Sports Minister Shri Vijay Goel inaugurates Khelo India National Level Competitions in New Delhi 

 Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and sports shri Vijay Goel here today inaugurated Khelo India National level Competitions. The competitions in Delhi have been organized by SAI under aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in Swimming, Cycling and Wrestling.

 

 The inaugural ceremony was held at Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex at Talkatora. Shri Vijay Goel also presented medals to the winners of the Swimming events in different categories. Secretary Sports Shri Injeti Srinivas, Ace swimmers Khazan Singh , Bhanu Sachdeva , Meenakshi Pahuja  and hundreds of school children were present on the occasion to encourage the young participants.

 Approximately 1000 participants from more than 25 states/Union territories are taking part in the National Competitions for which entry for spectators to watch the events is free at all venues.

 

 Shri Vijay Goel said that Khelo India Competitions are being conducted not only to promote sports at grass-root level but also to help create sports infrastructure in the country. He said it will 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 a National portal for Sports Talent Search will be launched in this month itself by his Ministry.

 

While the Swimming and Cycling events were conducted today both for Boys and Girls under 14 and Under 17 Categories, wrestling competitions (Free style) for Cadet Group 14 years to 16 years both for Boys and Girls would be held for two days on 20-21 January, 2017 at SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi.  

 

Khelo India National level Competitions will be conducted in different disciplines in January and Febuary,2017. The events of   Kabbadi , Kho Kho and wushu would be held in Nellore , Weightlifting Boxing and Table Tennis in Guwahati, Athletics Hand Ball and Hockey in Gandhi Nagar ,  Taekwondo , Volleyball and Football in Chennai, Badminton , Gymnastic , Basketball and Lawn Tennis in Hyderabad  and Archery and Judo in Jaipur

 

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Results of National Competitions Under Khelo India for Cycling & Swimming 

The results of the Cycling Competitions under Khelo India held at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex is as below

S. No	Event	Time	Category	Gold	Silver	Bronze
1	9.6 km	17 min 09 sec	Girls U14	T Anjali Devi Manipur	Khushi Walia Delhi	Priyanki Dowrah Assam
2	14.6 km	26 min 38 sec	Girls U17	Joyshree Gogoi Assam	Danamma Chinchakhandi Karnataka	Britikongana Gogoi Assam
3	12 km	20 min 10 sec	Boys U14	Arsad Delhi	Tulsian Nipun Gujarat	Raghav Jha Delhi
4	21.6 km	32 min 56 sec	Boys U17	Esow A & N	Y Rojit Singh Manipur	Ishwar Kundu Uttrakhand

 

The results of the Swimming Competitions held under Khelo India at Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex are as below:

S.No	Name of the Event	Category	Gold	Silver	Bronze
1	50 M Freestyle	Boys-U14	Veer Khatkar Delhi 0:26:74	Tanmay Das Delhi 0:26:87	S.Hiten Mittal Karnataka 0:27:32
2	50 M Freestyle	Girls-U14	D.S. Srenethi Tamilnadu 0:30:75	Vaishnavi Halrankar Goa 0:30:76	Niyati Shah Gujarat 0:30:83
3	50 M Freestyle	Boys-U17	Kushagra Rawat Delhi 0:25:72	Anirudh.H.M Karnataka 0:25:86	Jerry D Mello Goa 0:25:92
4	50 M Freestyle	Girls-U17	Manna Patel Gujarat 0:28:08	B. Preethi Tamil Nadu 0:28:87	Annie Jain Delhi 0:28:93
5	50 M Backstroke	Boys-U14	Tanmay Das Delhi 0:30:20	Shivash Singh Karnataka 0:31:89	B.Benedicton Rohit Tamilnadu 0:31:90
6	50 M Backstroke	Girls-U14	Shrungi Bandekar Goa 0:35:23	Kshitija K Karnataka 0:35:59	Niyati Shah Gujarat 0:35:61
7	50 M Backstroke	Boys-U17	Soumyajit Saha West Bengal 0:29:55	S.Siva Santhosh Tamilnadu 0:31:08	Rajinder Sing Anand Gujarat 0:31:25
8	50 M Backstroke	Girls-U17	Manna Patel Gujarat 0:31:80	Jhanati Rajesh Karnataka 0:33:70	A.Kaavya Shri Tamilnadu 0:34:77
9	50 M Breaststroke	Boys-U14	S.Hiten Mittal Karnataka 0:35:20	Swadesh Mondal West Bengal 0:38:28	B.Benedicton Rohit Tamilnadu 0:36:58
10	50 M Breaststroke	Girls-U14	D.S. Srenethi Tamilnadu 0:42:97	Saanya.D Shetty Karnataka 0:43:24	Ripsha Jani Gujarat 0:44:07
11	50 M Breaststroke	Boys-U17	Varun Patel Delhi 0:31:68	Pruthvik D.S Karnataka 0:32:55	Anirudh H.M Karnataka 0:34:84
12	50 M Breaststroke	Girls-U17	B.Preethi Tamilnadu 0:36:44	Annie Jain Delhi 0:36:53	Shriya R Bhat Karnataka 0:39:26
13	50 M Butterfly	Boys-U14	R.Ameer Krishnan Tamilnadu 0:28:31	S.Hiten Mittal Karnataka 0:28:51	Tanmay Das Delhi 0:28:81
14	50 M Butterfly	Girls-U14	Astha Choudhury Delhi 0:31:90	Saanya D Shetty Karnataka 0:31:92	Uttara Gogoi Delhi 0:32:25
15	50 M Butterfly	Boys-U17	Anirudh H.M Karnataka 0:26:96	Swapnil Chakraborty West Bengal 0:27:18	V.S.Gokulnath Tamilnadu 0:27:27
16	50 M Butterfly	Girls-U17	Anubhuti Baruah Delhi 0:30:84	Suman Patil Goa 0:30:86	Dolphi Sarang Gujarat 0:30:88
17	4 X 50 M Free Style Mix Relay	U14	Delhi 01:54:53	Karnataka 01:57:90	Tamilnadu 01:59:27
18	4 X 50 M Free Style Mix Relay	U17	Tamilnadu 01:50:25	Delhi 01:50:60	Gujarat 01:51:05

 

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Dated 15th January, 2016 Adoption Regulations, 2017 to become operational from tomorrow 

The Adoption Regulations to further strengthen the adoption programme in the country 

 Adoption Regulations, 2017 framed by ‘Central Adoption Resource Authority’ (CARA) as mandated under section 68 (c) of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015  has been notified on 4^th January 2017  by the Government Press and the Regulations shall be effective from 16 January 2017. The Adoption Regulations, 2017 replace the Adoption Guidelines, 2015.

 

The Adoption Regulations have been framed keeping in mind the issues and challenges faced by CARA and other stake holders including the Adoption Agencies & Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs). This will further strengthen adoption programme in the country by streamlining the adoption process. Transparency, early deinstitutionalisation of children, informed choice for the parents, ethical practices and strictly defined timelines in the adoption process are the salient aspects of the Adoption Regulations.

 

Salient features of the Adoption Regulations, 2017:-

 

a)                  Procedures related to adoption by relatives both within the country and abroad have been defined in the Regulations.

 

b)                  Validity of Home Study Report has been increased from two to three years.

 

c)                  The time period available to the domestic PAPs for matching and acceptance, after reserving the child referred, has been increased to twenty days from the existing fifteen days.

 

d)                 District Child protection Unit (DCPU) shall maintain a panel of professionally qualified or trained social workers.

 

e)                  There are 32 Schedules annexed to the Regulations including model adoption applications to be filed in the Court and this would considerably address delays prevalent in obtaining the Court order.

 

f)                   CARA shall be facilitating all adoptions under the JJ Act, 2015 through Child Adoption Resource Information & Guidance System (CARINGS) and all kinds of adoptions, including adoptions by relatives shall be reported to CARA which would enable safeguards for all adopted children by maintaining their record and ensuring post adoption follow up.

 

The new Adoption Regulations, 2017 are on the website of the Ministry of Women and Child Development “www.wcd.nic.in” and website of CARA “www.cara.nic.in”.

 

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69TH ARMY DAY PARADE-2017 

             

On Army Day, Indian Army

Celebrates being Instrument of National Power

 

 

Indian Army celebrated its 69th Army Day today. General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff reviewed the Army Day Parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment and awarded fifteen Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of Gallantry and fourteen COAS Unit Citations for commendable performance of their respective units. 

 

          Every year Indian Army celebrates 15^th January as ‘Army Day’ to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) K.M Carriappa took over the command of Army from General Sir F.R.R Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army post Independence.

 

General Bipin Rawat, in his address stated that while India sought peace on Line of Control, Cease Fire Violations or untoward incidents propagated by Pakistan will be responded to by force. He also brought out that Confidence Building Measures were being further strengthened along the Line of Actual Control with China to reduce tensions. The COAS  highlighted contribution of Indian Army in UN Peace Keeping Missions, modernization projects in the pipeline and welfare schemes being instituted for serving soldiers, ex servicemen and veer naris. He  reinforced the point that redressal of individual grievances by serving personnel should be carried out through established mechanisms within Army rather than resorting to platform of social media for the same.

 

       

 

 The parade was commanded by Maj Gen Rajesh Sahai, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area.  The leading contingent of the parade was formed of the recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra Awardees and International Sports Awardees. This was followed by Army contingents which included T-90 Tank BHISHMA, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP II, Brahmos Missile System,  Weapon Locating Radar (SWATHI), Akash Missile System, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear) Reconnaissance Vehicle, Mobile transportable satellite terminal vehicle and seven marching contingents including mounted horse cavalry. 

 

        The Veterans Tableaux, organized by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans, depicted their role and contributions towards the nation. A motorcycle display by “SHWET ASHW” team of the Army Corps of Military Police was the other attraction during the parade. A Paramotors display was also carried out by a team from the 50 (I) Para Brigade.

 

       The grand finale was a combat demonstration, which showcased combat techniques of the Army sub units. Combat actions included strafing runs depicted by armed helicopter, combat manoeuvres by tracked combat vehicles and special operations including  air insertion and extrication of soldiers behind enemy lines.  

 

         The Indian Army is regarded as one of the most credible institutions and Instrument of National Power. Indian Army operates in the most inhospitable conditions with resolve and pride. It has acquitted itself extremely creditably in internal security and counter-insurgency operations and has extended invaluable aid to civil authorities in disaster management and maintenance of law and order.

 

        Earlier in the day, wreaths were laid at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate by the three Service Chiefs to commemorate the Army Day.

 

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

App named 'SEZ India' launched by Commerce Ministry 

A Mobile app named “SEZ India” has been launched by the Commerce Secretary on 06.1.2017.  SEZ Division, Department of Commerce under its broader e-Governance initiative i.e. SEZ Online System, has developed mobile app for Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Commerce Secretary launched the app and mentioned that the App would help the SEZ Units and Developers to find information easily and track their transactions on SEZ Online System. Now the SEZ Developers & Units can file all their transactions digitally through SEZ Online system and track the status on the go through the SEZ India mobile app.

       The app is available on Android Platform for use by SEZ Developers, Units, officials and others. The app has four sections i.e. SEZ Information, SEZ Online Transaction, Trade Information, and Contact details. Salient Features of thefour sections are as under:-

1. SEZ INFORMATION: This is a compendium of the SEZ Act, 2005, SEZ Rules, 2006, MOCI Circulars, details of SEZs and Units etc. It gives up to date comprehensive details on all the above aspects. 

2.TRADE INFORMATION: This provision gives access to important information / tools such as Foreign Trade Policy, Hand Book of procedure , Duty Calculator , Customs & Excise Notification and MEIS Rates. 

3.CONTACT DETAILS: We see that the contact details of all Development Commissioners Office, DGFT, DG System, DGCI & S and SEZ online. 

4. SEZ online Transaction This is a dynamic submenu that tracks the Bill of Entry / Shipping Bill processing status and also does verification. The app also helps the Importers / Exporters to track the status of 'Bill of Entry / Shipping Bill” integration and processing in the EDI system of the ICEGATE.

MJPS

 

PM salutes Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the courage & invaluable service of the Indian Army, on the occasion of Army Day. 

"Greetings to all soldiers, veterans & their families on Army Day. We salute the courage & invaluable service of the Indian Army. 

Indian Army always leads from the front, be it in protecting the sovereignty of our nation or helping citizens during natural disasters. 

We remember with great pride all the sacrifices made by our Army. They put their lives at risk so that 125 crore Indians live peacefully," the Prime Minister said. 

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PM expresses grief on the loss of lives in Bihar boat tragedy; approves ex-gratia from PMNRF

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the loss of lives caused by the boat tragedy in Bihar. 

He extended condolences to the bereaved families. 

The Prime Minister also approved ex-gratia from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured. 

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Vice president expresses condolences over Bihar boat tragedy 

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has expressed condolences over the Bihar boat tragedy. In a message, Shri M. Hamid Ansari said he prayed to the Almighty to give the bereaved families of the victims the strength and fortitude to withstand this immense loss.

Following is the text of the Vice President’s message:

“It is with profound grief that I have learnt of the loss of lives caused by the boat tragedy in Bihar. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.

I am informed that the Central and State Government agencies have been carrying out relief and rescue work.

I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to withstand this immense loss."

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President of India condoles the passing away of Shri Surjit Singh Barnala 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of former Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri Surjit Singh Barnala. 

In a message to his wife, Smt. Surjit Kaur Barnala, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of your husband, Shri Surjit Singh Barnala, a colleague and friend for long years. 

Shri Barnala was a distinguished Statesman, Parliamentarian and able administrator who served the nation with great distinction in various capacities such as Chief Minister of Punjab and Governor of several states. He also served with distinction as member of the Union Council of Ministers, having handled portfolios of Agriculture and Chemical and fertilisers. He will be always remembered for the strong stance he took against the forces of extremism and the struggle he waged against terrorists and anti national forces in our country. 

In his passing away, the nation has lost a patriot and a public figure who made important contribution to the maintaining of the unity and integrity of our country as well as its comprehensive development. 

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to all other members of your family. May God give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”. 

*****

President of India Condoles the Loss of Lives Due to a Boat Accident in Bihar 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives due a boat accident in the Ganga River in Bihar.

 

In his message to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Governor of Bihar, the President has said “I am sad to learn about the boat accident in which a number of persons have lost their lives and some are missing when a boat capsized in the Ganga River in Bihar, Patna. I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway.

 

I call upon concerned authorities to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones and medical assistance to the injured.

 

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery of the injured persons”.

 

*****

 

President of India Extends his Greetings on the Occasion of Army Day 2017 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to all officers, soldiers, veterans, civilians, ex-servicemen and their families on the occasion of Army Day 2017.

 

In his message, the President has said, “I am happy to learn that the Army Day is being celebrated on 15^thJanuary, 2017.

 

The Indian Army plays a pivotal role in ensuring the national security of India, whilst defending our borders across some of the most perilous terrain in the world.  It provides stability during internal security challenges and is often called upon to provide assistance during natural calamities. The Indian Army is known for its professionalism, selfless commitment and the unparalleled bravery of its rank and file.

 

Today, we remember our bravehearts who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.  The nation is indebted to them and their families.  I wish to place on record our deepest appreciation for the dedication and devotion of our soldiers in their service to the nation.

 

I am confident the Indian Army will continue to acquit itself as a robust and vital instrument of national power in the coming years.

 

I wish the Army Day celebrations all success”.

*****

16 jan

The Ministry of Women and Child Development to setup National Alliance against online Child sexual abuse and exploitation 

The Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India is   to  form  a National Alliance against   Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation with the aim of developing a comprehensive outreach system  to engage parents, schools, communities, NGO partners and local governments (PRIs and ULBs) as well as police and lawyers to ensure better implementation of the legal framework, policies, national strategies and standards in relation to child protection and child rights.In this context, the Ministry hosted a day-long consultation on 16th January 2017 with all stakeholders including Ministries of Home Affairs, Health and Family Welfare, Electronics and Information Technology, Department of School Education and Literacy,  National Commission for  Protection of Child Rights and  civil society organisations working on the issue at Civil Services Officer’s Institute (CSOI), Vinay Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. 

          Child sexual abuse is a multi-layered problem which negatively impacts children’s safety, health and well being. Research from world-wide indicates that children’s exposure to violence and abuse is associated with long-term physical, psychological, and emotional harm. Child abuse is finding new forms and channels through mobile and digital technologies.

Online child abuse and exploitation amplifies existing forms of offline bullying, stalking and harassment. It also facilitates the sexual exploitation of children through the production and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials and by facilitating the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. Online abuse knows no national boundaries.

Even though India has  a comprehensive legal framework for protection of child rights in the form of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015,  POCSO Act, 2012 along with RTE Act 2009 and recently amended Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2106, there is limited awareness of online risks for children, both among parents and guardian and children themselves,  

However, to ensure  protection of children from online sexual abuse, all  stakeholders  must work together. In this context, the National Alliance on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation  has the following broad objectives:

                   I.            Bring a common definition of child pornography including amendment of acts (Information technology Act, POCSO Act).

                II.            Set up a multi-member secretariat based in MWCD with a portal inclusive of a hotline for reporting and strengthening existing service delivery systems.

             III.            Provide a platform for  Government/ NGOs and other child rights activists  for  networking and information sharing.

            IV.            Document and showcases success stories and best practices in terms of prevention of  online abuse and exploitation of children.

               V.            Inform and educate member organisations, parents, teachers, front line service providers and children  on the rights of the children and various issues related to online child abuse and exploitation.

            VI.            Provide a forum for advocacy for child rights and policy inputs  based on  research and studies

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Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh Chairs Consultative Committee Meeting on Initiatives Taken by Steel Ministry to Enhance Demand and Production of Steel and Status of Completion of Projects by PSUs 

The Union Minister of Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh Chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to @SteelMinIndia in New Delhi today on “initiatives taken by the Steel Ministry to enhance demand and production of steel’’ in the country and “status of completion of projects by PSUs’’. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Steel Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the Secretary Steel Dr. Aruna Sharma were also present on the occasion.

In his opening remarks, the Steel Minister @ChBirenderSingh extended a warm welcome to the Members of Parliament to the first meeting of 2017. He said that the Steel Ministry with their support and cooperation has been able to hold three fruitful meetings in a short span of six months. The suggestions and feedback of the members have been helpful in formulating and finalizing roadmap for the steel industry in India, as discussed in the first meeting held in August 2016. India is likely to be net exporter of steel in this financial year. This has been made possible due to a level playing field provided to the industry by the Government of India through regular policy interventions as and when required.

The Steel Minister elaborated that his Ministry is keeping a constant watch on the fast-changing scenario in Indian and international steel industry and has taken appropriate decisions in consultation with other Ministries to provide a conducive growth environment for Indian steel industry.

Chaudhary Birender Singh said that the draft National Steel Policy has been prepared by Ministry of Steel after detailed deliberations and it has been uploaded on the website of Ministry of Steel last week, for seeking comments and suggestions from different stakeholders. The draft policy envisions that the Indian steel sector follows a sustainable path of development and increases steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030-31. Our capacity in 2015-16 was 122 million tonnes. The draft policy outlines strategy for leveraging strengths and overcoming weaknesses of Indian steel industry. The policy aims to increase per capita steel consumption in India to 160 kilogram by 2030-31 from the present level of 61 kilogram. Several new initiatives have been taken for this purpose. These initiatives include:

The Ministry of Steel have constituted four committees with representatives from INSDAG, steel producers, consultants, architects, users and government authorities to promote steel usage. The mandates for these committees are formulation of codes and standards, life cycle cost analysis and sustainability, development of designs of various utility structures and skill development in steel sector.     Similarly, four task forces have been constituted for increasing steel usage in Railways, Urban development, Road Transport and Highways and Shipbuilding sector.

Rural housing targets to achieve one crore dwelling units in the next three years. Usage of steel-based structures can provide huge impetus to the demand of steel. Steel Ministry is approaching concerned authorities to share advantages of steel houses like less erection time, more durability, better flexibility and eco-friendliness. Presentations with prototype designs have been made to key officials of rural development ministry.

Reconstruction of 1500 road bridges, 208 over bridges, Chardham highway project provide huge opportunity for enhancing steel usage. Ministry and PSUs are working on these opportunities as also in sectors like Railways, Defence and other manufacturing industries.

SAIL, MECON and INSDAG are in the process of standardising design of steel intensive building and bridges, which will be used to promote adoption of steel intensive structures.

The Steel Minister informed the members that only last month we started brand promotion through inaugural run of the Vizag Steel Samta Express at Nizamuddin Station. SAIL has also started its advertisement campaign. Ministry has engaged a social media agency for reaching out to people using the new media. These brand-marketing activities will intensify and increase as we go forward.

The Ministry had invited suggestions on increasing steel consumption from the general public on Mygov platform. Many quality suggestions have been received pertaining to rural development, industrial development and agriculture. For example, one innovative suggestion is that truck and trailer bodies should be made from steel, not wood, to save trees. Another is covering potholes with steel sheets. The steel ministry is working on these and other such crowdsourced ideas. Later this week, on 21st January, we are organising the first meeting of Steel Consumer Council in 2017 where valuable actionable inputs and outputs will come out of the meeting.

The Steel Minister informed the members that the talks are going on with concerned ministries for introduction of policy to make it mandatory to use Indian made steel for all infrastructure and construction projects of the government. Likewise, we are also trying that GFR guidelines are modified to include life cycle cost analysis in design and planning stage in public projects. We are exploring new avenues for usage of steel like steel bridges, containers, water tanks and crash barriers and so on. We have spoken to different central and state governments to enhance usage of steel. Many steps were taken by Government of India in last few months, to provide a level playing field to Indian steel producers. We have curbed the unfair trade practices and dumping that other countries were resorting to. Imports have been reduced substantially by a combination of tariff and non-tariff measures.

Domestic production of Steel increased by 10.5 per cent in April to December 2016, compared to the corresponding period last year. Moreover, this momentum will be sustained through a multi pronged strategy in the coming months and years. A lot has been done by government of India to ease raw material availability. Mining reforms are best example of a fair, transparent and fast resource allocation policy. Ministry of steel is working on several fronts to increase coking coal availability in the country. This includes import duty reduction, more washeries, more production from Coal India and discouraging use of coking coal in power plants. Same is the case with other raw materials like iron ore, nickel, pellets and steel scrap. We are working on policy interventions and other strategic initiatives to enhance their availability.

The Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said his ministry would explore the possibility of setting up scrap-based steel plants in Northern India and Western India. These plants will be energy efficient, eco-friendly, cost-effective and with capacity to produce high quality steel. This is in addition to Greenfield production capacity being planned through Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) route, foreign tie-ups and brownfield expansion in existing public and private sector steel plants. We are trying to develop indigenous capability to produce value added steels that are imported like CRGO steel and auto-grade steels. In last two years, we have added over 15 million tonnes steel production capacity in the country. We are trying to remove bottlenecks that could hamper efforts to increase steel production. Inter-ministerial interventions are being made to reduce the logistics costs through reduction in rail freights and to improve raw material transportation by approval for laying of slurry pipelines. Therefore, we are confident that 300 million tonnes steel production target is achievable with the support and cooperation of the Members of the Parliament.

As for the status of modernization and expansion projects, RINL has increased its capacity to 6.3 million tonnes per annum successfully. The company is setting up a Forged Wheel Plant at Lalganj in UP, which is scheduled to be completed by 2018.

In SAIL, Bhilai Steel Plant expansion is yet to be fully completed, though it is in advanced stage. The situation is being monitored on a regular basis. NMDC is setting up a 3 million tonnes per annum capacity steel plant in Nagarnar, Chhattisgarh. This is also in advanced stage of completion. The company is also working on a Slurry pipeline and pellet plant project, which is likely to be completed by 2020.

The Members gave valuable suggestions on the Agenda for discussion in the meeting, on “initiatives taken by Ministry of Steel to enhance demand and production of Steel” and “status of completion of projects by PSUs”.

The meeting was attended by the following Members of Parliament:

Members of Lok Sabha included Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, BJP, Jamshedpur (Bihar); Shri Bodh Singh Bhagat, BJP, Balaghat (MP); Shri Dinesh Kashyap, BJP, Bastar (Chhatisgarh); Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal, BJP, Maharajganj (Bihar); Shri Laxman Giluwa, BJP, Singhbhum (Jharkhand); Dr. Anupam Hazra, All India Trinamool Congress, Bolpur (West Bengal) ; Shri M. Chandrakasi, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu) and Members of Rajya Sabha included Shri Tapan Kumar Sen, CPI(M), West Bengal.

 

Minister of Railways issues directions during the Safety Awareness Month 

Ministry of Railways had accorded topmost priority to safety and a renewed effort is undertaken to attain  the aspiration of ‘zero accidents’ indicated in  the last budget speech of Minister of Railways. In pursuance of these objectives Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has underlined the need to revisit all safety related issues, reorient the working to address systemic lacunae and to identify and attend all potential vulnerable areas in  a comprehensive month long drive so as to prevent further accidents . He has also directed that concrete measures should be undertaken by all the General Managers to bring about a significant improvement in the safety performance of Indian Railways. He emphasized that these measures should be implemented and monitored personally by the General Managers and other concerned officers during the month long  special ‘Safety Awareness Campaign’ which is underway from 5^th January to 5^th February, 2017.

            Accordingly, the following directions have been given:

SNo.	Item
1.	Focus on Vulnerable areas: Zonal Railways to launch one focused 15 days long safety drive from 10th January to 25th January, focusing on vulnerable areas. All departments directly concerned with train operations, like Traffic, Mechanical, Electrical, Signaling and Civil Engineering should undertake one drive each, during the period.
2.	Scheduled inspections and their compliance: It must be ensured by GMs that all the scheduled safety inspections prescribed for Sr. Supervisors and Officers are conducted and immediate action is taken on the deficiencies detected during these inspections. All Zonal Railways should circulate the standard schedules of safety inspections prescribed for all Sr. Supervisors and Officers and ensure that these safety inspections, including footplate inspections, night inspections and other scheduled inspections are undertaken by all concerned. Staff and officers failing to undertake these safety inspections should be taken up. Summary of these safety inspections undertaken should be incorporated in the summary of weekly safety performance to be sent by General Managers to ED/Safety (Coordination) (by email/fax) as per the annexed format.
3.	Fog precautions: In view of foggy weather all precautions as prescribed must be put in place to avoid any interruption and unsafe movement of trains. Detailed instructions, like very year, have already been issued by Railway Board.
4.	Field inspections by GMs and DRMs : All GMs must undertake thorough safety inspections of at least one section during safety campaign of their Zonal Railway. Similarly DRMs must also undertake safety inspection of one section, other than the section being inspected by the GMs. These safety inspections should be thorough and focused.
5.	Workshop/workplace inspections by Principal Head Of the Departments (PHOD): The concerned PHODs must inspect at least one workshop/depot/workplace of their respective area during the campaign.
6.	Night footplate inspections to cover all sections:                                                                 All officers should be deputed to undertaken night footplate inspections by passenger/mail/express trains so as to cover all sections of the Division every night. HQ officers (SAGs and JAGs of all Departments) may also be given a target of at least two night time footplate inspections. Deficiencies noticed should be taken care of on the spot in coordination with the respective officers as far as possible.
7.	GMs weekly Safety Meetings: All General Managers to hold safety meetings every Monday to review the safety performance during the week with their PHODs and DRMs. Emphasis should be to identify major lacunae including resource availability (division wise) in the present system and tabulate potential areas requiring immediate intervention at the zonal and RB level. The details of action taken for rectification of defects, taking care of deficiencies and also the action taken against the defaulting staff should also be part of the weekly report of the GMs to be sent to ED/Safety (Coordination) for consideration of Board.
8.	DRMs weekly safety meetings : DRMs shall hold weekly safety meetings with their branch officers to review the safety performance and taking necessary action. Safety department at CSO & Sr. DSO level should conduct 15 ambush checks during the campaign to see the alertness and safety preparedness of the staff.
9.	Monitoring Accident related inquiries: All the accident inquiries and DAR cases arising out of safety inspections must be finalized within the specified time limit. GMs and DRMs to ensure that the punishment is deterrent for lapses endangering safety.
10.	Safety Seminars: A Safety Seminar should be organized by all the Zonal Railways involving Union office bearers and Safety category staff at GMs level on 15th Jan and  similar “Sanraksha Samvad”  seminar by DRMs on their Division on 20th Jan. Case studies of all major accidents that have taken place be discussed in these seminars. Seminars at Zonal levels shall be attended by Members/Additional Members of Railway Board and on Divisional by nominated EDs.
11.	Training and Medical examination: Scheduled training and periodical medical examination of staff must be ensured. Two day “Sanraksha Shivir” to be organized at all Training Centre in the Zone for Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, S&T and Traffic staff to refresh Divisional training in safety of Operations and Maintenance.
12.	Monthly Safety Bulletin :  Monthly Safety Bulletin with case studies should be launched by all Zones. Best practices should be widely circulated amongst all staff
13.	Categorisation and monitored counseling of Safety staff: All running and safety category staff be categorized for monitoring and counseling. 100% safety category staff be counseled by Supervisor and officers during the drive and certification given by DRM
14.	Inspections by Railway Board EDs: Railway Board EDs shall undertake inspection of their nominated divisions as per list. All EDs should do two inspections of their nominated divisions in the period of safety campaign.
15.	Staff involvement: All GMs to ensure maximum participation of staff and unions in this campaign.
16.	Sanrasha Jagrukta Abhiyan at Production Units (PU): All GMs of PUs shall also organize month long “Sanrasha Jagrukta Abhiyan” and send a report on weekly basis. They will draw up their own program.

 

 ***

Global Crude oil price of Indian Basket was US$ 54.29 per bbl on 13.01.2017

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$ 54.29 per barrel (bbl) on 13.01.2017. This was higher than the price of US$ 53.95 per bbl on previous publishing day of 12.01.2017.

In rupee terms, the price of Indian Basket increased to Rs. 3704.29 per bbl on 13.01.2017 as compared to Rs. 3673.26 per bbl on 12.01.2017. Rupee closed weaker at Rs. 68.23 per US$ on 13.01.2017 as compared to Rs. 68.09 per US$ on 12.01.2017. The table below gives details in this regard:

RG/RK/SA/Daily Crude Oil Price      

 

Draft fuel efficiency norms for heavy duty vehicles to be released on 1st April, 2017 says Petroleum Minister 

Shri Pradhan urges everyone to turn off vehicle engine at traffic signal; could save 2% of fuel translating to Rs 14000 cr

 

Over 1.60 Cr BPL households have been given LPG connections under PMUY

 

Petroleum Minister inaugurates the month long awareness drive on fuel conservation Saksham 2017 today in New Delhi

 

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that the draft norms on fuel efficiency for heavy duty vehicles will be released on 1^st April, 2017. The Minister made the announcement during his address at the Saksham 2017, month long awareness drive on fuel conservation, at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi today. He said that the BS IV fuel will be available across the country from April, 2017 and that the Ministry is already planning and working on bringing in BS VI fuel by 2020.

 

Speaking at the event, Shri Pradhan urged everyone to follow fuel conservation steps and contribute to saving of energy and fuel wherever they can. He added there are more than 15 Cr two wheelers and more than 3 Cr three wheelers currently on roads in India. By turning off vehicle engine at red light stops of traffic signal, about 2 % of fuel can be saved which translates to Rs 14000 Cr of saving for the country. Drawing a parallel to the PMUY which has an allocation of Rs 8000 Cr to distribute LPG cylinders to 5 Cr BPL families across the country, Shri Pradhan highlighted the importance of energy/fuel conservation for saving costs that could be used for other developmental projects. He informed that over 1.60 Cr LPG connections have been given under PMUY since its launch in May 2016.

 

Shri Pradhan inaugurated the month long awareness drive on fuel conservation called Saksham 2017 (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav), organized by PCRA and other Oil and Gas PSUs.  Saksham 2017 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 Minister released the Saksham - logo at the event. He also administered the oath of conservation to all the participants including school children who were present at the event. Digital certificates for showing commitment to fuel conservation were also launched by the Minister. Minister also awarded the National school winners of essay and painting competitions which included study tour for children to Japan, laptops & cash prizes. The awards are to encourage children for continuing their efforts and enhancing their knowledge on energy conservation. Shri Pradhan also flagged off publicity vans to spread conservation awareness.

 

Shri Pradhan underlined the need for energy security and conservation for future generation and for providing clean fuel for poor households. He appealed to all citizens to participate in this festival and adopt practices/behavioural changes leading to fuel saving such as LPG, PNG, CNG. He said that the children are our present and also the future and we should educate them to conserve energy and fuel. He encouraged the children to take up fuel conservation in their families, just as they have taken up on Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan.

 

Calling for efforts on public participation and partnership on energy/fuel conservation, Shri Pradhan dedicated Saksham 2017 to the country.

 

During this month long drive, thousands of workshops will be held for drivers of commercial vehicles and housewives, cooks on adopting simple fuel saving measures. Saksham is aimed to show path of fuel conservation through activities like Quiz Show, Saksham Asian Cycling Championship, Walkathons & concerts across the country.

 

 

***

Filmmaking has become a Democratic process in changing times of technology: Col. Rathore 

Indian Panorama Film Festival Inaugurated in Delhi

 

 

Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting has said that movies in the Indian Panorama section has an has an emotional appeal with the audiences as they can relate them with their own culture, region and language. The art of storytelling through movies has undergone a change with the times and a trend has now started in India to produce Films based on inspiring stories of real life events. Col. Rathore mentioned this while inaugurating the Indian Panorama Film Festival at Siri Fort auditorium here today. Smt Jayashree Mukherjee, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was also present on the occasion.

 

 

Speaking on the occasion, Col. Rathore said that with the paradigm change in technology and business models, the process of film making is becoming democratic, making it a level playing field giving opportunities to creativity. He further added that the lines between commercial and art cinema have blurred and low budget movies have also succeeded at the Box Office.

 

Col. Rathore while paying tribute to the veteran film actor Late Shri Om Puri said that, Shri Om Puri was a committed film personality who gave his best in every venture that he was associated with throughout his life.

 

 

The Indian Panorama Film Festival, organised by Directorate of Film Festivals shall be screening a package of films of Late Shri. Om Puri to pay tribute to the legendary actor. A total of five iconic films in which Shri Om Puri has acted will be screened from 17th – 21st January in Siri Fort Auditorium III at 6pm. This is to commemorate the journey of his life as an actor and an iconic figure in Indian Film Industry, who have brought films closer to actuality and awareness to his countrymen.

 

The festival will open with the Documentary film “Ima Sabitri” directed by Bobo Khuraijam and Hindi feature film “Pinky Beauty Parlour” directed by  Akshay Singh.

 

 

Screening schedule of Indian Panorama films is as follows:

Time Date	11.00 AM	2.00 PM	5.30 PM
17.01.2017 (Tuesday)	*GUDH Dir: Saurav Rai Nepali / 28 Mins   RINGAN Dir: Makarand Mane Marathi/109 Mins	SAHAJ PAATHER GAPPO Dir: Manas Mukul Pal Bengali/86 Mins	BAJIRAO MASTANI Dir: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Hindi/158 Mins
18.01.2017 (Wednesday)	KAADU POOKKUNNA NERAM Dir: Dr.Biju Malayalam/106 Mins	*AMDAVAD MA FAMOUS  Dir : Hardik Mehta Gujarati / 30 Mins   IRUDHI SUTTRU Dir: Sudha Kongara Tamil/112 Mins	SAIRAT Dir: Nagraj Manjule Marathi/174 Mins
19.01.2017 (Thursday)	*PAYWAT Dir: Mithun Chandra Chowdhary Marathi / 15 Mins   U TURN (UA) Dir: Pawan Kumar Kannada/121 Mins	*DAAYRA (UC) Dir: Sonia Saharan Haryanvi / 24 Mins   LOKTAK LAIREMBEE (UC) Dir: Haoban Paban Kumar Manipuri/71 Mins	AIRLIFT (UA) Dir: Raja Krishna Menon Hindi/124 Mins
20.01.2017 (Friday)	DIKCHOW BANAT PALAAX (UC) Dir: Sanjib sabhapandit Assamese/117 Mins	K SERA SERA Dir: Rajeev Shinde Konkani/135 Mins	CHITROKAR Dir: Saibal Mitra Bengali/147 Mins
21.01.2017 (Saturday)	*BACHCHHA SAHEB (UC) Dir: Saikat Sekhareswar Ray Bengali / 29 Mins   ROOPANTHRAM Dir: M B Padmakumar Malayalam/98 Mins	*SAMANN (UC) Dir: Billu Paul Haryanvi / 29 Mins   MANTRA (UC) Dir: Nicholas Kharkongor English/90 Mins	*EDPA KANA  Dir: Niranjan Kumar Kujur Kudukh / 26 Mins   SHANKHACHIL Dir: Goutam Ghose Bengali/134 Mins
22.01.2017 (Sunday)	*SABIN ALUN Dir: Altaf Mazid Karbi (Assam)/ 52 Mins   ONAATAH Dir: Pradip Kurbah Khasi/112 Mins	*EARTH CRUSADER Dir: Shabnam Sukhdev English/ 55 Mins   EKK ALBELA Dir: Shekhar Sartandel Marathi/99 Mins	SULTAN (UA) Dir:   Ali Abbas Jaffar Hindi/170 Mins
23.01.2017 (Monday)	*ORMAYUDE ATHIRVARAMBUKAL (UC) Dir: Sudesh Balan Malayalam/ 22 Mins   ALLAMA (UC) Dir: T S Nagabharna Kannada/99 Mins	*DAARAVTHA (A) Dir: Nishant Roy Bombarde Marathi / 30 Mins   *GUNS AND GUITARS – A MUSICAL TRAVELOGUE (UC) Dir: Bidyut Kotoky English / 94 Mins	*TAANDAV (UA) Dir: Devashish Makhija Hindi / 12 Mins   BAAHUBALI (UA) Dir: S.S Rajamouli     Telugu/158 Mins
24.01.2017 (Tuesday)	HARIKATHA PRASANGA Dir: Ananya Kasaravalli Kannada/136 Mins	BASTU SHAAP (UA) Dir: Kaushik GangulyBengali/129 Mins	ISHTI Dir: G. Prabha Sanskrit/108  Mins
25.01.2017 (Wednesday)	*RANDU KURIPPUKAL Dir: Gireesh Kumar.K Malayalam/30 Mins     *MEMORIES OF A FORGOTTEN WAR   Dir: Utpal Borpujari English/ 109 Mins	*THE WIND IN THE MARUWA FIELD  Dir: Sankhajit Biswas Bengali / 52 Mins   ROOPANTHRAM Dir: M B Padmakumar Malayalam/98 Mins	*CHAUKAT Dir: Umesh Mohan Bagade Marathi/12 Mins   NATSAMRAT Dir: Mahesh Manjrekar Marathi/165 Mins
27.01.2017 (Friday)	*GODS IN SHACKLES Dir: Sangita Iyer English/92 Mins	* IN RETURN, JUST A BOOK (UC) Dir: Shiny Jacob Benjamin Malayalam / 45 Mins   *CECILIA (UC) Dir: Pankaj Johar English / 84 Mins

 

 Om Puri – A Special Homage

Siri Fort Auditorium III at 6 PM

 

17.01.2017	18.01.2017	19.01.2017	20.01.2017	21.01.2017
ARDH SATYA (1982) Dir: Govind Nihalani Hindi/130 Mins	MIRCH MASALA (1987) Dir: Ketan Mehta Hindi/128Mins	JAANE BHI DO YAARO (1983) Dir: Kundan Shah Hindi/132 Mins	SADGATI (1981) Dir: Satyajit Ray Hindi/45 Mins	DHARAVI (1992) Dir: Sudhir Mishra Hindi/120 Mins

 

 

 

J P Nadda inaugurates the National Workshop on ‘Life and Fire Safety in Healthcare Facilities in India’ 

We have to aim to ensure “zero tolerance” with regard to risk of fire: J P Nadda 

 

“We have to aim to ensure “zero tolerance” with regard to risk of fire. With this aim in the focus, we have to align all our efforts and converge to achieve this goal.” This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare while inaugurating a National Workshop on ‘Life and Fire Safety in Healthcare Facilities in India’, here today. The workshop wasjointly organized by Ministry of Health and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi with active participation of School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, Delhi Fire Services, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), New Delhi and Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee. The main objective of the workshop was to sensitize the hospital administrators and engineering heads about important issues related to life and fire safety in healthcare buildings.  

Speaking at the function, ShriNadda said that sensitization towards fire safety is key to preventing any untoward incident in hospitals. “The dos and don’ts must be understood first and should be strictly followed. We must also make sure that it goes down to every level,” ShriNadda added. The Health Minister further said that doctors and engineering staff should be fully aware of their role towards fire and life safety. “Our nurses and doctors are the first responders in such an eventuality. In fact, doctors and nurses would provide the guidance and support if patients are to be moved and where they have to be moved considering the condition of patients,” ShriNadda stated.  

Laying stress on having safe evacuation during emergencies,ShriNadda said that it has been noticed that corridors, staircases are not properly maintained to provide safe egress, sometimes emergency doors are locked even when patients are in a position to move out. “This is fundamental but often ignored, due to security reasons. Hospital administrations should resolve this problem in consultation with security experts. Please ensure that access and egress is not compromisedand proper fire escape routes and measures are in place especially in operation theatres and ICUs so that patients inside these rooms can be evacuated properly during emergencies,” ShriNadda elaborated. 

ShriNadda also emphasized on the need for training and capacity building among the hospital staff especially doctors, nurses and attendants so that they can undertake routine assessments of emerging risks, including those arising due to alterations and also conduct audits through internal technical staff.ShriNadda also directed the officials of the participating Institutions/Hospitals to develop time bound fire safety action plan of the building/block of their Hospital/Institution. He further instructed them to undertake quarterly fire drills so that the hospital staff is sensitized and is aware of their responsibility. ShriNadda also asked the participants to conduct fire audits regularly which will be monitored by the Ministry.  

The workshop was attended by Heads of 23 Hospitals/ Institutes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and their concerned officers.  A mock drill was also conducted in the premises of AIIMS, New Delhi.  In the workshop the participants got a comprehensive understanding of the scope of life and fire safety in healthcare buildings in terms of best practices as well as applicable codes and standards by participants. 

Also present at the function were DrArun Panda, Additional Secretary (HFW), ShriSanjeeva Kumar, Addl. Secy (HFW), Dr B D Athani, Special DGHS, Dr. M.C.Misra, Director AIIMS, New Delhi

andother senior officers of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

 

***

India Signs Financing Agreement with World Bank for US$ 48 Million for “Nagaland Health Project”. 

A financing agreement for IDA credit of US$ 48 million (equivalent) for the ‘Nagaland Health Project’ was signed with the World Bank here today. The Financing Agreement was signed by Mr. Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of Government of India and Mrs. Genevieve Connors, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. A Project Agreement was also signed by Dr. L. Watikala, Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland and Ms. Genevieve Connors, Acting Country Director, World Bank. 

The Objectives of the project are to improve health services and increase their utilization by communities in targeted locations in Nagaland. Communities in targeted locations will benefit from project activities at the community and health facility levels while the population of the state as a whole will benefit from improvements in higher-level facilities as well as system-wide investments. The project will directly benefit about 600,000 people. It will support and complement existing systems and mechanisms involving communities under the National Health Mission. 

The closing date of Nagaland health Project is 31^st March, 2023. 

 

*****

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

Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of Government Stock 

Government of India have announced the Sale (re-issue) of (i) “Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2024” for a notified amount of  Rs. 2000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (ii) “6.79 per cent Government Stock  2029” for a notified amount of Rs. 5,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (ii) “6.57 per cent Government Stock  2033” for a notified amount of Rs. 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction,   (iv) “6.62 per cent Government Stock, 2051” for a notified amount of  Rs. 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on January 20, 2017 (Friday). 

Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities. 

Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on 
January 20, 2017. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 
11.30 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon.     

The result of the auctions will be announced on January 20, 2017 and payment by successful bidders will be on January 23, 2017 (Monday).     

The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2006-07/178 dated November 16, 2006 as amended from time to time.

 

*****

DSM/MS/KA

Ministry of Earth Sciences Commissions Higher Resolution Weather Prediction Model 

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has commissioned a very high resolution (12 km) global deterministic weather prediction model for generating operational weather forecasts. The model has been on trial since September 2016. It has shown significant improvements in skill of daily weather forecasts. This model has been made operational from January 16, 2017.  

 The present model replaces the earlier version which had a horizontal resolution of 25 km.  It was very helpful, especially in predicting the track and the intensity of the recent Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Vardah and the cold wave over the northern parts of India.

 MoES’s operational Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) will also be upgraded to 12 km. For this the High Performance Computing (HPC) system resources available with MoES is to be augmented to 10 Peta Flops from the current 1.2 Peta Flops. The operational EPS currently has a horizontal resolution of about 25 km.

 The EPS is adopted to overcome the problem of uncertainties in the forecasts. It involves the generation of multiple forecasts using slightly varying initial conditions. The EPS also help generate probabilistic forecasts and quantify the uncertainties.

 The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) provides Weather, Climate and Hydrological Services to various users round the year and 24/7. Both operational and research aspects for these services are implemented through its constituent units India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS).

 In general, during the last five years, the skill of weather and climate forecasts in India has improved. The improvement is noted especially in general public weather forecasts, monsoon forecasts, heavy rainfall warnings and tropical cyclone warnings and alerts. The successes in predicting the Tropical Cyclones Phailin/Hudhud, heavy rainfall event in Chennai during December 2015, deficient rainfall during monsoon season of 2015 are the best examples for the improvement in prediction capability during the recent years.

 Focused research and development activities have been carried out at IITM, NCMRWF and IMD on weather prediction model development and data assimilation methods. Data from the International and Indian satellites are being assimilated in the weather prediction models.

 The communication of forecasts to the stake holders on time and in proper language is very important in the effective use of weather and climate forecasts and minimizing the loss and damages due to severe weather. IMD has established an effective mechanism for dissemination of weather and climate forecasts to different stake holders using different communication channels.

 

 

****

RDS/ss

Coas Inspires Children from North East 

As part of Operation SADBHAVANA, a National Integration Tour comprising of 20 school students from various schools of Imphal, West District of Manipur interacted with General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff today. The Chief shared his experiences while serving in these areas with the students and motivated them to work hard and contribute actively to the Nation Building process. He inspired them to join the Indian Army, do well and serve the cause of the Nation. The Chief made all children understand the importance of peace and inspired children that they must spread the message and ensure that peace returns. 

The tour was flagged off from Imphal on 5th of January. During the course of their tour, the participants visited various cultural and historical places in Delhi and Agra. The participants had the honour to meet the Hon’ble President of India on 14th January. The Children also met the Human Resource Development Minister on 10th January. 

National Integration Tours are educational and motivational tours for school children, youth and local populace of J&K and North Eastern States, with an aim to provide an insight into the rich heritage of the country, various developmental and industry initiatives. Such visits present various career options to the children and are avidly sought by local children. 

Col Rohan Anand, SM
PRO (Army) 

India Evolving as a Global Hub in Defence Manufacturing 

Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar visited DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex during his visit to Hyderabad today. He visited the integration centre at Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and reviewed ongoing missile technologies and related Programmes. Dr S. Christopher, Secretary, DD&D and Chairman DRDO alongwith Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, SA to RM and Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems briefed the Defence Minister on various technological developments. 

Shri Parrikar congratulated all DRDO scientists for the recent successful missions including Smart Anti Airfield Weapon, Long Range Ballistic Missiles Agni V& Agni IV, Guided Pinaka and Astra. He complimented the Missile Complex for indigenizing various technology products and strengthening the defence industrial base in the country. 

The Defence Minister said, “There is lot of knowledge and infrastructure base with the DRDO and the same needs to be tapped by the MSME and private industries, which in turn will lead towards the establishment of a self-reliant defence industrial ecosystem in our country. Today, the industries are significantly contributing in the realization of various defence products with the know-how provided by the DRDO and few of them have even graduated as lead integrators. The partnership between the DRDO and industries is transforming our country into a global defence manufacturing hub. This synergy has provided the much needed thrust for exporting our defence products globally. We are taking necessary initiatives in this direction and I am sure that our state-of-the-art Missiles and Weapon systems will garner the much needed interest in the global markets and generate foreign exchange.”  

Shri Parrikar added, “I admire the initiatives taken by the DRDO in signing MoUs with various Universities in diversified research areas and these initiatives need to be further strengthened by frequent interactions for realization of futuristic technological products.”

 

NW/NAo/DM/RAJ

Sale of Tickets for Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat (Rehearsals) Begins 

In order to facilitate the general public to witness the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath and Full Dress Rehearsal of Beating the Retreat Ceremony at Vijay Chowk, the sale of tickets had commenced on 07 January 2017.

 

The price of tickets for the Republic Day Parade on 26^th January 2017 are Rs. 500/- for reserved seats and Rs. 100/- and Rs. 20/- for unreserved seats.  The tickets for the Beating the Retreat Ceremony (Full Dress Rehearsal) on 28^th January 2017 are in the category of Rs. 50/- and Rs. 20/- and does not have reserved seats.

 

Tickets are available at seven Departmental Sale Counters. These counters are located at North Block round about, Pragati Maidan (Gate No. 1), Jantar Mantar (Main Gate), Shastri Bhawan (near Gate No. 3), India Gate (near Jamnagar House), Red Fort (near police picket) and Sena Bhavan (Gate No. 2). For Members of Parliament, a special counter has also been set up in Parliament House (Reception Office). The above sale counters are open till January 25, 2017 from 1000hrs to 1230 hrs and 1400hrs to 1630hrs. In regard to the Full Dress Rehearsal of Beating the Retreat Ceremony the tickets will also be available on 27^th and 28^th January 2017 from 1000hrs to 1630hrs. However, on 28 January 2017 the counters will close by 1500hrs due to commencement of Beating the Retreat (Rehearsals). From 23 to 25 January 2017, ticket counters of Sena Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, India Gate and Shastri Bhawan will remain open till 1900hrs. No ticket counters will remain open on 26 January 2017, the day being the Republic Day.

 

The tickets are sold on the basis of production of Aadhaar Card, Voter Card or Identity Cards issued by Government of India or State Governments only. Payment for tickets will also be accepted by Credit/Debit Cards.

NAo/DM/RAJ

India & Mauritius Sign MoU for Cooperation in the field of Cooperatives 

India offers to exchange its expertise and technology with Mauritius in agro industry, fisheries and dairy sector

 

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Govt. of Mauritius, ShriSoomilduthBholahsigned on MoU for Cooperation in the field of Cooperatives & related areas here today. The MoU will enable the two countries to collaborate in this vital sector and can significantly benefit thousands of Mauritians.India offered to exchange its expertise and technology with Mauritius in agro industry, fisheries and dairy sector.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction at the historic, time-tested relationship between India and Mauritius which is anchored in linkages of culture and ancestry has grown from strength to strength over the years, adding that frequent high level visits have added significant momentum to the bilateral relationship between the two countries. 

SS

***

Dr Jitendra Singh discusses tourism promotion plans for Shillong 

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 discussed here today the tourism promotion plans for Shillong and other surrounding areas of Northeast with a group of professionals led by Member of Parliament from Tura, Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma. 

The Minister was given an audio-visual presentation about the roadmap conceived for placing Shillong as a tourist attraction on global platform and thereby also promoting the entire region through a similar strategy. The presentation highlighted the various options and itineraries with focus on a 3-day holiday capsule incorporating cultural activities, meditation centres, music workshops, experience of food cuisines and trekking options. 

Dr Jitendra Singh said there is no second opinion about the fact that Shillong has not received the kind of tourism attention as it deserves. This, he said, is an irony considering the fact that Shillong is the original capital of Northeast right from the days of British Empire to the post-Independence era of undivided Assam State. However, he said, the Central Government has done its best to fast-track and make up for the undone initiatives of the past. 

Dr Jitendra Singh also disclosed that, with a view to make the Shillong Airport fully functional with wider utility, the Ministry of DoNER has offered to fund the budget required for extension of the air-strip. At the same time, he said, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also been approached to extend the facility at the airport and at the same time, increase the number of chopper / helicopter flights. 

Some of the music groups from Meghalaya can also be made part of the tourism bonanza capsule, he said. 

Dr Jitendra Singh also referred to the practice of "home-stay" tourism which has caught up in a big way in Shillong and surrounding areas, and said, this is a practice which is worth emulating by other tourist destinations of the country as well. 

***

KSD/NK/PK/KM

PM expresses sadness over the loss of lives in stampede in West Bengal; approves ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the loss of lives caused by a stampede in West Bengal. 

“Saddened by the loss of lives caused by a stampede in West Bengal. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. 
My prayers with those injured in the stampede in West Bengal. May they recover quickly”, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister has also approved ex-gratia from PMNRF, of Rs 2 lakh for next of kin of those deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured in the stampede.
                                     ***