Government Decides to Revoke The Suspension of Deemed Recognition of IOA with immediate Effect
Government has decided to revoke the suspension of deemed recognition of IOA with immediate effect in the light of the corrective action taken by them in reversing its earlier decision making Shri Abhay Singh Chautala and Shri Suresh Kalmadi, Life Presidents of IOA. Since IOA has admitted the faux pas committed and regretted the inconvenience and embarrassment caused to all concerned, it is expected of IOA that it will uphold the highest standard of probity and ethics in its functioning in future.
In the light of the above developments and keeping in view the larger interest of promotion and development of sports in the country, the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has revoked the suspension of deemed recognition of IOA, imposed on 30.12.2016, with immediate effect.
****
AD/MB
Issue of bringing water into concurrent list being discussed with States
Uma Bharti Inaugurates JAL MANTHAN-III
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that centre is discussing the issue of bringing water into concurrent list with States. Inaugurating the JalManthan-III in New Delhi today she said her Ministry is also seriously working on new acts for water use and Ganga.
Deliberating on various issues related to water resources management, the Minister said water user associations are not performing up to the mark in some States. She said, “We may have to take active help from NGOs to strengthen these associations as active and performing water user associations are very important for the success of AIBP-PMKSY”. Underlying the need for peoples participation in Water Resources Management the Minister said there is a need to convert Jal Kranti into Jan Kranti.
Referring to inter-linking of rivers Sushri Bharti said her Ministry is trying its best to convert the funding pattern of Ken-Betwa Phase-I link from 60:40 to 90:10. She said the Ministry is very much hopeful to start the project in the first quarter of this year itself. The Minister said the project will be completed within seven years. The Minister also referred to Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga-Mahanadi-Godawari link and called it as “Mother link” of inter-linking of rivers in the country. Sushri Bharti said a section of the people in a particular state are opposed to this link and termed it as political. She said the successful completion of this link would be able to solve the drought and flood problems of the states of West-Bengal, Bihar and Odisha to a great extent. SushriBharti said the Damanganga-Pinjal link will be able to meet the drinking water needs of Mumbai upto the year 2060. She also referred to Par-Tapi link and said that on completion this link would be able to meet the drinking water needs of rural tribals of the area.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and GangaRejuvenation in his address called for more attention on waste water management. He said a large amount of water is wasted in the country and proper management of the same will result into saving of this precious natural wealth. Shri Vijay Goel, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and GangaRejuvenation said that there is urgent need to conserve water for future generations. He said it did not occurre to us that this natural resource which was available in abundance could become scarce in future.
Dr Amarjeet Singh, Secretary in the Ministry referred to the need of common pooling of water resources by farmers. He said we have to fix the accountability of water use to stop its wastage. Shri said there an urgent need to develop a culture to understand the important of water conservation.
The daylong event has been organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and GangaRejuvenation with a view to have wider consultations among various stakeholders to brain-storm new ideas for solutions to various issues of water sector.
About 700 participants comprising Irrigation/ Water Resources Ministers of States/UTs, eminent experts in water sector, representatives of NGOs and senior officers of the Central and State Governments had consultations and discussions on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, River Basin Management, River Rejuvenation and Ecology, Flood management, Water use efficiency and Participatory irrigation management.The focus was on refining policies of the Ministry to make them more people friendly and responsive to the needs of the states.
It may be recalled that the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati has emphasized the need to hold wider consultations amongst various stakeholders engaged in water resource development and management to achieve synergy of water resource development with environment, wild-life and various social and cultural practices. Jal Manthan programmes are being held to achieve this purpose. The earlier Jal Manthan Programmes held in November, 2014 and February, 2016 were hugely successful.
****
Samir/JKD/jk
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot Inaugurates Silver Jubilee Celebrations of NBCFDC
Shri ThaawarchandGehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the Silver Jubilee celebrations of National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC), a Govt. of India Undertaking under the aegis of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, here today. Shri RamdasAthawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt. Latha Krishna Rao, Secretary, M/o SJ&E and many dignitaries were present.
Shri Gehlot distributedthe performance Awards to the Channel Training partners of NBCFDC and launchedthe pilot of Loan & Employee InformationAutomation Project (LEAP) system. He released a short film “HamariKahani” based on the experiences of beneficiaries of NBCFDC and a book entitled “Safalata Ki Kahaniyan” brought out by NBCFDC on the success stories of the beneficiaries on the occasion.
In his address, Shri Gehlot said that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is working through channelizing agencies and banking institutions in all States for the welfare of Backward classes. He said that all Corporations under his ministry are working very effectively in the service of needy persons. M/o Social Justice and Empowerment organizes Job Fairs regularly through its Corporations for providing Jobs to the youths of these classes. He opined that Training improves the personality. He said that without “People’s participation”, such schemes can’t succeed. He called upon people to take advantage of various schemes of these corporations of Ministry of social Justice and empowerment.
NBCFDC was incorporated under Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 on 13th January 1992 as a Company not for profit with an objective to promote economic and developmental activities for the benefit of Backward Classes and to assist the poorer section of these classes in skill development and self employment ventures. NBCFDC provides financial assistance through State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) nominated by the State Governments/ UTs. It also provides Micro Financing through SCAs/ Self Help Groups (SHGs). The Corporation can assist a wide range of income generating activities to assist the poorer section of these classes in skill development and self-employment ventures under the broad sectors viz.: (1) Agriculture and Allied Activities ; (2) Small Business : (3) Artisan and Traditional Occupation ; (4) Technical and Professional Trades/Courses ; and (5) Transport and Service Sector etc.
*****
Sanjay Kumar/MoSJ&E/13.01.2017
The Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan along with Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge) Dr. Mahesh Sharma to survey the historical places and monuments.
The Union Minister of Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan along with Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge)Dr. Mahesh Sharma took a tour of his parliamentary constituency Chandani Chowk in order to survey the historical places and monuments under it.
In addition to officials from Tourism and Archaeological Departments, he was accompanied by Commissioner of North Delhi Municipal Corporation, Public Works Division, Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation, Water Board, NDPL, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board and senior officials from the Police Department.
The visit started from the historic Red Fort of Delhi. Dr. Harsh Vardhan has made immense efforts for re-development of Shahjahanabad and Jama Mosques. Thereafter both ministers visited the Hardayal Municipal Library and Delhi Public Library. Dr. Harsh Vardhan requested Dr. Mahesh to equip them with facilities as per contemporary standards.
The Nation is observing the birth Centenary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay - a person who wanted welfare of all the sections of the society and conceived the philosophy of 'Integral Humanism'.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan informed the Dr Mahesh Sharma that the historic Town Hall of Delhi may be developed as a memorial for Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay so that everyone can take inspiration from his great life.
The Union Tourism Minister also agreed to consider the development plans for Kudesia Garden and Roshanara Bagh. The plan for their beautification, upkeep of monuments there, redevelopment of Roshanara Bagh with spaces like cafeteria, playgrounds, separate utilities area for women with various facilities, modern benches, dustbins and garbage recycling system etc. The estimated cost for both these plans is estimated at around ₹ 10 Crore and ₹ 4 Crore. The Union Tourism Minister also instructed officials to prepare development plans for Naini Lake in Model Town with boating, Laser lights etc.
RDS/AK
Expert Group on SECC submits report to MoRD Shri Tomar
Data will help in better planning and allocation of resources for various programmes.
The Government mounted the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) with the purpose of ranking households for receiving benefits under government programmes. The Socio Economic and Caste Census has been concluded. The Ministry of Rural Development has decided to use SECC data for identification of beneficiaries and for generating priority list of beneficiaries under its programmes.
An Expert Group under the Chairmanship of former Finance Secretary Shri Sumit Bose was constituted to study the objective criteria for allocation of resources to States and identification and prioritization of beneficiaries under various programme using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data. The other members of the Expert Group are:
(a) Shri Amarjeet Sinha, the then AS(RD), now SRD Member
(b) Dr. Mahendra Dev, Director, Indira Gandhi Institute of
Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai Member
(c) Dr. Rinku Murgai, Economist, World Bank Member
(d) Dr. Himanshu, Associate Professor, JNU, New Delhi Member
(e) Shri Manoranjan Kumar, EA(RD) Member Secretary
The Expert Group during its interim discussion with MoRD had given a road map on selection of beneficiaries as well as criteria for allocation of resources to the states for Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G).
The Expert Group’s interim advice has been accepted by the Ministry and accordingly appropriate guidelines have been issued to make inter –state allocation based on SECC data to cover households under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAG) and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The Expert Group has concluded that the use of SECC data and its TIN Number would enable the government to improve the efficacy of its interventions and will result in improved outcome. However, the Expert Group has observed that regular updation and verification of SECC data is prerequisite to eliminate the need to mount standalone SECC in the long run, which would put additional burden on public resources. The SECC has the potential to move from being only a census-like socio-economic database to becoming the core of a functioning Social Registry Information System (SRIS). SRIS would result in several advantages in implementation of social sector schemes. It has the potential to streamline programme administration, reduce duplication of benefit and fraud, saving on time and costs for both programme applicants and services providers, monitoring the living standards of beneficiaries over time, better targeting of vulnerable and marginalized sections of the society and enable expansion of the coverage of the programmes. Finally, the use of SECC data would lead to better budgetary planning and allocation of resources for various programmes.
The Chairman of the Group presented its Report to the Hon’ble Minister (RD) Shri Narendra Singh Tomar this morning. The Minister complemented the Chairman and other Members of the Expert Group for their recommendations and objectivities.
<><><><><>
Global Crude oil price of Indian Basket was US$ 53.95 per bbl on 12.01.2017
The international crude oil price of Indian Basket as computed/published today by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was US$ 53.95 per barrel (bbl) on 12.01.2017. This was higher than the price of US$ 52.56 per bbl on previous publishing day of 11.01.2017.
In rupee terms, the price of Indian Basket increased to Rs. 3673.26 per bbl on 12.01.2017 as compared to Rs. 3586.13 per bbl on 11.01.2017. Rupee closed stronger at Rs. 68.09 per US$ on 12.01.2017 as compared to Rs. 68.23 per US$ on 11.01.2017. The table below gives details in this regard:
|
Particulars |
Unit |
Price on January 12, 2017 (Previous trading day i.e. 11.01.2017) |
Pricing Fortnight for 01.01.2017 (Dec 14, 2016 to Dec 28, 2016) |
|
Crude Oil (Indian Basket) |
($/bbl) |
53.95 (52.56) |
53.05 |
|
(Rs/bbl |
3673.26 (3586.13) |
3599.97 |
|
|
Exchange Rate |
(Rs/$) |
68.09 (68.23) |
67.86 |
Meeting of Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi with representatives of Anglo-Indian community
Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that the central government is committed for the inclusive growth of every section of the society. Addressing a meeting of Anglo-Indian community in New Delhi today, he said that the Government is working with an aim of socio-economic-educational empowerment of all sections.
Shri Naqvi said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs has been effectively and successfully implementing various welfare schemes aimed at empowerment of all the Minorities. “Empowerment without appeasement” is our mantra. He emphasized that there was no dearth of funds for welfare of the poor and weaker sections of the society.
Shri Naqvi said that despite of the fact that Anglo-Indian community has a small population, the community has played a vital role in nation building. The community should take maximum benefits from the schemes related to the welfare schemes meant for Minorities. The Ministry of Minority Affairs is establishing 5 world-class educational institutions and Anglo-Indian community will also be benefitted from this decision.
While terming the suggestions made by Anglo-Indian community representatives for socio-economic-educational empowerment of the community as “positive, constructive and fruitful”, Shri Naqvi assured the members that the Ministry of Minority Affairs will discuss their suggestions seriously.
The members of the community praised Shri Naqvi’s initiative to convene a meeting of Anglo-Indian community. Shri Naqvi also assured that his Ministry will continue the communication with the Anglo-Indian community members regularly. The meeting was also attended by Nominated Anglo-Indian MPs Prof Richard Hay and George Baker, nominated MLAs Shri Elvis Stephenson (Telagana); Ms Vinisha Nero (Karnataka); Shri Philip Tocher (Andhra Pradesh); Shri Glen Joseph (Jharkhand), president of All India Anglo-Indian Association Barry O’ Brien and other renowned people from the community.
****
Simplified Social Welfare Legislation available free at Book-Fair
The Department of Justice (DoJ), Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India is participating in the ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair (7-15 January 2017) at Pragati Maidan, organized by the National Book Trust (Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India) and India Trade Promotion Organisation, under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India).
The DoJ is exhibiting and distributing (free of cost) a repository of knowledge products and information, education and communication materials (IEC materials) produced under the GoI and United Nations Development Programme project “Access to Justice for Marginalised Persons” and the GoI Project “Access to Justice for Marginalised in eight states of North East and Jammu and Kashmir”. To learn more about the projects please visit http://doj.gov.in/other-programmes/access-justice-marginalized-people-goi-undp-project-0
The IEC material, being displayed at the book fair, presents relevant social welfare legislations in a simplified and accurate formats, suitable and useful for the public at large. The core aim of this material is to impart legal literacy in simple, easy and accurate language, an objective which is at the core of the mandate of DoJ.
The DoJ has collaborated with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) for this event. In addition, free legal aid help desk has been set up at the stall, where panel lawyers and para legal volunteers from the DSLSA are available on all days to provide legal advice and information on accessing legal aid services provided by NALSA.
The stall is situated in Hall 18, stall no. 269. The closest gate of entry is gate no. 7 on Mathura Road.
About the Project
The project “Access to Justice for the marginalised” is being implemented in eight States of Bihar, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
The key objective of the project is strengthening access to justice for the marginalised (particularly the poor, women, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and minorities), by developing strategies that address barriers to accessing justice in legal, social, economic and political domains. The project interventions seek to empower the poor and marginalized sections of the society with knowledge on their legal rights and means to claim them, by raising legal literacy amongst them. The project also aims to improve justice delivery mechanisms by strengthening their capacities and increasing their engagement and communication process with the vulnerable groups. Phase I of the project was undertaken between 2009 and 2012. The current phase, Phase II is for a five-year period between May 2013 and December 2017.
Over the course of the two phases, the project has developed a repository of knowledge products and information, education and communication materials (IEC materials) which present relevant social welfare legislations in a simplified and accurate formats, suitable and useful for the public at large. The core aim of this material is to impart legal literacy in simple, easy and accurate language.
EPF Statutory dues for the month of December can be paid by 20th January 2017
Considering the issues arising out of stabilisation of the Unified Portal for employers with UAN Based simplified Electronic Challan cum Return filing system the remittance for the month of December 2016 can be paid by 20th January 2017.
The Portal was launched by EPFO on 23.12.2016, which helps in submission of UAN based returns and challans. It has been noticed that due to increased traffic on the portal, many employers have faced some difficulty in upfront allotment of UAN, connectivity/login issues, website slowing down and also unfamiliarity of the new processes. The Statutory dues are to be paid by 15th of every month.
******
Change in Tariff Value of Crude Palm Oil, RBD Palm Oil, Others – Palm Oil, Crude Palmolein, RBD Palmolein, Others – Palmolein, Crude Soyabean Oil, Brass Scrap (All Grades), Poppy Seeds, Areca Nuts, Gold And Silver Notified
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962), the Central Board of Excise & Customs, being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient so to do, hereby makes the following amendment in the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), No. 36/2001-Customs (N.T.), dated the 3rd August, 2001, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section-3, Sub-section (ii), vide number S. O. 748 (E), dated the 3rd August, 2001, namely:-
In the said notification, for TABLE-1, TABLE-2, and TABLE-3 the following Tables shall be substituted namely:-
TABLE-1
|
Sl. No. |
Chapter/ heading/ sub-heading/tariff item |
Description of goods |
Tariff value (US $Per Metric Tonne) |
|
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
|
1 |
1511 10 00 |
Crude Palm Oil |
798 |
|
2 |
1511 90 10 |
RBD Palm Oil |
827 |
|
3 |
1511 90 90 |
Others – Palm Oil |
813 |
|
4 |
1511 10 00 |
Crude Palmolein |
828 |
|
5 |
1511 90 20 |
RBD Palmolein |
831 |
|
6 |
1511 90 90 |
Others – Palmolein |
830 |
|
7 |
1507 10 00 |
Crude Soya bean Oil |
869 |
|
8 |
7404 00 22 |
Brass Scrap (all grades) |
3165 |
|
9 |
1207 91 00 |
Poppy seeds |
2602 |
TABLE-2
|
Sl. No. |
Chapter/ heading/ sub-heading/tariff item |
Description of goods |
Tariff value (US $) |
|
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
|
1 |
71 or 98 |
Gold, in any form, in respect of which the benefit of entries at serial number 321 and 323 of the Notification No. 12/2012-Customs dated 17.03.2012 is availed |
392 per 10 grams |
|
2 |
71 or 98 |
Silver, in any form, in respect of which the benefit of entries at serial number 322 and 324 of the Notification No. 12/2012-Customs dated 17.03.2012 is availed |
550 per kilogram |
TABLE-3
|
Sl. No. |
Chapter/ heading/ sub-heading/tariff item |
Description of goods |
Tariff value (US $ Per Metric Tonne ) |
|
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
|
1 |
080280 |
Areca nuts |
2613 |
*****
DSM/MS/KA
Signing of Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement by CBDT
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) entered into a Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement (BAPA) on the 13th of January, 2017 with Indian subsidiary of a Japanese trading company. Recently, the CBDT has also modified an existing Bilateral APA with another Indian subsidiary of a Japanese company to include rollback provisions. Thus, total three Bilateral APAs are now signed with Indian subsidiaries of Japanese companies all including rollbacks. The total number of bilateral APAs entered into by the CBDT is now eight.
The APA Scheme was introduced in the Income-tax Act in 2012 and the “Rollback” provisions were introduced in 2014. Signing of bilateral APA is an important step towards ascertaining certainty in transfer pricing matters of multinational company cases and dispute resolution. Under BAPA, certainty in tax treatment is provided for the next 5 years while rollback provides dispute redressal for a maximum of four past years preceding APA years. A BAPA may be preferred by multinational companies since finalisation of the same involves reaching an understanding between the tax administrations of the two countries and for the transfer pricing adjustment done in the hands of the Indian entity, corresponding adjustment is available in the hands of related foreign entity, thereby relieving economic double taxation. The progress of the APA Scheme strengthens the Government’s mission of fostering a non-adversarial tax regime. The CBDT expects more BAPAs to be concluded and signed in the near future.
*****
International Training Programme to Build Design Competencies for Mobile Handsets
In line with vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister to promote ‘Make in India’, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India in collaboration with National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), ICA and MediaTek, Taiwan conducted a 45-day Practical Hands-on for Mobile Handset Design Engineers at International Trade Institute, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Hsinchu, Taiwan. A team of 43 Electronics Professionals from NIELIT and Industry from India attended the training programme.
To mark the completion of the progarmme, a felicitation programme was organized at Taiwan, which was addressed through Video Conference by Smt. Aruna Sundarajan, Secretary, MeitY, senior officers from MeitY, NIELIT, ICA, MediaTek and other stakeholders.
During the ceremony, Smt. Aruna Sundarajan, Secretary, MeitY, while appreciating the unique and first of its kind initiative, said that the programme is a major step forward to build competencies in India and there is a demand for continuing and expanding such an initiative. She highlighted that the programme is not merely a classroom training but an opportunity for Indian participants to imbibe the culture of excellence and perfection that characterizes Taiwanese companies.
She congratulated the participants, who had undergone training at Taiwan and extended thanks to Chairman, MediaTek and Director General, ITA for mentoring and anchoring the programme.
In a significant announcement, Mr. M.K. Tsai, Chairman MediaTek announced that MediaTek will be happy to provide scholarships to select Indian students to pursue PhD in Taiwanese Universities.
****
Lieutenant General Sarath Chand Takes over as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Sarath Chand took over as Vice Chief of Army Staff and paid homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, today. Before taking over as Vice Chief of Army Staff, the General officer was commanding South Western Command.
The General Officer was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in June 1979. During career spanning over 38 years, he has served in all operational theatres and has participated in many active combat leadership roles at every stage of command. The early operational service of the General includes the command of Company in the Kargil Sector of Ladakh and in active operations during Operation PAWAN as part of the IPKF in Sri Lanka. He commanded battalion in Operation RHINO and Operation FALCON, an Infantry Brigade in the deserts and a Counter Insurgency Force deployed in the Kashmir Valley and thereafter commanded a strategically important 4 Corps. He has also held a number of important staff as well as instructional appointments during his career. The General Officer has served at the United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNOSOM-II).
The General Officer in his capacity as Vice Chief will head the General Staff Branch at the Army Headquarters and will provide crucial support to the Army Chief in discharge of his duties. He will be responsible for ensuring the operational effectiveness of the Army by directly overseeing the functioning of the military operations, intelligence and logistics directorates. He will coordinate and facilitate decision making on critical issues involving multiple stakeholders within and outside Army.
Col Rohan Anand, SM
Joint Armed Forces Veterans’ Day Celebration
The Joint Armed Forces Veterans’ Day shall be commemorated tomorrow acknowledging the selfless devotion and sacrifice by Veterans of the Services. Over 1500 Veterans of the Army, Navy and Air Force are likely to attend the function which will be addressed by the Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre, who will be the Chief Guest at the function. Serving and retired Chiefs of the three Services will also grace the occasion as Guests’ of Honour.
The event is being organized all across the nation and military stations. In the national capital the event will be held at Harbaksh Stadium, Delhi Cantonment from 9:30 AM onwards. Exclusive counters by Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) & Ex Servicemen (ESM) Helpline, ECHS, AWPO, Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), Comptroller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Canteen Services Directorate and Army Welfare Education Society (AWES) will be set up to disseminate information on different facets of Ex-Servicemen welfare.
A medical camp will also be established to provide on-site health screening.
****
INDIA’S FOREIGN TRADE: December, 2016
I. MERCHANDISE TRADE
EXPORTS (including re-exports)
In consonance with the revival exhibited by exports in the last three months, during December,2016 exports continue to show a positive growth of 5.72 per cent in dollar terms (valued at US$ 23884.97 million) and 7.79 per cent in Rupee terms (valued at Rs. 162179.89 crore) as compared to US$ 22593.35 million (Rs. 150461.57 crore) during December,2015.
Cumulative value of exports for the period April-December 2016-17 was US$ 198807.75 million (Rs. 1333913.57 crore) as against US$ 197333.62 million (Rs. 1278004.37 crore) registering a positive growth of 0.75 per cent in Dollar terms and positive growth of 4.37 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.
Non-petroleum exports in December 2016 were valued at US$ 21117.73 million against US$ 20036.19 million in December 2015, an increase of 5.4 %. Non-petroleum exports during April - December 2016-17 were valued at US$ 176831.24 million as compared to US$ 172960.12 million for the corresponding period in 2015, an increase of 2.2%.
The growth in exports is negative for USA (-1.21%),China(-7.45%) and EU(-6.27%) but exhibited positive growth in case of Japan(3.79%) for October 2016 over the corresponding period of previous year as per latest WTO statistics.
IMPORTS
Imports during December 2016 were valued at US$ 34254.32 million (Rs. 232588.18 crore) which was 0.46 per cent higher in Dollar terms and 2.43 per cent higher in Rupee terms over the level of imports valued at US$ 34096.49 million (Rs. 227067.28 crore) in December, 2015. Cumulative value of imports for the period April-December 2016-17 was US$ 275355.92 million (Rs. 1848099.10 crore) as against US$ 297410.85 million (Rs. 1926024.55 crore) registering a negative growth of 7.42 per cent in Dollar terms and 4.05 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.
CRUDE OIL AND NON-OIL IMPORTS:
Oil imports during December, 2016 were valued at US$ 7645.42 million which was 14.61 percent higher than oil imports valued at US$ 6670.61 million in December 2015. Oil imports during April-December, 2016-17 were valued at US$ 60921.83 million which was 10.76 per cent lower than the oil imports of US$ 68267.37 million in the corresponding period last year.
Non-oil imports during December, 2016 were estimated at US$ 26608.90 million which was 2.98 per cent lower than non-oil imports of US$ 27425.88 million in December, 2015. Non-oil imports during April-December 2016-17 were valued at US$ 214434.09 million which was 6.42 per cent lower than the level of such imports valued at US$ 229143.48 million in April-December, 2015-16.
II. TRADE IN SERVICES (for November, 2016, as per the RBI Press Release dated 13th January 2017)
EXPORTS (Receipts)
Exports during November 2016 were valued at US$ 13338 Million (Rs. 90199.16 Crore) registering a positive growth of 1.72 per cent in dollar terms as compared to negative growth of 4.79 per cent during October 2016 (as per RBI’s Press Release for the respective months).
IMPORTS (Payments)
Imports during November 2016 were valued at US$ 8323 Million (Rs. 56284.87 Crore) registering a positive growth of 8.37 per cent in dollar terms as compared to negative growth of 7.51 per cent during October 2016 (as per RBI’s Press Release for the respective months).
III.TRADE BALANCE
MERCHANDISE: The trade deficit for April-December, 2016-17 was estimated at US$ 76548.17 million which was 23.51% lower than the deficit of US$ 100077.23 million during April-December, 2015-16.
SERVICES: As per RBI’s Press Release dated 13th January 2017, the trade balance in Services (i.e. net export of Services) for November, 2016 was estimated at US$ 5015 million. The net export of services for April- November, 2016-17 was estimated at US$ 42806 million which is lower than net export of services of US$ 46706 million during April- November, 2015-16. (The data for April-November 2015-16 and 2016-17 has been derived by adding April-November month wise QE data of RBI Press Release).
OVERALL TRADE BALANCE: Overall the trade balance has improved. Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade deficit for April- December 2016-17 is estimated at US$ 33742.17 million which is 36.78 percent lower in Dollar terms than the level of US$ 53371.23 million during April-December 2015-16. (Services data pertains to April-November 2016-17 as November 2016 is the latest data available as per RBI’s Press Release dated 13th January 2017)
…
MERCHANDISE TRADE
|
EXPORTS (including re-exports) |
DECEMBER |
APRIL-DECEMBER |
|
2015-16 |
22593.35 |
197333.62 |
|
2016-17 |
23884.97 |
198807.75 |
|
% Growth 2016-17/ 2015-16 |
5.72 |
0.75 |
|
IMPORTS |
|
|
|
2015-16 |
34096.49 |
297410.85 |
|
2016-17 |
34254.32 |
275355.92 |
|
% Growth 2016-17/ 2015-16 |
0.46 |
-7.42 |
|
TRADE BALANCE |
|
|
|
2015-16 |
-11503.14 |
-100077.23 |
|
2016-17 |
-10369.35 |
-76548.17 |
|
EXPORTS & IMPORTS : (Rs. Crore) (Provisional) |
||
|
EXPORTS (including re-exports) |
DECEMBER |
APRIL-DECEMBER |
|
2015-16 |
150461.57 |
1278004.37 |
|
2016-17 |
162179.89 |
1333913.57 |
|
% Growth 2016-17/ 2015-16 |
7.79 |
4.37 |
|
IMPORTS |
|
|
|
2015-16 |
227067.28 |
1926024.55 |
|
2016-17 |
232588.18 |
1848099.10 |
|
% Growth 2016-17/ 2015-16 |
2.43 |
-4.05 |
|
TRADE BALANCE |
|
|
|
2015-16 |
-76605.71 |
-648020.18 |
|
2016-17 |
-70408.29 |
-514185.53 |
SERVICES TRADE
|
EXPORTS & IMPORTS (SERVICES) : (US $ Million) |
|
|
(Provisional) |
November 2016-17 |
|
EXPORTS (Receipts) |
13338.00 |
|
IMPORTS (Payments) |
8323.00 |
|
TRADE BALANCE |
5015.00 |
|
EXPORTS & IMPORTS (SERVICES): (Rs. Crore) |
|
|
(Provisional) |
November 2016-17 |
|
EXPORTS (Receipts) |
90199.16 |
|
IMPORTS (Payments) |
56284.87 |
|
TRADE BALANCE |
33914.29 |
|
Source: RBI Press Release dated 13th January 2017 |
|
MJPS
Shri Radha Mohan Singh Addresses Inter-Session Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Ministry of Agriculture
Per capita availability of milk in India is 337 gram/day as compared to the average world per capita availability of 229 gram/day.
The milk production has registered a growth rate of 6.28% during 2014-16, which is higher than last years growth rate of about 4 per cent and three times more than the world average growth of 2.2%.
To encourage farmers for increasing milk production, it is imperative that milk collection facilities need to be upgraded and farmers be given remunerative prices for their produce: Radha Mohan Singh
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that milk production has become a major economic activity amongst rural households and farmers are adopting dairying along with agriculture for augmenting their incomes. Shri Singh stated this today during the inter-session meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Ministry of Agriculture in New Delhi. Implementation of National Dairy Plan was also discussed during the meeting.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that about 70 million rural households are engaged in milk production. The small and marginal farmers & landless labourer produce about one to three litres of milk per day and are responsible for production of most of the milk for the country. About 78 percent farmers in India are small and marginal, who own about 75 percent of female bovine but own only 40 percent farm land. Milk contributes to one third of gross income of rural households and in case of landless its contribution is half in their gross income.
Agriculture Minister said that India continues to hold the number one position among milk producing nations of the world since 1998. India has largest bovine population in the world (18.4 percent share). Milk production in India has increased from 22 million tonne in 1970 to 156 million tonne in 2015-16, which shows a growth of 700 percent during last 46 years. As a result, the per capita availability of milk in India is 337 gram/day as compared to average world per capita availability of 229 gram/day.
Shri Singh said that during last two years 2014-16, milk production has registered a growth rate of 6.28 percent, which is more than last year growth rate of about 4 percent and more than three times higher than the world growth average of 2.2 percent. If wheat and paddy is combined together, even then, in Gross Value Addition (GVA) of Rs.4.92 crore in 2014-15, the contribution of milk is more than 37 percent. About 54 percent of milk produced in the country is surplus, out of which about 38 percent is handled by the organized sector. The Co-operatives and private dairy organisations have equal share in it. Shri Singh said that women participation in dairying is about 70 per cent.
Union Agriculture Minister said that in order to encourage the farmers for increasing milk production, it is imperative that milk collection facilities need to be upgraded and farmers be given remunerative price for their produce. This is possible only when an effective management system is in place to link the farmers to the market. Shri Singh said that BPL households, small and marginal farmers will be encouraged to rear descript indigenous breeds.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the National Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development Programme (NPBBDD) has been started in 2014-15 converging four existing programmes. The objective of this programme is to prepare a comprehensive and scientific programme to meet the increasing demand for milk. The programme has two components – National Bovine Breeding programme (NPBB) and National Dairy Development Programme (NPDD). The NPBB focusses on expanding field coverage for artificial insemination network, monitoring of programmes for indigenous breed development and conservation in the breeding areas. The NPDD is focusing on creating and strengthening of infrastructure for milk unions/federations for production, procurement, processing & marketing of milk and training of dairy farmers and extension.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh directed the officials to incorporates the suggestions given by the members on the issue and to speed up the research.
Shri Sudarshan Bhagat, the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the Members of Parliament, Shri Chintaman Navsha Wanaga (Lok Sabha), Shri M. B. Rajesh (Lok Sabha), Shri Rodmal Nagar (Lok Sabha), Shri Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre (Lok Sabha), Dr. Tapas Mandal (Lok Sabha), Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav (Rajya Sabha), Shri K. Rahman Khan (Rajya Sabha), Shri K. R. Arjunan, (Rajya Sabha) attended the meeting
Shri Devendra Chaudhry, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying and Fisheries and senior officials from the Ministry and National Dairy Development Board were present in the meeting.
***
Rabi Crops Sowing Crosess 616 Lakh Hactare
As per preliminary reports received from the States, the total area sown under Rabi crops as on 13thJanuary 2017 stands at 616.21 lakh hectares as compared to 581.95 lakh hectare this time in 2016.
Wheat has been sown/transplanted in 309.60 lakh hectares, rice in 14.92 lakh hectares, pulses in 155.35 lakh hectares, coarse cereals in 54.87 lakh hectares and area sown under oilseeds is 81.47 lakh hectares.
The area sown so far and that sown during last year this time is as follows:
Lakh hectare
|
Crop |
Area sown in 2016-17 |
Area sown in 2015-16 |
|
Wheat |
309.60 |
289.07 |
|
Rice |
14.92 |
19.48 |
|
Pulses |
155.35 |
139.93 |
|
Coarse Cereals |
54.87 |
58.40 |
|
Oilseeds |
81.47 |
75.06 |
|
Total |
616.21 |
581.95 |
Ministry of DoNER celebrates Magh Bihu (Makar Sankranti) festival
"DoNER House" complex to be set up at Guwahati: Dr Jitendra Singh
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh addressed at the celebrations of Magh Bihu (Makar Sankranti) festival, organised by Ministry of Development of North-East Region (DoNER) at Dilli Haat here today. The theme of the festival was ‘Integration through fusion’.
Addressing on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Bihu is the biggest post-harvest festival of Assam and other parts of the North-East and it coincides with the other festivals such as Pongal, Lohri and Makar Sankranti. He wished the people on this occasion as it is the beginning of new year. He also said that dance performances by artists symbolize the unity in diversity of Indian culture.
On the auspicious occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh announced the setting up of multi-purpose "DoNER House" complex at Guwahati, Assam. He said that it will be a complex which will have meeting hall, conference hall and other infrastructural support.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken various steps for the development of North Eastern region. He said that earlier the emphasis was on bringing the North east region closer to the national mainstream, but now the emphasis is being laid on bringing the rest of India closer to the culture and diversity of north east. The north east region is now visible in the national capital and the celebration of such festivals in Delhi is an instance of that, he added. He said that the development of north east has been the priority of the Government and the wholesome growth of the nation is not possible without the development of all regions including Northeast.
He also said that the Government has laid special emphasis on the development of infrastructure in the north-east region. There is exclusive scheme for road development in the north east region, he added. He also said that air and rail connectivity is being given priority by the Government. The connectivity will attract investments in the region which will lead to the development of the North east. It will also encourage start ups to come to north east, he added. He also said that the region rates high in terms of many social indicators such as literacy and women empowerment and there is lot to learn from it. He said that the unexplored potential of the region needs to be explored and utilised. The Minister said that in February, 2015, the Government started with the practice of having a camp office in each state of north east on a rotational basis which has helped the officers to understand the problems on the region on the ground level.
On the occasion, the artists from Song and Drama Division of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting presented dance performances from various states which symbolized the rich Indian culture as well as unity in diversity.
Senior officers of the Ministry were also present on the occasion.
***
Fact Sheet on Manipur Assembly Elections 2017
In Manipur , as per information provided by the Chief Electoral Officer , there are two Recognized State parties viz., Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA).
Smallest &Largest Constituency by Area & Electorate:
Among the Assembly Constituencies (AC), by area, the smallest are 12-Keisamthong & 13-Singjamei AC, 2 sq. kms each and the largest one is 43-Phungyar (ST) AC, 23.8 sq. kms. By size of the Electorate, the smallest is 55-Tipaimukh (ST) AC with 17749 electors and the largest being 48-Mao (ST) AC with 53557 electors. Further, all the 60 ACs in respect of Manipur have less than 1 lakh voters in the electorate.
The electors who have received the Electoral Photo ID Card (EPIC) are further categorized by sex which, as the charts show, are fairly evenly constituted by Males and Females. Further, there are no electors reported from the other sex in the electorate and there are a total of 11915 voters from the services.
The following is a graphical representation of demographic statistics of the electorate based on different age among males and females. There is no elector documented from “Other” category
Age and Sex-wise Composition of Electorate
|
|
Male |
Female |
Others |
Total |
|
18-25 years |
155247 |
158756 |
0 |
314003 |
|
25-40 |
354548 |
378232 |
0 |
732780 |
|
40-60 |
295630 |
303333 |
0 |
598963 |
|
>60 |
119984 |
128013 |
0 |
247997 |
RM/VM
Two Groups of Secretaries present ideas on Education and Crisis Management to PM
Two Groups of Secretaries to the Government of India, today presented ideas on Education and Crisis Management, to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
Union Ministers, and officials from the NITI Aayog were also present on the occasion.
With this, all nine presentations on various governance related themes have now been made in the current series.
Speaking at the conclusion of the presentations, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Union Government is open to new ideas. He urged all Secretaries to continue thinking holistically and give top priority to concrete outcomes.
***
PM greets the people, on the occasion of festival of Lohri
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people, on the occasion of festival of Lohri.
"Happy Lohri! May this festival bring happiness, good health and prosperity in everyone's lives.
ਲੋਹੜੀ ਦੇ ਸ਼ੁਭ ਦਿਹਾੜੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਮੂਹ ਦੇਸ਼ ਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਲੱਖ-ਲੱਖ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ। ਰੱਬ ਕਰੇ ਇਹ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਾਰਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਖੁਸ਼ੀਆਂ-ਖੇੜੇ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਆਵੇ।", the Prime Minister said.
***
Vice President greets people on Makar Sankranti and Pongal
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people of our country on the eve of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. In a message, he said that the auspicious festivals are associated with the harvest season and reflect the underlying unity of our country.
Following is the text of Vice President’s message:
“I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all our citizens on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal.
Makar Sankranti symbolizes ‘Uttarayan’ or the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun. Celebrated with different names in all over the country, the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Pongal are associated with harvest season and reflect the underlying unity of our country.
May the festivals bring prosperity, peace and harmony in everyone’s life.”
***
Vice President calls for balanced approach between the creation of clinical health infrastructure and the demands of public health
Shri M. Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India has called for a balanced approach between the creation of clinical health infrastructure and the demands of public health when evaluating the overall needs of the country’s health requirements. He was speaking at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi here today. Shri Anil Baijal, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, Delhi, Shri Satyendar Jain, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Delhi, Dr. M.M. Kutty, Chief Secretary, Government of Delhi and Shri Chandrakar Bharti, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Delhi, were also present on the occasion.
The Vice President said that although India is experiencing a rapid health transition, the country’s disease burden remains extraordinarily high. We are confronted both by an unfinished agenda of infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies and unsafe pregnancies as well as the challenge of escalating epidemics of non-communicable diseases, he added.
Underlining the need for a comprehensive Act that covers the various aspects of healthcare rights, delivery and related matters, the Vice President said that excessive focus on curative medical care detracts attention from the much more cost-effective and efficient option of preventive public health investments that can stem the spread of infectious diseases and improve nutritional outcomes in the country.
Pointing out that our public expenditure on health, particularly public health continues to be low, the Vice President called for an increase in financial commitment, both by the Centre and the States, towards public health concerns in order to make the 1978 Alma Ata declaration of “Health for All” a reality.
Following is the text of Vice President’s address on the occasion:
“I am happy to be here at the Institute for Liver and Biliary Sciences set up by the Government of Delhi as an autonomous, super-specialty, medical and research institute with the objective of providing a high class facility for diagnosis and treatment in the field of Liver and Biliary Diseases, including a Centre for Advance Dedicated Research.
Convocations are occasions to honour intellectual achievement and celebrate life in the academic world. They mark the graduation of students from a temple of learning to the realities and challenges of life outside it. It is nevertheless important to remember that pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong process and does not end with the acquisition of a degree.
In recent years healthcare in India has been in public focus with particular emphasis on referral hospitals. In 2014, the government announced that it would set up 10 more institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country. Similar announcements are also made by state governments.
When evaluating the overall needs of the country’s health requirements, a balanced approach between the creation of clinical health infrastructure and the demands of public health have to be considered. Following points may be of interest to this audience;
• An internal study of the AIIMS trauma centre in New Delhi found that failure to provide nutrition and hospice facilities led to the death of nearly 50% of patients with head injuries discharged from the hospital.
• There is a growing body of research that shows how eradicating open defecation and improving sanitation can improve health outcomes greatly, especially among children. Not only does improved sanitation bring immediate returns in terms of reduced incidence of illnesses such as diarrhoea, it also leads to long-term gains such as reduced stunting and better cognitive abilities among children.
• It has been estimated that costs due to poor sanitation facilities were to the tune of more than 6% of India’s gross domestic product in 2006.
• The western approach of avoiding diseases, death and disability, traditionally focused on personal hygiene and public sanitation during the 19th Century. This approach, combined with better food availability, paid rich dividend in the developed countries in reducing morbidity and mortality.
• A joint Stanford Medical School and Harvard University study shows that the provision of safe water and better sewage facilities reduced infant mortality significantly in the greater Boston area between 1880 and 1915. It underlines the importance of providing proper sewage facilities in a rapidly urbanizing Third World.
• Absence of universal health coverage and limited social health coverage has led to a high burden of Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) expenditure in India. OOP contributes approximately 86% of private expenditure and 60% of overall healthcare expenditure in our country.
I highlight these points to illustrate that although India is experiencing a rapid health transition, the country’s disease burden remains extraordinarily high. We are confronted both by an unfinished agenda of infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies and unsafe pregnancies as well as the challenge of escalating epidemics of non-communicable diseases. This composite threat to the nation’s health and development needs a concerted public health response that can ensure efficient delivery of cost-effective interventions for health promotion, disease prevention and affordable diagnostic and therapeutic healthcare.
Public health has been defined as the science dealing with the determinants and defence of health at the population level, while clinical medicine deals with multiple maladies and their remedies at the level of an individual patient. Public health takes into account the social, cultural and economic determinants of health to create systems for efficient health services delivery. It is focused on research, teaching and professional practice to prevent disease and promote health in populations.
The approach to developing a holistic public health policy has to be inter-disciplinary and multi-sectoral, encompassing elements from areas like epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral sciences, health economics, health services management, environmental health, health inequities, human rights, gender, health communication, ethics of healthcare and research. The interventions proposed need to be evidence-based, context-specific and resource- sensitive.
The AIIMS trauma centre experience highlights the importance of acknowledging factors beyond the realm of medical treatments in developing a healthy society. The excessive focus on curative medical care detracts attention from the much more cost-effective and efficient option of preventive public health investments that can stem the spread of infectious diseases and improve nutritional outcomes in the country.
In 2009 the Government took a landmark decision when it decided to introduce the National Health Bill, 2009. It recognized health as a fundamental human right, stating that every citizen has a right to the highest attainable standard of health and well-being. The draft bill provided for the people’s right to health and healthcare; the obligations of the governments and private institutions; core principles, norms and standards on rights and obligations; the institutional structure for implementation and monitoring; and the judicial machinery for ensuring health rights for all. It also included an itemized list of the specific public health obligations of the central and state governments.
The Bill continues to languish after an initial, brief period of enthusiasm.
The question of priorities remains in the realm of debate. Some observers maintain that the diversion of public health resources towards population control and the use of technocratic drug-based interventions to tackle specific diseases were responsible for the lack of adequate investments in public health infrastructure in India. There is some evidence that investing in preventive public health infrastructure may be politically less rewarding in a democracy such as India in comparison to providing private goods such as specialized healthcare. Achievements in preventive public health such as the absence of epidemics are by definition negative in nature, unlike achievements in the provision of specialized curative care.
In a situation where the health needs of the people are dependent largely on the unregulated private sector, where there is gross underinvestment in health, where the rate of decline of either infant or maternal mortality has been slow, where there has been a resurgence in communicable diseases, the belief that a credible public health system is urgently required is getting increasing recognition. A comprehensive Act that covers the various aspects of healthcare rights, delivery and related matters is a pressing need.
Our public expenditure on health, particularly public health continues to be low. What is required is an increase in financial commitment both by the Centre and the States towards public health concerns in order to make the 1978 Alma Ata declaration of “Health for All” a reality.
I compliment the faculty, staff and administrators of this Institute for their dedication and hard work that has made this Institute a renowned centre of research and learning and congratulate the successful students.”
***
14 jan
Khelo India National Competions under Aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to be organized from 15th Jan, 2017 To 21st Jan, 2017.
Khelo India National level Competitions under aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would be organized from 15th Jan, 2017 to 21st Jan, 2017 in Swimming, Cycling and Wrestling. Minister of State (I/C) Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Vijay Goel will inaugurate the Competitions tomorrow at Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex, New Delhi. More than 25 states/Union territories are expected to participate in the National Competitions. Approximately 1000 participants are expected to participate in the Khelo India National Competitions being organized by SAI. Entry for spectators to watch the events is free at all venues.
Shri Vijay Goel in a statement said that the intention to conduct Khelo India Competitions is not only to promote sports at grass-root level but also to provide a platform to the budding talents to compete at national level. Talent identification would also be done in the process for grooming them to achieve excellence at international level. He said, Khelo India Scheme will prove a game changer as it will not only help to create sports infrastructure but also attract budding talent to prove their mettle.
The schedule of the Competitions is as mentioned below:
|
Games |
Venue |
Category |
Event |
Date of event |
|
Cycling |
Sports Authority of India Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi |
Under - 14 |
Boys : Cycling 11 Km. Girls: Cycling 9 Km |
15.01.2017 |
|
Under - 17 |
Boys : Cycling 20 Km Girls : Cycling 14 Km |
|||
|
Wrestling |
Sports Authority of India Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi |
Cadet Group 14Years to 16Years (Freestyle ) |
a) Boys up to 50 kg, 54 kg, 58 kg & 63 kg b) B) Girls up to 40 kg, 43 kg, 46 kg & 49 kg. |
20.01.2017 & 21.01.2017 |
|
Swimming |
Sports Authority of India Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex, New Delhi |
Under – 14 Under -- 17 |
a) Boys-Freestyle 50m, Back Stroke 50m, Butterfly Stroke 50m b) B) Girls – Freestyle 50m, Back Stroke 50m, Breast Stroke 520m, Butterfly Stroke 50m c) 4x50m Freestyle mix relay. |
15.01.2017 |
***
Petroleum Minister to inaugurate month long awareness programme “Saksham - 2017” on 16th January, 2017
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will inaugurate a month long awareness programme “Saksham – 2017” on 16th January, 2016 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. Saksham - 2017 (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav) is aimed to create awareness amongst masses towards judicious utilization and conservation of petroleum products along with use of energy efficient appliances and switching to cleaner fuels. The programme is being organized by PCRA (Petroleum Conservation Research Association) and other Oil & Gas PSUs under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
During one-month long drive, workshops will be held for drivers of commercial vehicles and housewives, cooks on adopting simple fuel saving measures. Saksham - 2017 is aimed to educate on various steps for fuel conservation through activities like Quiz Show, Saksham Asian Cycling Championship, Walkathons, concerts and other activities across the country.
National school winners of essay and painting competitions will also be given awards during the inauguration which includes visit to Japan for children, laptops & cash prizes to encourage children for continuing their efforts and enhancing their knowledge on energy conservation.
***
Finance Ministry says that it respects the autonomy and independence of the Reserve Bank of India
There has been a report in sections of the Press that some unions have alleged infringement of the autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India. It is categorically stated that the Government fully respects the independence and autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India. Consultations between the Government and the RBI are undertaken on various matters of public importance wherever such consultation is mandated by law or has evolved as a practice. Consultations mandated by law or as evolved by practice should not be taken as infringement of autonomy of RBI.
*****
Colourful Dances by school students to Enthral Audience of Republic Day Parade – 2017
Over 600 boys and girls are participating in this year’s Republic Day Celebrations with three cultural items from Directorate of Education, Govt. of Delhi and another from South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur.
162 students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pitampura, Delhi will perform a dance based on the national tri-colour with the theme ‘Tiranga Sakshi Hai’. Their performance will express immense pleasure and enthusiasm and convey how our national flag has been a witness to the glorious tales of our freedom fighters, formation of Indian democracy, the endless affection of Indians, women empowerment, and such countless achievements. While affirming the respect and affection of the citizens, for the national flag, they express their faith that India will re-emerge as a world leader with the power of knowledge.
Another 150 students of Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Chirag Delhi will render a song and dance performance paying tribute to the youth of our country who have taken up the cause of leading the country to the path of success and development. The young participants inspire our countrymen to dedicate this youth power for the service of the nation and uplift the suppressed, thereby leading to the path of progress and making the nation’s mark on the global platform. The song touches the innermost chords of hearts, evokes the spirit of patriotism and inspires the youth to take our country to new heights of development. The map formation during the dance performance denotes India’s unique feature – ‘Unity in Diversity’.
165 students drawn from South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur will perform the ‘Saila Karma’ dance popular in Madhya Pradesh, which starts with the worship of Sun God. Saila is the popular dance of the Gond Tribe of Dindori District in Madhya Pradesh. The villagers of Gond tribe perform this dance on joyous harvesting occasion. They wear colourful dresses, also decorate their cattle, and dance in great passion and enthusiasm. Some of the dancers disguise as scarecrow, which is a useful element to protect the crops from wild invaders. Saila, being performed accompanying the major rural instruments like Mandal, Timki, Flute and with the melodies of folk songs, with its colourful-decorated costumes, turns into a centre of attraction.
150 school students from Mount Abu Public School, Sector-5, Rohini, Delhi will give a dance performance primarily based on Assam Nritya Shaili. These dynamic and charismatic students of Mount Abu Public School present a mesmerizing and vibrant performance that is based on famous Assamese Dance Style ‘Sattriya’. Through this dance performance, they honour the Supreme Power that instils positivity and vitality in our life. Following the rhythm of Takori, the children will create a holy environment to evoke the senses and allow everyone to realize the omnipresence of the Almighty and celebrate the unique creation of God.
******
Government committed to Veterans’ Welfare: Dr. Bhamre
The Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre has categorically stated that the Government is sensitive to the issues and concerns of Ex-Servicemen and all possible steps are being taken to mitigate their grievances. He also appealed to Ex-Servicemen community to utilize the available official forums like Army Veteran Portal to express their problems and seeking redressal of them through official channels.
Addressing the Inaugural Armed Forces Veterans’ Day function at Delhi Cantonment, today, Dr. Bhamre said “Veterans are an essential part of the Armed Forces family who are the keepers of our values and culture and it is our duty to respect and honour them as they are an unbreakable link between the present and the past.” He assured the veterans and their widows that the Central and State Governments and all the Service Headquarters are fully committed to look after them.
Dr. Bhamre in his speech dwelt upon different welfare measures taken by the Government for the well-being of the Veterans. He mentioned that last year some important steps were taken like establishment of the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans at Delhi Cantt and the process of establishing a veteran vertical in each Area and Sub-Area level has begun to look after their welfare. The Minister informed that every year Ex-Servicemen rallies are organised to look after the pension grants and health needs of Veterans and their dependents and 102 such rallies were successfully organised last year.
The Minister said, the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi implemented One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, a demand which was pending for implementation for the last more than 40 years. The current position on disbursement of OROP arrears as on 27 December 2016 are as follows:- 1st instalment amounting to 3,994.49 crore has been disbursed to 19,69,385 Ex-Servicemen, while 2ndinstalment amounting to 2,290.72 crore has been disbursed to 15,54,849 Ex-Servicemen. The total number of Ex-Servicemen eligible for OROP are 20,72,457.
The Minister particularly stressed upon the Skill Development of Veterans so that they can contribute effectively to the nation by starting a new innings in their career. He also stated that the ECHS, through its polyclinics all over India and Nepal is working effectively for the health care of the Ex-Servicemen.
The function was attended by many Ex-Chiefs of the three Services and serving Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal SB Deo, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Lt Gen Satish Dua amongst hundreds of Armed Forces Veterans.
NW/NAo/DM/MKT/RAJ
Dr Jitendra Singh lauds Indigo decision to fly 'mortal remains' free to Northeast
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has lauded the Indigo decision to fly "mortal remains" of deceased human beings free of cost to various destinations in the North East. “A request to this effect had been made to all the Airlines operating in the region and I am glad that Indigo has been prompt to respond”, he said.
The Vice President of Indigo Airlines, Shri Vikram Chona personally called on Dr Jitendra Singh here and formally handed over a letter from the President of Indigo, Shri Aditya Ghosh addressed to Dr Jitendra Singh, stating that, as a part of “Aakhri Aahuti” initiative, the Indigo has decided to carry mortal human remains of the deceased people of North East States, free of charge, to such North East airports where Indigo has its operations. The letter further stated that from Delhi, Indigo is currently operating to Guwahati, Agartala, Dibrugarh, Dimapur and Imphal.
Shri Vikram Chona also informed Dr Jitendra Singh that, as and when the Indigo starts operations to other destinations in North East, the same facility, free of cost, shall be provided on those routes as well. He also informed that the first such, free of cost, facility was provided to a native of Manipur living in Delhi who unfortunately passed away and his mortal remains were flown to Imphal. Shri Chona also acknowledged the cooperation received from Delhi Police in this initiative and from the Delhi Police Joint Commissioner and Nodal Officer for North East people in Delhi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh complimented and thanked Indigo Airlines on behalf of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and stated that people from North Eastern States residing in Delhi often faced a very unfortunate situation whenever there was a death in the family. Due to financial constraints, the relatives of the deceased were often unable to take the dead body to their native place in North East. As a result, he said, very often, the last rites of several such deceased persons had to be carried out in Delhi itself by compulsion, even though, the relatives and the family wished otherwise.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the gesture shown by Indigo, is not only a reflection of human concern, but is also an extension of the PPP (Public Private Partnership) model with the Government and private sectors jointly offering services to citizens at different levels and in different situations.
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Text of PM’s address via video conference, at the “47th Thuglak Anniversary – A Tribute to Shri Cho Ramaswamy”, at Chennai
Dear Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam ji,
Shri N. Ravi,
Shri G. Viswanathan,
Shri S. Rajnikanth,
Shri Gurumurthy,
Readers of Thuglak
Admirers of late Shri. Cho Ramaswamy
And the people of Tamil Nadu.
Vanakkam. Iniya Pongal nalvazhthukkal
We have gathered at a very auspicious time.
Yesterday my Telugu sisters and brothers celebrated the festival of Bhogi.
Friends in the northern part of India, especially Punjab marked Lohri.
Today is Makar Sankranti.
In Gujarat, the sky is fully of kites on this day, which is also known as Uttarayan.
The people of Assam are celebrating Magh Bihu.
And in Tamil Nadu, where you are, it is Pongal.
Pongal is the festival of thankfulness - thanking the sun god, thanking the animals that help in agriculture and thanking nature for providing the natural resources that sustain us.
Harmony with nature is the strength of our culture, our traditions.
From north to south, east to west, we can see how there is a festive spirit across the nation.
Festivals are celebrations of life.
With festivals comes a spirit of togetherness.
They weave a beautiful thread of unity.
My greetings to people across India on all these festivals.
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara Rashi on its celestial path. For most people, Makar Sankranti means a break from the harrowing winter and warmer, brighter days.
Some of the festivals we celebrate today are harvest festivals.
We pray that these festivals bring prosperity and joy in the lives of our farmers, who work hard to keep our nation fed.
Friends.
I wish I could be present with you in person – but the exigencies of work did not so permit. I pay my tribute to my dear friend Sri Cho Ramaswamy on the 47th anniversary of Thuglak.
In the passing away of Cho, we all have lost a friend who offered his invaluable wisdom to whoever came his way.
I knew him personally for over four decades. It is a personal loss for me.
He was one of the most multi-faceted personalities I have ever come across. He was an actor, a director, a journalist, an editor, a writer, a playwright, a politician, a political commentator, a cultural critic, a highly talented writer, a religious and social critic, a lawyer and so much more.
Of all his roles, his role as the editor of the Thuglak magazine was the jewel in the crown. For 47 years the Thuglak magazine played a stellar role in the cause of safeguarding democratic values and national interest.
Thuglak and Cho – it is difficult to imagine one without the other. For nearly five decades, he was in charge of Thuglak. If someone has to write the political history of India, he cannot write it without including Cho Ramaswamy and his political commentary.
It is easy to admire Cho, but it is not very easy to understand Cho. To understand him, one needs to understand his courage, conviction, his sense of nationalism which went beyond parochial, regional, linguistic and other divisions.
His greatest achievement is that he made Thuglak a weapon against all divisive forces. He was fighting for a clean and non-corrupt political system. In that struggle, he never spared anyone.
He was critical of those people with whom he had acted for decades, critical of those people who were friends with him for decades, critical of those people who considered him as his mentor. No one was spared. He did not look at the personalities but looked at the issues.
The Nation was his central message. This is reflected in his writings, in the movies, plays and television serials he directed, in the movies for which he wrote the screenplay.
His satire made his criticism loveable even to those he criticized. That is a not a cultivatedor cultivable virtue. That was a gift from the divine to him, which he used only to promote public interest. It was his gift also to communicate ideas in one cartoon or in one sentence which a book or volumes of books could not.
This reminds me of a cartoon by Cho wherein people are targeting me with their guns and the common people are standing in front of me; Cho asks who is the real target? Me or the common people? How apt is the cartoon in today’s context!
I am reminded of one incident related to Cho. Once some people annoyed with Cho started pelting eggs. On this Cho said "Aiyya, why throw raw eggs at me when you can make me an omelette." The pelters started laughing. He had this incredible ability to mould conditions in his favour.
Thuglak was a platform for all. Cho would carry views contrary, even hostile to him, and even abusive of him in his own magazine. This made no one excluded in Thuglak. Even those he criticized would find their views carried with the same prominence as Cho’s in Thuglak. This is the truest democratic spirit in media and in public life.
In my opinion, his thought and contributions were not merely limited to Tamil milieu and Tamil people. He inspired many generations of aspiring journalists and politicians spanning many societies in India.
And all of us know that Thuglak magazine was not a mere political commentary. It was the ears and eyes of millions of Tamil people. Cho, through Thuglak, was the connecting bridge between masses and rulers.
I am glad that Thuglak will continue its journey in objective journalism as envisaged by Cho. Those who have inherited the legacy of Thuglak have great responsibility on their shoulders. To be guided by Cho’s vision and commitment will be a big challenge. Adherence to this vision will be a great service to the people of Tamil Nadu.
I wish Mr. Gurumurthy and his team all the very best in this endeavour. Knowing Gurumurthy ji, I am confident that he will be successful.
That Cho had mastered the art of satire, humour and irony need not be overstated.
I think we need more satire and humour. Humour brings happiness in our lives. Humour is the best healer.
The power of a smile or the power of laughter is more than the power of abuse or any other weapon. Humour builds bridges instead of breaking them.
And this is exactly what we require today- building bridges. Bridges between people.
Bridges between communities. Bridges between societies.
Humour brings out human creativity. We are living in an age where one speech or one event can create multiple memes, forwards.
Friends
I have participated in Thuglak’s annual readers' meet before, in person in Chennai.
Since you have a tradition at this event to play verses from the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita in Mr. Cho’s voice, let me end with a Shlok in Mr. Cho’s honour:
वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि।
तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णान्यन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही।
(The eternal does not move from place to place, but moves from one abode to another.)
Let us, together thank him for his contribution to the multiple fields he touched. Above all let us thank him for being the great Cho Ramaswamy - the one and only Cho.
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PM greets the people, on the occasion of various festivals across India
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people, on occasion of various festivals across India.
"Today people across India are celebrating various festivals. My greetings to everyone celebrating these auspicious festivals!
Makar Sankranti greetings. May this day bring joy & prosperity in everyone's lives.
मकर संक्रांति की शुभकामनाएं। इस पावन पर्व पर सभी के जीवन में खुशहाली और संपन्नता आए।
Wishing my Tamil friends a happy & blessed Pongal. என் தமிழ் நண்பர்கள் அனைவருக்கும் மகிழ்ச்சியான மற்றும் ஆசி நிறைந்த பொங்கல் வாழ்த்துகள்
On the special occasion of Magh Bihu, my greetings to the people of Assam. মাঘ বিহুৰ এই পৱিত্ৰক্ষণত, অসমবাসীলৈ মোৰ আন্তৰিক শুভেচ্ছা জনাইছো৷
Uttarayan greetings to the people of Gujarat. આપ સૌને ઉતરાયણ પર્વ ની હાર્દિક શુભકામનાઓ!
These & many other festivals celebrated across India add great colour & happiness in our lives. This diversity is India's greatest strength.
May these festivals bring abundance of happiness and prosperity in the lives of our hardworking farmers", the Prime Minister said.
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