Vice President Releases Book "Akbar – The Asthete"[28/02/2014]
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled "Akbar – The Asthete" authored by Dr. Indu Anand, an acclaimed educationist & Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, the Shri Ansari said that the historical accidents sometimes produce very good results. Emperor Humayun was exiled to Prussia and during his time spent there, he imbibed the miniature paintings. Later he brought back a few good miniature paintings from there. The Persian andIndian artists together painted numerous miniatures here of finest style and substance.
Financial support for establishing four new National Institutes of Design [28/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today approved financial support of Rs.434 crore for establishing four new National Institutes of Design (NID) at Jorhat (Assam), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) and Kurukshetra (Haryana). The proposed design institutes will offer both under-graduate and post graduate education in design disciplines meeting the regional needs.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt Gets Gandhi Peace Prize For 2013 [28/02/2014]
The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2013 has been awarded to eminent Gandhian and environmentalist, Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt. The Jury for the Prize met under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on 18th February 2014 and decided upon his name. The other members of the Jury were Justice P. Sathasivam, Chief Justice of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha), Dr. Karan Singh, M.P(Rajya Sabha) and Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, ex-Governor, West Bengal.
Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt, born in 1934 , is a noted Gandhian environmentalist and social activist. He was one of the pioneers of the Chipko movement for which he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982. He is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2005. One of India’s first modern environmentalists, today he is known for his work on subaltern social ecology.
Vice President Releases a Book "Ambedkar Awakening India’s Social Conscience" [27/02/2014]
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled "Ambedkar Awakening India’s Social Conscience" authored by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that Dr Jadhav has done a tremendous favour to an entire generation of M.Phil and PhD students who may wish to write about Dr Ambedkar and be bounded by the sheer volume of primary material that may have to be scanned, because its all been put there in one volume.
India and ADB Sign US$300 Million to Improve Key Road Connectivity in Chhattisgarh[26/02/2014]
Government of India (GoI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed here today an agreement for a US $300 million loan to help improve road connectivity along key corridors in the State of Chhattisgarh.
The Project has been approved with an objective to improve more than 900 kilometers of State roads, in line with the Chhattisgarh Road Master Plan, involving upgradation of roads sections and strengthening culverts and bridges.
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled "Akbar – The Asthete" authored by Dr. Indu Anand, an acclaimed educationist & Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, the Shri Ansari said that the historical accidents sometimes produce very good results. Emperor Humayun was exiled to Prussia and during his time spent there, he imbibed the miniature paintings. Later he brought back a few good miniature paintings from there. The Persian andIndian artists together painted numerous miniatures here of finest style and substance.
Financial support for establishing four new National Institutes of Design [28/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today approved financial support of Rs.434 crore for establishing four new National Institutes of Design (NID) at Jorhat (Assam), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) and Kurukshetra (Haryana). The proposed design institutes will offer both under-graduate and post graduate education in design disciplines meeting the regional needs.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt Gets Gandhi Peace Prize For 2013 [28/02/2014]
The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2013 has been awarded to eminent Gandhian and environmentalist, Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt. The Jury for the Prize met under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on 18th February 2014 and decided upon his name. The other members of the Jury were Justice P. Sathasivam, Chief Justice of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha), Dr. Karan Singh, M.P(Rajya Sabha) and Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, ex-Governor, West Bengal.
Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt, born in 1934 , is a noted Gandhian environmentalist and social activist. He was one of the pioneers of the Chipko movement for which he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982. He is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2005. One of India’s first modern environmentalists, today he is known for his work on subaltern social ecology.
Vice President Releases a Book "Ambedkar Awakening India’s Social Conscience" [27/02/2014]
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled "Ambedkar Awakening India’s Social Conscience" authored by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that Dr Jadhav has done a tremendous favour to an entire generation of M.Phil and PhD students who may wish to write about Dr Ambedkar and be bounded by the sheer volume of primary material that may have to be scanned, because its all been put there in one volume.
India and ADB Sign US$300 Million to Improve Key Road Connectivity in Chhattisgarh[26/02/2014]
Government of India (GoI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed here today an agreement for a US $300 million loan to help improve road connectivity along key corridors in the State of Chhattisgarh.
The Project has been approved with an objective to improve more than 900 kilometers of State roads, in line with the Chhattisgarh Road Master Plan, involving upgradation of roads sections and strengthening culverts and bridges.
Vice President Releases Book "Akbar – The Asthete"[28/02/2014]
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled "Akbar – The Asthete" authored by Dr. Indu Anand, an acclaimed educationist & Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, the Shri Ansari said that the historical accidents sometimes produce very good results. Emperor Humayun was exiled to Prussia and during his time spent there, he imbibed the miniature paintings. Later he brought back a few good miniature paintings from there. The Persian andIndian artists together painted numerous miniatures here of finest style and substance.
Financial support for establishing four new National Institutes of Design [28/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today approved financial support of Rs.434 crore for establishing four new National Institutes of Design (NID) at Jorhat (Assam), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) and Kurukshetra (Haryana). The proposed design institutes will offer both under-graduate and post graduate education in design disciplines meeting the regional needs.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt Gets Gandhi Peace Prize For 2013 [28/02/2014]
The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2013 has been awarded to eminent Gandhian and environmentalist, Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt. The Jury for the Prize met under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on 18th February 2014 and decided upon his name. The other members of the Jury were Justice P. Sathasivam, Chief Justice of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha), Dr. Karan Singh, M.P(Rajya Sabha) and Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, ex-Governor, West Bengal.
Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt, born in 1934 , is a noted Gandhian environmentalist and social activist. He was one of the pioneers of the Chipko movement for which he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982. He is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2005. One of India’s first modern environmentalists, today he is known for his work on subaltern social ecology.
Vice President Releases a Book "Ambedkar Awakening India’s Social Conscience" [27/02/2014]
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled "Ambedkar Awakening India’s Social Conscience" authored by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that Dr Jadhav has done a tremendous favour to an entire generation of M.Phil and PhD students who may wish to write about Dr Ambedkar and be bounded by the sheer volume of primary material that may have to be scanned, because its all been put there in one volume.
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled "Akbar – The Asthete" authored by Dr. Indu Anand, an acclaimed educationist & Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, the Shri Ansari said that the historical accidents sometimes produce very good results. Emperor Humayun was exiled to Prussia and during his time spent there, he imbibed the miniature paintings. Later he brought back a few good miniature paintings from there. The Persian andIndian artists together painted numerous miniatures here of finest style and substance.
Financial support for establishing four new National Institutes of Design [28/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today approved financial support of Rs.434 crore for establishing four new National Institutes of Design (NID) at Jorhat (Assam), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) and Kurukshetra (Haryana). The proposed design institutes will offer both under-graduate and post graduate education in design disciplines meeting the regional needs.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt Gets Gandhi Peace Prize For 2013 [28/02/2014]
The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2013 has been awarded to eminent Gandhian and environmentalist, Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt. The Jury for the Prize met under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on 18th February 2014 and decided upon his name. The other members of the Jury were Justice P. Sathasivam, Chief Justice of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha), Dr. Karan Singh, M.P(Rajya Sabha) and Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, ex-Governor, West Bengal.
Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt, born in 1934 , is a noted Gandhian environmentalist and social activist. He was one of the pioneers of the Chipko movement for which he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982. He is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2005. One of India’s first modern environmentalists, today he is known for his work on subaltern social ecology.
Vice President Releases a Book "Ambedkar Awakening India’s Social Conscience" [27/02/2014]
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled "Ambedkar Awakening India’s Social Conscience" authored by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that Dr Jadhav has done a tremendous favour to an entire generation of M.Phil and PhD students who may wish to write about Dr Ambedkar and be bounded by the sheer volume of primary material that may have to be scanned, because its all been put there in one volume.
India and ADB Sign US$300 Million to Improve Key Road Connectivity in Chhattisgarh[26/02/2014]
Government of India (GoI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed here today an agreement for a US $300 million loan to help improve road connectivity along key corridors in the State of Chhattisgarh.
The Project has been approved with an objective to improve more than 900 kilometers of State roads, in line with the Chhattisgarh Road Master Plan, involving upgradation of roads sections and strengthening culverts and bridges.
Rs. 15,158.11 Crore Released to 27 States Under “Backward Regions Grant Fund” [26/02/2014]
Government has released Rs. 15,158.11 crore to 272 selected districts in 27 states under "Backward Regions Grant Fund" (BRGF) scheme from 2010-11 till end of January 2014.
The scheme implemented by Ministry of Panchayati Raj is gap filling in nature and aims at strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country to enable them to discharge their duties for balanced development on the basis of schemes/programmes of different Ministries and States.
The BRGF provides untied funds to Panchayats on the basis of plans prepared by various Ministries and States. Financial assistance under the scheme is provided to Panchayats through the States in the shape of grant for development and for capacity building.
Along with BRGF, Ministry of Panchayati Raj also builds capacities of Panchayats through Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA), launched fully during 2013-14. Under RGPSA, in 2013-14, plans of 26 States for strengthening their Panchayats have been approved.
Prime Minister Inaugurates "Indira Paryavaran Bhawan" [25/02/2014]
Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India dedicated to the Nation "Indira Paryavaran Bhawan" today. Indira Paryavaran Bhawan is India’s first on site Net Zero Building built by adoption of solar passive design and energy efficient building material. This building is expected to be a trend setter in the country and shall inspire people towards adoption of green technology. The building has been designed as the highest green rated building, i.e., GRIHA 5-Star and LEED India Platinum.
6th India-China Defence and Security Dialogue Held [24/02/2014]
The 6th Annual Defence and Security Dialogue between India and China was held in New Delhi, today. The meeting was co-chaired by the Defence Secretary, Shri RK Mathur and the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the PLA, Lt Gen Wang Guanzhong.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on a number of regional and global security issues of mutual concern. In particular, issues concerning the security situation in South Asia, the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region were discussed. Both sides agreed that strengthening of strategic consultation and communication would facilitate sharing of perspectives and mutual understanding in the evolving regional security situation.
The two sides noted that 2014 has been designated as the ‘Year of Friendly Exchanges’ between both sides and agreed to continue to expand the exchanges between the Armed Forces of both sides so as to foster mutual trust and understanding. In this connection, both sides noted that the visits of Defence Minister to China in 2013 and of the Minister of National Defence of China to India in the preceding year had provided an impetus to the expansion of military exchanges. The proposed visit of China’s Minister of National Defence to India in 2014 was welcomed.
NTPC to Develop Kajra Thermal Project in Bihar[24/02/2014]
NTPC will develop a 1320 MW (2 X 660 MW) Thermal Power Project at Kajra in Lakhisarai district of Bihar. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between NTPC, Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) and Lakhisarai Bijlee Company Private Limited (LBCPL) on 22nd February, 2014 at Patna in Bihar. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Dr. Arup Roy Chaudhary (CMD) NTPC and Energy Minister of Bihar.
Italy's youngest-ever PM Matteo Renzi sworn in[22/02/2014]
Matteo Renzi became Italy’s youngest premier on Saturday, promising a new era of stable government after using old-school politicking to engineer the ouster of a fellow Democrat he deemed too timid to get the nation back to work.
Telangana bill passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha[21/02/2014]
Telangana is set to come into being — as the 29th State of India. That some pain and suffering would accompany the bifurcation was, perhaps, inevitable; but a great deal of the violence and acrimony could have been avoided had the Congress and the Central government acted with greater sensitivity and understanding of the hopes and fears of the peoples in the two regions. But now is the time to look ahead, and try and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Telangana and allay the apprehensions of those of Seemandhra, or the residual Andhra Pradesh state. The residual state is to get special category status for the purpose of Central assistance, and its backward regions will be eligible for a special development package. But concerns still persist about the security of lives and livelihoods of non-Telangana people in Hyderabad, which will be the joint capital of both the states for 10 years. The decision to invest special law and order powers in the Governor to ensure the safety of the residents of Hyderabad goes some way in addressing the apprehensions of those from Seemandhra seen as “outsiders” in the capital. But doubts have been raised about the propriety of such an arrangement: whether an appointee of the Centre who is not democratically elected by the people of either state could have control over what is essentially a state subject. This arrangement is a compromise between designating Hyderabad as a Union Territory (as demanded by those representing Seemandhra) and making it the capital of Telangana alone. The model is that of Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, where the Administrator-cum-Punjab Governor and the Adviser to the Administrator are in charge of law and order. In effect, Hyderabad will be akin to a union territory like Chandigarh in the matter of handling of law and order.
Promoting the Use of Bio-Fertilizers [21/02/2014]
Under the National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), Government is promoting production of various organic inputs in the country including biofertilizers. NPOF provides financial assistance upto 25% of total financial outlay upto a ceiling of Rs.40 lakhs as credit linked back-ended subsidy for setting up Bio-fertilizers production units.
Mithali named captain [21/02/2014]
Mithali Raj will lead the Indian team in the three-match Twenty20 international series against Bangladesh in Bangladesh from March 9 and also the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh from March 16.
Classifying Odia as classical language[20/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for classifying Odia as classical language. The following benefits are available for languages which are declared as classical languages:
Approval of National Mission for a Green India Scheme[20/02/2014]
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a proposal of the Ministry of Environment and Forests for a National Mission for a Green India (GIM) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Of the total expenditure of Rs. 13,000 crore envisaged in the 12th Plan, the plan outlay is Rs.2000 crore. The source of funding for the scheme would be from the Plan outlay, and convergence with MGNREGA activities, CAMPA and the NAP. The sharing pattern for the plan outlay would be 90 Centre and 10 State for the North Eastern States and 75 Centre and 25 State for the rest of the States. The 13th Finance Commission grant funds may be counted towards the States` share, to the extent that this is in conformity with the Commission’s award.
The objectives of the Mission during 12th Plan period includes increased forest/tree cover and improved quality of forest cover in two to eight million hectares, alongwith improved ecosystem services including biodiversity, hydrological services, increased forest-based livelihood income of households, living in and around the forests, and enhanced annual CO2 sequestration.
Mission implementation will be on a decentralized participatory approach with involvement of grass root level organizations in planning, decision making, implementation and monitoring. The gram sabha and the committees mandated by the gram sabha, including revamped JFMCs will oversee implementation at the village level. Revamped Forest Development Agency (FDA) under the Chair of an elected representative at district/division level, revamped State Forest Development Agency with a Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary and an Executive Committee chaired by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests at the State/U.T. level. A Governing Council, chaired by the Minister Environment and Forests and a National Executive Council chaired by the Secretary (E&F) and co-chaired by the DGF&SS with the Mission Director as the Member Secretary at the national level will facilitate Mission implementation. A multidisciplinary team, both from Govt. and NGOs will be mandated to facilitate planning and implementation at cluster/landscape unit level.
The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) - Infrastructure Investments [19/02/2014]
The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) has projected an investment of Rs. 55,74,663 crore over the Plan period in infrastructure defined to include electricity, renewable energy, roads & bridges, telecommunications, railways, mass rapid transit system, irrigation (including watershed), water supply & sanitation, ports (including inland waterways), airports, storage and oil & gas pipelines sectors. About 48 per cent of this investment is expected from the private sector.
Food subsidy increased to Rs 1,15,000 crore[18/02/2014]
The Government has increased the food subsidy to Rs 1,15,000 crore for financial year 2014-15, mainly for implementation of the National Food Security Act. It is Rs 23,000 crore more than the revised estimates of Rs 92,000 crore for 2013-14. Significant increase in the subsidy has been made to fulfill the Government’s commitment to implement the National Food Security Act throughout the country.
Food subsidy seeks to meet the difference between the economic cost of food grains and their sales realisation at the Central Issue Price fixed under the public distribution system (PDS) and other welfare schemes.
Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Jointly Awarded National Tourism Award for Best State/UT in the Category of Comprehensive Development of Tourism [18/02/2014]
Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have been jointly given the award for the First Prize in the category of “Best State/UT: Comprehensive Development of Tourism.” The second and third prizes in this category have gone to Kerala and Gujarat respectively. Jammu & Kashmir was awarded in the category of Best State/UT under the North-East and J&K Region. Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, UP won the prize for the Best Civic Management of a tourist destination in Category ‘A’ city.
Rs. 1000 Crore Allocated to Nirbhaya Fund[17/02/2014]
The Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram has reiterated his commitment to fulfill the promises he made during last year on girl child. Towards this, an amount of Rs. 1000 crore has been allocated under Nirbhaya Fund during 2014-15 as well in his interim budget.
The Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram informed that the fund will be a permanent fund and declared the grant of Rs. 1000 crore as non-lapsable. In order to support more proposals, the Finance Minister proposed to contribute another sum of Rs. 1000 crore next year.
The Interim Budget 2014-15, Estimated Plan Expenditure of Rs. 5,55,322 Crore [17/02/2014]
The Union Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram here today presented the Interim Budget 2014-15 that shows an estimated plan expenditure of Rs. 5,55,322 crore and non-plan expenditure of Rs. 12,07,892 crore. He said that the current financial year will end on a satisfactory note with the fiscal deficit at 4.6% and the revenue deficit at 3.3%. Shri P. Chidambaram said that emboldened by the progress made, he has budgeted for the receipts and expenditure in 2014-15 that will leave a fiscal deficit of 4.1% and revenue deficit of 3%. The Finance Minister said the fiscal deficit during 2014-15 will be below the target set by the fiscal consolidation path.
International Gandhi Award 2013[15/02/2014]
Dr. Vijaykumar Vinayak Dongre and Professor Zhang Guocheng has been awarded the 2013 International Gandhi Award for their valuable contributions in the fight against Leprosy. This award is presented by the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation
President Inaugurates the New Delhi World Book Fair 2014[15/02/2014]
The President Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair 2014. Speaking on the occasion, he said that an international book fair of this magnitude is one of the best manifestations of India’s liberal, democratic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and secular society where competing ideas and ideologies have equal space. These values constitute the essence of India and that we must do everything possible to preserve, protect, promote and nurture these ideals.
Chhetri gets AIFF Player of the Year prize[14/02/2014]
Sunil Chhetri was awarded the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year prize by the federation. The Indian captain had won this award in 2007 and 2011 also.
FICCI awards: Sportsperson of the Year: Deepika Kumari (archery)[14/02/2014]
Archer Deepika Kumari was recognised as the sportsperson of the year. The breakthrough sports personality prize was won by P.V. Sindhu for her wonderful performance at the BWF World Championships in Guangzhou last year
Introduction of ‘e-Indian Postal Order’ for all by the Department of Posts[13/02/2014]
India Post (Dept. of Posts) here today launched electronic Indian Postal Order (e-IPO) for Indian Citizens living in India. Earlier last year the Department had launched the e-IPO on 22nd March, 2013 for Indian Citizens living abroad across the globe to facilitate them for paying online fee for seeking information under the RTI Act, 2005.
HAL delivers crew module for Human Spaceflight Program to ISRO[13/02/2014]
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over the first “Crew Module Structural Assembly” for the “Human Spaceflight Program” to Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram of ISRO in Bangalore, recently.
The first Crew Module will be further equipped with systems necessary for crew support, navigation, guidance and control systems by ISRO for experimentation in the forthcoming GSLV-MK3 launch. “HAL takes pride in the India’s space programmes and our Aerospace Division has produced this Crew Module in a record time to meet the requirements of ISRO”, said Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL.
Earlier also HAL has contributed in the India’s space programmes such as “ISRO’s Mars Mission” by providing Satellite Structure, Propellant Tankages and supplied thirteen types of riveted structural assemblies, seven types of welded propellant tankages which include the cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks and cryogenic stage structures for GSLV D5.
World’s largest solar power plant opens in Nevada[13/02/2014]
A windy stretch of the Mojave Desert once roamed by tortoises and coyotes has been transformed by hundreds of thousands of mirrors into the largest solar power plant of its type in the world, a milestone for a growing industry that is testing the balance between wilderness conservation and the pursuit of green energy across the American West.
The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, sprawling across roughly 5 square miles (13 sq. kilometers) of federal land near the California-Nevada border, formally opens on Thursday after years of regulatory and legal tangles ranging from relocating protected tortoises to assessing the impact on Mojave milkweed and other plants.
The $2.2 billion complex of three generating units, owned by NRG Energy Inc., Google Inc. and BrightSource Energy, can produce nearly 400 megawatts enough power for 140,000 homes. It began making electricity last year.
The Ivanpah site, about 45 miles (75 kilometers) southwest of Las Vegas, has virtually unbroken sunshine most of the year and is near transmission lines that carry power to consumers. Using technology known as solar-thermal, nearly 350,000 computer-controlled mirrors - roughly the size of a garage door - reflect sunlight to boilers atop 459-foot (140-meter) towers. The sun’s power is used to heat water in the boilers’ tubes and make steam, which drives turbines to create electricity.
Establishment of Satellite Centre of PGIMER, Chandigarh at Sangrur, Punjab [12/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for implementing the establishment of the Satellite Centre of PGIMER, Chandigarh at Sangrur, Punjab. This would be under the ongoing 12th Five Year Plan "Scheme of Redevelopment of Hospitals and Institutions" involving financial implication of Rs.449 crore inclusive of recurring cost of Rs. 161 crore for the first four years.
The Project will widen and improve patient care services by creating state-of-the-art infrastructure for tertiary healthcare and bring specialised healthcare service within the reach of people of the region. Increasing hospital bed strength will provide access to health care services for marginalized classes as also help towards meeting World Health Organisation (WHO) norms. The project will reduce the average distance served by an institution and cater to region specific diseases. This will also reduce disease burden in the area and reduce the burden on PGIMER, Chandigarh considerably.
Setting up of Jagdishpur Paper Mills Limited at Jagdishpur, District Amethi, Uttar Pradesh [12/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for setting up of Jagdishpur Paper Mills Limited (JPML), a green field pulp and paper project at Jagdishpur, District Amethi, Uttar Pradesh at a cost of Rs. 3650 crore. The project will be implemented in two phases.
Jagsihpur Paper Mill Limited will venture into production of coated/uncoated printing and writing paper. It will reduce the gap between production and import of writing and printing paper as well as act as a check on prices. Apart from direct employment to 900 persons, indirect employment will also be generated which will spur gainful economic activities in the vicinity.
Government of India (GoI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed here today an agreement for a US $300 million loan to help improve road connectivity along key corridors in the State of Chhattisgarh.
The Project has been approved with an objective to improve more than 900 kilometers of State roads, in line with the Chhattisgarh Road Master Plan, involving upgradation of roads sections and strengthening culverts and bridges.
Rs. 15,158.11 Crore Released to 27 States Under “Backward Regions Grant Fund” [26/02/2014]
Government has released Rs. 15,158.11 crore to 272 selected districts in 27 states under "Backward Regions Grant Fund" (BRGF) scheme from 2010-11 till end of January 2014.
The scheme implemented by Ministry of Panchayati Raj is gap filling in nature and aims at strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country to enable them to discharge their duties for balanced development on the basis of schemes/programmes of different Ministries and States.
The BRGF provides untied funds to Panchayats on the basis of plans prepared by various Ministries and States. Financial assistance under the scheme is provided to Panchayats through the States in the shape of grant for development and for capacity building.
Along with BRGF, Ministry of Panchayati Raj also builds capacities of Panchayats through Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA), launched fully during 2013-14. Under RGPSA, in 2013-14, plans of 26 States for strengthening their Panchayats have been approved.
Prime Minister Inaugurates "Indira Paryavaran Bhawan" [25/02/2014]
Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India dedicated to the Nation "Indira Paryavaran Bhawan" today. Indira Paryavaran Bhawan is India’s first on site Net Zero Building built by adoption of solar passive design and energy efficient building material. This building is expected to be a trend setter in the country and shall inspire people towards adoption of green technology. The building has been designed as the highest green rated building, i.e., GRIHA 5-Star and LEED India Platinum.
6th India-China Defence and Security Dialogue Held [24/02/2014]
The 6th Annual Defence and Security Dialogue between India and China was held in New Delhi, today. The meeting was co-chaired by the Defence Secretary, Shri RK Mathur and the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the PLA, Lt Gen Wang Guanzhong.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on a number of regional and global security issues of mutual concern. In particular, issues concerning the security situation in South Asia, the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region were discussed. Both sides agreed that strengthening of strategic consultation and communication would facilitate sharing of perspectives and mutual understanding in the evolving regional security situation.
The two sides noted that 2014 has been designated as the ‘Year of Friendly Exchanges’ between both sides and agreed to continue to expand the exchanges between the Armed Forces of both sides so as to foster mutual trust and understanding. In this connection, both sides noted that the visits of Defence Minister to China in 2013 and of the Minister of National Defence of China to India in the preceding year had provided an impetus to the expansion of military exchanges. The proposed visit of China’s Minister of National Defence to India in 2014 was welcomed.
NTPC to Develop Kajra Thermal Project in Bihar[24/02/2014]
NTPC will develop a 1320 MW (2 X 660 MW) Thermal Power Project at Kajra in Lakhisarai district of Bihar. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between NTPC, Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) and Lakhisarai Bijlee Company Private Limited (LBCPL) on 22nd February, 2014 at Patna in Bihar. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Dr. Arup Roy Chaudhary (CMD) NTPC and Energy Minister of Bihar.
Italy's youngest-ever PM Matteo Renzi sworn in[22/02/2014]
Matteo Renzi became Italy’s youngest premier on Saturday, promising a new era of stable government after using old-school politicking to engineer the ouster of a fellow Democrat he deemed too timid to get the nation back to work.
Telangana bill passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha[21/02/2014]
Telangana is set to come into being — as the 29th State of India. That some pain and suffering would accompany the bifurcation was, perhaps, inevitable; but a great deal of the violence and acrimony could have been avoided had the Congress and the Central government acted with greater sensitivity and understanding of the hopes and fears of the peoples in the two regions. But now is the time to look ahead, and try and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Telangana and allay the apprehensions of those of Seemandhra, or the residual Andhra Pradesh state. The residual state is to get special category status for the purpose of Central assistance, and its backward regions will be eligible for a special development package. But concerns still persist about the security of lives and livelihoods of non-Telangana people in Hyderabad, which will be the joint capital of both the states for 10 years. The decision to invest special law and order powers in the Governor to ensure the safety of the residents of Hyderabad goes some way in addressing the apprehensions of those from Seemandhra seen as “outsiders” in the capital. But doubts have been raised about the propriety of such an arrangement: whether an appointee of the Centre who is not democratically elected by the people of either state could have control over what is essentially a state subject. This arrangement is a compromise between designating Hyderabad as a Union Territory (as demanded by those representing Seemandhra) and making it the capital of Telangana alone. The model is that of Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, where the Administrator-cum-Punjab Governor and the Adviser to the Administrator are in charge of law and order. In effect, Hyderabad will be akin to a union territory like Chandigarh in the matter of handling of law and order.
Promoting the Use of Bio-Fertilizers [21/02/2014]
Under the National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), Government is promoting production of various organic inputs in the country including biofertilizers. NPOF provides financial assistance upto 25% of total financial outlay upto a ceiling of Rs.40 lakhs as credit linked back-ended subsidy for setting up Bio-fertilizers production units.
Mithali named captain [21/02/2014]
Mithali Raj will lead the Indian team in the three-match Twenty20 international series against Bangladesh in Bangladesh from March 9 and also the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh from March 16.
Classifying Odia as classical language[20/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for classifying Odia as classical language. The following benefits are available for languages which are declared as classical languages:
- Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in the concerned language.
- A 'Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages' can be set up.
- The University Grants Commission can be requested to create, to start with at least in Central Universities, a certain number of professional chairs for classical languages, for scholars of eminence in the concerned language.
Approval of National Mission for a Green India Scheme[20/02/2014]
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a proposal of the Ministry of Environment and Forests for a National Mission for a Green India (GIM) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Of the total expenditure of Rs. 13,000 crore envisaged in the 12th Plan, the plan outlay is Rs.2000 crore. The source of funding for the scheme would be from the Plan outlay, and convergence with MGNREGA activities, CAMPA and the NAP. The sharing pattern for the plan outlay would be 90 Centre and 10 State for the North Eastern States and 75 Centre and 25 State for the rest of the States. The 13th Finance Commission grant funds may be counted towards the States` share, to the extent that this is in conformity with the Commission’s award.
The objectives of the Mission during 12th Plan period includes increased forest/tree cover and improved quality of forest cover in two to eight million hectares, alongwith improved ecosystem services including biodiversity, hydrological services, increased forest-based livelihood income of households, living in and around the forests, and enhanced annual CO2 sequestration.
Mission implementation will be on a decentralized participatory approach with involvement of grass root level organizations in planning, decision making, implementation and monitoring. The gram sabha and the committees mandated by the gram sabha, including revamped JFMCs will oversee implementation at the village level. Revamped Forest Development Agency (FDA) under the Chair of an elected representative at district/division level, revamped State Forest Development Agency with a Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary and an Executive Committee chaired by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests at the State/U.T. level. A Governing Council, chaired by the Minister Environment and Forests and a National Executive Council chaired by the Secretary (E&F) and co-chaired by the DGF&SS with the Mission Director as the Member Secretary at the national level will facilitate Mission implementation. A multidisciplinary team, both from Govt. and NGOs will be mandated to facilitate planning and implementation at cluster/landscape unit level.
The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) - Infrastructure Investments [19/02/2014]
The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) has projected an investment of Rs. 55,74,663 crore over the Plan period in infrastructure defined to include electricity, renewable energy, roads & bridges, telecommunications, railways, mass rapid transit system, irrigation (including watershed), water supply & sanitation, ports (including inland waterways), airports, storage and oil & gas pipelines sectors. About 48 per cent of this investment is expected from the private sector.
Food subsidy increased to Rs 1,15,000 crore[18/02/2014]
The Government has increased the food subsidy to Rs 1,15,000 crore for financial year 2014-15, mainly for implementation of the National Food Security Act. It is Rs 23,000 crore more than the revised estimates of Rs 92,000 crore for 2013-14. Significant increase in the subsidy has been made to fulfill the Government’s commitment to implement the National Food Security Act throughout the country.
Food subsidy seeks to meet the difference between the economic cost of food grains and their sales realisation at the Central Issue Price fixed under the public distribution system (PDS) and other welfare schemes.
Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Jointly Awarded National Tourism Award for Best State/UT in the Category of Comprehensive Development of Tourism [18/02/2014]
Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have been jointly given the award for the First Prize in the category of “Best State/UT: Comprehensive Development of Tourism.” The second and third prizes in this category have gone to Kerala and Gujarat respectively. Jammu & Kashmir was awarded in the category of Best State/UT under the North-East and J&K Region. Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, UP won the prize for the Best Civic Management of a tourist destination in Category ‘A’ city.
Rs. 1000 Crore Allocated to Nirbhaya Fund[17/02/2014]
The Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram has reiterated his commitment to fulfill the promises he made during last year on girl child. Towards this, an amount of Rs. 1000 crore has been allocated under Nirbhaya Fund during 2014-15 as well in his interim budget.
The Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram informed that the fund will be a permanent fund and declared the grant of Rs. 1000 crore as non-lapsable. In order to support more proposals, the Finance Minister proposed to contribute another sum of Rs. 1000 crore next year.
The Interim Budget 2014-15, Estimated Plan Expenditure of Rs. 5,55,322 Crore [17/02/2014]
The Union Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram here today presented the Interim Budget 2014-15 that shows an estimated plan expenditure of Rs. 5,55,322 crore and non-plan expenditure of Rs. 12,07,892 crore. He said that the current financial year will end on a satisfactory note with the fiscal deficit at 4.6% and the revenue deficit at 3.3%. Shri P. Chidambaram said that emboldened by the progress made, he has budgeted for the receipts and expenditure in 2014-15 that will leave a fiscal deficit of 4.1% and revenue deficit of 3%. The Finance Minister said the fiscal deficit during 2014-15 will be below the target set by the fiscal consolidation path.
International Gandhi Award 2013[15/02/2014]
Dr. Vijaykumar Vinayak Dongre and Professor Zhang Guocheng has been awarded the 2013 International Gandhi Award for their valuable contributions in the fight against Leprosy. This award is presented by the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation
President Inaugurates the New Delhi World Book Fair 2014[15/02/2014]
The President Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair 2014. Speaking on the occasion, he said that an international book fair of this magnitude is one of the best manifestations of India’s liberal, democratic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and secular society where competing ideas and ideologies have equal space. These values constitute the essence of India and that we must do everything possible to preserve, protect, promote and nurture these ideals.
Chhetri gets AIFF Player of the Year prize[14/02/2014]
Sunil Chhetri was awarded the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year prize by the federation. The Indian captain had won this award in 2007 and 2011 also.
FICCI awards: Sportsperson of the Year: Deepika Kumari (archery)[14/02/2014]
Archer Deepika Kumari was recognised as the sportsperson of the year. The breakthrough sports personality prize was won by P.V. Sindhu for her wonderful performance at the BWF World Championships in Guangzhou last year
Introduction of ‘e-Indian Postal Order’ for all by the Department of Posts[13/02/2014]
India Post (Dept. of Posts) here today launched electronic Indian Postal Order (e-IPO) for Indian Citizens living in India. Earlier last year the Department had launched the e-IPO on 22nd March, 2013 for Indian Citizens living abroad across the globe to facilitate them for paying online fee for seeking information under the RTI Act, 2005.
HAL delivers crew module for Human Spaceflight Program to ISRO[13/02/2014]
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over the first “Crew Module Structural Assembly” for the “Human Spaceflight Program” to Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram of ISRO in Bangalore, recently.
The first Crew Module will be further equipped with systems necessary for crew support, navigation, guidance and control systems by ISRO for experimentation in the forthcoming GSLV-MK3 launch. “HAL takes pride in the India’s space programmes and our Aerospace Division has produced this Crew Module in a record time to meet the requirements of ISRO”, said Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL.
Earlier also HAL has contributed in the India’s space programmes such as “ISRO’s Mars Mission” by providing Satellite Structure, Propellant Tankages and supplied thirteen types of riveted structural assemblies, seven types of welded propellant tankages which include the cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks and cryogenic stage structures for GSLV D5.
World’s largest solar power plant opens in Nevada[13/02/2014]
A windy stretch of the Mojave Desert once roamed by tortoises and coyotes has been transformed by hundreds of thousands of mirrors into the largest solar power plant of its type in the world, a milestone for a growing industry that is testing the balance between wilderness conservation and the pursuit of green energy across the American West.
The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, sprawling across roughly 5 square miles (13 sq. kilometers) of federal land near the California-Nevada border, formally opens on Thursday after years of regulatory and legal tangles ranging from relocating protected tortoises to assessing the impact on Mojave milkweed and other plants.
The $2.2 billion complex of three generating units, owned by NRG Energy Inc., Google Inc. and BrightSource Energy, can produce nearly 400 megawatts enough power for 140,000 homes. It began making electricity last year.
The Ivanpah site, about 45 miles (75 kilometers) southwest of Las Vegas, has virtually unbroken sunshine most of the year and is near transmission lines that carry power to consumers. Using technology known as solar-thermal, nearly 350,000 computer-controlled mirrors - roughly the size of a garage door - reflect sunlight to boilers atop 459-foot (140-meter) towers. The sun’s power is used to heat water in the boilers’ tubes and make steam, which drives turbines to create electricity.
Establishment of Satellite Centre of PGIMER, Chandigarh at Sangrur, Punjab [12/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for implementing the establishment of the Satellite Centre of PGIMER, Chandigarh at Sangrur, Punjab. This would be under the ongoing 12th Five Year Plan "Scheme of Redevelopment of Hospitals and Institutions" involving financial implication of Rs.449 crore inclusive of recurring cost of Rs. 161 crore for the first four years.
The Project will widen and improve patient care services by creating state-of-the-art infrastructure for tertiary healthcare and bring specialised healthcare service within the reach of people of the region. Increasing hospital bed strength will provide access to health care services for marginalized classes as also help towards meeting World Health Organisation (WHO) norms. The project will reduce the average distance served by an institution and cater to region specific diseases. This will also reduce disease burden in the area and reduce the burden on PGIMER, Chandigarh considerably.
Setting up of Jagdishpur Paper Mills Limited at Jagdishpur, District Amethi, Uttar Pradesh [12/02/2014]
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for setting up of Jagdishpur Paper Mills Limited (JPML), a green field pulp and paper project at Jagdishpur, District Amethi, Uttar Pradesh at a cost of Rs. 3650 crore. The project will be implemented in two phases.
Jagsihpur Paper Mill Limited will venture into production of coated/uncoated printing and writing paper. It will reduce the gap between production and import of writing and printing paper as well as act as a check on prices. Apart from direct employment to 900 persons, indirect employment will also be generated which will spur gainful economic activities in the vicinity.
Financial assistance for revival of ITI Limited[12/02/2014]
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the revival plan of ITI Limited based on the recommendations of the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprise (BRPSE). The revival plan will be supported through financial restructuring by fund infusion of Rs. 4156.79 crore.
The CCEA has also approved regular monitoring of the implementation of the revival plan to be done by suitable committees which will be constituted at the Corporate level and unit level in ITI and by an Apex Committee to be chaired by Secretary (T), Department of Telecommunication.
Out of Rs. 4156.79 crore, capital grant of Rs. 2264 crore will be given in the form of equity for project implementation (CAPEX) for up-grading manufacturing infrastructure at various units and for new projects. The balance amount of Rs. 1892.79 crore will be financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid for statutory liabilities and other commitments made by ITI such as redemption of preferential share capital of BSNL/MTNL, arrears due to 1997 pay revision, VRS, establishment cost during the implementation of revival plan and waiver of government guarantee fee.