PM's address at the Inauguration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

PM calls upon the Indian diaspora across the world to unite as a positive global force in the
cause of humanity
Commemorative Postage Stamp on 100 Years of Mahatma Gandhis Return
A set of two Commemorative Postage stamps on 100 YEARS OF MAHATMA GANDHIS
RETURN was released by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi during the
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations (today) on 8th January, 2015 at Mahatma
Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
2. Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology has
brought out this set of two stamps and a miniature sheet on 100 YEARS OF
MAHATMA GANDHIS RETURN from South Africa to commemorate an important
milestone not only in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, but also in the history of India.
3. Mahatma Gandhi arrived in South Africa at a young age of 24 years as the legal
counsel of Indian traders based in the city of Pretoria. He spent more than two
decades in South Africa, where he developed the concept of Satyagraha while
fighting against the gross injustice, discrimination and racism prevailing there.
4. Gandhiji returned to India with a formidable reputation to lead the Indian masses
struggling for freedom from colonial domination through civil disobedience and nonviolence, which proved to be highly effective moral weapon in the Indias struggle for
Independence.
FM: Benefits of Demographic Dividend will flow only if our Population is
Healthy,
Educated and Properly Skilled; Meets Representatives of Social
Infrastructure,
Human Capital and Development Groups as Part of his Pre Budget
Consultative Meeting
The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that apart from on-going schemes
and programmes for the marginalized and vulnerable section of the society, the
Government has initiated various special social sector programmes. He said that
these programmes among others include Swacch Bharat Mission (Gramin), which will
set the base for improving sanitation and health standards; Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan
Yojana (PMJDY) and RuPay debit card which will extend financial inclusion and give
financial empowerment to the account holders at large. The Finance Minister, Shri
Jaitley was making his Opening Remarks during the Pre Budget Consultative Meeting
with the representatives of Social Infrastructure, Human Capital and Development
Groups here today. He said that more than 63% of the population is in the age group

of 15-59 years, broadly termed as Indias demographic dividend. He said while this
young population provides India a great opportunity, but it also poses a great
challenge to the Government. He said that benefits will flow only if our population is
healthy, educated and properly skilled. In this context, he said that investments,
especially in social infrastructure that build-up human capital are crucial. Shri Jaitley
said that India needs to take advantage of this demographic window in the next
couple of decades and garner its benefits. Therefore, the Finance Minister said that
his Government has put thrust on skill development as well as on Make in India as
the Governments endeavour to improve employability and create large employment
avenues for the youth among others. He said that skill development has been given
focused attention for which a dedicated Department of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship has been created in the Central Government. He said that the
challenge for the country now is in planning and acting towards converting its
potential demographic force for enhancing opportunities of growth by dovetailing the
quality of manpower to the requirements of employers, both domestic and
international.
The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that emerging trends indicate the
growth deceleration in India has bottomed-out. The Finance Minister said that
significant downward trend in inflation has also been recorded in the second and
third quarter of 2014-15. He said that external environment has also largely turned
in Indias favour. In such a back drop, the Finance Minister said that domestic policies
to achieve macro-economic balance and the on-going process of economic reforms
would lend further strength to the recovery of the economy.

Various suggestions were received from the representatives of the different social
sector groups during the meeting. Major recommendations include that immediate
steps be taken in the budget to prevent any scope of diversion and misallocation of
funds meant for the benefit of dalits and adivasis. This will result in about Rs. 30,000
crore to be available for the development of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes.
Other suggestions include to set apart in the coming budget the entire 16.2% for
Scheduled Castes and 8.2% for Scheduled Tribes, establishment of well designed and
dedicated institutional mechanism for Schedule Caste Sub Plans (SCSPs) Tribal Sub
Plans (TSPs) separately at the Centre and State levels, creation of a separate unit
within Niti Ayog with power to review, monitor and direct to ensure effective
implementation of the SCSP and TSP as well as setting-up of a nodal unit headed by
a Joint Secretary with the responsibility of preparation of Annual SCSP Plans and their
subsequent implementation.
Other suggestions include adequate allocation for ICDS budget, Mid Day Meal
Scheme and for the programmes for the nutrition of mother and child under Food
Security Act as well as clear demarcation of funds to remove malnutrition among

children of dalits and adivasis etc. Besides this, there was suggestion for budget
transparency at local level in order to have better utilization of funds and results of
various social welfare schemes at the grass root level etc.
Other suggestions made during the aforesaid meeting include that a mechanism
needs to be built to develop entrepreneurship among dalits, schemes to be brought
out for developing art and culture of dalit and adivasi communities. Suggestions
were also made about proper implementation of Prevention of Domestic Violence
against Women Act, appointment of women protection officers, increasing the scope
of Nirbhaya Fund to cover the domestic violence against women etc. A suggestion
was made that Finance Minister may include a statement in his Budget Speech
condemning violence against women showing unequivocal commitment of the
Government in this regard.
Some suggestions were also made on investment on youth, especially from those of
socially excluded communities, investment in skill and entrepreneurship building,
more spending on education and social enterprises, inclusion of youth leadership in
CSR activities, higher spending to change the social mindset of people against the
use of toilets etc.
Other suggestions include adoption and implementation of the National Competition
Policy to push the growth on higher trajectory, adoption and implementation of
Public Procurement Act. As public procurement accounts for almost 30% of the total
GDP worth US $136 billion annually, therefore, Public Procurement Act would help in
promoting the good governance by curbing corruption in public procurement; and
adoption of a National Public Procurement Policy; adoption and implementation of
Financial Consumer Protection Act, fixing of fiscal management practices by
establishment of Parliamentary Budget Office, adoption of international best
practices in budgetary planning and reduction of non-merit subsidies among others.
In end, suggestions were also made for enhancement of allocation to education with
an emphasis on making functional investment in early childhood and elementary
education, enhanced allocation to education to 6% of GDP in line with Kothari
Commission and National Education Policy recommendations and enhance allocation
to elementary education by 1% to accommodate a cumulative gap in education,
enhanced allocation to areas with strongest implications on qualityavailability of
teaching learning materials, improved libraries and strengthening of the capacity of
the resource unit at the cluster level, enhance allocation for research, monitoring
and evaluation, address gaps in financial and planning process to ensure full
expenditure of allocated funds in education sector among others.

Excerpts from E-Book on Achievements and Initiatives of Ministries of Power, Coal and
New & Renewable Energy in the first 200 Days

Mission:
Affordable, 24x7 power for all homes, industrial and commercial establishments and
adequate power for the agricultural sector
Long-term energy security of India
Keytakeaways
5 unions of Coal India Limited have called off the strike after cordial discussions with
senior leadership of the company and the Ministry of Coal yesterday.
After collapse of grid in Delhi in May leading to frequent power cuts, Central government
acted decisively to restore power lines and provide power to all homes. From these learnings, we
have prepared a short term and medium term plan to ensure such a crisis does not occur again, for
which massive investments worth Rs. 7,700 crores are already underway for:
oUpgradingpowerinfrastructure
oBringingmoretransmissionlinestothecity
oUndergroundcabling
oSmartmeteringtostopwrongbilling
oEmergencyresponsesystems

NationallaunchofLEDandenergyconservationmissionbyHonblePrimeMinisterShri
NarendraModiji:1crorebulbsinDelhiwillbereplacedwithLEDwithinoneyear.Similar
replacementprogramof500,000streetlightsofDelhiinoneyeartoo.Nationwiderollout
thereafterwillseeasavingofoverRs.10,000crores.
AmendmentsintheElectricityAct introduced in Parliament for providing choice to
consumers in electricity suppliers (just like we have the freedom to choose a mobile phone
operator and can change if dissatisfied, so will be the case with electricity suppliers too). This will
ensure more competition, affordable power and better customer service.
50%increaseincapacityaddition in June-Nov 2014 versus June-Nov 2013
Record15.8%increaseinthermalbasedelectricitygenerationinJuneNov2014versus
JuneNov2013
Alltimehigh14.1%increaseincoalproductioninOctNov2014versus1.0%inOctNov
2013(and8.4%productiongrowthinJuneNov2014overJuneNov2013)
CentralGovernmentgrantofRs.1.1lakhcroresforcomprehensiveinfrastructureup
gradationpanIndiaundertwoschemes(DeenDayalUpadhyayGramJyotiYojana
(DDUGJY)forruralIndiaandIntegratedPowerDevelopmentScheme(IPDS)forurban
India)towards24x7affordablepowerforall.
oDDUGJYwillseefeederseparationinruralIndiagivingassuredpowertothefarms,
and24x7forhomesandsmallscaleindustries
oTheRemotevillageswithsmallpopulation(e.g.,dhanis)willalsobecoveredunder
DDUGJY.
Actionplan towards doubling Coal Indias production target to 100 crore tons in 5 years
is in place, and transformation process has been initiated.
100,000MWsolarand60,000MWwindenergycapacityinstallationtargetby2022for
longtermenergysecurityofIndia.ThiswillentailaninvestmentofRs.10lakhcrore.
o40,000MWofrooftopsolar
o20,000MWofsolarparks
AworldclassRenewableEnergyInvestmentSummit(REInvest2015)isbeingheldin
midFebruarytoshowcaseIndiaspotential,easeofdoingbusinessandtoattractsuchquantum
ofcapital.

Historiccoalordinancewaspromulgatedwithinamonthofcancellationofcoalblocksby
HonbleSupremeCourt.Allocationandauctionprocesswillbeheldinatransparentmanner
exclusivelybyebidding.ThiswillprotecttheinterestsofCoalIndiaLimitedsemployeesand
increasedomesticproductiontowards24x7affordablepowerforall,andlongtermenergy
securityofIndia.
CoalbearingstateswillreceiveoverRs.7lakhcroresfromeauctionofcoalblocksin
future,forsocioeconomicdevelopmentandacceleratingeconomicgrowth.
MakeinIndia:Rs.1lakhcrore worth orders being placed by NTPC, Coal India Limited,
Energy Efficiency Services Limited, PGCIL etc. to boost manufacturing and kick start the
economy.
LongpendingtransmissionprojectsworthRs.35,000croresclearedandgovernmentgrantof
Rs.10,000croresforcomprehensivestrengtheningandupgradationofpowersystemsin8North
EasternStates
SupplyofcoalfromnearestmineswillreducetransportationcostsbyRs.6,000crores,
reducingtariffs:
oAlreadyoneexchangebetweenNTPCandGujaratsavedRs.300croresforthe
customers
PSUsundertheadministrativecontroloftheMinistriesofPower,CoalandNew&
RenewableEnergyareconstructingover100,000toiletsinschools,by15thAugust2015
towardsSwachhBharatAbhiyaan.
Scientific Research to be the Engine for Make In India in Years to Come

The Minister for Science & Technology (S&T) Dr. Harsh Vardhan, has said that scientific
research in the country is to made the engine for MAKE IN INDIA in years to come.
Addressing a press conference along with Shri Y.S. Chowdary, the Minister of State for S&T in
Hyderabad today, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said he was optimistic that all scientists of Indian origin
would respond positively to the Narendra Modi governments invitation to participate and bring
an S&T-based industrial renaissance in our country. He said the focus of the present government
will be to take scientific research to the field for implementation, for industrial progress.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that India today is definitely a more happening place in the areas of
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) than the West. The Prime Ministers
confidence is definitely having an effect, he added.

The Modi government has already announced a package of incentives to Indian-origin STEM
researchers so that they could get competitive salaries in India. Many private sector companies
have already succeeded in wooing back to India talented scientists. This is reflecting well on
Indias image as a country with innovation and STEM-based entrepreneurship.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that Ministry of Science & Technology (BIRAC and CSIR) would work
with State Industry Development Corporations for enabling deployment of technology benefitting
SMEs.

The spurt in the number of Indias intellectually talented students turning to the pure sciences has
been noticed worldwide. Recently, the widely respected US think tank, Brookings Institution, has
revealed in a report that 8 of the top10 cities worldwide in terms of sending STEM scholars to the
United States on F-1 visas are in India. These cities are: Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Secunderabad,
Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata and Pune.

The Minister said that falling world oil prices will not distract Indias commitment to seeking
breakthroughs in making renewable energy harnessing and its affordable adoption in everyday lif

Solar power

The Minister said that he would drive the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
to push the frontiers of research into renewable energy research, particularly solar power.

World oil prices have fallen from $ 115 a barrel in June to less than $ 50 this week. But
Prime Minister Modi, himself a great backer of solar energy research, development and adoption
in everyday life, has instructed me not to be distracted from the pursuit of the ultimate goal of
having a fossil fuel free economy. This is definitely good news for the Environment as the present
dependence on non-renewable forms of energy is killing us all and would be disastrous for the
future generationsthe Minister said.

The total renewable energy potential from various sources is conservatively estimated at
2.5 lakh MW. According to United Nations, India has achieved less than 12.5 percent of the
potential. As for solar power, he said, the potential is unlimited.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, In solar power the present trend is to think in terms of Gigawatts
and not Megawatts because that would lead to prices dropping. In Germany, the government is
encouraging house owners to rent out their rooftops so that more and more solar power can be
harnessed for feeding into the grid. This policy needs to be incorporated into our national policy.

Milestones: 2014-15

Extending his warm New Years greetings to the media representatives, Dr. Harsh Vardhan
said that the Ministries of S&T and Earth Sciences, which he heads, have had a most fruitful
2014. He congratulated all scientists, researchers, technicians and administrative staff of

government laboratories and foundations who have made Mangalyaanand other milestones
possible.

The Indian private sector should also be congratulated because it is functioning in many
start up fields and competing with established players in the West. In the past 20 years many
Indian companies based on biotechnology, biological sciences and other fields have attracted
world recognition the Minister said. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that India a large youth are now
expected to take the country to its glory through the scientific path.

He listed the following achievements of the Department of Science and Technology at the Press
Conference.


Cutting-edge Technology: Make in India. India is a partner in the Thirty Metre Telescope
(TMT) project at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA at a total cost of 1,299.8 Crore from 2014-23. 70%
of Indias contribution will be in kind, in the making of quality mirrors and engineering in India.
Partners: USA, Japan, Canada, China and India.

High performance computing resource of 800 TFLOPS has been commissioned for weather
and climate modeling. Most powerful machine in the SE Asia.

Supercomputing for the future: India has mounted an ambitious National Supercomputing
Mission (NSM): Building Capacity and Capability with the aim of building Exascale computing
with a total budget outlay of 4,500 Crore over 7 years (jointly with Department of Information
Technology).

Understanding Climate Change and Saving the Himalayan Ecosystem: National Mission
for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate
Change.

Tsunami Early Warning System at ESSO-INCOIS designated as Regional Tsunami Service

Provider (RTSP) for providing advisories to all Indian Ocean Rim countries. India only country
capable of providing advisories for both tsunamigenic zones: Makran coast and AndamanSumatra sub-duction zone.

Cyclone Prediction. Remarkable improvements: Recent events such as Thane, Phailin, and
Helen and Hudhud.

Modeling Monsoon: A dynamic model employed to predict quantitative precipitation

associated with the southwest monsoon.

Helping Recovery of Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) heavy weight
torpedo VARUNASTRA. The support and participation by Vessel Management Cell of MoES
ESSO-NIOT and crew of Sagar-Nidhi vital.

Make in India in High-end S&T: Deployed first Sub-surface Ocean Moored Observatory in
the Arctic. ESSO-NCAOR and the ESSO-NIOT successfully deployed IndARC, the countrys
first multi-sensor moored observatory in the Kongsfjorden fjord of the Arctic, roughly half way
between Norway and the North Pole. This is a testimony to the capabilities of India in designing,
developing and installing underwater observatories.

Investing for our future talent:, New thrust in Human Resource Development. Indian
Scientists teach and train in Scale. International Scientists to teach in India. Opportunities for
attracting Overseas Indian Scientists to return to India.

Enhanced Innovation Ecosystem: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council

now supports nearly 300 companies, 100 young entrepreneurs. Biotechnology Translational

research and industry academia partnership are being promoted through 3 Biotech clusters, 8
Biotech Parks and 13 Bioincubators.

Rotavirus vaccine indigenously developed. The developed Rotavirus Vaccine at $1 per dose
has been cleared for market license.

Decoding the Wheat Genome: 15 countries joined hands to complete this huge task of
decoding 17,000 million bases. Indian Scientists participated in Decoding Chromosome 2A.

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) provides significant technological
interventions in many areas of economic and social importance which include environment,
health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors.

CSIR has 90% of US patents granted to any Indian publicly funded R&D organization.
CSIR licenses 13.86% of its patents - above global average.

National Capacity Building and in some areas, global leadership. Example: CSIR
technology provides gasoline with less than 0.3% benzene. A 0.60 MMTPA plant is being
constructed at Reliance Refinery in Jamnagar. First in world.

Novel Broad Spectrum Confocal Microscope: Under CSIR-CGCRI and NMITLI

programme a Broad Spectrum Confocal Microscope, world class Made in IndiaHigh-end
Product based on Supercontinuum Light Source. Paved the way for Indias presence in global
photonics research.

Strategic Sector: DHVANI, a state-of-the-art marksmanship training system and Drishti

Systems, airport visibility measuring tools.

KrishiShakti, an indigenous diesel engine tractor.

Just Announced: Indian Neutrino Observatory. A major high-tech Make in India initiative
and a new-thrust in High-Energy Experimental Physics. Collaboration with Department of Atomic
Energy.
Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu invites Overseas Indians to partner in building
modern Urban India
Unveils US $ 1200 billion investment opportunities in new urban initiatives
Mahatma was the man of the moment 100 years ago and now it is Shri
Modi, says Shri Naidu
Minister says, secular development aspirations of people are the Gita,
Bible, Koran for government
Dwaraka and Puri included for development under heritage cities project
Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu today made a fervent appeal
to millions of Overseas Indians to join hands in the task of building a modern urban

India. Presiding over the Plenary Session on Opportunities in India at the Pravasi
Bharati Divas programme at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat, Shri Naidu outlined investment
need of over US $ 1200 billion in building 100 smart cities, development of 500 cities
and towns, Swachh Bharat Mission in urban areas, Rejuvenation of cities of cultural
heritage, construction of over 20 million low cost and affordable houses and skill
development.
Elaborating on the ambitious urban development initiatives of the central
government, Shri Venkaiah Naidu informed the participants that domestic and
foreign private investments will be the main sources of investments for new urban
initiatives. He said that about 60 lakh crore (950 billion US $) investments would be
required for providing urban infrastructure across the country and as Operation &
Maintenance costs of urban utilities over the next 20 years. About Rs.45,000 cr (US $
7.50 billion) private investment in Clean India initiative in urban areas besides
another Rs.15 lakh crore (US $ 238 billion) in ensuring housing for all is also required.

Giving details of various urban initiatives, Shri Naidu informed that 12 cities with rich
cultural heritage assets would be taken for development of core heritage areas and
making them more tourist friendly with all services and facilities. The cities identified
under HRIDAY (Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana) include: Amritsar,
Ajmer, Gaya, Mathura, Varanasi, Amaravati(Andhra Pradesh), Warangal(Telangana),
Badami (Karnataka), Kanchipuram and Vellankini (Tamilnadu), Dwaraka (Gujarat) and
Puri (Odisha).
Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu said that the mission of the Modi led government is
Resurgent India and various initiatives are being taken to improve investment
climate and the ease of doing business in the country. He noted that the sentiment
within and outside the country has changed significantly after Shri Narendra Modi
took over as Prime Minister. The country is firmly on the path of recovery. Shri Modis
simple mantra is to Make India through Skill India, Digital India and Clean India. The
secular aspirations of the people of the country for development were clearly
expressed during the recent elections to the Lok Sabha and assemblies of 8 states.
These wishes and aspirations of the people constitute the Gita, Bible and Koran for
our government. Some efforts are being made to divert the attention from our
agenda of development and governance and we will not allow them to succeed.
Gandhi ji arrived in India 100 years ago on a mission of liberating our county and
Shri Modi has come to Delhi as Prime Minister with a mission of Resurgent India.
Shri Naidu observed that since the formation of Shri Modi led government at the
centre, inflation has been steadily declining with Wholesale Price Index recoding Zero
during November last year, economic growth rate increasing from 4.60% to 5.70%,
Foreign Institutional Investments touching US $ 42 billion in 2014 as against only 12
billion US $ in the previous year, core manufacturing picking up, power generation

going by 22% etc. He further said that with emphasis on punctuality and
accountability, actual working hours by employees too increased. Shri Naidu noted
that in nut-shell, the management of the economy and governance is marked by
clear sense of purpose and direction creating the right environment for realizing a
Resurgent India

Government removing bottlenecks to promote NRI partnership to script Indias success

story : Rajnath Singh

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015

The day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about India being the country offering
abundant opportunities, Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh elaborated on the new policy
initiatives being undertaken by the government for promoting inclusive growth. Chairing a
session on Investment Opportunities in Indian States at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in
Gandhinagar, Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that the country is moving towards an era of
cooperative federalism, giving voice to states in shaping the economic destiny of the nation. He
said, with this objective in mind, the erstwhile Planning Commission has been replaced with the
Niti Ayog, w.e.f 1st January 2015. In democracy, we follow the dictum of collective wisdom and
collective responsibility. I am confident that our collective wisdom will help us in overcoming
any differences he said.

The Home Minister said, the new government headed by Shri Narendra Modi has already
taken a series of measures to re-ignite the economy. We have reasons to be optimistic as we are
constantly making course corrections to gain investor confidence he added. Shri Rajnath Singh
said the Make in India initiative is a mission to transform this country from an importer of
manufactured items to an exporter of manufactured products. The objective is to increase the
share of manufacturing in the GDP from the current level of 14% to 25 %."

In order to improve the global perception about difficulties in doing business in India the
Centre is working tirelessly to remove the bottlenecks and busy cutting the red tape. Mr. Rajnath
Singh said the Prime Minster is focussed on improving the business environment in the country
and has stressed on the mantra of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. He said the

Government is seriously pursuing early implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
which will create a buoyant source of revenue and create a large common market by eliminating
internal barriers . Mr. Singh said a decision has been taken to allocate natural resources only
through e-auction to ensure transparency. Such measures are necessary to rebuild confidence
and trust that is extremely important to revive investments and drive higher growth he said.

Mr. Singh said India has a vast pool of natural resources and skilled human resources to
make this country a New Manufacturing Hub. The people of Indian origin and the NRIs should
invest in actualizing the dream of Make in India. Indias progress can not be achieved only by
the people living within the country. Today, I exhort the people of Indian origin to come and
invest in this great country and become an active partner in our definitive march towards
prosperity and in making India a global superpower, the Minister said.

The Home Minister however, did not forget to stress on inclusive growth and removing
regional imbalances. Stating that Indias potential to prosper lies in the growth of its villages,
Shri Rajnath Singh said the process of development has to reach the far flung areas of our
country and the villages even in the remotest areas should be brought within its ambit. If we fail
to develop the rural areas of India it would create a sense of alienation, isolation and dejection
among the major sections of our society.
Vice President Inaugurates World Congress on International Law

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari inaugurated the World Congress on
International Law on the theme Relevance of International Law organised by the Indian
Society of International Law (ISIL) at a function here today. He also released online edition
of the Journal of ISIL on the occasion.

Following is the text of the Vice Presidents inaugural address :

I deem it an honour to be invited by the Indian Society of International Law to address the World
Congress on International Law. This distinguished galaxy of Justices, Judges of the International
Court, legal scholars and lawyers constitutes a formidable and learned audience. The relevance of
international law in todays rapidly changing world, and the new challenges we have to
collectively address, is a good subject for serious cogitation.

International Law as it is now understood and practiced is of relatively recent origin. It owes its
origin primarily to the Westphalian World Order forged in Europe in the 17th century. Its
beginnings, modest and limited, coincide with the rise of nation states in Europe, bore its stamp
and focused on common values and the reciprocity of interests.

The principles of sovereignty and legal equality of states were first enunciated by the Dutch jurist
Hugo Grotius in 1625. The principles of sanctity of agreements entered into, as also the saving
conditionality allowing non-compliance, lent balance to the commitments entered into by nation
states.

The two World Wars presented fresh challenges to the principles and practices of international
law. These related to rectification of boundaries, care of refugees and administration of the
territory of the defeated enemy. Efforts to address these and related issues through the creation of
the League of Nations were unsuccessful. This failure, and the horrors of World War II, led to
appreciation of the necessity of international cooperation and the formation of the United Nations
as a body capable of ensuring obedience to international law and maintaining peace. The
Preamble of the UN Charter assert this as one of the objectives: to establish conditions under
which justice and respect for obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international
law can be maintained.

The period since 1945 has been highly productive in regard to the growth and evolution of
international law. International cooperation was widely accepted, though not universally. The first
few decades in particular gave cause for optimism.

The UN assisted the process of decolonization and the effort to end Apartheid. The UN
Multilateral system contributed to the enunciation of normative principles to regulate international
conduct. Questions such as disarmament, social development, gender equality, population, food
and water and a host of problems relevant for the developing world were addressed. Common
trans-national services related to civil aviation, maritime regulations, health, telecommunications,
postal systems, refugees, world weather and food security were put in place.

193 nations are now members of the UN and subscribe to its Charter. The ambit of rules of
international law has widened and includes intergovernmental organizations, corporations, nongovernmental organizations as well as individuals.

The founding fathers of Indias Constitution accepted these broad principles and incorporated
them in the Directive Principles of State policy. Pursuant to this, the state shall foster respect for
international law and treaty obligations of organized people with one another.

II

The United Nation has its limitations. It is a voluntary association of sovereign nation States.
These States have their own aspirations and had sought membership of the UN in their perceived
self-interest.

For this reason, some parts of international law remain highly contested. These relate to the laws
of warfare, to the concept of state sovereignty, and to a full range of self serving interests of the
powerful who wish to use international law to further their political, economic and security
interests. A case in point is the Charter of the International Court of Justice and its Optional
clause.

Within the ambit of Public International Law, institutions and organizations have been used to
impose unequal treaties and evolve concepts that have encouraged curtailment of sovereignty
(Right to Protect), seek intrusive presence within Sovereign States (Peace Keeping and Peace
Building). Conflicts of laws in civil law jurisdictions, which constitutes Private International
Law, seeks to address disputes between business corporations outside a unified legal framework.
This has led to increasing use of commercial arbitration (Under the New York Convention 1958).

There is also the growing application of Supra-National law to address global commons and such
international issues relating to new technologies, evolutions in genetic sciences and problems
presented by pandemics and catastrophic disaster events.

Globalisation has not only increased the importance of international law but also the complexity
of international legal issues. International law has grown to encompass a wide variety of fields
including the prohibition of the use of force; human rights; protection of individuals during wars
and armed conflicts; fight against terrorism, trafficking in drugs and other serious crimes;
environment; trade and development; telecommunication; and transport.

The power structure of the Organization created in 1945 clearly reflected the power realities of
the world after the Second World War. It was dominated by the victors of the Second World War
who fashioned its modalities to further and facilitate the pursuit of power in political and
economic terms.

Much has changed in the world since then, but the underlying realities of the power lesson remain
true. If anything the intervening years have eroded the effectiveness of the UN and its
institutions, and the need for reforms has never been more urgent. The world has changed, new
power realities have emerged, several new regional and trans-regional groupings have come into
being, but the United Nation remains largely unaltered.

The need for reforms is widely recognized and several halting efforts have been made to change
methods of work, procedures, financing arrangements, delivery mechanisms and accountability
criteria, but the outcomes have been less than satisfactory. What is required is structural and
systemic reforms and that has still to happen.

There is a growing perception that there has been a decline in multilateralism. Developed
countries have begun to look upon the UN and its functioning in terms of their own priorities and
objectives. The UNs Charter functions in the area of money, finance, trade, expenditure,
indebtedness and developmental strategies have been transferred to IMF, World Bank and WTO.
In these bodies the major economic powers, because of their voting power or the power of
retaliation (WTO) have come to dominate the decision making in these vital areas.

In the area of development the focus is on the economic and social problems of developing
countries and their internal governance issues. Here too, in the name of globalization, the thrust
is on the open market, foreign investment, lowering tariffs and reducing the role of the State.

The UNs method of functioning has also changed from being a negotiating forum on hard
economic issues, where substantive legally bidding commitments were undertaken, it has
increasingly become a forum for the exchange of views and where experts are invited to conduct
dialogues and analyze global economic and social trends.

Another important, and in some ways a game changing development, relates to the funding of the
UN. The UN finds itself starved of adequate and predictable funding. Dues have been withheld,

budgetary restrictions have been imposed and assessed contributions today account for a small
percentage of the total expenditure of the UN. The proportion of voluntary funding has grown
dramatically and today provides a high percentage of the total. This feature has been effectively
used by the major powers to impose their own priorities on the UN, by dominating its budgeting,
accounting and administrative apparatus. This has resulted in the dilution of the UNs regulatory
and norm setting activities.

III

Although international laws and the institutions created to further its influence and application
have grown significantly over the last six decades, International Law is at a crossroads and needs
new direction. Its ambit has grown from interstate relations, to individual rights and now covers
civil society and corporations apart from State conduct. It extends to the Global Commons and
attempts to address new challenges being posed by new technologies, non-state actors, unhindered
information and financial flows. While it is trying to cope with transnational concerns relating to
pandemics, narcotics, illegal trafficking in human beings and arms, it cannot escape addressing
some fundamental issues. A few of these need to be mentioned here:

1.
The nature of the State is being called into question. Today, several parts of the
world are engulfed by crises of identity, political control and stability. The nation-state system is
under strain, prompted by geo-political, short term strategic compulsions and radicalized nonstate actors. Colonial geographies have begun to dismantle. Military interventions in established
nation states have led to instability and to the growth of sectarian and ethnic discord. Non-state
actors, of different ideological persuasions, have violated borders and sovereignty at will. Some of
these transgressions have received support from other powers and nation states.

2.
There is a contradiction at the heart of globalization. The international economic
system is becoming global, while the political structure of the world is still based on the nation
state. Goods and capital seek to flow unhindered across national boundaries. Individual nation
states resist global pressures in seeking to protect their national interests. Economic globalization
in its essence, as Henry Kissinger has put it, ignores national frontiers. International policy
emphasizes the importance of frontiers, even as it seeks to reconcile conflicting national aims.

3.
Values and state structures, Western in origin and proclaimed as having universal
validity, are increasingly being questioned. Concepts such as democracy, human rights and
international law are subject to divergent interpretations. In the absence of a consensus and a
mechanism for enforcement, international law is increasingly proving ineffective.

4.
The logical consequence of the promotion of democracy as a universal value
necessitates its induction in the governing structures of the international system. A theory of
legitimate power, in the words of the political scientist David Held, is inescapably a theory of
democracy in the interlocking processes and structures of the global system. Reforms aimed at
bringing this about are essential to rejuvenate confidence in the international system,
accommodate the polarities and induce movement towards a more stable world order.

PM chairs meeting on healthcare

PM asks Health Ministry to establish mechanisms to ensure accountability among public
sector health officials

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today instructed the Health Ministry to establish
mechanisms to ensure accountability among doctors and health officials in the public sector.
Chairing a high-level meeting on healthcare, the Prime Minister said that in order to achieve the
desired goal of health for all, there is need to substantially improve the efficiency of existing
mechanisms and schemes. Giving an example of insurance, the Prime Minister called for
establishing synergy in all schemes for the health sector being run by the Central and State
Governments.
Reviewing progress of key health indicators such as under-5 mortality rate and Maternal
Mortality Ratio, the Prime Minister asked for specific identification of worst-performing districts,
and even within them, particular blocks which required maximum attention. He said these areas
should be targeted in a two-pronged approach prioritized health intervention, and appropriate
social interventions to dispel local beliefs and customs that may be hindering progress. He said
animation films should be shown to women in health centres immediately post-delivery, to
promote good health and nutrition habits. He said simple technology interventions such as SMS
should be used to reach ASHA workers across the country on a real-time basis.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the effects of Swachhta Abhiyan should also become visible
in hospitals and public health facilities across the country. Officials from the Health Ministry said
that Swachhta Abhiyan would contribute greatly to achieving health goals. The Prime Minister
asked for a comprehensive audit of all medical equipment in public health facilities.

Describing Yoga as one of the most-effective preventive health mechanisms, the Prime Minister
asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to draw up plans for International Yoga Day, on
June 21st.
Expressing acute concern about the prevalence of diseases like encephalitis, especially among
children, the Prime Minister asked officials to prepare a roadmap to tackle such diseases, just like
natural disasters and other national calamities are tackled.
The Prime Minister referred to an earlier announcement made by him, of Indias promise of help
to ensure that the entire SAARC region becomes polio-free. He asked the Health Ministry to
prepare a proper follow-up action plan in this regard.
The Prime Minister called for institutionalizing a comprehensive database, containing individual
health records, which could be eventually linked to the Aadhar system
Union Agriculture Minister emphasises about the potential of neem coated urea
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh while addressing farmers in a
function at the launching of Neem coated urea organised by KRIBHCO, Hebbal,
Bengaluru today, emphasised on the maximum use of neem coated urea for increase
of production and reduction in production cost. He further said that neem coated
urea is helpful in reducing the pollution of water, soil and air. Shri Singh said that
India have to import about 70 lakh ton of urea every year, which affects the foreign
exchange. He further said that plants cannot absorb nitrogen found in urea to its
maximum extent as a result a large component of it goes waste. By increasing the
utility factor of nitrogen (through neem coated urea), the consumption of urea can
be reduced, he added.
India has been using neem over the centuries in one way or the other. Neem is a
true friend of farmers from ancient times. KRIBHCO has developed neem coated
urea, by mixing neem oil in urea, which is being used by various farmers across the
country and they are benefitted by it. Shri Singh further said that by using neem
coated urea the utility capacity of nitrogen can be increased by 10 to 15%. By
balanced use of fertilizers, the health of soil can be sustained over a long period, he
said.
Union Agriculture Minister urges ICAR to have programme to improve indigenous
breeds of cattle
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh while addressing a programme at
National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI) in
Bengaluru today, urged upon ICAR to have major programs to improve the

indigenous breeds as the products from the indigenous cattle also have health
attributes to humans. He said that empirical evidence suggests that our indigenous
breeds of cattle are relatively less prone to diseases as compared to exotic and
cross-bred. He further said that the efforts should be made to improve indigenous
stock in terms of production and productivity. He mentioned that the best indigenous
breeds like Gir, Tharparkar, Rathi, Sahiwal etc. have better heat tolerance, feed
conversion efficiency and disease resistance.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that in the XII Five Year Plan, the institute was renamed
as the National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics to
expand its research activities with 32 AICRP centers covering all states and union
territories of the country. Shri Singh mentioned that the role of scientists of NIVEDI
continues to be in the prevention, control and eradication of diseases to help
maximize animal production and safeguarding human health from those diseases
transmitted by animals and their products using risk analysis data and precise
diagnostics. He urged the institute to research and study the aspects which make
the indigenous breeds resistant to diseases.
Shri Singh complimented NIVEDI for developing excellence in several frontier areas
in veterinary and animal sciences in terms of specialized laboratories, human
resource development, technology generation and dissemination. He said that as the
role of animal health and production has an important place for sustainable livestock
production systems in improving the countrys economy, NIVEDI has a role to play in
this direction.
Shri Singh congratulated the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for setting up of
a world class facility for research on epidemiology of animal diseases at National
Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI) in Bengaluru.
In addition to development of diagnositics, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said research
partnership between the public and private sector is also essential to achieve faster
progress and dissemination of technology to the end-users. Thus, there is a need to
link these two sectors to have their activities complemented in a Public Private
Partnership mode. He expressed hope that the institute will make use of the new
opportunities to give a new direction to their R&D and other service sector activities
in a huge way.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Union Agriculture Minister told The greatness of a nation
can be judged by the way its animals are treated. He urged all to join hands to
provide quality health to the animals.
Raksha Mantri Hands Over First Overhauled Su-30 MKI to Air Chief at HAL
Golden Jubilee Celebrations

The Honble Raksha Mantri, Shri Manohar Parrikar handed over the first overhauled
Su-30 MKI to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha at Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Nasik today. The handing over of the worlds first
overhauled SU-30 MKI coincides with 50 years of establishment of Nasik Division of
the HAL. The key personnel who were present at the function included the Chairman,
HAL, and Defence Secretary, besides a host of other dignitaries. After the keynote
address by the Honble RM, the worlds first overhauled SU-30 MKI took to the skies,
thereby demonstrating the technical prowess of the HAL.
On arrival at Ojhar airfield, the Air Chief, along with the RM, Defence Secretary and
Chairman HAL, planted trees at the MiG complex of HAL. Besides the main event of
handing over of the overhauled aeroplane, the CAS also inspected various assembly
shops and the flight hangar.
Existing PIO Card Holders deemed to be OCI Card Holders from today
The Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Card notification has been withdrawn with
immediate effect and further it has been notified that all existing PIO Card holders
will be deemed to be Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Card holders. Now only one OCI
Card with enhanced benefits is in existence.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced in USA and Australia during
his recent visits that the PIO and OCI cards will be merged and the Indian Diaspora
will be given maximum possible benefits. Keeping in view of the promise, an
Ordinance was promulgated on January 6, 2015 whereby the eligibility and additional
benefits of PIO Card have been incorporated in OCI Card and certain other relaxation
to OCI Card holders have been given by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955.
There used to exist simultaneously the PIO and OCI Cards, leading to a lot of
confusion prevailing among the PIOs residing abroad. Todays notification is going to
fulfil long cherished demand of Indian Diaspora abroad.

Vibrant Gujarat summit - Jan 10, 2015

Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad to Commission India First Hi-Speed Rural Broadband
Network in Kerala
Honble Minister for Communications & IT Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad will be
commissioning Indias First Hi-Speed Rural Broadband Network in Idukki District,
Kerala under the Digital India Programme at a function to be held in
Thiruvananthapuram at 12th January, 2015 at 5.30 p.m.
Honble Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Oommen Chandy will be the Guest of Honour at

the function which will be held in the august presence of Shri P.K. Kunhalikutty,
Honble Minister for Industries & IT, Govt. of Kerala, Shri M.K. Muneer, Honble
Minister for Panachayats & Social Welfare, Govt. of Kerala, Shri P.J. Joseph, Honble
Minister, Irrigation, Govt. of Kerala, Shri V.S. Achuthanandan, Honble Leader of
Opposition, Kerala, Shri V. Muraleedharan, State President BJP, Kerala and Shri Joice
George, Honble Member of Parliament, Idukki.
The event marks a key milestone in ushering in a new era of Digital India. NOFN is
the largest rural connectivity project of its kind in the world. It seeks to link each of
the 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats of India through Broadband optical fibre network. On
its completion, NOFN is expected to facilitate Broadband connectivity to over 600
million rural citizens of the country.
NOFN, which is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF),
Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT, Govt. of India is envisaged
as a non-discriminatory telecom infrastructure, which will bridge the gap in rural
telecom access.
NOFN will enable each of the 2.5 Lakh GPs to have 100 Mbps of bandwidth, thereby
facilitating the delivery of various e-Services and applications including e-health, eeducation, e-governance and e-commerce in the future.
In the first phase NOFN shall be extended to cover 50,000 GPs, with the balance
2,00,000 GPs expected to be covered in a phased manner by 2016. The project is
being implemented by three central PSUs (CPSUs) namely BSNL, PGCIL and Railtel in
the phase first.
A key feature of the project is that the GPON equipment used in the project has been
indigenously designed and developed by C-DOT and manufactured domestically. The
project will be centrally managed by BBNL through a high capacity Network
Management System being developed by C-DOT.
With the commissioning of Idukki, the district, which is relatively inaccessible and
has a large tribal and rural population, will become the first district in the country to
have all its GPs connected through NOFN. It is expected that the establishment of
NOFN would open up new avenues for access service providers like mobile
operators, cable TV Operators etc. to launch next generation services, and spur
creation of local employment opportunities encompassing e-commerce, IT
outsourcing etc. as well as services such as e-banking, e-health and e-education for
inclusive growth. This will also enable delivery of various services such as local
planning, management, monitoring and payments under Government schemes at
panchayat level.
Digital India is a flagship programme of the Central Government which aims to

transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The
provision of broadband connectivity to every citizen is one of the key objectives of
Digital India, and the commissioning of the NOFN network at Idukki is expected to
mark a significant step towards realization of this ambitious vision.
New Generation Electronic Warfare Equipment Integrated on Tejas Aircraft
An advance Electronic Warfare suite (EW suite) developed by Defence Avionics
Research Establishment (DARE), a DRDO laboratory, flew for the first time onboard
the Tejas-PV1 Light Combat Aircraft today at Bengaluru. In addition to the Radar
Warner, the EW suite is also equipped with jammer. It gives to the pilot an additional
capability of nullifying the effect of detected Radar threat by appropriate mode of
jamming. Existing EW systems fitted on various combat aircraft are basic EW
equipment known as Radar Warner Receiver to provide warning to the aircraft pilot in
case of detection of a Radar threat. After obtaining due flight clearances and
certification, the first flight sortie of LCA PV1 with the EW equipment operational,
took place today. The equipment was noted to be detecting Radar signals operating
in and around the flight path.
Shri J P Nadda distributes Computer Tablets to Urban ANMs at Raipur
Health Minister: The Tablets will aid in efficient delivery of services to urban areas
under NUHM
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda distributed Computer
Tablets to urban Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) under the National Urban Health
Mission (NUHM) at a function at Raipur, Chattisgarh today.
The Health Minister stated that the Tablets will help the ANMs in more efficient
delivery of services to the urban areas, particularly the urban slums. These devices
will be useful for real-time data collection and reporting on the various health
services being provided under the NUHM, the Minister informed. Observing that
record keeping of the data from the field was a weak link in effective monitoring of
progress of the schemes, the Minister stated that the Tablets will aid in efficient
record keeping and better monitoring of the schemes. These will thus provide a
platform for a sturdy MIS system for the NUHM and sharing of experiences and best
practises, he said.
Video clippings of 1 to 2 minute duration on different health issues shall be available
on the ANMs Tablet which will be used to educate and train them, and also create
awareness among the slum and other areas on various health schemes of the
government. The Tablets will be used to generate necessary alerts (SMS and Voicebased) to the ANMs and beneficiaries. Tablets can also be used as links to other
health experts and doctors under the tele-medicine programme of the government.

Additionally, the Central Government provides monetary help under various health
services under DBT in the account of beneficiaries. This modern technology will also
help ANMs to inform beneficiaries about this money transfer.
Workshop held to Discuss Delivery of Health Services to Tribal People
A one day national workshop aimed at identifying issues concerning delivery of
health services to tribal people, disease burden on tribal people and augmenting
capacity of Institutions involved in tribal welfare was held recently in New Delhi. Dr.
Hrusikesh Panda, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Dr. VM Katoch, DG, Indian
Council of Medical Research ( ICMR) jointly chaired the consultation cum workshop
organized by ICMR and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Panda said that his Ministry has been offering untied
funds to the States in its Project Appraisal Committee meetings for addressing tribal
health issues. He highlighted on the importance of malaria control whose burden was
higher for the tribal people as compared to non-tribal areas. He said, with only 8.6%
of the population share, tribals account for 30% of Malaria cases, 70% of Falciparum
cases and 50% of deaths due to Malaria. In many tribal areas, the incidence of
Falciparum is 90% or more. Furthermore, Sickle Cell Anemia was another enormous
health problem. The secretary was of the opinion that the Ministrys intervention in
writing to the State Welfare Departments to screen tribal students for sickle cell trait
and disease has not reaped sufficient response due to lack of awareness of diagnosis
and treatment amongst medical officers in the tribal areas.
Sharing his observation of his field visits, Dr. Panda said many young tribal girls were
deprived of education as they were involved in new born children care due to
absence of Anganwadi Centres in many of the areas. He said Malnutrition among
tribal population was yet another issue that requires action. The issue of malnutrition
is aggravated due to shift in food basket. The traditional crops which were rich in
minerals, proteins and vitamins have disappeared and substituted by high
carbohydrate cereals. Dr Panda said knowledge in traditional vegetables and tubers,
particularly, those gathered from the forests has also disappeared. He informed the
gathering that his Ministry has been supporting revival of these crops. At the same
time, cultivation and consumption of green leafy vegetables is also being
emphasized to address malnutrition issues. He said activities like dairy, poultry and
fisheries are also encouraged because, in addition to livelihood support, this will
make available nutritious food to the tribal households.
The workshop focused on specific themes of Maternal & Child health, Nutrition,
Malaria, Sickle Cell Anemia and TB. It was realized that ICMR has a vast body of
knowledge with regard to tribal health and issues concerned therein. A better coordination and collaboration between the ICMR and Tribal Welfare Departments,
Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) and Integrated Tribal Development Agencies/

Integrated Tribal Development programmes not only in resources but also in

knowledge and design interventions based on best practices can help in improving
health status of tribal people.
It was felt that high incidence of Sickle Cell Anemia amongst tribal poeple needs to
be addressed by screening of all school going children on the status of Sickle Cell
Disease and they have to be provided with health card indicating status. This would
help in counseling of parents availing services and disease management through
health facility. Each State/UT would ensure 100 % screening of school children for
Sickle Cell Disease. It was also decided to draw up a training plan in collaboration
with ICMR for Medical Officers and Technicians of tribal areas on Sickle Cell screening
and disease management. A user manual on disease management would also be
prepared.
Experts attending the workshop were of the view that to contain Malaria, in tribal
areas, services of traditional healers can be used by training them on Malaria
medicines, who can also distribute medicine to the patients. Similarly to contain
mosquito to population, composite fish culture in ponds was recommended. This
would also provide protein in the form of fish to the tribal people.
Participants were of the view that malnutrition and Anemia issues were to be
addressed by bringing back traditional food of minor millets, green leafy vegetables
and effective implementation of ongoing folic acid supplements and de worming
programmes in these areas. Training Manual prepared by ICMR for paramedic would
be shared with State Tribal Welfare Departments/TRIs for capacity building of local
educated persons.
It was also suggested that use of Cassia tora (chakoda Bhaji) in meals of schools in
tribal areas would ensure Calcium and B- complex supplement in the food in cost
effective manner. This can also help in improving conditions of Fluorosis. Ministry of
Tribal Affairs should issue advisory to the State/UT for inclusion of the Cassia tora in
the menu of the meals in the schools.
Issue of adolescence pregnancy including bringing every pregnant mother under
heath cum nutrition support system was emphasized using best practices. Hiring
local girls/women for paramedical service by appropriate training can deepen the
service in tribal areas was another important suggestion.
Referring to the high incidence of TB amongst Saharia in Madhya Pradesh it was felt
that it can be addressed through better ventilated houses. A special effort by the
State should be undertaken towards this.
Highlights of PMs speech at Vibrant Gujarat Summit, January 11, 2015, Gandhinagar

Let me begin by expressing our solidarity with the people of France as they mourn
their loss and come to terms with the brutal terrorist attack. As we see it spread
around the world, let us pledge to work together to make sure that it will not succeed
against the life that we have all gathered here to build, and the values that we stand
for.
On behalf of the people of India and on my personal behalf, I welcome you all to this
Summit. In January, 2013, while concluding the sixth Summit, I had extended an
invitation for todays event. Your response has been outstanding. I am glad to be
here to welcome you.
On this occasion, I express my gratitude to the old partners of this event - both
countries and organisations. These include Japan and Canada. Without their support,
this event could not have come this far.
I also welcome warmly and thank new partners like USA, UK, Netherlands, Australia,
Singapore and South Africa for joining this event. I particularly thank the Secretary
General of the United Nations and the President of the World Bank for their presence.
It shows their commitment towards progress and prosperity in emerging economies.
Your partnership has enhanced the enterprising spirit of 60 million Gujaratis. It has
boosted the morale of 1.2 billion Indians. This event is perhaps the biggest gathering
on earth where, a budding entrepreneur has the opportunity to see the President of
the World Bank. And where a young farmer, dreaming to set up a food processing
unit, can listen to the views of the UN Secretary General on issues like food security.
That is why, during one of the previous events, I had called it Davos in Action.
Friends! India has always believed that the whole world is one family (Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam). Few have seen this in practice. I am informed that more than hundred
countries are participating in this event.
We are here as a family not only in terms of space, but also because we recognise
that
Someones dream is dependent on someones direction;
Someones success is related to someones support;
Someones curiosity is linked to someones care;
This is what a family does. The ultimate objective is welfare of all. Loka Samastah
Sukhinau Bhavantu.
I am sure all of us, from the Secretary General of UN to the President of the World
Bank, from leaders of the strongest economies to delegations of small countries,
from CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to start-up entrepreneurs, all want the planet

earth to become a better place to live.

Thus, our meeting here is not just A meeting of hands but also of hearts;
It is not only a meeting of ideas, but also of aspirations
As a host to this family gathering,
As a curator of thousands of dreams floating here,
I welcome you all once again.
I hope your stay here is comfortable. I trust you will enjoy our hospitality. This is the
time of Kite Festival in Gujarat. This festival gives us the message of high spirits. Do
participate in it.
Friends! After becoming Prime Minister, I have travelled to the remotest parts of
India and also to various parts of the world. I have been to the UN, BRICS, ASEAN,
East Asian Summit, G-20 and SAARC summits. Some common worries have been
expressed everywhere. The biggest concern is about the global economy. We all
have to find ways for its stability and recovery. We also have to work for sustainable
and inclusive growth.
We, in India, believe that problems present us with opportunities to become stronger,
disciplined and innovative.
My Government is trying to generate confidence. We have prepared a team to
secure a robust future. We believe that changes start with a change in mindset.
Friends! It is a matter of great pride that today, there is tremendous interest in India.
Countries are coming forward to work with us. This has, of course, generated
expectations from us.
Indias present as well as its rich past is being recognised. I thank the UN Secretary
General for giving a formal international stature to Yoga. A record number of 177
countries supported the Indian proposal. Yoga is both a science and an art for
improving human life. In todays world, it teaches us to remain stable even in
adverse situations. Friends, the 2009 edition of this event created vibrancy when the
state of the global economy was depressing. The summits of 2011 and 2013
succeeded in strengthening investor confidence.
It is only because of persistence with positivity that this event of Gujarat
Government has become an event for the entire country. This platform has been
enlarged so that other states too can take advantage. Today, many other states have

adopted this approach. The Government of India is committed to support such

initiatives by any state government.
Friends! We will have to change the way we have been approaching problems.
Recession is often seen just in the context of business and Industry.
Have we ever thought of recession as being the result of low per capita income in
countries where a majority of the global population lives?
Have we ever thought of its solution in terms of enhancing the common mans
employability, income and purchasing power? This is the biggest task at hand in
India. Mahatma Gandhi rightly talked about the last man. And Gandhijis message
can show us the way. It is therefore appropriate that this summit is taking place in
Mahatma Mandir.
An excellent multimedia exhibition on the life of the Mahatma has been set up in
Dandi Kutir nearby. It portrays the life journey of Gandhiji in brief. In addition, just a
few steps away from here, there is a world class mega exhibition which showcases
products and services by leading companies from India and abroad. I am sure you
will not miss the chance to see these magnificent exhibitions.
To me, the best outcome of this event should be inclusiveness and involvement of
communities needing care and development.
Thus, this event stands for Inclusiveness of small with big;
Inclusiveness of poor with rich;
Inclusiveness of gut feelings with mature thoughts
I assure this global platform that India wants to work with the global leadership. Be
they issues of poverty or ecology, we want to contribute to welfare of the global
community. We are aware that with one sixth of the worlds population, our activities
will have a global impact. We are ready to learn and make this impact positive.
However, India has to be seen from a different angle. It is not just a country of today.
It is also an old civilisation. It is not just a country of a few cities. It is a country of
thousands of towns and several hundred thousand villages. It is a country of diverse
communities. Therefore, India has its own solutions for many pressing problems.
Our philosophy is a philosophy of conservation;
Our culture teaches us nurturing of nature;
Our way of life is that of harnessing
Such thoughts and practices have existed in India for centuries. Thus, whatever we
will do, it will be aligned with our culture, ethos and beliefs. Because, we know, this

is what will work in India.

Friends! Our last national elections marked a turning point in Indian democracy. They
indicated the high aspirations of our people. This was amply reflected in the record
voter participation and a clear verdict in favour of one political party after a gap of
30 years.
My government is committed to changing and improving the economic and social
condition of India including the quality of life.
In a short span of seven months, we have been able to change the atmosphere of
despair and uncertainty. Since the first day, my government is actively working to
revive the economy. My government is committed to create a policy environment
that is predictable, transparent and fair.
Friends! We are on the path of transformation. To start this process, we are making
efforts to change the work culture. We have to strengthen our institutions and
systems of delivery. To drive this change forcefully, we have recently re-constituted
our Planning Commission. Now, it is known as NITI Ayog.
We want to promote co-operative federalism in the country. At the same time, we
want a competitive element among the states to create and attract whatever is
needed there. I call this new form of federalism: Co-operative and Competitive
Federalism.
You may be aware that our economic growth had slowed down during the last few
years. Now, my Government is putting all efforts to ensure faster and yet inclusive
growth. The initial results are encouraging.
On the economic front, during the first two quarters, we registered a growth rate
which was one percent higher than the previous year. The IMF has observed that
India will be the 2nd fastest growing economy in the coming years.
According to the latest forecast of the OECD, India would be the only country among
world`s top economies which would increase its pace of growth this year. HSBC`s
latest report has identified India as the world`s largest growing exporter, which is set
to move from being the fourteenth to the fifth largest exporter in the world by 2030.
On the political front also, people of various states have supported us in the recent
Assembly elections.
This gives us the confidence that we are moving in right direction. Let me tell you a
little about what we are doing and where we want to reach.

Friends! We are not merely making commitments and announcements. We are also
backing them up with concrete action at the level of policy and practice. For
example, I announced a Financial Inclusion programme. In four months, we have
opened more than 100 million bank accounts.
We are planning to build smart cities equipped with world-class amenities. For this
purpose, we have further liberalized the FDI policy in construction sector.
I announced that a modern rail system including high speed rails will be set up.
Immediately, we opened up railways for 100% FDI. I announced that defence
production in the country would be encouraged. The next step was to open the
defence sector for FDI up to 49%. We have taken similar steps in many other areas.
These include bringing 49% FDI in insurance. It also includes liberalization of FDI
norms for manufacturing of medical devices.
Simultaneously, on the administrative front, we are actively working to provide
policy driven governance. We have taken far reaching decisions to ensure supply of
key natural resources. This includes coal, iron ore and other minerals. We have also
amended legal provisions to facilitate availability of land. This has been done to
enable development in remote areas while ensuring better returns to the farming
community.
We are trying to complete the circle of economic reforms speedily. We are also keen
to see that our policies are predictable. We are clear that our tax regime should be
stable. In the last few months, we have taken several decisions in this direction.
We have put focus on building Infrastructure through public and private Investments.
This will include national roads, national grids of gas, electricity and water. It also
includes rural infrastructure, 24x7 electric supply, farm irrigation and cleaning of
rivers.
In order to execute the infrastructure plan, a fast track PPP mechanism is being put
in place.
We are undertaking the Sagarmala project to ensure port led development. Existing
ports are being modernized. New world class ports will be developed along India`s
coast. Ports will be better connected to the hinterland through road and rail. Inland
and coastal waterways will be developed as major transport routes. Low cost airports
are being planned to improve regional connectivity, especially to tier-two towns and
places of economic and tourist importance.
We are also keen to move towards the next generation infrastructure. Just as we
need highways, we need I-ways too. Under the Digital India Initiative, IT will be used
to drive Government processes to improve service delivery and programme

implementation, and also to provide broadband connectivity to villages.

To upgrade manufacturing Infrastructure, we are setting up world-class investment
and industrial regions along the dedicated freight corridors and industrial corridors.
Government of India is working towards single window clearance at the Federal and
State levels.
Four months back, we launched Make In India initiative to encourage the growth of
manufacturing in the country. We are working hard to make India a global
manufacturing hub. We are promoting, in particular, labour intensive manufacturing.
I have launched these initiatives in a campaign mode so that they force us in the
Government to make faster corrections. They challenge us to do away with the red
tape and become pro-active. With this purpose, our applications and processes are
being aggressively put online.
Ease of doing business in India is a prime concern for you and us I assure you that
we are working very seriously on these issues We want to make them:
Not only easier than earlier;
Not only easier than the rest;
But, we want to make them the easiest
Friends! Many of you might be interested to know - Why India? India has three things
to its credit - Democracy, Demography and Demand. This is what you are looking for.

And I am sure, you will not find all of them together at any other destination. India
offers you the potential of low cost manufacturing. India has low cost and high
quality manpower. 65% of our population is below 35 years of age. We are trying to
further harness these strengths through better management and good governance.
In the recently launched Mars Orbiter Mission, everything was made indigenously. In
fact, most mission components were made in very small factories.
Friends! We have large number of hands to work. And, we have even larger number
of dreams to be realised. Therefore, employment opportunities are being enhanced
by promoting manufacturing, agro-based industries, tourism as well as services. We
have undertaken labour reforms to encourage enterprise and to create a bigger job
market for our youth.
I have always said that development process should benefit the common man as
well as the business sector.

Therefore, my Government has established a new Ministry for skill development to

enhance our human resource potential. For this, we are placing equal emphasis on
knowledge, technology, innovation and research and development. This includes the
use of ICT for improving governance and resource management. I understand this
because I use modern tools of communication myself.
Friends! Today, India is a land of opportunities. We have to build fast track roads and
railways. We have to energise homes and factories on a continuous basis. We have
to build infrastructure for cities where almost half of our population lives. We have to
take the taste of modern amenities to every village. We have to propel our growth
through value addition in our natural resources and agri-produce. We have to provide
services to our people which are of global standards. At the same time, the whole
world is looking for certain services. If our human resource can be equipped with
skills and technology, we may serve the world in many areas.
Thus, there are immense possibilities for global investors in India. The process of
development we are taking up is not incremental. We are planning to take a
quantum leap. It is not limited to one sector or region, it is truly unlimited. And we
want to do things in a cleaner and greener way. We are open to ideas, investments
and innovations:
Friends!

We have made commitments to our people

We have made commitments to ourselves
We have made commitments for Indias great future
We have to write our new destiny
And we have to write it in a very short time

We know that to do this, we need an enabling policy framework. We are working

constantly to improve it further.
However, I can say with confidence that even today, the strength of Indian
democracy and independence of our judicial system provide a level playing field for
long lasting business.
I would conclude by saying that

We are dreaming big;

And our dreams are numerous;
Our dreams can become the seeds of your growth;
Our aspirations can propel your ambitions

Friends! on behalf of the Government, let me give an assurance. We assure you that

we will be available to hold your hands whenever you need us. You will find us
standing with you in your journey. If you walk one step; we will walk two steps for
you.
At the end, I urge you to see and realise for yourself that

India
India
India
India
India

is
is
is
is
is

changing fast;
growing fast;
moving faster than expected;
learning even faster;
ready than ever before

Idukki in Kerala Becomes the First District of India with Complete Rural Broadband
Coverage
Honble Minister for Communications and IT Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad today
commissioned the first high speed rural broadband of India at the Idukki district in
Kerala. The Honble Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Oommen Chandy, Honble Minister
for Industry and IT, Govt. of Kerala Shri P. K. Kunhalikutty and Secretary Telecom Shri
Rakesh Garg were present on this occasion.
With the commissioning of the NOFN network, Idukki district of Kerala has become
the first in India to be connected with high speed rural broadband. Currently the
District has a total of 8 Block Offices & 53 Gram Panchayats of which 8 Block Offices
& 52 Gram Panchayats have been connected on Optical Fibre and one Gram
Panchayat, namely Edamalakudy, is connected through VSAT. Edamalakudy, is a
Tribal Gram Panchayat consisting of 26 Tribal villages with a population of around
2200. It is remotely located around 18 Kms from Pettimudi which is last point one
can go in a vehicle. BSNL has made exceptional efforts in connecting this Gram
Panchayat and now Broadband Internet as well as Mobile services are available over
here. For the first time the villages under this Panchayat would be connected through
Mobile phones and internet.
The establishment of NOFN would open up new avenues for Access service providers
such as Telecom Service Providers, Internet Service Providers, and Cable TV
operators, Content Providers etc. to launch next generation services and spur
creation of local employment opportunities in a big way.
Prakash Javdekar Announces Water Literacy Mission for Water
Conservation
Union Minister of Environment Mr. Prakash Javdekar today announced that
Government is going to launch Water Literacy Mission to ensure Water

Conservation. Speaking on Water Security, Climate Change and Sustainable

Development in a seminar at Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit at Mahatma
Mandir, Gandhinagar today, he said that public awareness is most needed for water
conservation and for protection of natural resources. He added that no act or law
could ensure this target if not taken up by people as a mass movement.
He said that rejuvenation of Ganga is a step ahead towards cleanliness and added
that we should emphasize on pollution free rivers in addition to expand concept of
linking of rivers. He advocated linking of paralleled rivers Godavari and Krishna of
South India too.
Mr. Javdekar assured to take decision on schemes regarding providing water to areas
in draught prone areas in which farmers are inspired for suicide. These schemes will
be low-cost, eco friendly and long-termed, he added. Minister of Denmark, Mr.
Morgen Jension and Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani also spoke on the occasion.
Experts like Prof. Asit Kumar Biswas and Mr. Bundi Lohani participated in the penal
discussion.
Centre taking Major steps to Improve Investment Climate in the Country
Speaking at the Seminar Invest in India Summit 2015 Financing for Future
Growth, held on the sidelines of Vibrant Gujarat, in Gandhinagar today, Minister for
Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitely said that this Government has taken
major steps to improve the investment climate in the last several months and will
continue to do so. The minister pointed out that investment climate had changed for
the positive, to begin with, because there is a dynamic and decisive Prime Minister at
the helm of affairs. He said that today there was credible governance and effective
decision making. As a reminder to the people, he said that, the Government must
come out of traditional mind sets of pro-business or pro-poor and focus on
comprehensive development. He also said that the governments direction must be
clear and the pace in that direction must be quick.
Speaking to a largely corporate audience, Shri Arun Jaitely said that the country
needs investments, as it has a long distance to go especially in developing some of
the eastern and north east states. He briefly touched upon the areas in which the
government has taken positive steps to improve the investment climate, such as
opening of Insurance and defence sector for foreign investments. He said that if
India could buy defence equipment from foreign countries than why not permit
investment and participation in manufacture of those goods in the country itself. He
said that the government plan to build 100 smart cities had created scope for foreign
investment. Investment in railways too has been allowed by this government.
The Minister said that the Government has taken steps to rectify some flaws in the

tax regime which was responsible for keeping investment away. Many complications
in Company Law are also being done away with and process is being simplified to
avoid veto by minority. He pointed out that the previous government had taken
populist measures with regard to land in order to gain votes. This disrupted the
investment climate resulting in slow down in development. His governments Land
Acquisition Ordinance has sought to rectify those ills. This will give a boost to rural
electrification and rural roads. Creation of industrial corridors will help all including
rural areas. The coal ordinance too will help provide cheap coal and hence cheap
power to the people. The Minister added that the planning commission has been
replaced by a policy commission which would be more democratic and engage states
in the planning process.
The Finance Minister said that in the near future, GST could become a reality and
further improve the investment climate. Tourism would gain by e-visas and 24 hour
custom services at Airports and Seaports will smoothen trading activity. He said that
banks would be given more independence in management In conclusion, he said
that India must stand in the first row for investment after learning from its recent
mistakes.
National Disaster Response Force Raising Day Celebration
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is celebrating its 10th Raising Day on
January 21, 2015.
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will grace the occasion as the Chief
Guest. The Raising Day function will be held at Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan,
New Delhi.
The NDRF has also arranged a live demonstration to create awareness about the
disaster related issues. The demonstration would be organised at Hamsadhwani
Open Air Theatre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi in the afternoon. Shri Kiren Rijiju,
Minister of State for Home Affairs will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest at the
NDRF awareness programme.
The Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan
Keynote Address at CII - India Australia Business Summit
Mr. Andrew Robb, Minister for Trade and Investment, Australia, distinguished guests
seated on the dias, delegates to the Summit from India and Australia, ladies and
gentlemen, A very good morning to all of you.
I want to begin with expressing my sincere thanks to CII and Australian Trade
Commission who have jointly organized todays Summit. It is indeed an honour for
me to be here today for interaction with this august and knowledgeable audience.

This Summit, in my opinion, has come at the right time. As you know, a new federal
government has assumed office in India under my leader Prime Minister Modi with a
decisive mandate for pursuing pro-poor, pro-development and pro-growth agenda.
In the 7 odd months in power, the government has shown firm resolve to take bold
and innovative measures to take the country back on to a high-growth trajectory.
A crucial component of our vision for India revolves around Make In India. This is a
fresh, exciting concept. In recent years, the manufacturing sector in India had lagged
behind the more visible services sector. We recognize that revival of our
manufacturing industry can significantly add to our national growth, provide
employment to masses and generate revenue.
With this intention, we have launched Make In India. It a new national-level
initiative to promote manufacturing industry in India. We want to invite corporations
across the world to open their manufacturing facilities in India. Under this program,
we have identified 25 sectors for the thrust on Indian manufacturing. Defence
manufacturing, Railways, Roads & Highways, Oil & Gas, Mining, Chemicals,
Automobile and Biotechnology are the prominent ones among them.
For doing all this, we are determined to create the right fiscal, regulatory and
administrative environment that adds to the Ease of doing Business. A number of
far-reaching measures have been or gradually being introduced like Single-window
clearance, simplified online processes, extended industrial licenses, self-certification,
etc.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limits have recently been raised in insurance and
defence sectors. The government is working actively on resolving long-pending
bottlenecks around coal block allocations and telecom spectrum auctions.
The government is also going out of its way to improve Indias physical
infrastructure. We are working on ramping up our railways, highways and ports as
well as our telecom and power grids to meet the requirements of Indias growing
economy. Recognizing the importance of availability of power, we have set for
ourselves an ambitious target of Power For All by 2019.
And, while doing all this, the government is also conscious that growth and
development must always take place in a sustainable, environment-friendly manner.
I would like to assure the audience that we are committed to make our green laws
rational and effective.
Coming to Petroleum & Natural Gas, I am happy to share that we have made some
important new beginnings. Diesel price has been completely deregulated and the

long-pending domestic gas pricing issue has been resolved.

The Natural Gas infrastructure and City Gas Distribution sector in the country are
going to see significant expansion in coming years as Honble Prime Minister has
decided to pursue this on Mission Mode and to add another 15,000 km of natural
gas pipeline to the countrys pipeline network.
We have also launched Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG or DBTL across the country
which is the worlds largest cash transfer program to streamline subsidies.
Friends, India and Australia already have significant ongoing business linkages,
notably in the fields of Metals and Minerals, Mining, Energy, Education and so on. I
thank people and Government of Australia for the success of Honble Prime
Ministers visit to Australia in November. He attaches significant importance to
improve relations with Australia.
In my Ministry, I have come across instances of co-operation between Indian and
Australian entities in the fields of LNG sourcing and upstream exploration.
We whole-heartedly welcome Australian investments in Indias upstream, midstream
and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. India, as you might be aware,
permits 100% FDI in upstream exploration sector and we urge Australian companies
to invest in Indias hydrocarbon business.
I am happy to note that Petronet LNG Limited has executed a long term Sale
Purchase Agreement for sourcing 1.44 MMTPA of LNG from Gorgon LNG Project in
Western Australia. BPCL, GAIL and IOCL are the offtakers in this project.
There has been co-operation between Indian and Australian entities in the field of
geo-scientific research. ONGC has carried out a Collaborative Research Project on
Offshore hydrocarbon exploration in KG Basin with University of Melbourne.
Our companies will be interested in tie-ups with Australian companies for exploration
of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) in India, Australia and elsewhere.
ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) would be interested in any exploratory or discovered
E&P asset that might be available in Australia.
Major Indian companies like GAIL, BPCL, HPCL and IOCL would be keen to secure
equity participation in Australian LNG projects and to source LNG from various
planned and upcoming LNG projects in Australia.
I am given to understand that the current trade level between India and Australia is
of the order of approx US$ 12 billion. In my assessment, this represents only a

fraction of what we can do together. I would say the possibilities of business cooperation between India and Australia are immense.
The Summit today provides an excellent platform for business representatives as
well as policymakers from both countries to understand each others perspective for
charting out new avenues for business co-operation.
I request you to freely share your ideas and suggestions on what we can do to
facilitate and promote India Australia business ties and would like to assure you on
governments behalf that we will consider them in right earnest.
National Seminar on Nourishment of Tribal Children to be held at Bhubaneswar
A national conclave would be held at Bhubaneswar on 15th and 16th of this month to
work out strategies for properly nourishing tribal children who suffer from chronic
under-nutrition. The conclave on Nourishing India`s Tribal Children: Voices of
Frontliners,Good Practices and Policy Implications has been jointly organized by
Ministry of Tribal Affairs,Govt.of India, Govt.of Odisha and UNICEF. Union Minister for
Tribal Affairs Shri jual Oram and Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik will be
attending the conclave besides large number of participants.
This conclave brings together frontline workers, practitioners, State and District
officials from Departments of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, Women and
Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, representatives from the Tribal
Research Institutes of various States as well as the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and
UNICEF. Together theyt will take stock of the nutrition situation of India`s tribal
children, discuss what works and how and how Departments of various States can
coordinate, contribute and collaborate for reducing stunting in India`s tribal children.
The Conclave will chart a road map for these States for improving access to food,
nutrition, health and sanitation services for children in tribal pockets and solidify all
stakeholders` commitment toward nourishing India`s tribal children. The states are
Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana.
The need to organise the conclave was felt in view of high level of chronic under
nutrition or stunting which contributes to one-third of under-five child deaths.
The focus will be to collectively identify gaps and good practices and prepare a
roadmap for improving access of tribal children to food, nutrition, health and
sanitation that would improve their nutritional status.The participants would identify
implementation challenges in the National Tribal Policy and ensure better utilisation
of Tribal Sub Plan budgets. Core areas of discussion would be household food and
livelihood security, Integrated Child Development Services, health outreach and
referral, drinking water and sanitation, plans and budgets for improving service

delivery in tribal areas and engagement of civil society including academic

institution for improving service uptake
According to National Family Health Survey-3 (2005-06), India has the highest
number of stunted children globally and most of them are from tribal communities.
The conclave would find ways to ensure that the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) becomes an
effective and dynamic tool to mobilise resources for tribal children`s needs in food,
nutrition and other developmental requirements. Participants would also discuss how
to strengthen Integrated Tribal Development Authority (ITDA) for inter-sectoral
coordination and monitoring of services in tribal areas.
. Stunting (too short for ones age) is an irreversible and chronic manifestation of
under nutrition. It contributes to one-third of under-five deaths. Stunting adversely
affects a childs survival, health, development, learning capacity, school performance
and his/her productivity in adulthood. . According to NFHS-3 (2005-06), India houses
the highest number of stunted children globally. Almost half of Indian children are
stunted with the prevalence being highest among children belonging to scheduled
tribes - Indias tribal people.
Stunting in tribal children, like that of all other children, is influenced by a multitude
of factors including household food insecurity, maternal nutrition, poor feeding and
care practices in the first two years of life and poor access to water, health and
sanitation services. The central focus of this conclave is to emphasize how various
government departments in various states can coordinate, contribute and
collaborate for reducing stunting in Indias tribal children.
The main purpose of the seminar is to collectively identify gaps and good practices,
and chart a road map for improving access to food, nutrition, and health and
sanitation services for children in tribal pockets and solidify all stakeholders
commitment toward tribal childrens development.
The seminar will have six thematic sessions on food and livelihood security; reach of
integrated child development services; outreach and referral of health services;
water and sanitation services; tribal budgets and plans; and role of development
agencies. Each thematic session will be facilitated by a technical expert in the
subject area. Around 150 delegates comprising experts, government officials,
practitioners and field workers from various states would be attending the conclave.
UN Secretary General calls on President
His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations called on
President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 13,
2015).

Welcoming the UN Secretary General to India, the President said the UN is in urgent
need of reform for its own credibility and legitimacy of its decisions. The UN should
play an effective role in all situations. A reformed and effective UN will be able to
respond to the crises afflicting the world in a more decisive manner. The United
Nations needs to represent the geo-political realities of today.
The President said it was true there are divergences on the reforms. But the UN has
been created to iron out these divergences and find solutions acceptable to the large
section of the international community. Reforms of the United Nations should be
advanced at least in the 70th year of the UN. India hopes and counts upon the UN
Secretary Generals leadership and persuasive skills to steer the discussions for
urgent reform of the UN.
Drawing attention to the recent terrorist incidents in Peshawar and Paris, the
President said terrorism was no longer a debating issue. Terrorists engage in wanton
destruction and show no respect for borders or values. The international community
must assert itself and tackle the problem of terrorism. The UN Secretary General
should take the initiative in this regard.
The President expressed his happiness that the international community is working
to finalise a set of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and a comprehensive
post-2015 development agenda. He said tackling the issue of global warming or
climate change requires both serious national action and genuine international
collaboration. Despite huge development challenges, India is undertaking ambitious
climate actions including through lowering of the energy intensity of its economic
growth, increasing energy efficiency across sectors and making greater use of
renewable energy. Pointing out that India became a member of the UN in 1945 even
before we attained independence, the President said Indian Armed Forces participate
in 10 out of the 16 UN peacekeeping mission with 8000 plus troops and police
personnel. India is firm in its commitment to the UN Charter and support of the UN
system.
Responding to the President, the UN Secretary General said India is a critically
important global power. He has therefore visited the country regularly in order to
forge a stronger partnership between the UN and India. He agreed that the
international community should take firm action on the matter of terrorism. There
was huge solidarity expressed by the world after the incident in Paris but committed
action is even more important.
The UN Secretary General expressed appreciation for the contributions of India to
peace keeping operations and the promotion of global democracy. He pointed out
that India was the second largest donor to the Democracy Fund, next only to the
United States. He also congratulated India for the measures being taken for gender

empowerment and appreciated the fact that 25% of the Cabinet were women. He
said he was aware of the aspirations of many countries including India for reforms of
the UN and their desire to play a leadership role in the UN Security Council. The UN
Security Council must become effective, representative, democratic and transparent.

Union Agriculture Minister Emphasises On Efficient Water Management Through

Convergance Of Resources Of Various Ministries
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that efficient water
management of water resources can be achieved through the convergence of
resources/programmes of various Ministries/Departments. He was speaking in India
Water Week 2015 function organized by Ministry of Water Resources in New Delhi
today. He said further that water conservation, groundwater re-charge and rainwater
harvesting by adopting appropriate technologies and funding mechanisms, have to
be undertaken in and outside watershed development projects, with the resources of
Ministries of Rural Development, Agriculture, Water Resources, Urban Development
and Power etc. Enhancing productivity of water using micro-irrigation, supplemental
and deficit irrigation is possible only through combined efforts of the Ministries of
Agriculture, Water Resources and Power, he added.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that marginal changes in irrigation practices will not be
enough to increase productivity. To increase growth in irrigated agriculture, efficiency
of the existing systems is to be enhanced; water so saved should be utilized to
increase irrigation intensity and farming practices improved with modern inputs and
technologies.
Shri Singh said that adverse effects of climate change on freshwater systems will
aggravate the impacts of other stresses, such as population growth, changing
economic activity, land use change and urbanization. Since the supply is projected to
be limited and erratic the only way to balance the water demand-supply gap is
through management of the resource in an efficient, equitable and sustainable
manner.
Shri Singh said that heavy subsidies in electricity consumed for agriculture have
tended to encourage wasteful use of energy and also wasteful use of water. This has
also encouraged farmers to overdraw water from deep aquifers, thus causing water
quality deterioration in many cases. Despite huge significance of ground water in
agriculture growth, it is heading for crisis and needs urgent understanding and
attention, he added.
Shri Singh said that food security is of supreme national importance for maintaining
social harmony, equity and national integrity of India. Given the growing population

and income of the country, the challenge is to manage the competitive demands on
water for industrial, household and energy purposes while meeting the food security
targets, he added.
Border Haat inaugurated in Tripura
Agartala likely to be gateway to implement Act East Policy: Nirmala
Sitharaman
Tripura located in an advantageous position in respect of strategic, diplomatic and
economic relations with Bangladesh is likely to become the gateway in tandem with
implementation of the Act East policy adopted by the Government of India. The
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala
Sitharaman said this today during the inauguration of the first Border Haat set up
along Indo-Bangladesh international border at Srinagar, a bordering village in South
Tripura.
She said the Centre intended to move for development of Bangladesh through
Tripura. Smt. Sitharaman assured to look into the matter to expedite building the
bridge over Feni river. She said the Centre is looking forward to the North-East as the
threshold to reach the South-East Asian countries. Later in the afternoon, Smt.
Sitharaman visited the Integrated Check Post at Akhaura border at Agartala and
enquired about the position of the ICP.

Idukki in Kerala Becomes the First District of India with Complete Rural Broadband Coverage

The Minister for Communications and IT Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurated the launch of the
high speed broadband for the entire Idukki district of Kerala.
With the commissioning of the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), the Idukki district of
Kerala has become the first in India to be connected with the high speed broadband for all the
areas of the district. Currently the District has a total of eight (8) Block Offices & 53 Gram
Panchayats of which 8 Block Offices & 52 Gram Panchayats have been connected on Optical
Fibre and one Gram Panchayat, namely Edamalakudy, is connected through VSAT. Edamalakudy,
is a Tribal Gram Panchayat consisting of 26 Tribal villages with around 2200 people. It is
remotely located around 18 Kms from Pettimudi which is last point one can go in a vehicle.
BSNL has made exceptional efforts in connecting this Gram Panchayat and now Broadband
Internet as well as Mobile services are also available here. For the first time all villages under this
Panchayat would be connected through Mobile phones and internet.

The establishment of NOFN would open up new avenues for Access service providers such as
Telecom Service Providers, Internet Service Providers, and Cable TV operators, Content
Providers etc. to launch next generation services and spur creation of local employment
opportunities in a big way.
The Kerala Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy, the Minister for Industry and IT, Govt. of
Kerala Shri P. K. Kunhalikutty and Secretary Telecom Shri Rakesh Garg were present on this
occasion.
Shri Bandaru Dattatreya Chairs Tripartite Meeting with State Governments, Central
Trade Unions and Employer Organizations
The Union Minister of State for Labour and employment (Independent Charge) Shri
Bandaru Dattatreya today chaired a tripartite meeting with state governments,
central trade unions and employer organizations in New Delhi.
The Minister made an earnest appeal for pro-active involvement of all stakeholders
in the labour matters. He said that the Ministry of Labour follows proud legacy of
social dialogue. He informed that the Ministry is undertaking a special drive to cover
contract and construction workers under formal social security cover. He said that
another nationwide campaign is being initiated for the settlement of inoperative
provident fund accounts. He appealed to the Workers and Employers Organisations

to be a partner in this drive with renewed vigor. The Ministr is aiming at making this
drive an effective tool to cover more and more people in the ambit of Social Security
System and the success of this initiative will only be ensured with cooperation from
all.
The Trade Unions raised the issue of the 10 point charter of demands given by them
and invited the government for more consultations on labour issues.
Employers unanimously agreed that the vision of industrial development can be
achieved only when workers interest coincides and taken into account in a holistic
manner.
The Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Smt Gauri Kumar said that the
Minister (MOLE) has all sincere intent of getting stakeholders on board. Mentioning
the meeting held with state secretaries today she talked about initiatives to bring
about more transparency and accountability as well as making the labour
administration more effective. She also invited the employers and workers join MOLE
in this movement. She informed that the Ministry is working on a National Identity
Card for unorganized workers with portability features and including Jan-Dhan
initiative and the ministry would urge all stakeholders to come on board to make it a
success.
Shri Bandaru Dattatreya said that he was happy to see the increased positive
response from Trade Unions. The key focus for the Ministry is employment
generation for the youth. Increasing competitiveness and skill training is our
challenge to fulfill the aspiration of the new generation. He mentioned the initiative
by the Government to bring a National Vocational Training Institute. He emphasized
the need for consultations so that points and concerns may be taken up to move
forward. Government is neutral and is committed to transparency and accountability.

Minister reiterated the commitment of the government to take forward the

consultative mechanism and thanked the social partners for the constructive
deliberations. He said that interest of labour is paramount for the Government. He
invited the social partners to join this movement of nation building.
From Employers Group following organizations attended the meeting: Council of
Indian Employers, All India Manufacturers Organization, Laghu Udhyog Bharati,
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Confederation of Indian
Industry, The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India, FASII.
From Workers Group following organizations attended the meeting: Bharatiya
Mazdoor Sangh, Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union
Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade

Union Centre, Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Womens
Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour
Progressive Federation (LPF), United Trades Union Congress (UTUC) and National
Front of Indian Trade Unions Dhanbad (NFITU-DHN).
Canadian Delegation meets Shri Bandaru Dattatreya
The Minister of labour and Minister of Women Canada, Dr. Kellie Leitch met the Union
Minister of State for Labour and employment (Independent charge) Shri Bandaru
Dattatreya today at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi. The two sides agreed to work
on a number of areas of mutual interest in the field of Labour including capacity
building for mediation and conciliation and promoting joint certification for skilled
workforce in the two countries.
Canada and India have longstanding bilateral relations, built upon shared traditions
of democracy, pluralism and the presence of a significant indo-canadian population
has strengthened the bond. India and Canada has also developed a mutual
understanding and partnership at various International labour Fora including ILO and
G-20. With the proposed visit of the Prime Minister of India to Canada in, both are
confident that the relationship will reach new heights.
Ministry of Labour and Employment is focusing on good governance in labour issues.
The Government is working on enhancing transparency, ease of compliance and
efficient compliance through better and effective use of technology. A Unified Labour
Web Portal (Shram Suvidha Portal) has been developed in Central Sphere which
provides a simplified single online return by the Industry for 16 labour Laws. Through
effective use of technology, government is trying to promote industrial peace and
harmony and to have a conducive environment for inclusive growth and industrial
development. To bring in more transparency and accountability in the labour
inspection system, Government of India has launched a Formal Labour Inspection
Scheme. Under the Scheme, a computerized list of inspections is to be generated
based on risk- based criteria as per respective labour Acts. Minister said that we look
forward to mutual cooperation in capacity building in labour and sharing of good
practices. The Minister added that conciliation and mediation is an area where we
would like to associate with Canada for capacity building.
For meeting the skill needs of our industry and for enhancing employability of our
youth, Ministry of Labour & Employment has taken several initiatives for qualitative
and quantitative improvement in the area of vocational training. Skill portability has
been recognised as an effective policy tool to address the demand supply balance
for skilled labour across globe. The Ministry is open to exploring the possibility
working with Canada on the issue of customisation of curriculum and portability of
certification under our new policy of flexi-MoU. Minister also mentioned the initiatives

being bilaterally addressed with other countries mainly Germany and Australia and
invited Canadian Government to partner in setting up of National workers Vocational
Institute. The two sides agreed to take forward the agenda in a focussed and
targeted manner.

Government Promulgates the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (Amendment)
Ordinance, 2015

The Government has promulgated an Ordinance on Monday, the 12th January, 2015 (MMDR
Amendment Ordinance, 2015) under Article 123(1) of the Constitution. This amends certain
provisions of MMDR Act, 1957.

The promulgation of Ordinance became necessary to address the emergent problems in the
mining industry. In the last few years, the number of new Mining Leases granted in the country
have fallen substantially. In addition, second and subsequent renewals have also been affected by
Court judgements. As a result, the output in the mining sector has come down drastically, leading
to import of minerals by users of those minerals. The salient provisions of the Ordinance are listed
separately in a page placed below.

Removalofdiscretion;auctiontobesolemethodofallotment

Essentially, Government intended to remove discretion in grant of mineral concessions. All

mineral concessions are granted by the respective State Governments. They will continue to do so
but all grant of mineral concessions would be through auctions, thereby bringing in greater
transparency and removing of discretion. This should also mean that the Government will get an
increased share from the mining sector. Unlike in the 1957 Act, there would be no renewal of any
mining concession. The tenure of the mineral concession have been increased from the existing
30 years to 50 years. Thereafter, the Mining Lease would be put up for auction (and not for
renewal as in the earlier system).

Impetustotheminingsector

The mining industry have been aggrieved due to the second and subsequent renewals remaining
pending. In fact, this has led to closure of large number of mines. The Ordinance addresses this
issue also. Government has kept in mind that interest of Mining Lease holders should not be
adversely affected. Therefore, Sub-Section 5 and 6 of Section 8(a) of the Ordinance provides that
the Mining Leases would be deemed to be extended from the date of their last renewal to 31st
March, 2030 (in the captive miners) and till 31st March, 2020 (for the merchant miners) or till the
completion of the renewal already granted, if any, whichever is later. Thus, no Mining Lease
holder is likely to be put into any disadvantaged condition. It is expected that this would
immediately permit such closed mines to start their operations.

Safeguardinginterestofaffectedpersons

There is provision to establish District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in the districts where mining
takes place. This is designed to address the long time grievance of the civil society with people
affected by mining are not cared for. There is seprate provision for contribution to the DMF not
exceeding 1/3rd of the royalty rate in the respective minerals.

Encouragingexplorationandinvestment

Indian mining industry has not seen the type of exploration as in other countries. To address this,
the Ordinance proposes to setup a National Mineral Exploration Trust created out of contribution
from the mining lease holders. This would allow the Government to have a dedicated fund for
undertaking exploration. In addition, the transferability provision (in respect of Mining Leases to
be granted through auction) would permit flow of greater investment to the sector and increasing
the efficiency in mining.

Simplificationofprocedureandremovalofdelay

In respect of ten minerals in Part C of First Schedule (like iron ore, manganese, bauxite, copper,
gold, etc.), State Government needed to obtain the prior approval of the Central Government
before grant of mineral concession. The amendment removes the need for such prior approval
from the Central Government, thereby making the process quicker and simpler. Similarly,
approval of mining plan by the Government would no longer be mandatory as a provision has
been added under 5(2)(b) permitting the State Governments to devise a system for filing of a

mining plan obviating need for approval by the Government. The Ordinance also provides that the
tenure of any Mining Lease would now be 50 years in place of 30 years in the existing Act.
Further, central government has been given powers to intervene where state governments do not
pass orders within prescribed timelines. This will eliminate delay.

Strongerprovisionsforcheckingillegalmining

In order to bring a check on illegal mining, the penal provisions have been made further stringent.
Higher penalties and jail terms have been provided in the ordinance. Further, a provision has been
made for constitution of special courts by the state govt. for fast-track trial of cases related to
illegal mining.

The salient provisions of the Ordinance are as follows:

Allmineralconcessionswillbegrantedonlythroughauction{Section10B&11}.
Directauctionforminingleasesforbulkminerals;auctionofprospectinglicencescummining
leasesfordeepseatedminerals{Section10B&11}.
Uniformleaseperiodof50years;norenewals;auctionattheendofleaseperiod;willsolve
issuesarisingoutofallSCjudgmentsonsecondandsubsequentrenewals{Section8A(1),(2),
(3)and(4)}.
Transitionperiodofminimum15yearsforcaptiveminesand5yearsforothermines;no
suddenstoppageasaresultofamendment{Section8A(5)and8A(6)}.CentralGovernment
empoweredtoprescribedeadlinesforvariousprocessesandtoissuebindingdirectionstoStates
{Section20A}.
CentralGovernmenttoframeseparaterulesforatomicminerals{AmendmenttoSection11
(B)}.
ThepreviousapprovaloftheCentralGovernmentwillnotberequiredforgrantofmineral
concessionexceptforAtomicMinerals,CoalandLignite{AmendmenttoSection5(1)}.
Enablingpowersforreservationforthepublicsectortocontinue{Section17A(2A)}.
Higherpenaltiesandjailtermsforoffences;specialcourtsmaybeconstituted,ifnecessary
{AmendmenttoSection21(1)&(2)}..

 DistrictMineralFoundationtotakecareofpeopleandareasaffectedbymining{Section9
(B)}.
NationalMineralExplorationTrusttobesetupforimpetustoexploration{Section9(C)}.
Easytransferabilityofconcessionsobtainedthroughauctionssoastoattractprivateinvestment
andFDI{Section12(A)}.
PowerstoCentralGovernmenttointerveneevenwhereStateGovernmentsdonotpassorders
withinprescribedtimelines;thiswilleliminatedelay{AmendmenttoSection30}.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri
A.S. Kiran Kumar, Director, Space Application Centre, as Secretary, Department of
Space and Chairman, Space Commission, on re-employment on contract basis, for
tenure of three years from the date of assumption of charge of the post.
Possible areas of cooperation between Kyoto and Varanasi discussed
First meeting of Steering Committee on Kyoto-Varanasi held
The similarities between the Japanese city of Kyoto and the Indian city of Varanasi
and the probable areas of collaboration between the two cities were discussed in
detail today at the first meeting of the Steering Committee on Kyoto-Varanasi
Cooperation. The meeting was chaired by Shri Shankar Aggarwal, Secretary(Urban
Development), who is also the Chairman of the Steering Committee, set up to
operationalize the Agreement on Sister City Cooperation signed during the last visit
of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Japan.
The meeting was attended by Shri Ramgopal Mohley, Mayor of Varanasi, ViceChairman of Varanasi Development Authority, Director General of Archeological
Survey of India (ASI), senior officials from the Ministries of External Affairs, Culture
and Human Resources Development and officials from other concerned agencies
besides officials from the Embassy of Japan.
Shri Praveen Prakash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development and Convenor
of the Steering Committee made a presentation highlighting the similarities between
Kyoto and Varanasi and the possibilities of sharing the experiences of Kyoto in
emerging as the top ranked city in the world in the domain of leisure and tourism
with development strategies centered around conserving its rich culture heritage.
The similarities brought out included: both cities of tourism importance with Kyoto
attracting about 50 million tourists every year and Varanasi receiving about 5 million
visitors, three rivers flowing through both the cities besides both being the locations

of rich cultural heritage with Kyoto being known as the city of one thousand shrines
and Varanasi as the temple town.
Three principles highlighted in respect of Kyotos initiatives were : conservation of
culture, radical changes in town planning, drastic reduction in garbage generation
and enhancing the appeal of citys cultural visibility through measures like banning
outdoor advertisements, river front development etc. The other measures taken by
Kyoto included : Bio-energy applications and Bio-fuel development, Waste to energy,
Life cycle greenhouse gas inventory of household waste, Application of Ozone to
municipal sewage treatment and waste water treatment.
Shri Shakar Aggarwal suggested that Kyotos initiatives and experiences be
formulated into concrete areas of cooperation for possible implementation in
Varanasi keeping in view its unique characteristics in collaboration with Kyoto. He
also suggested firming up technical, financial and institutional arrangements for
effective operationalization of the Partnership Agreement between the two cities.
Reviving the soul of Varanasi through organizing regular fairs based on the rich and
historical cultural traditions and creative skills of the people of the city were also
discussed.
Based on todayss deliberations, actionable proposals would be evolved for further
consideration by the Governments of India and Japan and the city of Kyoto.
Shri Venkaiah Naidu call for a five pronged strategy to meet water demand
Stresses on judicious use and inter-linking of rivers
Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu has expressed serious
concern on water scarcity in the country and suggested a five pronged strategy to
ensure adequate water for drinking and irrigation needs. Addressing the Plenary
Session of India Water Week 2015, a four-day international conference organized
by the Ministry of Water Resources, here today, Shri Naidu suggested the following
strategy for implement it on priority basis.
(1) Create awareness among the people about the need for judicious use of and
conservation of water
(2) Inter-linking of rivers (Ganga Cauvery)
(3) Recycling and re-use of water
(4) Rain water harvesting

(5) Desalination plants for use of salt water

USAID, Bill & Milinda Gates Foundation to assist in Swachh Bharat Mission in urban
areas
Sign Memoranda of Understanding and Cooperation with UD Ministry
Model City Sanitation System to be achieved in Visakhapatnam on pilot basis with
USAID support
Shri Venkaiah Naidu and US Ambassador say, cooperation has exciting opportunities
In a boost to implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission in urban areas, the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bill and Milinda Gates
Foundation (BMGF) have agreed to provide assistance in the critical areas of capacity
building of implementing agencies including urban local bodies, technology transfer,
technical support, sharing of best sanitation practices and implementation and
monitoring. To this effect, USAID today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with
the Ministry of Urban Development while BGMF signed a Memorandum of
Cooperation. These Memoranda were signed by Shri Shankar Aggarwal,
Secretary(Urban Development) and Shri John Beed, Country Director of USAID and
Shri Girindre Beehary, Country Director, BMGF.
Minister of Urban Development Shri Venkaiah Naidu and US Ambassador to India Shri
Richard Verma were present on the occasion. These Memoranda were signed in
pursuance of the agreements reached during the Summit meeting between Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi and US President Shri Barak Obama in September last
year.
As per the MoU, USAID will assist in:
1.Knowledge exchange and identification and sharing of best practices for water and
sanitation services:
This is aimed at effective knowledge transfer enabling more rapid delivery of
services. State and City level implementation staff will be provided with necessary
skills and incentives to deliver results under Swachh Bharat Mission and National
Urban Development Mission for 500 cities and towns.
2.Provision of targeted, demand driven technical assistance:
Under this, performance indicators and city ranking systems will be introduced for
incentivizing participation in Swachh Bharat Mission and triggering competition
between cities. USAID will provide a broad spectrum technical support to

demonstrate a fully functional sanitation system encompassing containment,

collection, transport, treatment, reuse and safe disposal of fecal waste in
Visakhapatnam.
3.Promoting Public-Private Partnerships:
Under this, USAID will assist in creating a profile consumer behavior and identify
behavior changes relating to purchase of toilets and related services besides
developing targeted and creative messaging for behavior changes to increase
demand for toilets and supply of sanitation products and services. USAID will assist
state governments in creating supporting regulatory environment for service
providers for operation and maintenance of community and public toilets.
USAID is likely to spend about US $ 2 million per year on these activities.
Under the Memorandum of Cooperation, Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation will:
1.Provide technical and management support and assistance in the implementation
of the Mission;
2.Fund National Level Program Management Unit for coordination of decentralized
and non-sewered sanitation solutions;
3.Award grants to organisations selected by the Ministry for delivering sanitation
services;
4.Release grant funds to grantees like NGOs, public or private organsiations
annually, based on satisfactory performance in respect of milestones specified;
5.Assist in capacity building for planning, project preparation, implementation and
management through training and skill development focusing on towns with
population of one to five lakhs located along the Ganga river at a cost of US $ 2.50
million per year;
6.Support IEC and Behavior change Communications; and
7.Extend Technology and Innovation support for Central Public Health Environmental
Engineering Office(CPHEEO) of the Ministry.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Venkaiah Naidu said More than funds, changing
mindsets of the people towards safe sanitation practices and capacity building of
implementing agencies are the key issues to ensure a Clean India. The Government
is committed to Walk the Talk to realise the goals set under cleanliness mission in the
next five years. US cooperation will go a long way in this regard.

US Ambassador Shri Richard Verma said that India-US cooperation has exciting
prospects. On the eleventh day of being in India, I am delighted to be associated
with this partnership initiative in the area of sanitation which has significant linkages
with economic development.
Uma Bharti Underlines the Importance of Dissemination of Data on Water Resources
in Public Domain
India Water Week 2015 Inaugurated
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Sushri Uma Bharti has said that dissemination of data in public domain constitutes
the most important aspect of the water resources management for peoples
participation and information sharing to increase transparency and public awareness.
Inaugurating the India Water Week 2015 here today she said, to fulfill this
objective the Central Water Commission in collaboration with National Remote
Sensing Centre of ISRO has launched the project Generation of database.
The Minister said India has more than 18% of the worlds population, but has only
4% of worlds renewable water resources. There are further limits on utilizable
quantities of water owing to uneven distribution of water over time and space. She
said with a growing population and rising needs of a fast developing nation as well
as the given indication of the impact of climate change, availability of utilizable
water will be under further strain in future with the possibility of deepening water
conflicts among different user groups.
Sushri Bharti said our country has wide variation in water availability across various
river basins. While Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins are well endowed with
water, the basins in peninsular India are relatively water scarce and most of the
them have already reached the stage of full development. She said it is in this
context that the inter basin water transfer programme known as inter linking of river
has been conceived for transfer of water from surplus basins to deficit basins. Sushri
Bharti said The program is based on creating relatively large storage to build
resilience in the system and also provide an aggregate storage capacity needed for
the country in an area where the topography and geology provide favourable
condition. We will adopt a win-win strategy for implementation of the programme.
The Union Minister state for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation Shri Sanwar Lal Jat in his address said that increasing population is
putting more pressure on the availability of water. He said we will have to adopt new
techniques of irrigation based on less usage of water. The Minister said inter-linking
of rivers will help in diverting the surplus water of rivers to drought prone areas.

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Urban Development
Minister Shri M Venkaiah Naidu and Union Environment and Forest Minister Shri
Prakash Javadekar also addressed the gathering.
The theme of five day water week is Water Management for Sustainable
Development". India Water Week-2015 will address the issues of sustainability of
water resources development and management in line with Sustainable
Development Goals 2015 being finalized by UN.
Australia is the partner country for this event and 30 Australian companies are
participating in the exhibition to showcase the technological advancement in the
area of water resources. Maharashtra is associated as partner State. The event is
targeted at international and national audience comprising policy planners and
technologists involved with water resources management in all key sectors of
economy like agriculture, irrigation, energy, industry and drinking water supply.
The event is being organized in co-ordination with nodal Ministries of Agriculture,
Environment & Forests and Climate Change, Rural Development, Urban
Development, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Power and NITI Ayog along with their
associated expert organizations and Public Sector Units, key international bodies and
private and public business houses.
The IWW-2015 will also have running exhibition enriching the theme and showcasing
the technologies and solutions available for the areas under deliberation of the meet.

During the week, Hamara Jal Hamara Jeewan initiative will be observed in every
district of the country. This will be an initiative to engage scientists, engineers, water
communities, PRIs, other stakeholders and NGOs to address the issues of water
resources planning at the local level and to generate awareness regarding need for
water conservation. Participation from school students will be an integral part of the
programme for sensitizing the next generation for water conservation. This will also
spread awareness regarding need to conserve water in the light of growing water
scarcity.
One day workshop will be organized in every district during the week to find
indigenous solution for meeting the water related demands and suggest future road
map to manage water for growth. During the workshop it is planned to prepare a
profile of each district covering its source of water, utilization for various uses and
constraint, possible local solutions for meeting the unsatisfied demands and future
roadmap to manage water for growth. The States have been asked to submit a
report in this regard after the workshop is over. The recommendations received
during the deliberations of the workshop will also be used for preparation of an
overview of State level recommendations. Such recommendations would enable

Ministry to utilize the same for policy making.

Conceptualised and organised for the first time in 2012, the India Water Week is an
annual forum where the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation, Government of India discusses, talks, strategizes with eminent
stakeholders through seminars, exhibitions and sessions to build public awareness to
get support to implement key strategies for conservation, preservation and optimum
use of available water. This is the third event in line with the theme Water
management for sustainable development. The second event namely India Water
Week-2013 with the theme Efficient Water Management: Challenges and
Opportunities was organised during 8-12 April, 2013 at New Delhi.
Shri Arvind Panagariya assumes charge of the office of Vice Chairman NITI
Aayog
Shri Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog assumed charge of his office
here today.
Eminent economist, Arvind Panagariya was professor of Economics at New York`s
Columbia University till recently. A Rajasthan University alumnus, Shri Panagariya
holds a Ph.D. degree in Economics from Princeton University.
A former chief economist at Asian Development Bank, Shri Panagariya has worked
with International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation and World Bank. He has
written around ten books and the latest was India: The Emerging Giant published
in 2008.
Born on September 30, 1952, Shri Panagariya is the first vice chairman of the Niti
Aayog-National Institution for Transforming India (NITI). Aayog has been established
by the Government to function as both a think tank and a policy forum replacing
Planning Commission.
India and US to Furher Strengthen their Ties in the Field of Electronic Manufacturing
and Information Technology
The USA, Under Secretary of State Ms. Catherine Novelli met the Minister for
Communications and Information Technology Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad last evening.
The Minister shared the Digital India vision with the Under Secretary and its broad
constituents namely- the digital infrastructure, digital delivery of services and digital
empowerment of citizens. He informed the Under Secretary about Idukki- the first
district where NOFN has been commissioned. The government is in the process of

digitizing the services of the states. We have launched Digital Literacy Mission to
educate the citizens about the usage of digital technology. He shared the recent
initiative of Jeevan Pramaan- a biometric identity based pension certification system
and the biometric attendance system. MyGov is a participative platform developed
for citizens to take active participation in the process of governance. Electronic
manufacturing is an area that this government is promoting in a big way. The
government has launched various incentives for promoting manufacturing in India.
The Under Secretary Ms. Novelli expressed that the companies from the USA are
very excited to join India in promoting manufacturing. But she felt that the
constraints of global supply chain must also be understood while promoting Make in
India. Minister assured the Under Secretary that if US companies are investing in
India, they will be treated at par with the Indian companies and they are not
subjected to any different conditions for investing in India. If they manufacture in
India, they not only sell their products in India but also export it to the rest of the
world and avail incentives.
The Minister shared that the Cyber Security is another area of great concern for
cooperation between India and the USA. He further raised the issue of governance of
Internet and net neutrality. The Under Secretary felt that the discussions on internet
governance has become more broad based and inclusive. There is a need to have
dialogues with engineers, IT professionals, companies, stakeholders. Net neutrality is
an area on which the US federal government has taken a firm stand that we do not
want any compromises on net neutrality. To this the Minister shared that the Internet
must promote local along with the global. For India, net neutrality is very important.
It is an instrument for the masses and it must remain an instrument for the masses.
As far as government architecture to deal with this issue is concerned India is
studying this and discussing it with stakeholders.
Shri Ravi Shanker Prasad also shared with Ms. Novelli, Indias global representation
in the internet governance the need to increase this. He felt that an open and
democratic society must allow larger space to each other. Ms. Novelli said that it is
very important for the USA also and the USA would like to see India playing larger
role in the internet issues of the world. The USA is open to talk more about these
issues and would like to be on the same side of these issues.
Agreement for Commercializing Novel Superabsorbent Hydrogels
Technology Signed

National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) an enterprise

under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of

Science & Technology, Govt. of India and M/s Reliance Industries Limited,
Mumbai executed an agreement for commercialization of A Novel
Superabsorbent Hydrogels technology. This involves a novel hydrophilic
super absorbent polymer indigenously developed by the Indian Agricultural
Research Institute, New Delhi to meet the requirements of water
productivity in Agriculture. The scientists had successfully demonstrated
the potential of resolving the problem of poor water use efficiency in
agricultural crops. Besides, improved nutrient use efficiency, an array of
other benefits have been achieved by using this product.

NRDC is about to execute another agreement with a Chennai based

company for the transfer of the same technology. NRDC has already
executed agreements with five companies.

Hydrogel absorbs a minimum of 350 times its weight of pure water

at 500C. It exhibits absorbency at high temperatures suitable for semi-arid
and arid regions. Besides, low rate of application it also improves physical
properties of soil such as porosity, aggregate stability and hydraulic
conductivity.

Key Characteristics:

Less affected by the presence of salts in its immediate environment

Improves physical properties of soils and the soil less media

Improves seed germination and the rate of seedling emergence

Improves root growth and density

Helps plants withstand prolonged moisture stress

Reduces nursery establishment period

Reduces irrigation and fertilization requirements of crops with

improved input use efficiency

No undesirable effect on the crops raised in the fields treated with

hydrogel has ever been observed or reported by the experimenters or the
end users, the farmers

*****

Minister of MSME to inaugurate Rapid Incubation Centre in Rwanda

Minister of MSME Shri Kalraj Mishra will be visiting Rwanda on 16 & 17 January, 2015
to inaugurate the Rapid Incubation Centre in the fields of food processing, light
engineering and vocational trades established by NSIC under India Africa Forum
Summit (IAFS-II). The Minister will also witness the progress of vocational training in
the country set with the help of Indian Government. He has been invited by the
Minister of Education , Prof. S.L. Wakabamba, Government of Rawanda.
Rwanda`s economy is based mostly on subsistence agriculture and its
manufacturing sector is dominated by the production of import substitutes for
internal consumption. The Government of Rwanda is in the process of establishing
small enterprises in the country and looks towards India for cooperation in the
development of MSMEs in that country. The visit will provide an insight into the
structure of Micro, Small & Medium enterprises in Rwanda and will help strengthen
areas of cooperation at policy level in this sector.
On his return journey the Minister Shri Kalraj Mishra will also visit South Africa. India
and South Africa, besides historical linkages, share industrial and trade relations
extensively. The Minister of Small Businesses of Government of South Africa during
her recent visit to India in November, 2014, had invited the Minister of MSME, to
South Africa to further discuss expansion of bilateral cooperation in the field of
MSMEs between the two countries.
As the process of industrialization expands further in South Africa, it finds greater
synergy with Indian MSMEs particularly in entrepreneurship development and
technological incubation in South Africa. In this reference, NSIC, an enterprise with
the Ministry of MSME, is signing an MoU of Cooperation with Black Business
Council(BBC) of South Africa for developing youth owned enterprises in South Africa.
The MoU is scheduled to be signed in the presence of Minister of MSME, during his
visit to South Africa. The MoU, besides cooperation in MSME sector, also focuses on
BBCs efforts to economically empower the marginilised group in South Africa
through NSICs Rapid Incubation Programm. NSIC has been requested by BBC to
establish five such Rapid Incubation Centres in South Africa.
The presence of the Minister of MSME, during the signing ceremony between two
organizations will further strengthen the commitment of cooperation with South
Africa in developing MSMEs in the country and thus, be a partner in economic
transformation of South Africa.
The visit of Shri Kalraj Mishra will also provide an opportunity to further renew NSICs
cooperation with Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) under the Ministry of

Small Business, Government of South Africa. NSICs Cooperation with SEDA has been
instrumental not only in enhancing cooperation in the field of MSMEs in South Africa
but also plays an important role in tri-nations cooperation under India, Brazil and
South Africa (IBSA) Forum.
National Steering Committee for new plan schemes of PRASAD and Integrated
Development of Tourist Circuits holds its first meeting
Tourism Minister emphasizes synergy among stakeholders for speedy
implementation of schemes
The first meeting of National Steering Committee for new plan schemes of PRASAD
and Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits of Ministry of Tourism was held in
New Delhi today. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of State for Culture
(Independent Charge), Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh
Sharma.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of various ministries like M/o
Railways, M/o Water Resources, M/o Rural Development, M/o Urban Development,
M/o Power, M/o Transport and Highways and Culture Ministry among others. The
various stakeholders gave details of some of the projects to promote Tourism being
implemented by them and how they can be dovetailed with PRASAD as well as
scheme of Development of Tourist Circuits.
Addressing the participants, the Minister emphasized the need for inter-ministerial
cooperation and coordination to create proper synergy for the success of the
schemes. Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that there is a need to promote rural tourism
since even urban India is not familiar with the rural life. Apart from this, India has
rich resources like rivers which can be beneficial for developing Cruise Tourism which
is nonexistent in the country at present, he said.
Suggesting the need for speedy implementation of PRASAD and Development of
Integrated Circuits, the Minister said that there should be no delay in implementing
those portions of the scheme which are within the ambit of the Central Government.
He also urged the officials to launch within a week the projects already identified and
in which a substantial ground work has already been done.
The representatives of various ministries promised to send their proposals as
discussed in the meeting in writing to the Ministry of Tourism. They suggested that
there is not only a need to focus on infrastructure but emphasis should also be
placed on soft skills like training of guides and generating livelihood and employment
among local communities.
Secretary(Culture), Mr Ravindra Singh pointed out that the locations for the Buddhist
circuit must be finalized quickly and the Banaras circuit , which will form a good

project to be taken up under the scheme, should also be developed. Secretary

(Tourism), Dr Lalit Panwar highlighted the importance of Cruise Tourism saying that it
comprises a negligible percentage of total tourism in the country and has a great
potential.
Uma Bharti Inaugurates India Water Week Exhibition
Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Sushri Uma Bharti inaugurated the India Water Week exhibition in Pragati Maidan
today. The exhibition will conclude on 17th of this month.
Australia is the partner country for this event and 30 Australian companies are
participating in the exhibition to showcase the technological advancement in the
area of water resources. Maharashtra is associated as partner State.
The event is being organized in co-ordination with nodal Ministries of Agriculture,
Environment & Forests and Climate Change, Rural Development, Urban
Development, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Power and NITI Ayog along with their
associated expert organizations and Public Sector Units, key international bodies and
private and public business houses.
There exhibition showcases the technologies, latest development and solutions
available for the areas of water management for sustainable development in
agriculture and irrigation, drinking water supplies in rural and urban, industrial water
use. It provides a unique networking opportunity to the exhibitors for exposing their
products and services to the practicing water resource professionals from various
countries. Exhibitors will also have a unique opportunity to spread their network in
this region and find new joint ventures and profit from the growing business in this
emerging and technologically important area. Business firms will have the
opportunity of direct contact with thousands of potential clients, highly qualified
visitors including decision makers, enormous PR and promotional opportunities, to
find joint ventures to enable them to expand their business in the rapidly growing
India water market and to increase brand visibility/image and free hosting of
exhibitors profiles and company website links on event web portal.
Conceptualised and organised for the first time in 2012, the India Water Week is an
annual forum where the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation, Government of India discusses, talks, strategizes with eminent
stakeholders through seminars, exhibitions and sessions to build public awareness to
get support to implement key strategies for conservation, preservation and optimum
use of available water. This is the third event in line with the theme Water
management for sustainable development. The second event namely India Water
Week-2013 with the theme Efficient Water Management: Challenges and

Opportunities was organised during 8-12 April, 2013 at New Delhi.