Showing newest 25 of 52 posts from November 2009. Show older posts
Showing newest 25 of 52 posts from November 2009. Show older posts
Star News Agency
New Delhi. China disputes the international boundary between India and China in the Eastern Sector and claims approximately 90,000 square kilometres of Indian territory in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. China does not have claims over the Indian State of Sikkim. The two countries have appointed Special Representatives to explore from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship the framework for a boundary settlement. There have been thirteen meetings of the Special Representatives till date. Since 1993, the two Governments have agreed to maintain peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas, without prejudice to their respective positions on the alignment of the line of actual control as well as on the boundary question. Government regularly takes up any violation along the LAC with the Chinese side through established mechanisms including the Joint Working Group, the Expert Group, border personnel meetings, flag meetings and diplomatic channels. There has been no increase in the number of incidents of Chinese intrusions.
This information was given by DR.Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State, External Affairs in reply to a question by Shri Nand Kishore Yadav,Shri Mati Kusum Rai, Shri Kamal Akhtar & Shri Amir Alam Khan in Rajya Sabha Today.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. Mr. Mauri Pekkarinen, Minister of Economic Affairs, Finland met Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry here today to discuss issues of mutual interest and cooperation and particularly the issue of environment and clean technology. Shri Sharma emphasized that the issue of technologies related to the environment must be looked at in the context of the monumental challenges of development and poverty alleviation. He said that poverty is the biggest polluter and unless and until the discussion on climate change provides for technology transfer backed up by resource transfer to the poorer countries, the objective of mitigation will not be achieved. He said that Copenhagen must build upon Kyoto and not reinvent the wheel and added that the West will continue to be a leader in technology development but when it comes to adaptation, a number of emerging economies have the capability to adapt the technology to their situation. Shri Sharma said: “we are conscious of the need to have clean technology and have been assessing various technologies for mitigation and adaptation. The issue really is however of how to make technology accessible to the poorer countries, given the fact that these are protected by IPRs and are often out of their reach. The issue therefore is one of balance and sharing in the interest of humankind at large”. In this context, Shri Sharma raised the issue of such balance and sharing in other areas also like life saving drugs, access to which should be the right of every human being.
Mr. Pekkarinen, agreed that Copenhagen should provide some political guidance. On resource transfer, he said that there should be fair play and the system of obtaining technologies should be transparent. He said that Finland is very keen on cooperating with India in high-technology sectors. With Finland’s resources and India’s huge knowledge potential, the cooperation could be extremely fruitful.
Both sides agreed to set up a joint business council between India and Finland which would cover not only the core competency of the two countries but a broader band of sectors with potential for cooperation and mutual benefit.
Star News Agency
Noida. First Radio channel - 107.4 of noida launched in Marwah Studio, Noida Film City. You can find new and old songs and many other educational informations, said Sandeep Marwah and invited Bollywood Star Sanjay Kapoor, Rahul Roy and Nisha Kothari on the stage for launching. Sanjay Kapoor said Radio is a good and strong medium to communicate and we are also available more on this channel. On the occassion Music Director Sajid Wajid honored with Brand Ambassador of 107.4 Radio Channel. Akshay, Chairman of 107.4 said we are trying to interact people and their problems, and to explore new talents with this radio.
The Radio launched in the closing ceremony of Global Festival of Documentary Films organized by International Film and Television Club at Marwah Studios. This festival of three days fulfilled its promise to bring the best of reality cinema at one place from across the world. The buzz filled three days indicates that the festival was a huge success and was well received by everyone including media. At the launch programme Mr. Sandeep Marwah, Director of AAFT was present with the various popular renowned personalities of film fraternity such as Pankaj Parashar, Gaurav Dixit, Rajjat Badjatya, Karl Bardosh from Hollywood and many more. Mr. Marwah expressed his happiness over the launch of first radio channel of Noida and success of Film Festival by saying that even though only two years old, the festival is poised to be one of the most significant festivals in South Asia. The festival has not only showcased some of the most outstanding, critically acclaimed and awarded films but has also given an wonderful opportunity to media, general audience, critics and film students to network with the masters.
Usha K
The beauty of the area is breathtaking. Cool breeze filled atmosphere is energizing. This is the evergreen, Silent Valley National Park. The area where the National park is located is known in Malayalam as Sairandhri Vanam, Sairandhri’s forest. Sairandri is the name Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas assumed when she was the assistant to Queen Sudeshna of the Kingdom of Viraat, while they were living incognito during the final year of their exile. The legend says that during their wanderings they came to a breathtakingly beautiful valley where the lush green grass lands met the wooded ravines, where the tigers and elephants drank water together from a green hued river bubbling its course through dense forest. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here in a cave on a hill slope on the banks of this river.
The Silent Valley National Park with a core of approximately 89.52 square kilometres is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District of Kerala. One of the last undisturbed tracts of the South Western Ghats mountain rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forests in India.
Home to the largest population of the Lion-tailed Macaque, in 1973 Silent Valley became the focal point of environmental debate when the Kerala State Electricity Board decided to implement an hydro electric project there. In 1976 the KSEB announced its plans to build a dam there. In 1983, the then Prime Minister of India, a strong environmentalist and nature lover, decided to abandon the project. The Silent Valley Forests were declared as a national Park on the 15th of November in the same year. On September 7, 1985, the Silent Valley National Park was dedicated to the nation and a memorial to Indira Gandhi at Sairandhri was unveiled by the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The Silent Valley National Park was designated as the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve on 1st September 1986 and long term conservation efforts to preserve the Silent Valley eco system has been there since then.
The Sairandhri Vanam forests were first explored by an English team led by the Botanist Robert Wight in 1847.The area was named Silent Valley because of a perceived absence of Cicadas, a large insect with transparent wings common in hot countries. Some attribute the origin of the name to the Anglicization of Sairandhri and the third story says the area got its name because of the presence of Lion tailed monkeys whose scientific name is Macaca silenus.
Rectangular in shape, the valley is located between 11.03 degree to 11.13 degree N latitude and 76.21 to 76.35 N longitude and is separated from the eastern and northern high altitude plateaus of the Nilgiri Mountains by high continuous ridges. It slopes down gradually southward to the plains of Palakkad and it is bounded by irregular ridges in the west. With the altitude of it ranging from 658 m to 2328 m at Anginda peak most of the park lies within the altitude range of 880m to 1200 m. Blackish and slightly acidic soil is a good accumulation of organic matter. The rock of the area is granite with schists, a type of rock formed of different minerals that breaks naturally into thin flat pieces and gneiss, a type of metamorphic rock formed at high pressure and temperature deep in the ground, which generates the loamy soil of good quality containing sand, clay and decayed vegetable matter with laterite soils on slopes.
Rivers
The Kunthippuzha River which divides the park into a narrow two kilometres wide eastern sector and to a five kilometres wide western sector runs the entire 15 kilometer length of the park from north to south into the Nila or Bharathappuzha River. The main tributaries of Kuntippuzha, which is of perennial nature and characterized by its crystal clear water, are Kunthancholappuzha, Karingathodu, Madrimaranthodu, Valiaparathodu and Kummathanthodu which originate from the upper slopes of the eastern side of the valley. Kunthippuzha is one of the less torrential rivers of the Western Ghats with a pesticide free catchment area.
Climate
Though Silent valley receives very good rainfall during the monsoon, as the topography of the area is diverse, the actual amount it receives varies. In the Neelikkal area in the west the mean annual rainfall is over 5000mm, while in the eastern side of the park it is around 3200mm.The park, completely enclosed within a ring of hills, has a micro climate of its own. Eighty per cent of the rainfall occurs between the months of June and September during the south-west monsoon and during the north- east monsoon months of October to November also the area gets a significant amount of rainfall.
The mean annual temperature is 20.2 degree C and during the hottest months of April and May it is 23 degree C and the temperature during the coolest months of January and February is 18 degree C. The relative humidity is consistently high because of the heavy rain fall.
Tribes
The Mudugar and the Irula tribal people are indigenous to the area and live in the nearby valley of Attappady Reserved Forest. The Kurumbars occupy the highest range outside the park bordering on the Nilgiris.
Flora and Fauna
Situated in the Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. The evergreen forests begin to give to shoals or stunted forests interfused with vast open grass lands at a height above 1500 metres. The biological data says that about a thousand species of flowering plants, 108 species of orchids, 100 ferns and its allies, 200 liverworts which are flat, branching ribbon shaped plants, the margins of which resemble the lobes of a liver, 75 lichens, and about 200 algae are present here. The researchers are of the opinion that every plant in the area has unknown potential for beneficial innovations in biotechnology.
The botanists identified flowering plants here which include 966 species belonging to 134 families and 599 genera. The Ayurvedic experts say that about 110 Ayurvedic medicinal plant species are here. Botanists recorded seven new plant species in Silent valley in recent years including Impatiens sivaranjini, a new species of Balsaminaceae in 1996.
In the Silent valley, six different tree associations including three which are restricted to the southern sector, have been identified and described. The central and northern parts of the park are the home to the rest. The flowering of the variety, Cullenia exarillata in the forest is a dominant factor in the occurrence of lion tailed monkeys. A biological study says that all the twelve species of the Silent valley tropical rain forests show good natural regeneration capability.
The animal kingdom of the valley includes birds, mammals and insects. The bird most abundantly found is the Black Bulbul. In the valley, 16 bird species are threatened or restricted as per the list of Bird Life International. Rare bird species including Ceylon Frogmouth and great Indian Hornbill are found here. At Sispara, the highest peak of the park, a new species, long-legged Buzzard, was found during the 2006 winter bird survey. Ten endangered species recorded in Red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), were found during the survey. According to the naturalists, the valley is home to 15 endemic species. The survey recorded 138 species of birds and out them 17 species was newly observed in the Valley.
Including the threatened Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Tahr, Peshwa’s Bat and Hairy-winged Bat, there are at least 34 species of mammals at the Silent valley. The forest is one of the most undisturbed habitats left for many endemic and endangered primates. Mammels like the tiger, leopard, leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat, Common Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Brown Palm Civet, Ruddy Mongoose and Stripe-necked Mongoose are present in the valley.
Present Challenges
Forest fires due to negligence and by people engaged in grazing livestock who often burn an area to get fresh grass shoots during dry seasons are among the major threats facing the forests of Kerala and also the cutting down of hundreds of acres of evergreen tropical forest in the Attappady Hills.
Save Silent Valley, a social movement aimed at the protection of the valley was started in 1973. To save one of our precious heritages many steps are being taken by both the Central and Sate Governments. Since the declaration of it as the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve by the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on September 1st 1986, long term conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve the Silent valley ecosystem. The Kerala Government has formally approved the 147.22 square kilometres Silent valley buffer Zone which is mainly at checking illegal activities in the area and to help long term sustainability of the precious rain forest.
Star News Agency
Panaji (Goa). As part of 40th International Film Festival of India – 2009 pre Festival screenings commenced today for the Press and Media. ‘Ilisa Amagi Mahao’, ‘For Real’, ‘Ekti Kaktaliya Golpo’, ‘Angshumaner’, ‘Dot In For Motion’, ‘Ijjodu’, ‘Swaymabhu Sen Foreseas’ and ‘Kutty Srank’ are being screened in Macquinez I. The synopses of these are as below:
ILISA AMAGI MAHAO (The Taste of A Hilsa)
It is not dawn yet. Only the father and the son in a boat can be seen stirring the river. After casting their net once or twice they move down southwards. Drifting a little further they hit on luck. A big, silvery white hilsa is rolling in the net. Father decides not to sell it off. He hopes to invite his pregnant daughter for a meal. He wishes to share the taste of hilsa with his family. But he comes to know that they have no rice to cook...
FOR REAL
For Real is all about a child’s determination to keep her family together when the adults are intent on destroying it. Six-year old Shruti knows something no one else does. An alien has come in place of her mother and her real mother has been sent to the Orion Galaxy. While the alien looks just like her mother on the outside, Shruti knows she is completely different from her beloved mother on the inside. Shruti turns to her brother for help but he doesn’t believe her. Her father, like always, remains engrossed in work and unavailable to her. Unable to accept the Alien in her home and desperate to be with her mother, the lonely child runs away. What follows is a child’s passage to finding her real mother, a man’s struggle to save his family and a woman’s journey to finding herself.
EKTI KAKTALIYA GOLPO
The narrative revolves around a 13-year-old boy, Babai. He is given a magic marble (which apparently has the power to summon the king of fish) by an old man who stays in the ground floor flat of his apartment. His teacher (who stays in the same building) takes it way asking him to concentrate on his studies than on fantasies. The boy’s dreams are crushed as he sits by his window with a handmade fishing rod. However, coincidences bring about an unusual turn of events.
ANGSHUMANER CHHOBI
Angshuman had left Kolkata eight years ago to pursue a course in filmmaking in Italy. He stayed back for a career in documentary and advertising. But he has to fulfil a commitment to his college professor to make a film in Bengali. Armed with an interesting script about the curious relationship between a septuagenarian celebrity painter and a young nurse, Angshuman lands in Kolkata. But the project turns out to be a non-starter with a series of hurdles coming one after another, involving three people who are linked to Angshuman’s film-Pradyut, the legend of Bengali cinema living in self-imposed exile, Madhura, who could never live up to the expectations generated by the national award she won for her first film and Neel, a young man passionate about dance and astronomy who finds his life getting changed forever with a stroke of destiny. Things come to a head with a crime on the scene. An alleged suicide brings SP Sourya Roy to investigate the case.
DOT IN FOR MOTION
Dot in for motion traces India’s recent growth after economic liberalization and the information revolution and its effect on the lives of the vast Indian populace. Does globalization really usher in liberty? Does the open market mean a more open society? Does it really foster democracy? Or is it a process of homogenization slowly taking over this nation of enormous diversity? The film neutrally records the voice of people, from lounge of the silicon city to a remote tribal village that never heard of electricity.
IJJODU
In a remote area in Karnataka, photojournalist Ananda meets Chenni, a woman who was made a Basavi-offered at the altar of the village deity to save the superstitions locals from a devastating epidemic. Basavis, like Devdasis, often end up becoming sex workers and bear the brunt of social stigma. Ananda is shocked to learn that Chenni is a Basavi and tries to persuade her, with rational arguments, not to pay the price for superstition. When he insists that she should get married, Chenni asks him if he would marry her but he is not bold enough. The next day when Chenni is found dead on the steps of the temple pond, Ananda feels guilty for her suicide because he was not strong enough to give her a new life.
SWAYMABHU SEN FORESEAS HIS END
It’s 26 July 2005. Three narrators atop a bus entertain the stranded with an urban legend of an extraordinary filmmaker who stole everything he needed to make a film, from film stock to camera. Beyond this the three narrators take the stories in different directions. All stories conclude with the filmmaker not making the film but the how and why differ. The film is a magical, dark journey into the possibilities of fate and the survival or true talent in the business that Indian popular cinema has been reduced to.
KUTTY SRANK
The police find an unidentified body on the beach and three women turn up, each claiming it is ‘her’ Kutty Srank. One is a wealthy woman who wants to become a Buddhist nun. The second is an actress who is later accused of the murder. She was acting in a traditional Christian play with Kutty Srank. The third is a gentle, mute woman who gets pregnant by Kutty Srank. Will this richly short film, with multiple skeins and powerful imagery, reveal the real Kutty Srank?
Star News Agency
Panaji (Goa). The Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar V. Kamat has assured the people that the State of Goa is all set to host the 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) – 2009. Shri Kamat reiterated that there is no security threat to the Film Festival and the people need not feel concerned on this account. The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference here today along with the Festival Director Shri S. M. Khan from the Directorate of Film Festivals of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India as also with the CEO of the Entertainment Society of Goa, Shri Manoj Srivastava and the Chief Secretary of Goa, Shri Sanjay Srivastava.
Enumerating the highlights of IFFI-2009, Shri Kamat pointed out that ‘Goa, a Celluloid Destination’ would be an important section this time. The idea is to promote Goa as a shooting destination for all the international directors, producers and other film makers. It was informed that at least eight films shot in Goa will be screened during the Festival.
In a bid to make even the Aam Adami participate in the Festival, a new idea of ‘T20 of Indian Cinema’, nominating the best of twenty films produced in the last 96 years, has been introduced this year. The Chief Minister informed that an overwhelming response spanning over three generations of families has been received. The Closing Ceremony of T20 announcing the winners would be held on November 30, 2009 culminating with a fashion show on the theme ‘Fashion in Indian Cinema’.
The Chief Minister also informed that in keeping with the festive spirit, the Goa Chamber of Commerce has decided to include about 100 enterprises in the city of Panaji for a shopping festival for IFFI delegates. On the sidelines, at the Corniche between Old GMC and Kala Academy Goan cultural activities would also be showcased between 23rd November to 3rd December 2009.
As another new initiative, the Films Division of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, is organizing ‘Moments with the Maestros’ from November 24 to November 30, 2009. The Section will present set of short films/ documentaries based on the Indian music maestros. For the first time, Malegaon industry of remakes also gets an international platform with the screening of two of their films – Yeh Hai Malegaon Ka Superman and Gabbarbhai MBBS.
Shri S. M. Khan, the Festival Director pointed out that the International Film Festival of India is also noted worldwide for the attractive awards given out at this Festival. Shri Khan elaborated that the Best Film Award to the Director and Producer of the Award Winning Film in the Competition Section carries a prize money of Rs. 40 lakhs and the Golden Peacock Award. Shri Khan also said that in keeping with the recommendations of the International Jury last year, this year’s Silver Peacock Award along with monetary prize of Rs. 15 lakhs would go to the Best Director rather than to the Best Debut Director as had been the practice till last year. The Special Jury Award at IFFI also carries a sum of Rs. 15 lakhs along with the Silver Peacock Award. He informed that this year films from Croatia, Estonia, Italy, and Poland will be screened under the “Country Focus” Section at IFFI-2009. 75 years of Assamese cinema and screening of Telugu musical hits will be yet another novelty for IFFI-2009. The Indian Section at IFFI - 2009 under nine different segments will screen 77 films. The Indian Panorama at IFFI 2009 would present a bouquet of 44 films, 26 feature films and 18 non-feature films. Shri Khan informed that the Spanish film ‘Broken Embraces’ will be the closing film for IFFI-2009.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Central and State Governments plan to spend nearly Rs. 90,000 crore in the XI Five Year Plan for rural water supply and sanitation. In typical water supply schemes more than 80% of the total cost is materials like pipes, pumps, cement etc. We want industry to come up with materials and products that are cost-effective and appropriate for rural conditions. The emphasis should be on material and products that require the least maintenance considering inadequate supply of skilled persons in rural areas. Stating this at a National Workshop on Government-Industry Interface for Safe Drinking Water organised here today the Minister of State for Rural Development by Ms. Agatha Sangma said use of water for drinking purpose has to compete with industrial use of this precious resource. She said the role of Government is complementary as suppliers of drinking supply water infrastructure and service. Industry is both a supplier of materials and products and in some recent cases is a partner in supplying safe drinking water in rural areas..
The Minister said our population of more than one billion people resides in highly variable environments. The spread of water resources in our country varies widely, from recurrent flood prone areas to desert areas. Various measures are being taken by Government of India and the State Governments for improving the utilisation of overall water resources. Within this framework we see that India faces an increasingly urgent situation: its finite and fragile water resources are stressed and depleting while various sectoral demands are growing rapidly.
Since the major surface water resources are mostly in the public sector, their exploitation is more or less under control. Groundwater is the source for more than 80% of drinking water systems. But since the exploitation of ground water is mostly in the private sector, its regulation for equitable and judicious use is a must. Irrigation and industrial expansion has placed greater demands on surface and groundwater resources. Industry uses 6% of available water resources as compared to 4% for domestic uses and less than 1% for drinking water. Despite more than Rs. 1,00,000 crore investment already made by the Central and State Governments in rural water supply sector, because of unregulated ground water extraction by industry and agriculture, the reliability of rural drinking water supply and satisfaction levels are still below the desired levels. The Minister stressed the need to deliberate on ways to safeguard public drinking water sources in such cases. Groundwater regulation laws passed in some States need to be implemented more vigorously. States that have not yet passed such laws should take urgent action too enact legislation in this regard.
Ms. Sangma said some form of prescribing collective rights with the responsibility for regulation to be devolved on Gram Panchayats and local communities’ need has to be considered. To safeguard the sustainable supply of safe drinking water, concerted action is needed on all fronts including agriculture, urban and spatial planning, population planning, and industrial development.
Underlining the need for judicious use of Water Resources the Minister said Industrial use of water should rest on the principles of harvest, minimize, reuse and recharge. Use of water efficient technologies should be adopted to minimize use of water. The industry should take this responsibility upon itself as a part of environmental and social responsibility without waiting for regulation or pricing pressures. Water suppliers in the public sector should adopt pricing strategies that promote these principles. The Minister advised the Industry to plan social infrastructure improvement in conjunction with the Panchayats and the local administrators. Convergence of Corporate social responsibility activities of Industry with various Government programmes like National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Rural Drinking Water Programme, Hariyali and Integrated Watershed Development Programme, etc. She said such initiatives can go a long way in attaining sustainable water resources and overall human development.
The one day conference was addressed by Mr. T.M.Vijay Bhaskar, Joint Secretary in the D/o Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, Dr. Sudhir Kapur, CII National Committee Member and Dr. Gouri Shankar Ghosh, Former Executive Director, UN Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WASH), WHO, Geneva.
Issues like Water quality, Water recycling and Water recharge, Promoting cleaner and cost effective technologies, Role of Corporate Social Responsibility and role of Public Private Partnership are taken up in the sessions earmarked for Inter-linkages for Rural Drinking Water Supply; Role of Industry in ensuring Drinking Water Security and Reflections on State Perspective for Rural Drinking Water Supply. The Seminar is a joint collaboration of The Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India and The Confederation of Indian Industry.
Sibal Chatterjee
The 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which kicks off in Goa on November 23, promises to be a veritable feast of outstanding cinema from around the world.Veteran Hindi film actress Waheeda Rehman will be the chief guest at this year’s IFFI opening ceremony, where present-day Bollywood and southern movie star Asin will help her light the inaugural lamp.
Malayalam cinema mainstay Mamootty will fly into Goa towards the end of the 40th IFFI to be the chief guest at the festival’s closing ceremony on December 2. Nearly 60 films from 45 countries will be screened in the 11-day festival’s ‘Cinema of the World’ section. Among them will be the closing film, Spanish master Pedro Almodovar’s Broken mbraces, starring Penelope Cruz; and French veteran Jacques Audiard’s powerful prison drama, The Prophet. The two films made waves at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
Interestingly, Almodovar’s last film, Volver, was chosen for the opening night of the 38th IFFI in 2007. Apart from turning the focus on Latin American cinema, the 40th IFFI will present retrospectives of Portugal’s Manoel de Oliveira, the world’s only active centenarian filmmaker, and Thai writer, producer and director Nonzee Nimibutr. De Oliveira is the only living filmmaker today who began his career in the silent era. Included in the retrospective is his latest film, Eccentricities of a Blond Hair Girl, which he completed last year at the age of 101.
Of special interest to audiences in Goa will be a retrospective of British filmmaker of Indian origin, Gurinder Chadha, the creator of successful features like Bhaji on the Beach, Bend it Like Beckham and Bride & Prejudice. IFFI will also screen films from five European nations – France, Italy, Croatia, Estonia and Poland – in a special Focus section.
In its sixth year in Goa, IFFI, which is hosted by Panaji, will, for the first time, register its presence in Margao as well. A new 1100-seater auditorium has been constructed there for the regular screening of IFFI films.
Goa Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat says: “We want to make IFFI Goa one of the world’s premier film festivals. And we also want everybody in Goa to feel a part of this event. Therefore, we have brought Margao into the IFFI ambit.”
IFFI, one of the oldest and largest film festivals in Asia, will, as usual, showcase the best films made by the world’s most prolific industry in its centrepiece section, the Indian Panorama.
Two Indian films – Satish Manwar’s Gabhricha Paus (Marathi) and Atanu Ghosh’s Angshumaner Chhobi (Bengali) – will vie with 11 other films from Asia, Asia Pacific, Africa and Latin America, for the festival’s top prize – Golden Peacock, accompanied by a cash award of Rs 40 lakh. IFFI’s total prize money adds up to a whopping $ 140,000.
The 2009 Panorama, which is made up of 26 features and 18 non-features, has films by a fair share of IFFI regulars – Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s Janala (Bengali), Shaji N. Karun’s Kutty Srank – Sailor of Hearts (Malayalam), Rituparno Ghosh’s Shob Charitro Kalponik (Bengali), Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar’s Ek Cup Chai (Marathi) and Ijjodu (Kannada), directed by M.S. Sathyu, who has returned to the big screen after a 12-year hiatus.Rubbing shoulders with these veterans will be a clutch of promising first-time filmmakers – Paresh Mokashi (Harishchandrachi Factory, Marathi), Aijaz Khan (The White Elephant), Seema Kapoor (Haat – The Weekly Bazaar).
For the first time in the history of IFFI a Konkani entry – Laxmikant Shetgaonkar’s Paltadacho Munis (The Man beyond the Bridge) – will be the opening film of the Indian Panorama. The Vasco-based filmmaker’s first feature won a prestigious Fipresci (Federation of International Film Critics) award at the 34th Toronto International Film Festival in September.
Two other films with Goa links will be screened in IFFI this year – Sangram Gaekwad’s Zagor and Tapan Acharya’s Marathi-language film, Janma. These two entries are in the Indian Premieres section meant for brand new Indian films.
Among the six other Indian films that will be premiered during the 40th IFFI are Amol Palekar’s And Once Again..., an offbeat marital drama set in Sikkim, Saurabh Shukla’s comedic I am 24 and actor-director Makarand Deshpande’s quirky Shahrukh Bola Khubsoorat Hai Tu, about a poor little flower girl who goes into a tizzy when the King Khan pays her an innocuous compliment at a busy Mumbai traffic intersection.
Ananth Mahadevan’s Red Alert – The War Within, about a simple Andhra Pradesh villager who is caught in the crossfire between the police and a band of Maoists, is expected to be among the most talked-about films of the Indian Premier section. The film arrives in Goa after its triumph in the South Asian International Film Festival in New York, where the lead actor, Sunil Shetty, bagged the best actor award.
International star Ben Kingsley, whose worldwide fame rests on his remarkable eponymous star turn in the Oscar-winning Gandhi, will be in Goa to conduct an acting Master Class.In a special package of war films, IFFI will screen a colourised version of Chetan Anand’s Haqeeqat.
Nirendra Dev
India as a nation is always held in high esteem due to its multi-culture, multi-ethnic characteristic and its ability to stay united amidst diversities. The ‘tribals’ are an essential part of our country.
For some national leaders, the upliftment of tribals has remained a foremost priority. Indira Gandhi, the illustrious former Prime Minister, was one such great personality to emerge on the horizon. She had immense love for tribals and found them very simple, open hearted and truthful. She always wanted the development of the tribals.
With her confident personality and eyes twinkling in dreams and set on modernization, her focus in administrative and developmental works always included tribals as forefront runners vis-à-vis preparing government policies and programmes. Indira Gandhi’s famous 20 Point programme implemented in 1974-75 encompassed those initiatives.
Her willingness to help tribals came to her in heritance from her father, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister. Like him she was also liberal, broadminded and far-sighted in her approach in dealing with them.
While Nehru had granted statehood to Nagaland, after his death, Indira Gandhi gave statehoods to Manipur and Meghalaya, and generous development funds were allocated to then Union Territories of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
She had an emotional bond with tribals and experienced the tribal life not merely from the comforts of the National Capital. But rather, she toured extensively and walked into their huts, interacted with them and could not resist joining them when tribal girls danced in her honour. The tribals also found in her, their friend and a philosopher. And on their part, they humbly rewarded the leader with trust and love, very often translated into massive mandate for her party candidates during elections.
Therefore, it is in fitness of things on her birth anniversary to recall Indira Gandhi’s devotion to the task of confidence building for tribals, including those in the North East. Which is well reflected in the creation of full fledged States like Manipur and Meghalaya. These were the truly significant milestones, this era – early 1970s – marked a fresh era for the region, otherwise reeling under violence and ethnic conflicts and earned the beloved designation of being described as the region of “seven-sisters”.
The guiding policy of Indira Gandhi to ameliorate the problems of tribals should serve as a major point in the contemporary setting when the country has a serious challenge in the form of Naxal-sponsored violence in various parts of the country.
Similarly, her focus of attention also touched on the well-to-do task of tribal societies in other parts of the country. The creation of Ministry of Tribal Affairs in late nineties was seen as emancipation of the vision she had seen. The Ministry was set up with the objective of providing more focused attention on the integrated socio-economic development of the most under-privileged sections of the Indian society namely, the Scheduled Tribes in a coordinated and planned manner.
Indira Gandhi also rightly gave priority to the education of tribals. This is well appreciated in the fact that she took personal initiative in setting up the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) with headquarter in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong. For decades, this university catered to the education of three states of Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland. She was of the opinion that a purposeful education could help tribals realize what was essential for individual benefits.
Indiraji also knew the importance of tradition and culture and that one could learn many things from their rich cultural traditions. She always nurtured a dream of a modern India with tribals ensured adequate role in the wholesome developmental sphere, she never wanted the tribals to give up their simpleton approach and cultural heritage.
According to many tribal leaders of her time, like the former Nagaland Chief Minister and ex-Himachal Pradesh Governor, Hokishe Sema, she not only took special interest in tribal culture and the way of life, but also drew inspiration from them. Indira Gandhi gave tribals a vision and a direction towards a better world for realisation of their dreams.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The versatile, yesteryears beauty Waheeda Rahman and Malayalam star Mammootty will be the Chief Guests at the Opening and Closing ceremonies, respectively, in the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2009 beginning at Goa on the 23rd of November 2009. The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Smt Ambika Soni will be present in the Opening Ceremony. Well known actress Asin would be special guest for lighting the ceremonial lamp. Internationally renowned actor Kabir Bedi and well known artist Divya Dutta would be compeering the Opening Ceremony.
The International Section includes Cinema of World which would have 55 films from 45 countries. Another important component of Foreign Section would be retrospectives of well known Directors namely – Gurinder Chadha, Nonzee Nimabitur, Roland Reber, Joao Batista and Manoel De Olivera. The continent Focus is Latin America this time and Country Focus would be on Croatia; Italy; Poland; Estonia and France. Film India Worldwide is another attraction in the cinema of world section, which will showcase films made by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in collaboration with foreign filmmakers. There is also a section on Anti War Films. The International Jury comprises of prominent directors/actors/film critics from different part of the world namely: Mr. Joao batista de Andrade – Chairman; Mr. Vic Sarin – Canada; Mr. Ken’ichi Okubo – Japan; Mr. Jean-Michel Frodon – France and Ms. Sarika from India.
In addition, as part of Indian Panorama 26 feature films and 18 non-feature films would be screened. These includes films such as Shob Charitro Kalponik (Bengali), Kaminey (Hindi), Harishchandrachi Factory (Marathi), Ijjodu (Kannada), Pasanga (Tamil), Kutty Srank (Malayalam) and Haat The Weekly Bazaar (Rajasthani). The bouquet of non-feature films includes Bilal (Bengali), What If? (English), Superman of Malegaon (Hindi), Illisa Anagi Mahao (Manipuri) and Kelkkunnundo (Malayalam). The Indian Panorama would open with Paltadcho Manis (Dir: Laxmikant Shetganokar, Konkani) and Dot in for Motion (Dir: Anirban Datta, English).
The Tribute Section would offer homage to 13 film personalities who left us since IFFI 2008 namely - Nabendu Chatterjee, Prakash Mehra, Gulshan Bawra, Leela Naidu, Shakti Samanta, Feroz Khan, Murali, A.K. Lohitadas, Rajan P. Dev, Nilu Phule, Bhaskar Chandavarkar, R. Lakshman and Nagesh. Under NFA Gold, films of Satyajit Ray, V. Shantaram and Debaki Kumar Bose which have won the Best Feature Film awards almost half a century ago would be screened.
The 75 years of Assamese Cinema is being celebrated by a special section featuring five films. Assamese film personalities Jahnu Barua, Gyanada Kakoti, Bidya Rao and Manju Bora would be present on the occasion. For the first time, Malegaon industry of remakes gets an international platform with the screening of two of their films – Yeh Hai Malegaon Ka Superman and Gabbarbhai MBBS.
Under Golden Jubilee Retro section, the sterling contributions of film personalities who have completed 50 years in the industry would be saluted namely Asha Parekh, Sharmila Tagore and Saumitra Chatterjee. Kamal Hasan’s works will be showcased in Feb 2010 in Delhi. Eminent Columnist and film writer Ms. Kishwar Desai would be delivering an audio visual lecture on Adaptation of Literature in Cinema by screening the film Teesri Kasam (Hindi).
The Indian Premier Section will showcase a selection of eight films during the 40th International Film Festival of India, Goa 2009. The films selected include “And Once Again” by Director Shri. Amol Palekar, “Red Alert: The War Within” by Director Shri. Ananth Mahadevan, “God Lives in the Himalayas” by Director Shri. Sanjay Srinivas, “Shahrukh Bola Khoobsoorat Hai” by Director Shri. Makran Deshpande, “Zagor “by Director Sangramsinh Gaikwad, “Vimukthti” by Director Sheshadri.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The MoUs for setting up of Biogas based power plants at five Gaushalas in Haryana were signed in the presence of Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh in New Delhi today.
The projects proposed to be set up at five selected Gaushalas for power generation from biogas to be produced from a mixture of cattle dung and agricultural residues / crop wastes are going to be based on the state-of-the-art technology. Since the Gaushalas only have the land and access to raw material and not the technology or finances, a project developer who is implementing similar projects of larger capacities in the State of Punjab, has been identified. The Developer M/s Sri Krishna Captive Energy Ltd. will implement these projects on BOOT basis in partnership with the Gaushalas. The Developer will fund the projects, execute and operate them for about 10 years and hand them over to the Gaushalas thereafter.
The projects are supported by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) under the Programme on Energy from Urban and Agricultural Wastes being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
The development of projects at the Gaushalas has at its roots in the success of the first project for generation of 1 MW power from cattle dung installed at Ludhiana in the year 2004-05 under a UNDP / GEF assisted project implemented by MNRE. With a view to promote power projects based on cattle dung, a Field Visit-cum-Seminar was organized at the Project installed at Ludhiana in August, 2008, which was also attended by senior members of the AWBI. Secretary, MNRE had called upon the Gaushalas to set up such projects. MNRE and AWBI have been working on setting up of a few commercial projects on ‘build own operate and transfer’ (BOOT) basis at Gaushalas. This included MNRE’s participation in the Annual General Meeting of AWBI and meetings in the Ministry with the chairman of AWBI and representatives of some of the selected Gaushalas.
Each project of 350 KW is expected to cost around Rs.4 – 4.5 crore and would be eligible for a Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of upto Rs.1.05 crore (@Rs. 3.00 crore/MW) under the Programme on Energy Recovery from Urban Wastes, which also includes the component of biogas based power from cattle dung and agricultural residues. Proposal for sanction of subsidy will be considered in accordance with the provisions of Ministry’s programme as and when received. Further, even after sanction, while the first installment of CFA is to be given upon commencement of project execution and disbursement of 50% of loan sanctioned for the projects, the 2nd installment will be released after successful commissioning of the project.
The MoU essentially includes conditions for co-operation between the Gaushalas and the Developers. After signing of MOU, the project development activities including preparation of DPR, signing of PPA and financial closures would commence and it is expected that project execution would begin before the end of the year 2009 for projects to be completed in 6 to 9 months.
These projects are based on a concept that has already become popular in several European countries. The Developer M/s Sri Krishna Captive Energy Pvt. Ltd. is working in collaboration with a German technology company namely M/s. Envitech.
It is expected that these projects will lead to setting up of a large number of such projects for energy recovery from cattle dung and agricultural residues for decentralized power generation through an environmentally benign technology.
Sanjay Gilhotra
New Delhi. Government agencies have procured paddy equivalent to 112.78 lakh tonnes of rice so far during the current kharif marketing season (October – September) as against 102.6 lakh tonnes on this date last year. It represents an increase of 10.14 lakh tonnes (10%) over the corresponding period of previous year. 183 lakh tonnes of paddy has arrived in the market this season so far.
Punjab has contributed 90.58 lakh tonnes followed by Haryana with 17.6 lakh tonnes, Chhattisgarh 1.52 lakh tonnes, Uttar Pradesh 94.24 thousand tonnes, Kerala 83.3 thousand tonnes, Tamil Nadu, 22.1 thousand tonnes and Chandigarh 13.33 thousand tonnes.
Besides FCI and NAFED, State Governments, Cooperatives, Confed, UPSS, Agro-Industries, SFC and rice millers are also involved in procurement of paddy. Share of rice millers and dealers in the paddy procurement is to the tune of 10 lakh tonnes in different states.
سٹار نیوز ایجنسی
جدہ (سعودی عرب ) : سعودی عرب میں ذوالحج کا چاند نظر آگیا ہے، حج چھبیس نومبر کو ہوگا۔ سعودیہ عرب کی اعلی عدالتی کونسل نے منگل کی شب ملک میں ذوالحج کاچاند نظر آنے کا اعلان کیا،جس کے مطابق حج چھبیس نومبر کوجبکہ عید الاضحی جمعہ کے روزستائیس نومبر کو ہو گی۔
Star News Agency
New Delhi. A notorious poacher Bheema, wanted in connection with killing of a tiger, has been arrested. In a joint operation by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) Gurgaon Police and with assistance from other agencies, he was arrested yesterday from Ballabhgarh area in Haryana. A poaching case was registered against him and tiger bones, body parts, several traps and implements were recovered from his house in Gurgaon by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Gurgaon Police in July, 2008. He has been absconding since then and was declared a proclaimed offender. He is also suspected to have been involved in killing of several tigers and leopards in north India and has links with middlemen and traders of illegal wildlife trade.
His arrest is expected to provide vital clues to the organized poaching and illegal trade networks in the country. This apprehension is in continuation to the efforts of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in busting wildlife crime modules in a coordinated approach with assistance from various intelligence, security and enforcement agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Star News Agency
New Delhi. Quami Ekta Week (National Integration Week) will be observed all over the country from tomorrow. Several programmes, with a specific theme on each of the seven days, will be held/observed during the week. Meetings, symposia, seminars, special literary functions, cultural functions and programmes to highlight themes under focus would mark the observance of Quami Ekta Week. The week would begin with National Integration Pledge. National Integration, Welfare of Minorities, Linguistic Harmony, Weaker Sections, Cultural Unity, women’s issues and Conservation are the themes for the Week. Activities related to a specific theme would be under focus on each day.
Quami Ekta Week is observed from November 19-25 every year with a view to fostering and re-inforcing the spirit of communal harmony, national integration and pride in our vibrant composite culture and nationhood. In view of recent developments in various parts of the country, there is a need to take all possible measures for dissemination and reaffirmation of these values among all sections of our people. The Minister of Home Affairs, Shri P. Chidambaram has written to different Ministries under Government of India for organising programmes/events befitting the occasion. The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (HFCH), an autonomous organisation with Ministry of Home Affairs also organises Communal Harmony Campaign during the week.
This occasion provides us an opportunity to reaffirm our age old traditions and faith in the values of tolerance, co-existence and brotherhood in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society. The observation of the “Quami Ekta Week” will also help to highlight the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand actual, and potential threats to the eclectic and secular fabric of our country, and nurture a spirit of communal harmony in its widest sense.
The recent statements by the Prime Minister and other leaders, at the national and international fora, about India’s current economic status have one common thread – that the Indian economy is recovering fast and it is time we begin thinking about rewinding the stimulus packages we have been pursuing for the last one year to pump liquidity into the system in view of the global meltdown. Whether and when it will done will continue to be debated for some time. But, the very fact that we have started talking about it reflects that things have, indeed, started looking up—much before the western world has been able to do. View this in the backdrop of the stand taken by the G-20 countries just a few days ago to continue with the fiscal stimulus measures, as the time is not ripe to think of a roll back, you have the answer where we stand.
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has made it clear that steps for an exit strategy would be taken by the end of the current financial year. The Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee too has been saying that the stimulus packages would continue only until these are required.
The first indication of such a thinking was given by the Reserve Bank of India when it raised the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) of the banks by one point –from 24 to 25- in a bid to reduce their liquidity, last month. But the fact that it left all other key indicators like the repo rate and the reverse repo rate untouched, shows that the RBI does not want to go too fast with it and risk to send a wrong signal in the process.
As of now, the stimulus packages are to continue as the economic indictors do not signal a complete turnaround. Until the economies of the developed countries recover from the global meltdown, India too will continue to be affected.
It is precisely for this reason that the finance minister has been stressing the importance of focusing on domestic demand till the world economies are out of the woods. Fortunately, we in India, have a strong domestic demand and this coupled with as high as 35 percent savings rate, is enabling us to face the global downturn in a much better way. At a time when the richest economies of the world are squeezing, India has been able to grow at 6.7 percent last year and hopes to record 6.5 percent growth in the current financial year, in such adverse conditions. It hopes to raise the growth level to 7 percent next year and get back to 9% or more trajectory, soon after.
It is in recognition of this situation that the policy of massive investments in the fields of agriculture and infrastructure continues to be the guiding principle. That is required not only to generate demand but also to provide employment- the two important factors that keep the wheels of economy going.
If there is any sector that deserves the stimulus most it is the export sector. For the 12th consecutive month in September our exports declined, though by a lesser margin of 13.8 percent. That is because this sector is entirely dependent upon foreign demand that has been seriously affected because of the recession the developed countries. There is however a silver lining and that is if the exports have fallen so having the imports. But that is only a poor consolation. An ideal situation will be to increase both imports and exports. It is therefore important to continue with the stimulus measures, at least on sectoral basis for the time being.
The problem is that these stimulus packages have a negative effect as well. Our fiscal deficit has shot up to 6.8 percen,t against the stipulated 2.5 percent. Together with the states it comes to 10.09 %. This, indeed, is a cause for worry. The inflation rate too has started to show an ascending trend. Though right now it is only 1.5 percent, the estimates are that it too will reach 6.5 % by the end of the current fiscal. If that happens, it will become a lethal combination and that will be the time to make a turnaround and return to the financial system we had before the meltdown began. The country right now has to choose between growth and financial discipline and for now the priority indeed is growth.
The fact is that we are today in a much better position compared to many advanced countries of the world. India continues to be the 2nd largest growing economy after China. India is on a firm growth track. Things would have been far more cheerful if we had a good monsoon this year. But that was not to be. The consequent effect will be a shortfall in the production of food grains and other agricultural commodities, the estimates for which vary between various agencies. And agriculture provides 20 percent to our GDP. However experts hope that a good Rabi crop will largely compensate for the damage done to the kharif crops.
It is in this backdrop that the Prime Minister spoke about the economic reforms which the government intends to take up. These include reforms in the pension and insurance sectors to ensure rapid and inclusive growth.
The conflict now is between growth drivers which need a continuation of stimulus measures and inflation concerns which call for an early exit. That is why a well thought out exit strategy is needed to deal with the issues of both sustained growth as well as financial discipline. If growth is the priority today, a tight monetary policy could become the priority at a later stage. Better start working now.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. Starting this December, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs will observe the third week of December every year as ‘India Corporate Week’. The theme for ‘India Corporate Week -2009’ will be ‘ Corporate Sector and Inclusive Growth’. By this the Ministry expects corporate sector to reaffirm its commitment to inclusive growth. Announcing this here today at a Press Conference, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister for Corporate Affairs and Minority Affairs, said that this is in tune with the motto of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs: to promote the corporate sector with enlightened regulation. He said that the Ministry is focusing on the entire business sector and making an effort to offer a bouquet of incorporation instruments through the Companies Act, LLP Act etc. While a number of initiatives in this direction are underway, the Ministry also feels that there is need to provide positive reinforcement to the efforts made by the corporate sector in the development of the nation. ‘India Corporate Week’ is being planned to achieve this goal, Shri Salman Khurshid said. He informed that in the meeting with the members of the Governing Council of NFCG and other stakeholders held on November 14, 2009, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs received full support for this proposal. Regarding the timing of the observance, Shri Khurshid said that the third week of December is being chosen in view of the fact that corporate filings are done by the end of October and the data on corporate performance is available for the requisite analysis. This timing will also enable Ministry to complete the activity within the calendar year 2009.
Major trade and industry chambers like CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM will partner with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to organize a number of events during ‘India Corporate Week’. Institutes like IICA, ICAI, ICSI, ICWAI and corporates, SMEs, SOEs and young entrepreneurs will also assist the Ministry in these events. These events, while celebrating the success of Indian corporate sector, will also endeavour to demystify the corporate functioning for the common man. During the ‘India Corporate Week’, the events organized by CII will be focusing on the subject of ‘Best practices in corporate governance’, FICCI on CSR and ASSOCHAM on the SME sector. The weeklong events at major locations in the country will culminate into a national crowning event in New Delhi on December 21 or 22, 2009 and the consent of Prime Minister to be the Chief Guest for this event is expected shortly. Shri Salman Khurshid has made an appeal to the Media to give their support in making this venture of the Ministry a great success.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Press Information Bureau today launched an Online System for applying for press accreditation and for renewal of Press Cards for the year 2010. The journalists eligible for Central Press Accreditation will now be able to file their applications online from anywhere.
The Press Information Bureau gives accreditation to all the eligible journalists based in Delhi and its vicinity, and renews the accreditation on an annual basis. For the first time, the process of submitting the applications for fresh accreditation or renewal for the year 2010 has been made completely online. The system has been designed to give the applicants full control over the application process. From now on, all personal and professional data shall be maintained by the applicants themselves. The account once created shall be used by the applicants anytime in the future for renewal, change of organization or category etc. The status of the application, once submitted, shall be displayed online. The databank thus created shall also facilitate accreditation for special events, and there shall not be any need for filling detailed forms for such events in the future.
The system helps the applicants in filling up the application form in a number of ways. The form need not be filled at one go - the SAVE feature shall ensure that partly filled forms are saved and may be edited later. The form is designed in multiple pages, each of which can be saved separately. The form will be considered complete only after SUBMIT button is pressed. There are three options for submitting supporting documents – uploading documents in the online form itself, sending scanned documents to PIB’s email - prs_pib@nic.in , or by physically depositing the documents in Room No. 115, Press Information Bureau, A Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.
Star News Agency
Nagpur (Maharashtra). Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reports massive corruption in Rs.3750/- crore Prime Minister Relief Package for distressed vidarbha farmers- VJAS demands stern action all erring officers Nagpur today. The 15th report of Public accounts committee (PAC) tabled in Maharashtra legislative assembly on 11th November by PAC chairman BJP MLA Girish Bapat from Pune has pointed out that the massive corruption in the in Rs.3750/- Prime Minister Relief Package for distressed vidarbha farmers resulted in it’s failure and also suggested very stern action under Indian penal code against all erring officers involved in the implementation of relief packages announced to stop farmers suicides in western vidarbha, Kishore tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS), informed todayPublic accounts committee (PAC) has asked for Action Taken Report (ATR) to be submitted in winter session of legislative assembly starting from 8th December in Nagpur .The 15th report of Public accounts committee (PAC) has blamed irrigation department ,agriculture department and co-operative banks for siphoning out thousands crore by the complete understanding of concern ministers and executives in the top end of govt. in Mantralaya.
some of officers who was involved in irregularities and corruption of thousand crore has taken voluntary retirement from state Govt. service with due consent of concern minister .all contract or supply order of relief work and materials was fabricated and most of the money was diverted to the ministers, contractors and officers even after PAC asked for immediate action till date there is no action against the officers or the banks ,PAC report added. The 15th report of Public accounts committee (PAC) has expressed shock and displeasure over the extreme apathy of executive to provide ex-gratis aid to kin of deceased farmers .In some cases bribe was demanded from kin of deceased farmers who committed suicide to make illegible for the aid .this is sheer apathy and indicates inefficient functionary in administration, Public accounts committee (PAC) said in the report.
Public accounts committee (PAC) has asked Govt. to arrange for the detail probe in all cases of irregularities and malpractices in relief packages and in providing ex-gratia and to take stringent action against those already found guilty.ATR should be submitted to Public accounts committee (PAC),it recommended.Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS),farmers advocacy group who have already lodged complaints aginst on going massive corruption in farmers relief packages, now urged Govt. to tale stern action against all concern ministers and officers involved in the corruption, Kishore tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS), informed today.
Star News Agency
Vienna (Austria). INCREDIBLE INDIA promotional film received the Grand Prix Award in Vienna. The award was received by Tourism minister Kumari Selja .
Following the text of Minister’s speech on the occasion: “It is a great privilege for me to be receiving the Grand Prix Award for our new Incredible India promotional film. The film has been used extensively in our global marketing campaigns and has received worldwide recognition. After winning a series of international awards at Berlin, Poland, Romania, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Croatia, the film has now been honoured with this prestigious Grand Prix Award.
The “Incredible India” story started in the year 2002 when the Ministry of Tourism took the initiative to brand the country, with the primary objective of establishing a unique and single identity – “Incredible India”. The campaign has generated huge interest about Indian tourism products globally and contributed significantly in the growth of tourism in India.
We have been working in close association and coordination with stakeholders in the tourism industry who have all contributed to the building of the Incredible India brand line. This film which has been awarded today has also been produced in collaboration with the Experience India Society – a successful public-private sector initiative working towards the promotion of tourism to our beautiful country. The film successfully showcases, India’s diverse tourism product in order to attract international traveler to our country.
This recognition will encourage us to move forward with greater enthusiasm. “
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Government will very soon introduce bi-valent oral polio vaccine to attack the type 1 and type 3 virus to deal with the fresh outbreak of type 3 virus. ‘Government is committed to wipe out polio from the country and in this national and international organizations, state governments and general public will have to work in a concerted manner ‘ Shri Azad said. He was speaking after formally launching the special polio vaccine drive here today. Shri Azad also inaugurated free health camp organized by the Rotary Club.
The Health Minister mooted the idea of special drive in the face of persistent prevalence of the disease. He has also envisaged a registry of immunized children which can be verified centrally. The Special Drive is being conducted in 10 states viz., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttrakhand , Rajasthan and West Bangal. While in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi this drive is being done in a very large area, in other states, the drive will take place largely for the migrating population. About five lakh children will be vaccinated today on Children’s Day. This will include particularly the children belonging to urban slums and street children.
This year, so far 568 cases have been reported as compared to 559 last year. Western Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a sharp rise in type 3 cases (427 cases out of total 454 cases in the state). Bihar is another focus area where we have 68 cases out of total 103 cases from type-3. Introduction of bi-valent vaccine is likely to improve the situation a great deal. In 2009, UP and Delhi will have 7 sub national immunization days in addition to the usual national days whereas Bihar will have 8 additional immunization days.
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar the special drive will cover children in urban slums and street children. B teams of polio vaccine campaign will ensure vaccination of all children left out in the recent polio campaigns with special emphasis on migratory populations, brick kilns, construction sites and nomadic population sites. Special focus will be on transit points like bus stands, railway stations, fairs and other congregation sites. In other states special focus is on migratory population in specific areas. Large number of supervisors and Field Volunteers will be deployed along with intense awareness drive.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Khadi Pavilion at the India international Trade Fair (IITF-09) carries the theme of “Export of Services-Healthy Growth Progress” was inaugurated by Smt. Gursharan Kaur, in the presence of Shri Dinsha J. Patel, Minister of MSME and Sushri Kumud Joshi, Chairperson, Khadi and Village Industries Commission.
Going around the Khadi Pavilion Smt. Gursharan Kaur admired the Khadi products on display and said that each item on display showed the tremendous effort put in by the spinners, weavers and artisans. She showed keen interest in the solar energy operated Charkha as an alternative to manual spinning.
The Minister of MSME, Shri Dinsha J. Patel on the occasion said that Khadi is not a cloth and but a idea, a thought. Khadi has been the mainstay of rural employment generation and also the mantra to uplift the poor masses. The Minister further added that IITF at Pragati Maidan provides unique opportunities to the institution and artisans to interact with people of all cross section and learn ways and means to make KVI products more competitive and remunerative.
He stressed that KVIC should make special efforts to intensify its activities in potential areas such as J&K, and NER to tap the potential of forest based industries by publicize its activities/schemes to create greater awareness among people.
Chairperson, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Sushri Kumud Joshi said that Khadi and Village Industries Commission on its’ over 50 years of existence has helped in a remarkable way for the development of India particularly its rural populace. KVIC have covered 1/3rd villages of the country through various programmes providing earning avenues to more than two million persons as on 31st March 2009. Goods and services worth of Rs. 17338 crore is being produced under KVI sector and its sales-turnover stood at Rs. 22478 crore during 2008-09. The products of KVI sector are not only acclaimed in domestic market but also received tremendous response abroad as well.
Around 52 stalls of Artisans, craftsmen, Institutions and units from all over the country right from the Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh are participating in this trade fair. Range of products includes Cane & Bamboo from North East, Munga & Endi silk from Assam, Handicrafts from Rajasthan, cotton Muslin khadi of Bengal, Embroidered & Readymade garments from Jammu & Kashmir and other products like organic food, Processed food, Herbal & beauty products, wood carving, Ayurvedic products, Eco friendly Handmade Paper & conversion products, papier Mache, food products & processed food, fibre developed products, Honey & Honey products, tribal Jewellery. In addition to, Khadi Denim & Designer khadi dress from other parts of the country are also on display and sale.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. SARAS Mela, an exhibition cum sale mela showcasing the skillfully crafted rural products by below the poverty line(BPL) artisans got off to a traditional colourful beginning at Pragati Maidan here today. The two week long mela from Nov.14 to Nov.27 was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Rural Development, Dr. C.P. Joshi.In his inaugural address, he called upon the artisans to take advantage of this opportunity to increase the sale, understand the marketing and improve the quality of their products. Director General of CAPART in his address underlined the need to develop the linkages for the marketing of rural products.
The mela has been organized by the Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART).On display and sale at the mela are the products of 700 artisans in nearly 390 stalls of DRDAs and Voluntary Organizations from 33 States and Union Territories displaying a variety of products from across the country. Some of the attractive products on sale for this SARAS include bamboo artifacts, traditional and ayurvedic medicines, metalwork, woodwork, Madhubani paintings, terracotta, sari, shawls, dress materials, carpets, food products etc.
The mela aims to facilitate the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY) beneficiaries, rural artisans, craftsmen, self help groups (SHGs) and voluntary organisations to exhibit and sell their products, and to provide them the opportunity for additional income and exposure on a large scale. The mela aims at creating a unique platform for the artisans to develop linkages with customers and provide them the opportunity to interact with the buyers directly. In addition, 27 CAPART supported voluntary organizations under special SGSY scheme are also represented in SARAS 2009.
A special display on rural development schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development and rural technologies has been organized at RD Pavilion (Hall No.17), Pragati Maidan. A Business Centre has also been created at Hall No.17 to facilitate Artisans and State Coordinators for business discussions. In addition, workshops will be organized during the fair on Designing and Packaging.
Another major attraction of the program today was the Kalbeliya dance by folk dancers from Rajasthan and Bhangra by the folk artists from Punjab. The exhibition cum mela would be on till November 27.
Star News Agency
Pandharkawada/ Kinwat (Maharashtra). Massive failure of cotton crop in 34 lakh hectares in cotton growing region of maharashtra has received very sharp reaction from farmers of vidarbha and marathawada region ,urging the union Govt. review their decision of giving commercial trials to American cotton seed giant Monsanto and to impose the complete ban of killer Bt. cotton seed .the resolution of sending requisition through maharashtra Govt. passed to day in first cotton farmers rally in Pandharkawada (Yavatmal)which has epicenter of from suicide since 2005 after the commercial trials of much controversial genetically modified seed popularly known as Bt.cotton seed granted now after 5 years more than 7400 farm suicides and Rs.20 thousand crore relief packages this year as per predicament of the state cotton federation that there is a big loss to cotton crop, along with demand farmers to ban the killer bt. Cotton seed they have also demanded that the government should arrange to seek compensation to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore from Bt cotton seed manufacturers and insecticide, pesticide makers for the losses suffered by farmers,. farmers' protest forum Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti(VJAS) President Kishore Tiwari informed in the press note to day."In the state government-sponsored campaign, over 24 lakh farmers took to genetically modified seeds in 34 lakh hectares. The campaign was led by its own seed company Mahyco which is among those that have obtained license from a multinational company for its Bt cotton seeds. The gullible farmers fell prey to the advertisement blitz by the seed companies which claimed that Bt seeds would give bumper crops even in rain fed areas like Vidarbha where irrigation facilities are abysmally low,'' president Kishore Tiwari alleged.
Addressing a farmers protest rally cotton farmers have given proof of crop loss and it is estimated that the cotton farmers' total expenses thus added up to Rs 9,170 crore including the additional expenditure on costly pesticides and insecticides that were used in large quantities as the cotton crop had a variety of infestation right from the start. "While the agriculture department advisory clearly states that Bt seeds cultivation could be risky in rain fed areas, the government did little to discourage farmers who gave up food crops like jowar and maize and shifted to Bt cotton growing as a cash crop and this has collapsed the economy of the region and is main reson of despair and distress leading thousands of cotton farmers suicides , said Tiwari.Cotton farmers urged today that "It is now the state government's vicarious liability. It should take strong action against the Bt seed manufacturers as well as chemical pesticide companies who made huge profits at the cost of farmers. The yields are as low as 25% in some area. Farmers who were dreaming of high yields of 20 quintals an acre got only two quintals. The state government can drag these companies to the Monopoly and Restricted Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) citing the misleading advertisements," said Tiwari.
"If the state government fails to act, VJAS will move before the MRTPC in the matter, as done by the Andhra government against the Bt seed company before the MRTPC which helped drastically reduce the seed in the year 2005 but this year maharashtra is adopting same relief policy which was adopted in 2005-06 under which it paid Rs 216 crore as compensation to Bt.cotton growers whose crop suffered damage from 'lalya' (micronutrient deficiency that reddens the leaves and stunts plant growth),
"Instead of wasting public money, the government should legally force erring seed companies and recover the losses on behalf of farmers. we have collecting fact sheets from the thousands of cotton growers and these conventions of cotton growers, yeaterday Thursday at Pandharkawda and today on Friday at Kinwat in Marathwada region of Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan are for the purpose of facilitating documentation of the losses suffered by the farmers that data will be handed over to the government in the hope that it would act against the companies," said Tiwari
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The UPSC Foundation Day Lecture Series on Governance got underway with speech by President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisinh Patil. The theme for the inaugural lecture was ‘Governance and Public Service’. In her address, the President said that public service needs to meet the challenges of the 21st century as there is a repositioning of the whole concept of good governance. Advocating a people-centric administration with local institutions playing a lead role, she emphasized cooperation and coordination among all levels of administration. The President said that public servants must have firm moorings to moral values and principles and exhorted them to introspect on how they can reflect these values in their functioning. She emphasized on building a caring administration.
The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan, in his address said, civil service must reinvent itself to meet the public expectation in the changing times. It should strive to become more professional by acquiring newer skills and a mindset of accepting change. Shri Chavan said that the Government and UPSC are in a dialogue on reforms in several areas of public service and this should result in far-reaching reforms.
Chairman UPSC, Prof. D.P. Agrawal in his address said that UPSC is convinced of the need for important changes in the method of recruitment to the higher civil services. The Commission has recommended to the Government that a Civil Services Aptitude Test replace the exiting Civil Services (Preliminary) examination, he added. As per the proposal, there will be two objective type papers common to all candidates. The emphasis will be on testing the aptitude of the candidate for the demanding life in the civil service as well as on the ethical and moral dimensions of decisionmaking. He said that the proposed scheme will have the advantages of (a) testing candidate’s decision making skills and aptitude for civil services, and (b) Providing a level playing field and equity, since all candidates will have to attempt common papers. Shri Agrawal also felt that a reduction in the number of attempts allowed at the CSE to the candidates is called for.
The Chairman further said that there is a need to ensure that the performance of officers selected through CS Exam is tracked, particularly during the initial, formative years. The Commission may also be kept apprised of the feedback so that this can be factored into the selection process for future entrants. The Chairman said that the Commission receives over a million applications for all the 14 regular examinations and other recruitment it conducts every year. The Commission is also contemplating moving to examination through computers, once this step is approved by the Government, he added. Shri Agrawal also detailed the activities of the UPSC which have gone up substantially ever since the Commission was setup 83 years ago.
The senior most member of the UPSC, Prof. K.S. Chalam, delivered the welcome address. Secretary UPSC Shri Alok Rawat proposed a vote of thanks.
