Tips Industries Limited presents the forthcoming film “Prince – It’s Showtime” starring ace actor Vivek Oberoi, Nandana Sen, Aruna Shields and Niroo Singh. The action packed thriller film is produced by Kumar Taurani and directed by debutant Kookie V Gulati. The music of the film is composed by Sachin Gupta and is set to release on 26th March 2010.

Prince.. It's Showtime is based on one of the savviest thieves in the world who commits the biggest heist of his life. He wakes up next morning to realize he has a gunshot wound on his arm that he doesn't remember getting.

In his quest to find answers he discovers his name is Prince, he used to work for a man named Sarang and his girlfriend's name is Maya. He is being hunted by the secret service of India- I Grip, the CBI and the biggest white collared criminals in the world. He is the most wanted man in the country because only he knows the whereabouts of the heist, which contains a secret that is linked not only to his loss of memory but threatens the future of the human race.

Prince can rely only on his razor sharp instincts to salvage himself. The web of deception spins and Prince gets even more entangled. Nothing and no one can be trusted. Every day he meets a new girl claiming to be Maya... Every cop and criminal in the country is out for his blood... He doesn't remember where he has hidden the Heist... He doesn't know which side of the law he is on... His life is at stake...

The future of mankind is at stake... Prince has no one but himself to trust ... Nothing and No One Can Be Trusted.... Failure is not an option... He has just 5 Days of his life... Time is running out will he survive...

New Delhi. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is implementing various schemes for the overall development of coir industry in the country like Skill Upgradation and Quality Improvement Programme including Mahila Coir Yojana, Domestic Market Promotion, Export Market Promotion, Development of Production Infrastructure Scheme, Research and Development Programmes etc. through Coir Board, a statutory body under the administrative control of this Ministry.

A new Central Sector scheme on “Rejuvenation, Modernisation and Technology Upgradation of the Coir Industry” was launched in March, 2008 to assist spinners and tiny household sector. Further, another scheme - SFURTI “Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries” envisages holistic development of 26 coir clusters in the coir producing States.

Recently the State Government of Kerala has sought financial assistance for its National Coir Research and Management Institute, Thiruvananthapuram; Market Promotion Fund; External Market Assistance and also funds for transportation subsidy for coir yarn and products. However, the funds are released by the Ministry to the Coir Board and not directly to the State Governments for implementation of various programmes in coir sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Shri Dinsha Patel in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

New Delhi. Medicinal plant resources in the country are threatened by over exploitation to meet the demand of herbal industries. As per the information received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, about 95% of medicinal plants used by the herbal industries are harvested from the wild primarily from forests.

The total annual demand of botanical raw drugs in the country for the year 2005-06 has been estimated as 3,19,500 MT with corresponding trade value of Rs. 1,069 crores as per the collaborative study conducted by the Department of AYUSH with the assistance of the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). In addition to above, rapid threat assessment exercises for the wild medicinal plants species occurring in different states have also been taken up. These assessments have involved conducting Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization using International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List Categories. These exercises have involved undertaking assessments for a total of 359 prioritized wild medicinal plant species. Out of the 359 species taken up for assessment, 335 have been assigned Red List status ranging from Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable to Near Threatened. In addition, a total number of 15 medicinal plants species recorded in trade have been found threatened.

Some of the rare medicinal plants reported to be threatened have been relocated during the last decade including Utleria salicifolia and Hydnocarpus pentandra in Western Ghats, Gymnocladus assamicus and Begonia tessaricarpa from Arunachal Pradesh and Agapetes smithiana in Sikkim as reported by the Botanical Survey of India.

National Medicinal Plants Board which was constituted on 24th November, 2000 has been implementing a Central Sector scheme for development and cultivation of medicinal plants since the year 2000-01. This scheme was revised and renamed as “Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” during 2008-09. The States Forest Departments have been granted assistance for protection and propagation of endangered species of medicinal plants, especially used by the herbal industries. Projects for setting up of 29 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) have also been implemented in the states covering mainly the medicinal plants viz. Asoka, Guggal and Dashmool varieties. The scheme is being implemented with an outlay of Rs. 321.30 crores during the 11th Plan.

In addition to above, a new “Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants” with a total outlay of Rs. 630 crores is being implemented since 2008-09 by the National Medicinal Plants Board. A total number of 24 states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal have been covered so far under the scheme. Since the implementation of the Mission started only in the year 2008-09, it is too early to make any impact assessment.

This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today.

Jodhpur (Rajasthan). The President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt Pratibha Devi Singh Patil conferred the Presidential Standards to two premiers combat unit of the Indian Air Force - 49 Squadron and 107 Helicopter Unit at an impressive presentation parade held at the Jodhpur airbase.

The Standards were received in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik by the Commanding Officer of 49 Squadron Group Captain R Dineshan and Commodore Commandant Air Commodore PK Singh and subsequently by Commanding Officer of 107 Helicopter Unit Wing Commander J Yadav and Commodore Commandant Air Vice Marshal PK Roy.

" It gives me immense pleasure to be with you at Air Force Station, Jodhpur a premier Indian Air Force Base, to award Standards to 49 Squadron and 107 Helicopter Unit. Both have a rich history of valour and courage and have rendered distinguished service to the nation since their inception. These two units have put in tremendous efforts as well as followed rigorous discipline in pursuit of excellence and set an example for others to emulate. For their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of the adversary, the nation honours them today with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation", says President Mrs Pratibha Devi Singh Patil on this occasion.

An impressive parade comprising of 415 Air Warriors from both units and those from Jodhpur airbase led by the Parade Commander Captain SC D'souza followed the Standards Presentation.

A fly past by MIG-21, Jaguar, SU-30 enthralled the onlookers. Major attraction apart from the Presidents Standard Presentation was the scintillating and unique display by Air Warrior Drill Team who presented a series of thrilling drill coupled with dexterous handing of rifle, exhibiting highest skill of agility flexibility and strength.

The President later interacted with the Air Warriors of the two units and others from the airbase. Among the senior dignitaries present included Governor of Rajasthan, Mrs Prabha Rau and erstwhile Ruler Shri Gaj Singh. Several other senior serving and retired officers were also present at the ceremony.

Address the media personnel later, on the sidelines of the standard presentation, the Chief of the Air Staff replied to a flurry of questions fielded by correspondents of the National and local media on a range of issues relating to Air Force.

New Delhi. The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Murli Deora in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today informed that in order to enhance energy security of the country, import of natural gas is being pursued from Iran through Iran-Pakistan-India(IPI) Gas Pipeline Project. Various important issues concerning the Project are under discussion amongst the participating countries, viz., Iran, Pakistan & India. Such multilateral projects involve protracted discussions, as all the aspects have to be carefully examined and deliberated upon to the satisfaction of the participating countries to protect each country’s interests and to avoid any problems in the future in the successful operation of the project. Implementation of the Project will start only after satisfactory resolution of the issues under discussion amongst the countries participating in the Project.

Shri Deora also said that import of natural gas is being pursued from Turkmenistan as well. India has been formally admitted as a member of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India(TAPI) gas pipeline project in the 10th Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) of the Project held in Islamabad on April 23-24, 2008. “Various important issues concerning the Project are under discussion amongst the participating countries, viz., Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan & India,” Shri Deora added.

In reply to another question in the House, the Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Jitin Prasada informed that in recent years, there have been significant technological advancements in the field of Deep Sea Gas transportation technology. Accordingly, for the last few years, interest has been revived in deep sea gas pipeline route from Middle-East to India. Gas supplies from several gas rich countries of Middle East through Gas Gathering pipeline with hub in Oman (or its proximity) have been proposed, so as to supply gas to Indian Coast through the said Deep Sea Pipeline. “GAIL(India) Ltd. has entered into a Principles of Cooperation with M/s SAGE in the month of July 2009 for developing the pipeline Project. As such, the proposal is at its initial stage,” the Minister added.

New Delhi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to introduce separate Visual Flight Route (VFR) corridors at the Delhi and Mumbai Airports to ensure safe and efficient operations of Helicopters and also to meet long pending demands of the Helicopter Industry.

A large number of Helicopters operate within the Control Zone of Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi and also from Juhu Airfield which lies within the Control zone of Mumbai - for oil exploration, tourism and corporate and business purposes. The Helicopter operations get delayed due to Air Traffic Congestion at these International Airports. Therefore, the decision to introduce Helicopters Flying Corridors within Mumbai and Delhi Control Zone for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Routings.

Also keeping in view the short endurance of Helicopters, promotion of the Industry and for Safe Operations, the need was felt to introduce VFR Routings which was also recommended by KAW Committee.

For this purpose, the DGCA had asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to design the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Helicopter Routings. Suggestions were invited from all Helicopter Operators. Various meetings were held at Bombay and Delhi between Helicopter Operators, AAI and DGCA to discuss the routings. The suggestions were considered and the routes were modified to facilitate the Operations and at the same time ensuring that Air Safety is not compromised at any stage.

The Flying trials have been conducted separately at Bombay and Delhi Region with the help of Helicopter Operators under strict supervision of Flight Operations Inspectors from Flight Inspection Directorate, DGCA. The routes were further modified wherever required and were scrutinized in detail by concerned Directorates in DGCA and approved by Director General of Civil Aviation. AAI has been intimated to progomulate these VFR Helicopter routings and notifications shall be issued on the subject very soon.

New Delhi. Five waterways have so far been declared as National Waterways (NWs). First three NWs i.e. NW – 1, 2 & 3 are being developed as per the projected requirement for shipping and navigation by providing basic transport infrastructural facilities. These include navigational channel with targeted depth and width for most part of the year, aids for day and night navigation and terminals at selected locations for berthing and loading/unloading of vessels.

Since substantial cargo is yet not being transported on NWs, not much revenue is generated/accrued on these NWs. Inland Waterways Authority of India however collects charges such as pilotage charges, berthing charges, storage charges as well charges for transporting cargo under demonstrative cargo services. During 2008-09 the revenue generated from these charges was Rs. 5.32 lakhs.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Mukul Roy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

New Delhi. As per information received, 11 cases of seizures of desi ghee (as per details annexed) have been reported only from the state of Rajasthan.

The Parliament has already enacted a comprehensive “Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006” to replace the existing PFA Act, 1954, and other food related Orders. The new Act provides for different tiers of punishment depending upon the seriousness of the offence, whereby inter alia vide sub clause (iv) of section 59, in case of manufacture for sale, storage, distribution and import of any article of food for human consumption which leads to death, may lead to punishment with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life and also with fine which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees. However, these provisions are yet to be notified.

New Delhi (Uttarakhand). Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has signed a Grant of Permission Agreement for establishing, maintaining and operating a Community Radio Station at National Institute for Visually Handicapped, Dehradun. Letter of Intent had been issued to the Institute after recommendations of Inter Ministerial Committee and seeking requisite clearances from various Ministries. The Community Radio Station is expected to be operational within three months as per the agreement. With this, the number of CRS will increase to 66 in the country.

The Community Radio Station will be established with the objectives to disseminate information on education, training, employment and other facilities available for blind persons, their families and community institutions and will serve as a platform to showcase talent of blind persons. It will be used as a training studio for blind students of mass communication and Broadcasting. The Community Radio will provide an opportunity for empowerment of women, to conduct, sponsor, co-ordinate or subsidize research into all aspects of education and rehabilitation of the visually handicapped and to promote the integration of visually handicapped children in schools and adults in the society.

The Ministry encourages setting up of Community Radio Station as it promises to provide an opportunity to the local communities to express themselves, share their views and particularly empower women, youth and the marginalized groups to take part in local self governance and overall socio economic and cultural development in the area.

New Delhi. The Government had received complaints against (i) Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), (ii) Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI), and (iii) Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) regarding misuse of government grants. The Indian Hockey Federation has been de-recognized by the Government on 12.5.2008 on account of serious mismanagement by the Federation and its de-recognition by both Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and International Hockey Federation (FIH). As regards Gymnastic Federation of India, the federation had diverted the government grant amounting to Rs.2.00 lakh which was released on 21.11.1997 and 8.6.1998, in two instalments of Rs.1.50 lakhs and Rs.0.50 lakh, respectively, for conducting national championship. The Federation was suspended for a period of 6-months on 5.3.2008 and was cautioned to ensure proper financial accountability. The amount diverted by the federation was also recovered along with penal interest. This information was given by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in a written reply to a question by Shri M. B. Rajesh in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that in so far as Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) is concerned, it has been decided to withhold sanction of financial assistance to IKCA from the Ministry till clearance of the allegations about mis-utilisation of Government funds by some of the office bearers of IKCA.

New Delhi. The Government has informed Lok Sabha that the successor in interest to the Satyam Computer Services Ltd. brought to the notice of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the United States of America, vide its letter dated September 17, 2009 offered it the opportunity to make a Wells Submission to a notice from the Commission for action against the company.

In reply to a question Shri Salman Khirshid, Minister for Corporate Affairs, informed the House that the Chairman, SEBI, has drawn the attention of Chairman, SEC, USA, to the various steps taken by the Government of India and Enforcement Agencies in India including SEBI regarding action against the wrongdoers and simultaneously for protecting the company and its investors. SEC has also been requested by SEBI to keep in mind the interest of both the Indian and American investors in the company.

New Delhi. President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away Stree Shakti Puruskar for year 2008 and 2009 to eminent personalities drawn from diverse fields and launched the National Mission for Empowermewnt of Women. The President struck a personal note when she said that the launch of the Mission gave her the happiness of fulfilment of a dream. She thanked the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for his support for the Mission and acceding to her desire for the Prime Minister to Chair the Mission. Smt Patil said this is a gift to women on the occasion of Women’s Day.

The President said that all round development of women require that both economic and social empowerment is taken care of. She said that for meaningful participation of women in the economic process they should have access to credit at low rates.

Deputy Chairperson of Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Pointed out that gender perspective is integral part of the 11th plan and launch of the mission will lead to better implementation of the gender specific programmes.

Minister of State (independent Charge) Smt Krishna Tirath thanked the president for envisioning the Mission and providing unflinching support for it. The Minister said that the winners of the Stree Shakti Puruskars are a source of inspiration for us and it is important that thir example should be made known more widely.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8th of March, the Government of India presents national awards called the Stree Shakti Puraskars as a measure of recognition of achievements of individual women in the field of social development. The awardees have been nominated by state governments and selected by a national level Screening Committee.There are six awards instituted in the name of eminent women personalities of Indian history like Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, Kanngi, Mata Jijabai, Rani Gaidenlou Zeliang, Rani Laxmibai and Rani Rudramma Devi. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh and citation and is awarded to a woman who has excelled in providing support and rehabilitation to women and children, upliftment of women in tribal areas, empowering women to enable them to participate in political life, has worked with women in distress or has shown an exemplary courage in her life.

The list of the Awardees for Stree Shakti Puraskar 2008 and 2009 is enclosed.

The National Mission for Empowerment of Women which has a mandate to achieve inter-sectoral convergence of all pro-women / women centric programmes across Ministries. It is an attempt by the Government to put women’s concerns at the very heart of public policy and governance. The National Mission will strive to achieve social, economic and legal empowerment of women by identifying gaps in developmental goals and setting up of an appropriate institutional framework to overcome bottlenecks in the process of ensuring coordinated and effective service delivery to women at the grassroots level. The Mission will focus on:

economic empowerment of women.

progressive elimination of violence against women

Social empowerment of women with particular emphasis on health and education.

gender mainstreaming of programmes, policies, institutional arrangements and processes of participating Ministries, institutions and organizations.

awareness generation as well as advocacy activities to fuel the demand for benefits under various schemes and programmes at the grassroots level.

STREE SHAKTI PURASHKAR 2008

Rani Lakshmi Bai Award

Dr. Sunita Devi, Haryana

Kannagi Award

Smt. Maha Jabeen, Andhra Pradesh

Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award

Smt. Jhingubai Shrawan Bolake, Maharashtra

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award

Smt. Hina A. Shah, Gujarat

Dr. M. Vijaya, Karnataka

Kannagi Award

Smt. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, Chhattisgarh

Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award

Dr. Ved Kumari Ghai, J&K

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award

Smt. Rashmi Singh, Delhi

Rani Rudramma Devi

Smt. Sugatha Kumari, Kerala