New Delhi. Indian delegation led by Shri Murli Deora, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas had a series of bilateral meetings with the delegations of different countries on the sidelines of the the 12th International Energy Forum (IEF) meeting at Cancun, Mexico late yesterday (India time). In a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Energy Mr Daniel Poneman, US offered to continue its cooperation in the field of frontier area of gas hydrates for undertaking second expedition by India building on the success of the first expedition. Similarly US success in utilising Shale gas to significantly augment its natural gas production was seen as potential area where US experience could come Handy in identifying such resources in India. Indian side underlined the important role of US in stabilising oil prices. As both are oil import dependent countries, this would serve common intersests, mutuality of interests.

In its meeting with Kuwaiti delegation, Indian side emphasised on more crude oil supplies and criss-cross investments. Shri Murli Deora, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas informed his counterpart from Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Oil Petroleum Secretary that India is raising its refining capacity significantly which would soon rise to about 250 million metric tonnes. He added that the India looks greater oil supplies. Suggesting mutual investments, India invited oil companies of Kuwait to invest in the up-coming petrochemical projects of ONGC and IOC at Mangalore and Paradip. Shri Deora extended an invitation to Mr Al-Sabah to visit India.

The third bilateral meeting was held with the delegation of host country led Ms (Dr) Georgina Kessel Martinez, Secretary of Energy of Mexico. Shri Deora offered keen desire of India oil companies for participation in the Mexican upstream sector and conveyed India´s growing need for crude oil with increase in refining capacity. Mexican side informed that their laws presently permitting are exploration and production on service contract basis, are under review. The incentive based system under-consideration would help attract more investment which Indian companies could also utilice. Indian side referred to the presence of Indian National Oil Companies in the, upstream sector of nearby countries of Brazil, Venezuela and Columbia

Shri Murli Deora, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Indonesia Mr Darwin Zahedy Saleh, Minister Energy and Mineral Resources, conveyed India´s interest in sourcing LNG from Indonesia. Indonesian side stated that the present LNG capacities are tied-up and informed that there could be a possiblity later for cooperation in this area. Responding to Indian interest in the Indonesian upstream sector, it was informed that Indonesia would soon come out with new biddings for exploration blocks. This would offer an opportunity for Indian oil companies to participate.

Shri Deora is accompanied by Petroleum Secretary Shri S. Sundareshan, CMDs of ONGC and IOC, and MD ONGC Videsh. The Minister is also addressing Session- I of the Ministerial Meet on the Inaugural day of 12th IEF.

New Delhi. In the week ending 25.3.2010, prices of sugar and pulses have continued to decline in most of the centres where prices are monitored by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Prices of other commodities have generally remained steady at most of the reporting centres.

According to data collected by the Department of Consumer Affairs, sugar prices have declined at 5 centres including Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram and remained steady at all other reporting centres. Gram dal prices have remained steady at most of the reporting centres. Tur dal prices have come down at Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram and have remained steady at most other centres.

Moong dal prices have declined at Kolkata and remained steady at most of the reporting centres. Masoor dal prices have decreased at Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad and remained steady at most of the other reporting centres.

Potato prices have declined at Delhi, Shimla, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram and remained steady at all other the reporting centres barring Patna, which witnessed an increase. Onion prices have decreased at Shimla and remained steady at other places. Wheat, edible oils and vanaspati prices have remained steady at most of the reporting centres.

At Delhi, retail prices of tur dal, urad dal, masoor dal, sugar and potato decreased during the week, while rice, wheat, gram dal, groundnut oil, mustard oil, vanaspati, onion and salt prices remained steady. Prices of atta, moong dal and milk have increased over the week.

New Delhi. Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, has today released the final document of the FDI Policy Framework, a consolidation of FDI Policy Press Note 2010. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sharma said that the current exercise had been initiated with the aim of integration of all prior regulations on FDI, contained in FEMA, RBI circulars, various Press Notes etc., into one consolidated document, so as to reflect the current regulatory framework. He further added that the intention of this exercise was not to make changes in the extant guidelines, but to deal with them comprehensively, so as to make them more comprehensible to all investors and stakeholders, over one single platform. “One of the most significant aspects is that all the Press Notes issued in the past will be rescinded with the issue of this Press Note, which would now comprise the single document on FDI policy. As such, this marks the inception of a whole new chapter on FDI policy”, the Minister informed.

During the interaction with the media persons, the Minister said that such consolidation would ensure all information on FDI policy is available at one place, which is expected to lead to: simplification of the policy; greater clarity of understanding of foreign investment rules among foreign investors and sectoral regulators, as also predictability of policy. “Having a single policy platform would also ease the regulatory burden for Government. Updation of this document will be carried out after every 6 months. This consolidated Press Note will be superseded by a Press Note to be issued on September 30, 2010, ensure that the framework document on FDI policy is kept updated”, Shri Sharma said.

Earlier, the draft document was released on 24 December, 2009 and was open for comments until the 31st of January, 2010. The response to the draft document has been excellent. Comments from 60 stakeholder organizations (including various Government Departments, Reserve Bank of India, Law Firms, consultancy firms, Chambers of Commerce and private companies) have been received. All comments, received until date, have been considered, before preparation of the final document. Even after receiving the responses, we held another round of discussions on the document with a number of consultancy firms that had offered comments on the draft, as also with the Reserve Bank of India and the Department of Economic Affairs.

There are a number of issues related to FDI policy that are currently under discussion in the Government, such as foreign investment in Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), policy on issuance of partly paid shares/warrants, rescinding Schedule IV of FEMA, clarifications on issues related to Press Notes 2, 3 & 4 of 2009 and on Press Note 2 of 2005, as also certain definitional issues etc. When a decision on these is taken, the Government decision would be announced and thereafter incorporated into the Consolidated Press Note subsequently.

Foreign Direct Investment into India is a capital account transaction under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. The Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulate such transactions. The Government comes up with new regulations or amends/changes the existing ones, keeping in view the requirements that may exist at a particular point in time. Various aspects of FDI policy are, accordingly, pronounced/ notified through Press Notes issued by DIPP, RBI circulars, Acts and changes in regulations. DIPP itself has issued about 177 Press Notes since 1991, covering various aspects of FDI policy, including cross border investment, policy liberalisation, policy rationalization and foreign technology collaborations, Industrial Policy etc.

As far as FDI policy is concerned, it had been felt, through interaction with various investors, counterpart government organizations and other stakeholders, that there is a need for further simplification and consolidation of the FDI policy framework, so as to make it more comprehensible to all investors and stakeholders. The Prime Minister, in his remarks at the World Economic Forum in December, 2008, had also announced that, “Our policy will be guided by the desire to make India even more attractive for Foreign Direct Investment. We are particularly keen to rationalize and simplify procedures so as to create an investor friendly environment”. The present exercise was a step in the above direction.

· FDI equity inflows for the month of February, 2010 have been US $ 1.72 billion, which represents an increase of 15%, in US $ terms, over the inflows received in February 2009 (which were of the order of US $ 1.49 billion). FDI equity inflows for current the financial year (i.e. April, 2009 to February, 2010) have been around US $ 24.68 billion. These are comparable to the FDI equity inflows for the comparable period of the previous year, which were around US $ 25.39 billion.

· FDI inflows for almost all months in the current financial year, from June onwards (excepting September, 2009 and January, 2010) have shown an increasing trend over the FDI inflows of the same months in the previous financial year (2008-09). The pace of inflows, therefore, is stable.

· Accordingly, it is likely that the total inflows in the current financial year (2009-10) are comparable to the total inflows received during the last financial year (2008-09). This is despite the fact that the UNCTAD World Investment Report, 2009, had noted a fall of global FDI inflows, from a historic high of 1.979 billion in 2007 to 1.697 billion in 2008, a decline of 14%. UNCTAD had subsequently predicted a fall in global FDI investment flows by 30%, from US $ 1.7 trillion in 2008 to US $ 1.2 trillion in 2009.

· It is relevant to note that the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in its latest report on investment, released in March, 2010, has noted a significant stagnation in the global investment activity. It has noted that:

The average monthly Merger &Acquisition (M&A) activity in the past 12 months was just under US $ 50 billion. The last time monthly M&A activity fell below US$50 billion was in April 2006. Year-on-year, global M&A activity is now at its lowest level since the beginning of the global economic crisis, at around 35% of the levels reached two years ago (March, 2007 through February, 2008).

New Delhi. The launch of Mobile Portability Services has been further extended to 30th June 2010. On 31st December 2009 the Government has decided to implement it in whole of the country in one go, by tomorrow i.e 31st March 2010. Earlier the MNP Service was likely to be implemented in phased manner.

Time frame was fixed to complete various activities by various stake holders to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in a time bound manner by DoT in January 2010. Assessing the readiness of various Access & ILD Service Providers, it has been decided that the comprehensive mobile terminated Call Scenario Test of voice, SMS and MMS from each operator’s network (Basic, Mobile-GSM & CDMA and ILDOs) in one LSA to all mobile networks in the same LSA and all mobile networks in all other LSAs in the country should be started immediately.

For above purpose sufficient test numbers should be opened by each mobile operator in each LSA and should be intimated to MNP Operators and TERM Cells also. All the mobile operators must ensure smooth testing by other operators to ensure success of mobile terminated calls to their network in MNP Scenario.

The TERM Cells will closely oversee the progress of Call Flow Test by the operators and in case of non-cooperation from any of the mobile operators, the matter should be brought to notice of DOT HQ by TERM Cells for appropriate action for not supporting the timely launch of MNP Services mandated under the Licence Agreement. The TERM Cells shall send weekly progress report to DOT HQ in this regard. TEC is already conducting a weekly meeting to resolve technical issues, if any.

The other activities related to Inter Operator Test may be carried out in parallel such that the Inter Operator Test (IOT) by all Service Providers are completed by 15th May 2010. BSNL, MTNL and Uninor who are yet to install the MNP Gateways must also start the call flow tests immediately without waiting for MNP Gateways and all other tests should be carried out later expeditiously when MNP Gateways are installed to meet the 15th May 2010 deadline.

After the IVT and Inter Operator Ttests are completed, the action taken should be offered to TERM Cells by 16.05.2010.Based on successful completion of the action taken within one month, the DoT will finally decide the dates for MNP implementation.

New Delhi. The Ministry of Coal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Coal India Limited (CIL), the Navratna coal mining PSU for its key performance areas for the fiscal 2010-11. Shri C Balakrishnan, Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Coal and Shri Partha S Bhattacharyya, Chariman CIL signed the document to this effect here today.

As per the MoU for the fiscal 2010-11, CIL’s targeted production and coal off-take have been pegged at 461.5 Million Tonnes (MTs) and 462.5 MTs respectively for attaining an ‘Excellent’ rating. Incidentally for previous two fiscal i.e 2007-08 & 2008-09 CIL was rated ‘Excellent’.

The MoU for 2010-11 puts special emphasis on Research & Development and Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) which have been identified as major thrust areas. To attain the targeted off-take, CIL sought 185 rakes/day for 2010-11 as against the average availability of 155 rakes/day during previous and current fiscals.

The R&D activities will see a quantum jump from the present Rs. 15 core earmarked annually for the purpose to twice that amount, Rs.30 core. In a proactive measure CIL has stepped up its budget on CSR activities to 5% of the retained earnings of previous year, subject to minimum of Rs. 5/- per tonne of coal production of previous year whichever is higher. Earlier, Rs. 1/- per tonne of coal produced was earmarked for CSR activities.

The component of performance obligation mainly consists of Financial & Non Financial parameters which carry equal weight of 50% each. The key parameters are gross margin, gross sales, financial ratios, quality of coal, coal production, off-take & productivity, customer satisfaction, HRD (training policy etc), safety (fatality /MT) and environmental managements etc.

The MoU formulated on the guidelines laid down by Department of Public Enterprises is a negotiated agreement and contract between Government and the Management of Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to evaluate the performance of the CPSE at the end of the year vis-s-vis the tagets fixed in the beginning of the year.

New Delhi. A delegation led by American Senator Christopher Bond called on the Minister of State for Coal and Statistics & Programme Implementation, Shri Sriprakash Jaiswal here today.

Issues relating to energy security were discussed in the meeting. It was pointed out during the discussions that the demand for coal in India is growing at a faster pace due to acceleration in the rate of addition to power generation and, therefore, the Ministry of Coal and Coal India Ltd. were looking for acquisitions of coal assets abroad to supplement coal availability. It was further mentioned that Coal India Ltd. had issued a global Expression of Interest for strategic partnerships through formation of joint ventures for opening Greenfield projects and equity infusion with relatively long-term off-take agreements.

Both the Minister and the Senator expressed the need for strengthening cooperation in the areas of clean coal technologies as well as underground coal gasification. It was also mentioned that a global study bringing out the benefits of coal in various countries of the world has been initiated by American coal companies and that the Indian Coal companies would be supporting this study. The Minister concluded by stating that the Indian side fully supports these initiatives.

The North East is richly endowed with natural resources and the Zone is well known for its extensive forests with varieties of flora and fauna. The landscape is made up of hills and valleys filled with natural beauty. The people of North East Zone live their varied life with colorful customs. The women of this region weave fairy tales on the looms, one of the world’s finest artistic traditions which finds expression in their exquisitely woven Endi, Muga and Pat Silk fabrics. In the hills, most of the tribes have their own distinctive weaving designs. The handicrafts for which this region is equally famous are also mostly made in village homes from Jute, Wood, Cane & Bamboo etc.

Khadi and Village Industries occupies a unique position in rural economy of this region by not only contributing substantially towards strengthening the economic base of the villages but also by effecting utilization of the vast natural resources untapped hitherto and significant manpower.

The Zone comprises of Eight States - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. KVIC has State Offices in each State mostly in the State Capitals at Itanagar, Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Dimapur (State Capital: Kohima), Gangtok and Agartala respectively. Besides Eight State Offices, KVIC has established a Zonal Office for North Eastern Zone at Guwahati to oversee and supervise the working of KVI Programmes in the Zone. A Sub-Office is also functioning at Silchar (Assam) to serve the Barak Valley and North Cachar Hills District of Assam.

In all the eight States of North East Zone, KVIC is implementing Khadi programme through State Khadi and V.I. Boards and Directly assisted institutions of the Commission.

Around 17,000 spinners and weavers are engaged in Khadi production in the Zone out of which the lion’s share is of Assam i.e. around 14,000 artisans.

During 2008-09 Khadi production increased by 33 percent in comparison to previous year, to Rs. 1007.54 lakhs against Rs. 760.58 lakhs in 2007-08. Similarly sale has also increased from Rs. 687.99 lakhs in 2007-08 to Rs. 990.91 lakhs in 2008-09. For 2009-10 the performance has already crossed the previous year’s achievement. In order to achieve rapid expansion of KVI program in this Zone untiring efforts are being made to enroll new institutions under the fold of KVIC and the response is encouraging. Already five new institutions have been enlisted under KVIC and more proposals are under process.

Scheme Of Fund For Regeneration Of Industries

In order to ensure sustainable employment as well as to increase productivity and to explore the rich potentiality of the heritage of traditional industries and survival of unique craftsmanship of the artisans in North East Region the scheme SFURTI was launched. Under this scheme KVIC is the Nodal Agency, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) is the Technical Agency (TA) and Directly aided Institutions of KVIC or NGO are the Implementing Agencies (IA). There are altogether 12 SFURTI Clusters in operation till date out of which 2 are Khadi Clusters and 10 are Village Industries Clusters. A total number of 7614 artisans have been directly benefited with total fund involvement to the tune of Rs. 6.39 crores.

Bamboo cluster of Jania in Barpeta district of Assam run by Anchalik Gram Unnayan Parishad recently participated in Cairo (Egypt) Exhibition sponsored by Industries Department of Govt. of Assam. Further, Assam Gramin Vikash Bank (AGVB) has agreed to finance Working Capital to the artisans of the Cluster.

Development Of Khadi Programme

(i) Work-shed Scheme for Khadi artisans and (ii) Schemes for Enhancing Productivity and Competitiveness of Khadi Artisans and Industry have also been started and the implementation is in full swing. 434 artisans in Assam and 14 artisans in Meghalaya have been sanctioned Work-shed scheme. Already 434 Work-sheds have been constructed in Assam and 14 work-sheds in Meghalaya. Total fund involvement of KVIC is to the tune of Rs. 112.00 Lakhs. During 2009-10, 298 sheds have been sanctioned with fund involvement of Rs. 74.50 lakhs.

Under the Scheme for Enhancing Productivity and Competitiveness of Khadi Programme, four directly aided institutions of Assam have been sanctioned funds to the tune of Rs. 144.53 lakhs by KVIC, out of which Rs. 75.80 lakhs have already been released.

Product Development Design Intervention And Packaging

To bring improvement in quality and to produce marketable products including improvement in Design element and Product Packaging, KVIC is financing KVI units under PRODIP Scheme. Under this scheme five projects under Khadi and nine projects under Village Industries have been financed during 2009-10.

In order to open better marketing avenue for the KVI products of North East Region and also for good exposure to the artisans of the area, it has been decided to open a “Khadi Plaza” at Guwahati in Assam besides a “Khadi Haat” already sanctioned for Dimapur in Nagaland.

Every year Exhibitions are organized in the North East Zone. For 2009-10 KVIC has sanctioned two ‘Uttarpurva Khadi Gramodyog Darshan/Mela’ which will be organized outside the Zone, one is being organized in New Delhi and the other one will be organized during 2010-11 at Kolkata. In addition to this KVI Units of North East Zone have participated successfully in IITF – 2009 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

KVIC has extended Grant support for units of the Zone for participating in Domestic Exhibition outside the region in the form of to & fro traveling expenses by 2nd Class Sleeper of railway for two persons of each institution/unit. Transportation charges for actual cost of transportation of goods restricted to 500 kg of Railway freight, Food allowance @ Rs. 150/- per person per day. Similarly, Grant support has also been extended for institutions/units to participate in other exhibitions within the region. KVIC is also extending Grant support for institutions/units of other than North East Zone to participate in exhibitions in the North East Zone. KVIC is also initiating steps for export of KVI products. Exportable products are under process of identification and potential institutions units have already enrolled as Members of the KVIC– Export Promotion Council.

One directly aided institution of Assam is already in the advanced stage for obtaining ISO 9001-2001 certificate.

Central Sliver Plant At Guwahati

The process of setting up a Central Sliver Plant at Guwahati, in technical collaboration with the IIT, Guwahati to meet the raw materials needs (Endi, Muga and Silk Sliver) of Khadi institutions in the Zone is in the offing. Uttar Purbanchal Khadi Gramodyog Maha Sangha has agreed to provide land as well as its 10% contribution for setting up of the Project. IIT, Guwahati has already prepared a Detailed Project Report which is in the process of getting sanction from the Commission.

Human Resource Development

HRD is one of the thrust areas receiving special attention as far as this Region is concerned. There are five Multi Disciplinary Training Centres working here, a noteworthy achievement was made in this regard during 2008-09, altogether 14,604 candidates were trained. As per available report more than 10,000 candidates have been trained so far during 2009-10.

State Level Artisans Welfare fund Trust (AWFT)

The artisans working under Khadi program with the institutions are the stake-holders of the Trust. There is a provision in the costing system of Khadi for creation of this fund in the name of the artisans working with the institutions. The names of the institutions are registered with the Trust and the funds are deposited in a Bank Account. As on March 25, 2010, 31 institutions have been registered with the Trust and an amount of Rs. 9.19 lakhs was credited.

Janshree Bima Yojana

This is also a welfare scheme for Khadi artisans for covering both accidental and natural death, disability due to accident of the artisans with add on facility of scholarship to the children of artisans, studying in Class VII to XII.

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programe

With the termination of Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP), a new scheme i.e. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) was launched during 2008-09. As against achievement of 1380 projects during 2008-09, sanctions made by the Banks during 2009-10 (upto 26-03-2010) stood at 2836 number of projects.

Rural Industries Service Centre

The scheme is based on the concept of the development of artisans’ clusters, facilitating establishment of Common Facility Centre (CFC) and other infrastructural support for their skill upgradation, quality improvement, better packaging and increased marketing avenues for the KVI Products. Under this scheme, 15 percent additional subsidy on project cost is provided to NE Region as compared to 75 percent for the rest of the country. During 2009-10, seven projects were sanctioned out of which five projects have already been financed upto February 2010. Two projects sanctioned in favour of Arunachal Pradesh are in the process of implementation. Further, during 2009-10 KVIC sanctioned five RISC– PRODIP awareness camps out of which four camps have been organized. Manipur could not conduct the camp due to critical law and order situation prevailing in the State.

Various KVI schemes/programme being implemented by the KVIC and the benefits/ facilities available to the people of North East Region in particular, are published in Print media and are broadcasted on AIR/ Television also. . Wide publicity of Schemes like PMEGP, PRODIP, RISC etc. is done through leaflets, posters, hoardings, festoons etc. during exhibitions. In addition, Peoples Education Programmes (PEP) are also arranged. During 2009-10 KVIC has released an amount of Rs. 23.85 lakhs for this Zone.

KVIC has released fund to the tune of Rs. 40.00 lakh during 2009-10 for providing Internet facility to all to ensure better communication linkages.

New Delhi. The Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Ambika Soni presented the Bhartendu Harishchandra Awards the winners here today. The annual awards were presented to authors for their original writings in Hindi on journalism & mass communication, national integration, children’s literature and women’s issues. In her remarks Smt. Soni said that this is an endeavour to make Hindi language more popular with the masses. She said that the cash amount given as prize money is rather low from the present day perspective and the Ministry will soon take a decision for its upward revision. She felt that more entries should be there in the women and children categories.

Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting carries out this annual awards scheme. Addl. Director General of Publications Division, Smt. Veena Jain delivered the welcome address. In her remarks she said that the Division earned revenue of over Rs. 70 crore in 2008-09. The Department has also taken up the huge task of bringing out the reprint of the ‘Collected Works of Mahatama Gandhi’, she added.

The details of Bhartendu Awards presented in various categories for 2007 are as follows:

Journalism & Mass Communication

1st Prize : Shri Navneet Mishra : Vani Akashvani (manuscript)

2nd Prize : Shri Prakash Purohit : Rajasthan Mein Swatantrata Sangram-kaleen Patrakarita

3rd Prize :  Shri Nand Bhardwaj :Sanskriti: Jansanchar Aur Bazar

1st Prize : Dr. Sandhya Gupta : Rashtriya Ekta mein Kaviyon ka Yogdaan

1st Prize : Dr. Chhavi Srivastava : Soochna Ka Adhikar aur Mahila Sashaktikaran

2nd Prize : Ms. Saroj Parmar : Mahilayen Aur Manavadhikar (manuscript)

1st Prize : Ms. Ranjana Agrawal : (Jointly) Vigyan Mein Tak-Jhank (manuscript)

1st Prize : Shri Sooryanath Singh (Jointly) : Barf Ke Adami

2nd Prize : Ms. Bano Sartaj : 41 Bal Kahaniyan

Bhartendu Awards given in different categories for 2008 are as under:

Journalism & Mass Communication

1st Prize : Shri Devendra Upadhyay : Bhartiya Sansad aur Media

2nd Prize : Shri Vashishtha Narayan Singh : Kashi ki Hindi Patrakatita Ka Itihas (1845-2008)

3rd Prize : Dr. Kamal Kishore Goenka : Gandhi: Patrakarita ke Pratiman

2nd Prize : Dr. Anju Dua Jaimini : Morche Par Stree

1st Prize : Ms. Pragya : Tara Ki Alwar yatra (manuscript)

2nd Prize : Mohd. Sajid Khan : Rahmat Chacha Ka Ghoda

Five commendation prizes for each year were also given.

In the journalism and mass communication category the first prize carries Rs. 35,000 cash while Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 20,000 are given for the second and third prize winners respectively. For books on women's issues, national integration and children's literature Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 are given to the first and the second prize winners respectively.

Bhartendu Harishchandra was a patriot, prolific writer and a great social reformer. He dedicated his life to the development of Hindi literature. Named after the father of Hindi journalism, Bhartendu Harishchandra Awards are given by the government since 1983 to encourage original book writing in Hindi on subjects related to journalism and mass communication. Later, in 1992-93 three more categories, namely- national integration, women's problems and children's literatures, were also included for the awards.

Publications Division is among the largest public sector publishing houses in the country with over 8000 titles in Hindi, English and other major languages of the country. With a mandate to publish books on matters of national importance at affordable prices, the Division publishes books in thirteen major regional languages of the country, monthly magazines Yojana– in 13 languages simultaneously, Kurukshetra in Hindi and English, literary magazine Ajkal in Hindi and Urdu and children’s magazine Bal Bharati in Hindi are published also by the Division. It also publishes the popular weekly career journals Employment News in English, Hindi and Urdu.

New Delhi. The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the loss of lives in the bomb blasts in Moscow and has expressed India’s solidarity with Russia in combating violence and terrorism. In a letter to President Medvedev, the Prime Minister said the blasts were a most tragic and horrific act of violence.

He said-“It is with great anguish that I have learnt of the bomb blasts in Moscow, which have led to the loss of so many innocent lives. This is a most tragic and horrific act of violence. At this difficult hour our thoughts are with you, the people of Russia and the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy. On behalf of the Government and people of India, I convey our deepest condolences. I wish to assure you that India stands united with Russia in combating the forces of violence and terrorism.”

New Delhi. Trans fats are bad for the heart said Dr K K Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India. Though small amounts of Trans fat occur naturally, most trans fat is artificially produced when vegetable oil is partially hydrogenated. Partial hydrogenation results in fats that are easier to cook with and spoil less easily than naturally occurring oils. They make the food tastier and increases its shelf life.

Trans fat promotes heart disease by elevating LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, in blood. They go further by lowering one’s HDL—the good cholesterol that actually helps prevent heart disease.

Consumption of saturated fats raises the LDL cholesterol concentration, but does not lower HDL. Thus, while saturated fats adversely affect the lipid profile, they may not be as harmful as trans fatty acids.

Trans fatty acids may also interfere with the desaturation and elongation of n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. These are important for the prevention of heart disease and complications of pregnancy.

In an analysis from the Nurses' Health Study, for each increase of 2 percent of energy from trans fat, the relative risk for incident coronary heart disease was 1.93. There are no known physiologic benefits related to the consumption of trans fatty acids; thus, reduction in their intake makes sense.

Trans fatty acids are a major component of many commercial baked goods, such as cookies and cakes, and most deep-fried foods. As per American Heart Association one should consume no more than 2 grams of trans fat per day, which is about as much as someone would get from naturally occurring trans fat.

The US regulation allows trans fat levels of less than 0.5 grams per serving to be labeled as 0 grams per serving. The best diet is characterized by low amounts of both saturated and trans fatty acids.

New Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit today expressed her confidence about grand success of the Commonwealth Games 2010. She further stated that there has been a perfect coordination between different agencies involved in making preparations for the Games as their assignments were clearly defined and there was no overlapping at all. She added that there will be no opportunity to pick the holes after Commonwealth Games. She was speaking in a panel discussion in three-day Seminar titled “Delhi 2010; The Games and the Commonwealth” at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Union Minister for Urban Development Shri Jaipal Reddy, Chairman (CWG Organizing Committee) Shri Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman Indian Olympic Association Shri Randhir Singh, Shri Jagdish Sharma and others also joined discussions. They also took questions from the audience.

Smt. Dikshit stated that the hosting of 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi has provided an excellent opportunity to simultaneously undertake a number of infrastructural projects which will definitely become an integral part of city’s legacy. We are going to substantially achieve, as far as infrastructure development is concerned, immediately after the Games what we could have achieved in a decade or so. An express Metro route from the city to airport, expansion of Metro, flyovers, etc. have been made functional simultaneously keeping in view the ensuing Commonwealth Games. Apart from this the city government has decided to ensure the Commonwealth Games as first ever green Games in the world. The entire infrastructure is being developed on the concept of green building. The CW Games in Delhi will be first ever green Games in the world. We are on show as a country and we will do all we can to stage a world-class event. The Commonwealth Games 2010 will place Delhi in the list of leading global sports venues capable of organizing mega events of this scale like Olympic Games. The Games has also paved the way of making Delhi a power-surplus state. She stated that we are taking people along with us as it is a great pride for people of Delhi and the country to host such an international event. She expressed hope that all infrastructures will be ready by June or early July 2010. With successful completion of trial Boxing, Hockey, Shooting events it has been established that our infrastructure is up to the mark. She further stated that the Games will prove to be a bonanza for Delhi. She exhorted people to render their constructive cooperation in making the Games a memorable and historical event.

New Delhi. India and Finland have signed an Agreement on Economic Cooperation at Helsinki on 26th March, 2010. The Agreement was signed By Mr Anand Sharma, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry from the Indian side and by Dr Paavo Vayrnen, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development from the Finnish side. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sharma said that the new Agreement will raise the level of Economic and Trade Cooperation between the two countries to a new and higher level. The Agreement seeks to replace an earlier Agreement which was signed way back in 1967 under the GATT regime. He said that the world has moved far ahead now and both the countries offer vast areas of opportunity which can be suitably tapped keeping in view the complimentarity of our sectors. The highly organized high-end technology sectors of Finland can develop synergy with the highly skilled and educated work force of India.

The Agreement seeks to deepen the engagement between the two countries through exchanges of investors, information and experts and also by developing opportunities for the two countries by exploring joint economic possibilities in third countries. A Joint Commission consisting of experts will be set up under this Agreement to identify new business possibilities and also to identify and remove hurdles which could hamper mutual economic cooperation between the two countries. The two sides also decided to set up three Joint Working Groups in the areas of Innovation, Clean Technology and waste management and skill Development and Training.

The Indian Commerce and Industry Minister has been accompanied by a high level business delegation under the leadership of shri Rajan Bharti Mittal, President of FICCI and included some of the leading industrialists of India. Earlier the two Ministers also chaired a business roundtable on 25th March 2010. Business leaders present from both sides exuded keenness to collaborate in high technology sectors. Shri Sharma observed that areas of infrastructure, clean energy, bio-pharmaceuticals, medical electronics, health and skill development offer enormous potential and stated that the Indian MSME sector and Finnish small industries should use each other’s strengths to make India a manufacturing hub for tech-rich industries and invited the Finnish industry to Invest in Institutes of Excellence and skill imparting centres in India. This was an area that India would be keen to commence work on immediately, he said. During the two day visit shri Sharma also held bilateral talks with Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs and employment Mr. Mauri Pekkarinen, and Dr Paavo Vayrynen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development on areas of strategic and economic importance for the two countries.

New Delhi. Consuming more than six eggs a week seems to raise the risk of dying from all causes and diabetics seem to face an even higher mortality risk, said Dr K K Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India..

Diabetics might somehow convert dietary cholesterol more readily into blood cholesterol than people without diabetes. As per a Harvard study published in the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Dr. Luc Djousse the more eggs diabetic men consumed, the more they increased their risk for death.

They studied more than 21,000 men ranging 40-86 years for twenty years who had participated in a Physician's Health Study. Consumption of up to six eggs a week wasn't found to be associated with a higher risk of death from all causes. But eating seven or more eggs a week among healthy study participants was linked to a 23 percent higher risk of death.

The mortality risk was much higher among doctors with diabetes. Consuming seven or more eggs a week doubled their risk of death from all causes, compared with diabetic doctors who ate just one egg each week.

A single egg contains about 200 milligrams of cholesterol. Daily limit advocated is 100 mg. American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association say watch your egg consumption, and try not to consume more than two yolks per week.

Eating 7 or more eggs/wk leads to 23% higher risk of death. Amongst diabetics it doubles the risk of death from all causes.

New Delhi. The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, which is being celebrated tomorrow has said: - “On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all the people. May Lord Mahavir’s noble teachings inspire us to work for peace and harmony for the welfare of humanity”.

The Vice President Shri M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. In his message he has said that through his divine life and teachings, Bhagwan Mahavir showed mankind the path of right conduct, non-violence, peace and universal love. His teachings have a timeless relevance and inspires hope amidst despair, acting as a beacon in our life. He said-“On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I extend my best wishes to the people of our country. Through his divine life and teachings, Bhagwan Mahavir showed mankind the path of right conduct, non-violence, peace and universal love. His teachings have a timeless relevance and inspires hope amidst despair, acting as a beacon in our life. Let us rededicate ourselves to the enlightened teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir for the welfare of humanity.”

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh has greeted the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. In his message, the Prime Minister said that Lord Mahavir’s life and teachings inspire us to be compassionate and simple. They show us the path to a life of happiness and contentment. “Lord Mahavir’s profound message remains a beacon of hope in today’s world.” he said.

Recently, many of us must have read in newspapers or magazines about National Population Register (NPR). But what is NPR? What is its purpose? And above all how is it going to benefit the common man?

To know about National Population Register, it becomes essential to know something about Census. The first census in India was held in 1872. Since 1881, population censuses have been held every ten years without any interruption. Census is an administrative exercise carried out by the Government of India. It involves the collection of information about the entire population with regard to many factors like demography, socio-cultural and economic characteristics.

The 2011 Census of India will be the 15th census and seventh after Independence. A milestone in the 2011 Census is the preparation of the NPR. The census will be carried out in two phases. The first phase spans from April to September 2010 with houselisting, house census and collection of data on NPR. This phase also involves the canvassing of NPR schedule which will be digitized in two languages – English and the official language of every State/Union Territory. The first phase will commence on April 1, 2010 in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Goa and Meghalaya and the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The second phase includes the population enumeration stage.

The creation of NPR of usual residents of the country is an ambitious project. It involves the collection of specific information on each person residing in the country. It would cover an estimated population of 1.2 billion and the total cost of the scheme is Rs.3539.24 crores. This is for the first time that NPR is being prepared. The database will be built by the Registrar of India. At this juncture, it becomes important to stress that census and NPR are different, even though the basic idea behind both the exercises is collection of information.

Census is the biggest source of data on demography, literacy and education, housing and household amenities, economic activity, urbanization, fertility, mortality, language, religion and migration. It serves as primary data for planning and the implementation of policies of the Central and State Governments. Also, it is utilized for the purpose of reservation of constituencies for Parliamentary, Assembly and local body elections.

NPR on the other hand, involves the creation of a comprehensive identity database for the country. This would facilitate planning, better targeting of government schemes/programmes and also strengthen the security of the country. Another aspect that differentiates NPR from census is that it is a continuous process. In census, the duty of concerned officers is for a limited period and their services are dispensed with after the work is over, while in the case of the NPR, the role of concerned officers and that of subordinate officers like the Tehsildar and Village Officers is of continuing nature and permanent.

NPR will include the items of information such as the name of the person, father’s name, mother’s name, spouse’s name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, current marital status, education, nationality as declared, occupation, present address of usual resident and permanent residential address. The database will also contain photograph and finger biometry of persons above the age of 15 years. The draft Local Register of Usual Residents (LRUR) would be displayed in the villages in rural areas and wards in urban areas for inviting objections like spellings in names, address, date of birth etc. and also regarding residency status of any person enumerated. The draft LRUR will also be placed before the Gram Sabha or local bodies for authentication of usual residents.

Once the database is finalised, the next task would be assigning every individual a Unique Identification Number (UID) by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Later this UID number will be added to the NPR database. It is proposed to issue identity card, which will be a smart card with UID number printed on it and include basic details like name, mother’s/father’s name, sex, date and place of birth, photograph. Complete details will be stored in the chip.

The implementation of NPR in the entire country would be based on the light of the experience gained from the pilot project, the coastal NPR project. The pilot project was carried out in selected border areas of the country. The coastal NPR project is being carried out in more than 3300 villages in 9 states and 4 Union territories. The decision to implement coastal NPR project was taken by keeping in view the enhancement of coastal security.

How NPR would benefit people?

In India, there are several databases like election card, driving license, passports, PAN cards, but all these have limited reach. There is no standard database covering the entire population. NPR would provide a standard identity database and facilitate the allotment of Unique Identification (UID) Number to each individual, something like a permanent identifier - right from birth to death of the individual.

The significance of NPR lies in the fact that there is an increasing need for a credible identification system for the country as a whole. It becomes all the more important because of various factors such as the need to reach out to people in every nook and corner of the country, to keep a check on illegal migration and also with regard to the issue of internal security.

The coming in of a unique identification number would benefit the common man in many ways. It will strike off the need for producing multiple documentary proofs of identity by an individual for availing government or private services like opening of a bank account. It will help in the easy verification of an individual. The creation of an identity database would help enhance the targeting of various beneficiary oriented schemes of the Government and non governmental agencies. NPR would also serve the requirement of sprucing up tax collection.

India has already set the process rolling to create the largest database in the world, with the promise of a unique biometric card to an estimated population of 1.2 billion. Thus the path towards providing a unique identity has been set out. The enormity of the exercise is such that it requires the undaunted support and cooperation of people in making the project a success that would be beneficial to every resident in the country.

New Delhi. The annual Bhartendu Harishchandra awards for the year 2007 and 2008 have been announced. Well known broadcaster Shri Navneet Mishra gets the first prize for his book Vani Akashvani (manuscript) in ‘Journalism & Mass Communication’ category for the year 2007. In this category senior Hindi journalist Shri Devendra Upadhyay receives the first prize for the year 2008. He was awarded for his book Bharatiya Sansad Aur Media.

Journalism & Mass Communication Shri Navneet Mishra Vani Akashvani

(manuscript) 1st Prize

Shri Prakash Purohit Rajasthan Mein Swatantrata Sangram-kaleen Patrakarita 2nd Prize

Shri Nand Bhardwaj Sanskriti: Jansanchar Aur Bazar 3rd Prize

National Integration Dr. Sandhya Gupta Rashtriya Ekta mein Kaviyon ka Yogdaan 1st Prize

Women’s Issues Dr. Chhavi Srivastava Soochna Ka Adhikar aur Mahila Sashaktikaran 1st Prize

Ms. Saroj Parmar Mahilayen Aur Manavadhikar

(manuscript) 2nd Prize

Children’s Literature Ms. Ranjana Agrawal

(Jointly) Vigyan Mein Tak-Jhank (manuscript) 1st Prize

Shri Sooryanath Singh

(Jointly) Barf Ke Adami 1st Prize

Ms. Bano Sartaj 41 Bal Kahaniyan 2nd Prize

Journalism & Mass Communication Shri Devendra Upadhyay Bhartiya Sansad aur Media 1st Prize

Shri Vashishtha Narayan Singh Kashi ki Hindi Patrakatita Ka Itihas (1845-2008) 2nd Prize

Dr. Kamal Kishore Goenka Gandhi: Patrakarita ke Pratiman 3rd Prize

Women’s Issues Dr. Anju Dua Jaimini Morche Par Stree 2nd Prize

Children’s Literature Ms. Pragya Tara Ki Alwar yatra

(manuscript) 1st Prize

Mohd. Sajid Khan Rahmat Chacha Ka Ghoda 2nd Prize

For the year 2008, no entry was found to be fit for any award in National Integration category. In Journalism & mass Communication category, five commendation prizes for each year were also announced.

In the Journalism and Mass Communication category, the first prize carries Rs. 35,000 cash while Rs.25,000 and Rs.20,000 are given for the second and third prize winners respectively. For books on women's issues, national integration and children's literature Rs.15,000 and Rs.10,000 are given to the first and the second prize winners respectively.

Bhartendu Harishchandra was a patriot, prolific writer and a great social reformer. He dedicated his life to the development of Hindi literature. These Awards are given by the government since 1983 to encourage original book writing in Hindi on subjects related to journalism and mass communication. Later, in 1992-93 three more categories, namely- national integration, women's problems and children's literatures, were also included for the awards. Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting carries out this annual awards scheme.

The Minister for Information & Broadcasting Smt. Ambika Soni will be presenting the awards to the winners on March 29, 2010 here at a function.

New Delhi. Pregnant women should wear seat belts, not only to save themselves in the event of a car accident but also to save their unborn baby.

Quoting a Texas study from American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India said that over half of all fetal losses in motor–vehicle crashes –– could be saved if pregnant women buckled up properly.

Even if a fetus survives, premature delivery as a result of the crash can lead to low birth weight, respiratory problems and long–term physical or neurological problems. As per the researchers at the University of Michigan the survival of the fetus was most strongly associated with the severity of the crash and how badly the mother is injured. Fetuses are 4.5 times more likely to survive if the mother is wearing the proper seat belt.

Regular use of seat belts by pregnant women will prevent 84 percent of fetal injuries and deaths as a result of car accidents. Women in car crashes where the fetus is injured or dies are unbelted 62 percent of the time. 9 percent of pregnant women who properly wore a three–point belt, with or without air bag deployment, had ‘acceptable’ fetal outcomes in less severe crashes.

Air bags do not seem to adversely affect fetal outcomes.

For pregnant women, the lap–belt portion needs to be worn low over the pelvis so if there is a crash, basically, the bony pelvis is what the seat belt is restraining rather than (having the force) transmitted to the uterus or the abdomen. The shoulder belt should simply come up from the side, go between the woman's breasts, and over the shoulder

New Delhi. Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, in his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Mr. Steven Vanackere, here on Tuesday, said that higher investments are required in the industrial sector in order to generate more employment and livelihoods so that the poor can be part of India’s growth process. He emphasized that it is important that the investment relationship between India and Belgium enters diversified sectors. “We need to do more in different sectors like transport equipment, machine fabrication and high technology sectors in which Belgium has strength. India is slated to invest around 1.5 trillion US dollars in the coming 5 to 6 years in the infrastructure sector and we expect Belgium businesses to participate in this effort”, Shri Sharma added.

Shri Sharma highlighted agro processing as very important sector for India and said that after infrastructure, this is the sector with significant multiplier effects as 60% of India’s population depends on agriculture. He said that while India is the world’s no.1 producer of milk and the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables, the processing infrastructure is not adequate to cope with this level of production. “Post harvest losses are as high as 30% to 40%. Belgian companies having expertise in this area should look at investing in post harvest infrastructure for agro processing”, Shri Sharma said.

During the interaction, the visiting Minister informed that this was perhaps the most successful business interaction between Indian and Belgium businesses. In the infrastructure area, he highlighted ports as an area in which Belgian companies are interested.

High growth is no doubt good for the development of the economy but in a country like India where sizeable percentage of the population is poor and in rural areas, growth is meaningless if it does not percolate downwards.

Growth has to be inclusive, which has rightly become the mantra of the Government led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. India lives in its over six lakh villages. If the fruits of development and growth do not become visible and touch the people in rural areas, the very purpose of economic progress is defeated.

Reforms have to push up growth which in turn has to travel beyond major cities in the country. Conscious of this fundamental philosophy, the Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has taken a slew of measures in the 2010-11 budget to give a push to inclusive development. These measures are crucial to channelise growth which is expected to clock 8-8.5% in 2010-11

For the Government, inclusive development is an act of faith, Shri Mukherjee said in his Budget presentation. After making right to work a reality through National Rural Employment Guarantee Act which provides for 100 days work to at least one member of each and every poor family, the Government has followed up with right to education through a legislation in 2009-10.

As a next step, the Finance Minister said in his Budget speech “we are now ready with the draft Food Security Bill. The bill which has recently been approved by Empowered Group of Ministers will soon go before Cabinet for approval. The bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament when it meets again after recess in mid-April, the second phase of the Budget session.

As part of the Food Security, the Government proposes to give 25 Kg of food grains per month to each and every family identified as below poverty line, in all the states of the country at Rs 3 per Kg.

To fulfill these commitments, Shri Mukherjee said the spending on social sector has been gradually increased to Rs 1,37,674 crore, which was 37 per cent of the total plan outlay of Rs 3,73,000 crore in 2010-11. The plan outlay itself has been stepped up by Rs 48,000 crore from Rs 3,25,000 crore in 2009-10, an increase of nearly 15%.

According to an estimate, there are 37.2% of the population below poverty. But the below poverty people in rural India is 41.8% as against 25.7% in urban India. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which has completed four years, has now been extended to all districts covering 4.5 crore poor households. The allocation for the scheme has been stepped up to Rs 41,000 crore in 2010-11.

Under the scheme wages for 100 days work to create permanent assets like roads is paid to the persons employed. To ensure the money is transferred to the employed persons besides providing insurance cover, there is also a need to ensure that banking services reach the ‘aam aadmi’.

Shri Mukherjee announced in the Budget that it has been decided to provide appropriate banking facilities by March 2012 to habitations having in excess of 2000. Reserve Bank under its outreach programme has already started working overtime to move towards what comes to be known as financial inclusion of poor and rural people. “It is also proposed to extend insurance and other services to the targeted beneficiaries. These services will be provided using the Business Correspondent and other models with appropriate technology back up. By this arrangement, it is proposed to cover 60,000 habitations,” the Finance Minister said in his Budget speech.

Financial inclusion fund and financial inclusion technology fund to reach banking service to unbanked areas was set up in 2007-08. The Minister provided additional Rs 100 crore each to these funds in the budget to give momentum to financial inclusion.

Apart from taking care of the poor through the NREGA programme and financial inclusion, the Government had to step up development activities in rural areas. In line with the Government’s stated position to give top priority to rural infrastructure, the Finance Minister provided Rs 66,100 crore for rural development. If internal and extra budgetary support of Rs 10,000 crore is taken into account, the allocation for rural development works out to Rs 76,100 crore for 2010-11. Rural development gets 46% of the outlay for infrastructure development in the budget.

The projects to be taken up included integrated wastelands development programme, drought prone areas programme and desert development programme. The schemes will include Provision for Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA).

PURA aims to meet gaps in physical and social infrastructure in identified rural clusters to further growth potential. This would also help in stemming migration from rural to urban areas.There are allocations for rural transport, irrigation programmes and other infrastructure facilities.

The Minister also raised unit cost to Rs 48,500 from Rs 45,000 under rural housing scheme for weaker sections named Indira Awas Yojana. The allocation under the scheme has been increased to Rs 10,000 in 2010-11.

As part of the strategy to bridge the infrastructure gap in backward districts, the allocation for backward region grant fund has been increased by 26% to Rs 7,300 crore in 2010-11 from Rs 5,800 crore in 2009-10.

Allocation to micro, small and medium enterprises, located mostly in rural and semi-urban areas, has been stepped up to Rs 2,400 crore n 2010-11. An ADB loan of $ 150 million for comprehensive Khadi reform programme is to be spent for revamping 300 selected khadi institutions located mostly in rural areas.

Outlay for social security schemes in unorganised sector and skill development have also been stepped up. The fact that the Finance Minister had to do a tight-rope-walk in the Budget to balance fiscal consolidation efforts and increased allocations to rural programmes, he has done well to give a push to rural development by finding the necessary resources.

With the Government’s determination to bring down fiscal deficit to 5.5% of GDP in 2010-11 from 6.7% of GDP in 2009-10, the Minister’s hands were tied to substantially step up expenditure. Yet Shri Mukherjee has done well considering he had constraints on revenue mobilisation efforts as he only partially rolled back the tax sops given in the last two years to mitigate the ill effects of global recession on growth.

New Delhi. The Government has chalked out a multi-prong strategy to maximize rice production in the country during the forthcoming Kharif season. Decision to this effect was taken at the recently held Kharif Conference in New Delhi. The main planks of the strategy are expansion of areas under rice, enhancing the yield through adoption of short duration /location specific varieties /hybrids and increasing irrigation coverage in the eastern region. The strategies recommended for increasing the productivity of rice in different States are as under:

New Delhi. Thursday. More than half of normal-weight persons may have a high percentage of body fat making them susceptible to heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Men whose body fat is greater than 20 percent and women whose body fat is greater than 30 percent are suffering from "normal weight obesity, even though their weight may be normal for their size, said Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India.

The prevalence of people with a high amount of body fat despite a normal weight is relatively high. Many of these people have metabolic abnormalities. Even normal-weight people should be advised to exercise and eat a healthy diet to reduce their level of fat, especially belly fat. A study by DR Lopez-Jimenez and presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting, in Chicago, out of 2,127 people who participated in the U.S. government's Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 61 percent of the participants had levels of body fat that indicated "normal weight obesity.

It was associated with high cholesterol; high levels of leptin, a hormone found in fat and other tissues that's involved in appetite regulation; and high rates of metabolic syndrome. Even a small amount of extra fat increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease. Excess body fat in the belly is a menace, whatever your weight.

New Delhi. The environment friendly Bharat Stage-IV (Euro-IV) auto fuels namely petrol and diesel were launched in Delhi today. This, together with CNG which mandatory for public transport, makes Delhi having supply of the cleanest auto fuels in the world. To mark the occasion, Shri Murli Deora, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Smt. Sheila Dikshit , Chief Minister of Delhi and Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas flagged-off the truck tank –lorries of IOC, HPC and BPC from Bijwasan Oil Terminal in Delhi, were through video-conferencing arranged at the SCOPE Auditorium near CGO Complex in Delhi. Among other dignitaries Petroleum Secretary Shri S Sundareshan, CMD IOC and senior officers of Petroleum Ministry and Oil PSUs and oil industry representatives were also present. Speaking on the occasion Shri Deora informed that arrangements have been made to ensure availability of Petrol and Diesel conforming to Bharat Stage-IV norms from 1st April, 2010 in all the 13 cities specified in the road map, namely, 4 Metro cities, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Surat, Ahmedabad, Pune and Sholapur.

Shri Deora also said that the launch of new and upgraded fuels will enable the citizens of Delhi and the NCR to use environment friendly transportation fuels of international standards. He recalled that 10 years back Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in association with Delhi Govt., started an ambitious programme to supply CNG for all Public Transport vehicles along with PNG for domestic use. Delhi was one of the world’s 10 most polluted cities, with vehicles contributing about 65 per cent of the polluting emissions. Shri Deora pointed out that today, Delhi has now transformed itself into a show piece with improved and safe air quality and its entire public transport fleet converted to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at a scale unparalleled anywhere else. “IGL provides CNG to nearly 3,50,000 vehicles, including about 2 lakh private vehicles. This effort by IGL has significantly contributed in reducing pollution in Delhi. The launch of BS-IV fuels will further strengthen the State Government’s efforts for a cleaner and greener city,” he added.

He also complimented Public Sector oil marketing companies – Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation – for their sincere and dedicated efforts in actualising the road map for green fuels drawn up as part of the National Auto Fuel Policy, in spite of several constraints. Runaway growth in consumption of Petrol and Diesel in the recent past, and constraints, both economic and physical, in executing fuel quality upgradation projects at the refineries added to the problems of the oil companies. The Minister further informed that while most refineries have completed and commissioned the fuel quality upgradation projects for both BS-IV and BS-III Petrol and Diesel, the remaining ones are in the final stages of completion.

Informing about the under recoveries incurred by the Oil Marketing Companies Shri Deora said that as on date, the under-recovery on sale of petrol is Rs.6/litre, on diesel Rs. 4/litre, and LPG is Rs. 267/cylinder and SKO is Rs. 17/litre and would be about Rs.45,000 crore during the year 2009-10. He added that the Government have kept these prices under check to help the ‘Aam Adami’ despite high volatility of the crude oil prices in international market. The greatest challenge for the oil sector is to ensure that the petroleum refining, transport & distribution and marketing infrastructure grows in line with the rising demand in the country and that the quality of products and services improve in line with customer aspirations.

Smt Dixit complemented Shri Deora, Shri Jitin Prasada and the oil industry for this important initiative towards improving the ambient air in Delhi. This she said will help Delhi to be amongst the best cities of the world. Delhi CM thanked them on behalf all its citizens as the better air quality is important for better health of the people. This mile stone is also significant in the contex t of the Common Wealth Games to held here later this year, she added

Shri Jitin Prasada elaborated various measures being taken by his Ministry for providing quality services like, Toll-free complaint number and SMS booking for LPG. The Plan to roll-out PNG in over 200 cities in near future will help make available LPG cylinders for the rural house-wives, thus help them in making their Kitchens smoke-free. He also informed that the oil companies invested over Rs 30,000 crore to upgrade refineries so that environment friendly fuels in terms of the Auto-Fuel Policy are supplied.

Petroleum Secretary also complemented the oil PSUs in upgrading their refineries to produce these higher-grade fuels. He pointed out that the under-recoveries on sale of the products puts a strain on these companies. Besides the under-recoveries estimated for the current fiscal at Rs 45,000 crore, the same would be about Rs 70, 000 crore in next fiscal at current prices. The Euro- IV grade petrol and Diesel would result in additional under-recoveries of Rs 0.41/litre on Petrol and Rs 0.26/ Litre on Diesel.

New Delhi. The procession of Shri Ram Navami was arranged with great zeal under the guidance of Indraprastha Vishva Hindu Parishad by Hindu Parva Samanvaya Samitee and other religious, cultural, social & educational institutions of Delhi. More then 201 Jhankis & Bhajan Mandalis were decorated by devotees. Jhanki of Bhagwan Shri Ram showing crushing the demons was worth seen. Office bearers of the different institutions were seen with saffron turban (Bhagva shafa) in an open jeep preceeded by the Shri Hanuman Dhwaja (flag) and followed by well decorated 21 horses and 51 odd bikes with band parties playing Sri Ram Dhun, singing and dancing.

Delhi Mayor Shri Kanvar Sen, International Vice President – VHP shri Om Prakash Singhal, chairman of the Hindu Parwa Samanwaya Samitee Swami Raghwanand ji & chairman Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha shri Manohar Lal Kumar ignited Lamps to inaugurate the procession. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kanvar Sen said that Bharat is a spiritual country. The hole life of lord shri Ram devoted to mankind. It is very unfortunate that the construction Ram Temple in Ayodhya is being questioned in the land where everybody worships lord Ram. The teachings of Ramayana are not for any particular cast, creed or religion but for the humanity of the universe. He declared with confidence that the Ram Mandir will soon be constructed in Ayodhya, the pious birth land of shri Ram, destroying all barriers.

The President of Indraprastha Vishwa Hindu Parishad Shri Swadesh Pal Gupta, General secretary shri Satyendra Mohan, Media coordinator Vinod Bansal, General secretary of Hindu Parva Smanvay samitee shri Rajendra Prashad chairman of the Sanatan Dharma Pratinidhi Sabha shri Manohar Lal Kumar, the president of Dharmayatra Maha Sangh shri Mange Ram Garg, general secretary of Delhi unit of Sant Mahamandal Mahant shri Naval Kishore das Ji Maharaj, Kalika peethadheeshwar Mahant shri Surendra Nath Avdhoot, shri Ramkishan Das Mahatyagi of Hanuman Vatika & Co convenor of Delhi unit of Bajrang Dal shri Sailendra Jaiswal long with number of Saints, sages and representatives of various organisations have threw light on the incarnation of Bhagwan Shri Ram.

Yatra was started at 2.30 p.m. from Ram Leela Maidan and ended at Gangeshwar Dham Karol Bag. Thousands of People gathered at various places such as Asfali Road, Dariya ganj, town hall, M.M. Road etc to welcome the Yatra.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources. It came into existence on 23rd March 1950 and at present has a membership of 189 Member States and Territories. Under WMO leadership and within the framework of WMO programmes, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services contribute substantially to the protection of life and property against natural disasters, to safeguard the environment and to enhance the economic and social well-being of all sectors of society in areas such as food security, water resources and transport.

Over the years WMO has contributed a lot towards human security and well-being. The period of sixty years can be divided on the basis of its achievements-

In these years detailed specifications for national and regional climate atlases were drawn up along with the publication of technical regulations and the development of guides to achieve uniformity of meteorological practices. The International Geophysical Year (1957–1958) was a major landmark for international research collaboration on 11 disciplines in the earth sciences. WMO supported the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of growing number of new Members through an active technical assistance programme. Expansion of weather-sensitive activities and the continuous need for improved accuracy of forecasts had prompted an increase in observations at surface and upper levels of the atmosphere during this period. The advent of radio-teletypewriter, facsimile and other radio transmission stations facilitated the availability of real-time data and the preparation and dissemination of weather maps.

The World Weather Watch Programme was established with the components of Global Observing System (GOS), Global Data-processing and Forecasting System and Global Telecommunication System, due to the advances in remote-sensing, satellites, communications and computers.

By the end of 1972, there were about 8500 surface stations, 5500 merchant and ocean weather ships, and commercial aircraft and meteorological satellites all working together within the framework of the WMO system. The initiation of a global weather experiment known as the Global Atmospheric Research Programme (GARP) was a significant development. This programme implemented over the next decade led to considerable advances in weather forecasting and climate prediction. During this period, a number of newly independent States joined WMO. WMO established its own Voluntary Assistance Programme, in order to complement resources from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and provide effective and timely support.

· The catastrophic Sahelian drought of the late 1960s and early 1970s led WMO to establishment of AGRHYMET Centre in Niamey, Niger, for capacity-building and applying agro meteorology and hydrology to the mitigation of drought and desertification, with a view to promoting food security.

· The loss of more than 400, 000 lives in Bangladesh in 1970 led WMO to reinforce its Typhoon Committee, which was formed in 1968.

· In 1971, WMO established the Tropical Cyclone Project, which was later upgraded to the level of a programme.

· WMO contributed extensively to United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 which resulted in the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

· In 1977, WMO participated actively in the United Nations Conference on Desertification and developed an Action Plan on drought and desertification, which provided valuable guidance to other countries.

· The adoption of convention and protocols on the protection of the ozone layer took place in 1985 and1987 respectively.

· The First GARP Global Experiment, or FGGE, was carried out from 1978 to 1979 which contributed to defining the global atmospheric circulation and to developing more realistic mathematical models for medium and extended-range weather forecasts and for climate projections.

· Other regional experiments MONEX for the Asian monsoon and ALPEX for the Alpine region were carried out.

· Weather modification experiment was carried out in Spain which gave rise to improved understanding of processes involved.

Several of the initiatives of the previous year’s came to fruition in this decade, with numerous actions on the climate and ozone fronts, impacts and applications. The 1985 Villach Conference assessment of the role of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in climate variations provided the first universally accepted statement on the most likely magnitude of global warming and its consequences.

WMO action led to the establishment of the 1985 Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 1987 Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. As a result, science-based policy was formed for phasing out of ozone-depleting substances, with a return to normality projected over the coming 50-year period.

The recurrence of extreme weather events, such as the 1982–1983 El Niño-related disasters, and concern about the continued degradation of the environment gave rise to three major developments during the decade:

· International Conference on Water and Environment, 1992

· United Nations Conference on Environment and Development ,1992 and

· United Nations International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 1990–1999.

This period also saw the entry into force of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its 1997 Kyoto Protocol, as well as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1994 and the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1993.

It was the steady perseverance of climate scientists, supported by the activities of WMO and other partners that ultimately brought climate change to the forefront of the global agenda. The 2001 IPCC Third Assessment Report concluded: “there is now stronger evidence for a human influence on the global climate”. The 2007 Fourth Assessment Report stated that “warming of the climate system is unequivocal” and that “most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.” Three climate conferences have taken place till now in 1979, 1990 and 2009.

IMD has been the founder member of WMO. It plays an important role as a member of Regional Association-II (Asia) under WMO. The participation of IMD in various activities of WMO is:

· Regional Telecommunication Hub (RTH), New Delhi for exchange of meteorological data and information among international community.

· Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for providing Tropical Cyclone Advisory to countries of Indian Ocean

· Regional Training Institute at Pune for providing Meteorological Training to officials from South East Asia, Middle East countries and Africa.

· IMD has extended International Co operation in Meteorology with various countries e.g. Maldives, Nepal, Srilanka, USA, Russia, China and France.

Presently India Meteorological Department has taken up an extensive modernization programme with the following objectives and expected outcomes to enhance weather services in the country which will lead to more IMD prominence in WMO.

· Induction of advanced technology for observational systems e.g. Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Doppler Weather Radars (DWR), advanced satellites and upper air observations network.

· Installation of a centralized information processing system and its link with the national meteorological centers.

· Assimilation of satellite data and products into NWP models.

· Improved data dissemination and better public access.

· Induction of more objective forecasting system.

· Improvement in public weather services (PWS) and early warning system.

As an outcome of the Modernization programme there are District level forecast services, now forecasting severe weather events, Extended range (10-20 days or a month) Forecast; Increased accuracy of short, medium and long range forecasts; Multi hazard early warning; Real Time Data Availability; Quicker response time for management and Improved Spatial and Temporal Coverage.