mt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch inaugurates ‘Yuva Saathi’- Young Volunteer Guide Programme[29/05/2013]
The Union Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has said that the Yuva Saathi Programme aims to engage young minds in dialogue with the objects of National Museum to widen the understanding of the story of civilization across time and space. She was speaking at the launch of the Training of the Yuva Saathi –Young Volunteer Guides for Young Visitors to the National Museum here today. She said that the training programme, Yuva Saathi, designed by the National Museum Institute aims at guiding young visitors, who come in school groups and with their families around the galleriesof National Museum.
DRDO Chief gets prestigious Aryabhatta award[28/05/2013]
DRDO Chief V K Saraswat today received the prestigious Aryabhatta award by the Astronautical Society of India for his lifetime contributions to missiles and aerospace technologies.
The award was conferred on him for his lifetime contributions to missiles and aerospace technologies and also in recognition of his pioneering contributions towards the growth of astronautics in the country
A champion of indigenisation, Saraswat has immensely contributed to the indigenous design and development of wide range of strategic and tactical missiles, as well as a unique twin layer ballistic missile defence system in the country. Under his leadership, DRDO continued its work on development of several weapon systems, platforms and military equipment, and initiation of development of new futuristic technologies and systems.
Second SAARC Regional Workshop on Child Labour [28/05/2013]
The 2nd SAARC Regional Workshop on Child Labour is beginning on 29th May 2013 here in New Delhi to chalk out and promote comprehensive and gender-sensitive approaches to understanding and responding to child labour; showcasing strategies and initiatives that have promoted learning and action to ending child labour and protecting adolescents at work; and fostering cooperation through the SAARC mechanisms and partnerships on the issue. The workshop will also be a platform of sharing of knowledge and experience amongst SAARC Member countries. The 03 day long workshop for SAARC Member countries is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India and V.V. Giri National Labour Institute in collaboration with the International Labour Organization.
Mrs. Kushal Sigh Appointed as NCPCR Chairperson [28/05/2013]
Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. She was selected by a Committee headed by Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of Women and Child Development. The Secretary, M/O WCD is also a member of the Committee.
Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high level posts in the Government of Rajasthan and the Central Government. She was the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan. She was also the Chairperson Board of Revenue, Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and the Commissioner for Disabled Persons, Government of Rajasthan. Mrs. Singh was the Secretary Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Principal Secretary for various ministries such as Social Welfare and Tribal Area Development, Environment and Social Security, Government of Rajasthan. Mrs. Singh has also served as the Senior Directing Staff (Civil Services), National Defence College, Ministry of Defence. In addition to this she has been the Regional Cement Controller at Bombay for the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The Union Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has said that the Yuva Saathi Programme aims to engage young minds in dialogue with the objects of National Museum to widen the understanding of the story of civilization across time and space. She was speaking at the launch of the Training of the Yuva Saathi –Young Volunteer Guides for Young Visitors to the National Museum here today. She said that the training programme, Yuva Saathi, designed by the National Museum Institute aims at guiding young visitors, who come in school groups and with their families around the galleriesof National Museum.
DRDO Chief gets prestigious Aryabhatta award[28/05/2013]
DRDO Chief V K Saraswat today received the prestigious Aryabhatta award by the Astronautical Society of India for his lifetime contributions to missiles and aerospace technologies.
The award was conferred on him for his lifetime contributions to missiles and aerospace technologies and also in recognition of his pioneering contributions towards the growth of astronautics in the country
A champion of indigenisation, Saraswat has immensely contributed to the indigenous design and development of wide range of strategic and tactical missiles, as well as a unique twin layer ballistic missile defence system in the country. Under his leadership, DRDO continued its work on development of several weapon systems, platforms and military equipment, and initiation of development of new futuristic technologies and systems.
Second SAARC Regional Workshop on Child Labour [28/05/2013]
The 2nd SAARC Regional Workshop on Child Labour is beginning on 29th May 2013 here in New Delhi to chalk out and promote comprehensive and gender-sensitive approaches to understanding and responding to child labour; showcasing strategies and initiatives that have promoted learning and action to ending child labour and protecting adolescents at work; and fostering cooperation through the SAARC mechanisms and partnerships on the issue. The workshop will also be a platform of sharing of knowledge and experience amongst SAARC Member countries. The 03 day long workshop for SAARC Member countries is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India and V.V. Giri National Labour Institute in collaboration with the International Labour Organization.
Mrs. Kushal Sigh Appointed as NCPCR Chairperson [28/05/2013]
Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. She was selected by a Committee headed by Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of Women and Child Development. The Secretary, M/O WCD is also a member of the Committee.
Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high level posts in the Government of Rajasthan and the Central Government. She was the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan. She was also the Chairperson Board of Revenue, Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and the Commissioner for Disabled Persons, Government of Rajasthan. Mrs. Singh was the Secretary Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Principal Secretary for various ministries such as Social Welfare and Tribal Area Development, Environment and Social Security, Government of Rajasthan. Mrs. Singh has also served as the Senior Directing Staff (Civil Services), National Defence College, Ministry of Defence. In addition to this she has been the Regional Cement Controller at Bombay for the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch inaugurates ‘Yuva Saathi’- Young Volunteer Guide Programme[29/05/2013]
The Union Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has said that the Yuva Saathi Programme aims to engage young minds in dialogue with the objects of National Museum to widen the understanding of the story of civilization across time and space. She was speaking at the launch of the Training of the Yuva Saathi –Young Volunteer Guides for Young Visitors to the National Museum here today. She said that the training programme, Yuva Saathi, designed by the National Museum Institute aims at guiding young visitors, who come in school groups and with their families around the galleriesof National Museum.
DRDO Chief gets prestigious Aryabhatta award[28/05/2013]
DRDO Chief V K Saraswat today received the prestigious Aryabhatta award by the Astronautical Society of India for his lifetime contributions to missiles and aerospace technologies.
The award was conferred on him for his lifetime contributions to missiles and aerospace technologies and also in recognition of his pioneering contributions towards the growth of astronautics in the country
A champion of indigenisation, Saraswat has immensely contributed to the indigenous design and development of wide range of strategic and tactical missiles, as well as a unique twin layer ballistic missile defence system in the country. Under his leadership, DRDO continued its work on development of several weapon systems, platforms and military equipment, and initiation of development of new futuristic technologies and systems.
Second SAARC Regional Workshop on Child Labour [28/05/2013]
The 2nd SAARC Regional Workshop on Child Labour is beginning on 29th May 2013 here in New Delhi to chalk out and promote comprehensive and gender-sensitive approaches to understanding and responding to child labour; showcasing strategies and initiatives that have promoted learning and action to ending child labour and protecting adolescents at work; and fostering cooperation through the SAARC mechanisms and partnerships on the issue. The workshop will also be a platform of sharing of knowledge and experience amongst SAARC Member countries. The 03 day long workshop for SAARC Member countries is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India and V.V. Giri National Labour Institute in collaboration with the International Labour Organization.
The Union Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has said that the Yuva Saathi Programme aims to engage young minds in dialogue with the objects of National Museum to widen the understanding of the story of civilization across time and space. She was speaking at the launch of the Training of the Yuva Saathi –Young Volunteer Guides for Young Visitors to the National Museum here today. She said that the training programme, Yuva Saathi, designed by the National Museum Institute aims at guiding young visitors, who come in school groups and with their families around the galleriesof National Museum.
DRDO Chief gets prestigious Aryabhatta award[28/05/2013]
DRDO Chief V K Saraswat today received the prestigious Aryabhatta award by the Astronautical Society of India for his lifetime contributions to missiles and aerospace technologies.
The award was conferred on him for his lifetime contributions to missiles and aerospace technologies and also in recognition of his pioneering contributions towards the growth of astronautics in the country
A champion of indigenisation, Saraswat has immensely contributed to the indigenous design and development of wide range of strategic and tactical missiles, as well as a unique twin layer ballistic missile defence system in the country. Under his leadership, DRDO continued its work on development of several weapon systems, platforms and military equipment, and initiation of development of new futuristic technologies and systems.
Second SAARC Regional Workshop on Child Labour [28/05/2013]
The 2nd SAARC Regional Workshop on Child Labour is beginning on 29th May 2013 here in New Delhi to chalk out and promote comprehensive and gender-sensitive approaches to understanding and responding to child labour; showcasing strategies and initiatives that have promoted learning and action to ending child labour and protecting adolescents at work; and fostering cooperation through the SAARC mechanisms and partnerships on the issue. The workshop will also be a platform of sharing of knowledge and experience amongst SAARC Member countries. The 03 day long workshop for SAARC Member countries is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India and V.V. Giri National Labour Institute in collaboration with the International Labour Organization.
Mrs. Kushal Sigh Appointed as NCPCR Chairperson [28/05/2013]
Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. She was selected by a Committee headed by Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of Women and Child Development. The Secretary, M/O WCD is also a member of the Committee.
Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high level posts in the Government of Rajasthan and the Central Government. She was the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan. She was also the Chairperson Board of Revenue, Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and the Commissioner for Disabled Persons, Government of Rajasthan. Mrs. Singh was the Secretary Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Principal Secretary for various ministries such as Social Welfare and Tribal Area Development, Environment and Social Security, Government of Rajasthan. Mrs. Singh has also served as the Senior Directing Staff (Civil Services), National Defence College, Ministry of Defence. In addition to this she has been the Regional Cement Controller at Bombay for the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Shri R K Mathur takes over as the New Defence Secretary[25/05/2013]
Shri R K Mathur, took over as the new Defence Secretary here today. He belongs to the 1977 Batch of the Indian Administrative Service of Manipur-Tripura Cadre. He did his B.Tech from IIT Kanpur, M. Tech from IIT Delhi and MBA from International Centre for Public Enterprises, Ljubljana.
Shri Mathur has a rich and varied experience in the field of public administration and has held many important positions in the Government of Tripura. He has served as Principal Secretary in the Agriculture, Rural Development and Finance Departments of the Government of Tripura. He has also held the position of Chief Secretary of Tripura.
During his different stints at the Centre, Shri Mathur has served as Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) & Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textile and as Additional Secretary and Special Secretary in the Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence. He has held Secretary level postings in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
Block Institutes of Teachers Education to be Established in 196 SC/ST/Minority Concentrated Districts[24/05/2013]
The HRD Ministry has approved setting up of Block Institutes of Teachers Education in 196 districts during the current Five Year Plan. These institutes will be opened in SC/ST/Minority concentrated districts. More than 690 crore rupees have been approved with 1/3rd of this investment being made in 8 high deficit states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Over Rs. 6300 crore are earmarked in the 12th Five Year Plan for training of untrained teachers.
Under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan more than 6 lakh in-service teachers need to be trainined. Several states including the 8 states mentioned above have requested the centre to extend time for training of these teachers. The maximum no. of 190000 teachers need to be trained in Bihar followed by Uttar Pradesh where a total number of 124000 teachers needs to be trained. While the number of teachers to be trained in Chhattisgarh is over 45000 in Madhya Pradesh the number is 35000. The training of teachers will be through National Institute of Open schooling as in Jharkhand, State Open Universities as in Assam, State Councils of Education Research and Training as in Chhattisgarh and through State Board of Primary Education as in West Bengal. To strengthen teacher education capacity, the states have obtained recognition for opening of 81 new Government institutes. It will help in the training of more than 4000teachers in the 8 high deficit states. The curriculum has been revised in light of National Curriculum framework for teachers education.
Indian film 'Lunchbox' wins at Cannes[24/05/2013]
At least three Indian movies, two produced by Cannes regular Anurag Kashyap, are making waves at the film festival. Ritesh Batra's debut film Lunchbox has bagged the Critics Week Viewers Choice Award at the 66th Cannes Film Festival.
Dabba ( The Lunchbox) — Director: Ritesh Batra’s debut film starring Irrfan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Nimrat Kaur that has got the best buzz so far. Part of the Cannes International Critics Week, the film centres on how a wrongly delivered lunchbox ignites a secret romance between an unhappy housewife and a soon- to- retire government official.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram – Saving Mothers and Newborns[24/05/2013]
About 67,000 women die in India every year due to pregnancy related complications. About 13 lakh infants die within one year of birth. Out of 9 lakh newborns that die within 4 weeks of birth, about 7 lakh die within the first week of their birth. The first 28 days of infancy period are very important for children. Both maternal and infant deaths can be reduced by ensuring timely access to public health facilities without any burden of out of pocket expenses.
The launch of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram on June 1, 2011 signals to huge leap forward in the quest to make “Health for All” a reality. It invokes a new approach to healthcare, placing for the first time, utmost emphasis on entitlements and elimination of out of pocket expenses for both pregnant women and neonates. The initiative entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and no-expense delivery. All expenses relating to delivery in a public institution are borne by the government. Under this initiative, a pregnant woman is entitled to free transport from home to the government health facility. Entitlement includes free drugs and consumables, free diagnostic, free blood, free diet for the duration of a woman’s stay in the facility. Similar entitlements have been put in place for all sick newborns accessing public health institutions for healthcare till 30 days after birth. They are entitled to free treatment besides free transport, both ways and between facilities in case of a referral.
JSSK is estimated to benefit more than one crore pregnant women and newborns every year both in urban and rural areas. It supplements the cash assistance given to a pregnant woman under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). JSSK will encourage pregnant women to deliver at public health institutions. It will empower service providers working at the health facilities in providing quality ante-natal, intra-natal and post-natal services at the institutions. This initiative will also help in reducing both maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
While Rs. 1437 crores were allocated to the states for implementation of free entitlements under JSSK during 2011-12, a total of Rs. 2050.78 crores were allocated during 2012-13.
World Bank funded National HIV/AIDS control support project [23/05/2013]
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved a proposal by the Department of AIDS Control, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the implementation of National AIDS Control Support Project (NACSP) under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) for an amount of Rs. 2550 crore. NACP is financed by the Government of India and the World Bank in equal proportion.
The primary objective of the project is to increase safe behaviour among high risk groups in pursuance of the national goal of accelerated reversal of the HIV epidemic by 2017. The primary focus of the project activities would be strengthening and scaling up of prevention interventions and related BCC strategies for sub-groups of population identified to be most-at-risk by the NACP. These include Female Sex Workers (FSW), Men who have sex with Men (MSM), Transgender (TG) / Hijra populations and Injecting Drug Users (IDU). The project would also support the planned expansion and consolidation of tailored interventions for other at-risk populations, including migrant workers and truckers which play a critical role in the transmission dynamics of HIV in the country. The BCC strategies developed under the project would provide emphasis on demand generation for prevention services among high risk groups and vulnerable populations, including a specific focus on youth. This component would also address the need for reduction of stigma associated with HIV by focused IEC to change the prevailing attitudes and perceptions.
Final approval for 4-laning of Dimapur - Kohima section of NH-39 in Nagaland[23/05/2013]
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the implementation of the project of 4-laning of the Dimapur-Kohima section from Km. 124.1 to Km.172.9 of NH-39 (excluding Dimapur and Kohima bypass) in the state of Nagaland, under the special Accelerated Road Development Programme (SARDP-NE) Phase ‘A’ in North Eastern Region on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT - Annuity).
The total length of the road will be 42.8 km. with total project cost of Rs.1089.87 crore (excluding land acquisition and pre-construction). The concessionaire will make all expenditure to complete the project and will charge the annuity from the Government.
The main object of the project is to expedite the improvement of infrastructure in Nagaland. The project is one of the stretches approved by the Government under SARDP-NE. It will facilitate reducing the time and cost of travel for traffic playing between Dimapur to Kohima. It will also increase the potential of employment to local labourers for project activities.
the global list of most powerful women compiled by Forbes magazine for 2013.[23/05/2013]
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and India-born PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi figure among the top 10 in the global list of most powerful women compiled by Forbes magazine for 2013.
Gandhi is ranked ninth while Nooyi is at the 10th place in the global list of world's 100 most powerful women.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel tops the list for the third consecutive year, followed by Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, Melinda Gates of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US First lady Michelle Obama and philanthropist Hillary Clinton.
Japanese octogenarian becomes oldest to reach Everest[23/05/2013]
An 80-year-old Japanese mountain climber who has had four heart surgeries reached the top of Mount Everest on Thursday becoming the oldest person to conquer the world's highest mountain.Yuichiro Miura, who took the standard southeast ridge route pioneered by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay 60 years ago, reached the top of the 8,848 metre (29,028 feet) mountain at roughly 9:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT). He was accompanied by three other Japanese, including his son, and six Nepali sherpas.
Enviornment Ministry Celebrates International Day for Biological Diversity[22/05/2013]
On 22nd May is the International Day for Biological Diversity . The theme for 2013 is ‘Water and Biodiversity’, both of which represent essential building blocks of life on Earth. The theme reflects the reality that water sustains all life on earth, and that ecosystems of our world, particularly forests and wetlands, ensure that clean water is available to us. However, despite being two sides of the same coin, they are rarely seen in unison when it comes to their conservation, use and management. The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity every year affirms our resolve and responsibility to safeguard the precious heritage of bio-resources for the future generations.
Arunima is first woman amputee to scale Everest [22/05/2013]
Arunima Sinha, 26, became India’s first woman to conquer Mt. Everest on a prosthetic leg. A former national volleyball player, Arunima lost her left leg, having been thrown off a moving train for resisting a chain-snatching attempt by some criminals on April 12, 2011.
Arunima completed her expedition from Kathmandu to the top of the peak in 52 days.As per information released by the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF), which supported her climb, Arunima followed Susen Mahato, another climber of the Foundation, who scaled Mt. Everest on May 19, 2013.
Shashi Kant Sharma, Defence Secretary Appointed as the New CAG of India[21/05/2013]
The President of India has appointed Shri Shashi Kant Sharma, IAS, as the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, in terms of Article 148 (1) of the Constitution of India. Shri Sharma is presently holding the post of Defence Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. He will be taking over the charge of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India from 23rd May, 2013.
Chief Justice for the High Court of Andhra Pradesh Appointed [21/05/2013]
In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President has appointed Shri Justice Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta, Judge of the High Court of Uttarakhand, as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
Anti-Terrorism Day Observed on 21st May [21/05/2013]
Every year it is observed throughout the country on 21st May. The day is marked by a pledge taking ceremony among other activities. The Day is observed to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people, about the danger of terrorism and violence and its effect on the people, society and the country as a whole. It was on this day in 1991 that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi fell to the designs of terrorists. The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence. On the occasion, debates, discussions, symposia, seminars, lectures, etc. are held in schools, colleges and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence.
LS Rathore Elected as Member of Executive Council of WMO [21/05/2013]
Dr Laxman Singh Rathore, Director General of Meteorology & Permanent Representative of India with WMO has been elected as Member of Executive Council of WMO during the 65th Executive Council of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) meeting currently being in progress at Geneva.
Dr Rathore has earlier served a term as Vice President of Commission of Agriculture Meteorology of WMO and has been elected to serve the Executive Council in an individual capacity. The Council is composed of 37 Heads/directors/Director Generals of National Meteorological Services and include the President and three Vice-Presidents who are elected by Congress, and the presidents of the six regional associations, by whom they are elected. Dr Rathore is one among the 27 members who are elected. He has been elected by the Executive Council after two posts fell vacant due to retirements of the existing members.
The Executive Council is the executive body of the Organization, which meets annually, implements decisions of Congress, coordinates the programmes, examines the utilization of budgetary resources, considers and takes action on recommendations of Regional Associations and Technical Commissions and guides their work programme, provides technical information, counsel and assistance in the fields of activity of the Organization and studies and takes action on matters affecting international meteorology and related activities.
India's first defence university to come up in Gurgaon[19/05/2013]
The foundation stone of Indian National Defence University (INDU), to be constituted under an Act of Parliament, will be laid by PM Manmohan Singh on May 23
President of India presents Asom Ratna Award and Srimanta Shankardeva Award[16/05/2013]
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the Asom Ratna Award (posthumously) to Late Smt. Indira Goswami and the Srimanta Shankardeva Award for the year 2008 to Smt. Sharmila Tagore on May 13, 2013 at a function at Guwahati, Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said he is very happy that his first visit to Assam is to confer distinction on two outstanding women of India. Both are social leaders who have contributed to the development and empowerment of women.
The President congratulated Shrimati Tagore for her rich contribution to India’s cultural life. He said as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and Chairperson of the Indian Film Censor Board, Smt. Sharmila Tagore has used her influence to promote initiatives aimed at bringing positive change in our society.
Declaration of the Year 2013 as “Water Conservation Year-2013” [16/05/2013]
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for declaring the year 2013 as “Water Conservation Year 2013. A number of mass awareness activities will be undertaken during Water Conservation Year 2013 with emphasis on sensitizing the masses on water related issues, encourage them to conserve and use it judiciously. The policies and programmes of the Ministry of Water Resources will be propagated to create a sustainable society and economy. An effective and sustained mass awareness programme will be launched with the involvement of all stakeholders to achieve the objectives identified in the National Water Policy, 2012 and National Water Mission.
ONGC reclaims most-valued spot; pushes TCS to second slot[16/05/2013]
State-owned energy major ONGC today reclaimed the spot as the country's most-valued company, pushing IT giant TCS to the second slot.
At the end of trade, ONGC commanded a market value of Rs 2,89,047 crore. This is about Rs 4,428 crore more than TCS's m-cap of Rs 2,84,619 crore. ONGC scrip ended 0.82 per cent higher, while TCS lost 1.02 per cent on the BSE.
Reliance Industries with a market capitalisation of Rs 2,71,904 crore was at third place, followed by ITC (Rs 2,66,133 crore) and Coal India (Rs 1,88,543 crore).
Scientists create embryonic stem cells from human skin[16/05/2013]
In a major medical breakthrough, scientists have for the first time converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, capable of transforming into any other cell type in the human body. The cloned embryos which produced the stem cells can make new heart muscle after they are damaged from a heart attack besides new bones, brain tissue or any other type of cell in the body.
Scientists used the same cloning technique that had created Dolly the sheep, to turn human skin into embryonic stem cells overcoming technical problems that had frustrated scientists for more than a decade on how to create batches of the body's super cells from donated skin.
Lt Gen (retd) Nirbhay Sharma appointed as governor of Arunachal Pradesh[16/05/2013]
Lt Gen (retd) Nirbhay Sharma was today appointed as governor of Arunachal Pradesh after the term of present incumbent Gen (retd) J J Singh ended in January this year.President Pranab Mukherjee appointed Sharma as the governor and his tenure will come into effect from the day he assumes charge of his office, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said.
WHO Polio Eradication Certificate for India [15/05/2013]
World Health Organization (WHO) has removed India from the list of countries with active endemic wild polio virus transmission. Polio free is certified for WHO regions by the Regional Certification Commission and not for individual country. The South-East Asia Regional Commission for Polio Eradication (SEA-RCCPE) has examined the data of 31 states/Union Territories of India and has accepted the report of the Indian National Certification Committee for Polio Eradication and has concluded that the wild polio virus is not circulating in these states.
Each region can consider certification only when all countries in the area demonstrate the absence of wild poliovirus transmission for at least three consecutive years in the presence of certification standard surveillance. In addition, all facilities holding wild poliovirus infectious and potentially infectious materials must have implemented bio-containment measures for laboratory containment of wild poliovirus.
A Task Force for Laboratory containment of wild polioviruses has been constituted. The first phase of laboratory containment started by surveying laboratory to identify laboratory with wild poliovirus, infectious materials or potential wild poliovirus infectious materials and encourage them for destruction of all unneeded materials. All States/UTs have been communicated about the successful interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in India and the possible certification in 2014 and requested for political and administrative support required for completion of laboratory containment activities in their respective States.
Support of WHOs National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) is also being obtained to survey all laboratories in their database and provide information of the Laboratories to the Task Force. An inventory of laboratories/Institutes of Department of Bio Technology (DBT) / Department of Science & Technology (DST), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITS)/ National Institute of Information Technology (NIITs), databases of bio-medical laboratories in Department of Health Research (DHR), bio-tech laboratories in Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) database has been prepared for information on storage of potentially infectious material.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana for Subsidised Foodgrains [15/05/2013]
In order to make the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) more focused and targeted at the poorest of the poor, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) was launched in December, 2000 in all States/UTs for one crore families to be identified from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Coverage under this scheme has been expanded thrice since then i.e. during 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 covering additional 50 lakh households each time. Thus the total coverage under AAY was raised to 2.50 crore AAY families. The identification of AAY families within the target of AAY families allocated to each State/UT is the responsibility of concerned State/UT Government. Against the accepted number of 2.50 crore AAY families given to State/UT Governments, upto March, 2013, they have reported issuance of AAY ration cards to 2.43 crore AAY families. Allocation of foodgrains (rice & wheat) to these AAY families is made @ 35 kg per family per month at a highly subsidized Central Issue Price (CIP) of Rs.2 per kg for wheat and Rs.3 per kg for rice.
Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. She was selected by a Committee headed by Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of Women and Child Development. The Secretary, M/O WCD is also a member of the Committee.
Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high level posts in the Government of Rajasthan and the Central Government. She was the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan. She was also the Chairperson Board of Revenue, Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and the Commissioner for Disabled Persons, Government of Rajasthan. Mrs. Singh was the Secretary Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Principal Secretary for various ministries such as Social Welfare and Tribal Area Development, Environment and Social Security, Government of Rajasthan. Mrs. Singh has also served as the Senior Directing Staff (Civil Services), National Defence College, Ministry of Defence. In addition to this she has been the Regional Cement Controller at Bombay for the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Shri R K Mathur takes over as the New Defence Secretary[25/05/2013]
Shri R K Mathur, took over as the new Defence Secretary here today. He belongs to the 1977 Batch of the Indian Administrative Service of Manipur-Tripura Cadre. He did his B.Tech from IIT Kanpur, M. Tech from IIT Delhi and MBA from International Centre for Public Enterprises, Ljubljana.
Shri Mathur has a rich and varied experience in the field of public administration and has held many important positions in the Government of Tripura. He has served as Principal Secretary in the Agriculture, Rural Development and Finance Departments of the Government of Tripura. He has also held the position of Chief Secretary of Tripura.
During his different stints at the Centre, Shri Mathur has served as Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) & Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textile and as Additional Secretary and Special Secretary in the Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence. He has held Secretary level postings in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
Block Institutes of Teachers Education to be Established in 196 SC/ST/Minority Concentrated Districts[24/05/2013]
The HRD Ministry has approved setting up of Block Institutes of Teachers Education in 196 districts during the current Five Year Plan. These institutes will be opened in SC/ST/Minority concentrated districts. More than 690 crore rupees have been approved with 1/3rd of this investment being made in 8 high deficit states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Over Rs. 6300 crore are earmarked in the 12th Five Year Plan for training of untrained teachers.
Under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan more than 6 lakh in-service teachers need to be trainined. Several states including the 8 states mentioned above have requested the centre to extend time for training of these teachers. The maximum no. of 190000 teachers need to be trained in Bihar followed by Uttar Pradesh where a total number of 124000 teachers needs to be trained. While the number of teachers to be trained in Chhattisgarh is over 45000 in Madhya Pradesh the number is 35000. The training of teachers will be through National Institute of Open schooling as in Jharkhand, State Open Universities as in Assam, State Councils of Education Research and Training as in Chhattisgarh and through State Board of Primary Education as in West Bengal. To strengthen teacher education capacity, the states have obtained recognition for opening of 81 new Government institutes. It will help in the training of more than 4000teachers in the 8 high deficit states. The curriculum has been revised in light of National Curriculum framework for teachers education.
Indian film 'Lunchbox' wins at Cannes[24/05/2013]
At least three Indian movies, two produced by Cannes regular Anurag Kashyap, are making waves at the film festival. Ritesh Batra's debut film Lunchbox has bagged the Critics Week Viewers Choice Award at the 66th Cannes Film Festival.
Dabba ( The Lunchbox) — Director: Ritesh Batra’s debut film starring Irrfan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Nimrat Kaur that has got the best buzz so far. Part of the Cannes International Critics Week, the film centres on how a wrongly delivered lunchbox ignites a secret romance between an unhappy housewife and a soon- to- retire government official.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram – Saving Mothers and Newborns[24/05/2013]
About 67,000 women die in India every year due to pregnancy related complications. About 13 lakh infants die within one year of birth. Out of 9 lakh newborns that die within 4 weeks of birth, about 7 lakh die within the first week of their birth. The first 28 days of infancy period are very important for children. Both maternal and infant deaths can be reduced by ensuring timely access to public health facilities without any burden of out of pocket expenses.
The launch of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram on June 1, 2011 signals to huge leap forward in the quest to make “Health for All” a reality. It invokes a new approach to healthcare, placing for the first time, utmost emphasis on entitlements and elimination of out of pocket expenses for both pregnant women and neonates. The initiative entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and no-expense delivery. All expenses relating to delivery in a public institution are borne by the government. Under this initiative, a pregnant woman is entitled to free transport from home to the government health facility. Entitlement includes free drugs and consumables, free diagnostic, free blood, free diet for the duration of a woman’s stay in the facility. Similar entitlements have been put in place for all sick newborns accessing public health institutions for healthcare till 30 days after birth. They are entitled to free treatment besides free transport, both ways and between facilities in case of a referral.
JSSK is estimated to benefit more than one crore pregnant women and newborns every year both in urban and rural areas. It supplements the cash assistance given to a pregnant woman under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). JSSK will encourage pregnant women to deliver at public health institutions. It will empower service providers working at the health facilities in providing quality ante-natal, intra-natal and post-natal services at the institutions. This initiative will also help in reducing both maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
While Rs. 1437 crores were allocated to the states for implementation of free entitlements under JSSK during 2011-12, a total of Rs. 2050.78 crores were allocated during 2012-13.
World Bank funded National HIV/AIDS control support project [23/05/2013]
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved a proposal by the Department of AIDS Control, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the implementation of National AIDS Control Support Project (NACSP) under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) for an amount of Rs. 2550 crore. NACP is financed by the Government of India and the World Bank in equal proportion.
The primary objective of the project is to increase safe behaviour among high risk groups in pursuance of the national goal of accelerated reversal of the HIV epidemic by 2017. The primary focus of the project activities would be strengthening and scaling up of prevention interventions and related BCC strategies for sub-groups of population identified to be most-at-risk by the NACP. These include Female Sex Workers (FSW), Men who have sex with Men (MSM), Transgender (TG) / Hijra populations and Injecting Drug Users (IDU). The project would also support the planned expansion and consolidation of tailored interventions for other at-risk populations, including migrant workers and truckers which play a critical role in the transmission dynamics of HIV in the country. The BCC strategies developed under the project would provide emphasis on demand generation for prevention services among high risk groups and vulnerable populations, including a specific focus on youth. This component would also address the need for reduction of stigma associated with HIV by focused IEC to change the prevailing attitudes and perceptions.
Final approval for 4-laning of Dimapur - Kohima section of NH-39 in Nagaland[23/05/2013]
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the implementation of the project of 4-laning of the Dimapur-Kohima section from Km. 124.1 to Km.172.9 of NH-39 (excluding Dimapur and Kohima bypass) in the state of Nagaland, under the special Accelerated Road Development Programme (SARDP-NE) Phase ‘A’ in North Eastern Region on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT - Annuity).
The total length of the road will be 42.8 km. with total project cost of Rs.1089.87 crore (excluding land acquisition and pre-construction). The concessionaire will make all expenditure to complete the project and will charge the annuity from the Government.
The main object of the project is to expedite the improvement of infrastructure in Nagaland. The project is one of the stretches approved by the Government under SARDP-NE. It will facilitate reducing the time and cost of travel for traffic playing between Dimapur to Kohima. It will also increase the potential of employment to local labourers for project activities.
the global list of most powerful women compiled by Forbes magazine for 2013.[23/05/2013]
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and India-born PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi figure among the top 10 in the global list of most powerful women compiled by Forbes magazine for 2013.
Gandhi is ranked ninth while Nooyi is at the 10th place in the global list of world's 100 most powerful women.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel tops the list for the third consecutive year, followed by Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, Melinda Gates of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US First lady Michelle Obama and philanthropist Hillary Clinton.
Japanese octogenarian becomes oldest to reach Everest[23/05/2013]
An 80-year-old Japanese mountain climber who has had four heart surgeries reached the top of Mount Everest on Thursday becoming the oldest person to conquer the world's highest mountain.Yuichiro Miura, who took the standard southeast ridge route pioneered by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay 60 years ago, reached the top of the 8,848 metre (29,028 feet) mountain at roughly 9:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT). He was accompanied by three other Japanese, including his son, and six Nepali sherpas.
Enviornment Ministry Celebrates International Day for Biological Diversity[22/05/2013]
On 22nd May is the International Day for Biological Diversity . The theme for 2013 is ‘Water and Biodiversity’, both of which represent essential building blocks of life on Earth. The theme reflects the reality that water sustains all life on earth, and that ecosystems of our world, particularly forests and wetlands, ensure that clean water is available to us. However, despite being two sides of the same coin, they are rarely seen in unison when it comes to their conservation, use and management. The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity every year affirms our resolve and responsibility to safeguard the precious heritage of bio-resources for the future generations.
Arunima is first woman amputee to scale Everest [22/05/2013]
Arunima Sinha, 26, became India’s first woman to conquer Mt. Everest on a prosthetic leg. A former national volleyball player, Arunima lost her left leg, having been thrown off a moving train for resisting a chain-snatching attempt by some criminals on April 12, 2011.
Arunima completed her expedition from Kathmandu to the top of the peak in 52 days.As per information released by the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF), which supported her climb, Arunima followed Susen Mahato, another climber of the Foundation, who scaled Mt. Everest on May 19, 2013.
Shashi Kant Sharma, Defence Secretary Appointed as the New CAG of India[21/05/2013]
The President of India has appointed Shri Shashi Kant Sharma, IAS, as the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, in terms of Article 148 (1) of the Constitution of India. Shri Sharma is presently holding the post of Defence Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. He will be taking over the charge of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India from 23rd May, 2013.
Chief Justice for the High Court of Andhra Pradesh Appointed [21/05/2013]
In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President has appointed Shri Justice Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta, Judge of the High Court of Uttarakhand, as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
Anti-Terrorism Day Observed on 21st May [21/05/2013]
Every year it is observed throughout the country on 21st May. The day is marked by a pledge taking ceremony among other activities. The Day is observed to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people, about the danger of terrorism and violence and its effect on the people, society and the country as a whole. It was on this day in 1991 that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi fell to the designs of terrorists. The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence. On the occasion, debates, discussions, symposia, seminars, lectures, etc. are held in schools, colleges and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence.
LS Rathore Elected as Member of Executive Council of WMO [21/05/2013]
Dr Laxman Singh Rathore, Director General of Meteorology & Permanent Representative of India with WMO has been elected as Member of Executive Council of WMO during the 65th Executive Council of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) meeting currently being in progress at Geneva.
Dr Rathore has earlier served a term as Vice President of Commission of Agriculture Meteorology of WMO and has been elected to serve the Executive Council in an individual capacity. The Council is composed of 37 Heads/directors/Director Generals of National Meteorological Services and include the President and three Vice-Presidents who are elected by Congress, and the presidents of the six regional associations, by whom they are elected. Dr Rathore is one among the 27 members who are elected. He has been elected by the Executive Council after two posts fell vacant due to retirements of the existing members.
The Executive Council is the executive body of the Organization, which meets annually, implements decisions of Congress, coordinates the programmes, examines the utilization of budgetary resources, considers and takes action on recommendations of Regional Associations and Technical Commissions and guides their work programme, provides technical information, counsel and assistance in the fields of activity of the Organization and studies and takes action on matters affecting international meteorology and related activities.
India's first defence university to come up in Gurgaon[19/05/2013]
The foundation stone of Indian National Defence University (INDU), to be constituted under an Act of Parliament, will be laid by PM Manmohan Singh on May 23
President of India presents Asom Ratna Award and Srimanta Shankardeva Award[16/05/2013]
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the Asom Ratna Award (posthumously) to Late Smt. Indira Goswami and the Srimanta Shankardeva Award for the year 2008 to Smt. Sharmila Tagore on May 13, 2013 at a function at Guwahati, Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said he is very happy that his first visit to Assam is to confer distinction on two outstanding women of India. Both are social leaders who have contributed to the development and empowerment of women.
The President congratulated Shrimati Tagore for her rich contribution to India’s cultural life. He said as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and Chairperson of the Indian Film Censor Board, Smt. Sharmila Tagore has used her influence to promote initiatives aimed at bringing positive change in our society.
Declaration of the Year 2013 as “Water Conservation Year-2013” [16/05/2013]
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for declaring the year 2013 as “Water Conservation Year 2013. A number of mass awareness activities will be undertaken during Water Conservation Year 2013 with emphasis on sensitizing the masses on water related issues, encourage them to conserve and use it judiciously. The policies and programmes of the Ministry of Water Resources will be propagated to create a sustainable society and economy. An effective and sustained mass awareness programme will be launched with the involvement of all stakeholders to achieve the objectives identified in the National Water Policy, 2012 and National Water Mission.
ONGC reclaims most-valued spot; pushes TCS to second slot[16/05/2013]
State-owned energy major ONGC today reclaimed the spot as the country's most-valued company, pushing IT giant TCS to the second slot.
At the end of trade, ONGC commanded a market value of Rs 2,89,047 crore. This is about Rs 4,428 crore more than TCS's m-cap of Rs 2,84,619 crore. ONGC scrip ended 0.82 per cent higher, while TCS lost 1.02 per cent on the BSE.
Reliance Industries with a market capitalisation of Rs 2,71,904 crore was at third place, followed by ITC (Rs 2,66,133 crore) and Coal India (Rs 1,88,543 crore).
Scientists create embryonic stem cells from human skin[16/05/2013]
In a major medical breakthrough, scientists have for the first time converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, capable of transforming into any other cell type in the human body. The cloned embryos which produced the stem cells can make new heart muscle after they are damaged from a heart attack besides new bones, brain tissue or any other type of cell in the body.
Scientists used the same cloning technique that had created Dolly the sheep, to turn human skin into embryonic stem cells overcoming technical problems that had frustrated scientists for more than a decade on how to create batches of the body's super cells from donated skin.
Lt Gen (retd) Nirbhay Sharma appointed as governor of Arunachal Pradesh[16/05/2013]
Lt Gen (retd) Nirbhay Sharma was today appointed as governor of Arunachal Pradesh after the term of present incumbent Gen (retd) J J Singh ended in January this year.President Pranab Mukherjee appointed Sharma as the governor and his tenure will come into effect from the day he assumes charge of his office, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said.
WHO Polio Eradication Certificate for India [15/05/2013]
World Health Organization (WHO) has removed India from the list of countries with active endemic wild polio virus transmission. Polio free is certified for WHO regions by the Regional Certification Commission and not for individual country. The South-East Asia Regional Commission for Polio Eradication (SEA-RCCPE) has examined the data of 31 states/Union Territories of India and has accepted the report of the Indian National Certification Committee for Polio Eradication and has concluded that the wild polio virus is not circulating in these states.
Each region can consider certification only when all countries in the area demonstrate the absence of wild poliovirus transmission for at least three consecutive years in the presence of certification standard surveillance. In addition, all facilities holding wild poliovirus infectious and potentially infectious materials must have implemented bio-containment measures for laboratory containment of wild poliovirus.
A Task Force for Laboratory containment of wild polioviruses has been constituted. The first phase of laboratory containment started by surveying laboratory to identify laboratory with wild poliovirus, infectious materials or potential wild poliovirus infectious materials and encourage them for destruction of all unneeded materials. All States/UTs have been communicated about the successful interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in India and the possible certification in 2014 and requested for political and administrative support required for completion of laboratory containment activities in their respective States.
Support of WHOs National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) is also being obtained to survey all laboratories in their database and provide information of the Laboratories to the Task Force. An inventory of laboratories/Institutes of Department of Bio Technology (DBT) / Department of Science & Technology (DST), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITS)/ National Institute of Information Technology (NIITs), databases of bio-medical laboratories in Department of Health Research (DHR), bio-tech laboratories in Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) database has been prepared for information on storage of potentially infectious material.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana for Subsidised Foodgrains [15/05/2013]
In order to make the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) more focused and targeted at the poorest of the poor, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) was launched in December, 2000 in all States/UTs for one crore families to be identified from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Coverage under this scheme has been expanded thrice since then i.e. during 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 covering additional 50 lakh households each time. Thus the total coverage under AAY was raised to 2.50 crore AAY families. The identification of AAY families within the target of AAY families allocated to each State/UT is the responsibility of concerned State/UT Government. Against the accepted number of 2.50 crore AAY families given to State/UT Governments, upto March, 2013, they have reported issuance of AAY ration cards to 2.43 crore AAY families. Allocation of foodgrains (rice & wheat) to these AAY families is made @ 35 kg per family per month at a highly subsidized Central Issue Price (CIP) of Rs.2 per kg for wheat and Rs.3 per kg for rice.
Rs. 1693 Crore for National Mission on Micro Irrigation in 2013-14 [15/05/2013]
Annual budget outlay of National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) scheme has been enhanced by approximately 13% from Rs.1500 crore for the financial year 2012-13 to Rs.1693 crore for the financial year 2013-14. Andhra Pradesh allotted higher sum of Rs 295.00 crore, Maharashtra Rs 250.00 crore and Gujarat gets Rs 200.00 crore under National Mission on Micro Irrigation.Under NMMI scheme, farmers are educated on the use the micro irrigation system through demonstration, training and awareness programmes.
88.90 lakh adolescent girls benefit by ‘Sabla’ [13/05/2013]
About 88.76 lakh adolescent girls have been covered under the nutrition component of the 'Sabla' scheme of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, by the end of December 2012. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, also known as 'Sabla', 14,654 adolescent girls were mainstreamed to the school system in 2012-13 under the non-nutrition component of the scheme. The scheme is being implemented in 205 selected districts across the country, using the ICDS platform.
Record Milk Production of 127.9 Million Tonne during 2011-12[12/05/2013]
As per FAOSTAT, India has become the largest milk producing country in the world in 1997 and her st has been counting since then. During year 2011-12, the estimated Milk production in India is 127.9 million tonnes
Plan Allocation of Rs.5,990 Crore During Xii Plan for Promoting Food Processing Industries [11/05/2013]
To implement various Schemes for promotion and development of Food Processing Sector, the Government has made a plan allocation of Rs. 5990 crore during the XII Plan.
The Government had launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme – National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) during 2012-13, the first year of the XII Five Year Plan. The major programmes/Schemes covered under the NMFP during 2012-13 are: -
Annual budget outlay of National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) scheme has been enhanced by approximately 13% from Rs.1500 crore for the financial year 2012-13 to Rs.1693 crore for the financial year 2013-14. Andhra Pradesh allotted higher sum of Rs 295.00 crore, Maharashtra Rs 250.00 crore and Gujarat gets Rs 200.00 crore under National Mission on Micro Irrigation.Under NMMI scheme, farmers are educated on the use the micro irrigation system through demonstration, training and awareness programmes.
88.90 lakh adolescent girls benefit by ‘Sabla’ [13/05/2013]
About 88.76 lakh adolescent girls have been covered under the nutrition component of the 'Sabla' scheme of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, by the end of December 2012. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, also known as 'Sabla', 14,654 adolescent girls were mainstreamed to the school system in 2012-13 under the non-nutrition component of the scheme. The scheme is being implemented in 205 selected districts across the country, using the ICDS platform.
Record Milk Production of 127.9 Million Tonne during 2011-12[12/05/2013]
As per FAOSTAT, India has become the largest milk producing country in the world in 1997 and her st has been counting since then. During year 2011-12, the estimated Milk production in India is 127.9 million tonnes
Plan Allocation of Rs.5,990 Crore During Xii Plan for Promoting Food Processing Industries [11/05/2013]
To implement various Schemes for promotion and development of Food Processing Sector, the Government has made a plan allocation of Rs. 5990 crore during the XII Plan.
The Government had launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme – National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) during 2012-13, the first year of the XII Five Year Plan. The major programmes/Schemes covered under the NMFP during 2012-13 are: -
- Scheme for Technology Upgradation/Establishment/Modernisation of food processing industries
- Scheme for Cold Chain, Value addition and Preservation of Infrastructure for Non-horticultural Products.
- Scheme for Human Resource Development (HRD)
- Scheme for Promotional activities.
Best Performing States and Panchayats Awarded on National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April 2013[11/05/2013]
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the National conference to celebrate the National Panchayati Raj Day. On the occasion, annual awards under “Panchayat Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme” (PEAIS) and “Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar” (RGGSP)) were conferred upon the best performing States and Panchayats. 18 top ranking Gram Panchayats were awarded with “Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Purskar. 193 Panchayats were also received awards for best performance. The Panchayat Strengthening Index Awards (PSI) were given to States this year. Under the Cumulative PSI Awards 1st Prize is won by Maharashtra, while 2nd Prize is bagged by Karnataka, 3rd Prize Kerala and 4th Prize Tripura. Under the Incremental PSI Awards 1st Prize is won by Karnataka, 2nd Prize Rajasthan, 3rd Prize Maharashtra and 4th Prize is won by Odisha. The prize money for “Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar” award is Rs. 10 lakhs. The Award money will be utilized by the Panchayats for public purposes such as augmentation of civic services like primary education, primary health care, safe drinking water, public utilities; provision rural infrastructure in the Panchayat jurisdiction.
Centenary Film Festival launched from 25th April to commemorate 100 years of Indian Cinema[10/05/2013]
To commemorate the “100 years of Indian Cinema,” the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is organizing a six day Centenary Film Festival to celebrate Indian Cinema in all its glory. The Festival will commence on April 25th, with the inauguration of the exhibition “Indian Cinema 100 (Celebrating a Century: An Audio Visual Voyage)” by the Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Sh. Manish Tewari. The highlight of the inaugural programme of the festival will be the screening of the silent film "Throw of Dice` with LIVE musical orchestra by maestro Nishat Khan. A Play on the life and times of Dadasaheb Phalke by Aamir Raza Hussain would mark the end of the festival on 30th April. In an effort to bring the festival to the doorstep of film lovers in the capital, the festival is being celebrated at the Siri Fort auditorium as well as other venues such as Jamia Milia University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and India Habitat Center.
Prime Minister to Inaugurate Civil Services Day on April 21, 2013[10/05/2013]
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is to inaugurate the eighth Civil Services Day being held in New Delhi on April 21, 2013. The Prime Minister will also give away the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration for the year 2011-12.
The day is observed by Civil Services to rededicate and recommit themselves to the cause of the people. It provides a unique opportunity for introspection as also working out future strategies to deal with the challenges being posed by the changing times. Eighth in a row, the day is being celebrated since 2006.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the National conference to celebrate the National Panchayati Raj Day. On the occasion, annual awards under “Panchayat Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme” (PEAIS) and “Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar” (RGGSP)) were conferred upon the best performing States and Panchayats. 18 top ranking Gram Panchayats were awarded with “Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Purskar. 193 Panchayats were also received awards for best performance. The Panchayat Strengthening Index Awards (PSI) were given to States this year. Under the Cumulative PSI Awards 1st Prize is won by Maharashtra, while 2nd Prize is bagged by Karnataka, 3rd Prize Kerala and 4th Prize Tripura. Under the Incremental PSI Awards 1st Prize is won by Karnataka, 2nd Prize Rajasthan, 3rd Prize Maharashtra and 4th Prize is won by Odisha. The prize money for “Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar” award is Rs. 10 lakhs. The Award money will be utilized by the Panchayats for public purposes such as augmentation of civic services like primary education, primary health care, safe drinking water, public utilities; provision rural infrastructure in the Panchayat jurisdiction.
Centenary Film Festival launched from 25th April to commemorate 100 years of Indian Cinema[10/05/2013]
To commemorate the “100 years of Indian Cinema,” the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is organizing a six day Centenary Film Festival to celebrate Indian Cinema in all its glory. The Festival will commence on April 25th, with the inauguration of the exhibition “Indian Cinema 100 (Celebrating a Century: An Audio Visual Voyage)” by the Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Sh. Manish Tewari. The highlight of the inaugural programme of the festival will be the screening of the silent film "Throw of Dice` with LIVE musical orchestra by maestro Nishat Khan. A Play on the life and times of Dadasaheb Phalke by Aamir Raza Hussain would mark the end of the festival on 30th April. In an effort to bring the festival to the doorstep of film lovers in the capital, the festival is being celebrated at the Siri Fort auditorium as well as other venues such as Jamia Milia University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and India Habitat Center.
Prime Minister to Inaugurate Civil Services Day on April 21, 2013[10/05/2013]
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is to inaugurate the eighth Civil Services Day being held in New Delhi on April 21, 2013. The Prime Minister will also give away the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration for the year 2011-12.
The day is observed by Civil Services to rededicate and recommit themselves to the cause of the people. It provides a unique opportunity for introspection as also working out future strategies to deal with the challenges being posed by the changing times. Eighth in a row, the day is being celebrated since 2006.