Star News Agency
The two Ministers discussed the progress of the ongoing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiation. The Ministers instructed the negotiators to accelerate the negotiations and to solve the remaining issues toward conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement at the earliest.
Difficulties faced by the Indian exporters for footwear products and some agricultural products such as tea, coffee mangoes to
The Ministers welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for promotion of model “Smart Community” projects and expressed satisfaction at the early launch of the initiatives that aimed at integrated development of eco-friendly townships and industrial zones. The MoU was concluded by consortia of Japanese companies represented by Toshiba Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,
The Ministers welcomed the opening of JETRO’s Chennai office and shared the view that Southern India is an important area as gateway to rest of Southeast Asia and expressed hope that it would promote investment from
The Ministers recognized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation toward East Asian economic integration. In this regard, the Ministers agreed to immediately commence discussion among EAS Senior Economic Officials on such issues as rules of origin, tariff nomenclature, customs related issues and economic cooperation.
The Ministers appreciated ERIA’s research activities to deepen the integration in East Asia and in particular looked forward to ERIA’s report to ASEAN+6 Economic Ministers in Vietnam in August on Comprehensive Asia Development Plan, which would contribute to better connectivity in the region, mandated by the last East Asia Summit. The Ministers also expressed expectation of ERIA’s further contribution in providing policy recommendation for growth strategy for
The Ministers shared the view that a strong multilateral trade system was vital for underpinning the recovery and ensuring future growth in the world economy, and committed themselves to continue their cooperation to achieve an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive conclusion of the Doha Development Round as early as possible.
The Ministers recognized the important role played by the Ministerial JIPD in promoting India-Japan economic engagement as a strategic priority for both countries and looked forward to the next meeting which would be convened in
Star News Agency
New Delhi. Prices of wheat and rice have either remained steady or declined at almost all the reporting centres where prices are monitored by the Department of Consumer Affairs over the week ending 29.4.2010. Prices of sugar continued to decline at many centres while prices of other commodities generally remained steady.
According to data released by the Department of Consumer Affairs, prices of wheat remained steady at all the reporting centres except for a decrease at Patna and increase at Rajkot, whereas prices of rice generally remained steady at most of the reporting centres. Prices decreased at Delhi, Rajkot and Mumbai.
Sugar prices showed decline at Shimla, Lucknow, Raipur, Rajkot, Patna, Kolkata,Vijaywada, Thiruvanthapuram, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Dindigul.
Prices of pulses generally remained steady throughout the country. Decline was noticed in the retail prices of moong and masoor in a large number of centres.
Prices of edible oils were also generally steady across the country.
At Delhi, prices of rice, and gram dal decreased during the week while atta, wheat, urad dal, moong dal, sugar, milk, groundnut oil, mustard oil, vanaspati potato and onion remained steady. Prices of tur dal, register a slight increase.
According to data released by the Department of Consumer Affairs, prices of wheat remained steady at all the reporting centres except for a decrease at Patna and increase at Rajkot, whereas prices of rice generally remained steady at most of the reporting centres. Prices decreased at Delhi, Rajkot and Mumbai.
Sugar prices showed decline at Shimla, Lucknow, Raipur, Rajkot, Patna, Kolkata,Vijaywada, Thiruvanthapuram, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Dindigul.
Prices of pulses generally remained steady throughout the country. Decline was noticed in the retail prices of moong and masoor in a large number of centres.
Prices of edible oils were also generally steady across the country.
At Delhi, prices of rice, and gram dal decreased during the week while atta, wheat, urad dal, moong dal, sugar, milk, groundnut oil, mustard oil, vanaspati potato and onion remained steady. Prices of tur dal, register a slight increase.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. Fertilizer plants can be set up any where in the country where connectivity to the plant is available or likely to be available in future. The concession to new investment is determined on the basis of parameters prescribed in the policy for new investments in urea sector notified on 4th September 2008.
The reduction in naphtha usage in existing gas based units has reduced the subsidy cost to the Government by approximately 32%. The reduction in subsidy by shifting to natural gas has resulted in savings of subsidy bill. As regards benefits to farmers, the fertilizer subsidy is transferred to the farmers in the form of subsidized Maximum Retain Prices (MRPs) notified by the Government which are much below the normative delivered cost of these fertilizers.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
He said, some of the fertiliser companies have shifted from Naptha to Natural gas due to easy availability of natural gas from KG-D6 Reliance Industries Limited block.
The reduction in naphtha usage in existing gas based units has reduced the subsidy cost to the Government by approximately 32%. The reduction in subsidy by shifting to natural gas has resulted in savings of subsidy bill. As regards benefits to farmers, the fertilizer subsidy is transferred to the farmers in the form of subsidized Maximum Retain Prices (MRPs) notified by the Government which are much below the normative delivered cost of these fertilizers.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
He said, some of the fertiliser companies have shifted from Naptha to Natural gas due to easy availability of natural gas from KG-D6 Reliance Industries Limited block.
Star News Agency
This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has proposed National Mission on Monsoon to develop most representative and advanced dynamic model framework for India for forecasting monsoon rainfall and its variability in various space and time scales.
This was stated by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, the Minister of State (I/C) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences in the Rajya Sabha today.He said that on 16th January 2010, National level consultation meeting was organized with experts working in the atmospheric and oceanic modeling. Experts from the Ministry of Earth Sciences units, viz. India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) etc., also participated in the meeting to finalize the scope, identification/shortlisting of suite of models, activity schedule, roles of various participating groups, time frame, etc. for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) alongwith implementation mechanism.
The accomplishment of accurate medium and long range prediction of the monsoon rainfall along with associated variability (interannual and intraseasonal) is a highly challenging task scientifically. At present no dynamic model, globally, has a proven track record of accurately predicting the summer monsoon rainfall and its variability. The National Mission on Monsoon envisages developing India specific dynamical model framework that would outperform the existing suite of models available today.
The accomplishment of accurate medium and long range prediction of the monsoon rainfall along with associated variability (interannual and intraseasonal) is a highly challenging task scientifically. At present no dynamic model, globally, has a proven track record of accurately predicting the summer monsoon rainfall and its variability. The National Mission on Monsoon envisages developing India specific dynamical model framework that would outperform the existing suite of models available today.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The inflation in food commodity prices in the week ending April 17, 2010 has come down to 16.61% (year on year) so far from 17.65 % in the previous week. The 52 week average inflation in food articles stands at 15.01 % as on April 17, 2010.
As per data released by Commerce and Industry Ministry today, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for food articles on April 17, 2010 stood at 292.7 as compared to 293.3 on April 10, 2010. Food articles have 15.4% weightage in the WPI.
Calculated on week-to-week basis, the inflation in food articles in the week ending April 17, 2010 has come down by 0.20% as compared to the previous week. Among the major food commodity groups, the largest decline has been reported in the wholesale prices of onions (-5.4%), fruits (-4.27%) and wheat (-1.44%).
Food price inflation had peaked in December 2009 (20.46% in the week ending December 12) and has shown a declining trend thereafter.
As per data released by Commerce and Industry Ministry today, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for food articles on April 17, 2010 stood at 292.7 as compared to 293.3 on April 10, 2010. Food articles have 15.4% weightage in the WPI.
Calculated on week-to-week basis, the inflation in food articles in the week ending April 17, 2010 has come down by 0.20% as compared to the previous week. Among the major food commodity groups, the largest decline has been reported in the wholesale prices of onions (-5.4%), fruits (-4.27%) and wheat (-1.44%).
Food price inflation had peaked in December 2009 (20.46% in the week ending December 12) and has shown a declining trend thereafter.
Kalpana Palkhiwala
Climate Change is a long-term phenomenon and has been duly recognised by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change. The international community including India is actively engaged in finding ways and means of preventive climate change. The Copenhagen Accord and the CoP decisions concerning the Adhoc Working Group (AWG) for Long Term Cooperative Action (LCA) and AWG for Kyoto Protocol (KP) reflect some of the key Indian concerns in the climate change negotiations. These include - continuation of two-track negotiations under the Bali Road Map, avoidance of explicit or implicit numerical target for emission reduction in developing countries through a long term goal of emission reduction, differentiation in the nature of mitigation commitments/actions of developing and developed countries, funding for developing country actions including those for rewarding REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) plus, need for technology development and cooperation and adaptation.
India participated in the meeting called by CoP President to draft the Copenhagen Accord in the expectation that it would be adopted by consensus as a CoP decision, ensuring universal participation. Eventually, this did not materialize and CoP only “took note” of the document. Against this background, we need to take steps in order to advance the political understanding reflected in the Accord.
Firstly, it is now clear that the Copenhagen Accord does not have a legal character of its own. It does not stand independently as a plurilateral agreement between countries that associate themselves with it. The challenge, therefore, is to draw upon the areas of consensus reached by the countries attending the meeting for drafting the Accord and use them in the multilateral process in order to reach an inclusive agreement in the two AWG tracks at CoP16.
Secondly at Copenhagen, the parties did not agree to redefine the Convention (UNFCCC). They agreed that mitigation actions of the developing parties will be voluntary in nature and will not result to form a legally binding agreement.
India participated in the meeting called by CoP President to draft the Copenhagen Accord in the expectation that it would be adopted by consensus as a CoP decision, ensuring universal participation. Eventually, this did not materialize and CoP only “took note” of the document. Against this background, we need to take steps in order to advance the political understanding reflected in the Accord.
Firstly, it is now clear that the Copenhagen Accord does not have a legal character of its own. It does not stand independently as a plurilateral agreement between countries that associate themselves with it. The challenge, therefore, is to draw upon the areas of consensus reached by the countries attending the meeting for drafting the Accord and use them in the multilateral process in order to reach an inclusive agreement in the two AWG tracks at CoP16.
Secondly at Copenhagen, the parties did not agree to redefine the Convention (UNFCCC). They agreed that mitigation actions of the developing parties will be voluntary in nature and will not result to form a legally binding agreement.
At the Copenhagen Conference, the CoP/CMP has decided in unequivocal terms that the negotiations will be continued in the “two-track” approach, corresponding to the Convention and in the Adhoc Working Groups and the Kyoto Protocol respectively. It also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that there is no gap between the first and second commitment periods of the Kyoto Protocol.
Thirdly, we recognize the fact there exist scientific projections that require us to take early actions to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation. Some parties insist that the door of preventive action is closing fast and that we should initiate early global action to be able to reach the long term goal of adequate emissions reduction by 2050 with the help of all parties. It is important to understand, in this context, that outlining the global goal alone is not enough. The manner of reaching this goal also has to be simultaneously defined. This is possible only through adoption of an equitable approach to allocation of carbon space by all countries. This is an issue that is not perhaps debated fully and comprehensively so far and must be pursued meaningfully and constructively in the negotiations during the run up to Mexico.
The issues relating to “competitiveness” raised by industrialized nations while undertaking emissions reduction commitments are inconsistent with the principles and objectives of the convention (UNFCCC) and the long term goal of economic and social development of non Annex -I countries contend there in. These questions are not relevant to the larger environmental questions that we are grappling with. The developing countries have to be enabled to implement mitigation actions while recognizing in their overriding priorities of economic and social development and poverty eradication. These questions need to be settled in advance before CoP16 meeting to be held in December 2010.
Success in Mexico will depend on how the voluntary movement of developing countries along low-carbon sustainable development path is supported on the assurance that their development needs are fully protected under an equitable and internationally agreed regime of carbon allocations/entitlements.
Fourthly, the provisions of Accord can be implemented only with consensus of parties and with the help of CoP decisions. Substantial questions of
Especially, needed, therefore, is to find ways of realizing the financial pledges made by the participants to the Accord. The question is how soon these financial commitments can be operationalized and how the predictability and sustainability of financial flows can be ensured?
Finally, the talks must be conducted in a totally transparent and inclusive manner. The CoP-15 experience raises some questions related to the negotiation process. Some developed countries have voiced the opinion that negotiations in a restricted forum are more fruitful than in a universal forum, such as those under the UNFCCC. However, this is not an ideal way of conducting the talks. Developing countries have strongly contested this proposal. The main role of UNFCCC and its multilateral processes vis-a-vis other limited fora(e.g. MEF, G-20) has to be properly re-affirmed if the talks at Mexico have to succeed. Transparency has to be maintained throughout the negotiation process.
One loose motion is equivalent to loss of one glass of fluid. Explaining this, Dr. Aggarwal said that if a patient has passed 10 loose motions, he needs 12 glasses of ORS apart from normal requirement of fluids and one glass for every loose motion passed again.
For upto 12 loose motions a patient can be managed as an out patient but if the loose motions are more than 12 he needs observation and if the numbers of loose motions are more than 40, he needs intensive treatment.
The main complication is renal shut down, which will happen if the blood pressure remains low for more than few hours. During loose motions one should maintain that he or she passes urine every 6-8 hours. If no urine is passed for eight hours it may indicate an impending renal failure.
Firdaus Khan
Rule of thumb: MP3 users should set the volume no higher than 60 percent of its full capacity when using "ear buds" style headphones, like those that come with iPods. With over–the–ear headphones, one can use 70 percent as the maximum as per a report in the Journal of Pediatrics.
Playing an MP3 player at full blast could harm the hearing. Parents should look for signs of a problem, like when a child complains of ringing in the ears or sounds being muffled.
Prolonged exposure to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) can cause gradual hearing loss. A normal conversation is about 60 dB. Many personal stereo systems at maximum level are over 100 dB. Rock concerts and firecrackers can be 140 dB and higher. Noise levels need to reach 120 dB to 140 dB to become uncomfortable or painful.
Manufacturers, should equip MP3 players with an indicator that displays the volume level in terms of decibels, along with a signal –– such as a flashing light –– that goes off when decibel levels reach the danger zone.
Noise–induced hearing loss usually happens slowly, with no pain. Right after exposure to noise, you may notice some "ringing" in your ears. You might have trouble hearing people talk. After several hours or even a few days, these symptoms may go away. However, when you are exposed to loud noise repeatedly, you could have hearing loss that lasts forever.
The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before noise induced hearing loss can occur. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. A good rule of thumb is to avoid noises that are "too loud" and "too close or that last "too long."
For average factory noise, 85 dB, it takes only 8 hours for noise–induced hearing loss (NIHL). Other excess levels include: passing motorcycle, 90 dB–8 hours exposure for NIHL, subway train or diesel truck, 100 dB–2 hours exposure , helicopter and power mower 105 dB 1 hour, and, ranking with auto horn, propeller aircraft, and air raid siren, live rock music 90–130 dB 20 minutes.
Listening to music/muzak at 110 to 120 decibels damages hearing in less than an hour and a half.
iPOD guidelines
- A typical person can safely listen to an iPod for 4.6 hours per day at 70 percent volume using stock earphones.
Listening to music at full volume through an iPod for more than five minutes a day using stock earphones can increase the risk of hearing loss in a typical person.
Individuals can safely listen to iPods for 90 minutes a day with the supplied earphones if the volume is at 80 percent of maximum levels without greatly increasing the risk of hearing loss.
The safest limit is 2 hours a day at 50% of the volume.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. As per National Forest Policy, 1988, the principal aim is to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium which are vital for sustenance of all life forms, human, animal and plant. Hence revenue earning is not the main objective from forests. Being a State matter, data on revenue from forests is not collated by Ministry of Environment & Forests.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri Bhakta Charan Das in Lok Sabha today.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri Bhakta Charan Das in Lok Sabha today.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that the report of National Commission for Religious & Linguistic Minorities( NCRLM), inter alia, states that a three-language formula should be implemented everywhere in the country making it compulsory for the authorities to include in it the mother tongue of every child – including especially, Urdu and Punjabi. Giving this information in written reply to a question the Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid, informed the House that the report of NCRLM says that all necessary facilities, financial and logistic, should be provided by the State for education in accordance with the dispensation suggested by it.
New Delhi. The Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that the report of National Commission for Religious & Linguistic Minorities( NCRLM), inter alia, states that a three-language formula should be implemented everywhere in the country making it compulsory for the authorities to include in it the mother tongue of every child – including especially, Urdu and Punjabi. Giving this information in written reply to a question the Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid, informed the House that the report of NCRLM says that all necessary facilities, financial and logistic, should be provided by the State for education in accordance with the dispensation suggested by it.
The Minister said that the recommendations of NCRLM are under consideration of the Government.
K R Sudhaman
In Developed countries Monetary policy which is unveiled by the central bank periodically is mainly aimed at keeping inflation low. In India as well as many other developing economies central banks have twin objective of controlling inflation and pushing growth.
It is therefore a balancing act always for Reserve Bank of India, which has to contain inflation without impeding growth momentum, every three months monetary policy review takes place. Of course, central bank can intervene in between if an unusual situation arises warranting policy action.
In the face of global currency crisis in 2008 which blew over into a recession, unprecedented since the great depression of 1928, central banks world over including India had to take swift monetary action to get out of the monumental crisis.
With severe liquidity crunch in the banking system and collapse of several top global banks due to mounting bad debts, policy actions were required to pump-in money into the system so that demand picks up and thereby the plummeting growth, crucial for the health of the economy.
Instead of keeping tight control of money supply and interest rates, central bank adopted easy monetary policy by injecting more money into the system and lowering interest rates which fell to near zero in developed countries to prop up growth that became negative in some countries.
Conservative Approach By RBI
Unlike in many other countries, Reserve Bank of India has been conservative in its monetary policy and the Government very cautious in moving towards full float of rupee, that is total capital account convertibility.
This approach helped India to ward off a major crisis and economic recovery from the global recession faster. During the crisis the Government and Reserve Bank had to come out with fiscal stimulus and monetary stimulus packages to revive the economy. This pushed the Government’s fiscal deficit up to 6.7% of GDP (2009-10) due to increased spending, leading to high borrowing.
Reserve Bank’s Monetary policy became very accommodative releasing more cash into the system and lowering key policy rates to reduce interest rates so as to ensure that cost of borrowing is less.
It is therefore a balancing act always for Reserve Bank of India, which has to contain inflation without impeding growth momentum, every three months monetary policy review takes place. Of course, central bank can intervene in between if an unusual situation arises warranting policy action.
In the face of global currency crisis in 2008 which blew over into a recession, unprecedented since the great depression of 1928, central banks world over including India had to take swift monetary action to get out of the monumental crisis.
With severe liquidity crunch in the banking system and collapse of several top global banks due to mounting bad debts, policy actions were required to pump-in money into the system so that demand picks up and thereby the plummeting growth, crucial for the health of the economy.
Instead of keeping tight control of money supply and interest rates, central bank adopted easy monetary policy by injecting more money into the system and lowering interest rates which fell to near zero in developed countries to prop up growth that became negative in some countries.
Conservative Approach By RBI
Unlike in many other countries, Reserve Bank of India has been conservative in its monetary policy and the Government very cautious in moving towards full float of rupee, that is total capital account convertibility.
This approach helped India to ward off a major crisis and economic recovery from the global recession faster. During the crisis the Government and Reserve Bank had to come out with fiscal stimulus and monetary stimulus packages to revive the economy. This pushed the Government’s fiscal deficit up to 6.7% of GDP (2009-10) due to increased spending, leading to high borrowing.
Reserve Bank’s Monetary policy became very accommodative releasing more cash into the system and lowering key policy rates to reduce interest rates so as to ensure that cost of borrowing is less.
Firdaus Khan
Men, postmenopausal women, and elderly people are most likely to be affected. The doctors at West Virginia University School of Medicine conducted tests with rats. They found that exposure to PQ reduced by about 65 percent the ability of arteries to regulate blood flow to bone marrow in six– month–old male rats. PQ had a similar effect in older male and female rats and in young female rats whose ovaries had been removed.
Because young female rats with intact ovaries were not affected, it appears that estrogen may provide protective effects against PQ. Previous research has found that PQ impaired the ability of larger blood vessels to relax and that exposure to particle pollution may worsen cardiovascular diseases in certain people
Ashok Handoo
By avoiding an aggressive hike in policy rates and at the same time going in for a modest hike, the Reserve Bank of India has given a clear signal that it is focused on taming inflation, without affecting economic growth. What has been worrying the authorities is a steep hike in inflation in recent months which is nearing the double- digit figure, highest in 17 months, with food inflation as high as about 17.8 percent.
India has thus become the second economy of the Group of 20 after Australia to increase policy rates.
The problem has been all the more worrisome since food inflation is seeping into other sectors like manufacturing and the services sector. Inflation in non food manufactured products increased from –o.4 % in November last to 4.7 percent in March this year.
That the key interest rates have been increased modestly by only a quarter of a percentage point indicates that the RBI is as much interested in taming the high inflation as it is in ensuring that the growth moment generated through fiscal and monetary measures in the face of global meltdown, is not affected. As the Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee said “It reflects a matured and balanced view of the needs of our economy”. It will have a “gentle impact” on the money supply in the economy.
At the same time, there is a clear message that the honeymoon period of soft rates is over and we have to get ready for a market driven economy.
The new rates set by the RBI, the second hike in a month, have pushed the Repo rate- the rate at which the central Bank lends money to commercial banks- to 5.25 percent. The reverse Repo rate- the rate it pays to banks for deposits- too has been set at 3.75 %. The Cash reserve ratio- the percentage of Bank deposits they must keep in cash - has been raised to 6%. All this is bound to reduce money supply in the system and thus exert pressure on high inflation rates.
The fresh measures are expected to suck away Rs.12,500 crore from the system. This fortunately is not going to increase the lending rates for the time being, as there is enough liquidity to absorb this hike. Credit, for now, is thus not going to be expensive which could have impacted growth.
The RBI is confident that inflation in the current fiscal will be reduced to 5.5 percent though Mr. Pranab Mukherjee believes it to be on the higher side. He estimates it 2 to be only 4 percent by the end of the fiscal year. The current year’s growth is estimated at 8.5 percent to be followed by a 9 % in the next fiscal.
There are, however, some risk factors too. The first one is the behaviour of the monsoon this year. If it rains well there should be no problem. The other is the way international crude oil prices move as these affect almost all sectors of the economy. The speed at which the world economy grows will also, in turn, impact our growth. The strong rupee appreciation has already started worrying the export sector, which has just begun to come out of the red.
There is no doubt that recovery is now firmly in place. Asia’s third largest economy is set to grow at a faster pace, with only China growing faster among major economies. As the Reserve Bank Governor, Dr. D Subbarao says, “we need to move in a calibrated manner in the direction of normalizing our policy instruments.” “More baby steps are better than high leaps” said Dr. D Subbarao.
There are indications that the key policy rates are going to be revised periodically to tame inflation, the single most worrisome factor for the Government. The first quarterly review of the monetary policy is due on July 27.
As the Finance Minister said “I am afraid we shall have to deal with it for sometime more but inflationary pressure on food items has started coming down”.
But there are limits to what the monetary policy can do. The effort has to be combined with other fiscal measures. Beyond that it will be the supply side and better distribution that can take care of the economy. The option therefore, is to take a middle course, a balanced approach. That precisely is what the RBI has chosen to do.
India has thus become the second economy of the Group of 20 after Australia to increase policy rates.
The problem has been all the more worrisome since food inflation is seeping into other sectors like manufacturing and the services sector. Inflation in non food manufactured products increased from –o.4 % in November last to 4.7 percent in March this year.
That the key interest rates have been increased modestly by only a quarter of a percentage point indicates that the RBI is as much interested in taming the high inflation as it is in ensuring that the growth moment generated through fiscal and monetary measures in the face of global meltdown, is not affected. As the Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee said “It reflects a matured and balanced view of the needs of our economy”. It will have a “gentle impact” on the money supply in the economy.
At the same time, there is a clear message that the honeymoon period of soft rates is over and we have to get ready for a market driven economy.
The new rates set by the RBI, the second hike in a month, have pushed the Repo rate- the rate at which the central Bank lends money to commercial banks- to 5.25 percent. The reverse Repo rate- the rate it pays to banks for deposits- too has been set at 3.75 %. The Cash reserve ratio- the percentage of Bank deposits they must keep in cash - has been raised to 6%. All this is bound to reduce money supply in the system and thus exert pressure on high inflation rates.
The fresh measures are expected to suck away Rs.12,500 crore from the system. This fortunately is not going to increase the lending rates for the time being, as there is enough liquidity to absorb this hike. Credit, for now, is thus not going to be expensive which could have impacted growth.
The RBI is confident that inflation in the current fiscal will be reduced to 5.5 percent though Mr. Pranab Mukherjee believes it to be on the higher side. He estimates it 2 to be only 4 percent by the end of the fiscal year. The current year’s growth is estimated at 8.5 percent to be followed by a 9 % in the next fiscal.
There are, however, some risk factors too. The first one is the behaviour of the monsoon this year. If it rains well there should be no problem. The other is the way international crude oil prices move as these affect almost all sectors of the economy. The speed at which the world economy grows will also, in turn, impact our growth. The strong rupee appreciation has already started worrying the export sector, which has just begun to come out of the red.
There is no doubt that recovery is now firmly in place. Asia’s third largest economy is set to grow at a faster pace, with only China growing faster among major economies. As the Reserve Bank Governor, Dr. D Subbarao says, “we need to move in a calibrated manner in the direction of normalizing our policy instruments.” “More baby steps are better than high leaps” said Dr. D Subbarao.
There are indications that the key policy rates are going to be revised periodically to tame inflation, the single most worrisome factor for the Government. The first quarterly review of the monetary policy is due on July 27.
As the Finance Minister said “I am afraid we shall have to deal with it for sometime more but inflationary pressure on food items has started coming down”.
But there are limits to what the monetary policy can do. The effort has to be combined with other fiscal measures. Beyond that it will be the supply side and better distribution that can take care of the economy. The option therefore, is to take a middle course, a balanced approach. That precisely is what the RBI has chosen to do.
Firdaus Khan
The earlier you quit, greater the benefits
- People who quit smoking before the age of 50 reduce their risk of dying over the next 15 years as compared to those who continue to smoke.
Cigarette smoking develops the risk of developing heart disease and smoking cessation can rapidly reduce this risk.
One year after quitting smoking, the risk of dying from heart disease is reduced by 50% and if continued, the risk could decline further overtime.
The risk of heart attack is reduced to that of non-smokers within two years of quitting smoking.
In patients with asthma and COPD, stopping smoking can reduce further damage to lungs.
Cigarette smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancers. Smoking cessation reduces the risk of lung cancers by five years and to that of non–smokers by 15 years.
The risk of osteoporosis is reduced to that of non-smokers by 10 years.
Weight gain can occur while trying to quit smoking because people tend to eat more after stopping. It is typically 2–5 pounds in the first two weeks followed by an additional 4–7 pounds over the next 4–5 months. The average weight gain is 8–10 pounds.
Smoking and Heart
- Smoking 20 cigarettes a day increases the risk of heart attack in women by 6 folds.
Smoking 20 cigarettes a day increases the risk of heart attack in men by 3 folds.
Smoking is responsible for 36% patients of first heart attack.
- Heart patients who continue smoking have more chances of second heart attack, increased risk of death and sudden cardiac death.
Persistent smoking after bypass surgery leads to increased mortality, cardiac deaths and re–bypass.
Persistent smoking after angioplasty leads to greater risk of death and heart attack.
In patients with heart functioning of less than 35%, smoking leads to high mortality.
Blood pressure medications may not work properly in patients who continue to smoking.
Sanjay Gilhotra
New Delhi. In the week ending 22.4.2010, prices of sugar have either decreased or remained steady at all the reporting centers where prices are monitored by the Department of Consumer Affairs. As per the data released by the Department, wheat prices decreased at Delhi and Rajkot and rice prices decreased at Bangalore and remained steady at most of the places across the country.
Edible oils, potato and onion prices also decreased at some centers and remained steady at most of the reporting centers.
As regards prices of pulses, gram and masoor dal prices have decreased at some centers and remained steady at most of the reporting centers. Retail prices of tur, urad and moong dal witnessed upward trend at some centers.
The PSUs have contracted import of 5.84 lakh tonnes of pulses. 5.79 lakh tonnes have arrived and 5.61 lakh tonnes have been disposed from the stocks with these agencies upto 21.04.2010.
PSUs have supplied 2.50 lakh tonnes of pulses to States for distribution under Public Distribution System (PDS) upto 21.4.2010.
Recently the following measures have been taken to contain the prices:
(i) The regime of importing pulses at zero import duty is further extended up to 31.3.2011.
(ii) The ban on export of pulses, except kabuli chana will continue up to 31.3.2011.
(iii) The scheme of 15% subsidy to cover the losses on import of pulses by NAFED, PEC, MMTC and STC would continue upto 30.9.2010.
(iv) The Scheme for import of pulses by NAFED, NCCF, PEC, STC and MMTC and distribution of these pulses by the State Governments through PDS at a subsidy of Rs.10 per kg will continue up to 31.3.2011.
Edible oils, potato and onion prices also decreased at some centers and remained steady at most of the reporting centers.
As regards prices of pulses, gram and masoor dal prices have decreased at some centers and remained steady at most of the reporting centers. Retail prices of tur, urad and moong dal witnessed upward trend at some centers.
The PSUs have contracted import of 5.84 lakh tonnes of pulses. 5.79 lakh tonnes have arrived and 5.61 lakh tonnes have been disposed from the stocks with these agencies upto 21.04.2010.
PSUs have supplied 2.50 lakh tonnes of pulses to States for distribution under Public Distribution System (PDS) upto 21.4.2010.
Recently the following measures have been taken to contain the prices:
(i) The regime of importing pulses at zero import duty is further extended up to 31.3.2011.
(ii) The ban on export of pulses, except kabuli chana will continue up to 31.3.2011.
(iii) The scheme of 15% subsidy to cover the losses on import of pulses by NAFED, PEC, MMTC and STC would continue upto 30.9.2010.
(iv) The Scheme for import of pulses by NAFED, NCCF, PEC, STC and MMTC and distribution of these pulses by the State Governments through PDS at a subsidy of Rs.10 per kg will continue up to 31.3.2011.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Government has repeatedly requested Pakistan, including in the recent meeting between Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan held in New Delhi on February 25, 2010, to act in an expeditious and transparent manner against all those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack, including Hafiz Saeed. It was also stressed that Pakistan needs to take effective action to ban the anti-India activities of organizations such as Jamaat-ud-Dawa and their leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, who have openly and blatantly espoused an agenda of violence and terrorism against India.
This information was given by Shri S. M. Krishna, the Union Minister of External Affairs in the Rajya Sabha today. He said that government has reiterated on several occasions that the door for dialogue with Pakistan has never been closed and meaningful dialogue with Pakistan is possible only in an environment free of terror or threat of terror. The Composite Dialogue, which had been resumed in 2004 based on Pakistan’s express assurance not to allow its territory for terrorist activity in any manner, addresses eight subjects, including Peace & Security including Confidence Building Measures and Jammu & Kashmir. It has been paused since the Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008. In various meetings with the leaders of Pakistan since then, India has reiterated the need for Pakistan to fulfill its repeated assurances, including those given at the highest level, not to allow the use of territory under its control for terrorism directed against India. Pakistan, in response, has assured that action will be taken against the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attack.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. On 1 April 2010, the Presidents of India and China exchanged messages of felicitation on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China. The two leaders hailed the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership between India and China. The President of China conveyed that China is ready to deepen friendship, enhance mutual trust, broaden cooperation and promote in-depth growth of the strategic and cooperative partnership between the two countries. The President of India noted that close cooperation between the two countries is conducive to peace and stability in Asia and the world, and reiterated that India looks forward to continue working closely with China in taking bilateral relations to new levels.
This information was given by Shri S. M. Krishna, the Union Minister of External Affairs in the Rajya Sabha today. He said that India and China have established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership, and have adopted a ten-pronged strategy to further consolidate bilateral relations. During Prime Minister’s visit to China in January 2008, the two sides issued a Joint Statement outlining our shared vision on global and international issues. The two countries worked together at the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change in December 2009. Commerce and Industry Minister had a successful visit to China in January 2010. There are regular meetings between leaders of the two countries on the sidelines of international summits, most recently between Prime Minister and the President of China on 15 April 2010, on the sidelines of BRIC Summit at Brasilia. External Affairs Minister paid a useful and constructive visit to China from 5-8 April 2010. During the visit the two leaders decided to impart more content and depth to the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership between the two countries, especially in the backdrop of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of India and People’s Republic of China.
Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future. Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Earth Day Network is galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability. Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day.
This is a time to remember the environmental challenges facing us. And opportunity to live better lives, help the planet, and build a strong economy. One need not choose to have either a healthy environment or a strong economy - one can have both. While many say that steps to solve environmental challenges are too costly, solving these problems Presents a great opportunity for businesses to thrive by providing cleaner energy, greener buildings, efficient transportation, and less wasteful ways of living. The fate of the environment is our own fate.
Earth Day is the, most widely celebrated international event and provides a chance to remember what an amazing planet we live on. The only planet in our solar system teeming with incredible biodiversity. Learning about earth, which includes oceans, protecting the biodiversity, atmosphere etc., is what Earth Day is all about. People all over the world celebrate and make efforts to protect plants, animals and clean up the Earth we live in.
On 22nd April 1970 , Earth Day marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement and hence forth it is celebrated on this day every year. Countries celebrate Earth Day in different ways, by cleaning the city, releasing stamps, arranging various kinds of competitions among children, educating the masses about earth resources and its sustainable use through leaflets etc,.
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The Ministry of Earth Sciences has proposed to celebrate the event by organizing activities on the theme -“ Save Earth (covering land, ocean and atmosphere)”.Various other topics such as - Green house effect, Ozone hole, its causes and effects, Global warming, Sustainable use of natural resources, Impact of Climate change on Indian monsoon, Deforestation and afforestation its significance, Ocean resources ( Living & non living resources ), Energy resources (conventional & non-conventional energy resources), Desalination, Tsunami Early Warning System, Ocean Technology, Marine instruments, Polar Science and Earthquake studies have also been proposed for the day’s celebration.
Schools have also been invited to involve students in different activities like essay competition, drawing/painting, poster making, tree plantation, writing slogans on preserving nature, quiz competition and others.
Earth day, inispires all to share the value of protecting the environment by commiting ourselves to:
- Using less water by taking showers instead of baths, fixing leaks, turning off the tap while brushing and buying efficient fixtures by looking for the WaterSense label.
- Saving electricity by buying Energy Star products, and changing bulbs to compact fluorescents.
- Reusing and recycling products.
- Testing homes for Radon a naturally occurring, odourless gas that can seep into houses and cause lung cancer.
- Commuting by using public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs.
- Using chemicals safely by locking up pesticides, paints, and cleaners where children can't reach them.
- Checking on local air quality.
- eCycling old computer,
Star News Agency
New Delhi. There is a need to adopt soil test based nutrient management envisaging conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources of plant nutrients (through recycling of crop residues into compost, farm yard manure and bio-fertilizers etc.) and introduction of leguminous crops in the cropping system to sustain good soil health for higher crop productivity. This will reduce the use of costly chemical fertilizers. There is no question of complete rejection of chemical fertilizers. The organic nutrient sources available in the country may be sufficient only to meet one third of total requirement of plant nutrients to achieve the targeted level of food production. Thus, the use of organic sources of nutrients has to be supplementary.
This information was given by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
This information was given by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. Government agencies have procured 152.55 lakh tonne wheat during the current rabi marketing season so far against the arrival of 163.67 lakh tonne wheat in the mandis in major wheat growing States.
As per the data received from the Department of Food and Public Distribution, it represents an increase of 13.61 lakh tonne over the procurement on 20th April last year. Wheat procurement was to the tune of 138.93 lakh tonne wheat was purchased on this date in the last marketing season.
With 75.16 lakh tonne, Punjab is the largest contributor followed by Haryana, 53.15 lakh tonne, Madhya Pradesh, 25.06 lakh tonne, Uttar Pradesh, 4.2 lakh tonne, Rajasthan, 3.34 lakh tonne and Gujarat, 1.9 lakh tonne.
As per the data received from the Department of Food and Public Distribution, it represents an increase of 13.61 lakh tonne over the procurement on 20th April last year. Wheat procurement was to the tune of 138.93 lakh tonne wheat was purchased on this date in the last marketing season.
With 75.16 lakh tonne, Punjab is the largest contributor followed by Haryana, 53.15 lakh tonne, Madhya Pradesh, 25.06 lakh tonne, Uttar Pradesh, 4.2 lakh tonne, Rajasthan, 3.34 lakh tonne and Gujarat, 1.9 lakh tonne.
The adverse effects caused to environment due to carbon emission include increased frequency of extreme weather events, and variation in pattern of monsoons, rise in surface temperature, sea level rise and melting of glaciers along with other factors. Climate Change is also likely to affect agriculture and food production and result in increase incidence of vector borne diseases.
The effects on human life include increase in malnutrition and consequent disorders, with implications for child growth and development; increased deaths, disease and injury due to heat waves, floods, storms, fires and droughts; increased burden of diarrhoeal disease and altered spatial distribution of some infectious-disease vectors.
The Government follows the policy of sustainable development through a range of programmes aimed at energy conservation, improved energy efficiency in various sectors, promoting use of renewable energy, power sector reforms, use of cleaner and lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport, fuel switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and conservation of forests, promotion of clean coal technologies and encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems.
The National Action Plan on Climate change has been launched which includes National Solar Mission and National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency which aim at reducing emissions intensity of GDP.
Emissions from agriculture sector are not included in the assessment off emissions intensity. However, improvement in tilling practices, use of more bio fertilizers and sustainable agricultural practices may result in reduction in emissions intensity of agricultural production.
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studies show that its per capita emissions will be around 2-2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2020 and around 3-3.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030, as compared to around 1-1.2 tonnes presently.
It has also stated that further actions of the developing countries will depend on the support in terms of finance and technology provided by the developed countries. Our country is willing to accept Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) as per agreed procedures for those actions that are supported by the International Community in terms of finance and technology through agreed channels, its voluntary actions financed from its own domestic resources will be available for information and for consultation of the International Community. While India has taken a number of steps, on its own, to adapt to climate change and mitigate its emissions in the interest of its energy security and sustainable development, India will take further voluntary and nationally appropriate actions for addressing climate change strictly in accordance with the priorities and objectives laid down under the National Action Plan for Climate Change.
The Five Year Plans include a strategy for sustainable growth resulting in low carbon sustainable development. India
Projections of Climate Change for India
Indian projections, under future climate scenarios of increased greenhouse gas conceptions indicate marked increased in both rain fall and temperature into the 21st century.
Climate change impacts on Indian water resources, agriculture, forestry, natural ecosystem, coastal regions, human health, energy, industry and infrastructure sectors were estimated using existing capabilities under the aegis of India India
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Impacts of Climate Change on Various Sectors
Water Resources: It is projected that quantity of surface run off due to climate change would vary across the river basins as well as sub basins of major rivers. However, there is a general reduction in the quantity of the available run off.
Forestry and Natural Ecosystems: The emerging results of analysis of impacts of climate change on forest biomes in India India
Human health: Increase in temperature is projected to enhance the occurrence and spread on vector borne diseases such as Malaria. Malaria incidences are directly linked to the generation of vectors which are sensitive to temperature, precipitation and humidity conditions. In the climate change context, more states may offer climate opportunities for malaria vector breeding throughout the year. These opportunities are projected to increase by 3-5 months in northern states and may reduce by 2-3 months in the southern states.
Infrastructure: Large infrastructure such as dams, roads, bridges incurring high costs of construction are vulnerable to extreme events like cyclones, heavy rains, landslides and floods, which may increase in the later half of the century due to climate change. At that time, the currently commissioned infrastructure having lived its normal life span would be more vulnerable to these recurrent events.
Coastal Zones: The holistic data of sea level reveals a high variability along the Indian coast line with an increase along the Gulf of Kutchh and West Bengal coast line and decrease along Karnataka coast. The observations indicate a long term average rising end of 1 mm/year in sea level and a projection of rise in sea level in the range of 46-59 cm by the end of twenty first century. The result of a preliminary assessment indicates the vulnerability of Indian coast lines due to sea level rise, Tectonic movement, prevalent hydrography and physiography.
Agriculture: Gaseous emissions and climate change can adversely affect agriculture in India
Firdaus Khan
New Delhi. Conducting a workshop on Stress Prevention, on the second day, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India said that even recall of anger is dangerous.
Anger recall causes sympathetic over activity. The resulting increased adrenaline and noradrenaline levels lead to plaque rupture and consequently a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI). Anger recall is as bad as anger itself, which can be expressive or suppressive. Both are dangerous. Expressive anger causes plaque to rupture leading to heart attack or MI, while suppressive anger causes chronic sympathetic over activity that helps plaque formation.
The answer is anger management and not expression nor suppression of anger. Those people how get angry and are heart patients should not miss their aspirin dose as aspirin takes away the bad effects of anger.
The workshop was held as part of the two-day National Seminar on Stress Prevention - Workshop-cum-seminar on Stress Management and Prevention of Lifestyle Disorders -held at Om Shanti Retreat Centre, near Manesar. Others who spoke at the workshop included BK Shanti, BK Sapna and BK Brij Mohan from Om Shanti Retreat Centre.
Chandni
New Delhi. If you are in doubt that your food may be the cause of your illness, try substituting one food each day. To began with, its best to use besan foods (gram flour) in place of wheat flour foods said Dr. K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India
People suffering from celiac disease cannot digest a protein called gluten which is found in barley and wheat flour. This gluten triggers immune system in patients to damage small intestine villi. As a result, patient cannot absorb nutrients from food and remains malnourished which could lead to anemia, weight loss and fatigue. Celiac disease patients suffer from fat malabsorption.
A gluten-free diet is also recommended for patients with wheat allergy, dermatitis herpetiformis; multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorders, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and some behavioral problems.
Gluten-containing cereals are wheat, barley, rye, oats and triticale. Gluten is also present as a food additive in the form of a flavoring, stablizing or thickening agent. In these conditions one should switch over to gluten free foods. The best alternative is to shift from wheat flour to gram flour (besan).
Star News Agency
New Delh. Government of India has approved Accelerated Pulses Production Programme (A3P) under National Food Security Mission on Pulses from 1.04.2010 for the remaining period of 11th Plan. One million hectare of potential pulses area would be taken up under the programme. This initiative is intended to demonstrate the impact of production and protection technologies in the farmers' field for boosting the production and productivity of pulses. Besides, a sum of Rs.300 crores has also been earmarked for Organizing Sixty Thousand "Pulses and Oilseeds village" in the Rainfed Areas during 2010-11 for Agricultural Development under RKVY.
This reply was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri K.V. Thomas in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. He said The Productivity of Pulses in the Country in past few year has increased from the level of 577 Kg/ha during 2004-05 to 625 Kg/ha during 2007-08. To meet the increasing demand of pulses in the country, Government has been implementing National Food Security Mission on Pulses in 16 Major Pulses Growing states of the country. Besides, under the Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA) scheme, assistance is also provided for pulses development in the states which are not covered under NFSM Programme.
