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HeadsofElectionCommissionsofAfghanistan,Bangladesh,Bhutan,India,Maldives,Nepal,PakistanandSri LankahavesignedandadoptedinNewDelhiachartertopromotemutualcontactandlearningforenhancing theircapabilitiestowardsconductingfreeandfairelections o CharterestablishedaForumoftheHeadsofElectionManagementBodies(EMBs)oftheSAARC Countries. o fostercooperationandshareelectoralexperiencesthroughapermanentForum IndoPaktrade o IntegratedCheckPost(ICP)wasinauguratedatAttari/Waghaborder.Agatededicatedtothemovement oftruckshasbeenopenedinnewICP. o GovernmentofPakistanissuedNotificationgivingthedetailofallthe137itemswhichcanbeimported fromIndiathroughlandroute. CoffeeBoardisimplementingvariousschemesforimprovementinproduction,productivityandqualityaswellas forpromotionofexportsandvalueadditioninthecoffeesector.TheschemesareR&Dprogrammesfor SustainableCoffeeProduction;DevelopmentSupportSchemeforCoffee;RainfallInsuranceSchemeforRisk ManagementtoCoffeegrowers;SupportforMechanizationofFarmOperationsandExportPromotionscheme. SpecialTigerProtectionForce(STPF):Karnataka1ststatetodeploy;MoEFpersuadingtheStatestoraise,arm anddeploy;Despite,100%centralassistancetofourStates(UttarPradesh,Uttarakhand,RajasthanandOrisa), thedeploymentofSTPFhasnottakenplace NATIONALAWARDS o BestActorawardgoestoGirishKulkarniforfilmDeool(Marathi) o BestActresstoVidyaBalanforthefilmTheDirtyPicture(Hindi) o BestDirectortoGurvinderSinghforPunjabifilmAnheGhoreyDaDaan o KumararajaThiagarajanhaswontheIndiraGandhiAwardforBestDebutfilmofaDirector. o IconicBengaliactorSoumitraChatterjeewillreceivethetophonourinIndiacinemaDadaSahebPhalke Awardfortheyear2011.The77yearoldactormadehisdebutin1959inSatyajitRaysAPURSANSAR andlateractedin14ofhisfilms.actedinmorethan400filmsincludingthefilmsofTapanSinha,Mrinas Sen,AjoykarandTarunMajumdar o BestFilmissharedbyfilmsDeool(Marathi)directedbyUmeshVinayakKulkarniandByari(Byari language)directedbySuveeram UNESCOKalingaPrizesetupbytheLateShriBijuPatnaikin1952forthePopularizationofScience1stwinner 1952LouisdeBroglieFrance;
NATIONALPETROCHEMICALPOLICY aimstoincreaseinvestmentsinthesectorandcaptureasliceoftheresurgentAsiandemandinpolymers throughadditionsincapacity/productionbyensuringavailabilityoffeedstockatinternationallycompetitive prices,creatinginfrastructure,rationalisingtariffsandtaxes,andpromotingexports introducenecessaryincentivestoboostprivateinvestmentwithpetroleum,chemicalandpetrochemical investmentregions(PCPIR)asthecentresforinvestmentsandmakeIndiaanimportanthubforbothdomestic andglobalmarkets ConstitutionofPetrochemicalTechnologyUpgradationFund(PTUF) settingupofPlasticDevelopmentcouncil. clusterswouldbeprovidedwithcommoninfrastructurefacilitiestoaddresstheconstraintsofcommoneffluent treatment,transportlinkages,powersupplyandwater.
(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose
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SchemesofNationalAwardsforTechnologyInnovationsinPetrochemicalsanddownstreamPlastic ProcessingIndustryTheaimistoincentivizemeritoriousinnovationsandinventionsinthefieldof PetrochemicalsanddownstreamPlasticProcessingIndustry. ii) SettingupofCentresofExcellenceItaimsatimprovingtheexistingpetrochemicaltechnologyand researchinthecountry. iii) SettingupofPlasticParkswithrequisitestateoftheartinfrastructureandenablingcommonfacilities toassistthesectortomoveupthevaluechainandcontributetotheeconomyeffectively. GilgitManuscripts:amongthemostancientintheworldgoingbacktothe6thA.D.perhapstheonlycorpusof BuddhistManuscriptsdiscoveredinIndia;onBhojbark;discoveredin1931 o TheLotusSutraisoneofthemostimportantandinfluentialofthesutrasorscripturesofMahayana Buddhism.Itrepresentsanunlimitedphilosophyofhappiness,aphilosophyofhappinessandpeace,a sacredtexteternalinnatureandunendinginthecreationofvalue. o Inthewakeofanurgentneedtoexpandthehorizonsofaccesstohistoricaldocuments,theFacsimile EditionoftheGilgitLotusSutraManuscriptshasbeenbroughtoutbytheNationalArchivesofIndia ROSUB:unmannedsubmersibleROSUB6000wasdevelopedandtestedsuccessfullyinCentralIndianOcean BasininApril2010atfulloceandepthof5289meters.DevelopedincollaborationwithRussia ONGCVideshLimited(OVL),incollaborationwithVietnamesecompanies,hasbeenengagedinexploration activityintheSouthChinaSeasince1988.ChinahasraiseditsconcernsonIndiashydrocarbonexplorationand exploitationprojectsthere.GovernmenthasclearlyconveyedthatsuchactivitybyIndiancompaniesispurely commercialinnatureandthatthedisputemustberesolvedpeacefullybythecountriesconcerned. stepstoincreasethepaceofprogressinthefieldofscientificresearchanddevelopment:increaseinplan allocationsforScientificDepartments,settingupofnewinstitutionsforscienceeducationandresearch,creation ofcentresofexcellenceandfacilitiesinemergingandfrontlineareasinacademicandnationalinstitutes, inductionofnewandattractivefellowships,strengtheninginfrastructureforResearchandDevelopment(R&D), encouragingpublicprivateR&Dpartnershipsetc.LaunchingofprogrammeslikeInnovationinSciencePursuitfor InspiredResearch(INSPIRE),NanoMission,MegaFacilities,OpenSourceDrugDiscovery,NetworkProjects, NationalBiotechnologyDevelopmentStrategyetc. ScienceandEngineeringResearchBoard(SERB):estbasanautonomousbodythroughanActofParliament.The creationofSERB,apartfromsignificantlyenhancingthelevelofbasicresearchfunding,shallalsoimpartthe necessaryautonomy,flexibilityandspeedinshapingtheresearchprogrammesanddeliveryoffundsto researchers. PanchayatYuvaKridaAurKhelAbhiyan(PYKKA)scheme,whichwasintroducedin200809,playfieldsare developedinvillageandblockpanchayatsacrossthecountryinaphasedmannerandcompetitionsare conductedannuallyatblock,district,stateandnationallevel.51,759villagepanchayatsand1,538block panchayatshavebeencoveredunderthePYKKAScheme GovernmentisproposingtocreateafundonthelineofSovereignWealthFundcreatedinsomecountriesfor OverseasCoalacquisition.ThoughCILhassurplusresourcesforinvestingoutside,itisimportanttohavefinancial supportfromtheGovernmentforacquiringverylargeassetsabroadandbilateralunderstandingbetweenthe twocountries. ProtectionOfficersunderPWDVA,2005:UnderSection8(1)oftheProtectionofWomenfromDomesticViolence Act(PWDVA),2005,StateGovernmentsarerequiredtoappointsuchnumbersofProtectionOfficersineach districtastheymayconsidernecessary.Totalaround6300officershvbeenappointedwith3700ofthemin Maharashtraalone.StateslikeBihar(21),UP(71),WB(20)havenotdonemuch NCTC 1. therearetwoseparateissues,onetheneedforNCTCorasimilarorganization.Theotheriswhatshouldbe thepowersandfunctionsofsuchanorganization,shouldonebecreated.
(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose 2
i)
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2. thirdaspectisabouttheroleofagencydesignedtodocounterterrorismthatmobilisesallelementsof nationalpowerdiplomatic,financial,investigative,judicial,police 3. Wefailedmainlybecauseoflackofcapacity;sometimeswefailedbecauseofalackoftimelydecisionEach caseoffailurecontainswithinitthepotentialofanotherterroristattack.Therefore,wecannotaffordtofail. TheadversarycanfailninetynineoutofhundredtimesbuttheState,theGovernments,cannotaffordtofail evenonceoutofhundredtimes. 4. fourthpointisthemisgivingsaboutoperationsoftheNCTC.ItisnottheNCTCwhichisbeinggivencertain powers,itistheoperationswingoftheNCTCwhichisbeinggivenpowersandonlyunderexceptional circumstances. 5. finallytheotherpointofmisgiving:whyisitlocatedinIBGoMwhichmadeitsrecommendationsin2001, namedtheIBasIndiasnodalcounterterrorismagency. TagoreAwardforpromotingvaluesofUniversalBrotherhoodTagoreAwardforCulturalHarmony o TheawardshallcarryanamountofRs.1Crore,aCitationinaScroll,aPlaqueaswellasanexquisite traditionalhandicraft/handloomitem. o Theawardisopentoallpersonsregardlessofnationality,race,language,cast,creedorsex. o PanditRaviShankartobethefirstrecipientculturalharmonyanduniversalvalues NATIONALTIGERCONSERVATIONAUTHORITY o forstrengtheningtigerconservationby,interalia,ensuringnormativestandardsintigerreserve management,preparationofreservespecifictigerconservationplan,layingdownannualauditreport beforeParliament,constitutingStatelevelSteeringCommitteesundertheChairmanshipofChief MinistersandestablishmentofTigerConservationFoundation. o ChairmanMinisterforEnvironmentandForests.TheAuthoritywillhaveeightexpertsorprofessionals havingqualificationsandexperienceinwildlifeconservationandwelfareofpeopleincludingtribals,apart fromthreeMPs o RegionalOfficessanctionedatNagpur,BengaluruandGuwahati. TIGERCONSERVATION o Legalsteps: 1. AmendmentoftheWildLife(Protection)Act,1972forprovidingenablingprovisionstowards constitutingtheNationalTigerConservationAuthorityandtheTigerandOtherEndangered SpeciesCrimeControlBureau. 2. Enhancementofpunishmentincasesofoffencerelatingtoatigerreserveoritscorearea. 2. Administrativesteps: 1. Strengtheningofantipoachingactivities;providingfundingsupporttoTigerReserveStates 2. ConstitutionoftheNationalTigerConservationAuthority 3. ConstitutionofamultidisciplinaryTigerandOtherEndangeredSpeciesCrimeControlBureauto effectivelycontrolillegaltradeinwildlife 4. inprincipleapprovalforcreationof5newtigerreservesandmoreproposalssought 5. scientificmethodologyforestimatingtigerhasbeenevolvedandmainstreamed 6. Anareaof33472.01sq.km.hasbeennotifiedby16TigerStates(outof17)ascoreorcritical tigerhabitat 7. AsapartofactivemanagementtorebuildSariskaandPannaTigerReserveswheretigershave becomelocallyextinct,reintroductionoftigers/tigresseshavebeendone. 3. Internationalcooperation 1. MoUwithNepaloncontrollingtransboundaryillegaltradeinwildlifeandconservation,apart fromaprotocolontigerconservationwithChina.
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2. GlobalTigerForumofTigerRangeCountrieshasbeencreatedforaddressinginternationalissues relatedtotigerconservation. 3. AtconferenceofPartiestoCITES,IndiaintroducedaresolutionwithdirectionstoPartieswith operationsbreedingtigersonacommercialscale,forrestrictingsuchcaptivepopulationstoa levelsupportiveonlytoconservingwildtigers.Theresolutionwasadoptedasadecisionwith minoramendments. 4. AprotocolonconservationoftheRoyalBengalTigeroftheSundarbanssignedbetweenIndia andBangladeshinSeptember,2011. 5. IndiahasbeenparticipatingintheGlobalTigerInitiativeplatformsinceitslaunch.The InternationalTigerForumheldinRussiaduringNovember,2010culminatedintheSt.Petersburg Declaration. 6. AGlobalTigerRecoveryProgramme(GTRP)wasalsoadoptedbythetigerrangecountries,with thenationalprioritiesbeingspeltoutintheirrespectiveNationalTigerRecoveryProgrammes (NTRP). 4. CreationofSpecialTigerProtectionForce(STPF):NTCAcompetentauthoritytoraising,armingand deployingSTPFfor13tigerreserves;guidelinesoftheSTPFrevisedfordeployingforestpersonnelin placeofPoliceasanoptionII,withscopeforinvolvinglocalpeopleliketheVanGujjars. 5. RecentInitiatives 1. ActioninitiatedforusingInformationTechnologytostrengthensurveillanceintigerreserves. 2. LaunchingofPhaseIVtigerreservelevelmonitoring 3. Specialcrackteamssenttotigerreservesaffectedbyleftwingextremismandlowpopulation statusoftigeranditsprey. 4. Stepstakenformodernizingtheinfrastructureandfieldprotection,besideslaunchingM STrIPESforeffectivefieldpatrollingandmonitoring. 5. StepstakenforinvolvementofNonGovernmentalExpertsintheongoingallIndiatiger estimation. 6. Initiativestakenforimprovingthefielddeliverythroughcapacitybuildingoffieldofficials,apart fromprovidingincentives. EWASTE(MANAGEMENTANDHANDLING)RULES,2011havecomeintoeffectfrom1stMay2012. o conceptofExtendedProducerResponsibilityenshrinedmakesitamandatoryactivityforthe manufacturersofelectronicandelectricalequipments. o producersareresponsibleforcollectionofewastegeneratedfromtheendoflifeoftheirproducts bysettingupcollectioncentresortakebacksystemseitherindividuallyorcollectively o Collectioncentres,dismantlersandRecyclersarerequiredtoobtainauthorizationandregistration fromStatePCB. WaterRegulatoryAuthority:13thFCrecommendedsettingWRAineachStatetofixandregulatethewater tariffsystemandchargesforsurfaceandsubsurfacewaterusedfordomestic,agriculture,industrialand otherpurposes. RUSTOM1:IndigenouslydesignedanddevelopedUnmannedaerialvehicle(UAV),developedby AeronauticalDevelopmentEstablishment(ADE),aDRDOlabatBangalore;Achievedmaxaltitudeof3.5kms; o hasthepotentialmilitarymissionslikeReconnaissance&Surveillance,TargetAcquisition,Target Designation,CommunicationsRelay,BattleDamageAssessmentandSignalIntelligence. o canattainamaximumaltitudeof22,000ftandenduranceof1215Hourswithanoperatingrangeof 250Kmswhenfullydeveloped. NRCP:presentlycovers40riversin190townsspreadover20States;pollutionabatementworkstakenup underthePlanincludeinterceptionanddiversionofrawsewage,settingupofsewagetreatmentplants,
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creationoflowcostsanitationfacilities,settingupofelectric/improvedwoodcrematoriaandriverfront development. StepstocontrolCAD: o TherecentincreaseinCADisduetowideningoftradedeficitonaccountofhigherimportsofPOL andgold&silver. o TolowertheimpactofgoldimportsonCADunderbalanceofpayment,GovernmentintheUnion Budget201213hasproposedtoincreasebasiccustomdutyonstandardgoldbars;goldcoinsof purityexceeding99.5percentandplatinumfrom2percentto4centandonnonstandardgoldfrom 5percentto10percent. o RBIhastakencertainprudentialmeasuresinrespectofNBFCspredominantlyengagedinlending againstcollateralofgoldjewellery,torestricttheloansagainstgold ChakmaandHajongIssue:GovernmentofIndiahasconstitutedaQuadripartiteCommitteeComprisingof GovernmentofIndia,GovernmentofArunachalPradesh,AllArunachalPradeshStudentsUnionandChakma organisationstoresolvethedecadelongpendingissuerelatingtosettlementofChakmas&Hajongsincluding thepossibilityofgrantofIndianCitizenshiptoeligibleChakmas/Hajongsandtorecommendmeasurestobe takenbyCentralGovt./StateGovt.inthematter. SalientfeaturesoftheNationalMissiononFoodProcessing(NMFP)are: i) torealizetheMinistrysnextleapforwardintermsofensuingrequisitegrowthimpetusandvalue additiontothesector; ii) decentralizedapproach; iii) greaterroleofState/UTs; iv) betteroutreachand v) effectivesupervisionandmonitoring. DefinitionofanurbanareainCensusofIndia2011isasfollows: i) AllplaceswithaMunicipalCorporation,Municipality,CantonmentBoardornotifiedtownarea committee,etc. ii) Allotherplacesthatsatisfythefollowingcriteria: Aminimumpopulationof5000; Atleast75%ofmaleworkingpopulationshouldbeengagedinnonagriculturalpursuitsand Adensityofpopulationofatleast400persq.km.(1000persq.mile) iii) TheStateGovernmentisresponsiblefornotifyinganareaasurban. DiscriminationagainstIndianSoftwareCompaniesbyUS TheEmergencyBorderSecuritySupplementalAppropriationsAct,2010oftheUS,substantially increasesthefeesforH1BandL1categoriesofvisasforapplicantsthatemploymorethan50employees intheUnitedStatesorhavemorethan50percentoftheiremployeesadmittedonnonimmigrantvisas (the50/50rule)whichisprimafaciediscriminatoryforIndiancompanies. DepartmentofCommerceproposestoseekconsultationswiththeUSAundertheDisputeSettlement Understanding(DSU)ofWTO. TheIndianfirmsincludingTCS,Infosys,WiproandMahindraSatyamwhofallinthe50/50ruleappear liabletopayhighervisafees. Slumdevelopment HousingandSlumdevelopmentbeingStatesubjects,itisfortheStatestoprovidehousingandbasic facilitieslikedrinkingwater,electricityandsanitationetcdependingupontheirprioritiesandavailability offinancialresourcesetc LaunchedJawaharlalNehruNationalUrbanRenewalMission(JNNURM)in2005toassistStates/UTsfor undertakingprogrammesforprovisionofhousingandbasicservicestourbanpoor/slumdwellersunder
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BasicServicestotheUrbanPoor(BSUP)in65selectcitiesandIntegratedHousingandSlum DevelopmentProgramme(IHSDP)inothercities/towns newschemeRajivAwasYojana(RAY)launchedinJune2011.TheSchemeprovidesfinancialassistance toStatesthatarewillingtoassignpropertyrightstoslumdwellersforprovisionofdecentshelterand basiccivicandsocialservicesforslumredevelopment,andforcreationofaffordablehousingstock. NationalFloorLevelMinimumWage(NFLMW)isanonstatutorymeasure,thereisaproposaltoamendthe MinimumWagesAct,1948,interalia,tomakeNFLMWstatutoryandtocoverallemploymentsunderthe scheduleoftheAct. KhandelwalCommitteeReport:CommitteeonHumanResourcesissuesofPublicSectorBanks(PSBs).The Committeemade105recommendationsonmattersrelatedtoManpowerandRecruitmentPlanning,Training, CareerPlanning,PerformanceManagement,RewardManagement,SuccessionPlanningandLeadership Development,Motivation,ProfessionalisationofHR,Wages,ServiceConditionsandWelfare,etc.As49 recommendationsrequiredfurtherdeliberations,theremaining56recommendationswereforwardedtoPSBs withtherequestthatanHRPlanforeachBankbepreparedandgotapprovedbytherespectiveBoardof Directors.TherepresentativesofWorkmenUnion/OfficerAssociationareontheBoardofDirectorsoftheBank whereadecisiononvariousrecommendationsistaken MungekarCommitteeReportonStandardsofAdministrationandGovernanceintheScheduledAreas submittedbytheStandingCommitteeonInterSectoralIssuesrelatingtoTribalDevelopmentcontains recommendationsonavarietyofissues.Theseincludeinteraliarevivinginstitutionsofselfgovernance, effectivedeliverymechanism,creationofcriticalinfrastructure,TribalSubplan,implementationofthe ScheduledTribesandtheOtherTraditionalForestDwellers(RecognitionofForestRights)Act,2006and GovernorsReport.ThereportalsocontainsrecommendationsontheroleoftheMinistryofTribalAffairsand StateTribalWelfareDepartments,NationalCommissionforScheduledTribesandSCs&STs(Preventionof Atrocities)Act,1989. RupaySystem:ItisanapprovecardpaymentnetworklikeMastercardandVISA.DevelopedbyNational PaymentCorporationofIndia.AsafurthersteptowardsFinancialInclusion,theIssueofRUPAYaffiliatedcardsby bankswillenablecashlesstransactionwheresuchcardsareusedatPointofSale(POS)andMicroATMs. TransactionCostofExport:AccordingtotheestimatesoftheTaskForceonTransactionCostinExports,the transactioncostisapproximately7to10%oftheexportvalue,whichincludesstructuralcostsi.e.inland transportationandhandling,portsandterminalhandlingetc.TheTaskForcemade44recommendationsoutof which23havebeenimplementedwhichreducedthetransactioncosttotheextentofRs.2100crorein perpetuity.
TargetedPublicDistributionSystem(TPDS) isoperatedunderthejointresponsibilityofCentralGovernmentandState/UnionTerritory(UT)Governments. TheCentralGovernmentisresponsibleforprocurement,allocationandtransportationoffoodgrainsuptothe designateddepotsofFoodCorporationofIndia. TheoperationalresponsibilitiesforliftinganddistributingtheallocatedfoodgrainswithintheStates/UTs, identificationofeligibleBelowPovertyLine(BPL)families,issuanceofrationcardstothemandsupervisionover distributionofallocatedfoodgrainstoeligiblecardholdersthroughtheFairPriceShops(FPSs)areoftheState/UT Governments. ToimprovefunctioningofTPDS,GovernmenthasbeenregularlyrequestingState/UTGovernmentsfor continuousreviewoflistsofBPLandAntyodayaAnnaYojana(AAY)families,ensuringtimelyavailabilityof foodgrainsatFairPriceShops(FPSs),ensuringgreatertransparencyinfunctioningofTPDS,improvedmonitoring
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andvigilanceatvariouslevelsandintroductionofnewtechnologiessuchasComputerisationofTPDSoperations atvariouslevels. Measurestakenbyvariousstates:properidentificationofbeneficiaries,timelydistributionoffoodgrains,door stepdeliveryoffoodgrains,enhancingviabilityofFairPriceShops(FPSs),enhancingstoragecapacities,useof technologybasedinitiativesinTPDS,increasingpublicawareness,monitoringdistributionofPDScommodities throughsocialaudit,etc.
INDIASOVEREIGNRATING IntheirApril2012report,S&PhadrevisedtheoutlookonthelongtermratingonIndiafromStabletonegative.Inits report,S&Palsostatedthattheoutlookhasbeenrevisedtoreflectatleastaoneinthreelikelihoodofadowngrade iftheexternalpositioncontinuestodeteriorate,growthprospectsdiminish,orprogressonfiscalreformsremains slow. Stepstaken takinganumberofmeasureswithaviewtoreducingthecurrentaccountdeficit,improvinggrowthprospectsof theeconomy,andreducingthefiscaldeficit. stepstorestricttheexpenditureoncentralsubsidiestounder2%ofGDPin201213andtofurtherbringitdown to1.75%ofGDPinthenextthreeyears. hasmadeadeterminedattempttocomebacktothepathoffiscalconsolidationbyreducingthebudgetedfiscal deficitto5.1%ofGDPinBE201213from5.9%ofGDPinRE201112.
SEXDETERMINATIONCURBINGSTEPS ThedrivetocurbsexdeterminationhasbeenintensifiedthrougheffectiveimplementationofthePC&PNDTActas perdetailsmentionedbelow: CentralSupervisoryBoard(CSB)underthePNDTActhasbeenreconstituted.Meetingsheldevery6months InspectionsbytheNationalInspectionandMonitoringCommitteehavebeenscaledup.NIMChasbeen reconstitutedandapartfrominspectionsfurtherempoweredtooverseefollowupactionbyAppropriate AuthoritiesagainstorganizationsfoundguiltyofviolationsundertheActduringinspections. III. GovernmentofIndiahasnotifiedimportantamendmentsinrulesundertheAct,including: 1. AmendmenttoRule11(2)ofthePC&PNDTRules,1996toprovideforconfiscationofunregistered machinesandfurtherpunishmentundertheAct 2. Amendmenttoregulatetheuseofportableultrasoundequipmentandservicesofferedbymobilegenetic clinics. IV. 17stateswiththemostskewedchildsexratiohavebeenidentifiedforconcertedattention.Ameetingof HealthSecretariesoftheseStateswasconvenedfollowedbyseveralreviewmeetings. V. OperationalguidelinesforGrantinAidtoNGOshavebeenrevisedtoensuretargeteduseofresourcesfor awarenessgenerationoftheAct. VI. StateshavebeenaskedtotakeadvantageoffundingavailableunderNRHMforstrengtheninginfrastructure andaugmentationofhumanresourcesrequiredforeffectiveimplementationofthePC&PNDTAct. Besidesabove,tobringaboutchangeinmindsetofgenderdiscriminationinsociety,supportisbeingprovidedfor BehaviourChangeCommunicationcampaigninStatesPIPsunderNRHM. ThetransitofVenusisaphenomenonwhentheVenuswillbeseenasablackspottravelingfromonelimbofthe solardisctotheother.
I. II.
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FromtheEarththisphenomenonisseenwhentheVenuspassesbetweentheSunandEarthandtheplanetgets alignedwiththeSun. Thisisanextremelyrareevent,occursinpairwithagapof8years,atintervalsof8,121,8,105and8years. TheVenusappearsasadotonthesolardiscbecauseitsangularsizeisverysmallcomparedtothatoftheSunas seenfromtheEarth. ThelasttransitofVenusoccurredonJune8,2004whentheentireeventwasvisiblefromallpartsofIndia.The nextpairoftransitofVenuswilloccurafteracenturyonDec11,2117andDec8,2125.
TAPIGasPipeline isenvisagedtobe1680Kminlength(144KminTurkmenistan,735KininAfghanistan&800KminPakistan) capacityof90MMSCMDofgas,with38MMSCMDeachforIndiaandPak;remaining14MMSCMDforAfghan ThePipelineisexpectedtobeoperationalin2018andsupplygasovera30yearsperiod. sourceofthegasistheSouthYoiotanOsmanfield,recentlyrenamedGalkynysh,whichhasbeencertifiedbya reputedinternationalconsultanttobeholdingprovenrecoverablegasreservesof16trillioncubicmetres. UnionCabinetapprovedtheproposaltopermitGAIL(India)LimitedtosigntheGasSale&PurchaseAgreement (GSPA)withTurrnenGas,Turkmenistan`snationaloilcompany AfghanistanandPakistanhavecommittedtothesafetyandsecurityofthepipelinethroughtheInter GovernmentalAgreementandtheGasPurchaseFrameworkAgreement FromDauletabadtoFazilkathruHeart,Kandahar,QuettaandMultan MOUsforWelfareofOverseasIndianWorkers Problemsfaced:contractviolationsincludingchangingoftheemploymentterms;employerstakepassportsof theworkersonthepretextofsafecustodycantleave signedaLabourWelfareAgreementwithQatar;MemorandaofUnderstanding(MoU)onLabourwelfarewith UnitedArabEmirates(UAE)inDecember2006,withKuwaitinApril2007,withOmaninNovember2008andwith BahraininJune2009. UndertheseAgreementandMoUs,JointWorkingGroups(JWG)areconstituted.Issuesrelatingtothewelfareof IndianworkersincludingpassportcustodyaretakenupduringtheregularmeetingsoftheseJWGs.
PresidentialReferenceon2GLicensing Q.1Whethertheonlypermissiblemethodfordisposalofallnaturalresourcesacrossallsectorsandinall circumstancesisbytheconductofauctions? Q.2Whetherabroadpropositionoflawthatonlytherouteofauctionscanberesortedtofordisposalof naturalresourcesdoesnotruncontrarytoseveraljudgmentsoftheSupremeCourtincludingthoseofLarger Benches? Q.4WhatisthepermissiblescopeforinterferencebycourtswithpolicymakingbytheGovernment includingmethodsfordisposalofnaturalresources? Q.5Whether,ifthecourtholds,withinthepermissiblescopeofjudicialreview,thatapolicyisflawed,isthe courtnotobligedtotakeintoaccountinvestmentsmadeunderthesaidpolicyincludinginvestmentsmade byforeigninvestorsundermultilateral/bilateralagreements? Q.6Iftheanswerstotheaforesaidquestionsleadtoanaffirmationofthejudgmentdated02.02.2012then questionsmayarise,vizlicensesgivenafter1994;andwhethergovtshudwithdrawtheSpectrumallocated toallexistinglicenseesortochargeforthesamewithretrospectiveeffectandifsoonwhatbasisandfrom whatdate?
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LowerSubansiriHydroElectricProject:concernsexpressedbyGoAssamregardingstructuralsafetyofthedam, PlanningCommissionhasappointedatwoMemberTechnicalExpertsCommitteetostudythetechnicalreportsof theExpertGroup OperatingRatiosofIndianRailways:ThereisnoidealoperatingratioforRailways. LoweroperatingratiohelpsingeneratinghigherinternalresourcesformeetingrequirementofPlanfundsfor safety,amenities,modernizationofthesystemetc.ThebesteverOperatingRatiooftheIndianRailwayswas74.7 percentin196364. Theyear201112islikelytoclosewithanoperatingratioof95percentandatargetof84.9percenthasbeen keptfor201213. Railways,inordertoimprovetheoperatingratio,arestrivingforaugmentingtrafficearningsandcontainingthe expenditure. Stepsbeingtakenformaximizingthetrafficearningsinteraliaincluderationalizationoffareandfreighttariff; effectivemarketingstrategiestocapturemoreandmoretraffic;creationofadditionalcapacityandoptimum utilizationoftheexistingrailinfrastructure;improvedthroughputbystepstoincreaseproductivityandefficiency; improvementofpassengerinterfaceetc. Railwaysaremakingeffortstocontaintheexpenditurethroughdiversemeansincludingstricteconomyand austeritymeasures;improvedmanpowerplanning;betterassetutilizationandinventorymanagement; optimizingthefuelconsumptionetc.
Indiantsunamiearlywarningcentre(ITEWC) isequippedwithworldclasscomputational,communicationandtechnicalsupportfacilitiesandisconsideredas oneofthemostmoderntsunamiwarningcentresasondate. TheinstrumentationoftheITEWCisbuiltinawaytodetecttsunamisoriginatingfrombothidentified tsunamigenicsourcesintheIndianOceanandtobecomeworldclassinrespectofthequalityofthewarning servicewithminimalfalsealarmscenariogenerationpossibility. HasbeengivenastatusofRegionalTsunamiServiceProvider(RTSP)byIntergovernmentalOceanographic CommissionoftheUnitedNationsEconomicSocialandCulturalOrganization(IOC/UNESCO) Indiahasstartedprovidingthetsunamiwarningservicebulletinstothe26IndianOceanRimCountriesonan operationalbasis.
BiotechnologyRegulatoryAuthorityofIndia(BRAI)Bill,2012, theAuthoritywillbeanautonomousandstatutoryagencytoregulatetheresearch,transport,import, manufactureanduseoforganismsandproductsofmodernbiotechnology. shallconsistofaChairperson,twowholetimeMembersandtwoparttimemembers,eachwithexpertiseinlife sciencesandbiotechnologyapplicationsinagriculture,healthcare,environmentandgeneralbiology. TheBillprovidesforsettingupofInterministerialGoverningBoardtooverseetheperformanceoftheAuthority andaNationalBiotechnologyAdvisoryCouncilofstakeholderstoprovidefeedbackonuseoforganismsand productsofbiotechnologyinsociety. TheBillalsoprovidesforanelaborateriskassessmentprocessinvolvingscientificpanelsofexpertsand representativesofconcernedministriesincludingaspecialpublicreviewsystemforevaluationofapplications beforefinalapprovals.
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MajorrecommendationsmadebytheShilabhadraBenerjeeCommitteeareregardingsettingupofaDirectorateof Currency;eightstageprocessforacquisitionofsecurityfeaturesforIndiabanknotes;reviewofProcurement ManualsofBRBNMPLandSPMCIL;andIndigenizationincludingR&Dsetupinthecountry. DEMANDFORBODOLAND: AMemorandumofSettlement(MoS)wassignedbetweentheCentralGovernment,GovernmentofAssamandthe BodoLiberationTiger(BLT)on10.2.2003. FollowingactionhasbeentakentoimplementtheMoS: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) SixthScheduletotheConstitutionofIndiawasamendedforcreationofBodolandTerritorialCouncil(BTC). GeneralElectiontotheCouncilwasheldin2005and2010 ScheduledTribe(list)ofAssamhasbeenrevisedbyamendingtheConstitution(ScheduledTribes),Order 1950toprotecttheinterestofBodoTribe. BodolanguagehasbeenincludedintotheEighthScheduleoftheConstitutionofIndia. Article332(6)oftheConstitutionofIndiahasbeenamendedbyenactingConstitution(Ninetieth) AmendmentAct,2003forensuringtheexistingrepresentationoftheScheduledTribesandnonScheduled TribesintheLegislativeAssemblyoftheStateofAssamfromBodolandTerritorialAreaDistrict(BTAD). TheMinistryofDevelopmentofNorthEasternRegion(DoNER)hassanctioned52projectsworthRs.585.24 croreforcreationofsocioeconomicinfrastructuresincetheyear200405andRs.505.29crorehasbeen releasedtotheStateGovernmentofAssamforBTC.Inadditiontoabove,Rs.67.37crorewerereleased duringtheyears20032004to200809fordevelopmentofadministrativeinfrastructureintheBTAD. CentralInstituteofTechnology(CIT)hasstartedfunctioningatKokrajharsince2006. 846exBLTcadreshavebeenrecruitedintheCentralPoliceForces(CPFs)andapprovalforappointmentof 400exBLTcadresasSpecialPoliceOfficer(SPOs)hasbeengiventoStateGovernment.
(vi)
(vii) (viii)
THEPROTECTIONOFCHILDRENFROMSEXUALOFFENCESACT,2012 PassedbyLoksabhainbudgetsession.WasearlierpassedbyRS Forthefirsttime,aspeciallawhasbeenpassedtoaddresstheissueofsexualoffencesagainstchildren. IPCdoesnotprovideforalltypesofsexualoffencesagainstchildrenand,moreimportantly,doesnotdistinguish betweenadultandchildvictims. definesachildasanypersonbelowtheageof18yearsandprovidesprotectiontoallchildrenundertheageof 18yearsfromtheoffencesofsexualassault,sexualharassmentandpornography.Theseoffenceshavebeen clearlydefinedforthefirsttimeinlaw. Anoffenceistreatedasaggravatedwhencommittedbyapersoninapositionoftrustorauthorityofchildsuch asamemberofsecurityforces,policeofficer,publicservant,etc. TheActprovidesforstringentpunishments,whichhavebeengradedasperthegravityoftheoffence.range fromsimpletorigorousimprisonmentofvaryingperiods. PenetrativeSexualAssaultNotlessthansevenyearswhichmayextendtoimprisonmentforlife,andfine AggravatedPenetrativeSexualAssaultNotlessthantenyearswhichmayextendtoimprisonmentforlife,and fine providesfortheestablishmentofSpecialCourtsfortrialofoffencesundertheAct,keepingthebestinterestof thechildasofparamountimportanceateverystageofthejudicialprocess. TheActincorporateschildfriendlyproceduresforreporting,recordingofevidence,investigationandtrialof offences
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TheattempttocommitanoffenceundertheActhasbeenmadeliableforpunishmentforuptohalfthe punishmentprescribedforthecommissionoftheoffence. providesforpunishmentforabetmentoftheoffence,whichisthesameasforthecommissionoftheoffence. Thiswouldcovertraffickingofchildrenforsexualpurposes. ForthemoreheinousoffencesofPenetrativeSexualAssault,AggravatedPenetrativeSexualAssault,Sexual AssaultandAggravatedSexualAssault,theburdenofproofisshiftedontheaccused ThemediahasbeenbarredfromdisclosingtheidentityofthechildwithoutthepermissionoftheSpecialCourt. Thepunishmentforbreachingthisprovisionbymediamaybefromsixmonthstooneyear. Toprovideforreliefandrehabilitationofthechild,assoonasthecomplaintismadetotheSpecialJuvenilePolice Unit(SJPU)orlocalpolice,thesewillmakeimmediatearrangementstogivethechild,careandprotectionsuchas admittingthechildintoshelterhomeortothenearesthospitalwithintwentyfourhoursofthereport. TheNationalCommissionfortheProtectionofChildRights(NCPCR)andStateCommissionsfortheProtectionof ChildRights(SCPCRs)havebeenmadethedesignatedauthoritytomonitortheimplementationoftheAct.
IndiaAdoptsJointCommuniqueonHealth&MedicinewithotherBRICSMemberStates CooperationamongBRICSMemberStateswillhelpaddresscommonchallengessuchasuniversalaccessto healthservices wouldhelpaccesstohealthtechnologiesandgenericmedicinesnotonlyamongBRICSMemberStatesbutthe worldatlarge. Otherpointsinthecommuniqunotethatcooperationintheareaofdrugdiscoveryanddevelopmentespecially TBandmalariaandneglecteddiseaseswillfacilitateavailabilityofnewdrugstotreatthesediseasesmore effectively; therightoftheMemberStatestoprotectpublichealthand,inparticular,topromoteaccesstomedicinesforall asagreedintheDohaDeclarationof2001. TofostertechnologycooperationamongBRICSMemberStates,theydecidedtoincludediseasesurveillance, bothforcommunicableandnoncommunicablediseases,amongthelistofareasforcooperation.T SecondBRICSHealthMinistersmeetingwillbehostedbyIndiainNovember,2012.
FinalGuidelinesonBaselIIICapitalRegulationsIssuedbyRBI BaselIIICapitalRegulationswillbeimplementedfrom01.01.2013inaphasedmanner. Inordertoallowbankstoprepareandplanthemselvesandalsotominimizeanyunintendedconsequences arisingoutofhighercapitalrequirements,bankshavebeengivenalongphaseinperiodduringwhichtheBasel IIIguidelineswouldbeimplemented. CapitalratiosanddeductionsfromCommonEquitywillbefullyphasedinandimplementedasonMarch31, 2018.
InvestmentTrackingSystem Inordertoaddresstheissueofmajorinvestmentprojectsbeingdelayedforavarietyofreasons,PMhas approvedthesettingupofanInvestmentTrackingSystemtoensurespeedyimplementationofsuchprojects. Delaysfacedonmultiplefrontssecurityclearances,envtclearances,otherclearances,landrelatedmatters,etc NationalManufacturingCompetitivenessCouncilshalltrackallPublicSectorprojectswithaninvestmentof` 1000croreandabove. DepartmentofFinancialServicesshallmonitorprojectswithaninvestmentof`1000croreandaboveinthe privatesector.

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willsubmitquarterlyreportsonthetrackingbeingdonebythemandonidentifiedissuestothePMO
DharmadhikariCommitteeReport recommended1stApril2007asthecutoffdateforthepurposeofimplementingnewpayscalesforthe employeesofAirIndia uniformpayscalesforallemployeesoferstwhileAIandIA.Fortheexecutivecadrerecommendedpayscalesare aspertheDPEnormsandnonexecutivecadrepayscalesareaspertheindustrynorms. ProductivityLinkedIncentive(PLI)initspresentformshallbeabolished.subsumedindeterminationofbasicpay recommendedprofitrelatedpayaspertheDPEguidelines,whichwillbelinkedtotheprofitearnedbythe companyandachievementsofvarioustargets. guidingprincipleofintersesenioritywouldbelengthofserviceinthatgradeintheerstwhileAIandIA hasrecognizedtheneedforcertainallowanceswhicharegiventocertainclassofemployeeslikepilots,cabin crewandengineersaspertheindustrystandard.However,theyfalloutsidethescopeofDepartmentofPublic Enterprises(DPE)guidelines.ThiswouldneedanapprovaloftheUnionCabinetbeforetheseareimplementedat variancewithDPEguidelines.Thedetailsofsuchallowanceswouldonlybedisclosedaftertheapprovalofthe Cabinet. recommendedafairandcomprehensivepromotionpolicythroughtheconstitutionofDepartmentalPromotion Committees(DPCs)
ThrustareasofNTP2012 Increaseruralteledensityfromthecurrentlevelofaround39to70bytheyear2017and100bytheyear2020 RepositioningofMobilephoneasaninstrumentofempowerment Broadband`BroadbandForAllataminimumdownloadspeedof2Mbps DomesticManufacturingMakingIndiaaglobalhub ConvergenceofNetwork,ServicesandDevices LiberalisationofSpectrumanyServiceinanyTechnology SimplificationofLicensingregimeUnifiedLicensing,delinkingofSpectrumfromLicense,Onlinerealtime submissionandprocessing ConsumerFocusAchieveOneNationFullMobileNumberPortabilityandworktowardsOneNationFree Roaming ResaleofServices VoiceoverInternetProtocol CloudComputing,NextGenerationNetworkincludingIPV6 KeyFeaturesofDraftNATIONALYOUTHPOLICY2012: a. TheDraftNYP2012recognizesthatyouthisnotahomogenousgroupandtherearenumerousdifferentials basedontheirhabitat,environmentinwhichtheylive,socioeconomicstatusofthefamiliestheybelongtoand theirownlifestyle. b. Thetargetgroupsidentifiedare(i)StudentYouth(ii)MigrantYouth(iii)RuralYouth(iv)TribalYouth(v)YouthAt Risk(vi)Youthinviolentconflicts(vii)outofschool/dropouts(viii)groupswithsocial/moralstigma(ix)Youthin InstitutionalCare.Youngwomen,Youthbelongingtosociallyandeconomicallydisadvantagedcommunities /groups,anddifferentlyabledyouthformthethreeprioritygroupsamongthetargetagegroup.
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c. TheDraftNYP2012proposestochangethetargetagegroupfromtheexisting1335yearsto1630years.This changeisproposedmainlytorealignthedefinitionofYouthwiththeprevailinginternationaldefinitions.The definitionofYouthasperUNis1524yearsandasperCommonwealth,itis1529years. d. Theconcernsoftargetgroupsandtheprioritygroupstherein,shallbeaddressedthroughasubsequentaction planbasedonpolicyinterventionsmentionedinthethrustareasofthispolicy. e. DraftNYP2012planstodividebroadagebracketof1630yearsintothreegroupsthefirstsubgroupwillbe16 20yearscoveringmostlyyouthwhorequireeducationalfacilities.Thesecondsubgroupis2025yearswho requireaccesstoemployableskills.Thethirdsubgroup2530whorequireaccesstoselfemployment andenterprenuerialskills. f. aimsatempoweringyouththroughskilldevelopmentforenhancingemployabilityandproviding entrepreneurshipopportunitiesthroughconvergencewithotherMinistries/Departments. g. ThethrustareasarepromotionofNationalvalues,socialharmony,nationalunity,empoweringyouththrough employableskills,education,health,sportsandrecreation,genderjustice,participationincommunityservice, environmentandlocalgovernance. h. hasmonitorableindicatorsunderfivedomains.Accordingly,YouthDevelopmentIndexwillincludethe indicesviz.YouthHealthIndex,YouthEducationIndex,YouthWorkIndex,YouthAmenitiesIndex,Youth ParticipationIndex. i. advocatesestablishmentofstrongcoordinationmechanismattheCentreandStateLevels. j. proposesthatYouthPolicybereviewedaftereveryNationalCensus. BiotechnologyIgnitionGrant(Big)Scheme:supporttoentrepreneurswhohaveanexcitingideawhichmaybein thenascentandplanningstage;stimulatecommercializationofresearchdiscoveriesbyprovidingveryearlystage grantsforthedevelopmentandmaturationofthosediscoveriesintomarketableproductorintellectualproperty(IP), inparticulartohelpbridgethegapbetweendiscoveryandinvention. TomatoGenomeConsortium(TGC),agroupofover300scientistsfromfourteencountries,hassequencedthe genomesofthedomesticatedtomatoanditswildancestor,Solanumpimpinellifolium.Thisachievementisexpected tolowercostsandspeedupeffortstoimprovetheworldwidetomatoproduction,makingitbetterequippedto combatthepests,pathogens,droughtanddiseasesthatnowplaguegrowers. KabirPuraskar:forpromotionofCommunalHarmony;introducedin1990;3grades;givenfortheconspicuousacts ofphysical/moralcouragedisplayedundercircumstancesofdangertothelifeoftherescuerinsavingthelivesand propertiesofmember(s)ofanothercommunity,casteorethnicgroupduringcommunalriots,casteconflictsorethic clashes;givenbytheMinistryofHomeAffairs HighlightsofAnnualSupplement201213toForeignTradePolicy200914 2%InterestSubventionScheme:ContinuationandExpansion TechnologicalUpgradation/EPCGScheme:ZeroDutyEPCGSchemeextendedupto31stMarch2013;scopeof ZeroDutyEPCGSchemehasbeenenlarged.; IntroductionofAnewPostExportEPCGScheme:Reducedtransactioncostcoupledwithcomparativelyreduced EOwouldmakethisschemeattractive IncentivesForPromotingInvestmentInLabourIntensiveSectors:StatusholdersareissuedStatusHolders IncentiveScrip(SHIS)toimportCapitalGoodsforpromotinginvestmentinupgradationoftechnologyofsome specifiedlabourintensivesectorslikeLeather,Textile&Jute,Handicrafts,Engineering,PlasticsandBasic Chemicals.Itisnowdecidedthatupto10%ofthevalueofthesescripswillbeallowedtobeutilizedtoimport componentsandsparesofcapitalgoodsimportedearlier.
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EncouragementForManufacturingSectorInDomesticMarket:VariousscripsissuedunderFPS,FMS,SHIS,SFIS shallbepermittedtobeutilizedforpaymentofExciseDutyfordomesticprocurement. Market&ProductDiversification:7newmarketsarebeingaddedtoFocusMarketScheme(FMS);46newitems arebeingaddedtoMarketLinkedFocusProductScheme(MLFPS);110newitemsarebeingaddedtotheFocus ProductScheme(FPS)
INDIAJAPANDEFENCECOOPERATION IndianNavyandtheJapaneseMaritimeSelfDefenceForcewillconducttheirfirsteverbilateralexerciseduring thevisitoffourIndianNavyshipstoJapan TheengagementbetweentheNaviesofIndiaandJapanispartoftheoveralldefencecooperationbetweenboth countries.DefenceexchangesbetweenIndiaandJapanpresentlycompriseannualDefenceMinisterlevel meetings,DefencePolicydialogueatDefenceSecretarylevelandArmyandNavalStaffTalks.
PURA2.0(ProvisionofUrbanAmenitiesinRuralAreas) fordevelopinginfrastructureinrapidlyurbanizingareasknownascensustownsinthenewversionofPURA PlanningCommissionhasagreedtoprovideRs1500Croreinthe12thFiveyearplan numberofCensusTownsinIndiahasincreasedfrom1,362in2001to3,894in2011,whilethenumberofvillages andthestatutorytownshaveremainedthesame. Censustownisdescribedasatownhavingmorethan5,000populationswithadensityof400peoplepersquare kilometerandwherethemalepopulationengagedinnonagriculturalactivitiesismorethan75% Projectstotakeninapublicprivatepartnershipmodetobuildandimproveuponthephysicalinfrastructure. ExpressionofInterestfortheprivatepartieshasalreadybeennotifiedandtheprivatecompaniesinconsultation withGramPanchayats,whichwillbethenodalagency,cantakeupprojectslikesanitation,watersupply,street lighting,roadsandsolidandliquidwastemanagementonuserchargesbasisinthecensustowns. PURA2.0,whichisdifferentfromPURA1.0,conceivedbytheformerPresidentDrA.P.J.AbdulKalamasthatone principallyrelatedtoknowledgeconnectivity. Termingthemas"Trishanku"areas,Rameshsaidtheyhavewitnessedrapidurbanisationduetopopulationinflux andpositivechangesinareassuchasemploymentofpeopleinagriculture.
PURA MoRDisimplementingthePURAschemeunderaPublicPrivatePartnership(PPP)frameworkbetweenGram Panchayat(s)andprivatesectorpartnerswithactivesupportofthestategovernments. Theschemeenvisagestwinningofruralinfrastructuredevelopmentandmanagementwitheconomicre generationactivitiesandisthefirstattemptatdeliveringabasketofinfrastructureandamenitiesthroughPPPin theruralareas. Itisanefforttoprovideadifferentframeworkfortheimplementationofruralinfrastructuredevelopment schemesandharnessprivatesectorefficienciesinthemanagementofassetsanddeliveryofservices. Objectives:provisionoflivelihoodopportunitiesandurbanamenitiesinruralareastobridgetheruralurban divide. Features:CorefundingshallbesourcedfromtheCentralSectorschemeofPURAandcomplementedby additionalsupportthroughconvergenceofdifferentCentralGovernmentschemes.Theprivatesectorshallalso bringintotheprojectitsshareofinvestmentbesidesoperationalexpertise.Theschemewouldbeimplemented andmanagedbytheprivatesectoronconsiderationsofeconomicviabilitybutdesignedinamannerwherebyit isfullyalignedwiththeoverallobjectiveofruraldevelopment
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TheRegionalRuralBankswereestablishedin1975withtheobjectivetocreateanalternativechannelto`cooperative creditstructure`withaviewtoensuresufficientinstitutionalcreditforruralandagriculturesector. TheissuedcapitalofRRBsissharedbyCentralGovernment,theconcernedStateGovernmentandthesponsor bankintheproportionof50%,15%and35%,respectively. InpursuanceoftherecommendationsofDr.Chakrabarty,DeputyGovernor,RBIonCRARofRRBs,Government hadinitiatedtheprocessofrecapitalizationof40financiallyweakRRBsin200910. Therecapitalizationamounthastobesharedbystakeholdersinproportionoftheirshareholding.releaseof CentralGovtshareissubjecttoreleaseofStateGovernmentandsponsorbankshare. Capitalizationhasbeencompletedin16RRBstilltheendofMarch,2012. Recently,UnionCabinetapprovedthereleaseof50%shareoftheCentralGovtforrecapitalizationofremaining RRBtoimprovetheirCapitaltoRiskWeightsedAssetsRatio(CRAR)
ThefirstBilateralmaritimeexercisebetweenIndiaandJapan`JIMEX12`(JapanIndiaMaritimeExercise)will commencetomorrow,09June,offTokyo.UnitsoftheJapaneseMaritimeSelfDefenceForce(JMSDF)participating aretwodestroyers;onemaritimepatrolaircraftandahelicopter.IndianNavalunitsparticipatingareINSRana,INS Shivalik,INSKarmukhandINSShakti. HovercraftH187:IndianCoastGuardHovercraftH187,thefirstoftheseriesoftwelveAirCushionVehicles(ACVs) wascommissionedrecently;displaces31tonnesandcanachieveamaximumspeedof45knots.TheACViscapable ofundertakingmultifarioustaskssuchassurveillance,interdiction,searchandrescueandrenderingassistanceto smallboats/craftindistressatsea. IndianNavysPanIOROperationsDemonstrateReachofIndiasMaritimeDiplomacy FourshipsoftheIndianNavysEasternFleetenteredShanghaitodayonafourdayportvisit.areonan operationaldeploymenttotheSouthChinaSeaandNorthWestPacific. Earlierinthedeployment,thefirstBilateralmaritimeexercisebetweenIndiaandJapan`JIMEX12`(JapanIndia MaritimeExercise)wasconducted INSSavitriisinPortVictoria,Seychelles.plannedtoparticipateintheNationalDaycelebrationsofSeychellesand thereafterbedeployedforabouttwomonthstoundertakesurveillanceofEEZofSeychellesandMauritius. TheINcontinuestomaintainoneDornierinSeychellestoprovideaerialsurveillancefortheSeychelloisEEZ. OneDornierisactivelyflyingfromMaldivestomeetMaldivianrequirementsofEEZsurveillanceandantipiracy patrols.TheINsupporttoMauritius,MaldivesandSeychellesisprovidedonrequestoftherespectivegovts. INSTabarcontinuesitsdeploymentintheGulfofAdenonconvoyescortandantipiracypatrol. TheWesternFleetissettodeployfourshipsonanoverseasdeploymenttoHornofAfrica,RedSeaandthe WesternMediterranean Suchlongrangedeployments,coveringtheIORandbeyond,beartestimonytothebluewatercapabilitiesand operationalreadinessoftheIndianNavy.
ManmohanatG20summit Problemstobedealtwithbyvariousmembers: Thereisconcernthatthefirewallavailablemaynotbeadequatetodealwithcontagion.Theresourcescurrently expectedtobemobilizedbyEuropeandtheIMFarelessthanwasestimatedayearago,andthecrisisisactually moreserious. Partofthesolutionliesinprovidingliquiditytocopewithlossofmarketconfidence.Butliquiditydoesnothelp whensolvencyisinquestion.Toaddressthisproblem,liquiditymustbeprovidedinparallelwitheffective

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adjustmentprogrammesthatensureanearlyreturntodebtsustainability.Theadjustmentprogrammeadopted shouldleadtoanaccelerationofgrowth,sothatcountriescangrowoutofthedebttrap. Thisbringsmetothecontentiousissueoftherelationshipbetweenausterityandgrowth.Itcanbearguedthat austeritynowwilllaythebasisforsustainedgrowthlater.Butthereisalsoanalternativeviewthatwithgrowth impulsesasseriouslyweakenedastheyaretoday,synchronizedausterityacrossmanycountriesmaynotbethe rightmedicine. Financialmarketsnormallyfavourausterity,buteventheyarebeginningtorecognizethatausteritywithno growthwillnotproduceareturntoasustainabledebtposition. Iamnotsuggestingthatfiscalprudenceisnotimportant.Iamonlysayingthatgiventhelargeadjustmentneeds, notallofitcanbefrontloadedeverywhere.Thisisespeciallyrelevantwithinacurrencyarea.Austerityinthe debtriddenmembersoftheEurozonecanworkonlyifsurplusmembersarewillingtoexpandtooffset contractionelsewhereinthecurrencyarea. TheInternationalMonetaryFundhasacriticalsupportiveroletoplayinstabilizingtheEurozone.Allmembers musthelptheFundtoplaythisrole.IamhappytoannouncethatIndiahasdecidedtocontribute$10billionto theIMFsadditionalfirewallof$430billion.
CLEMENCY Capitalpunishmentisanemotiveissueonwhichthereisanongoingdebatebetweenabolitionistsand retentionists.Assuch,thereisaneedtohaveaninformeddiscussionanddebateinthematter.Bethatasitmay, solongdeathsentenceremainsapartofourstatutesandseekingofclemencybyacondemnedprisoneroron hisbehalfisconstitutionallyordained,thePresidentisdutyboundtodischargethisobligation. WhenthePresidentisexpectedtoworkaspartoftheconstitutionalscheme,theword,President,isan abbreviationfortheCentralGovernment. theSupremeCourthasobservedincertainrecentcasesthatdelaysindisposalofmercypetitionsmaybe minimizedandthatthecondemnedprisonershaveaverypertinentrightininsistingthatadecisioninthematter betakenwithinareasonabletime.Furthermore,asseveralmercypetitioncasesremainedundecidedforovera decade,thematterwasalsodiscussedintheParliamentinFebruary2011andGovernmentmadeitsintentclear toexpeditedecisionsonmercypetitions. Itiscommonknowledgethatalldeathconvictsseekingmercyarethosewhohavecommittedghastlyand heinouscrimesoftherarestoftherarecategory.Nevertheless,theConstitutionconfersonthemtherightto seekclemency.Whenclemencyisgranted,thecourtshaveheldthatitdoesnotwipeouttheoffenceordisaffirm thejudicialverdict.Bytheexerciseofthepowerofpardon,thePresidentdoesnotamend,modifyorsubstitute thejudicialdecisions.
...thereisanincreasingrealisationthatthedestinyofournationisentwinedwithourmaritimedestiny. improvingresourceallocationtotheIndianNavyinIndiascarefullycontrolleddefencebudget, theglobalgazeisfocusingincreasinglyontheAsiaPacificregionwhichunderlinesthesignificanceoftheIndian Oceaninglobalsecurityaffairs Bytheyear2025,threeoftheworldsfourlargesteconomieswillbeinAsia.Theregionisalsorecognisedasthe primarylociofostensiblenonstatethreatsintheworld.Juxtaposedwiththeseentitiesarethreeofthe worldsfourlargestArmies,andatleastfourdeclarednuclearweaponstates addressingthe11thAsiaSecuritySummit(alsocalledtheShangriLadialogue)on02Jun12,DefenceMinister, MrAKAntonyhadsaid...givenIndiasgeographicallocation,extensivemaritimeinterests,dependenceonthe seasfortradeandtheevolvingasymmetricthreatsintheformofmaritimeterrorism,piracyanddrugtrafficking, maritimesecurityissueshavebecomeastrategicpriorityforus.HeaddedthatAsweseektosatisfythe
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growingdemandformineralresourcestomeetourgrowthanddevelopmentaspirations,wewillseektoincrease ourinvestmentsintheexplorationofourmaritimedomain, PolicyRelatingtoFIIInvestmentsinGovernmentSecuritiesandLongTermInfrastructureBondsRationalized; GovernmentSecurities: Modifiedpolicy:makeavailabletoFIIsatotallimitofUS$10billionsubjecttoresidualmaturityof3years Withtheabovechanges,thetotalFIIlimitwouldstandatUS$20billion. tobroadbasethenonresidentinvestorbaseforGovernmentSecurities,ithasalsobeendecidedtoallowlong terminvestorslikeSWFs,MultilateralAgencies,EndowmentFunds,insurancefunds,pensionfundsandforeign CentralBankstoberegisteredwithSEBItoalsoinvestinGovernmentsecuritieswithinthisenhancedlimitofUSD 20billion.
AnewschemeunderECB: HLCECBhasdecidedtoaddanewschemeforExternalCommercialBorrowings. IndiancompaniescannowavailofECBsforrepaymentofRupeeloan(s)availedoffromthedomesticbanking systemand/orforfreshRupeecapitalexpenditure,undertheapprovalroute,subjecttosatisfyingtheconditions likebeingmanufacandinfracos;consistentfxearning;notindefaultlistofRBIetc.. TheoverallceilingforsuchECBsshallbeUSD10billion. ThemaximumpermissibleECBthatcanbeavailedofbyanindividualcompanywillbelimitedto50percentof theaverageannualexportearningsrealisedduringthepastthreefinancialyears. TheECBswillbeallowedtocompaniesbasedontheforeignexchangeearningsanditsabilitytoservicetheECB.
RationalizationintheSchemeofFIIsinvestmentinLongtermInfrastructureBonds Atpresent,FIIinvestmentsinlongterminfrabondshaveaceilingofUS$25billionwithsubcategoriesandvarious lockinperiodsandresidualmaturities.Inanutshell,thelockinperiodhasbeenreducedto1yrforvarious categoriessubjecttotheconditionthattheresidualmaturityatthetimeoffirstpurchaseisatleast15months. IndiaEUBilateralInvestmentandTradeAgreement(BITA)negotiations TheIndiansidesoughtcomfortandclarityonthemarketaccessbeingprovidedtoIndiainModes1and4and askedforassurancethattheseareactuallyeffectiveontheground.Inmode1,Indiawouldneedtobedeclared asdatasecureinordertoprovideaccess. onMode4i.e.movementofnaturalpersonsforprovidingservices,Indiapushedforbetteraccessandremoval ofsafeguardclausesthatmayhampertheactualrealisationofconcessionsofferedbyEU.Indiaalsopushedfor moreaccessfordomesticindustryandIndianagriculturalproducts. TheEuropeansidealsoputforwarditsconcernswithregardtomarketaccessandpatentissues.Fourteenrounds ofnegotiationshavetakenplace,andthefifteenthroundstartedyesterday. ThebilateraltradebetweenIndiaandEUintheyear2011wasUS$108.80billion.Imports54,Exports54b
JEEMETHODOLOGY JEEADVANCEDexaminationwillbeheldafterJEEMAINwithasuitabletimegap.Onlythetop150,000 candidates(includingallcategories)inJEEMAINwillbequalifiedtoappearintheJEEAdvancedexamination. AdmissionstoIITswillbebasedonlyoncategorywiseAllIndiaRank(AIR)inJEEADVANCEDsubjecttocondition thatsuchcandidatesareinthetop20percentileofsuccessfulcandidatesoftheirBoardsinapplicablecategories.

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JEEADVANCEDexaminationwillhaveanexclusiveJointAdmissionBoard(JAB)andJointImplementation Committee(JIC)withthesamecompositionasatpresent.TheJABandJICwillalsocoordinatewiththeorganizing bodyresponsibleforconductingJEEMAIN.
ICNP2 SecondMeetingoftheIntergovernmentalCommitteeforNagoyaProtocolonAccessandBenefitSharing(ICNP 2)isbeingheldinNewDelhifrom26July,2012. NagoyaProtocolonAccessandBenefitSharing(ABS)newinternatltreatyadoptedundertheauspicesofCBD CBD,oneofthetwoagreementsadoptedduringtheEarthSummitheldinRiodeJaneiroin1992,isthefirst comprehensiveglobalagreementwhichaddressesallaspectsrelatingtobiodiversity. TheConvention,whilereaffirmingsovereignrightsofnationsovertheirbiologicalresources,establishesthree maingoals:(i)conservationofbiologicaldiversity,(ii)sustainableuseofitscomponentsand(iii)fairand equitablesharingofbenefitsarisingoutoftheuseofgeneticresources. Accessandbenefitsharing(ABS)AframeworkforimplementingthethirdobjectiveoftheCBD Alllivingorganisms:plants,animalsandmicrobes,carrygeneticmaterialthathaspotentialusesfordevelopinga widerangeofproductsandservicesforhumanbenefits,suchasindevelopmentofmedicines,drugs,cosmetics, enzymes,agriculturalandhorticulturalproducts,environmentaltechniquesetc. ABSreferstothewayinwhichgeneticresourcesmaybeaccessed,andthewayinwhichbenefitsthatresultfrom theirusearesharedbetweenthepeopleorcountriesusingtheresources(users)andthepeopleorcountriesthat providethem(providers). NagoyaProtocolsignedby92countries,andasondateratifiedbyfivecountries.IndiasignedtheProtocoland isintheprocessofcompletinginterministerialconsultationsnecessaryforratifyingtheProtocol.TheProtocol willenterintoforce90daysafterits50thratification. TheICNP2willdiscussissuessuchas:capacitybuildingofdevelopingcountriesforimplementationofthe Protocol,awarenessraising,modalitiesofABSclearinghouse,proceduresandmechanismtopromote compliancewiththeProtocol,agendaforthefirstCoPMoP,rulesofprocedureforCoPMoP,andglobal multilateralbenefitsharingmechanism.
WHOIndiaCountryCooperationStrategy(CCS) Tocontributemeaningfullytothenationalhealthpolicyandgovernmentshealthagenda,theCCShasidentified threestrategicprioritiesandthekeyfocusareasundereachpriority: 1.SupportinganimprovedroleoftheGovernmentofIndiainglobalhealth InternationalHealthRegulations:EnsuringtheimplementationofhealthRegulationsandsimilarcommitments Pharmaceuticals:Strengtheningthepharmasectorincludingdrugregulatorycapacityand,tradeandhealth Stewardship:ImprovingthestewardshipcapacityoftheentireIndianhealthsystem
2.Promotingaccesstoandutilizationofaffordable,efficientlynetworkedandsustainablequalityservicesbythe entirepopulation FinancialProtection:Providinguniversalhealthservicecoveragesothateveryindividualwouldachievehealth gainfromahealthinterventionwhenneeded Quality:Properlyaccreditingservicedeliveryinstitutions(primaryhealthcarefacilitiesandhospitals)todeliver theagreedservicepackage

3.HelpingtoconfrontthenewepidemiologicalrealityofIndia
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HealthofMothersandChildren:Scalingupreproductive,maternal,newborn,childandadolescenthealth services CombinedMorbidity:Addressingincreasedcombinationsofcommunicableandnoncommunicablediseases TransitioningServices:Gradual,phasedtransferstrategyofWHOservicestothenational,stateandlocal authoritieswithouterosionofeffectivenessduringthetransitionperiod
NavalAirStation(NAS)Baaz NavalAirStation(NAS)CampbellBayoverlookingthesixdegreeChannel,oneofthemostcrucialshippinglanesof theworld,willsoonbecomeIndia'seyeovertheMalaccastraitandtheBayofBengal.Thenewairstationwillbe rechristenedNASBaaz.About40%ofworld'stradeandmorethan50,000merchantshipssailthroughiteveryyear. CoreIndustriesinIIP 8coreindustrieshaveacombinedweightof37.90percentintheIndexofIndustrialProduction(IIP). List:Coal,Crudeoil,NaturalGas,Petroleumrefining,Fertilizer,Steel,Cement,Electricity(highestwtg) DuringAprilJune201213,thecumulativegrowthrateoftheCoreindustrieswas3.6%asagainsttheirgrowthat 5.2%duringthecorrespondingperiodin201112.
AmendmenttoFDIpolicy: AnonresidententitycaninvestinIndia,subjecttotheFDIPolicy.AcitizenofBangladeshoranentityincorporatedin BangladeshcaninvestonlyundertheGovernmentroute.AcitizenofPakistanoranentityincorporatedinPakistan caninvest,onlyundertheGovernmentroute,insectors/activitiesotherthandefence,spaceandatomicenergy." Downstreaminvestment/smadebyabankingcompany,asdefinedinclause(c)ofSection5oftheBanking RegulationAct,1949,incorporatedinIndia,whichisownedand/orcontrolledbynonresidents/anonresident entity/nonresidententities,underCorporateDebtRestructuring(CDR),orotherloanrestructuringmechanism,orin tradingbooks,orforacquisitionofsharesduetodefaultsinloans,shallnotcounttowardsindirectforeign investment.However,their`strategicdownstreaminvestment`shallcounttowardsindirectforeigninvestment.For thispurpose,`strategicdownstreaminvestments`wouldmeaninvestmentbythesebankingcompaniesintheir subsidiaries,jointventuresandassociates. PublicPrivatePartnershipApprovalCommittee(PPPAC) ApprovalschemesforPPPsinthecentralsectorhasbeenstreamlinedthroughPPPAC. Thecommitteecomprisesof o Secretary,DepartmentofEconomicAffairs(intheChair) o Secretary,PlanningCommission o Secretary,DepartmentofExpenditure; o Secretary,DepartmentofLegalAffairs;and o SecretaryoftheDepartmentsponsoringaproject
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ThesponsoringMinistrywillidentifytheprojectstobetakenupthroughPPPsandundertakepreparationof feasibilitystudies,projectagreementsetc.withtheassistanceoflegal,financialandtechnicalexpertsas necessary. FundingSteps:Toaddressthefinancingneedsoftheseprojects,variousstepshavebeentakenlikesettingupof IndiaInfrastructureFinanceCompanyandlaunchingofaSchemetomeetViabilityGapFunding(VGF)ofPPP projects.SettingupofinfrastructurefundsarealsobeingencouragedandmultilateralagenciessuchasAsian DevelopmentBankhavebeenpermittedtoraiseRupeebondsandcarryoutcurrencyswapstoprovidelongterm debttoPPPprojects. ViabilityGapFundingscheme:Theschemeaimsatsupportinginfrastructureprojectsthatareeconomically justifiedbutfallshortoffinancialviability.Supportunderthisschemewouldbeavailableonlyforinfrastructure projectswhereprivatesectorsponsorsareselectedthroughaprocessofcompetitivebidding.ThetotalViability GapFundingunderthisschemewillnotexceedtwentypercentoftheTotalProjectCost;providedthatthe Governmentorstatutoryentitythatownstheprojectmay,ifitsodecides,provideadditionalgrantsoutofits budget,butnotexceedingafurthertwentypercentoftheTotalProjectCost. IndiaInfrastructureProjectDevelopmentFund:TheprocurementcostsofPPPs,andparticularlythecostsof transactionadvisors,aresignificantandoftenposeaburdenonthebudgetoftheSponsoringAuthority.IIPDFisa mechanismthroughwhichSponsoringAuthoritywillbeabletosourcefundingtocoveraportionofthePPP transactioncosts,therebyreducingtheimpactofcostsrelatedtoprocurementontheirbudgets.wouldassist ordinarilyupto75%oftheprojectdevelopmentexpenses.Onsuccessfulcompletionofthebiddingprocess,the projectdevelopmentexpenditurewouldberecoveredfromthesuccessfulbidder.
INDIASLTRADERELATIONS bilateraltradebetweenIndiaandSriLankatradewasUSD4billionin201011.Target$10bby2015 SriLankaisIndiaslargesttradepartnerinSouthAsiawhileIndiaisSriLankaslargesttradepartnerglobally. ThetradebetweenthetwocountriesgrewrapidlyparticularlyaftertheIndiaSriLankaFTAcameintoforcein March2000.Between20002008,thebilateraltrademultipliednearlyfivefold.

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TotalIndiancumulativeinvestmentsstandaroundUSD600million.Thekeysectorsincludetelecom,healthcare, realestate,IT,hospitalityandtourism.Ontheotherhand,theinvestmentsfromSriLankaintoIndiaarefocused insectorssuchastextiles,foodprocessingandlogistics. CEPAunderdiscussionbetweenthetwocountriescanbeasignificantcatalysttoeconomicengagement.The proposedagreementcoversfourareas:tradeingoods;tradeinservices;economiccooperation(inareassuchas fisheries,energy,pharmaceuticals,textiles,financial,infrastructureandtourism)andinvestmentissues. IndiawillassistSriLankaintheestablishmentofEngineeringandAutomobilecomponentsSEZwhichwouldbe locatednearTrincomaleeandwillpromoteexportstotheproductionchainsinIndia. willworktogethertowardstheestablishmentofaPharmaceuticalmanufacturinghubinSriLanka PotentialsectorsidentifiedbyCEOsforumforincreasingtradeandinvestmentareapparel,rubberproducts, powerandenergy,tourism,education,skilldevelopment,portsandshipping
MinistryofPowerandNorthIndianStatesAgreeto12PointResolutiontoAvoidPowerGridCrisisinFuture 1. Adequatedefenseplansandprotectionsystemshallbeputinplacetoensureintegratedoperationofthe National/RegionalGridsinadherencewiththeIndianElectricityGridCode(IEGC).Allthestatesshall ascertainpreparednessofpowersystemdefenseplansandcooperateattheRegionallevelforcoordinating theirProtectionsystems. Defenseplansofthestatesmustincludeislandingschemes,underfrequencyrelays,rateofchangeof frequencyrelays,specialprotectionschemesandautomaticdemandmanagementschemes.Thedefense plansshallalsoincluderestorationproceduresthatshallbeupdatedandreviewedregularly. StateswillpreparetheirislandingschemesinconsultationwithPGCIL,CEAandNRPCwithinthenext3 monthsandensuretheirimplementationwithinthenext6months. Independentthirdpartyauditoftheprotectionsystemsshallbecarriedoutwithin1monthandtheRegional PowerCommittees(RPCs)shallmonitorthesame. Alltheutilitiesshallalsoadoptgoodoperationandmaintenancepracticesandrandomchecksoftheseshall becarriedoutbyRPCs. Statesshallprepareplansinlongterm,mediumtermandshorttermhorizonsforprocurementofpower, networkanddemandmanagementinaccordancewithIEGC,whichshallbereviewedbytheRPCs. StatesshallcarryoutperiodicallyPowersystemstudiesforoperationplanningandTransferCapability determination. StatesshalltakeallnecessarystepsforstrengtheningandupgradingtheStateLoadDespatchCentresand trainingofsystemoperators.Thereshouldbemanpowercapacitybuildingbywayoftrainingand certification ThepersonnelmanningtheLDCcontrolroomsshouldbeequippedwithpropertoolstofacilitatethe dischargeofthefunctions. StatesrequestedthatGoImaydrawupaschemeforsupportingtheminstrengtheningtheirSLDCsandfor capacitybuilding. POSOCOwouldevolveacontingencyloadsheddingprotocol,especiallywhennonfrequencyrelatedload sheddingisrequired. AllStatesresolvedtoadheretoIEGCandtakeallrequisitemeasuresforitseffectiveenforcement.Itwas agreedthatallinstructionsofNLDC/NRLDCwillbeimplementedimmediatelybySLDCswithoutwaitingfor furtherinstructionsfromanyotherauthority.
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Since2003,thePresidentofIndiahasbeenhostinganAtHomefunctionintheRashtrapatiBhawanonthe anniversaryoftheQuitIndiaMovementonthe9thAugustofeveryyeartohonourfreedomfighters.
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QuitIndiaMovementwaslaunchedon9thAugust1942.On8thAugust1942,theAllIndiaCongressCommittee (A.I.C.C)formallyadoptedinBombayaresolutioncallingontheBritishto`QuitIndia`.Thenextdaynationalleaders includingGandhijiwerearrestedbytheBritish.Fromthatverydayi.e9thAugust,aspontaneouscivildisobedience movementinresponsetoGandhi`scallforimmediateindependencespreadalloverthecountry. UNCTADsWorldinvestmentReport,2012 OutoftotalFDIreceivedindevelopingeconomiesduring2011,Indiareceived4.6%31.5b$agst24b$in2010 China124b$,Brazil66b$,
PanchayatSancharSewaYojana PanchayatSancharSewaKendras(PSSKs)underthePanchayatSancharSewaYojanaschemeareopenedatthe GramPanchayatHeadquarterswhicharewithoutPostOfficestoprovidebasicpostalfacilities ThisschemeisbeingimplementedbytheGramPanchayatsthroughagentsappointedbythem ThePSSKagentshavebeenallowedtoworkasdirectagentofRuralPostalLifeInsurance(RPLI)businessfor increasingthevolumeofbusinessandincomeofthePSSKs.
INDIAandILO TheILOinstrumentshaveprovidedguidelinesandusefulframeworkfortheevolutionoflegislativeand administrativemeasuresfortheprotectionandadvancementoftheinterestoflabour.Ithasalwaysbeenthe practiceinIndiathatweratifyaConventionwhenwearefullysatisfiedthatourlawsandpracticesarein conformitywiththerelevantILOConvention. ILOhassofaradopted189Conventionsand201Recommendations.Outof189ILOConventions,Indiahassofar ratified43Conventionswhichincludes4(four)coreorfundamentalhumanrightsConventions. wehaveratified4coreconventionsand3priority/governanceconventions.4coreonesare:ForcedLabour Convention;AbolitionofForcedLabourConvention;EqualRemunerationConvention;Discrimination (EmploymentOccupation)Convention EvenwhereforcertainreasonswherewemaynotbeinapositiontoratifyaConvention,wehavegenerally votedinfavouroftheConventionreservingitspositionasfarasitsfutureratificationisconcerned. ManyoftheILOConventionsareoutdatedandneedtoberevisedasidentifiedbyCartierWorkingParty.Even thecoreconventionshavefailedtoachieveuniversalratificationduetolackofflexibility.OurconcernisthatILO shouldundertakeindepthanalysistoputinplaceastandardsstrategywhichencouragesstepslikeprogressive ratificationofaConvention. ThechoiceoftopicsforfuturestandardsettingshouldbewidenedaccordingtotherequirementsofallILO memberstateshavingdiversesocioeconomicconditions. Intheyearstocome,ILOmustmaintainitsleadershipinthesubjectsrelatedtolaboursinceithastheunique advantageoftripartitestructure,transparencyandtheabilitytoobtaininputsfromrealeconomy
NUCLEARENERGYPOLICY Indiaisnotrelookingintothepolicyrelatedtonuclearpowerbasedoninternationaldevelopment. PostFukushimaincident,therewereannouncementsinGermany,Japan,SwitzerlandandTaiwanregarding gradualphaseoutofnuclearpower.Asperavailableinformation,thesecountrieshavenotshutdownalltheir nuclearpowerreactors.Japanhasrecentlystartedtwonuclearpowerreactors,Ohi3&4. Germanycontinuestooperate9/17nuclearpowerreactors.Ithasshutdownremaining8nuclearpowerreactors whichhavecompletedtheireconomiclife.

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Switzerlandcontinuestooperateallthe5nuclearpowerreactors.Similarly,Taiwancontinuestooperateits6 nuclearpowerreactors.
UndertheresumeddialogueprocessbetweenIndiaandPakistan,talksonSirCreekissuewereheldinNewDelhion June1819,2012.BothsidesreiteratedtheirdesiretofindanamicablesolutionoftheSirCreekissuethrough sustainedandresultorienteddialogue. GuidelinesforBaselIIICapitalRequirementNorms ThequantumofcapitalthatwouldberequiredbyIndianbanksduetoimplementationofBaselIIIcapital standardsdependsonnumerousfactorssuchasactualeconomicgrowthintherealsector,growthintheRisk WeightedAssetsofthebanks,profitabilityofbanksandextentofretainedearning,levelofnonperforming assets,growthincapitalmarkets,investorsriskappetiteandtheirconfidenceinthebankingsystemetc. RBIhasinformedthatBaselIIIwillbeimplementedinIndiaoverasufficientlylongtransitionperiodtoavoidany unintendedconsequencesongrowthandlendingactivitiesofbanks.
RashtriyaGramSwarajYojana RashtriyaGramSwarajYojana(RGSY),implementedindistrictsnotcoveredbytheSchemeofBackwardRegions GrantsFund(BRGF),focusesprimarilyonprovidingfinancialassistancetotheStates/UTsforTraining&Capacity Buildingofelectedrepresentatives(ERs)andfunctionariesofPanchayatssothattheycanperformthefunctions devolveduponthemandtheschemesentrustedtothemeffectively. assistanceisalsoprovidedforSatellitebasedtraininginfrastructureforDistanceLearningand, inrespectoftheHillStatesandStatesintheNorthEasternRegion,forcapitalexpenditureonestablishmentof PanchayatResourceCenters/TrainingInstitutesatDivisional/Districtlevel.
InterlinkingofRivers MinistryofWaterResources(MoWR)hadformulatedaNationalPerspectivePlan(NPP)forWater ResourcesDevelopmentasearlyas1980envisaginginterbasintransferofwaterfromsurplusbasinsto deficitbasins/areaswhichcomprisestwocomponents,namely,HimalayanRiversDevelopmentComponent andPeninsularRiversDevelopmentComponent. TheNationalWaterDevelopmentAgency(NWDA)wassetupundertheMinistryofIrrigationin1982for carryingoutvarioustechnicalstudiestoestablishthefeasibilityoftheproposalsofNPPandtogiveconcrete shapetoit.NWDAhasalreadyidentified14linksunderHimalayanComponentand16linksunderPeninsular RiversComponent.Outofthese,FeasibilityReportsof14linksunderPeninsularComponentand2links underHimalayanComponent(Indianportion)hasbeenprepared. FRcompletedandDPRstartedin: o DamangangaPinjallink o ParTapiNarmadalink o KenBetwalink* StepsInvolved:preparationofFRsoflinks,negotiationandconsensusamongconcernedStates, agreementwithneighbouringcountriesiflinkinvolvearealyinginothercountries,preparationofDPRsof theprojectsandstructuresidentifiedforthelink,clearancefromappraisalagencieswhichincludeclearance byMoEF,MinistryofTribalAffairs(MoTA),technoeconomicclearancebyTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeof MoWR,investmentclearancebyPlanningCommissionandfundingoftheproject reportoninterlinkingofriverswassubmittedbyNationalCouncilofAppliedEconomicResearch(NCAER)in 2008.MentionedvariousbenefitsofInterlinkingsuchasadditionalbenefitsofIrrigation&Power,increasein
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growthrateofagriculture,growthofdirect&indirectemployment,improvementinthequalityoflifeof peopleinruralareasandmitigationoffloods&drought. TherecommendationsalsoincludecertainactionpointslikesettingupNationalCommissionforBasin Management,improvingcostrecoveryfromirrigationprojects&formationofWaterUsersAssociation.At present,nointerlinkingprojectunderNationalPerspectivePlanisunderimplementation.
InitiativesTakenbytheGovernmentforUnearthingandCurbingBlackMoney InitiativestakenbytheInvestigationDivisionofCBDTforunearthingblackmoney: commissionedastudyonunaccountedincome/wealthbothinsideandoutsidethecountrybringingoutthe natureofactivitiesengenderingmoneylaunderinganditsramificationsonnationalsecurity. DirectorateofCriminalInvestigation(DCI)hasbeencreatedasanattachedofficeoftheCBDTtotrackfinancial transactionsrelatingtoillegal/criminalactivities.CreationofDCIisalsoinlinewithFATFrecommendationsto exclusivelydealwithtaxcrimes,includingdirecttaxes. CBDTiscoordinatingwiththeElectionCommissionforcontrollingpoliticalexpenditureandverificationof affidavitsfiledbycandidatesofpoliticalparties constitutedaCommitteeundertheChairman,CBDTtoexaminethemeasurestostrengthentheexistinglegal andadministrativeframework InformationreceivedunderDTAAInformationfromGermany&Francehasbeeninvestigated.Taxevasionof morethanRs.600croredetectedandtaxesofRs.200crorehasalreadybeenrealized. Search&Seizure,SurveysInthelastthreefinancialyears,theInvestigationwingoftheCBDThasdetected undisclosedincomeofoverRs.32,000crore
BLACKMONEY::GovthasalsotakenthefollowingstepstodealwiththeproblemofBlackMoneyundera5 prongedstrategyinlast3years: CreatinganappropriateLegislativeFramework: o In2009,wehad78DoubleTaxationAvoidanceAgreements(DTAAs)inforce.75oftheseDTAAsdidnot havespecificprovisionsforexchangeofbankinginformationandinformationwithoutdomesticinterest. RenegotiationoftheseDTAAswasstartedtobroadenthescopeofArticleconcerningExchangeof Information.completedrenegotiationin29cases;finalisednegotiationof19newDTAAsand17newTax InformationExchangeAgreements(TIEAs).TIEAsareconcludedwithcountrieswithwhichwedonot wanttohaveDTAAsatthisstage. o GovtofIndiahasalsosignedtheMultilateralConventiononMutualAdministrativeAssistanceinTax Matters.TheseMultilateralConventionshavebeenratifiedwhichcontainprovisionsforautomatic exchangeofinformation,exchangeofpastinformationandassistanceincollectionoftaxclaims o Enactedlegislationincorporatingcountermeasureagainstnoncooperativejurisdiction o PMLAwasamendedon01.06.2009toincreaselistofscheduledoffenses. Settingupinstitutionstodealwithillicitfunds: o 8moreIncomeTaxOverseasUnitsarebeingsetup o ComputerizedExchangeofInformationunit(EOIUnit)hasbeensetup o Directorateofcriminalinvestigationshasbeensetup Developingsystemsforimplementation: o NewpolicyfordeploymentofmanpowertoDirectorateofTPandIntlTaxationisimplemented. o ManpowerofFT&TRDivisionisdoubled. o DirectorateofEnforcementisstrengthenedbycreatingadditionalposts.
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Impartingskillstothemanpowerforeffectiveaction: o Morethan100officerswereimpartedspecializedtrainingabroadinIntlTaxationandTransferPricing o HighlevelinternationalseminarontransferpricingwasheldinIndia JoiningtheGlobalcrusadeagainstBlackMoney: o Issuesoftaxevasion,endofbankingsecrecy,pastbankinginformation,automaticExchangeof InformationhavebeenraisedbyIndiainvariousG20meetings o IndiaisplayingakeyroleinGlobalForumonTransferPricing(TP)andExchangeofInformationfortax purposeasViceChairmanofPeerReviewGroup. o InJune2010Indiabecamethe34thmemberofFATF,responsibleforenforcementofantimoney laundering(AML)andcombatingfinancingofterrorism(CFT)regime. o InDecember2010itbecame9thmemberofEurasiagroup.IndiahasalsojointedTaskForceonfinancial integrityandEconomicDevelopment. o IndiaisactivelyparticipatinginpolicygroupsofOECDandUNonExchangeofInformation,International TaxationandTransferPricingasobserverandmemberrespectively.
TheprocessofbringinganamendmenttotheWorksofDefenceAct,1903hasbeeninitiated.AmendmentstotheAct willbecarriedoutfollowingthelaiddownprocedures.BytheprovisionsoftheWorksofDefenceAct1903,certain restrictionsareplacedonlandownerstowardsenjoymentoftheland.This,however,isforthenationalinterestof safeguardingthedefenceinstallations.Moreover,thelandownersareentitledtosuitablecompensationforthe same. TUFS(TechnologyUpgradationFundScheme) Ministryoftextileslauncheditin1999;Tocontinuein12thfiveyearplan ModifiedTUFSallocationsdidnotprescribesectoralceilingsforspinning,powerloomandhandloomsectors. Theschemeisapplicabletoallthesectorsincludingpowerloomsmallscaleindustry. GovernmentunderRestructuredTUFSenhancedcapitalceilingtoRs.5crorefromRs.2croreandcapitalsubsidy toRs.45lakhfromRs.15lakhforSmallScaleIndustrysectorinordertoattractadditionalinvestment.
NationalMissiononFoodProcessing(NMFP)isanewCentrallySponsoredSchemeforgivingofgreaterroleto State/UTs;decentralizedadministration,betteroutreachandeffectivesupervisionandmonitoring.TheNMFPwould alsoprovideflexibilitytoStates/UTsintheselectionofbeneficiaries,locationofprojectsetc.forthedevelopmentof foodprocessingsector. MillenniumDevelopmentGoals(MDGs) are8internationaldevelopmentgoalssetbytheUnitedNationswhichmembercountrieshaveagreedtoachieveby theyear2015. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. eradicatingextremepovertyandhunger, achievinguniversalprimaryeducation, promotinggenderequalityandempoweringwomen reducingchildmortalityrates, improvingmaternalhealth, combatingHIV/AIDS,malaria,andotherdiseases, ensuringenvironmentalsustainability,and developingaglobalpartnershipfordevelopment.
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ThefollowingstepshavebeentakenbytheGovernmenttoachievetheMDGindicatorsinthehealthsectorinthe country.Goals4,5,6relatetohealth;Indiaontargettoachievegoals; requirestoreduceMMRfrom600in1990to150per100,000livebirthsin2015.currently212 goalofreducingU5MRtolessthan39per1000livebirthsby2015.U5MRwas59per1000livebirthsin2010. NRHM,waslunchedin2005withtheaimtoimprovetheavailabilityofandaccesstoqualityhealthcareincluding MaternalandChildHealthservicesanddiseasecontrolprogrammesparticularlytoruralpopulationthroughout thecountry,withaspecialfocuson18Stateswithweakpublichealthindicatorsandinfrastructure. Forreducingchildmortality,thestepstakenincludeIntegratedManagementofNeonatal&childhoodillness, trainingofASHAs,Homebasednewborncare,NavajatShishuSurakshaKaryakram,settingupofsicknewborn careunitsatdistricthospitals,promotingexclusivebreastfeedingandcomplementaryfeeding,strengthening routineimmunisationprogramme,focussingonreductioninmorbidityandmortalityduetoAcuteRespiratory Infections(ARI)andDiarrhoealDiseases,namebasedtrackingofpregnantwomenandchildren,etc. Forimprovingmaternalhealth,thestepstakenincludepromotinginstitutionaldeliveries,strengtheningof infrastructure,StrengtheningofEssentialandEmergencyObstetricCareservices,StrengtheningReferralSystems, launchingofJananiShishuSurakshaKaryakaram,MaternalDeathReview,organisingvillagehealthandnutrition days,engagementofASHAatcommunitylevel,introductionofintegratedmotherandchildhealthcard,etc. ThestepstakentocontroldiseaseslikeHIV/AIDs,MalariaandTuberculosisincludeearlydiagnosisand treatment,improvingmonitoringandevaluation,strengtheninghumanresources,involvementofNGOs,Private sectorandcommunity,providingservicesneartothedoorstepofcommunity,etc.
INDUSTRY Depreciationofrupeeislikelytoincreasecostofproductionofthoseindustrieswhichdependonimportedraw materials,capitalgoodsetc.;inflationarypressureislikelytoincreasemanufacturingcostandalsoreduce domesticdemand;andtheslowdowninEuropeancountriescanhaveanadverseimpactonexports. GovthasalreadytakenCBMsforimprovingtheindustrialclimateandmanufacturinginthecountry. GovernmenthadapprovedtheNationalManufacturingPolicy(NMP)inOctober,2011withtheobjectivesof enhancingtheshareofmanufacturinginGDPto25%by2022andcreatingadditional100millionjobs. OneoftheinstrumentsintheNMPisthecreationofNationalInvestmentandManufacturingZones(NIMZ)as plannedintegratedindustrialtownships.9NIMZshavebeenannounced,eightofwhicharealongtheDelhi MumbaiIndustrialCorridor(DMIC). OthermeasuresincludethepromotionandfacilitationofindustrialinvestmentincludingpromotionofFDI throughconsolidationofpressnotesintoasingledocument;developmentofindustryrelevantskills;regular meetingswithindustryassociationsandstakeholderstofasttrackimplementationofindustrialprojects.
PerformanceofSEZs Inadditionto7CentralGovernmentSEZsand12State/PrivateSectorSEZssetuppriortotheenactmentofSEZ Act,2005,formalapprovalhasbeenaccordedto588proposalsoutofwhich386SEZspresentlystandnotified.A totalof158SEZshavecommencedexport FiscalconcessionsanddutybenefitsallowedtoSEZsareinbuiltintotheSEZAct,2005.Revenueisalsoearnedby theGovtfromDomesticTariffArea(DTA)clearanceoftheproductofsuchunits NoexporttargetsaresetforSEZs.However,theSEZsareunderobligationtoachievepositiveNetForeign Exchange(NFE)earningstobecalculatedcumulativelyforaperiodof5yearsfromthecommencementof production,failingwhichtheunitsshallbeliableforpenalactionundertheprovisionsoftheForeignTrade (DevelopmentandRegulation)Act,1992.
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TheDevelopmentCommissionerconductsannualmonitoringofallSEZUnitsandDeveloper ExportsfromSEZshaveincreasedtoRs.3,64,477.73crorein201112 Outofthetotalemploymentprovidedto9,20,243personsinSEZsasawhole7,85,539personsisincremental employmentgeneratedafterFebruary,2006whentheSEZActhascomeintoforce.Thisisapartfrommillionsof mandaysofemploymentgeneratedbythedevelopersforinfrastructureactivities.
AVATAR(AerobicVehicleforhypersonicAerospaceTransportation) isaconceptualsinglestagereusablerocketplanewhichiscapableofhorizontallaunchandlandSSTOReusable launchvehiclebeingdevelopedbyDRDOalongwithISRO),whichcanbeusedforcheapermilitaryandcivilian satellitelaunches. Whenoperational,itisplannedtobecapableofdeliveringapayloadweighingupto1000kgtolowearthorbit. FeasibilitystudywasdoneBUTnoproposalformakingprototypeandflighttestingyet
SCHEMESFORDIFFERENTLYABLED UndertheSchemeofAssistanceforPreventionofAlcoholismandSubstance(Drugs)Abuse,financialassistance isprovidedtothevoluntaryandothereligibleorganizationsforidentification,counseling,treatmentand rehabilitationofalcohol/substance(drug)addicts. UndertheDeendayalDisabledRehabilitationScheme(DDRS),financialassistanceisprovidedtoNon GovernmentOrganisationsforvariousprojectswhichincludeprojectslikeSpecialSchoolforDisabled,Vocational TrainingCourses,HalfWayHomes,CommunitybasedRehabilitationCentres,earlyInterventionCentresand rehabilitationofLeprosyCuredPersons(LCPs)etc. UndertheSchemeofAssistancetoDisabledPersonsforpurchase/fittingofaidsandappliances(ADIP),financial assistanceisprovidedtoImplementingAgenciesforprocuringdurable,sophisticatedandscientifically manufactured,modern,standardaidsandappliances.
SCHEMESFORSCs 1. 2. 3. 4. PostMatricScholarshipforScheduledCaste PreMatricScholarshipforchildrenofthoseengagedinuncleanoccupations BabuJagjivanRamChhatrawasYojanaGirlsHostelsBoysHostels ImplementationofProtectionofCivilRightsAct,1955andScheduledCastesandScheduledTribes (PreventionofAtrocities)Act,1989TheSchemeintendstoeffectivelyimplementvariousprovisionsofthe twoActs,byprovidingtoStates/UTs,CentralAssistanceforstrengtheningtheadministrative,enforcement andjudicialmachinery,publicity,reliefandrehabilitationtoaffectedpersons. PradhanMantriAdarshGramYojanaTheSchemewaslaunchedinMarch,2010andaimsatintegrated developmentofselected1000villageswithmorethan50%SCpopulationintoModelVillages.TheScheme ispresentlybeingimplementedinBihar,Rajasthan,Assam,TamilNaduandHimachalPradesh. SpecialCentralAssistancetoScheduledCastesSubPlan
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WelfareSchemesforWomen ThedetailsofmajorschemesunderimplementationbyMinistryofWomenandChildDevelopmentforthewelfareof womenareasunder: i. RAJIVGANDHINATIONALCRECHESCHEMEFORTHECHILDRENOFWORKINGMOTHERS(RGNCS)provides daycarefacilitiestothechildrenintheagegroup06yearsfromfamilieswithmonthlyincomeoflessthan

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12000/.Inadditiontobeingasafespaceforthechildren,thecrchesprovideservicessuchas supplementarynutrition,preschooleducationandemergencyhealthcare,etc. CENTRALSOCIALWELFAREBOARD:Themainwomenwelfarerelatedschemesandprogrammesbeing implementedbyCSWBarefamilycounsellingcentres,awarenessgenerationprogrammeandcondensed coursesofeducationforwomen. NATIONALMISSIONFOREMPOWERMENTOFWOMEN(NMEW)isaninitiativeoftheGovernmentofIndia forempoweringwomenholistically.ItisaCentrallySponsoredSchemesanctionedinApril2011andactsas anumbrellaMissionwithamandatetostrengthenintersectoralconvergence. WORKINGWOMENSHOSTEL(WWH)Schemeenvisagesprovisionofsafeandaffordablehostel accommodationtoworkingwomen,singleworkingwomen,womenworkingatplacesawayfromtheir hometownsandforwomenbeingtrainedforemployment. SUPPORTTOTRAININGANDEMPLOYMENTPROGRAMME(STEP)forWomenwaslaunchedasaCentral SectorSchemeduring198687.Itaimsatmakingasignificantimpactonwomenbyupgradingskillsforself andwageemployment.Thetargetgroupincludesthemarginalizedassetlessruralwomenandurbanpoor. RASHTRIYAMAHILAKOSH(RMK)withacorpusofRs.100croreextendsmicrofinanceservicestobring aboutthesocioeconomicupliftmentofpoorwomen. INDIRAGANDHIMATRITVASAHYOGYOJANA(IGMSY)isaConditionalCashTransferschemeforpregnant andlactating(P&L)womenintroducedintheOctober2010tocontributetobetterenablingenvironment byprovidingcashincentivesforimprovedhealthandnutritiontopregnantandnursingmothers. SWADHARSCHEME:TheMinistryofWomenandChildDevelopmenthadbeenadministeringSwadhar schemesince2001forWomenindifficultcircumstances.UndertheScheme,temporaryaccommodation, maintenanceandrehabilitativeservicesareprovidedtowomenandgirlsrenderedhomelessduetofamily discord,crime,violence,mentalstress,socialostracism.Anotherschemewithsimilarobjectives/target groupsnamelyShortStayHome(SSH)isbeingimplementedbyCentralSocialWelfareBoard. UJJAWALAisacomprehensiveschemeforpreventionoftraffickingandrescue,rehabilitationand reintegrationofvictimsoftraffickingforcommercialsexualexploitation.
SchemesforRehabilitationofPoorandDestituteWomen/SWADHARGREH TheMinistryofWomenandChildDevelopmenthasbeenimplementing2shelterbasedschemes,Swadharand ShortStayHome,forprovidingemergencyoutreachservicestowomenindifficultcircumstanceswhodonot havesocietal/familysupportorindependentmeansofincome. freeshelter,food,medicalcare,counselingetc.,arebeingprovidedtothebeneficiaries. Vocationaltrainingisimpartedtothebeneficiarieswithaviewtorehabilitate&makethemselfreliant benefitted35959womenin200910and38241&40270during201011and201112respectively. Consideringthepositiveimpactoftheschemesonthetargetgroup,theGovernmenthasdecidedtomergeboth schemesintoSwadharGrehschemewithbetterfinancialnormsandextendthecoveragetoallthedistrictsin thecountryduringthe12thFiveYearPlan. SwadharGrehscheme providesforfinancialassistanceforconstructionofrooms/cottages/hutsfortheshelteroftheresidentsand commonfacilitieslikekitchen,bathroom,traininghall,recreationroom,dininghall,officeroom,etcand infrastructurefacilitieslikewater,electricity,approachroad,boundarywalletc. ThegrantisadmissibletoStateGovernmentagenciesonlyincludingWomenDevelopmentCorporation, MunicipalCorporationsandPanchayatiRajInstitutions. ThecostofconstructionwouldbesharedbyCentralGovtandStateGovtintheproportionof75%and25%resp.
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NationalCommissionforWomen(NCW)hasrecommendedamendmentstotheIndecentRepresentationofWomen (Prohibition)Act,1986whichinclude: 1. 2. 3. MEASURESFORSURVIVALANDSTATUSOFGIRLCHILDREN programmesforimprovementofnutritionbenefitallchildrenincludinggirlchildren,likeICDS,NRHM,MDMetc. specificinterventionsforgirlchildreninclude o implementingthePreNatalDiagnosticTechniques(ProhibitionofSexSelection)Act,1994, o pilotcashtransferschemeofDhanlakshmi, o settingupaSectoralInnovationCouncilforimprovingchildsexratio,and o thepilotschemeSablaforacomprehensiveinterventionforadolescentgirlsintheagegroupof1118, withafocusonoutofschoolgirlsinselect200districts Statesimplementingtheirownschemestoincentivisethebirthofagirlchildandencouragefamiliestoplacea premiumonhereducationanddevelopmentthroughConditionalCashTransferschemes(CCTs). SomeofthesearetheLaadliSchemeofDelhi,MukhyaMantriKanyaSurakshaYojanaofBihar,Bhagyalakshmi SchemeofKarnataka,LadliLakshmiYojanaofMP,BalikaSamridhiYojanaofGujaratandHimachalPradesh, BalriRakshakYojanainPunjabandKanyadanschemeofMP wideningthescopeoftheActandextendingitsapplicabilitytovisualmediaandcomputer(including internet). creatingamechanismwithintheActtoensurethattheprovisionsoftheActareimplemented. enhancingthetermofimprisonmentandfineonconvictiontomakeitmoreeffectivedeterrent.
NationalCommissionforMinorities(NCM) isastatutoryorganizationconstitutedunderNCMAct,1992. Undersection9(4)ofAct,ithaspowerofacivilcourtforsummoningandexaminingwitnessesunderoathetc. Undersection9(1)(d),theCommissionisempoweredtolookintospecificcomplaintsregardingdeprivationof rightsandsafeguardsoftheminoritiesandtakeupsuchmatterswiththeappropriateauthorities. undersection9(1)(b)&9(1)(c)theNCMhaspowerstomonitortheworkingofthesafeguardsprovidedinthe constitutionandinlawsenactedbytheParliamentandtheStateLegislaturesandmakerecommendationsforthe effectiveimplementationofsafeguardsfortheprotectionoftheinterestofminoritiesbytheCentral GovernmentortheStateGovernments.
PolicytoCheckIncidentsofCrimesandSexualAbuseinChildrensHomes TheJuvenileJustice(CareandProtectionofChildren)Act,2000[JJAct]istheprimarylawtodealwiththe childreninneedofcareandprotectionaswellaschildreninconflictwithlaw. Section34(3)oftheJJActprovidesformandatoryregistrationofallChildCareInstitutions(CCIs)housing childreninneedofcareandprotectionwiththeintentofenforcingminimumstandardsofcare TheJJActandCentralModelRulesthereunderprovideformechanismsforstringentmonitoringofqualityof servicesthroughChildWelfareCommittees(CWCs)andInspectionCommitteessetupbytheStateGovernment atState,districtandcitylevels. Further,theRulesprovideforsettingupofChildrensCommitteesineveryinstitutionwhichare,interalia,also encouragedtoreportincidentsofabuseandexploitation,ifany.
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Besides,Rule60oftheModelRulesframedundertheJJActalsoprescribescomprehensivemeasurestorespond incaseanykindofabuse,includingsexualabuse,neglectandmaltreatmentisnoticedintheCCI. Further,therecentlynotifiedTheProtectionofChildrenfromSexualOffencesAct,2012providesforstringent punishmentforpersonswho,beingonthemanagementorstaffofaHome,commitsexualassaultonsuchchild.
ChildLabourProtectionAct ChildLabour(Prohibition&Regulation)Actwasenactedin1988whichprohibitstheemploymentofchildrenin 18occupationsand65processesandregulatestheworkingconditionsofchildreninemploymentwheretheyare notprohibitedfromworking. EmploymentofchildrenasDomesticservantandinDhabas,restaurants,teastalls,etc.hasbeenbannedw.e.f. 10.10.2006. ChildLabourisanoutcomeofvarioussocioeconomicproblemssuchaspoverty,economicbackwardnessand illiteracy,beingaddressedintheNationalChildLabourPolicyannouncedin1987.Theactionplanunderthis policyismultiprongedandmainlyconsistsof: o LegislativeActionPlan o Focusongeneraldevelopmentprogrammesforthebenefitofthefamiliesofchildlabour;and o Projectbasedactioninareasofhighconcentrationofchildlabour. Inpursuanceofthispolicy,theGovernmentisimplementingNationalChildLabourProject(NCLP)in266districts ofthecountryforrehabilitationofchildrenrescued/withdrawnfromwork.UndertheProject,children rescued/withdrawnfromworkareenrolledinthespecialschools,wheretheyareprovidedwithbridge education,vocationaltraining,nutrition,stipend,healthcare,etc.beforebeingmainstreamedintoformal educationsystem.
NationalCommissionforScheduledTribeswasconstitutedinFebruary,2004consequenttotheamendmentof Article338oftheConstitutionofIndiaandinsertionofanewArticle338AvidetheConstitution(Eightyninth Amendment)Act,2003which,interalia,enjoinsupontheCommissiontooverseetheimplementationofvarious safeguardsprovidedtoScheduledTribesundertheConstitutionorunderanyotherlawfortimebeinginforceor underanyotherorderoftheGovt.andtoevaluatetheworkingofsuchsafeguards. Article338AoftheConstitution,also,enjoinsupontheNationalCommissionforScheduledTribestopresent tothePresidentreport(s)upontheworkingoftheConstitutionalsafeguardsforScheduledTribesandto makerecommendationsregardingthemeasuresthatshouldbetakenbytheUnionoranyStateforeffective implementationofthosesafeguardsandfortheprotection,welfareandsocioeconomicdevelopmentof ScheduledTribes. NationalMentalHealthProgramme(NMHP)UnderNationalMentalHealthProgramme(NMHP),theobjective istoprovidetreatmentandcaretothementallyillpatientsinthecountry.Followingprovisionshavebeenmade underNationalMentalHealthProgramme: i) StrengtheningofStaterunMentalHospitals. ii) UpgrdationofPsychiatricWingsofGovt.MedicalColleges/GeneralHospitals iii) DistrictMentalHealthProgramme. iv) ManpowerDevelopmentSchemes NationalTobaccoControlProgramme(NTCP)TheNationalTobaccoControlProgramme(NTCP)hasbeen launchedin42Districtsof21StatesinordertoimplementthevariousprovisionsmadeunderTobaccoControl Act(COTPA),2003andtocreateawarenessabouttheharmfuleffectsoftobaccoconsumption.Theprogramme broadlyenvisages
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i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii)
Publicawareness/massmediacampaignsforawarenessbuilding&forbehavioralchange. Establishmentoftobaccoproducttestinglaboratories,tobuildregulatorycapacity,asrequiredunder COTPA,2003. MainstreamResearch&TrainingonalternatecropsandlivelihoodswithothernodalMinistries. MonitoringandEvaluationincludingsurveillancee.g.AdultTobaccoSurvey. DedicatedtobaccocontrolcellsforeffectiveimplementationandmonitoringofAntiTobaccoInitiatives. Trainingofhealthandsocialworkers,NGOs,schoolteachersetc. Settinguptobaccocessationcentres.
NationalProgrammeforPreventionandControlofCancer,Diabetes,CardiovascularDiseasesandStroke (NPCDCS): aimsatreducingtheburdenofNCDswhicharemajorfactorsreducingpotentiallyproductiveyearsofhuman life,resultinginhugeeconomicloss; ii) initiatedin100Districtsof21States; iii) objectivesincludepreventionandcontrolofdiabetesatvariouslevelsviz.Subcentres,CommunityHealth Centre(CHC),DistrictHospitaletc.throughscreeningofallpersonsabove30yearsofageandallpregnant womenfordiabetesandhypertension, iv) awarenessgenerationonhealthylifestyleandmanagementofnoncommunicablediseasesbystrengthening /establishingCardiacCareUnits,DaycarecancerfacilitiesatDistrictHospitalsandspecialisedclinicsat DistrictHospitalsandCommunityHealthCentres. NationalVectorBorneDiseaseControlProgramme(NVBDCP):CSSinallstates;forpreventionandcontrolofsix vectorbornediseases,namelyMalaria,Dengue,Chikungunya,JapaneseEncephalitis,KalaAzarandLymphatic Filariasis.TheGovt.ofIndiaprovidestechnicalsupportaswellascashandcommodityassistanceasperthe approvedpattern. NationalCommissionforHumanResourcesforHealth(NCHRH)willbeanoverchargingregulatorybodyfor medicaleducationandalliedhealthscienceswithadualpurposeofreformingthecurrentregulatoryframework andenhancingthesupplyofskilledmanpowerinthehealthsector. o TheNCHRHBillprovidesfortrifurcationofregulatoryfunctionsamongthreeseparatebodiesviz. NationalBoardforHealthEducation(NBHE), NationalEvaluationandAssessmentCommittee(NEAC)and NationalCouncils withamandatetoprescribeminimumstandardsforhealtheducation,developingand maintainingsystemofaccreditationofhealtheducationalinstitutesandtointeraliaensure ethicalstandardsamongmedicalprofessionalsrespectively. o TheCommissionwouldsubsumetheexistingcouncilsviz.,MedicalCouncilofIndia,DentalCouncilof India,NursingCouncilofIndiaandPharmacyCouncilofIndiawudbereplacedbynewCouncils. o NCHRHBillhasbeenintroducedinRSin2011referredtotheParliamentaryStandingCommittee. PanchayatMahilaEvamYuvaShaktiAbhiyan(PMEYSA)aimstoempowerElectedWomenRepresentatives (EWRs)byknittingthemintonetworksandthroughgroupactionsothattheirparticipationandrepresentation onlocalgovernanceissuesimproves. o TheschemeaimstoenablethemtoarticulatetheirproblemsaswomenPanchayatleadersand o discussissuesregardingtheinstitutionalmechanismsfortheirempowerment,tobuildtheconfidence andcapacityofEWRs,sothattheygetovertheinstitutional,societalandpoliticalconstraintsthat preventthemfromactiveparticipationinrurallocalselfgovernmentsand i)
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toenablethemtocomeupwithacharterofissuestobemainstreamedintopolicyandadvocacy supportsothattheirconcernsareaddressedbytheprocessofdevelopmentadoptedbytheStateand thethreetierPanchayatsystem. ActivitiesunderPMEYSAincludeholdingStateSammelansandDivisional/DistrictlevelSammelansof EWRs,formationoftheirassociations,settingupofStatesupportCentresandsensitizationprogrammes forEWRsandElectedYouthRepresentatives(EYRs).
Highlights:EconomicOutlook201213byEconomicAdvisoryCounciltothePrimeMinister Economytogrowat6.7percentin2012/13 o FarmsectorGDPprojectedtogrowat0.5percentin2012/13duetotheimpactofweakmonsoonon agricultureandthecurrentreservoirstoragepositionin2012/13. o Manufacturingsectorprojectedtogrowat4.5percent.Electricity,automotive,steelandcementsector haveshownimprovementintheperiodofAprilJune.Becauseofthebenefitsofthelowbase, manufacturingsectorwillshowimprovedperformanceinthesecondhalfofthisyear. o Miningsectorfortheyearasawholeexpectedtogrowat4.4percentduetogrowthinthecoaland lignitesector,andsomerecoveryinironore. o Electricitygenerationexpectedtocontinuetogrowatanaveragepaceofaround8percent. o Constructionexpectedtoshowsomeimprovementcomparedtolastyearasevidencedbytherecent increaseintheoutputofsteelandcement. o InServicessector,someimprovementexpectedparticularlyinthelargetransport,tradeand communicationssector.
GlobalSituation:Thereisadarkmoodintheadvancedeconomies;especiallyinEurope.Theslowergrowthinthe USandintheEUwillhaveanadverseimpactontheexpansionofthesemarketsforIndiasexports,bothofgoods andservices. StructuralFactors: GrossDomesticFixedCapitalFormationasaproportionofGDPhasfallenfromitshighestlevelof32.9%in 2007/08to30.4%in2010/11andto29.5percentin2011/12.Projectedtobe30.0%in2012/13. Domesticsavingratehasdeclinedfrom32.0%in2010/11to30.4%in2011/12andprojectedtobeat31.7%in 2012/13.
ExternalSector: CurrentAccountDeficitwas$78.2billion(4.2%ofGDP)in2011/12andprojectedat67.1billion(3.6%ofGDP)in 2012/13. Themerchandisetradedeficitwas$189.8billion(10.2percentofGDP)in2011/12andprojectedat$181.1 billion(9.7percentofGDP)in2012/13. Overallthenetbalanceoninvisibleswas$111.6billion(6.0%ofGDP)in2011/12isexpectedtogrowat$114 billion(6.1%ofGDP)in2012/13. Capitalflowswere$67.8billion(3.7%ofGDP)in2011/12andprojectedat$73.2billion(3.9%ofGDP)in 2012/13.ThiswouldbeadequatetoservicetheprojectedCADof$67billionfortheyearasawhole. Accretiontoreservesprojectedat$4billionin2012/13
Inflation:
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DeficientSWmonsoonlikelytohaveanadverseimpactonthepricesofprimaryfooditems,especiallyonthose wheretheabilityofgovernmentstockstoplayamoderatingroleisnotthere.Inflationrateexpectedtobewithinthe rangeof6.5to7.0%attheendof201213. Expandingfiscalimbalancecontinuestobeamajorareaofpolicyconcern. ThefiscaldeficitfortheCentrewas5.89%ofGDPinRE2011/12andisestimatedat5.06%inBE2012/13. InsomecontrasttotheCentresfinances,thefiscalhealthoftheStatesisbetter. TheconsolidatedfiscaldeficitoftheCentreandtheStategovernmentsfor2011/12(RE)was8.2percentofGDP. TheconsolidatedeficitbasedonBudgetEstimatesfor2012/13isestimatedtobe7.2percent. ThecontainmentofthefiscalimbalanceattheCentrerestsonourmanagementofthesubsidybill,especially thatonrefinedpetroleumproductsandbyincreasingtheTaxGDPratio. IntroductionofGSTwouldbeaveryimportantmilestoneinthepathoftaxreform.Itrequiresconsiderable negotiations,bargainingandpreparatoryworkinrelationtoboththestructureandoperationofthetax.
ReformsinAgriculturesector::ReformsinAgriculturesectorneedfocusedattentiononliberalizingtenancy arrangements,reformingdomesticmarketsforagriculturalproduceand,reducinginputsubsidies. MeasurestoacceleratetheEconomicgrowth: Integrateddecisionmakingonhighimpactinfrastructureprojects ForProjectscostinginexcessofaminimumthreshold,sayRs5,000crore,aCabinetCommitteecomprisingof ministersinchargeofconcerneddepartmentsshouldtakeanintegratedview.TheCabinetCommitteeon InfrastructurecouldberecastastheCabinetCommitteeforSustainableDevelopmentofInfrastructurefor thispurpose,anditscompositionaswellaspowersundertherulesofbusinessmodifiedaccordingly. PermittingFDIinmultibrandretail Forchannellingtransferofcapitalandtechnology,FDIinmultibrandretailupto49percentmaybeallowed toattractinvestmentinthissector.Suchofthestatesasarereceptivetotheideamayimplementthis. FDIandotherreformsintheAviationsector FDIincivilaviationmaynowbeallowedtotheexistingextentof49percentforforeignairlinesaswell. Containingpetroleumproductssubsidiess Giventhehugesubsidyprojectionforthecurrentfinancialyear,priorityconsiderationmaybegivento(i)a suitableincreaseinthepriceofdieselinoneormoresteps,and(ii)acaponthelevelofconsumptionof subsidiseddomesticLPGclosetowhatiscurrentlybeingconsumedbypoorerhouseholds,i.e.,4cylinders.
Weneedtofocusfurtheronthefollowingissues: Policypredictability:Thereisneedtospecificallyfocusandaddresstheapprehensionsthathavebeenoccasioned byperceptionsofarbitraryactionsontaxandotherfronts. Clearingpayments:Outstandingpaymentsforinfrastructureprojectsneedtobeclearedontime. Promotingsavings:Givendecliningtrendindomesticsavingrate,needtomakefinancialproductsmore attractive Containinginflation: Taminginflationiscriticalforsustainedgrowth.Needtotakestepstocontainhighinflationinprimaryfood whichismostlylinkedtotheantiquatedsystemofmarketingandabsenceofmodernhandlingandstorage facilitiesforperishableproducts. ImprovingtheCAD: Someameliorationthroughpricereformincaseofdieselcouldservetocontaindemand.
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Tocontaintheimportofgold,animprovementinthereturnaswellastheregulatoryregimeinwhichmutual fundsandlifeinsuranceproductsaresoldareofutmostimportance. SignificantimprovementrequiredintheapproachofgovernmenttoanumberofissuestomakeITrelated exportbusinessmuchmorecompetitive.
PRESIDENTIALELECTIONSANDVOTING votingatelectiontotheofficeofPresidentisdifferentfromvotingbyamemberofParliamentorState LegislatureinsidetheHouseandthat,asheldbytheHonbleSupremeCourt,theprovisionsoftheTenth ScheduletotheConstitutionofIndiamaynotapplytothevotingatthePresidentialelection KuldipNayarvUnionofIndia(AIR2006SC3127)electiontotheRajyaSabhaheldthatanelectorwould notattractthepenalprovisionsoftheTenthScheduleforhavingsovotedattheRajyaSabhaelection. electionstotheRajyaSabhabymembersoftheStateLegislativeAssembliesareanonlegislativeactivityand notaproceedingwithintheStateLegislature.TheelectiontotheOfficeofthePresidentisalsoheldbyan electoralcollegewhichconsistsofelectedmembersofbothHouseofParliamentandelectedmembersofthe StateLegislativeAssemblies(Article54oftheConstitution).Theelectorsofthiselectoralcollegevoteatthe Presidentialelectionasmembersofthesaidelectoralcollegeandthevotingatsuchelectionisoutsidethe HouseconcernedandnotapartoftheproceedingoftheHouse.
GandhiKallenbachArchives:AcquiredrecentlybyGoIfromfamilyofHermannKallenbach;archiveoflettersand documentsthatthrowsfreshlifeintothepersonallifeofMahatmaGandhiincludinghismuchtalkedabout friendshipwithGermanarchitectandbodybuilderHermannKallenbach,whowasconsideredveryclosetohim duringhisstayinSouthAfrica. NationalGangaRiverBasinAuthority constitutedin2009asanempowered,planning,financing,monitoringandcoordinatingauthoritywiththe objectivetoensureeffectiveabatementofpollutionandconservationoftheriverGangabyadoptingaholistic riverbasinapproach resolvedthatunderMissionCleanGangaitwillbeensuredthatby2020nountreatedmunicipalsewageand industrialeffluentsflowintoGangaandtheinvestmentsrequiredtocreatethenecessarytreatmentandsewage infrastructurewillbesharedsuitablybetweentheCentralandtheStateGovernments.ProjectsamountingtoRs. 2598crorehavebeensanctionedsofar aprojectwithWorldBankassistanceforabatementofpollutionatcostofRs.7000crorehasbeenapproved
BioDiversityofWesternGhats ecosystemsoftheWesternGhatsincludethetropicalwetevergreenforests,themontaneevergreenforests, moistdeciduousforests,etc hastakenseveralstepstoconservetherichbiodiversityoftheWesternGhats. Alargenumberofprotectedareascomprisingnationalparks,wildlifesanctuaries,tigerreservesandelephant reserveshavebeenestablishedtoprovidestringentprotectiontobothfloraandfauna. Nearly10%ofthetotalareaofWesternGhatsiscurrentlycoveredundertheProtectedAreacategory SilentValleyNationalParkinKeralaandtheKudremukhNationalParkinKarnatakaareamongtheimportant tractsofvirgintropicalevergreenforestsinIndia,servingasthehometoahealthypopulationoftheglobally threatenedfauna
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ForthepurposeofensuringprotectionofbiodiversityofWesternGhats,therearesomerestrictionsforsetting upofindustriesincertainecologicallysignificantareasofWesternGhats,forexample,thereisamoratorium upto31stDecember2012forconsiderationofprojectsfromSindhudurgandRatnagiriareasofMaharashtra, andforconsiderationofminingprojectsinGoa. ThereisalsoabanonconsiderationofminingprojectsinsomedistrictsofKarnatakaincomplianceofSupreme CourtOrdersdated29July,2011and26August,2011.
WINNERSOFRAJIVGANDHIKHELRATNA ShriVijay Kumar ShriYogeshwar Dutt NameofARJUNA AWARDE Ms.DeepikaKumari Ms.Laishram BombaylaDevi Ms.SudhaSingh Ms.KavitaRamdas Raut Ms.Ashwani Ponnappa Mr.ParupalliKashyap Mr.AdityaS.Mehta Mr.VikasKrishan Mr.YuvrajSingh Mr.SardarSingh Mr.YashpalSolanki Mr.AnupKumar Mr.SamirSuhag Ms.AnnuRajSingh Mr.OmkarSingh Mr.Joydeep Karmakar Ms.DeepikaPallikal Mr.SandeepSejwal Ms.Ng.SoniaChanu Mr.NarsinghYadav Mr.RajinderKumar Ms.GeetaPhogat Discipline Archery Archery Athletics Athletics Badminton PlaysdoubleswithJwalaGutta;wonGinCWG10 Badminton Billiards& Snooker Boxing Cricket Hockey Judo Kabaddi Polo Shooting Shooting Shooting Finished4thinMen's50mRifleProneeventinOlympics Squash Swimming Weightlifting Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling firstIndianwomentobreakintothetop20intheWSArankings breaststroke 48kg;silverinCWG goldintheMen'sfreestyle74kgwrestlinginCWG wonIndia'sfirstevergoldmedalinwomen'swrestlinginthe55kgfreestyle categoryinCWG;firsteverIndianwomanwrestlertohavequalifiedforthe Olympics.
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Olympicssilvermedalinindividual25metrerapidfirepistolevent;HP;5 GoldsinCWG06+10 bronzeinthe60kgFreestyleWrestling;Goldincwg10
ACHIEVEMENT rankedworldno1inWomen'sRecurveArchery;8thonO12;GinC10;Jh Manipur;lostinprequarteofthewomensindividualrecurveinO12; currentIndianNationalrecordfor3000mSteeplechase;GinAG10 Sin10,000metresraceinAG10;1STindividualwomantrackmedalwinner inhistoryofCWG
firstIndianmaninhistorytoreachthebadmintonquarterfinalsofthe Olympicsin2012;BronzeinCWG10 1S&2BinCWG10 GinAG10 becometheyoungestplayertoevercaptaintheIndianationalhockey
captainofpoloteam 10metreairpistol(Pairs)GinCWG 3goldsinCWG10
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Mr.M.BimoljitSingh Mrs.DeepaMalik Mr.RamkaranSingh
Wushu Athletics Paralympics Athletics Paralympics
BronzeinAsiangames participatedinolympics;AsianJavelinRecordHolder 800mand1500mparalympicathlete
RESERVATIONINPROMOTIONS PMcalledallpartymeetingtodiscusstheissueofreservationinpromotionspecificallyinrespectofthedecisionof theSupremeCourtinthecaseofU.P.PowerCorporationLtd.vs.RajeshKumar&Ors.whereintheCourthasstruck downprovisionofreservationinpromotiontoSCsandSTsintheStateofUP. HISTORY SupremeCourtin1992inthecaseofIndraSawhneyhadheldthatreservationinpromotionisultraviresbut alloweditscontinuationforfiveyearsfromthedateofjudgmentasaspecialcase. Clause16(4A)insertion:77thAAin1995insertingclause(4A)toArticle16beforeexpiryoffiveyearwhich enabledtheGovernmenttocontinuereservationforSCsandSTsinpromotion.Clause(4A)furthermodified through85thamendmentsoastogivebenefitofconsequentialsenioritytoSC/STcandidatespromotedby reservation Clause16(4B)insertion:81stAApermitstotreatthebacklogreservedvacanciesasaseparateanddistinct group,towhichthelimitof50%maynotapply. Art335proviso:82ndAAwherebyaprovisowasincorporatedinArticle335whichenabledtheStatetogive relaxations/concessionstotheSCandSTcandidatesinthematterofpromotion. 4Constitutionalamendmentsweremadeinordertoprotecttheinterestsofthebackwardclassesincluding ScheduledCastesandScheduledTribes.Validityofthese4challengedinM.Nagaraj&othersvs.UnionofIndia &othersmainlyonthegroundthatthesealteredthebasicstructureoftheConstitution. 2006SCjudgment:upheldthevalidityofallthesefouramendments.However,theCourtstipulatedthatthe concernedStatewillhavetoshowineachcasetheexistenceofthecompellingreasons,namely,backwardness, inadequacyofrepresentationandoveralladministrativeefficiencybeforemakingprovisionforreservation. TheCourtfurtherheldthattheimpugnedprovisionisanenablingprovision.IftheStateGovernmentwishto makeprovisionforreservationtoSCsandSTsinpromotion,theStatehastocollectquantifiabledatashowing backwardnessoftheclassandinadequacyofrepresentationofthatclassinpublicemploymentinadditionto complianceofArticle335 IntherecentpasttheSupremeCourthasstruckdownreservationinpromotioninsomestates.U.P.Power CorporationLtd.vs.RajeshKumar&Ors.whereintheCourthasstruckdownprovisionofreservationin promotiontoSCsandSTsintheStateofUP.
InitiativeforNutritionalSecuritythroughIntensiveMilletsPromotion(INSIMP)asubschemeofRKVYhasbeen launchedfrom201112withaimtodemonstratetheimprovedproductionandpostharvesttechnologiesinan integratedmanner NationalProjectonOrganicFarming(NPOF): GovernmentispromotinguseofbiofertilisersthroughaCentralSectorSchemeNPOFforsettingupofnewor strengtheningofexistingbiofertiliserproductionunits,technologytransferandtrainingetc.

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ToensurequalityofbiofertilisersRhizobium,Azotobacter,Azospirillium,PhosphateSolubilisingBacteria, PotashMobilisingBacteria,ZincSolubilisingBacteriaandMycrorhizalbiofertilisershavebeenincorporatedin FertilizerControlOrder,1985. totalareacoveredunderbiofertilizersabout3%oftotalcultivableareainthecountry.
strengtheningandstreamliningofTPDSisacontinuousprocess.ToimprovefunctioningofTPDS,Governmenthas beenregularlyrequestingState/UTGovernmentsforcontinuousreviewoflistsofBPLandAAYfamilies,ensuring timelyavailabilityoffoodgrainsatFairPriceShops(FPSs),ensuringgreatertransparencyinfunctioningofTPDS, improvedmonitoringandvigilanceatvariouslevelsandintroductionofnewtechnologiessuchasComputerizationof TPDSoperationsatvariouslevels.States/UTshavealsobeenadvisedtoimprovetheviabilityofFPSsbyenlargingthe basketofcommoditiesbyaddingnonPDSitemsforsalethroughFPSs,rationalizationofcommissiontoFPSdealers, doorstepdeliveryoffoodgrains,etc. ZonalCulturalCentres(ZCCs): 7ZCCshavingtheirheadquartersatPatiala,Udaipur,Allahabad,Kolkata,Dimapur,NagpurandThanjavursetup mainobjectivesoftheZCCsarepreservation,promotionanddisseminationofthetraditionalfolkartsandculture ofthevariousStates/UTs havebeencarryingoutvariousactivitiesandorganizingprogrammesatthenational,zonalandlocallevels
CriteriafordeclarationofalanguageasaClassicalLanguageareasunder: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Highantiquityofitsearlytexts/recordedhistoryoveraperiodof15002000years; Abodyofancientliterature/texts,whichisconsideredavaluableheritagebygenerationsofspeakers; Theliterarytraditionshouldbeoriginalandnotborrowedfromanotherspeechcommunity; Theclassicallanguageandliteraturebeingdistinctfrommodern,theremayalsobeadiscontinuity betweentheclassicallanguageanditslaterformsoritsoffshoots.
ClassicalLanguagestatushasalreadybeenconferreduponTamil,Sanskrit,TeluguandKannadaWHILEthereporton Malayalamisunderconsideration KarnatakaisthefirstStatetocreatetheSpecialTigerProtectionForce(STPF)intheBandipurTigerReserve.Under Projecttiger,100%centralassistanceisprovidedtotigerStatesforraising,arminganddeployingtheSTPFinsensitive tigerreserves.13tigerreservesidentifiedforSTPFare:Bandipur,Corbett,Pench,Ranthambhore,Simplipal(BCPRS) DOCTORPOPULATIONRATIO currentdoctorpopulationratioisestimatedtobearound1:2000.HighLevelExpertGrouponUniversalHealth CoverageforIndiaconstitutedbyPCrecommendedincreaseofavailabilityofdoctorsto1:1000population. Governmenthasalreadytakenalargenumberofstepstoaddressshortageofdoctors,specialistsandfacultyinthe countrywhichinclude: 1. Relaxationinthenormsforsettingupofamedicalcollegeintermsofrequirementforland,faculty,staff,bed/ bedstrengthandotherinfrastructure. 2. RelaxationinteacherstudentratiotoincreasetheseatsatPostgraduatelevel.
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3. EnhancementofmaximumintakecapacityatMBBSlevelfrom150to250. 4. Enhancementofagelimitforappointment/extension/reemploymentagainstpostsofteachers/dean/principal/ directorinmedicalcollegesfrom65to70years. 5. FinancialsupporttoStatemedicalcollegestoincreasepostgraduateseatsinvariousdisciplinesortostartnew postgraduatemedicalcourses 6. FinancialsupportunderNationalRuralHealthMissionforengagementofstaffoncontractualbasis. 7. Approvalforestablishmentof8AIIMSlikeinstitutionsunderPradhanMantriSwasthyaSurakshaYozana(PMSSY) BreakthroughinTradeRelationswithPakistan 1. PakistanmovedfromaPositiveListtoasmallNegativeListof1209items.Suchsubstantialincreasein tradablecommoditiesisexpectedtoreducetradethroughthirdcountries. 2. expectedthatthecompletephasingoutoftheNegativeListbeforetheendof2012,wouldcompletethe transitiontoMostFavouredNation(MFN)statusforIndia,byPakistan. 3. liberalizedvisaregimeforbusinesspersonshasbeenagreedbetweenbothcountriesandisreadytobesigned. 4. SeparateJointExpertGroupshavebeensetuptoexaminethefeasibilityoftradeinelectricityandinitiatetrade inpetroleumproducts. 5. CentralBanksofbothcountriesareworkingoutmodalitiesforopeningofbankbranchesineachothers countries 6. InaugurationinApril2012ofthestateoftheartIntegratedCheckPostatAttarihashelpedbusinessmenonboth sidestoexpandtradebytheAttariWagahlandroute. SpectrumPricesanditsAllocation TheteledensityinJune2012was79.58%,whereasinMarch2008itwas26.22%inthecountry. However,theNationalTelecomPolicy2012interaliacontainsthefollowingprovisions: o Para20oftheobjectives:Ensureadequateavailabilityofspectrumanditsallocationinatransparent mannerthroughmarketrelatedprocess.Makeavailableadditional300MHzspectrumforIMTservices bytheyear2017andanother200MHzby2020. o Para3.5ofStrategies:Todelinkspectruminrespectofallfuturelicences.Spectrumshallbemade availableatapricedeterminedthroughmarketrelatedprocesses. o Governmenthasdecidedthatthevalidityperiodofspectrumtobeauctionedshallbe20years.
INFLATION:SUPPLYSIDE::Toovercomesupplysideconstraints,particularlyinproteinfoods,followingsupplyside measureshavealsobeentaken: NationalMissionforProteinSupplement:SuitableallocationsmadeFOR::toimproveproductivityinthedairy sector;Tobroadenthescopeofproductionoffishtocoastalaquaculture,apartfromfreshwateraquaculture; poultry,piggeryandgoatrearing. Provisiontoaddstoragecapacityforfoodgrains:5milliontonescapacityproposedtobeaddedin201213. allocationsforBringingGreenRevolutiontoEasternIndia(BGREI)increasedtoincentivizepaddyproduction A18percenthigherbudgetaryallocationforagriculture,besidesanincreaseintargetedcreditforagriculture creditbyRs.100,000croreshouldalsohelpfromthesupplyside.

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"NationalMissiononFoodProcessing(NMFP) Newschemeapproved; followingschemesbeingimplementedbyGoIdirectlywillnowbeimplementedthroughStateGovernments 1. SchemeforTechnologyUpgradation/Establishment/ModernizationofFoodProcessingIndustries. 2. SchemeforColdChain,ValueAdditionandPreservationInfrastructureforNonHorticulturalProducts. 3. SchemeforHumanResourceDevelopment(HRD) 4. SchemeforPromotionalActivities basicobjectiveofNMFPisdecentralizationofimplementationofMinistry`sschemes,whichwillleadto substantialparticipationofStateGovernments/UTs.BeneficiariesofMOFPIschemeswillalsofinditeasierto dealwithStateGovernments. wouldhelptheStates/UTsinmaintainingrequisitesynergybetweenagricultureplansofStatesand Developmentoffoodprocessingsector,whichinturnwouldhelpinIncreaseinfarmproductivitythereby increaseinfarmers`incomealso. ThiswouldalsohelpinensuringefficientsupplychainbybridgingInfrastructural/institutionalgaps.
ELECTORALREFORMS:aCoreCommitteewasconstitutedundertheChairmanshipofAdditionalSolicitorGeneral. ThetalkingpointsoftheCommitteeincluded:(i)DecriminalisationofPolitics;(ii)FundingofElections;(iii)Conduct andBetterManagementofElections;(iv)RegulationofPoliticalParties;(v)AuditandFinancesofPoliticalParties;and (vi)ReviewofAntiDefectionLaw. IndiasStanceattheUNonInternetGovernance askedUnitedNationsCommissionforScienceandTechnologyDevelopment(CSTD)toestablishanopenended WorkingGrouptodiscusstheestablishmentofaCommitteeforInternetRelatedPolicies(CIRP). TheproposalisasperthemandateenshrinedintheTunisAgendaofEnhancedCooperationandisaccordinglya stepforwardtowardsthedemocratizationoftheglobalinternetrelatedpublicpolicyissues.Theproposalwasin consultationwithBrazilandSouthAfrica.
CHILDLABOUR ChildLabourisanoutcomeofvarioussocioeconomicproblemssuchaspoverty,economicbackwardnessand illiteracy,beingaddressedintheNationalChildLabourPolicyannouncedin1987. Theactionplanunderthispolicyismultiprongedandmainlyconsistsof: LegislativeActionPlan Focusongeneraldevelopmentprogrammesforthebenefitofthefamiliesofchildlabour;and Projectbasedactioninareasofhighconcentrationofchildlabour.
GovtisimplementingNationalChildLabourProject(NCLP)in266districtsofthecountryforrehabilitationof childrenrescued/withdrawnfromwork.UndertheProject,childrenrescued/withdrawnfromworkareenrolledin thespecialschools,wheretheyareprovidedwithbridgeeducation,vocationaltraining,nutrition,stipend,health care,etc.beforebeingmainstreamedintoformaleducationsystem. TheChildLabour(Prohibition&Regulation)Actwasenactedin1988whichprohibitstheemploymentofchildrenin 18occupationsand65processesandregulatestheworkingconditionsofchildreninemploymentwheretheyarenot prohibitedfromworking.TheemploymentofchildrenasDomesticservantandinDhabas,restaurants,teastalls,etc. hasbeenbannedw.e.f.10.10.2006.

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MeasurestoProtectWelfareofOverseasIndianWorkers Complaintsregardingnondelayedpaymentofsalaries,nonrenewalofvisa,andunsatisfactorylivingconditions;and refusalofmedicaltreatment,leaveorairticketoncompletionoftwoyearsperiodofcontractfromIndianemigrants arereceivedfromtimetotime. GovthastakenseveralinitiativestoprotectthewelfareofOverseasIndianWorkerswhichinteraliainclude: ANationwideAwarenesscumPublicityCampaigntoeducateintendingemigrantsaboutlegalemigration procedures,riskofillegalmigrationandprecautionstobetakenduringemigration. (ii) notifiedtheEmigration(Amendment)Rules2009revisingtheeligibilitycriteriaofRecruitingAgents(RAs)and increasingthesecurityamountandservicecharges. (iii) IndianCommunityWelfareFund(ICWF)inallMissionsforprovidingonsitesupportandfinancialassistance toIndianworkersindistress. (iv) establishedanOverseasWorkersResourceCentre(OWRC),a24hourtelephonehelplinein8languagesto provideauthenticinformationtointendingemigrantsaswellasemigrantsonallaspectsofemigration. (v) IndianWorkersResourceCentre(IWRC)isalsofunctioningatDubaifortakingcareoftheemergencyneeds ofIndianworkers. (vi) IndiahadsignedLabourAgreementswithJordanandQatarinthe1980stoprotecttheinterestsoftheIndian Workers.MemorandaofUnderstanding(MOU)weresignedwithUnitedArabEmirates(UAE),Kuwait, Oman,MalaysiaandBahrain.TheseMOUsenhancebilateralcooperationinthemanagementofmigration andprotectionoflabourwelfare.UndertheseMOUsJointWorkingGroups(JWG)havebeenconstituted thatmeetregularlyinordertoresolvebilaterallabourissues. (vii) Inaddition,theGovernmenthastakenthefollowingmeasuresforprotectingthesafetyandwelfareof womenworkersoftheECR(EmigrationCheckRequired)categorytoemigrateto17ECRnotifiedcountries: (1) MinimumAgelimitof30yearshasbeenmademandatoryinrespectofallintendingwomenemigrants. (2) TheemploymentcontractmustbedulyattestedbytheIndianMissionsinrespectofallsuchwomen. (3) WomenhouseholdworkersareallowedtoemigrateaftertheIndianmissionhasattestedtheidentityofthe foreignemployerandtermsandconditionsofthecontract. (4) AprepaidmobilefacilitymustbeprovidedbytheemployertoeverywomanHouseholdWorker. (5) TheForeignEmployerrecruitingawomanhouseholdworkerisrequiredtodepositasecurityamountof$2500 withtheIndianMission. DhyanChandAward:isIndia'shighestawardforlifetimeachievementinsportsandgames,givenbythe GovernmentofIndia.In2012giventoJagrajSinghMann(Athletics);GundeepKumar(Hockey);Vinod Kumar(Wrestling);SukhbirSinghTokas(ParaSports) B.I.Fernandez:firstforeigncoachtoreceiveDronacharyaAward;CubanCubanBoxingCoachofIndianteam GovernmentTakesMajorInitiativestoImprovePowerSituationintheCountry:delicensingofthermal generation,introductionofUltraMegaPowerProjects(UMPP),investorfriendlyNewHydroPolicy2008, initiativesforaugmentationofdomesticmanufacturingcapacityofpowerplantequipment,adoptionof supercriticaltechnologies,liberalizationofmegapowerpolicy,enhancingavailabilityofskilledandtrained manpoweretc.GovernmentofIndiaalsosupplementstheeffortsoftheStateGovernmentsbyestablishing powerplantsintheCentralSectorthroughCentralPublicSectorUndertakings. RightsforForestDwellers/YourviewsonimplementationofST&OTFDAct,2006 TheMinistryofTribalAffairsenactedtheScheduledTribesandotherTraditionalForestDwellers(Recognitionof ForestRights)Act,2006withtheobjectiveofremedyingthehistoricalinjusticedonetotheforestdwelling
(i)
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ScheduledTribesandothertraditionalforestdwellers.TheActhassubstantiallymetthismandatethrough distributionof12,68,766titlestotheeligibleclaimants.However,thenumberofcommunityrightsrecognized remainslowandtherateofrejectionofclaimsismorethanfiftypercent. SeveralfactorshavecometothenoticeoftheMinistrythatareimpedingtheimplementationoftheActinits letterandspiritandconstrainingtheflowofintendedbenefitsofthiswatershedlegislationtotheeligibleforest dwellers.Therecognitionofcommunityrightssuchasrightstominorforestproduce,grazingareas,water bodies,habitatsofParticularlyVulnerableTribalGroups,pastoralistsroutesremainsverylow.Therateof rejectionofclaimsisalsohigh. MinistryhasissuedguidelinestotheStateGovernments/UnionTerritoryAdministrationson12.7.2012for improvedimplementationoftheAct. o Guidelinespertaintoprocessofrecognitionofrights,evidencerequirements,rightstominorforest produce,communityrights,communityforestresourcerights,protectionagainsteviction,diversionof forestlandsandforcedrelocation,awarenessraising,monitoringandgrievanceredressal. MinistryhasalsoinitiatedtheprocessofamendmentsintheScheduledTribesandOtherTraditionalForest Dwellers(RecognitionofForestRights)Rules,2008 TheproposedamendmentstotheRulesrelateto o layingdownaprocedureforidentificationofhamletsorsettlementsandprocessoftheirconsolidation, o increasingthemandatorySTmembershipofForestRightsCommitteesfrompresent1/3RDtotwothird o reducingthepresentrequirementofquorumoftwothirdinthegramsabhameetingstoonehalf, o clarifyingthatthetermbonafidelivelihoodneedsincludesfulfillmentoflivelihoodneedsofselfand family,includingthesaleofsurplusproducearisingoutofexerciseofrights, o allowingtransportationofminorforestproducewithinandoutsideforestareathroughlocally appropriatemeansoftransportbygatherersortheircooperativesorassociationsorfederations o layingdowntheprocessforrecognitionofrights,includingcommunityrights, o insertionofnewClaimFormsforRightstoCommunityForestResourceandTitleFormforCommunity ForestResourcesetc. TheguidelinesissuedbytheMinistryon12.7.2012andtheproposedamendmentstotheRules,whennotified, wouldleadtobetterimplementationoftheActatthegroundlevel.
COALBLOCKALLOCATIONEXCERPTSFROMPMSTATEMENT TheCAGreportiscriticaloftheallocationsmainlyonthreecounts. 1. Firstly,itstatesthattheScreeningCommitteedidnotfollowatransparentandobjectivemethodwhilemaking recommendationsforallocationofcoalblocks. 2. Secondly,itobservesthatcompetitivebiddingcouldhavebeenintroducedin2006byamendingthe administrativeinstructionsinvogueinsteadofgoingthroughaprolongedlegalexaminationoftheissuewhich delayedthedecisionmakingprocess. 3. Finally,thereportmentionsthatthedelayinintroductionofcompetitivebiddingrenderedtheexistingprocess beneficialtoalargenumberofprivatecompanies.Accordingtotheassumptionsandcomputationsmadebythe CAG,thereisafinancialgainofaboutRs.1.86lakhcroretoprivateparties. TheCAGhascomputedfinancialgainstoprivatepartiesasbeingthedifferencebetweentheaveragesalepriceand theproductioncostofCILoftheestimatedextractablereservesoftheallocatedcoalblocks.
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1. Firstly,computationofextractablereservesbasedonaverageswouldnotbecorrect. 2. Secondly,thecostofproductionofcoalvariessignificantlyfromminetomineevenforCILduetovaryinggeo miningconditions,methodofextraction,surfacefeatures,numberofsettlements,availabilityofinfraetc. 3. Thirdly,CILhasbeengenerallyminingcoalinareaswithbetterinfrastructureandmorefavourablemining conditions,whereasthecoalblocksofferedforcaptiveminingaregenerallylocatedinareaswithmoredifficult geologicalconditions. 4. Fourthly,apartofthegainswouldinanycasegetappropriatedbythegovernmentthroughtaxationandunder theMMDRBill,presentlybeingconsideredbytheparliament,26%oftheprofitsearnedoncoalmining operationswouldhavetobemadeavailableforlocalareadevelopment. Policybeforethis From1993onwards,successivegovernmentscontinuedwiththepolicyofallocationofcoalblocksforcaptiveuse anddidnottreatsuchallocationsasarevenuegeneratingactivity.Letmereiteratethattheideaofintroducing auctionwasconceivedforthefirsttimebytheUPAGovernmentinthewakeofincreasingdemandforcaptive blocks.ActionwasinitiatedtoexaminetheideainallitsdimensionsandtheprocessculminatedinParliament approvingthenecessarylegislativeamendmentsin2010.Thelawmakingprocessinevitablytooktime theonlyalternativebeforetheGovernmentwastocontinuewiththecurrentsystemofallocationsthroughthe ScreeningCommitteemechanismtillthenewsystemofauctionbasedcompetitivebiddingcouldbeputinplace. Stoppingtheprocessofallocationwouldonlyhavedelayedthemuchneededexpansioninthesupplyofcoal. Althoughthecoalproducedthusfarfromtheblocksallocatedtotheprivatesectorisbelowthetarget,itis reasonabletoexpectthatasclearancesarespeededup,productionwillcomeintoeffectinthecourseofthe TwelfthPlan.Postponingtheallocationofcoalblocksuntilthenewsystemwasinplacewouldhavemeantlower energyproduction,lowerGDPgrowthandalsolowerrevenues.ItisunfortunatethattheCAGhasnottaken theseaspectsintoaccount
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(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose

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(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose

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(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose

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JEEADVANCEDexaminationwillhaveanexclusiveJointAdmissionBoard(JAB)andJointImplementation Committee(JIC)withthesamecompositionasatpresent.TheJABandJICwillalsocoordinatewiththeorganizing bodyresponsibleforconductingJEEMAIN.

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(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose

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9. 10. 11. 12.

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i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii)

(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose

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(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose

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Tocontaintheimportofgold,animprovementinthereturnaswellastheregulatoryregimeinwhichmutual fundsandlifeinsuranceproductsaresoldareofutmostimportance. SignificantimprovementrequiredintheapproachofgovernmenttoanumberofissuestomakeITrelated exportbusinessmuchmorecompetitive.

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Olympicssilvermedalinindividual25metrerapidfirepistolevent;HP;5 GoldsinCWG06+10 bronzeinthe60kgFreestyleWrestling;Goldincwg10

ACHIEVEMENT rankedworldno1inWomen'sRecurveArchery;8thonO12;GinC10;Jh Manipur;lostinprequarteofthewomensindividualrecurveinO12; currentIndianNationalrecordfor3000mSteeplechase;GinAG10 Sin10,000metresraceinAG10;1STindividualwomantrackmedalwinner inhistoryofCWG

firstIndianmaninhistorytoreachthebadmintonquarterfinalsofthe Olympicsin2012;BronzeinCWG10 1S&2BinCWG10 GinAG10 becometheyoungestplayertoevercaptaintheIndianationalhockey

captainofpoloteam 10metreairpistol(Pairs)GinCWG 3goldsinCWG10

(c) Divya Mittal , Not to be used for any commercial purpose

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Mr.M.BimoljitSingh Mrs.DeepaMalik Mr.RamkaranSingh

Wushu Athletics Paralympics Athletics Paralympics

BronzeinAsiangames participatedinolympics;AsianJavelinRecordHolder 800mand1500mparalympicathlete

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