence can be pre-em

wherever, despite this, communal violence does occur, it can be contained effectively, and much huma tackled with promptness, grit and determination. Utmost care and attention requires to be gi implementation of a range of measures to alleviate the sufferings of those affected by any inciden including the provision of relief and rehabilitation assistance to the victims of such violence.

The guidelines underline the fact that preventing a communal riot is far more important than co the District Administration to carefully assess the communal situation in the District on a regular basis a District, identifying the areas which are prone to communal sensitivities and tensions. The police officers on the situation in such areas, periodically visit them for promoting public contact and interface with t community leaders. Manpower requirements for these areas should be realistically assessed, and a manned. In the sensitive/hyper-sensitive areas, detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and con escalated situation/riots, etc., should be kept ready. The unregulated use of loudspeakers, which is o passions and evoking violent reactions among different groups of people, need to be checked. V processions, which very frequently lead to communal confrontation and clashes as often various organ and view, processions on religious occasions as a show of strength, which could itself become a cause checked. There should be involvement of identified respectable members of the community, in processions. The use of technology, like Video/Audio coverages of events and processions could also a and meaningful action needs to be taken to curb and check rumours, and proper assignment of nodal re for information management needs to be ensured. Adequate steps need to be taken to ensure that no d of worship,

The guidelines stipulate that composition of the police force, especially those deployed in co should be representative of the social structure of the region so as to ensure its credibility, and he confidence among all sections of the people. In communally sensitive and riot prone areas police and proven integrity, efficiency, impartiality and non-partisan outlook should be posted. Every public servant authority vested in him/her to prevent commission of any communal violence, protect or provide p communal violence in a strictly neutral manner, and any malafide act or omission should be severely d should be given to the services rendered by the district administration in preventing and dealing with com

In a communally-sensitive area, small shopkeepers, entrepreneurs and daily-wagers are most pr life and property, if the situation goes out of control, leading to arson or violence. They are most likely due to loss of income or property, most of which is not covered under any type of insurance. They ca partners in maintaining peace and communal harmony in the area. Similarly, women who are the worst

may also be keen to ensure communal harmony. The district administration can tap the resour people/groups in ensuring peace.

Many voluntary organisations in the country are working in the field of promoting peace, communal harmony. Such Organisations usually have motivated and well-intentioned volunteers administration should mobilize support of, and encourage, such organisations, in their efforts to maintai diffusing tension if a communal situation arises Whenever any communal incidents are apprehend immediate preventive/enforcement action may be taken, including, imposition of prohibitory order neutral enforcement of the same, apprehension /arrest of the potential miscreants/ those indulgin registration/institution of cases. Prosecution of all offences relating to communal violence/ rioting sho and, wherever necessary, Special Investigation Teams (SIT) may be constituted for ensuring fair and impa

A lot of resentment is generated on account of non-payment of timely relief/ex-gratia to the riot victims. Inte immediately to the individuals for any loss or damage suffered due to communal violence. While providing as victims of communal violence, it should be ensured that there is no discrimination on the ground of sex, caste religion. The district administration should ensure timely provision of essential supplies/services such as food electricity, etc., in areas affected by communal violence. Wherever it becomes necessary to set up relief camp security and other appropriate amenities should be made, including arrangements for medical examination/ a required, on account of damage to residential and commercial property, an appropriate mechanism may be e disposal of insurance claim and assistance from financial institutions by way of loans/ rescheduling of loans, e

The Central Government has launched a Central Scheme for assistance to victims of terroris whereunder there is provision for one time payment of Rs.3 lakh to the affected families in addition to a be provided.

The Government has enacted The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988, w sanctity of religious places and to prevent their misuse for political, criminal, subversive or com responsibility on the manager to inform the police in the event of misuse of the place of worship. The A arms and ammunition inside any place of worship.

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991, is the law to prohibit conversion of any

provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the According to it, no religious institution or manager thereof shall use or allow the use of any premises b for the promotion or propagation of any political activity, or for the harbouring of any person accused under any law for the time being in force. No arms or ammunition can be stored, nor can it erect or p fortification, including basements, bunkers, towers or walls without a valid licence or permission. Such the carrying on of any unlawful or subversive act prohibited under any law, or for the doing of any act w to promote disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, lang castes or communities.

All the religions have the fundamental teaching of love and the feeling of brotherhood towards fe

the basic tenet of each religion, where is the scope of discord, hatred and violence. It is amply clear that s

misinterpret the religious teachings for their selfish, egoistic and short-term gains, and sometimes fan co

commonly known that usually the communal disturbances sprout from small, trivial incidents but with ve shape of a giant.

India is a developing country, and an emerging economy. The vision of our leaders to make India

economic powerhouse, cant fructify unless the internal security of the nation, particularly comm

Maintenance of Communal peace and tranquillity occupies lot of Government attention and energy, and

ambience of trust will develop between various communities, leading the nation on the path of de advancement.

****

*Director, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP). SS-124/SF-124/11-07-2012 RTS/HSN

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network

FEATURE

Home

M. V. S

The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) project is a mission mode project u National, e-Governance Plan being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The project aims at c comprehensive and integrated system and a nation-wide networked solution for connecting more than 15,0 Stations and nearly 6,000 higher offices in 28 States and 7 UTs of the country for sharing of real-time crime and information.

The project has been conceptualized based on the principle of 'Centralized Planning and Dece Implementation'. A Core Application Software (CAS) is being developed with common definitions, sch specifications at the Central level which would be handed over to the States/UTs for State specific custo However, States which have been allowed to continue to run on their existing applications have to align thei software to facilitate information exchange with CAS.

The States/UTs have complete operational independence in project implementation. The impleme through Bundle of Services wherein a System Integrator agency implements all the requisite services as d Service level agreements with the States/UTs. A strong governance mechanism with various Committees has a created as a part of CCTNS project to ensure quality and for timely completion of project.

Objectives

Make the police functioning citizen friendly, transparent, accountable, effective and efficient by autom process and functions at the level of the police stations and other police offices at various levels.

Improving delivery of citizen-centric services through effective usage of Information and Comm Technology (ICT).

Facilitate collection, storage, retrieval, analysis, transfer and sharing of information among police stations, State headquarters and other organizations/ agencies, including those at Government level.

Enabling and assisting the senior Police Officers in better management of police force.

Keep track of the progress of the crime and criminal investigation and prosecution cases, including pr cases in the courts.

Reduction in manual and redundant record keeping.

The CCTNS project aims at providing online services to the Citizens. The following is an indicative l same:

Filing of complaints/information to the concerned police stations.

Obtaining the status of the complaint or case registered at police station.

Obtaining the copies of FIRs, post-mortem reports and other permissible documents etc.

Details of arrested persons/wanted criminals and their illegal activities etc.

Details of missing/kidnapped persons and their matching with arrested, unidentified persons and dead bod

Details of stolen/recovered vehicles, arms and other properties.

Submission of requests for issue/renewal of various NOCs, clearances and permits and status of such online.

Verification requests for servants, employment, passport, senior citizen registrations etc.

Portal for sharing information and enabling citizens to download required forms/certificates etc.

A Core Application Software (CAS) has been developed and is being tested by the Software Dev Agency at the Central level. The CAS would be implemented both at Central level and States/UTs to enable inf exchange for crime and criminal tracking as per objectives of CCTNS project. The CAS would be further custo required by the States/UTs and implemented at States/UTs by the System Integrator agencies.

A nation-wide network and connectivity solution is being implemented by the network solution provider and th readiness survey is currently underway for implementation of the network. It has been completed for 28 States of 15.03.2012

The commissioning of IT infrastructure for implementation of national data centre and disaster recovery in advanced stage. Deployment of CAS will happen after software certification by STQC. System Integrators ha finalized in 16 States/UTs and rest are in various stages of finalization. All States/UTs have implemented projec initiation activities in terms of capacity building and strengthening of training institutions.

Saving Wetlands in J&K Need of the Hour

FEATURE

Environment

About ten lakh migratory birds recently left for their summer sojourn across continents after hav months in the wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir to escape harsh cold weather back home. These wetlan Central Asian flyway of winter migratory birds and are thus an important ecosystem supporting eq biodiversity.

Wetlands are essential for maintaining bio-diversity, water harvesting and water availability. A wetlands play an important role in the economic activities of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. Take states largest wetland, Wular Lake, which constitutes an important ecosystem in the valley and suppo diversity. Besides being a huge reservoir of water and a rich repository of macrophytic vegetation and w migratory birds, the lake provides livelihood to thousands of locals by contributing sixty per cent of the tota valley as well as other products harvested from its waters.

The State is having 29 wetlands, 16 in Kashmir, eight in Jammu and five in Ladakh. Around 106 nestle in these wetlands including 25 species of land birds who visit them occasionally. The importance o increases as they provide sanctuary to migratory birds some of them belonging to the endangered species survey of J&K wetlands, two near extinct species, White-eyed Pochard was found in seven wetlands in the two wetlands in Jammu. The survey added that two endangered species Blacknecked Crane and Sarus Crane

wetlands in Ladakh and the Gharana wetland in Jammu region respectively. Many of these wetlands are shrinking, a consequence of human greed and the pressures caused by growth. We used to have 600 small and big wetlands around Kashmir valley. Now there are only 10 to 15 they too are on the verge of extinction, said a senior functionary in the Centre for Environmental Law.

In the vast arid Jammu region, the scenario is no better with Nanga Wetland Reserve (1.21 sq km) in

and Sangral Wetland Reserve (0.68 sq km) in Abdulliyan sector having totally vanished while many others ha reduced in size.

Sarpanch of Nanga village said that no migratory birds visit the area now. He added, Huge wetl

about 25 years ago. It was a vast pond which has completely dried out. Elders told us flocks of migratory bir

in winters but with the passage of time inhabitants started using the land for cultivation and birds started igno to increased human activity.

The conflict between man and nature is responsible for the dismal scenario. Reports suggest that loca years have been opposed to the coming of birds alleging that they damaged crops.

These water bodies could not be saved even after being declared as reserved wetlands way back

Gharana wetland, which is of late emerging as an eco-tourist attraction, the villagers used to scare away the

2003, situation has improved. The Wild Life Department has also been persuading locals not to resist the arri

Department has been trying its best to get the maximum cooperation from the villagers by trying to provide

the farmers, who suffer loss of crops, said a Wildlife Warden, Jammu. The end result of all such measures the wetlands which have been facing decline.

Unchecked deforestation causing soil erosion and silting, human encroachments in and around the w apathetic attitude and unimaginative policies of the concerned authorities have led to the degradation and of wetlands, feel experts. They point out to Bemina residential colony, which, they say, used to be a wond the outskirts of Srinagar till the end of the 19thcentury. They add that this apathy continues and cite the cas a wetland, which is being filled for rehabilitating people living inside the Dal Lake.

Not only people at individual level, but also the government at regulatory level interfered with changed the land use pattern not only within the wetlands, but also in the catchments.There was also rec going on at individual and government level. All that resulted in the shrinking of wetlands and changed the

wetlands. When the environment changed, the habitat changed. That also impacted the birds which had a p habitat in the wetlands, said Prof. A. R. Yousuf of Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority.

The state's two premier wetlands, Wular lake and Mirgund have been reduced to one-third of the 58.71 sq kms and 1.5 sq kms respectively. "Wular, an internationally recognized wetland, was one of our b in 1950s, 1960s and 1970s government authorities constructed dams around this water body and also r chunk of lake and started willow plantations. People also started cultivation of paddy in the erstwhile we Prof Yousuf.

The jewel in Kashmirs splendid beauty, Dal Lake too has suffered from devastating impact of h

negligence. It has also drastically shrunk from 75 sq kms area to a mere 12 sq kms while another important has been reduced to almost half of its size of 7.25 sq kms, with other wetlands also facing the same fate.

The impending extinction threats have forced the Central and State governments to initiate ac

government has launched some major initiatives complimented by the Centre to conserve the water bodies

ecological and economic importance. To sustain states tourism and safeguard economic resources the cons

bodies, forest wealth and bio-diversity of state is the need of the hour, says the Chief Minister Omar Abdulla Realizing the unique hydrological and socio-economic values of the Wullar Lake, Union Ministry of

Forests included it in its Wetlands Programme as a Wetland of National Importance in 1986. Subsequen

designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990. Besides the Wul

three other wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir, namely, Tsomoriri in Ladakh and Mansar and Surinsar lakes in

have been listed under the Ramsar Convention in order to protect and conserve them. The Union Environm

also listed them as protected by prohibiting constructions, setting up of industries in the vicinity and dumping discharge of untreated effluents from industries or human settlements into them. It also set up the 12

Wetlands Regulatory Authority over a year ago to implement and review an elaborate set of rules in th identifying wetlands across the country for conservation.

The State government has too been making efforts to save the water bodies which Chief Minister

termed as icons of our heritage, for which the entire people of the state feel concerned. A number of reports have appeared in recent years to come to terms with the problem of these lakes.

Responding to the urgency of the situation, the State Government set up several authorities namel

Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), the Wullar Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) e

conserve the lakes. As the LAWDA has been mainly engaged in regenerating Dal Lake and WMDA in Manasbal lake, the State Government has decided to constitute Wular Development Authority for according to resurrect the Wular lake.

All these efforts would bear fruit provided there is peoples active cooperation. That is a crucial facto seen in the conservation of Manasbal lake. Awareness has to be created on mass scale and authorities have to the problems of people displaced in the process. There has to be a peoples movement harmonized by the NGO complement the official effort. It may be a long and difficult way but will have to be treaded upon to save the heritage for ensuring healthy environment and safeguarding economic interests of local population.

Strengthening Secondary Education

FEATURE HRD

Secondary Education is a crucial stage in the educational hierarchy as it prepares the students for higher of work. With the liberalization and globalization of the Indian economy, the rapid changes witnessed in scientific the general need to improve the quality of life and to reduce poverty, it is essential that school leavers acquire a h skills than what they are provided in the eight years of elementary education, particularly when the average e certificate holder is significantly higher than that of a person who has studied only up to class VIII.

The policy at present is to make secondary education of good quality available, accessible and affordab age group of 14-18.

At present, the following schemes targeted at secondary stage (i.e. class IX to XII) are being implemented in th Sponsored Schemes: Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2009 with the objective to universalise access improve its quality. The scheme envisages inter alia, to enhance the enrolment at secondary stage by providing reasonable distance of any habitation, with an aim to ensure GER of 100% by 2017, i.e., by the end of 12th universal retention by 2020.During last three year, opening of 9670 new secondary schools and strengthening schools have been sanctioned. Against sanction for opening of 9670 new secondary schools, 906 new secondary s in the minority concentration districts. Out of opening of 9670 new secondary schools, 7303 secondary scho Further, 283 new school buildings have been constructed and about 2500 new secondary school building construction. To improve the Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) in the existing secondary schools, appointment of 52352 been approved. In the new secondary schools, 12591 teachers have also been recruited.

Model School Scheme

The Model School scheme was launched in November 2008 in pursuance to the announcement o Independence Day speech of 2007.The Model School Scheme aims to provide quality education to talented rura 6000 model schools as benchmark of excellence at block level at the rate of one school per block. The scheme is 2009-10. 3,500 schools are to be set up in as many educationally backward blocks (EBBs) through States/UTs. A have so far been approved, out of which 438 have become functional. The modalities for the PPP Model sc Government on 24 November, 2011 and 2500 model school are to be set up under the Public Private Partnership

Girls Hostel Scheme

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Construction and Running of Girls Hostels for Students of Seco Schools was launched in 2008-09 and is being implemented from 2009-10. The Scheme envisages construction of 100 girls in each of about 3,500 Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) in the country. The main objective of the to and retain the girl child in Secondary and Higher Secondary classes (IX-XII) so that the girl students are no continue their study due to distance to school, parents financial affordability and other connected societal fact 1925 hostels have been recommended by Project Approval Board (PAB) and an amount of Rs. 300.93 crore has b of 958 hostels in 13 States. The girl students in the age group of 14-18 years, studying in classes IX and XII belon communities and BPL families will form the target group of the Scheme. Students passing out of KGBV will be giv hostels. At least 50% of girls admitted will be from SC, ST, OBC and Minority communities.

ICT (Information and Communication Technolog

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Schools Scheme was launched in December, 200 secondary stage students to mainly build their capacity on ICT skills and make them learn through computer Scheme is a major catalyst to bridge the digital divide amongst students of various socio economic and other ge the experience gained so far, the Scheme was revised, in July 2010.The scheme currently covers both Govern Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools. Financial assistance is provided for procurement of computers software, training of teachers, development of e-contents, internet connectivity & setting up of smart scho infrastructure to impart computer literacy and computer aided learning has been approved for 94752 govern secondary and higher secondary schools.

Financial assistance is given to States, CIET and SIETs on the basis of the approvals accorded by Project Monito

(PMEG) chaired by Secretary (School Education and Literacy). The project cost is shared between Centre and except for the NER states including Sikkim where it is 90:10.

Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Sta

The Scheme of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) was launched in 2009-10 re Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC). It provides assistance for the inclusive education of the disab The aim of the Scheme is to enable all students with disabilities, after completing eight years of elementary sch years of secondary schooling (classes IX to XII) in an inclusive and enabling environment. Central assistanc scheme is on 100 per cent basis. The State Governments are only required to make provisions for a scholarship per annum. The School Education Department of the State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations They may involve NGOs having experience, in the field of education of the disabled, in the implementation of th children have been approved for coverage since inception of the scheme.

Vocationalisation of Secondary Education

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocationalisation of Secondary Education provides for diversification so as to enhance individual employability, reduce the mismatch between demand and supply of skilled manpowe for those pursuing higher education.The scheme was initially launched in 1988. To make improvement in this sch approved on 15 September, 2011. The revisions were suggested to address the issues of low esteem of vocatio weak synergy with industry in planning and execution, lack of vertical and horizontal mobility, redundant cou paucity of trained vocational education teachers. It is also envisages that strengthening of vocational education contribute to the national target of 500 million skilled manpower by 2022.

The Scheme provides for financial assistance to the States to set up administrative structure, area vocat curriculum, text book, work book curriculum guides, training manual, teacher training programme, strengthening research and development, training and evaluation etc. It also provides financial assistance to NGOs and volu implementation of specific innovative projects for conducting short-term courses.

The Scheme, so far, has created infrastructure of 21000 sections in 9619 schools and creating a ca students at + 2 level. The grants released so far since the inception of the scheme is Rs. 765 crore.
National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework (NVEQF)

The HRD Ministry is seized with the problems of low rates of enrolment and school drop outs at Secondary an

and thereafter in Higher Education. The Ministry is in the process of developing the NVEQF. The Framework w

in standards of vocational courses being offered, by registration of vocational qualification and accreditation o

institutions. NVEQF levels will be introduced in Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools, Polytechnics, Unive

seamless pathways and progression. The draft NVEQF has been formulated in consultation with State Govern State Education Ministers.

National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Education

The Centrally sponsored scheme National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE with the objective to establish an enabling environment to reduce the drop-outs and to promote the enrolment to SC/ST communities in secondary schools. According to the scheme, a sum of Rs.3,000/- is deposited in the na as fixed deposit, who are entitled to withdraw it along with interest thereon on reaching 18 years of age examination. The scheme covers - all girls belonging to SC/ST communities who pass class VIII and all girls wh Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (irrespective of whether they belong to SC/ST) and enrol in class IX in Governm local body schools.

Canara bank is the implementing agency for the scheme. It has developed a web based portal recently to portal will facilitate on line submission of data of the beneficiaries and on line disbursement of incentive am accounts directly after certification by the State Nodal Officer on line that the beneficiary is 18 years old and Funds released during last 3 years are - Rs. 45.798 crore/for 152660 girls of 14 states/UTs (2009-10), Rs. 72.458 states/UTs (2010-11) and Rs. 163.059 crore /for 543532 girls of 25 states/UTs (2011-12).

Central Board of Secondary Education

CBSE has strengthened the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) and School Based Assess schools affiliated to the Board from August 2009 and also made class X Board Examination optional for the s schools affiliated to the Board

In addition to the above the Central Sector schemes of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyala Tibetan Schools Administration (CTSA), Indo-Mangolian Schools are being implemented.

NERAMAC A Vibrant Agri-Marketing Organization of North East

FEATURE

DoNER

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) Ltd, is a Government Enterprise Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The Company with an authorized capital of Rs 10.00 Cr and a pa 7.62 Cr has registered a sales turnover of Rs. 96 Cr during the just concluded fiscal year 2011-12 with a net profit o

NERAMAC is playing a significant role by intervening in the sourcing, procuring and marketing of cash pineapple, cashew nut, Kiwi fruits etc. from the farmers and growers of the North Eastern Region. Its role as marketing organization essentially to support farmers of North East has started showing visibility through its farmers interest in production by application of post harvest technology thereby arresting decline in prices arisin the farm produces and marketing.

It has also procured and marketed various other items such as turmeric, large cardamom, maize etc, inpu assorted seeds, planting materials, floriculture items etc. under the Horticulture Mission for North East & H National Horticulture Mission. It has tied up with reputed companies in the field of setting up of various Horticul tech green house, tissue culture laboratory, supply of planting materials etc. besides its initiative in supportin processors in marketing their end products. NERAMAC helped farmers in getting better price of their produce b the same. The Corporation has initiated building linkages by tying up through MoU with different farmers Soci products manufacturers having FPO licenses. It has helped building confidence among farmers and producers f procurement through NERAMAC.

It has taken initiative in involving various stakeholder particularly private sector in the field of proces greater role to tap the market potential for Kiwi and Passion fruit. Linkage were initiated with Passion Fruit G Manipur and for procurement of passion fruit from them to make end product with the help of private and wom marketing them through NERAMAC. Similiarly, Kiwi fruit was introduced by sourcing them from Arunachal Prade

entrepreneur group.

In order to support the large cardamom growers of Sikkim, NERAMAC has set up a Large Cardamom Auc Sikkim during the last fiscal. Large cardamom growers are getting immense benefit as it has given them edge in produce. Traders from all over the country are coming and participating in this auction program which has given a producers.

NERAMAC has also taken a lead in setting up a outlet at Siliguri Regulated market to make way for pro other fresh produces. This has given a facelift to the farmers. Oranges from Wakro and Tezu of Arunachal Pradesh

The Company has hosted a series of programs in the North-East to scale up awareness among the inviting investment on food processing involving national institutes and organizations of repute and large bu horticulture processing with the financial support of Ministry of Food Processing Industries & North Eastern Counc

It has organized North East Food Processing Expo, an exhibition for the fruit processors of North East fol and buyers sellers meet at Guwahati during January 2012 where processors from all the North Eastern states par was organised for the first time with the financial support of the Ministry of DoNER.

NERAMAC in association with IIP, Mumbai, organised for the first time in the region, INDPACK 2012 at Centre, Guwahati to support the first generation entrepreneurs of the North East in food processing and val processing entrepreneurs from each state of North East was taken to INDPACK 2011 at Hyderabad to give the expertise in packaging with the support of North Eastern Council.

100 Orange farmers were taken to National Research Centre for Citrus at Nagpur, Maharastra for giving th orange production technique & demonstration.

North East Connect program was organised to show case potential of north east at Delhi, Kolkata, Mumb investment opportunities as well as create business opportunity for the naturally grown organic produces of Nort

For the first time, an initiative has been taken to set up kiosks at six Malls in the National Capital Region (N East produces to the consumers of NCR Delhi. Outlets in the name N E Fresh are located at Shipra mall, EDM ma mall, Star City mall & TDI mall at NCR Delhi. This was followed with weeklong Mall festivals in the beginning.

***** *Media & Communication Officer, PIB, New Delhi. SS-138/SF-138/30-07-2012 RTS/HSN

Drug Abuse A Holistic Approach

Drug abuse, also called substance abuse or chemical abuse, is a disorder that is characterized b using a substance that leads to significant problems or distress. Teens are increasingly engaging in particularly narcotics (which are prescribed to relieve severe pain), and stimulant medications, which trea deficit disorder and narcolepsy. FEATURE Health Long ago

Initially, drug users were look down upon as those lacking in moral values strange consumption (of the drug) and it was more often held that a person was not "m from addiction. It was first recognized to be a disease like any other, by Alcoholics Anonymous, who di field as an organization, delving deep into the reasons why a person fell into and subsequently in short ti on such usage. Dr.Jellinek's path-breaking studies helped change the very orientation one hitherto had users (abusers). Further with the advancement of neuro-physiological science, more importantly after conclusion that drug abuse is a chronic disease, could trouble a person for his entire life and was ultim treatment. The disease of addiction was thus much better understood than in the past. What was needed sympathy towards such affected persons, a due recognition and systematic treatment appropriate for suc akin to treating patients with other health problems like sugar-control or hyper-tension, to name a few. Types of Drugs

Drugs drastically put to wrong use are brown sugar (its inferior version is heroin) cannabis (gan categories) and even alcohol which qualifies to fall under the drug category, for the reason that it is m form that is used to give a "high". Even thinners usable with paints and other such common material cou could also be a case of drug abuse, where a medically prescribed item is consumed frequently, in increa the prescribed amount. Persons recognize that this produces a sensation that "puts them up" and they th constantly, not when it is actually needed as a medicine.

WHO Reports

The yearly report released by bodies like WHO normally indicates an increase/decrease in pattern of sometimes what could be more prevalent would be smoking heroin; at other times it could be injectin to be seen more as fluctuations in drug abuse, than anything else. There are many criteria to determi addicted or not. These could range from physical warning signs, emotional signs to an abrupt or gradu dynamics that lead to marked changes in social behaviour. The person exhibits red and glazed eyes w sleeping habits and may also show general lack of interest and become a victim of sudden mood cha

strange secretiveness that keeps him away from the family. On the social side he would try to become altogether negative attitude. But as a thumb rule it would be better if one stuck to repeated usages as user is fully aware of the consequences and but is prevented by a strange inability to restrict or stop th drug in terms of quantity, frequency and be inclined towards an insurmountable urge towards drug us Vulnerability

Instead of looking at the causes for drug addiction per se', it is better to understand it as a vulnera would a better term. Genetic make-up plays a vital part in forming this habit, the family and friends around a deterrent or cause further usage of the drug(s) thereby increasing the positive expectancy that is to be d is tacit approval by those around him, then it is held as a normal habit. It is no more drug abuse ; it is only "taken" in its stride. Psycho-social factors, lack of coping skills, the mechanism of a backup of friends dur pain - any or all these may be the causes for the above-mentioned vulnerability. Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms create an uncomfortable feeling and will depend more on the drug which and mind become restless, become more and more irritable, all parts of the body could be affected and t disturbance. It is similar to a pair of physical balances where one scale is at its extreme and what is strictl of re-adjustment. If the patient goes back wanting to consume only a small quantity then the brain reca had in the past and forces him to consume more and more till it provides complete satisfaction. This completely avoided. It would be a reminder here that substitution of one drug by another is neither the so Treatment

Drug abuse, then is the disease of the body, the mind and the soul. Though treatment may begin med not enough and the patient would need an enormous amount of psychological help. If, a person gets by an intake for three valium tablets, for instance, he should be taught and educated how to pass his It requires long-term treatment, a change in lifestyle and the involvement of the family becomes cardin treatments. Care should be taken to see that the patients dignity is preserved and he should always b Prevention

Prevention is a community process and not a one-time affair or a single day affair, of taking vows and knowledge that drugs are bad alone may not also work. Developing of coping skills, learning to say a when repeatedly persuaded, a good support system, echoing the message against drug addiction rep points of time, involving all sectors of the society are some of the preventive measures to be taken, al manner, if results are to be seen. Government Initiatives

The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, as the focal point for drug demand redu

country, has been implementing the Scheme for Prohibition and Drug Abuse Prevention since implementation of programmes for de-addiction and rehabilitation of drug addicts require sustained and with a great degree of flexibility and innovation, a State-community (voluntary) partnership appears mechanism for service delivery. Accordingly, under the Scheme, while major portion of the cost of

Government, the voluntary organisations provide actual services through the Counselling and Awarene cum Rehabilitation Centres, Deaddiction Camps, and Awareness Programmes. The Ministry is

organisations for maintaining 376 De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centres and 68 Counselling and Aw

the country. The basic objective in creating facilities for treatment, at Centres run through voluntary or

that the support of the family and the community is mobilized to the maximum. To facilitate the medica

addicts who require intensive long-term medical attention, 100 De-addiction Centres are bei

hospitals/Primary Health Centres, etc. The initiatives from the Government include maintaining of Minimum Standards ensured by developing a Manual of Minimum Standards of Services, Professional

where National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP) as an apex institution has the necessa

research and development in the drug sector and Focused Interventions for Vulnerable Targets where T

Programme (WPP), a collaborative effort of the Government, ILO, NGOs and corporate sector has co

collaboration has led to the formation of an effective group of various stakeholders, known as ARM Resource Managers against Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

**** June 26th is International Day against Drug Abuse

Seabed Operations

FEATURE

Earth Sciences

Over the past decade a new phase of deep-sea mining has begun in the world. Two factors are responsi

for precious metal and the other is food. Growing world population needs more food and phosphor-based

significant importance for world food production. Phosphorus nodule mining at the seafloor is the best source for

Deep sea mining is a relatively new mineral retrieval process that takes place on the floor of the ocea

usually around large areas of polymetallic nodules or active and extinct hydrothermal vents. They are at about 14

oceans surface. The vents create sulfide deposits, which contain precious metals such as silver, gold, co pper, m

These raw materials are found in various forms on the seabed, usually in higher concentrations than terrestrial mi The deposits are mined using either hydraulic pumps or bucket systems that take ore to the surface to

nodules which contain nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese are found at depth of 4000 6000 meter. Mangan

800-2400 meter. Mainly cobalt, some vanadium, molybdenum and platinum are found in it. Sulfide deposits are

of 1400-3700 which contains copper, lead, zinc, some gold and silver. Diamonds are also mined from the seabed

The International Seabed Authority has entered into a 15-year contract with India in the year 2002 for pu

for deep sea mineral resources in the Indian Ocean on lines similar to its contracts with other countries includi

this agreement, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has undertaken exploration activity for which a total area of 75

Indian Ocean Basins is available to it. India will be amongst the few countries of the world which would be ab mineral resources in the years ahead. History

A book titled Mineral Resources in the Sea published in 1960 floated the idea of limitless supply of m ocean. J L Mero also stated in his book that apart from nickel and cobalt manganese nodules are also occ regulation on deep sea mining came into force in 1994 and conventions followed in 1973 and 1994 which re International Seabed Authority (ISA). It regulates deep sea operations of each country outside their respective E EEZ is a 200-nautical mile, i.e. 370 km area surrounding coastal nations. Each country explores two equal mini to the ISA. The mining technology was also to be transferred to ISA for period of 10 -20 years along with the s

to this but later on they refused to do so as the operation was not enough profitable. Some industrialized countrie

At present, Solwara 1 Project in the waters of Papua New Guinea, in the Bismarck sea, New Ireland

copper-gold resource and the worlds first sea floor Massive Sulphide (SMS) resources. The relatively shallo

these locations in Central and Eastern Manus Basin promises of excellent mining. The first production is ex

Eastern and Central Manus Basin around Papua New Guinea and the crater of Conical Seamount to the east are l Extraction Method

At present Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are used to collect mineral samples from mine sites. Using d tools, the ROVs gather samples to be analyzed for precious materials. Once the site is located, a mining ship mine the area. Two systems are being used for extraction namely continuous-line bucket system (CLB) and system (HS). CLB system is very convenient for collection of nodules. It operates like a conveyor belt. It runs surface of the ocean where a ship or mining platform extracts the desired material and returns the rest of t the ocean. In the Hydraulic suction system, two separate pipes are used, one for collecting nodules and the trailing. A pipe is lowered to the seafloor which transfers nodules along with other material up to the minin separated and trailing are sent back to the seafloor by another pipe. Environmental Concerns

All mining operations raise questions about environmental damages to the surrounding areas. Here in about disturbance to the living organisms in that area, change in sediment or rocky layer of sea floor, chang column and foodweb.

Removal of parts of the sea floor will disturb the benthic layer. The type of mining and location will ca to the habitat of benthic organisms. Besides this direct impact of mining the area, leakages, spills and corrosion make-up of this area.

It is feared that sediment plumes will have the greatest impact. Plumes are caused when the tailings from m into the ocean. These fine particles create a cloud of particles floating in the water. Two types of plumes oc and surface plumes. When the tailings are pumped back into the mining site, the floating particles increase cloudiness of the water. This clogs filter-feeding apparatuses used by benthic organisms.

Surface plumes cause a more serious problem. Depending on the size of the particles and water curren over vast area. These plumes could impact zooplanktons and light penetration. This affects the food web of the a *** *The author is a Freelance Writer.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are her own and do not necessarily reflec
SS-111/SF-111/13-06-2012

RTS/HSN

The Right of Every Child: The Right to Education

FEATURE Labour

Thirteen year old Sivakami is a pleasant, pony tailed girl whom I see every day. She is the culinary waiter at the small mess where I have breakfast and meals on a regular basis. Besides being cheap, the messes that can be seen all over Tamilnadu is of excellent quality.

However, the quality and low expense comes up with a specific price tag. The mess depends m Sivakami as well as her elder brother Sivanesan, who is studying for his Plus 2. the only silver lining is that bo Sivakami have been allowed to continue with their studies.

But this is not the case for many others. The Planning Commissions report on Child labour says that Census there are 1.26 crores economically active children in the age-group of 5-14 years. Among the accounts for a larger share of close to one fourth of all child labour in India followed by Andhra Pradesh. Maharastra and West Bengal respectively garnered nine and eight percent of Indias child employment. The

has dramatically shot up in the last one decade from less than 13 per cent in the mid-1990s to close to 23 pe

which is a cause for concern. On the other hand, the share of Andhra Pradesh seems to have declined quite c this period.

Though there are clear provisions in our Constitution to safeguard the interest of children by ensu education and are not forced to work for a living, it is unfortunate that the problem of child labour exists t country. In fact, child labour is the result of various ills in the society. Poverty and illiteracy are two such ma visible but there are many other factors inbuilt in our society, like the position of women in the family, t

practices and feudal attitudes in the country, perpetuating this problem.

The Global Picture

The most recent estimates suggest 127 million boys and 88 million girls are involved in c million boys and 41 million girls in the worst forms.

National laws or regulations in countries differ from one to another. Some countries may perm

13-15 year olds in light work which is neither prejudicial to school attendance, nor harmful to development. In yet other countries children in the ages 12-14 can apply for light work. Still other minimum age of 14 for becoming employed. Indias Latest Approach to Child Labour: 12th Plan

The strategy for dealing with Child Labour during the 12th Five Year Plan Period has been formulated based o given by the members of the working group in the two meetings conducted on 27th May and 8th July 2011 T the suggestions are:

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act should be strengthened and amended.

The problems of working children of the migratory families should be addressed. Child labour survey shou migration of children. Residential schools should be opened in each Metro and Mega cities and also in eve It is important to run residential schools for rehabilitation of child labour.

The NCLP (National Child Labour Project) Scheme should expand further to a large geographical coverage Emphasis should be given to the monitoring and tracking of NCLP school children.

The convergence approach should be followed to enhance social protection and welfare measures for w

The NCLP Scheme should be realigned in the light of Right to Education Act 2009. The teachers of the NCL should be properly trained.

Three tier Monitoring Committee at the District, State and National level should be made for effective im monitoring of the NCLP Scheme. The NCLP Scheme

The NCLP Scheme (National Child Labour Project), which began with a modest number of only 12 districts, ha

extended to various parts of the country with the coverage of 271 districts in 21 States of the country. It is fu districts of Tamilnadu also.

There have been demands from various States for expanding the coverage of NCLP Scheme to m therefore, a need to expand the Scheme in all the 600 districts in the country.

Right to Education

Indias landmark Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) has been hailed univ foundation to ensure that all children are in school and out of child labour. Education for all was unanimou towards reaching the goal of elimination of child labour, in addition to scaling up efforts through pov protection and building political commitment to tackling child labour.

The 12th Plan Proposal of the Planning Commission calls for an effective alignment of the NCLP Sche of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE Act, 2009). Accordingly, the NCLP Schoo Training Centre for un-enrolled and out-of-school children in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Rules, 2010. For this purpose, all such child a neighborhood school of the State Government/local authority. After such admission, the children wi training for being mainstreamed into the regular school in an age appropriate class.

World Day Against Child Labour 2012

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is commemorating World Day Against Child

June, 2012. The theme for this year is- JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN END CHILD LABOUR. The aim of commemo

highlight the need to protect the rights of the child and eliminate child labour and other violations of fundam children, in all forms.

The World Day Against Child Labour was launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 to g

about the practice of child labour in different sectors. ILO estimates that there are 21.8 crore child labourers

Government of Indias 2001 census estimated that 1.27 crore are involved in child labour. This means that ab

labour force in India is constituted by children! By entering the labour market prematurely, they are deprived

training that can help to lift them, their families and communities out of a cycle of poverty. As child labouers physical, psychological or moral suffering that can cause long term damage to their lives.

This year the World Day Against Child Labour will provide a spotlight on the right of all children to be protect

and from other violations of fundamental human rights. In 2010 the international community adopted a Roa

elimination of the worst forms of Child labour by 2016. This document stressed that child labour is an imped

rights and a barrier to development. World Day Against Child Labour 2012 will highlight the work that needs the roadmap a reality. (PIB Feature.)

*****

June 12 is World Day Against Child Labour.

Bringing the Economy Back to High Growth Path

FEATURE Economy

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh called a meeting of Ministers and Senior officials of the - Power, Highways, Civil Aviation and Shipping & Ports on 6th June, this year. The purpose was to d to bring the economy back to high growth path. Indian economy which had been growing at 9 per past eight years, grew only at 6.5 per cent in 2011-12 and in the last quarter of the financial year the cent. Such turn of events, made the Government take suitable measures to reverse the down turn.

At the meeting it was decided to invest two lakh crore rupees in the current financial year and made substantially increased allocations for several sectors of the economy. The quantum jump sectors, with significant private sector participation through public-private partnership mode, is expec boost to overall manufacturing activity in allied sectors.

Indian economy needs $ 1 trillion of investment in infrastructure in the next five years. Exp increased investment in the core sector, the Prime Minister said that development of infrastructu integral part of any strategy for fast economic development. In the short term, development of investment rates across the economy. In the long run, it will remove the supply constraints that af pointing out that the government alone would not be able to meet the vast investment needs and, t that we involve the private sector in our efforts, through Public Private Partnerships.

The meeting focused, in particular, on the ambitious projects and investment targets pertain airports. In the ports segment, the target for this fiscal comprising 42 projects valued at Rs. 14,500 cro what was achieved in the last fiscal. Of these, two projects are for brand new major ports on the Ea Pradesh and the other in West Bengal with a total investment of Rs. 20,500 crore. A statement iss said, The total capacity which will be awarded this year will be 360 million ton per annum. In road awarded in 2012-13 will be 9,500 km, marking an increase of 18.7 per cent over the last year and an by 73.6 per cent. Of these, a total of 4,360 km of roads will be awarded for maintenance under the O Transfer) system for the first time. In civil aviation sector, green field airports are proposed to be bu and Kannur. This apart, Delhi and Chennai will have airport hubs. Power generation capacity is also 18,000 mega watt.

Dr. Singh described the targets as ambitious and impressive. He expressed hope that these are

that the Government is aware of the challenges involved in their implementation. Hinting at the global

global economy is passing through difficult times with the Eurozone being the cause of concern all aro

safety taking place globally. Then there has been the persistent problem of rising international prices

commodities in the last few years. Domestically, rising demand, along with supply side bottlenecks ha inflationary pressures. All these factors combine to constitute a formidable economic challenge.

It may, however, be remembered that this is not the first time the Government is taking up a maj

massive infrastructure. One of the problems in implementing the projects is the delay in getting clear different ministries take opposing stands on some projects. Keeping these in view the Prime Minister

will work on multi-fronts. When the Ministers present in the meeting cited inter-ministerial differences,

would expect the ministries to very expeditiously resolve any inter-ministerial differences and turf batt we go forward.

The assertiveness shown by the Prime Minister in the Governments drive to re-energize the ec

investors confidence. The Prime Minister said that, there will be a review of progress in implementati Hopefully all these factors hindering progress will be identified and removed as the projects progress

economy which the Prime Minister said is capable of achieving double digit growth, will return to high (PIB Feature.)

**** *The author is a Freelance Writer.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are his own and do not necessa of PIB.
SS-108/SF-108/08-06-2012 RTS/HSN

Enhancing Milk Production Through National Dairy Plan

FEATURE

Agriculture Sant Bahadur*

Dairy sector in India has acquired substantial growth momentum from 9th Plan onwards, producing 121.8 million tonne milk during 2010-11. Per capita availability of milk reached 269 grams per day in 2010-11. This has not only placed the country on top of milk producing countries in the world, but also demonstrated sustained growth in the availability of milk and milk products for the burgeoning population. Demand for milk is increasing rapidly in the country. This is primarily due to increasing population and growing incomes accruing from the multitude of central schemes launched for livelihood and employment generation. If we go by the emerging trend, the demand for milk is likely to be about 155 million tonnes by the end of 12th Five year Plan (2016-17) and in the range of 200-210 million tonnes in 2021-22. Annual average increase in the production of milk over the last 10 years has been around 3.5 million tonnes per annum whereas there is a need to reach an average of 6 million tonnes per year over the next 12 years to meet the ever increasing demand. Dairying has become an important secondary source of income for millions of rural families and has assumed a very important role in providing employment and income generating opportunities. Milk production and marketing system in India is unique. Most of the milk is produced by small, marginal farmers and landless labourers. About 7 crore rural households are engaged in milk production, the majority being small and marginal farmers and landless. About 1.45 crore farmers have been brought under the ambit of 1.45 lakh village level dairy corporative societies. As dairy cooperatives ensure inclusiveness for small holders, especially women, it is desirable that they retain the present 50% share of the marketable surplus handled by the organised sector.

National Dairy Plan-I The Government has launched an ambitious programme for increasing the productivity of milch animals and thereby increasing the availability of milk in the country. The National Dairy Plan is a Central Sector Scheme. The outlay of the first phase of the project, for 2012-17, is estimated to be about Rs 2,242 crore. Out of total project outlay, Rs. 1584 crore will come from International Development Agency (IDA) as credit, Rs. 176 crore as Central Governments share, Rs. 282 crore as share of implementing agencies and Rs. 200 crore from NDDB and its subsidiaries for providing technical and implementation support to the project. Rs. 715 crore of the National Dairy Plan funds will be spent on breed improvement and Rs. 425 crore on animal nutrition. Rs. 488 crore will go for strengthening of village based milk procurement system and Rs. 132 crore for project management and learning.

Objectives This scheme is aimed at meeting the projected demand of 150 million tonne in next five years by productivity enhancement, strengthening and expanding village level infrastructure for milk procurement and provide producers with greater access to markets. The objective of the NDP is to help increase productivity of milch animals and thereby milk production to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk in the country and provide rural milk producers with greater access to organised milk-processing sector through a scientifically planned multi-state initiative. It is a six-year plan to be largely financed through the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, and implemented by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) through End Implementing Agencies (EIAs) located in states. Funding will be through a line of credit from IDA which along with share of Government will flow from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries to NDDB and in turn to eligible EIAs. EIAs comprise State Government, State Livestock Boards, State Cooperative Dairy Federations, District Cooperative Milk Producers Unions, subsidiaries of statutory bodies, ICAR institutes, and veterinary/dairy institutes and universities and any other entity decided by the National Steering Committee to be set up under the National Dairy Plan. The EIAs will be eligible for funding under various components based on eligibility criteria

which will comprise geographical, technical, and financial and governance parameters. Pattern of funding under the scheme will be 100% grant-in-aid for nutrition and breeding activities.

Focus States The NDP-I is to be implemented in States where the respective Governments commit to undertake the necessary regulatory, policy support to prepare an environment for successful implementation of the scheme. The focus of the scheme will be on the areas with higher potential in 14 major milk producing states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. These states contribute to 90% of milk production in the country. However, in terms of benefits the coverage of the scheme will be countrywide. Strengthening Village-Based Milk Procurement Systems Village-based procurement system will be expanded by strengthening existing co-operatives and facilitating the setting up of producer companies or new-generation co-operatives. About 13 lakh milk producers in 23,800 additional villages are expected to be covered. Alongside, capacity building, training and education programmes will get due prominence to promote technologies and improved practices at the village level. Benefits In terms of overall benefits, the NDP will put in place a scientific and systematic process which is expected to take the country on the path to improving the breed of milk producing animals in a consistent and continuous manner. It will make prudent use of countrys resources, lead to reduction in methane emissions, improve the quality of milk being marketed, help strengthen regulatory and policy measures to provide an enabling environment for future growth of dairy sector and contribute to improving the livelihoods of small milk producers who form the backbone of Indias milk production system.

Major Incentives in Scholarship Schemes for Minorities

FEATURE Minority Affairs

Sapna*

The Prime Ministers New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities is an initiative of the Government to bring the people of minority classes in the mainstream of development. This Programme for the Welfare of Minorities was announced in June, 2006 under the Ministry of Minority Affairs to ensure a more focused approach towards issues relating to the minorities. The purpose was to facilitate the formulation of overall policy and planning, coordination, evaluation and review of the regulatory framework and development programmes for the benefit of the minority communities. An important aim of the new programme is to ensure that the benefits of various government schemes for the underprivileged reach the disadvantaged sections of the minority communities. In order to ensure that the benefits of these schemes flow equitably to the minorities, the new programme envisages location of a certain proportion of development projects in minority concentration areas. It also provides that, wherever possible, 15 percent of targets and outlays under various schemes should be earmarked for the minorities. The objectives of the programme are: Enhancing opportunities for education; Ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, through existing and new schemes; enhanced credit support for self-employment and recruitment to State and Central Government jobs; Improving the living conditions of minorities by ensuring an appropriate share for them in infrastructure development schemes; and Prevention and control of communal disharmony and violence. Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been notified as minority

communities under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. Scholarship Schemes for Students of Minority Communities Three scholarship schemes for minority communities namely, pre-matric scholarship from class-I to X, post-matric scholarship from class XI to PhD and merit-cum-means scholarship for technical and professional courses at under-graduate and post-graduate levels have been launched. It is felt that the scholarship will encourage parents from minority communities for educating their children. The scheme will form the foundation for their educational attainment and provide a level playing field in the competitive employment arena. Empowerment through education, which is one of the objectives of this scheme, has the potential to lead to upliftment of the socio economic conditions of the minority communities. Scholarships are awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50 percent marks in the previous final examination and annual income of their parents/guardian from all sources does not exceed Rs 1 lakh and 2 lakh for school and higher education respectively. 30 percent of scholarships are earmarked for girl students. In case sufficient number of eligible girl students is not available, then the balance earmarked scholarships may be awarded to eligible boy students. As the number of scholarships for minorities available in a year is fixed and limited it is necessary to lay down preference for selection giving weightage to poverty rather than marks. Another scheme of merit-cum-means based scholarship to students belonging to minority communities is to enable them to pursue professional and technical courses. Every year 20000 scholarships are distributed among the students of minority communities throughout the country. Online Scholarship Management System (OSMS) An Online Scholarship Management System (OSMS) for merit-cum-means based scholarship scheme has been introduced as a pilot project from the current financial year i.e. 2011-12 through the website of the Ministry of Minority Affairs www.minorityaffairs.gov.in. Students may apply online. For this they should visit the website through URL www.momascholarship.gov.in. The OSMS has proved to be useful, both from the user and the stakeholder point of view. This is the first time that in a Government Scholarship Scheme such a system has been introduced. Significant Achievements in Minority Affairs In pursuance with the recommendations of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM), the Government have carved out a sub-quota of 4.5 percent effective from 1st January, 2012 for backward classes of minorities from out of 27 percent quota of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This reservation is available to those minority communities who are

included in the Central list of OBC published by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment from time to time. The reservation will be for the Central Government jobs and services and also admissions to Central Government educational institutions. For educationally empowering minority communities, the Ministry of Minority Affairs within a short span of four years in the 11th Plan, have awarded more than One crore scholarships to minorities, out of which 50.34 percent has been awarded to girls students. Among other achievements during the year 2011-12, 29.23 lakh pre-matric scholarships were awarded of which 53.80 percent went to girl students; 4.38 lakh post-matric scholarships were awarded of which 55.65 percent went to girl students ; and 29579 Merit-cum- Means scholarships were awarded of which 38.06 percent went to girl students. Increased Budget Union Budget 2012-13 has provided major incentives for the uplift of students of minority communities. The outlay for scholarship schemes for the students belonging to the Minorities has been increased significantly. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has got an outlay of Rs. 3,135 crore as Central Plan Outlay in the Union General Budget 2012-13. This is an increase of Rs. 385 crore over the Revised Budget Estimates for the FY 2011-12 (which stands at Rs. 2,750 crore). Provision for Pre-Matric Scholarship has been increased from Rs. 540 crore to Rs. 810 crore; Post-Matric Scholarship gets Rs. 450 crore up from Rs. 405 crore; Merit-cum-means Scholarship scheme gets Rs. 198 crore - as against Rs. 126 crore in the Revised Budget Estimates for the 2011-12. Provision for Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority students has been enhanced from Rs. 47 crore to Rs. 63 crore. New Initiatives The Budget 2012-13 also provides Rs. 4.50 crore for a new scheme to provide free cycles to girl students of class IX with the objective of retention of minority girl students from class IX onwards. Another new scheme of Skill Development Initiatives has been provided Rs. 18 crore in the Budget to allow urban and rural livelihoods to improve for inclusive growth by providing skill to the Minority communities who do not posses any, to allow them to gain employment. Rs. 45 crore each have been provided for Scheme for promotion of education in 100 Minority Concentration towns/cities; and Village Development Programme for 1,000 villages not covered under Minority Concentration Blocks/ Minority Concentration Districts. The Ministry of Minority Affairs also gets Rs. 19.70 crore as Non-Plan provision so that the total finances available with the Ministry for the FY 2012-13 are Rs. 3,154.70 crore.

Strategy to Tackle the Issue of Black Money Stashed Abroad

INFO-NUGGETS FINANCE

Shamima Sidd

The Government has adopted a five-pronged strategy to tackle the sensitive issue of Black Money Joining the Global Crusade Against Black Money

Issues of tax evasion and Exchange of Information have been incorporated in communiqu due to efforts of India in the recent ministerial meetings. India is playing a key role in Global Forum on Transfer Pricing and Exchange of Inform for tax purpose, as Vice Chairman of Peer Review Group. Joined FATF, Task Force on financial integrity and Economic Development and Eu Group. India is participating in policy groups of OECD and UN on Exchange of Inform International Taxation and Transfer Pricing as observer and member respectively.

Creating an Appropriate Legislative Framework

Started renegotiation with 75 countries to broaden the scope of Article concerning Exc of Information, and negotiation of DTAA and Tax Information Exchange Agreement (T with new countries and 22 priority countries/jurisdictions (no tax or low countries/jurisdictions) respectively. India has signed the OECD Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistan Tax matters on 26 January, 2012. This Convention shall expand the scope of Indias network on tax matters.

Enacted legislation incorporating counter measure against non-cooperative jurisd (section 94 A in Finance Act 2011). Tightened provisions of transfer pricing. Proposed GAAR and reporting requirement of foreign asset in the Finance Bill, 2012. 28 of existing DTAA also contain article for assistance in collection of taxes including t measures of conservancy. Government is trying to have this Article in other treaties as we

Setting up Institutions to Deal with Illicit Funds

Ten Income Tax Overseas Units in various Indian Missions abroad have been created an of which two are already functional. The remaining 8 Units shall be made operational soon. Creation of more ITOUs is under active consideration. To effectively handle the increase in tax information exchange and transfer pricing iss dedicated Exchange of Information unit (EOI Unit) has been set up.

Developing Systems for Implementation

New policy for deployment of manpower to Directorate of Transfer Pricing and Interna Taxation is implemented. Manpower of FT&TR Division in CBDT has been doubled. Imparting Skills to the Manpower for Effective Action

Officers are being imparted specialized training abroad in field of International Taxatio Transfer Pricing. International seminar on transfer pricing was held in India in month of June 2011.

India played a major role in G-20 discussions and highlighted the importance of automatic exchan information and importance of obtaining past banking information. India has also obtained u information about Indians having bank accounts in Swiss bank. This is under investigation. Fur dedicated Exchange of Information Cell has been created to handle the work related to exchan information in line with latest international standards. (PIB Features.)

Green Economy

FEATURE

Environment M. V. S. Prasad*

Celebrated annually on 5 June, World Environment Day aims at creating worldwide awarene political attention and action on environmental issues. World Environment Day thematic celebration included caring for the earth and water, ozone layer, climate change, desertification and sustainable devel

World Environment Day was founded by the UN in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Human Environment. 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Environment Programme Environment Day (WED), and 20 years since the first UN Conference on Sustainable Development Brazil. Why Celebrate World Environment Day?

When we see or experience the negative effects of climate change and environmental degradation

others - for not prioritizing environmental policy; corporate organizations for raising issues like greenho

NGOs for not lobbying strongly enough for the environment; and individuals for not taking action. Worl

however is a day we put aside our differences and instead celebrate the achievements we've made tow environment.

By celebrating World Environment Day, we remind ourselves and others of the importance

environment. World Environment Day is celebrated around the world in many ways, including street ralli

green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up ca more. The 2012 theme for World Environment Day is Green Economy: Does it include you?

In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low efficient and socially inclusive. Practically speaking, a Green Economy is one whose growth in income

driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance en

efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems. If the Green Economy is about inclusiveness, then, technically it is all about us.

The Green Economy touches almost every aspect of our lives and concerns our development. It i

energy, green jobs, low carbon economies, green policies, green buildings, agriculture, fisheries, forestr

efficiency, sustainable tourism, sustainable transport, waste management, water efficiency and all other r These are all elements involved in the successful implementation of a green economy.

The world today is facing a mounting crisis and in recent years we have experienced a comb financial crisis, a food crisis, volatile oil prices, degradation of ecosystem and an unprecedented clim inter-related crises challenge the ability of human population to live peacefully and sustainably on this urgent attention of governments and citizens around the world. More importantly, as countries across the deep economic recession, it emphasizes the need for a Green Economy that addresses social equity. What can be done?
Buildings

Construction and buildings take a large toll on resources and climate. Energy audit can reduce you footprint and lead to significant savings in energy costs.
Fisheries

Overfishing in many parts of the world threatens to deplete future fish stocks. We can avoid this by worki sustainable fishing practices. Choose sustainably harvested seafood. Forestry

Deforestation accounts for close to 20% of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainably managed fo to support communities and ecosystems without damaging environment and climate. Use electronic files t demand for paper products. When you support certified sustainable forest products, you support a healthy sustainable livelihoods.
Transport

Riding alone in your car isn't just environmentally and economically inefficient, it's lonely! Ca public transport reduces environmental impacts and economic costs while strengthening community. W bike for short trips is good for your health - and the environment's, too! When you choose alternative tran you support a Green Economy in the transport sector.
Water

Billions of people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water or improved sanitation services - and po will worsen the problem. Taking small steps towards wise water use can help conserve this precious resou tap when you're not using it, wait until you have a full load to run your washing machine, limit shower tim your lawn right after a rain. Resource efficiency is key to a Green Economy and water is one of our most resources.
Agriculture

The worlds population stands at 7 billion and may rise to more than 9 billion by 2050. This mea on already crowded cities where more than half of all people now live and on natural resources, a water and energy rises. It's time to support sustainable agriculture to ensure our ability to feed everyon vegetables, and shop at local farmers' markets. When you buy local, organic, and sustainable food pr message to producers that you support a Green Economy for agriculture.
Energy

The current mainstream energy sources - oil, coal, gas, etc. - are not only harmful to health and environme sustainable in a world of growing energy needs. You can support the development of clean, renewable ene businesses and products that invest in them - or by investing in them yourself. While we work towards a t renewable energy, consider ways to improve your personal energy efficiency. Turn off lights and unplug a you are not using them. Waste
Recycling appropriate materials and composting food waste reduces the demand on our natural resources.

In this significant year for the environment and sustainable development, the world leaders will once again m

Nations Conference on Sustainable Development twenty years after the historic Earth Summit in Rio de Janeir

Sustainability entails providing opportunity for all by balancing the social, economic and environ of development. We have to rebut the myth that there is conflict between economic health and enviro policies and the right investments, we can protect our environment, grow our economy, generate employm social progress.

Moving towards a green economy has the potential to achieve sustainable development and erad unprecedented scale, with speed and effectiveness. It requires world leaders, civil society and industry work towards this transition. It will also need a sustained effort on the part of policy makers and citiz redefine traditional measures of wealth, prosperity and well-being. (PIB Features.) ****

5th June, 2012 is World Environment Day

Green Economy: Does IT Include You?

FEATURE

Environment

This year the World Environment Day theme is "Green Economy". The Green Economy is d results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environ ecological scarcities (UNEP). A green economy is one whose growth in income and employment i and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resour prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

If the Green Economy is about social equity and inclusiveness then technically it is all about create an economic system that ensures all people have access to a decent standard of living and for personal and social development.

The World has already lost much of its biodiversity. The pressure on commodity and food consequences of this loss to society. Urgent remedial action is essential because species los degradation are inextricably linked to human well-being. Economic growth and the conversion of na to agricultural production are forecasted to continue, but it is essential to ensure that such developm account of the real value of natural ecosystems.

The main findings of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEED) report were natural areas remaining in 2000 could be lost as a result of conversion for agriculture, the expansio and climate change. Almost 40% of the land currently under low impact forms of agriculture could intensive agriculture use, with further biodiversity losses. It is estimated that for an annual investmen into protected areas alone, the delivery of ecosystem services worth some US$ 5 trillion a year coul

In some regions, cities are expanding rapidly, while in others, rural areas are becomin significant part of this urbanization is taking place in developing countries as a result of natural gr and large numbers of rural-urban migrants in search of jobs and opportunities.

Urban areas in prosperous economies concentrate wealth creation as well as resource cons emissions. Globally with a population share of just 50% but occupying less than 2% of the earth areas concentrate 80% of economic output, between 60 and 80% of energy consumption, and app CO2 emissions (UN Population Dn.). Buildings, transport and industry - which are constituent of areas contribute 25, 22 and 22 percent respectively of Global energy - related GHG emissions.

Larger, denser cities which help lower per capita emissions are good for economic g world's most significant metropolitan economies produce 45% of the global GDP with only 1 population. Densification reduce the capital and operating costs of infrastructure including street and sewage systems as well as other utilities come at considerably lower cost per unit, the higher t Green urban agriculture can reuse municipal wastewater and solid waste, reduce transportatio biodiversity and wetlands, and make productive use of green belts.

But urban growth puts pressure on the quality of the local environment, which affect poor p lack of adequate access to clean water and sanitation. This results in huge disease burden that fu livelihood options.

Ecosystem services play a critical role in risk reduction measures. The 2005 floods in Mu more than 1000 people and paralysed the city for five days were linked to a lack of environmenta city's Mithi River.

Cities require significant transfer of water from rural to urban areas with water leakage being Upgrading and replacement of pipes has contributed to net savings of 20% of potable water in m cities. To counter severe water shortages in Delhi, the Municipal Corporation made rainwa requirement of all buildings with a roof area above 100 sq. metres. It is estimated that 76,500 mil per year will be available for groundwater recharge. In Chennai, urban groundwater recharge groundwater levels by four metres between 1988 and 2002.

The green economy embraces such diverse industries as renewable energy production an distribution, energy efficient and storage, organic agriculture, green transportation and green buil from energy efficient lighting to electric passenger trains, biofuels, carbon capture and home insulat cluster of very different industries that are working to lower raw material and energy consumptio goods and services in a manner that is less damaging and more sustainable. (PIB Features.)

Railways Continue its March Towards the Path of Growth & Developme

Feature - UPA Railways

H. C. Kunwar*

In its endeavour to become an excellent rail transport network of the world, the Indian Railway the year 2011-12 has helped launch itself towards a path of gigantic growth and development, keeping the future transportation needs of the economy like construction of 727 kilometres of new line conversion of 856 kilometres and doubling of 752 kilometres of Railway line besides improving punct six per cent and improving safety by seven per cent. The year 2011-12 has been significant for the Ra achieving goals and targets.
Revenue Generation

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during the financial year were Rs. 104278.79 registering an increase of 10.15 per cent. The total goods earnings were Rs. 6 crore during financial year 2011-12, registering an increase of 10.70 per cent. The total passenger earnings during fiscal 2011-12 were Rs. 28645.52 crore, registering an increase of 10.15 per cen Railways have carried 969.78 million tonnes of revenue earning freight traffic during fiscal 2011-12 re an increase of 5.24 per cent.
Fresh Measures to Prevent Misuse of Train Tickets

In a move to prevent misuse of Reserved Train Tickets and reduce cases of travelling on tra tickets, the Ministry of Railways decided that anyone of the passengers undertaking journey in AC-3 ti tier, 1st AC, AC Chair Car and Executive Classes were to carry one of the nine prescribed proofs of id original) during the journey. Meanwhile, Agents /Rail Travel Service Agencies (RTSAs) have been dis booking Tatkal tickets at the counters between 08.00 hrs. and 10.00 hrs. on the opening day of Tatkal A Reservation Facility for booking with train starting date. Moreover, Tatkal tickets booking are being boo

on production of self attested photocopy of one of the nine prescribed Identity cards as proof of identity.
SMS at Par with Ticket & Reservation Through Mobile Phone

In a move to further make Train Reservation Ticketing System passenger friendly, the Mi Railways has decided to permit Short Messaging Service (SMS) sent by its PSU, Indian Railways Ca Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) containing vital details as an instrument on par with the Electronic Res Slip (ERS). This has come into effect from 1st February, 2012. The SMS would contain all the vital ticke like PNR, Train Number, Date of Journey, Class, Name & Number of Passengers, Coach & Seat Num Fare paid. Also if feasible, the SMS will accommodate the names of all passengers booked on the otherwise maximum number of passengers.

For the convenience of the rail users, Indian Railways through Indian Railway Catering & Corporation (IRCTC), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railway, has started the se booking e-ticket over the mobile phone. After initial registration and downloading of suitable software mobile handset with internet facility, it is quite easy for the mobile users to book a reserved ticket throu own mobile.
Real Train Information System Opened to Public

In a major passenger friendly move, Indian Railways opened the first phase of the Re Information System (RTIS) in October 2011 to public for accurate train tracking thus heralding a ne application of advanced communication and information technologies in various Railway related activitie new tracking system is based on Satellite Imaging for Rail Navigation (SIMRAN) and has been develope by the Ministry of Railways Research arm namely Research, Design and Standards Organization Lucknow and IIT, Kanpur. This information is available on website http://www.simran.in. To begin present, this service is available for six pairs of Rajdhani & Shatabdi trains and would be expanded f due course of time.
Adarsh Station Scheme

A total of 929 stations have been identified during 2009-10 to 2012-13 for development under station scheme. A total of 550 stations have been developed under Adarsh station scheme so far. O remaining 370 stations, 295 stations are targeted for completion in 2012-13 and the remaining 84 which were identified for development under this scheme during Railway Budget, are planned for comp the next financial year. Adarsh Stations are provided with basic facilities such as drinking water, a toilets, catering services, waiting rooms and dormitories especially for lady passengers, better signage e
Developments on Dedicated Freight Corridor Project

The Dedicated Freight Corridor project will connect a land mass over 3300 kilometers in the cou could prove to be a backbone of Indias economic transport facility. The Western corridor from Dadr Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai will be 1499 kilometers. The Eastern Dedicated Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni will be 1839 kilometer long. The nodal authority Dedicated Freight Corporation India Limited (DFCCIL) is overseeing progress of work with the target project completion

March 2017. Presently, 67 per cent of the land acquisition has been completed and as of now the p and large is on target. Funding has been tied up with the World Bank for 1183 km section of Eastern D Khurja to Mughalsarai for US$ 2.72 billion in May 2011 and Loan Agreement for US$ 975 million for sector viz Kanpur-Khurja, (343 km) has been signed in October. 2011. Construction work of 54 m important bridges in Vaiterna-Bharuch section of Western DFC is in progress and five major bridges ha completed.
Development of Multifunctional Complex

A new concept of development of Multi Functional Complexes (MFCs) with Budget Hotels, was introduced Budget 2009-10 so that important facilities may be available to the rail users in a separate complex in the vicinity o circulating area in station premises. So far, a total of 198 stations have been identified since 2009-10 (67 in 2009 in 2010-11 and 38 in 2011-12). Task of development of 198 MFCs has been assigned to Zonal Railways and vario executing agencies under the Ministry of Railways. Construction of MFCs has been completed at 24 stations. The of MFCs has been affected as long-term leasing of land now requires Cabinets approval. A Cabinet note, in this re under process. New Train on Longest Ever Route Flagged Off

Vivek Express on longest ever route from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari covering a distance kilometers was flagged off on 19th November, 2011. This weekly trains leaves Dibrugarh on every Satur reaches Kanyakumari on Wednesday. In return direction, it will leave Kanniyakumari on every Sat 14.00 hrs reaching Dibrugarh on Wednesday. It will run via Goalpara, New Bon Alipurduar, Maldah Town, Durgapur, Asansol, Adra, Midnapur, Vijaywada, Jolapettai, Salem, Coim Ernakulam, Thiruvanantapuram & Kanyakumari.
Countrys First Ever AC Double Decker Train Flagged Off

Countrys first air conditioned superfast Double Decker train was flagged off from Howrah st Dhanbad on 1st October 2011. This train will consist of 9 coaches including 7 air-conditioned Decker chair cars having 128 seats in each coach and 2 generator cars. This train will stop at Bardd Durgapur, Asansol, Barakar and Kumardhubi on both ways en-route. This train will have maximum per speed of 110 kilometre per hour
Longest Tunnel Made Through Pir Panjal in Jammu & Kashmir

Indian Railways achieved another milestone with final breakthrough of Pir Panjal Railway t Jammu and Kashmir on 14th October 2011. This Tunnel with a length of 11.176 Kilometers is not longest Transportation Tunnel in the country but has also the highest point (1753 Meters above sea l Broad Gauge Railway System in the country.
Strengthening of Security at Railway Stations

Indian Railways are implementing Integrated Security System at 202 important and sensitive station country in first phase. The system will likely become functional at all 202 stations during the current financial ye system provides for multiple screening/checking of passengers right from the point of entry. The Integrated System, comprising of latest machines and software, will supplement conventional methods of security which being strengthened. There will be dedicated control rooms at strategic locations for round the clock monitoring thr Close Circuit TV (CCTV) based surveillance system. Setting up of Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd Proposed

It has been decided to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Railway Stations Deve Corporation Ltd to meet the aspirations of rail users and to provide better passenger amenities & fac railway stations. This SPV will be constituted with equity participation of Ircon International Ltd. (IR Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways and Rail Land Development Authority (R statutory authority under the Ministry of Railways.
Railways Electrification

Electrification of Railway routes has yielded good results. During 2011-12, the target of 11 kilometres plus 220 track kilometres has been achieved. Railways have fixed an even higher target route kilometres for the current year. By the end of XI Five Year Plan, the percentage of electrified ne Indian Railways is likely to go up to 34.61%. As on 01.04.2011, 21304 Route Kilometers (RKM) ha electrified. This constitutes 32.88% of Indian Railways network, hauling about 2/3rd freight and nearl passenger traffic.
Green Initiatives

In a significant move towards clean environment in platforms and railway tracks, Indian Railw inducted biotoilets (green toilets) on certain trains. This type of toilets has been designed jointly b Railways and DRDO. These biotoilets are well suited to unique requirement of Indian Railways pa coaches. Eight trains are presentably running with approximately 500 biotoilets and the results a encouraging. It is now planned that 2500 biotoilets will be inducted in the next year.
More Concession For Senior Citizens

The Ministry of Railways has decided to reduce the minimum age for availing concession from 60 ye years in case for women senior citizens. It has also been decided to increase the element of concession in cas st senior citizens from 30 per cent to 40 per cent with effect 1 June 2011. Meanwhile, it has also been decided concession in train fares to patients suffering' from Sickle Cell Anaemia/Aplastic Anaemia, when trav treatment/periodical check-up to the Government recognized hospitals, and return after treatment/periodical check element of concession is 50 per cent in the basic fares of Sleeper, AC Chair Car, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier classes. MoUs with State Governments

The Ministry of Railways and State Government of Chhatisgarh signed an MoU on Developmen Corridors in Chhattisgarh. The Ministry of Railways and Government of Jharkhand State signed an

ongoing Railway Projects in Jharkhand. Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited Offers Tax Free Bonds

Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC), the financing arm of Indian Railways, iss Free, Secured, Redeemable, Non-Convertible Bonds of face value of Rs. 1,000 each in the n Debentures, having benefits under Section 10(15)(iv)(h) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as amended ( aggregating to Rs. 3,000 crore with an option to retain oversubscription of upto the shelf limit of` R crore (Issue).
Railways Extend Advance Reservation Period to 120 Days

The Ministry of Railways increased the advance reservation period for booking reserved trai from 90 days to 120 days on experimental basis (excluding the date of journey) with effect from M 2012.
Arrangements to Clear Extra Rush of Traffic for the Summer, April to June 2012

Indian Railways have made elaborate arrangements to clear extra rush of traffic for the ensuing season from April 2012 to June 2012. More than 5600 trips of special trains have been planned to ha rush during the ensuing summer period. These special trains have been planned over approxim different popular routes to clear extra rush of traffic.
High Level Committees

Safety in train operations is accorded the highest priority by Indian Railways and all measures a taken on a continual basis to prevent accidents and enhance safety. A High Level Safety Review Co headed by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission submitted its report su a significant road map on safety related issues. In addition, to give further impetus to Railways mode plans, an Expert Group constituted under the Chairmanship of Mr. Sam Pitroda also submitted it recommending ways and means to modernize Indian Railways.
India and Bangladesh Constitute Joint Group

The Governments of India and Bangladesh constituted an Empowered Joint Group to suggest measure travel by Maitree Express, the direct passenger carrying train between Dhaka-Kolkata-Dhaka, introduced in Ap Both sides agreed that Maitree Express is a symbol of people to people connectivity and the deep abiding f between the two countries. To make this bi-weekly train more popular, the Empowered Joint Group decided would formulate certain short term, medium term and long term measures to ease the travel by this train.

Protecting and Safeguarding the Interests of Workers Ministry of Labour & Em

INFO-NUGGETS - UPA Labour & Employment

The broad mandate of the Ministry of Labour & Employment is to protect and safeguard the interes constitute the poor, deprived and disadvantaged sections of the society. Legislative Initiatives Amendments in the following Acts have been carried out during last three years: The Employees Compensation Act, 1923 The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 The Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 The Plantations Labour Act, 1951 The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 Bills for amendment in the following Acts have been introduced in the Parliament:

The Mines Act, 1952 The Labour Laws (Exemption from Furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by Certain Establishme The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979. Major Initiatives

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana

The scheme envisages provision of issuance of smart cards to the beneficiaries to facilitate cashles Rs.30,000/-. The coverage of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana has been extended to constructi vendors, railway porters & vendors, MGNREGA workers, domestic workers and beedi workers. As on 1 than 2.96 crore cards have been issued.

Employees Provident Fund Organization

The Computerization Plan of Employees Provident Fund Organization has been implemented, which wou

members to have portability of their account and the services of any time any where on real time basis

Employees State Insurance Corporation

The Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has taken new initiatives to improve the delivery of service under the ESI Scheme. The numb at the end of March, 2012 has touched 1.55 crore while the number of beneficiaries has reached 6.02 crore.

Child Labour

With the efforts of the Ministry, the occurrence of Child Labour is decreasing in the country. As per NSSO figure, the number of working childre lakh in 2004-05 to 49.84 lakh in 2009-10 which is a reduction of about 45%.

Employment & Training

Vocational Training is being provided through a network of 9480 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) where about 13.38 lakh training seats are av Upgradation of 100 ITIs with domestic resources has been completed. Upgradation of 400 ITIs with World Bank assistance and 1,396 ITIs under undertaken.

Under the Skill Development Initiative (SDI) Scheme which involves Modular Employable Skills (MES) 13.68 people have been trained / tested and 10.22 lakh certified since inception.

6951 Vocational Training Providers (VTPs) have been registered across and 35 Assessing Bodies emp Scheme.
Scheme for setting up of new 1,500 ITIs and 5,000 Skill Development Centres is being taken up under the Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

Skill Development Plan for Youth in Left Wing Extremism (LWE), supplementing infrastructure deficiencies in ITIs in NE states and Sikkim and mo Employment Exchanges in the country under e-governance plan are being taken up.

Industrial Relations

During last three years, industrial relations situation in the Central sphere, by and large, has been peaceful through the intervention of the Of Commissioner(C).

Swabhimaan- Transforming Rural India through Financial Inclusion

FEATURE

Finance

Swabhimaan is a path-breaking initiative by the Union Government and the Indian Banks Ass economic gap between rural and urban India. This campaign is a big step towards socio-economic eq the underprivileged segments of Indian population into the formal banking fold for the first time. T programme is social application of modern technology.

Swabhimaan a financial security programme was launched by the Central Government t facilities in habitation with a population in excess of 2000 by March 2012. This nationwide progra inclusion, was launched in February, 2011 with its focus on bringing the deprived sections of the soci network to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach everyone at all levels.

In a big nation like India, providing banking facilities across the length and breadth of the cou rural areas, has always been a great challenge for the successive governments since Independen nationalisation gave a big boost to expansion of banks in rural areas with Public Sector Banks be instruments for advancement of rural banking and changing lives of rural populace.

The key idea is that there is need for village level presence a customer-facing channel th customer preferably at a walking distance of not more than three to four kilometers. For this, it is entities which are good at delivering outreach while operating in very difficult remote conditions. Besi to banking, it also enables government subsidies and social security benefits to be directly credited t the beneficiaries, enabling them to draw the money from the bank saathi or business corresponden itself.

This initiative enables small and marginal farmers to obtain credit at lower rates from banks a institutions. This would insulate them from exploitation of the money lenders. Governments emphasis take up this task with a sense of responsibility and understanding and exercise courtesy and respect, e borrowers.

The initiative is also important to protect the customers, especially the most vulnerable financial practices and prevent them from being overburdened by debt. All in all, the end objec empower people to achieve their own goals through enhancing their financial capabilities.

This campaign ensures to provide the following services to the Rural India:

Promises to bring basic banking services to unbanked villages with a population of 2000 and above. The movement facilitates opening of banks accounts, provide need-based credit and remittance helping in promoting financial literacy in rural India. The programme is aimed at increasing the demand for credit among the millions of small and mar rural artisans who will benefit by having access to banking facilities. This financial inclusion campaign aims at providing branchless banking services through the use of tec Banks provide basic services like deposits, withdrawals and remittances using the servic Correspondents (BCs) also known as Bank Saathi. The initiative also enables Government subsidies and social security benefits to now be directl accounts of the beneficiaries so that they could draw the money from the Business Corresponde village itself. The Government hopes that the benefits of micro insurance and micro pension products reach the ma banking linkage. This programme now makes it possible for the large number of migrant workers in urban areas to rem relatives in distant villages quickly and safely. The facilities provided through banking outlets will enhance social security by facilitating the av services in course of time like micro insurance, access to mutual funds, pensions, etc. Banking facilities like Savings Bank, recurring Deposits, Fixed deposits, Remittances, Overdraft fac Card (KCCs), General Credit Cards (GCC) and collection of cheques will be provided. The Banks are also working together with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for en

bank accounts and also to facilitate transfer of government subsidies and other payments. The Government had provided Rs 500 million to banks for this initiative in the last fiscal year.

During his Budget speech this year, the Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has propo Swabhimaan campaign to habitations with population of more than 1000 in North Eastern and hill other habitations which have crossed population of 2000 as per Census 2011. As a next step, Ultra are being set up at these habitations, where Business Correspondents would deal with cash transa Finance Minister also informed that 70,000 habitations have been covered so far under the Swabh out of 73,000 identified habitations till March 2012. The Swabhimaan movement is significant begi transforming of rural India through financial inclusion.

'Solar' India

World's production and use of energy over the past two decades have shown striking changes.

has risen phenomenally resulting in a remarkable difference in the pattern of energy consumption. The i

we had for switching fuel resource presented larger challenges in terms of

FEATURE Energy

coupled with almost dwindling fossil fuel resources.

When we look at the world's energy resources, oil, natural gas and coal seem to be still riding contribution of renewable seems marginal at this juncture.

Solar energy seems to enjoy a better edge over the others at this juncture due to vigorous pursuit to

an attractive and economic option. Power consumption in India has been increasing fast due to popul

economic development. India has tremendous energy needs and faces an uphill task in meeting th through traditional means of power generation.

The Indian economy faces increasing challenges because energy supply is struggling to keep pa

and there are energy shortages of 10-13% daily almost everywhere in the country. Because India has so

many factories and households use emergency generators and inverters as back-ups. This back-up supplied by solar energy.

Solar has the potential to transform the Indian economy in the same way as the Information Techn

is in a unique position to introduce clean energy solutions on an enormous scale to provide affor

everyone especially the poor. From an energy security perspective, solar is the most secure of all s

abundantly available. Theoretically, a small fraction of the total incident solar energy (if captured effe the entire countrys power requirements. It is also clear that given the large proportion of poor and

population in the country, every effort needs to be made to exploit the relatively abundant sources of en

the country. The National Solar Mission has targeted to deploy 20 million solar lighting systems for rura

India is blessed with about an estimated 5000 TWh of solar radiation. This vast resource can be t

growing energy demand. Even if a tenth of this potential is utilised, it could solve the countrys powe

could lead the world by embracing solar power, if favourable policies and business models are evolved nationwide.

India should take full advantage of this golden opportunity because solar energy has particular re and rural areas, where around 289 million people live without access to electricity. Solar energy

effective option for India to reduce energy poverty without having to extend national grid services to p

individual homes and buildings. Solar energy to power computers to assist learning in schools and hos

Information System (MIS) to assist better management of forests, powering milk chilling plants, em

Self Help Groups (SHGs) involved in tussar silk reeling, cold chain management for Primary Health C some examples of new areas, being tried successfully in the country. A State/UT wise list of grid solar power projects commissioned so far is as follows: S.No. State / UT Capacity (kWp) 1 2 3 4 Andhra Pradesh Arunanchal Pradesh Gujarat Karnataka 100 25 5000 6000

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Kerala Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Tamil Nadu Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand West Bengal Andaman & Nicobar Delhi Lakshadweep Puducherry Others Total

25 100 1000 2325 4950 5050 375 50 1150 100 2142 750 25 790 29957

Launching the National Action Plan on Climate Change on June 30, 2008, the Prime Ministe

Singh said our vision is to make Indias economic development energy-efficient. Over a period o pioneer a graduated shift from economic activity based on fossil fuels to one based on non-fossil fuels on non-renewable and depleting sources of energy to renewable sources of energy. In this strategy,

centre-stage, as it should, being literally the original source of all energy. We will pool our scienti

managerial talents, with sufficient financial resources, to develop solar energy as a source of abundant

our economy and to transform the lives of our people. Our success in this endeavour will change the would also enable India to help change the destinies of people around the world. Support

The National Solar Mission is a major initiative of the Government of India and State Governm

ecologically sustainable growth while addressing Indias energy security challenge. It will also c

contribution by India to the global effort to meet the challenges of climate change. The National Action

Change also points out: India is a tropical country, where sunshine is available for longer hours per

intensity. Solar energy, therefore, has great potential as future energy source. It also has the advantage decentralized distribution of energy, thereby empowering people at the grassroots level.

Solar is currently high on absolute costs compared to other sources of power such as coal. The

Solar Mission is to create conditions, through rapid scale-up of capacity and technological innovatio

costs towards grid parity. The Mission has set an ambitious target to create an enabling policy fr

deployment of 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022 and to ramp up capacity of grid-connected solar po

1000 MW. The Solar Mission has set a target of 1000 MW by 2017, which may appear small, but its rea

bringing changes in millions of households .For the first phase,a target has been fixed to set up 1, connected solar power plants by March, 2013.

Asias first and largest Solar Park has been set up at Charanka in Gujarat. The 3000 acre state of the art p capacity of 500 MW with training facilities as well. Incidentally, Gujarat has taken the lead in solar power g been contributing 2/3rds of total 900 MW solar power generated in the country. The state government is also energy policy, which is likely to be launched soon.

India is endowed with vast solar energy potential. About 5,000 trillion kWh per year energy is inc

land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sq. m per day. Hence both technology routes for co

radiation into heat and electricity, namely, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic, can effectively be har huge scalability for solar in India.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) industry has demonstrated unprecedented growth over the recent pas

demand for solar power attracting more and more players into the market. The price of solar panels

considerably. This has made solar technology more competitive. The Government may conside

structures as well as provide financial resources for community solar farms as part of the ene programmes.

Solar irradiance, economic installation costs, Government support and financing conditions in a likely to drive the growth of the solar photo-voltaic technology. The falling generation cost is another e for the technology to emerge as the largest and most stable demand segment. Power cannot be pro cloudy days is history as concentrated solar power plants and Nano-antennas are being developed to cap to overcome this limitation. Remote communities could eventually make their own solar cells using thanks to a design developed by researchers in Switzerland and the United States. The technolog photosynthesis Most of the solar installations are supported by incentives. However, until the efficiency of solar

the cost of generation competes with that of conventional energy, solar energy can only have a limited r

Solar energy is a win-win for India and the environment, and India should make it a mainstream

energy diversification. There is really no better economical choice for the country. Renewable energy is

investment opportunity because it will provide long-term economic growth for the country. A favo energy policy could create millions of jobs.

As American economist and author Jeremy Rifkin rightly said, India can usher in a third industrial revolution

utilising its renewable energy resources. In fact, progress on renewable energy front could determine the futu human sustainability.

Solar Energy has the potential to re-energise Indias economy by creating millions of new job independence, reduce the trade deficit and propel the nation forward as a green nation. In short, solar pow benefits for India to ignore or delay its development. (PIB Feature.)

Udayagiri Khandagiri-Monuments Of Ancient India

FEATURE Monument

Kalpana Palkhiwala*

Udaygiri and Khandagiri two hills near Bhubaneshwar contain unique monuments of ancient India, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. These sites are mentioned as the Kumari Parvat in the Hathigumpha inscription. The two cave sites are located about 200 meters apart, facing each other. Not as famous as Ajanta and Ellora, but these caves are finely and ornately carved, and were built from huge residential blocks during the reign of King Kharavela, wherein they served as resting places for Jain ascetics on their journey to Nirvana. They command unique position in the field of history, architecture, art and religion. Udayagiri has 18 caves and Khandagiri has 15 caves. Some of the caves are natural but it is believed that most were carved out by Jain monks and they belong to the earliest Jain rock cut temples. Caves called lena in the inscriptions found in the caves have been scooped out, perhaps over endless full moons. The openings are like doorways and light can enter throughout the day and keep the stone floors warm, and moonlight can enter at night and light up the caves. The caves were home to ascetics who renounced the world to experiment with Nirvana, using the flow of energy of bodies and minds. Here they were in unison with nature, in the midst of fragrant flowers, chirping birds, the rustle of leaves, the warm sun and the cool moon. The caves were also places for monks to meditate in peace and quiet and to do austere penance; and for scholars who came here in their quest of truth, peace, eternal salvation and beauty. The Udayagiri caves are approximately 135 feet high and the Khandagiri caves are 118 feet high, and date back to 2nd century B.C. The caves are reminiscent of Buddhist and Jain influences in Odisha. The hills which are honey-combed with caves, reveal sculptural art centered on the life and times of Jain ascetics. The caves were built by King Kharavela, the King of Kalinga- ancient Odisha (circa 209- after 170 BC) in the first century. Kharavela was subdued by the great Mauryan King Ashoka. Although inclined towards Jainism, Kharavela was liberal regarding religious questions. Mostly excavated near the top of a ledge or boulder, the cells simply provided dry shelter for

meditation and prayer. They have an opening directly into the verandah or courtyard. There are minimal amenities even for small comforts: the height is too low for a person to stand erect, and essentially they were dwelling retreats or just sleeping compartments. Several monks used to stay in one cell. One striking feature of the cell is a raised floor on the opposite side of the opening which might have served the purpose of a pillow to sleep. While the cells are cramped, low scuffed and austerely plain, their facades are encrusted with inscriptions and sculptures depicting various objects. The Archaeological Survey of India numbered the caves and all have individual names based on these objects. Objects include court scenes, birds, animals, royal processions, hunting expeditions and scenes of daily life. The inscriptions which are in Brahmi start with the fundamental mantra of Jainism- the Namokar Mantra. They then depict the life and deeds of King Kharavela, the worshipper of all religious orders and the repairer of all shrines of Gods. They also describe the patrons of separate caves. Many people of royal descent were patrons. As Ashoka took over the possessions of Kharavela, the previously favored Jain religion gradually gave way to Buddhism. Udayagiri The floor in Udaygiri is laid with leveled blocks of stone. Eighteen caves can be accessed by a flight of steps. Cave 1 is Ranigumpha cave or Queens cave, a double storey structure. It is famous for its exceptional acoustic characteristic and is believed to be used for chants and theatre performances. It also has an image of Surya riding a chariot. The right wing of the lower storey has a single cell with three entrances and a pillared verandah. It has been excavated on three sides of a quadrangle with fine wall friezes. It has some beautiful sculptures, including two sentries at the entrance. The pilasters to the entrance have fine wall friezes, animals, toranas (arches) with religious and royal scenes. There is also a couple standing with folded hands, a female dancer with accompanying musicians. The central wing has four cells. Victory march of a king and his journey are depicted here. There are guard rooms decorated with a spring cascading down a hill, fruit laden trees, wild animals, monkeys, and sporting elephants in a lotus pool. The upper storey has six cells, one each in right and left wing and four in the rear. All four cells have two doorways each with two pilasters. The toranas here have auspicious Jain symbols like snakes and lotuses, King Dushyants first meeting with Shakuntala, and dance performances. Cave 2 is Bajaghar Gumpha with two massive built columns in front and additional inner columns. Cave 3 is known as Chota Hathi Gumpha. There are masterfully carved six vigorous elephants flanking the entrance. Cave 4 is Alakapuri Gumpha- double storeyed, with a sculpture of a lion holding a prey in its mouth, and pairs of winged creatures, people, animals atop the pillars. A bodhi tree has been carved in the central apartment.

Caves 5, 6, 7 and 8 are known as Jaya-Vijaya Gumpha, Panasa Gumpha, Thakurani Gumpha and Patalpuri Gumpha respectively; wherein the 5th and 7th caves are double storey. These are adorned with paintings, carvings of winged animals, etc. Manchapuri and Swargapuri caves are cave 9, a double storeyed cave with several sculptures and inscriptions. There are four votaries with folded hands, dressed in long dhotis, scarves and heavy kundalas (earings). This cave has a crowned figure believed to be that of Chedi King, Vakradeva. Cave 10, Ganesha Gumpha, has a Chaitya hall, the place of worship for monks, two dwelling cells with low ceilings and a verandah in a famous relief of Ganesha. It also contains a carving with Jain Tirthankara. Jambesvara Gumpha- cave 11 is a small one with two plain door-openings and Vyaghra Gumpha cave 12 is a low cell with two door opening. Its front is carved in the shape of a tigers mouth with a distended upper jaw full of teeth. It forms the roof of the verandah and the gullet forming the entrance. Sarpa Gumpha- cave 13 is an unusually small cave with adornment above the entrance. Here the famous inscription regarding life history of Kharavel is written in the Magadhi language. Other caves include Hathi Gumpha, cave 14, Dhanaghara Gumpha-cave 15, Haridasa Gumpha-cave 16, Jagammath Gumpha- cave 17 and Rosai Gumpha-cave 18.

Khandagiri Caves
The first and second caves are Tatowa Gumpha 1 and 2, richly decorated caves with two guards at the entrance and also two bulls and two lions. Parrots are carved above the entrance arch. Cave 3, Ananta Gumpha contains exquisite sculptures of women, elephants, athletes, and geese carrying flowers. Cave 4 is Tentuli Gumpha. Cave 5, i. e. Khandagiri Gumpha is a double storey, roughly cut cave. Caves 12,13 and 14 have no names. Caves 6 to 11 have been named as Dhyan Gumpha, Nayamuni Gumpha, Barabhuja Gumpha, Trusula Gumpha, Ambika Gumpha and Lalatendukesri Gumpha. There are reliefs of Jain tirthankars, Mahavira and Parsvanatha on the rear wall of cave 11. Cave 14 is a simple cell and is known as Ekadasi Gumpha. (

: Turning the Wheel of Rural India

Shri Mayank Agrawal* Smt. Gargi Malik** ......And I too have a dream, I dream of an India- strong, independent, self reliant and in the front rank of the nations of the world..... FEATURE Power Above lines express the vision that the late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi had of a developed India. Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran

Yojana (RGGVY) which reflects this vision was launched in April 2005 so that rural and urban India could become one in thier expression of developed India. RGGVY envisages inclusive growth for the nation by bridging the rural-urban divide. The programme aims at developing the rural electricity infrastructure and household electrification to provide access to electricity to all rural households. For this programme, electricity is not just a medium to lighten the villages but also a tool to enlighten the minds and souls of rural population by helping them come out of darkness, low levels of development, low literacy levels and non-availability of basic facilities. As per 2001 census, 1.19 lakh villages and 7.80 crore households were un-electrified in the country. A large portion of population was still living in darkness. It was in this background that the RGGVY was launched with the objectives of electrifying all villages and habitations; providing access to electricity to all rural households; and providing electricity connection to Below Poverty Line families free of charge.

Under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), 576 projects targeting to electrify 1.10 lakh un/de-electrified villages and intensive electrification of 3,48,987 partially electrified villages have been sanctioned in the country. In addition thirty three projects in 33 districts have also been sanctioned under Phase-II of the RGGVY. Further, thirty six supplementary projects have also been sanctioned under Phase-II. The Bharat Nirman target of electrification of 1 lac unelectrified villages and providing free electric connection to 1.75 crore BPL households has already been exceeded by achievement of electrification of 1,03,611 villages and 1.91 crore BPL households as on 22 March, 2012. Under the scheme, besides electrification of un-electrified BPL households financed with 100% capital subsidy as per norms of Kutir Jyoti Programme, provision also exists to provide access to APL households, who are required to pay for their electricity connection at prescribed connection charges for obtaining household connections. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Remote Village Electrification Programme for providing financial support for lighting/ basic electrification in those remote unelectrified census villages and un-electrified hamlets of electrified census villages where grid extension is not found feasible by the State Governments and are not covered under the RGGVY. The implementation process of the scheme involves preparing a district based detailed project report for execution on turnkey basis. Then Central Public Sector Undertakings are involved in the implementation. Gram Panchayat is involved in the certification of an electrified village. The Infrastructure under RGGVY includes - Rural Electricity Distribution Backbone (REDB) with 33/11 kV (or 66/11 kV) substations of adequate capacity and lines to be established in blocks where these do not exist; Village Electrification Infrastructure (VEI) which involves

electrification of un-electrified villages and habitations. There is a provision of Distribution Transformer of appropriate capacity in villages or habitations; and Decentralized Distributed Generation (DDG) based on conventional and non-conventional energy sources where grid supply is not feasible or cost effective. Under RGGVY electric connections are also provided to un-electrified public places like schools, panchayat offices, community / health care centres, dispensaries, etc. Providing power to rural areas means all round development of these areas by promoting education, health care facilities, computerisation, telecommunication, online access to land records and access to new technology in agriculture. Moreover, Khadi and village industries also get a boost with the access of electricity. RGGVY, thus, acts as a means of social and economic inclusion in the rural Indian society. The scheme is helping in creating rural employment and slowing down the rate of migration to urban areas. Here is what the villagers of Golaghat district of Assam said about how the scheme transformed their lives: Attacks by wild animals were common in my village. Before the electrification, we used to spend the nights in fear. Elephants would destroy houses and tigers would kill cows and goats. After the electrification attacks by wild animals are rare as the lights keep them away. ...........An old lady from village
Halowa NC, Kaziranga

Now our children can study in the evening and I can work in the kitchen even late in the nights. ..........A housewife from village Haatikhuli
Earlier villagers had to go to the nearby town just to get mobile phones charged which consumed the whole day... now they can charge it at home. After electricity came, number of mobile connections has also increased many times in my village. I have opened a mobile repair shop and my income has also gone up. ...........Ali, Village

Rongbong

It has been proposed to continue the RGGVY during the 12th Plan with 90% capital subsidy. During the 12th Plan the scheme will aim to cover all remaining habitations irrespective of population and BPL households. It is also proposed to enhance BPL load from the range of 40-60 Watt to 250 Watt and to provide LED in each BPL household. The 12th Plan also proposes to have a separate new scheme for productive loads, mainly agricultural loads. (PIB Features.)

Vellayani Lake: Conservation Efforts

FEATURE Regional Sidelines

Sreejith Sreedharan*

Vellayani Lake, also called Vellayani Kayal is one of the three rain-fed freshwater lakes in Kerala. surrounded by lush greenery is located This very vast picturesque lake about 9 kms away from the

Thiruvananthapuram city. Vellayani lake is a rich repository of flora and fauna, and the biodiversity supports the livelihood of people around the lake. About hundred species of wetland birds frequent the lake, including migratory ones. The local legend regarding the origin of the lake is that a saint used to meditate under a banyan tree at this place. One day, a beggar came up to him and asked for some water to drink. When saint found that his pot was nearly empty, he poured the last few drops in the pot into his palm and with a prayer, threw the drops as far as he could. And the land till the point where the drops touched the earth turned into a big lake. Two temples dedicated to Vishunu and Devi are situated on the banks of this lake. It is believed that till 1953, the lake was solely used for the cultivation of lotus flowers for the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. But later

the water from the lake was extensively used for drinking and irrigational purposes.
The Vellayani fresh water lake is the major source of drinking water for the people of Kalliyoor, Venganoor, and Vizhinjam grama panchayats. However interventions in the form of paddy cultivation has deteriorated the quality of water and drastically reduced the water spread area. The area of the lake which was 750 ha in 1926, was reduced to 397.5 ha by 2005. As a result the villages bordering the lake have been experiencing acute water shortage. During 1950s a rice cultivation project after dewatering the lake was taken up which resulted in intensive agriculture operations around lake area and reduction in the lake area.

Studies and Recommendations The environment committee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly which studied the environmental issues associated with the fresh water lakes submitted a report in 1993. The committee recommended that the State Government should identify and demarcate the encroached portion of the lake and steps should be taken to evacuate illegal encroachers, prevent pollution of lake water, increase the depth of the lake by dredging and prevent further siltation of the lake. A study made by the College of Agriculture, Vellayani warned that dewatering the Vellayani lake for cultivation would endanger the reservoir and threaten several drinking water projects servicing the neighboring panchayats. In 2005 Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) study report recommended a revenue survey to demarcate the reservoir area and identify the encroachments. In 2006, the SHRC directed the state government to withdraw the order relating to paddy cultivation in the land around the Vellayani Lake. The Commission has also directed the state government to work with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to take steps to protect the lake as a source of drinking water. Conservation Initiatives Public demand for the conservation of Vellayani lake began when water shortage intensified in villages around Vellayani during 1990s. There are now participatory movements taking place to conserve Vellayani fresh water lake and its ecosystem by several NGOs with the help of local public. Understanding the importance of this unique ecosystem the State government has taken steps for the ecological preservation and beautification of Vellayani Lake, by setting up the Vellayani Lake Conservation Society.

The Trivandrum district Pachayat has taken the initiative to include Vellayani Lake in the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme for the ecological preservation of the lake and its vicinity. As part of the project the panchayat is taking steps for strengthening bunds, cleaning up of wetlands etc. The Panchayat has decided to use Coir Corporations Geo textile technology for strengthening bunds instead of cement and rock. Kalliyoor and Venganoor Gramapanchayats are responsible for implementing the project. The conservation project will be undertaken in phases for the only rain-fed freshwater lake in the Thiruvananthapuram district. Vellayani lake presents a unique ecosystem and a multipronged strategy is required to preserve this lakes unique ecology while at the same time ensuring adequate drinking water for the villages dependent on lake water. (PIB Feature.)

Improving Energy Efficiency

Energy is one of the most sought after things in the present scenario and the same is true for India too. Nationally as well as internationally, keeping in mind the growing energy needs not only there is a need for resource augmentation but also FEATURE concerted step needs to be taken to conserve energy. Energy Power conservation is also being encouraged at governmental levels as India is part of the consortium of nations trying to act against the threat of climate change and reducing the carbon footprint. As a step towards this end, the Government of India has enacted the Energy Conservation Act in 2001. Over the past one decade, energy efficiency in India has been increasing at a good pace and energy intensity declined by about 20-25%. Yet, there are places where energy efficiency opportunities exist and hence can be implemented. The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 is the most important multi-sectoral legislation in India and is intended to promote efficient use of energy in India. The Act specifies energy consumption standards for equipment and appliances, prescribes energy consumption norms and standards for consumers, prescribes energy conservation building codes for commercial buildings and establishes a compliance mechanism for energy consumption norms and standards. In order to implement the various provisions of the EC Act, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was operationalised with effect from 1st March, 2002. The EC Act provides a legal framework for energy efficiency initiatives in the country. The Act has mandatory as well as promotional initiatives. The Bureau is spearheading the task of improving the energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy through regulatory and promotional mechanism. The primary objective of BEE is to reduce energy intensity in the Indian economy. This is to be demonstrated by providing policy framework as well as through public-private partnership. During the 11th Plan Period, the Government of India initiated a number of

programmes to promote energy efficiency. This has resulted in avoided generation capacity of 10,000 MW in the last five years. Some of the principal programmes launched included Standards and Labeling of Equipment and Appliances, Energy Conservation Building Code, Energy Efficiency in Industry and Residential Lighting.

Standards and Labeling of Equipment and Appliances

Labeling has been introduced for 16 major energy consuming appliances, providing users with information on the energy use of a model and its relative efficiency. Labeling has been mandatory for 4 products- air conditioners, refrigerators, distribution transformers and tube lights. This programme in 2010-11 has led to saving of 3718 million units of electricity equivalent to avoided capacity generation of 2162MW. With the market for star-rated labeled products growing, there is now a move towards making appliances super efficient i.e. appliances that save as much as 30-50% energy than the most energy efficient versions available in the market. To accelerate this shift and make such appliances affordable, BEE is in the process of launching the Super Energy Efficient Program (SEEP) that would provide manufacturers incentives to produce super efficient appliances. It forms a part of Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE) initiative, one of the four initiatives of the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency. Super efficient appliances have a high cost of production as well as uncertainty of demand. The program envisions that incremental cost can be compensated by incentives on one hand and cost reduction due to economy of scale on the other.

Energy Conservation Building Code

A National Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) has been prepared for the design of new commercial buildings. Over 700 ECBC compliant buildings are at various stages of construction. In addition, performance contracting through Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) is being promoted to enable the retrofit of existing buildings so as to reduce their energy consumption. It has resulted in electricity saving of 22.45 million units in 2010-11 which is equivalent to avoided capacity generation of 4.27 MW.

Energy Efficiency in Industry

The Government has notified the energy efficieny improvement targets for the 478 most energy intensive industrial units in 8 sectors. Together, they account for about one third of the total energy consumption in India. Issued under the Energy Conservation Act, 2011 the targets are to be achieved by 2014-15. Overall, industrial units used 166 million tonnes of oil equivalent energy in 2009-10, which has to be reduced by 6.6 million tonnes of oil

equivalent in the target year. The targets, however, are not defined in terms of absolute energy use reduction, but in terms of the amount of energy used to produce a unit of the product. The sectors covered by the notification are iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, aluminum, pulp and paper, chlor-alkali, textiles and thermal power stations. Within each sector, only plants using more than a specified amount of energy are included in the targeted list. An interesting feature of the programme is that these units which are able to achieve greater energy efficiency improvements within the specified targets can capture the excess savings through the issuance of Energy Saving Certificates. These certificates can be traded and bought by other units covered by the programme who may find it expensive to meet their targets through their own actions. Units which are unable to meet their target, either through their own action or through purchase of certificates will be liable for repayment of penalty. The penalty will be related to shortfall in target achievement. A penalty of Rs.10,154 will be levied for shortfall of 1 tonne of oil equivalent in the achievement of the target. Residential Lighting The Bachat Lamp Yojana (BLY) provides energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) to households at the cost of incandescent bulbs as the former are expensive and hence not able to penetrate in the domestic sector. Over 20 million CFLs have already been distributed under the BLY programme. The scheme targets to replace 400 million bulbs leading to a possible reduction of 6000MW and about 24 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Besides, the Government is also promoting innovative schemes like Energy Conservation Awards etc. In order to accelerate Demand Side Management measures in agricultural sector, BEE has initiated an Ag DSM programme in which pump set efficiency upgradation would be carried out through Public-Private Partnership mode. The BEE has also registered a country-wide Programme of Activities (POA) under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) which enables quick registration of each investor led project as a CDM project under the POAs

Tapping Energy from Small Hydro Power Projects

Hydro power is one of the largest renewable sources of energy to be utilized for the generation of electricity. Small Hydro Power (SHP) in India has been standardized up to the level of 25MW. India has an estimated SHP potential of about FEATURE 15,000MW of which MNRE only 20% has been tapped. Hence, there is lot to be utilized in the near future to meet our growing needs. It is proposed to install 2000MW additional power generation capacity from SHP in the Twelfth Five Year Plan. This capacity addition is expected to come mainly from private investment. Hydro power is obtained from the potential energy of water flowing from a height. The energy is converted into electricity by using a turbine coupled to a generator. The hydro power potential of a site is dependent on the discharge and head of water. These projects can be set up on rivers, canals or at dams. They are classified as Micro hydro (up to 100kW), Mini hydro (1012000kW i.e. 2MW) and Small hydro (above 2MW up to 25MW). SHP is economical and at the same time is compatible with use of water for other purposes like drinking, irrigation etc. It can also

provide electricity in a decentralized manner. It gives the flexibility of installation and operation in a distributed mode. The power generation is environmentally friendly because it causes negligible or no submergence; minimal deforestation and hence reduced impact on flora, fauna and biodiversity. The standard indigenous technologies for the SHP are available and hence only minor adaptation to specific site conditions is required. While SHP projects on rivers involve higher costs of civil works than those on canals, the cost of equipments for canal based projects is relatively higher. SHP projects generally cost between Rs.7-8.5 crore per MW. SHP projects generally have a pay-back period of 5-7 years depending upon the capacity utilization factor. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) supports SHP development throughout the country, both in government and private sectors. Apart from providing financial subsidy to new ventures, the government provides assistance for renovation and modernization (R&M) of existing stations. The subsidy is utilized by the promoter towards repayment of the term loan availed from a financial institution. However, the subsidy is released after the project performance parameters are achieved. The equipment too used is commensurate with the standards laid down by the International Electro-technical Commission and Bureau of Indian Standards. A special incentive package has been developed for the promotion of the SHP programme in the North-Eastern states, Jammu and Kashmir,

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. A number of states have announced policies to attract private sector entrepreneurs to set up SHP projects. The State Electricity Regulatory Commissions are now determining tariffs for these projects. Water mills also known as gharats in the northern part of the country are traditionally used for mechanical energy. The Himalayan region alone is the house for about 100,000 water mills and are used for mechanical applications like grain grinding and oil extraction. Water mills have, generally, low conversion efficiency and hence improved water mills have been developed for mechanical applications as well as electricity generation. The scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for development of water mills is being operated with the help of local organizations such as Water Mills Associations, cooperative societies, registered NGOs, local bodies and state nodal agencies. Under the scheme, subsidy up to Rs.30,000 in mechanical mode and Rs.1 lakh in electrical/ electrical plus mechanical mode. The state of Uttarakhand has the distinction of already setting up over 500 such water mills in its remote and isolated areas. While about 3342 MW capacity has been installed in the small hydro power sector, 2025 water mills/micro hydel projects were also functional at the end of February, 2012. The small hydro power sector is expected to get further boost in the Twelfth Plan. (PIB Feature.

Silent Valley

FEATURE Environment & Forest

K. A. Beena* "Silent Valley is the best assurance that a forest can speak through human beings. said the environmentalist Shri. M. K. Prasad. The tourists and visitors to Silent Valley cannot disagree with him because Silent Valley gives an unusual experience of silence while in the midst of nature. It gives one the rarest of the rare experience of being with nature, becoming one with it. Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District in Kerala. The park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India. It is the core of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve and is part of The Western Ghats World Heritage Site. The area is locally known as "Sairandhrivanam" literally, in Malayalam: Sairandhri's Forest. In local Hindu legend, Sairandhri is Draupadi. The Pandavas during their exile wandered into Kerala and came upon a magical valley where rolling grasslands met wooded ravines, a deep green river bubbled its course through impenetrable forest, where at dawn and twilight the tiger and elephant would drink together at the water's edge, where all was harmonious and man unknown. Botanist Robert Wight in 1847 made the first English investigation of the watersheds of the Silent Valley area. The British named the area Silent Valley because of the perceived absence of noisy cicadas. Another story attributes the name to the anglicisation of Sairandhri. A third story, refers to the untouched nature

of the valley, i.e., without human noises. Silent Valley is home to the largest population of Lion-tailed Macaque, an endangered species of Primate. The Silent Valley National Park is a unique preserve of natural rainforests. It houses a rich mosaic of varied habitats. Out of these springs the amazing variety of life forms some of them endemic to the Western Ghats. The Kuntipuzha River drains the entire 15 km length of the park from north to south into the Bharathapuzha River. The river is characterized by its crystal clear and perennial nature. The number of tree species computed for the Silent Valley (118 vascular plants of 84 species in 0.4 ha) is very high compared to a range of 60 to 140 species that characterise the other known tropical forests. The Mudugar and Irula tribal people are indigenous to the area and they live in the adjacent valley of Attappady Reserved Forest. Also, the Kurumbar people occupy the highest range outside the park bordering on the Nilgiris. The limited studies of the fauna of Silent Valley reveals that its rich resources as rare and unique - rare because many species which originally inhabited the entire belt of the Western Ghats have been lost due to destruction of their habitat by human beings or for other reasons. These faunal resources however are still available in Silent Valley, because of the relatively little human intrusion. It is unique because what little has been collected and studied has already proved to be of immense scientific interest from the taxonomic, zoogeographic and ecological points of view. A number of species, which were available in the Western Ghats 50 to 100 years ago still exist in Silent Valley. They include insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Upto 1970 it was an unknown forest area, unexplored and untouched.

Announcement against a hydroelectric project proposed in the area resulted in the creation of the park in 1984.
Since then, a long-term conservation effort has been undertaken to preserve the Silent Valley ecosystem. In order to ensure better protection of the area the buffer zone of the Park was created and made an integral part of Silent Valley National Park.

Now there are two zones for silent valley. The core zone (89.52 sq.km) and buffer zone(148 sq km). The core zone is protected and wild life is undisturbed. Only forest department staff, scientists, and wildlife photographers are allowed. The story of Silent Valley National park is the struggle and thought for environmental protection in the country. The struggle for protecting the valley proved that human beings still care for nature. (PIB Feature.)

Hydrogen: Energy Of The Future

Hydrogen - a colourless, odourless gas is increasingly gaining attention as a future source of energy free from environmental pollution. Its new use has been found in the automobile and power FEATURE generation sector. The biggest advantage MNRE with hydrogen is that it has the highest energy content per unit mass among known fuels and it burns to produce water as a by-product. It is, therefore, not only an efficient energy carrier but also an environmentally benign fuel as well. In fact, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have been supporting a broad based research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programme on different aspects of hydrogen energy for over two decades. Consequently, a National Hydrogen Energy Road Map was prepared in 2005 which provides for various pathways for development of hydrogen energy i.e. production, storage, transport, safety, delivery and applications. However, the current technologies for use of hydrogen are yet to be optimized and commercialized but efforts for the same have already started.
Hydrogen Production Hydrogen is found only in combined state on earth and therefore its production involves the process of its isolation from its compounds, a process which itself requires energy. Globally, about 96% of hydrogen is produced presently using

hydrocarbons. About 4% hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water. Refineries and fertilizer plants are major insitu producers and consumers of hydrogen in India. It is also produced as a by-product in chloro-alkali industry. Hydrogen production falls into three categories: thermal process, electrolytic processes and photolytic processes. Some thermal processes use energy resources while in others heat is used in combination with closed chemical cycles to produce hydrogen from feed-stocks such as water. These are known as thermo-chemical processes. But this technology is in early stages of development. Steam Methane Reformation, gasification of coal and gasification of biomass are other processes of production of hydrogen. The advantage with coal and biomass is that both are locally available resources and biomass is a renewable resource too. Electrolytic processes use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and can even reduce the emission of green house gases emission if the source of electricity is clean. Hydrogen Storage Hydrogen storage for transportation is one of the most technically challenging barriers to widespread commercialization of this technology. The most common method of storage is in gaseous state in pressurized cylinders, however, it being the lightest element requires high pressures. It can be stored in liquid form in cryogenic systems but would require high amounts of energy. It is also possible to store it in solid state in the form of metal hydrides, liquid organic hydrides, carbon nanostructures and in chemicals. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is presently supporting R&D projects in this field. Applications Apart from using it as a chemical feedstock in industry, it can also be used as a clean fuel in automobile and also for power generation through internal combustion engines and fuel cells. In the field of hydrogen in internal combustion engines, R&D

projects for using hydrogen blended compressed natural gas and diesel and development of hydrogen fuelled vehicles are being implemented in India. Hydrogen fuelled motorcycles and three wheelers have been developed and demonstrated in the country. Catalytic combustion cookers using hydrogen as fuel have also been developed. The Banaras Hindu University, BHU has modified commercially available motorcycles and three wheelers to operate on hydrogen as fuel. With a view to provide hydrogen blended compressed natural gas as an automotive fuel, a dispensing station for the same has been set up at Dwarka in New Delhi with partial financial support from the Ministry. This facility provides CNG fuel blended with hydrogen up to 20% in volume in demonstration and test vehicles. A development cum demonstration project for use of H-CNG as fuel in select vehicles (buses, cars and 3-wheelers) is also under implementation. Besides, hydrogen fuelled generator set is being developed by BHU and IIT, Delhi. Another application of hydrogen energy is the fuel cell, an electrochemical device converting chemical energy of hydrogen directly into electricity without combustion. It is a clean and efficient process of electricity generation. It can be used in UPS systems, replacing batteries and diesel generators. In view of the relevance of fuel cells in automobiles and power generation, several organizations globally are pursuing RD&D activities in this field. Portable applications are also being developed. The present efforts in these fuel cells are focused on reducing its cost and improving its durability. The focus of the Fuel Cell programme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has been on supporting RD&D activities on different types of fuel cells. (PIB Feature.)

and AARDO in Search of New Horizons

FEATURE
Rural Development

D ebajani Baxipatra *

India had played a leading role in struggle for political emancipation of many nations of Africa. The Mahatma once said Indias heart pines for Africa. Due to shared history, commonality of issues and challenges and geopolitical reasons India has been a strong votary and architect of solidarity and cooperation among Afro-Asian nations. From Bandung to hey days of Non-alignment and pinnacle of South-South Cooperation India has always stood up for a closer relationship and collective approach among the countries of the region on every possible sphere. Afro-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) is the culmination of a unique camaraderie and resolve in exploring innovative and effective ways and means to strengthen cooperation between Asia and Africa in the field of rural development. AARDO is one of the earliest examples of South-South cooperation in rural development in the Afro-Asian region. It is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation. Notwithstanding the growing and rapid urbanization of the countries of the region, an average 68 per cent of population in the region still live in rural areas. More than two-thirds of the world population lives in this region. Paradoxically, three-fourth of worlds poor also live here. No doubt poverty is a global phenomenon; it however does not affect every region of the world equally. Worldwide 2.7 billion people live on less than $2 a day, and 1.1 billion people live on under $1 a day.

In Sub-Saharan Africa almost 50% of the population lives on under $1 a day. Thirty-two of the worlds forty eight poorest countries are located in this region. Similarly, Southeast Asia account for approximately half of the worlds poor. Of a population of 1.3 billion, 85% live on less than $2 a day. The East Asia/Pacific region is home to 1.8-2 billion people, making it one of the most populous regions on earth. About 50% of the population here too lives on less than $2 a day.
Thus the whole Afro-Asian region in general and the rural areas of the region in particular are afflicted by extreme poverty.

Poverty is the greatest affront on human rights, dignity, and development. Many of the conflicts witnessed in the countries of the region are directly attributable to extreme poverty. To banish extreme poverty and allied scourges from the face of the earth in a time bound manner by 2015 through a global partnership, UN adopted the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As a natural corollary, AARDO in its New Delhi Declaration of 2007 undertook to achieve the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and agreed to carry forward the spirit of cooperation for rural development, to begin with, among AARDO member countries and strive to enlarge cooperation with others in the year to come. The principal objective of AARDO has been the promotion of understanding among member countries for better appreciation of each others problems. To realise these objectives, AARDO has been implementing a number of concerted programmes on triennial basis. During the triennium 2006-2008, all out efforts were made to consolidate the existing activities of AARDO, namely, training programmes, workshops, seminars, deputation of experts, development pilot projects, dissemination of information and at the same time, initiate new programmes such as new training courses, regional level workshops/seminars and study visits, action research studies, meeting of heads of training institutes and regional representatives to discuss and review technical programmes, etc. AARDO also aims to help the member countries in obtaining financial and technical assistance for rural development programmes from the financial and other specialised institutions like World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), African Development Bank (AFDB) etc.
Another major plank for AARDO has been collaboration with appropriate international and regional organisations, including the UN agencies and national level bodies both governmental and non-governmental, in the developed and developing countries, for the purpose of taking such actions as may accelerate the

pace of rural development. AARDO has also been assisting in the development of organisation of farmers and other rural people including the cooperatives for accelerating rural development in the member countries. It is in this backdrop that Indias experience and phenomenal success in the field of agriculture and rural reconstruction are of critical value to the AARDO member states many of which are still struggling to grapple with the issue of how to fast pace the development of their rural areas by eradicating thirst, hunger, illiteracy, disease and poverty. From the dawn of independence one of the most abiding and absorbing tasks for our successive governments has been to develop millions of our villages where over 70 per cent of our people live. Keeping with the urgency of bridging the gulf, 5-year plans set out and achieved ambitious tasks of rural reconstruction. The methodology, strategy, orientation and trajectory were changed and adjusted, but the focus remained the improvement of the quality of life in our rural areas. Tenth Five-Year Plan had outlined Indias human development goals and targets for the next five to 10 years. Most of these are related to and are more ambitious than the Millennium Development Goals. Emanating from this is Bharat Nirman a time bound business like programme for specific targets of rural infrastructure development by 2015.

To match up with the renewed emphasis and new mood of reaching out development in rural areas also called for a change in approach, a paradigm shift was hence introduced with more and more rural development programme becoming demand driven i.e. not limited by budget, programmes are also aiming at universal coverage. The new mantra for rural development is to foster an inclusive growth which does not leave out the vast majority of rural populace from the ambit of growth and development taking place in the country. Indias concern for poverty eradication and emancipating the rural population from the scourge of hunger transcends her national boundaries as India always believes that poverty is indivisible and is the single biggest cause for conflict among communities and nations and hence need to be combated concertedly.
The formation of Afro-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) (earlier known as Afro-Asian Rural Reconstruction Organisation) in 1962 underscored the far-sightedness of the social and political leaders of Asia and Africa in recognising the need for cooperation among the countries in the field of

agriculture and rural development. The Copenhagen Declaration described poverty as .. a condition characterised by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information.

Time has therefore come to strengthen AARDO to enable it to take a holistic approach to address the rural poverty as defined by the Copenhagen Declaration so that its mission and objectives can be taken beyond the realms of semantics. This can be achieved by bringing together many of the nations of Africa and Asia, which are still not members of AARDO and also by broadening its purview.
The forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebration of AARDO being held in New Delhi on 5-6th, March, 2012 shall provide a new fillip and also an apt platform to the 29 member nations to share their experiences and explore new areas of cooperation. (PIB Feature.)

INSPIRE Motivating Students to Study Science

FEATURE Science

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is a national programme implemented by the Ministry of Science & Technology for attraction of talent amongst the students to study Science and pursue career with research.

The programme has 3 components:-

Scheme for early attraction of talents for Science (SEATS), which has two sub-components INSPIRE Award of Rs. 5000/- and Mentorship through global Science leaders at a science camp. Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) at the rate of Rs. 80,000 for continuing education at B.Sc and M.Sc levels. Assured Opportunity for Research Career (AORC) for young researchers which also has two sub-components INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty.

While the first component of the Scheme - INSPIRE Award is being implemented centrally through the States/UTs, the other

components of the Scheme are being implemented centrally by Department of Science & Technology (DST) through the concerned academic/research institutes and Universities etc.

The objective of INSPIRE Award Scheme is to motivate and catch the young students in the age group of 10-15 and facilitate them in experiencing the joy of innovating and thereby attracting them to pursue careers in Science.

Salient Features

Under the scheme, as approved for the 11th Five Year Plan, two students are selected from each school of the country (from class 6th to 10th) during the Five Year Plan period for an INSPIRE Award of Rs. 5000 each for preparing a science project/model. INSPIRE Award Warrant is issued directly in the name of selected student and sent to him/her through state/school authorities.

All Awardees under the scheme are required to participate in the District Level Exhibition and Project Competition (DLEPC). Best 5 to 10 per cent entries from the districts are selected for participation

in a State Level Exhibitions and Project Competition (SLEPC). Best 5 percent entries from the State/UT, subject to a minimum of 5, are selected to participate at the National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC). At all levels the projects are evaluated by a Jury of experts. Participation/merit certificates are issued to the selected awardees of DLEPC, SLEPC and NLEPC, as well as, mentor/teachers who guided them for the preparation of the projects. The entire cost of organizing exhibitions at district, state and national level is borne by the Department of Science & Technology (DST).

Merit based selection of the students for INSPIRE awardees is done by Head Master/Head Mistress/Principal of each school, who is required to send nomination of best children having aptitude for science, with requisite details giving also the criteria adopted by the school for nomination and selection. District education authorities compile details of the schools in their jurisdiction in the prescribed format and send the proposal to DST through the State education authorities.

All schools in the country, whether Government or private, aided or unaided, run by Central Government or State Government of local bodies, and having classes 6 to 10 are eligible to participate in the scheme.

Proposals so received from the State authorities are processed in DST in accordance with the norms of the scheme and the list of the selected students is sent to the banker of DST for preparation of Award Warrants in the name of selected students. The Award

Warrants so received from the bank are sent to State authorities for onward delivery to the selected awardees through district education authorities.

Present Status of Implementation

The scheme envisages selection of one million (10 lakh) students during the Five Year Plan period @ of 2 lakh awardees per year. There are about 4.5 to 5 lakh schools in the country which would have classes 6 to 10. The scheme was launched during December, 2009. However, implementation could start only in 2009-2010, and 1.26 lakh Awards were sanctioned during that year. In addition, 2.50 lakh Awards were sanctioned during 2010-2011, and as on date 5,36,598 Awards have been sanctioned and award money amounting to Rs. 268.30 crores sent to the selected students in the form of INSPIRE Award Warrants.

Since the inception of the scheme, more than 2 lakh Awardees have participated in DLEPSCs, about 15 thousand selected Awardees of DLEPCs have participated in SLEPCs, and recently about 700 awardees participated in the first ever NLEPC held at Delhi during August 14-16, 2011. All the 35 States/UTs are participating in the scheme.

Funds to meet the expenditure in connection with DLEPC, SLEPC are released to the State Nodal Officer through electronic fund transfer to their notified bank account. As on date, an amount of Rs. 74.52 crores have been released to the States /UTs to meet the expenditure in connection with DLEPC/SLEPC/NLEPC.

The scheme is likely to continue during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017) also, may be with an extended coverage, under which a proposal to sanction one Award per school per year is under consideration of the Government. If approved, this would mean 2 million (20 lakh) Awards to be sanctioned during the 5 year period @ of about 4 lakh Awards per year (assuming participation of about 80 to 90 per cent of the 4.5 to 5 lakh schools in the country). (PIB Feature.)

Biomass - A Storehouse of Clean Energy

FEATURE MNRE

Gargi Malik*

Agriculture continues to be the main source of livelihood for a large part of population in the country. Biomass, thus, is readily available widely across the country, thereby, overcoming regional limitations. Biomass, which implies biological material from living or recently living organisms, can be used as an important source of energy. It is a renewable and carbon natural source of energy.

Biomass resources in India are estimated to be about 565 million tonnes per year. It includes agriculture residues and forest residues. Agriculture residues result from crop harvesting and processing. They include rice husk, bagasse, sugar cane tops and leaves, groundnut shells, cotton stalks and mustard stalks. Forest residues result from logging and wood processing. They include small trees, branches, tops and un-merchantable wood left in the forest.

The surplus biomass resources available for power generation annually are about 189 million tonnes, which could support roughly 25 GW of installed capacity. Further, co-generation plants provide both heat energy, used in the mill, and electricity, which is typically sold to the grid. It is estimated that about 15 GW of electricity generating capacity could be achieved through adding cogeneration capabilities in various industries including sugar mills, breweries, textile mills, distilleries, fertilizer plants, pulp and paper mills, and rice mills. In addition, there exists a potential of setting up 12 million family type biogas plants.

Types of Biomass Biomass includes three distinct categories: Solid Biomass, which includes tree, crop residues like rice husk, bagasse, coconut shells, jute waste, etc. and animal and human waste. Biogas which is obtained by anaerobically digesting organic material to produce combustible gas methane. Liquid biofuels which are obtained by subjecting organic materials to one of various chemical or physical processes to produce usable combustible liquid fuels.

Biomass Conversion To Useful Energy A number of technological options are available to make use of a wide variety of biomass types as a renewable energy source. Conversion may release energy directly in the form of heat/electricity or, may convert it into another form such as liquid biofuels or combustible biogas. There are basically three types of conversions: Thermal Conversion- A process in which heat is used to convert biomass into another chemical form. Chemical Conversion - A range of chemical processes may be used to convert biomass into other forms so that fuel may be used more conveniently, transported or stored. Biochemical Conversion- It involves anaerobic digestion fermentation and composting.

Benefits Of Using Biomass It reduces air pollution as biomass emits less Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide than fossil fuels. Further, biomass fuels recycle atmospheric carbon, minimizing global warming impacts since zero net Carbon dioxide is emitted during biomass growth phase. Amount of carbon dioxide emitted is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from atmosphere during growth phase of biomass. Using biomass decreases animal and municipal waste. Through anaerobic digestion process biomass in the form of waste is converted into useful energy. Using biomass as fuel reduces the landfill space required to dump the

woody biomass, lumber mill waste, etc. It helps in creating local jobs in a rural areas.

Presently, biomass contributes to around 30% of the total primary energy supply in the country. The major source of energy for cooking for 85% of households in rural India includes firewood, chips, dung cake, etc. Moreover 20% of urban households still rely primarily on traditional fuels to meet their cooking needs. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has initiated various schemes and also promoted various NGOs to work in the field of energy from biomass. The initiatives can broadly be classified into two categories:

Rural Areas Initiatives: National Biomass Cookstove Initiative(NBCI); Family Type Biogas Plant; Biomass Gasification System. Urban Areas Initiatives: Programme for Energy Recovery from Urban Waste; Biomass Gasifiers and Biomass Cogeneration (Non-Bagasse) Projects.

Rural Areas Initiatives National Biomass Cookstove Initiative(NBCI): In rural areas a large percentage of population continues to depend on biomass. Clean and efficient energy is provided for energy deficient section of population through smokeless chulha, where different types of fixed and portable cookstoves are made available to rural household. In a case study on various Dhabas and roadside hotels in Andhra Pradesh, it was observed that fuel efficient stoves installed were able to conserve about 50-60% of fuel as compared to traditional stoves. There was reduction of smoke and thus increase in productivity with a positive impact on environment.

Click here to see Photo: Smokeless Chulha

Family Type Biogas Plant: In family type biogas plants cattle and other

organic wastes are used to produce energy and manure. India supports the largest cattle wealth and this scheme helps to answer the growing energy crisis. In this technology, anaerobic fermentation of biodegradable materials such as biomass , sewage, green waste, etc. is done to produce biogas which mainly comprises of methane and carbon dioxide. This biogas is used for cooking purposes in the households. The National Programme on biogas development has multiple benefits. It helps to save tonnes of fuel wood every year. Biogas technology provides energy in a clean and unpolluted form and makes available enriched organic manure as a by-product for supplementing and optimizing the use of chemical fertilizers. Now-a-days institutional and night-soil-based biogas plants are being deployed increasingly. Toilet linked biogas plants are coming up in places like bus stands and educational institutions.

Biomass Gasification System: In the scheme various biomass gasification systems are set up in rural areas to provide electricity supply in villages as well as develop the industries there. Various gasifiers fed on rice husk, wheat husk , maze , etc are set up in the area depending on the sustainable source of supply available from agriculture or plantation. In gasification process organic material is converted into methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide . It is obtained by reacting the material at high temperature (>7000C) without combustion with a controlled amount of oxygen / steam and the resulting gas mixture is called Syngas or Producer Gas which itself is a fuel.

India is known as an acknowledged leader in conversion of solid biomass into clean gaseous fuel. Small-scale biomass gasifiers of upto 500-600 KW capacity are eminently suited for off-grid electricity supply in our rural areas. A number of projects have already been initiated with private sector participation for supply of 6-8 hrs electricity daily through gasification for domestic lighting and 6-8 hrs for other commercial activities like water pumping for irrigation purposes and to micro enterprises and telecom towers. Projects are being carried out in Araria and Purnea districts of Bihar where Daincha/Ipomoea, maize residues and hardwood ensure perennial supply of feedstock.

Rice Husk based power generating units in the villages of West Champaran

district in Bihar have been lighting up around 500-700 households spread over 20 villages in the district, and changing the profile of cluster altogether. The west Champaran experiment is supported by the Ministry and implemented by Husk Power System(HPS), an NGO. The technology employed is simple: It uses the Husk based gasifier technology to provide electricity using 32kWe mini power plants that deliver power on a pay-foruse basis to households in rice producing belt of India. The price paid to procure electricity generated by these mini power plants is very low, Rs 2 per day per household, located within a radius of 1.5 km. It results in a reduction of consumption of kerosene by as much as two thirds. Power is supplied from 5 pm till midnight each day. Success of this initiative has led to further planning for installation of such plants in Samastipur and Lakhisarai. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has now plans to take up the rice husk based electricity systems on a Mission Mode. It has enormous potential and even some of the larger rice mills can feed power to grid as well as distribute locally. More than 5000 to 10,000 industries can be benefitted in the next 2-3 years. These systems can lead to saving diesel to the tune of 200-250 million litres annually.

Click here to see Photo: A Biogas Plant and the Design

Urban Areas Initiatives Biomass In Urban Areas and Commercial Applications: Crop residues and agro industrial wastes are used through biomass gasification technique for both electrical and thermal energy. Several industries like sugar, paper and pulp, fertilizers, food processing, etc. Require electrical as well as thermal energy for their operations. These requirements can be met through different energy sources or a single source. The simultaneous production of power and thermal energy from a single source is termed as Cogeneration. The Government is providing assistance for setting up of Biomass Gasification and Biomass Cogeneration (Non-Bagasse) Projects.

Programme For Energy Recovery From Urban Waste: According to a recent estimate, about 42 million tons of solid waste and 6000 million cubic meters of liquid waste are generated every year by our urban population. A total of 8

projects for energy recovery from urban waste i.e. an aggregate capacity of 19.05 MWeq have already been set up.

Biofuels Biofuels are a type of fuel whose energy is derived from biological carbon fixation. It includes fuels derived from biomass conversion as well as solid biomass, liquid fuels and various bagasses. Biodiesel and bio-ethanol can be used as diesel additive and gasoline additive respectively. Biofuel development in India mainly centres around the cultivation and processing of JATROPHA plant seeds which are very rich in oil (40%). Jatropha oil can be used directly in diesel generators and engines. While a target of 20% blending of biofuels in diesel and petrol by the year 2017 has been indicated in the National policy on Biofuels announced in December 2009, a mandatory target of 5% blending of ethanol with petrol and recommendatory target of 5% blending of bio-diesel with diesel is in force since October 2009. Indian Railways has already started using Jatropha oil mixed with diesel for meeting the fuel requirements.

The potential of biomass energy is yet to be exploited fully for India. Considering the nature and current growth of economy and the future trajectory of growth, optimal exploitation of biomass energy will offer a great respite to India at energy front. (PIB
Feature).

Best Answer M.S Swaminathan is known as father of India's 2nd green revolution. The year 2004 is some what termed as 2nd green revolution in India, it is also known as Rainbow revolution. It mainly deals with increase in production of next generation food grains The GOI as a effort to make 2nd green revolution implemented following programmes a) National horticulture mission-2005(objective: doubling of horticulture production ie 300

million tonne b)Rashtriya krishi vikas yojana-2007(objective: increase in 4% of agricultural growth c) National food security mission-2007(objective: rice by 10 million tonne, wheat by 8 million tonne and pulses by 2million tonne) However a full fledged 2nd green revolution has still not been able to be achieved.