Draft National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances approved

The Union Cabinet approved the National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) on, 12th January 2012, which was drafted by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue in consultation with the concerned Ministries/Agencies of Government of India and the State Governments.

The salient features of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Policy are as follows:
  1. The policy recommends production of Concentrate of Poppy Straw (CPS) in India by a company or body corporate. This would enable India to retain its status of a traditional supplier of Opiate Raw Material (ORM) to the rest of world, while remaining competitive.
  2. The consumption of poppy straw by addicts will be gradually reduced and finally stopped in a time frame decided by the States.
  3. On the illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis, the policy emphasizes use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crop and its subsequent eradication and development of alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation.
  4. The private sector may be allowed production of alkaloids from opium. At present alkaloids from opium are produced only in Government Opium and Alkaloid Factories (GOAFs).
  5. Non-intrusive methods of regulating the manufacture, trade and use of such psychotropic substances will be introduced,
  6. Emphasis will be laid on adequate access to morphine and other opioids necessary for palliative care, a strategy to address street peddlers of drugs, periodic surveys of drug abuse to gauge the extent, pattern and nature of drug abuse in the country, recognition of de-addiction centers,
  7. There will be a time bound plan of action, detailing the steps to be taken by different Ministries/ Departments/ agencies, in response to the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board.

The NDPS Policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse. Its implementation will lead to reduction of crime, improvement in public health and uplifting of the social milieu. Also it will serve as a guide to various Ministries and organizations and re-assert India`s commitment to combat the drug menace in a holistic manner.

Read More...

100 percent FDI notified by Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Single brand product retail

Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified the decision to allow 100 per cent FDI in Single brand retail on 10th January 2012 via Press Note No.1 (2012 Series).

The Union Minister for Commerce Industry and Textiles said “Cabinet took the conscious decision to liberalise policy for FDI in single brand retail. FDI in single brand has led to emergence of some global majors in Indian market. We have now allowed Foreign Investment up to 100 percent with the stipulation that in respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51 per cent there will be mandatory sourcing of at least 30 per cent of the total value of the products sold would have to be done from Indian ‘small industries/village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen, This step will provide stimulus to domestic manufacturing value addition and help in technical upgradation of our local small industry.”

Currently up to 51% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted in single brand product retail trading, where as FDI is prohibited in retail trade.

Foreign Investment in Single Brand product retail trading is aimed at attracting investments in production and marketing, improving the availability of such goods for the consumer, encouraging increased sourcing of goods from India, and enhancing competitiveness of Indian enterprises through access to global designs, technologies and management practices.

FDI in Single Brand product retail trading would be subject to the following conditions:
  • Products to be sold should be of a ‘Single Brand’ only. 
  • Products should be sold under the same brand internationally i.e. products should be sold under the same brand in one or more countries other than India. 
  • ‘Single Brand’ product-retail trading would cover only products which are branded during manufacturing. 
  • The foreign investor should be the owner of the brand. 
  • In respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51%, mandatory sourcing of at least 30% of the value of products sold would have to be done from Indian ‘small industries/ village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen’. 'Small industries' would be defined as industries which have a total investment in plant & machinery not exceeding US $ 1.00 million. This valuation refers to the value at the time of installation, without providing for depreciation. Further, if at any point in time, this valuation is exceeded, the industry shall not qualify as a 'small industry' for this purpose. The compliance of this condition will be ensured through self-certification by the company, to be subsequently checked, by statutory auditors, from the duly certified accounts, which the company will be required to maintain.

Read More...

Various Programs, Initiatives and acts related to Environment and Ecology in 2011


The following are the various programs, initiatives, draft acts and policies of Environment & Forest Ministry:

India Launches Major New Study For Valuation Of Its Natural Capital And Ecosystem Services
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has initiated a major new programme to value the immense wealth of natural resources and biodiversity in India. Collaborating with The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) study, the Ministry has begun the process of valuating its natural capital and ecosystem services in terms of economic value.

India participates in the 10th CoP of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
India made impressive presence in the 10th Conference of Parties of Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Held at Bergen, Norway during November 20-25,2011: Nominated as Member of the Standing Committee of CMS.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale.

Minister inaugurates the first Indian Forest Congress, 2011
Mrs. Jayanthi Natarajan appealed for more scientific analysis of the issues relating to forest management in the country in the midst of ever increasing pressure on the forests and climate change threat. Inaugurating the first Indian Forest Congress,2011 in New Delhi today, she urged for developing reliable data at the state level on forest biomass, increment, Non-timber Forest Products, Eco-tourism, etc.

Draft Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011
The MoEF has notified the new Draft Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to replace the earlier Rules (1998) and the amendments thereof. The darft Rules are notified for information of the public and suggestions and comments are invited within 60 days.

Draft Animal Welfare Act 2011
The importance that India accords to the protection of animals and their rights is reflected in the fact that the Constitution of the nation recognizes the need for their protection. Article 51A (g) enshrines and casts upon every citizen of India, the duty to have compassion for all living creatures, as a Fundamental Duty. In keeping with this commitment, India was also one of the first countries to enact a law on the subject of animal cruelty being the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

India has one of the most comprehensive laws on the subject of Wildlife Protection but unfortunately domesticated animals do not enjoy specific protections under the same.
There is therefore a need for a comprehensive and holistic legislation to address this issue. Acknowledging this need, the Hon’ble Minister for Environment and Forests, gave a categorical assurance on the floor of the Lok Sabha on August 11th, 2010 that the Ministry would enact a law titled the Animal Welfare Act that would provide, among other things, for steeper penalties for animal cruelty.

This law intends to modify the approach of our authorities in dealing with animal protection by moving from a defensive position to a positive, welfare and wellbeing oriented approach through the Draft Animal Welfare Act, 2011. Some of the salient features of the draft enactment are:
  • Augmenting animal welfare and wellbeing ;
  • Strengthening animal welfare organizations, and conscientious citizens who wish to espouse the cause of animal welfare and wellbeing ;
  • Enhancing penalties for animal abuse ;
  • Altering and enlarging the definition of animal abuse, in keeping with the times, and in keeping with judicial pronouncements.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, shall stand repealed when this Act comes into force, but all actions already taken under the same, and Rules and Regulations already framed, shall be saved to the extent and in the manner indicated in the Draft Animal Welfare Act, 2011.

SICOM and MSSRF join hands for Vedaranyam, sign MoU
On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the “Salt Satyagraha”, the Ministry of Environment and Forests initiated the conservation and development of Vedaranyam Coastal Zone project based on Gandhian Principles. The above project is being undertaken by Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) under the World Bank assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management project. This project would be implemented by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan.

The above project includes, restoration and conservation of the coastal resources, promote scientific management of land and water resources and promote community based joint management and implementation of the coastal zone management programme.

Under the project the Vedaranyam swamp which has a vast mangrove, salt marsh and migratory bird population will be restored, income generating activities for the local communities would be taken up. The project was officially announced on 26th December, 2010. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Society.

Report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010) and MEE of Tiger Reserves
28th July, 2011, New Delhi, India: The detailed report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010) along with the outcome of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves were released today.

(i) Detailed report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010)
A detailed report on the 2010 assessment relating to status of tigers, co-predators and their prey is a sequel to the outcome released in March this year. This study reports a countrywide increase of 20% in tiger numbers in 2010 with an estimated number of 1706 (1520-1909).
The 2006 estimation was 1411 (1165 – 1657) tigers. This country level assessment is done once in every four years, and is a collaborative initiative between the NTCA, WII, tiger States and outside expertise. There is a decline of 12.6% in tiger occupancy from connecting habitats.
This has happened in peripheral and dispersal areas having low densities outside tiger reserves and tiger source populations. The increase in tiger numbers is due to the fact that tiger populations in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown an increase in tiger density. The inclusion of Sunderbans, some portions of North East and parts of Maharashtra have also contributed to the increase. The methodology consisted of a double sampling approach – Phase I by Forest departments generate indices of abundance, Phase II – Remotely sensed information on landscape characteristics in a GIS, Phase III – research biologists sample areas with remote cameras and modern technology to determine tiger abundance. There has been an unprecedented effort of about 477,000 man days by forest staff, and 37,000 man days by professional biologists. A total effort of 81,409 trap nights yielded photo-captures of 635 unique tiger from a total camera trapped area of 11,192 km2 over 29 sites.
Tiger occupied forests in India were classified into 6 landscape complexes: (a) Shivalik Hills and the Gangetic Plain, (b) Central India (c) Eastern Ghats, (d) Western Ghats, (e) North-Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Plains, and (f) Sunderbans.
The report is not about tiger numbers alone and gives invaluable information on connectivity, corridors and habitats.

(ii) Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserve
The MEE report contains the second round of independent assessment based on refined criteria done in 2010-11 for 39 tiger reserves. This assessment is based on the globally used framework, as adapted to Indian conditions. Five independent teams conducted the evaluation using 30 indicators. The framework consists of 6 elements: context, planning, inputs, process, outputs and outcomes.
The 39 tiger reserves were grouped in same landscape clusters as done in tiger estimation. An additional category comprising of tigers in ‘red corridor’ has been included, besides a separate category for reserves where tigers have gone locally extinct. Out of 39 tiger reserves, 15 were rated as ‘very good’, 12 as ‘good’, 8 as ‘satisfactory’ and 4 as ‘poor’.
28 tiger reserves were compared with the MEE ratings of 2005-06. It is inferred that the ‘very good’ category increased by 4%, ‘good’ category increased by 3% and ‘satisfactory’ decreased by 7%.

Extensive Study carried using satellite-based inventory and monitoring methods on ‘Snow and glaciers of the Himalayas’.   Clickhere to View Full Report>>

Minister reviews plan for strengthening the Indian Forest Service- 30th June 2011

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) came into being in 1966, to manage, conserve and develop the forest and wildlife resources of the country. However, a lack of long-term planning on annual recruitment, skill building and training in the past has been a cause for concern.

A five-member committee constituted by the Ministry in 2010, headed by Shri J.C.Kala, Former DG Forests, undertook an exercise to draw up a comprehensive recruitment plan for the next 20 years. The report of the Committee is available on the Ministry’s website.

Highlights Of 4th National Report Submitted To Unccd Secretariat – 20th June 2011

·         About 69 percent of India is dry land – arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid
o   These areas are heavily populated
o   Degradation has severe implications for livelihood and food security for millions of people living in these areas
·     An estimated 32 percent of India’s total land area is affected by land degradation (of which desertification is a major component)
·     81.45 million hectares, or 24.8 percent of the country’s geographic area is undergoing desertification
·  Water and soil erosion are major causes of land degradation; water erosion is most prominent in agricultural regions
·   The key anthropogenic factors resulting in degradation are unsustainable agricultural practices; diversion of land to development programmes; industrial effluents; mining and deforestation
·     Unsustainable resource management practices drive desertification, and accentuate the poverty of people affected by desertification
·    Land rehabilitation has been a major priority since Independence, and several policies and government agencies address desertification and degradation.

****Milestones of Defence in India in 2011 with Full details****



Read More...

Milestones of Defence in India in 2011 with Full details

The Following are the Complete List of all the successful tests of 2011 collected from various newspapers for students appearing for civil service examinations and other competitive examinations.
  • Initial Operational Clearance Ceremony to LCA (Tejas) at Bangalore on January 10, 2011.  Defence Minister Shri AK Antony formally handed over the release to service certificate of Tejas Aircraft to the chief of Air Staff, Air chief Marshal PV Naik. Read More>>
  • Successful launch of Dhanush and Prithvi Missiles by the Strategic Forces Command from Interim Test Range, Chandipur, Orissa and a warship off Orissa Coast on March 11, 2011. Read More>>
  • Kaveri engine being developed by the DRDO for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft successfully completed the first phase Flying Test Bed trials mounted on a modified IL-76 aircraft in Russia during April.
  • Indian Naval crew began training in Russia in April aboard the new Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov, being rechristened INS Vikramaditya, to be inducted into the Indian Naval fleet. Read More>>
  • The Nuclear-capable, Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile was successfully test-fired for its full range of 350 km on 9th June, 2011 by the personnel of Strategic Force Command as part of a regular user training exercise. Read More>>
  • Defence Minister Shri AK Antony inaugurated the DRDO’s state-of-the-art composite propellant processing facility – ACEM (Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials) at Nasik in Maharashtra on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2011. Read More>>
  • Successful launch of new Surface to Surface Tactical Missile ‘PRAHAAR’ by DRDO on Thursday, July 21, 2011. Read More>>
  • Successful flight test of the 700- km range SHOURYA Missile from Launch Complex III of Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off OrissaCoast on Saturday, Sep 24, 2011. Read More>>
  • India's nuclear capable Prithvi-II ballistic missile was successfully test-fired, with a range of 350 kms, as part of user trial by the Armed Forces from Chandipur off Orissa coast, about 15 km from here. In collaboration with DRDO, DPR also organised a press briefing on the strategic significance of the event on the same day. Read More>>
  • LCA Tejas (Navy) made successful Ground Run at Bangalore on Tuesday, Sep 27, 2011. Read More>>
  • Successful flight testing of Surface to Surface Strategic Missile AGNI (A-II) on Friday, September 30, 2011, from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Orissa Coast. Read More>>
  • The DRDO conducted the 5th successful flight of UAV ‘Rustom I’ near Hosur, Karnataka on Friday, Nov 11, 2011. Read More>>
  • The successful test launch of the 3,500 km range Agni-IV, the most advanced long range missile system, on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 was the highlight of the year. The missile was launched from a Road Mobile System at 9.00 AM from Wheelers’ Island off the coast of Odisha. Read More>>
  • Sixth successful test launch of Agni-AI Ballistic Missile from WheelerIsland on Thursday, Dec 1, 2011 by Armed Forces. Read More>>
Read More...

RBI releases Mid Quarter Monetary Policy Review

Monetary Measures

On the basis of the current macroeconomic assessment, it has been decided to:
  • keep the cash reserve ratio (CRR) unchanged at 6 per cent; and
  • keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 8.5 per cent.
Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF will remain unchanged at 7.5 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate at 9.5 per cent.

Introduction
Since the Reserve Bank’s Second Quarter Review (SQR) of October 25, 2011, the global economic outlook has worsened significantly. The recent European Union (EU) summit agreement did not assuage negative market sentiments, thereby increasing the likelihood of persistent financial turbulence as well as a recession in Europe. Both factors pose threats to emerging market economies (EMEs), including India. Significantly, despite these developments, crude oil prices remain elevated.

On the domestic front, growth is clearly decelerating. This reflects the combined impact of several factors: the uncertain global environment, the cumulative impact of past monetary policy tightening and domestic policy uncertainties.

Both inflation and inflation expectations are currently above the comfort level of the Reserve Bank. However, reassuringly, inflationary pressures are expected to abate in the coming months despite high crude oil prices and rupee depreciation. The growth deceleration is contributing to a decline in inflation momentum, which is also being helped by softening food inflation.

Global Economy
The global economic situation continues to be fragile with no credible solution as yet to the immediate  euro area sovereign debt problem. At the EU summit on December 8-9, the European leaders agreed on a new fiscal compact, involving stronger coordination of economic policies to strengthen fiscal discipline. While the agreement is necessary for medium and long-term sustainability of the euro area, its ability to resolve short-term funding pressures was questioned by markets.  Q3 euro area growth, at 0.8 per cent, was anaemic and 2012 growth is now expected to be weaker than earlier projected.  Reflecting these projections, the European Central Bank (ECB) cut its policy rate twice in the last two months, and also implemented some non-standard measures. By contrast, growth in the US in Q3 of 2011 was better than in Q2, although still substantially below trend.

Growth in EMEs is also moderating on account of sluggish growth in advanced economies and the impact of monetary tightening to contain inflation. In view of the slowing down of their economies, Brazil, Indonesia, Israel and Thailand cut their policy rates, while China cut its reserve requirements. EME currencies have also come under varying degrees of downward pressure as a result of global risk aversion and financial stress emanating from the euro area.

Domestic economy

Growth
GDP growth moderated to 6.9 per cent in Q2 of 2011-12 from 7.7 per cent in Q1 and 8.8 per cent in the corresponding quarter a year ago. The deceleration in economic activity in Q2 was mainly on account of a sharp moderation in industrial growth. On the expenditure side, investment showed a significant  slowdown. Overall, during the first half (April-September) of 2011-12, GDP growth slowed down to 7.3 per cent from 8.6 per cent last year.

Industrial performance has further deteriorated as reflected in the decline of the index of industrial production (IIP) by 5.1 per cent, y-o-y, in October 2011. This was mainly due to contraction in manufacturing and mining activities. The contraction was particularly sharp in capital goods with a y-o-y decline of 25.5 per cent, reinforcing the investment decline story emerging from the GDP numbers.

Other indicators also suggest a similar tendency, though by no means as dramatic as the IIP. The HSBC purchasing managers' index (PMI) for manufacturing suggested further moderation in growth in November 2011. However, PMI-services index recovered in November from contractionary levels in the preceding two months. Corporate margins in Q2 of 2011-12 moderated significantly as compared with their levels in Q1. The decline in margins was largely on account of higher input and interest costs. Pricing power is evidently declining.

On the food front, the progress of sowing under major rabi crops so far has been satisfactory, with area sown under foodgrains and pulses so far being broadly comparable with that of last year.

Inflation
On a y-o-y basis, headline WPI inflation moderated to 9.1 per cent in November from 9.7 per cent in October, driven largely by decline in  primary food articles inflation. Fuel group inflation went up marginally. Notably, non-food manufactured products inflation remains elevated, actually increasing to 7.9 per cent in November from 7.6 per cent in October, reflecting rising input costs. The new combined (rural and urban) consumer price index (base: 2010=100) rose further to 114.2 in October from 113.1 in September. Inflation in terms of other consumer price indices was in the range of 9.4 to 9.7 per cent in October 2011. Reassuringly, headline momentum indicators, such as the seasonally adjusted month-on-month and 3-month moving average rolling quarterly inflation rate, show continuing signs of moderation.

External sector
Merchandise exports growth decelerated sharply to an average of 13.6 per cent y-o-y in October-November from an average of 40.6 per cent in the first half of 2011-12.  However, as imports moderated less than exports, the trade deficit widened, putting pressure on the current account. This, combined with rebalancing of global portfolios by foreign institutional investors and the tendency of exporters to defer repatriating their export earnings, has led to significant pressure on the rupee.

As on December 15, 2011, the rupee had depreciated by about 17 per cent against the US dollar over its level on August 5, 2011, the day on which the US debt downgrade happened. In the face of this, several measures were taken to attract inflows. Limits on investment in government and corporate debt instruments by foreign investors were increased. The ceilings on interest rates payable on non‐resident deposits were raised. The all‐in‐cost ceiling for external commercial borrowings was increased. Further, a series of administrative measures that discourage speculative behaviour were also initiated. The Reserve Bank is closely monitoring the developments in the external sector and it will respond to the evolving situation as appropriate.

Fiscal  Situation
The central government’s key deficit indicators worsened during 2011-12 (April-October), primarily on account of a decline in revenue receipts and increase in expenditure, particularly subsidies. The fiscal deficit at 74.4 per cent of the budgeted estimate in the first seven months of 2011-12 was significantly higher than 42.6 per cent in the corresponding period last year (about 61.2 per cent if adjusted for more than budgeted spectrum proceeds received last year). The likely slippage in this year’s fiscal deficit has inflationary implications. 

Money, Credit and Liquidity Conditions
The y-o-y money supply (M3) growth moderated from 17.2 per cent at the beginning of the financial year to 16.3 per cent on December 2, 2011, although still higher than the projected trajectory of 15.5 per cent for the year. Y-o-y non-food credit growth at 17.5 per cent on December 02, 2011, however, was below the indicative projection of 18 per cent.

Consistent with the stance of monetary policy, liquidity conditions have remained in deficit during this fiscal year. However, the deficit increased significantly beginning the second week of November 2011. The average borrowings under the daily LAF increased to around ` 89,000 crore during November-December (up to December 15, 2011) from around  `49,000 crore during April-October 2011.  The Reserve Bank conducted open market operations (OMOs) on three occasions in November-December 2011 for an amount aggregating about ` 24,000 crore to ease liquidity conditions.

There are currently no significant signs of stress in the money market. The overnight call money rate is stable around the policy repo rate and liquidity facilities such as marginal standing facility (MSF) remain unutilised.  However, in view of the fact  that borrowings from the LAF are persistently above the Reserve Bank's comfort zone, further OMOs will be conducted as and when seen to be appropriate. 

Outlook
Global growth for 2011 and 2012 is now expected to be lower than earlier anticipated. Increased strains in financial markets on the back of growing concerns over euro area sovereign debt, limited monetary and fiscal policy manoeuvrability, high unemployment rates, weak housing markets and elevated oil prices are all contributory factors. These factors have also contributed to moderating growth in the EMEs. As a consequence of all-round slower growth, inflation has also started declining, both in advanced countries and EMEs. 

On the domestic front, agricultural prospects look promising on the back of expected record kharif output and satisfactory progress on rabi sowing. However, industrial activity is moderating, driven by deceleration in investment, which is a matter of serious concern. Overall, the growth momentum in the economy is clearly moderating. Further, considering the global and domestic macroeconomic situation, the downside risks to the Reserve Bank’s growth projection, as set out in the SQR, have increased significantly. 

Between the First Quarter Review (FQR) and the SQR, while non-oil commodity prices had declined significantly, the rupee too had depreciated sharply. Consequently, the headline inflation projection at 7 per cent for March 2012, as set out in the FQR, was retained in the SQR. With moderation in food inflation in November 2011 and expected moderation in aggregate demand and hence in non-food manufactured products inflation, the inflation projection for March 2012 is retained at 7 per cent.

The Reserve Bank will make a formal numerical assessment of its growth and inflation projections for 2011-12 in the third quarter review of January 2012.

Guidance
While inflation remains on its projected trajectory, downside risks to growth have clearly increased. The guidance given in the SQR was that, based on the projected inflation trajectory, further rate hikes might not be warranted. In view of the moderating growth momentum and higher downside risks to growth, this guidance is being reiterated. From this point on, monetary policy actions are likely to reverse the cycle, responding to the risks to growth.

However, it must be emphasised that inflation risks remain high and inflation could quickly recur as a result of both supply and demand forces. Also, the rupee remains under stress. The timing and magnitude of further actions will depend on a continuing assessment of how these factors shape up in the months ahead.

Source: www.rbi.gov.in
Read More...

Cabinet cleared Citizen Charter, Judicial Accountability and Whistle-blowers bills

In a key meeting on 13th december 2011 the Union Cabinet cleared three major anti-corruption bills – Citizen's Charter Bill, Judicial Accountability Bill and the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection to Persons Making the Disclosures Bill (Whistleblower's Bill). 

The Cabinet, however, deferred on the Food Security Bill as it required more discussion, sources said. Earlier, the Congress core group met ahead of the all-important Cabinet meet. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and other senior Cabinet ministers belonging to the Congress discussed the details on the thee anti-corruption bills and Food Security Bill. The Food Security Bill, which will set the Centre back by Rs 1 lakh crore annually. Several ministers have pointed out that doling out food subsidy at a time when the economy is already in doldrums may not be a wise economic move. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar and Planning Commission Deputy Chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia have objected to the bill in a Cabinet note.
Read More...

Key decisions taken in Durban conference on climate change

After two weeks of negotiations, including 24 hours of extra time, at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) governments, including 38 industrialised countries, have come to several decisions which include the continuation of the Kyoto protocol, more active Green Climate Fund, Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, technology and strategies to support developing countries.

The Details of some Key Decisions that came out of COP17 include:

Continuation of Kyoto Protocol:
Since drafting a new U.N. Treaty is extremely time-consuming the delegates at conference agreed to extend Kyoto, whose 1st phase of emissions cuts run from 2008 to 2012. The 2nd commitment period will run from January 1, 2013 until the end of 2017.

The EU and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) agreed to continue the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012, but only if other governments, including major carbon emitters from developed and developing countries, agreed to negotiate a new legally binding treaty with deeper emission cuts by 2015.

The process for developing a new protocol, another legal instrument or agreement, with legal force that will be applicable to all parties to the U.N. climate convention under a new group called the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.

Green Climate Fund:
The talks made way to channel up to $100 billion a year by 2020, known as Green Climate Fund. The developing & poor countries can access the fund, boosting their efforts to establish their own clean energy futures and adapt to existing climate change.
Read More...

National Common Mobility Card was launched by Union Urban Development Minister

The Union Minister for Urban Development Shri Kamal Nath launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), by the name ‘More’, on the concluding day of the four day Urban Mobility India 2011 Conference-Cum-Exhibition. The brand name has been chosen “More” signifying the national bird “Peacock” as also literally in English meaning ‘more’ to convey that you get more and more by using this card.

The idea of NCMC is to promote the user to perceive it as a single transport system and provide the commuter with a seamless, efficient and hassle free travel experience across the length and breadth of the country. Seamless connectivity across multiple modes of transportation will increase the popularity and acceptability of public transport nationally and make public transport more appealing to the end user.

The Ministry of Urban Development, under the National Urban Transport Policy, envisages a single ticketing system over not only all modes of public transport in India but also for parking and toll. For this purpose, it is spearheading a national program of inter-operable Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems. This means that a single CMC card can be used across cities and different modes of transport. The implementation of ‘More’ will be partly funded by Central Government under the JnNURM scheme covering the buses sanctioned under the scheme.

It is hoped that NCMC would benefit the Public Transport Organisations by significantly increasing overall efficiency; provide control and better management of tariff structure; reduce cash handling and hence lesser pilferage & fraud; better planning based on passenger statistics. To roll-out the card on all India basis, to ensure the standardization of the CMC Project, UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL) has been appointed as the technology aggregator to implement the CMC project. UTIITSL is a Government of India, Ministry of Finance Company. So far Agreement has been signed with JCTSL, Jaipur and by the end of this financial year, roll-out in Jaipur is anticipated. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Bangalore and Bhopal Municipal Corporation are also at advance stage of entering into the agreement. A Task Force has been set up under the Chairmanship of Secretary (UD) for taking it in Mission Mode.
Read More...

Agreement Signed between India and Eurasian Group (EAG) to Enhance Cooperation in Areas of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

India signed an Agreement with the Eurasian Group (EAG) to inter-alia enhance cooperation in the areas of Money laundering and Terrorist Financing. The Cabinet had approved the agreement earlier this month. The agreement was signed by Dr. Thomas Mathew, Joint Secretary (Capital Markets) Division of the Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of India.

A 6 member Indian delegation led by Dr. Mathew, Joint Secretary (Capital Markets) is attending the 15th Plenary Meeting of the Eurasian Group (EAG) on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, being held at Xiamen, China.

The Indian delegation’s effective participation and contribution in the Plenary meeting and Working Groups were appreciated by the Secretariat, member countries and observers. India also offered help to member nations in enhancing their technical skill in establishing better financial systems, capital market monitoring and surveillance through sophisticated IT tools. Help was also offered in drafting legislation, law enforcement techniques and strengthening of their respective FIUs.

The EAG is a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) styled regional body with 9 members including India, Russia and China and 29 observers of which 12 are countries and 17 are international organisations. India was accorded membership in the EAG in December 2010. There are 9 such regional bodies spread across the world. The EAG is soon emerging as an effective body engaged in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Read More...

Very Important News Articles from The Economic Times Paper dated 19th November 2011

Read More...

Changes to Food Security Bill was approved by Finance Ministry

After taking in the views of the Department of Women and Child Development and those posted on the Food Ministry's website the proposed changes to the draft Food Security Bill had been approved by Finance ministry. The Bill is ready to be introduced in Parliament in the winter session and if passed it will be implemented from the next fiscal year.

The following are some important Changes proposed to the Bill:
  • A minimum of 3 Kg grains per month shall be provided to each house-hold in general category and if food stocks allowed higher allocations could also be made for these beneficiaries.
  • Another notable change is the bill includes a clause for prohibiting unwarranted diversion of land and water from food production.
  • Provision of free meal to eligible pregnant women, lactating mothers, needy children, destitutes and migrants through anganwadis at an additional cost of Rs.12,000 Crore.
  • Nutritional support for children in age group of 6 months to 6 years and for children between 6 and 14 years.

Other proposals include streamlining of the public distribution system, better storage facilities, plugging of leakages, more investment in agriculture and productivity to meet the obligations under the proposed Bill. The beneficiaries will be identified on the basis of the ongoing Socio-Economic Caste Census.
Read More...

AGNI 4, the New-Gen long range missile system launched successfully

India today successfully test fired the most advanced long range missile system Agni-4 on 15th November, 2011. The missile was launched from a Road Mobile System at 9.00 AM from Wheelers’ Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile followed its trajectory, in a text book fashion, attained a height of about 900 kms and reached the pre-designated target in the international waters of Bay of Bengal. All mission objectives were fully met. All the systems functioned perfectly till the end encountering the re-entry temperatures of more than 3000⁰C.

The Missile reached the target with very high level of accuracy. Radars and electro-optical systems along the Coast of Odisha have tracked and monitored all the parameters of the Missile. Two Indian Naval ships located near the target witnessed the final event.


AGNI 4 is a new era in the modern Long Range Navigation System in India. This test has paved the way ahead for the success of AGNI-5 Mission, which will be launched shortly.

The Missile, having capability to carry Strategic Warheads for the Forces, has provided a fantastic deterrence to the country and it will be produced in numbers and delivered to the Armed Forces as early as possible.


What's New in AGNI 4?

  • This missile is one of its kinds, proving many new technologies for the first time, and represents a quantum leap in terms of missile technology. 
  • The Missile is lighter in weight and has two stages of Solid Propulsion and a Payload with Re-entry heat shield. 
  • The Composite Rocket Motor which has been used for the first time has given excellent performance. 
  • The Missile System is equipped with modern and compact Avionics with Redundancy to provide high level of reliability. 
  • The indigenous Ring Laser Gyros based high accuracy INS (RINS) and Micro Navigation System (MINGS) complementing each other in redundant mode have been successfully flown in guidance mode for the first time. 
  • The high performance onboard computer with distributed Avionics architecture, high speed reliable communication bus and a full Digital Control System have controlled and guided the Missile to the target. 
Read More...

Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme was proposed by Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Allevation

To address the issue of credit enablement of EWS and LIG households, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) proposes to create a Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Scheme (CGFS) under Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY).

The Proposed fund has the following features:
  1. Under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme (CGFS) the Government of India will provide credit guarantee support to collateral-free / third-party-guarantee-free housing loans up to Rs. 5 lakh extended by lending institutions for Low Income Housing.
  2. The CGFS will cover the housing loans to EWS/ LIG borrowers for the purposes of repairs, home improvement, construction, acquisition, and purchase of new or second hand dwelling units, involving an amount not exceeding Rs. 5 lakh per loan.
  3. The guarantee cover available under the scheme is proposed to be to the extent of 90% of the sanctioned housing loan amount for a loan amount of upto Rs.2 lakh. And 85% for loan amounts above Rs.2 lakh and upto Rs. 5 lakh.
  4. To administer and oversee the operations of the Scheme, provision has been made for establishment of a Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust for low income housing (CGFT).
  5. Rs.1000 crores has been earmarked as an initial Corpus for CGFS.
Read More...

Thomas J. Sargent, Christopher A. Sims 2011 Sveriges Riksbank(Nobel) prize for Economics

Thomas J. Sargent, Christopher A. Sims Won the 2011 Sveriges Riksbank prize (Nobel Prize) for Economics in memory of Alfred Nobel. They were awarded, "for their empirical research on cause and effect in the macroeconomy";

The Prize in the Field of Economic Sciences was introduced in the memory of Alfred Nobel. The prize is named as Sveriges Riksbank prize. The Sveriges Riksbank is the central bank of Sweden, which instituted this award.
Read More...

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman share 2011 Nobel Peace prize

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011 is to be divided in three equal parts between Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work. We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is Africa’s first democratically elected female president. Since her inauguration in 2006, she has contributed to securing peace in Liberia, to promoting economic and social development, and to strengthening the position of women. 

Leymah Gbowee mobilized and organized women across ethnic and religious dividing lines to bring an end to the long war in Liberia, and to ensure women’s participation in elections. She has since worked to enhance the influence of women in West Africa during and after war. 

Tawakkul Karman has played a leading part in the struggle for women’s rights and for democracy and peace in Yemen, in the most trying circumstances, both before and during the “Arab spring”.
Read More...

Daniel Shechtman wins Chemistry 2011 Nobel prize

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2011 to Daniel Shechtman Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel "for the discovery of quasicrystals".

In quasicrystals, we find the fascinating mosaics of the Arabic world reproduced at the level of atoms: regular patterns that never repeat themselves. However, the configuration found in quasicrystals was considered impossible, and Daniel Shechtman had to fight a fierce battle against established science. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2011 has fundamentally altered how chemists conceive of solid matter.
Read More...

Saul Perlmutter, Adam Riess, Bryant P. Schimdt won 2011 Physics Nobel prize

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2011 was awarded "for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe through observations of distant supernovae" with one half to Saul Perlmutter and the other half jointly to Brian P. Schmidt and Adam G. Riess.

The Nobel Prize in Physics was the area Alfred Nobel first mentioned in his will. The Physics prize was being awarded for both pioneering discoveries and ground breaking inventions. 

The Nobel prize in Physics will be awarded by the Royal Swedish academy of sciences, Stockholm, Sweden.
Read More...

Three scientists won Nobel prize for immune system discoveries

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2011 was divided, one half jointly to Bruce A. Beutler and Jules A. Hoffmann "for their discoveries concerning the activation of innate immunity" and the other half to Ralph M. Steinman "for his discovery of the dendritic cell and its role in adaptive immunity".

The Nobel committee at Stockholm Karolinska Institute said, American Bruce Beutler and French scientist Jules Hoffmann shared the 10 million-kronor ($1.5 million) award with Canadian-born Ralph Steinman.

"Their work has opened up new avenues for the development of prevention and therapy against infections, cancer and inflammatory disease,” the citation said.

The trio’s discoveries have laid path to the development of new methods for treating and preventing diseases, including improved vaccines and in attempts to help the immune system to attack tumors, the Nobel committee said. 

The medicine award kicked off a week of Nobel Prize announcements, and will be followed by the Physics prize on Tuesday, Chemistry on Wednesday, Literature on Thursday and the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. The winners of the Economics award will be announced on October 10. 

Every year the prizes are handed out on December 10, on the death anniversary of Nobel in 1896.
Read More...

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill (MMDR), 2011 proposal approved

Based on the HLC recommendations, the Government had announced National Mineral Policy (NMP) on 13.3.2008. To give effect to the policy directions in NMP, the Government has now evolved a new Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011, after several rounds of consultations with the stakeholders including State Governments, concerned Ministries and Departments of Central Government, Industry and Civil Society. The MMDR Bill, 2011 was referred to a Group of Ministers (GoM) on 14.6.2010 and which has now, after five rounds of discussion, had recommended the draft Bill to the Cabinet. The GoM in its meeting held on 7th July, 2011 has recommended the draft MMDR Bill, 2011 for introduction in Parliament.

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill (MMDR Bill), 2011, in terms of National Mineral Policy, 2008 in Parliament and also to repeal the existing Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. 

The new MMDR Bill, 2011, aims to introduce better legislative environment for attracting investment and technology into the mining sector by the following:
  • States may call for applications in notified areas of known mineralization for prospecting based on technical knowledge, value addition, end-use proposed ore -linkage etc. and to invite financial bid; 
  • States may grant of direct mining concessions through bidding based on a prospecting report and feasibility study in notified areas where data of minerals is adequate for the purpose; 
  • State Government may set up a minimum floor price for competitive bidding; 
  • Special provisions for allowing mining of small deposits in cluster, where cooperatives can apply; 
  • National Mining Regulatory Authority for major minerals - State Governments may set up similar Authority at State level for minor minerals; 
  • Imposition of a Central cess and a State cess, and setting up of Mineral Funds at National and State Level for capacity creation; 
  • For the purpose of sharing the benefits of mining with persons or families having occupation, usufruct or traditional rights in mining areas, and for local area infrastructure, creation an amount equal to royalty in case of mineral other than coal, and 26% of net profits, in the case of coal, has been proposed to be credited each year to district Level Mineral Foundation; 
  • Sustainable and scientific mining through provision for a Sustainable Development Framework; 
  • Consultation with local community before notifying an area for grant of concession, and for approval of Mine Closure Plans; 
  • Enhanced penalties for violation of provisions of the Act, including debarment of person convicted of illegal mining for future grants and termination of all mineral concessions held by such person; and 
  • Establishment of Special Courts at the State level for speedier disposal of the cases of illegal mining. 
The new draft MMDR Act would have financial implications in the creation of an independent National Mining Tribunal and National Mining Regulatory Authority at the Central Level, and the expenditure involved in the capacity building of the Indian Bureau of Mines.

The funds for this expenditure are likely to be met from levy of cess at the rate of 2.5% on the basis of Customs/Excise Duty. The new MMDR Act would be implemented immediately after receiving Parliamentary approval and President's assent, and a date of commencement would be notified separately. 

The approval will help in developing the country's mining sector to its full potential so as to put the nation's mineral resources to best use for national economic growth, and ensure raw materials security in the long term national interest. 
Read More...

Nuke Capable Agni II surface-to-surface missile successfully test-fired

India successfully flight-tested Intermediate range, nuclear weapons-capable Agni-II surface-to-surface missile for its full range of over 2,000 km from Balasore, Orissa on 30th September which is a hat-trick of achievements in the past one week. The missile was fired from a rail mobile launcher by the Army’s Strategic Force Command personnel at 9.30 a.m. as part of a training exercise after it was picked up from the production lot. After a 10-minute flight, the 21-metre tall Agni-II reached the pre-defined target in the Bay of Bengal with precision and accuracy. 

Two naval ships located near the target point, electro-optical and telemetry systems tracked the missile’s flight path and its final moments. 

Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister V.K. Saraswat described it a dream launch and one of the finest copy-book launches of Agni-II. All the performance parameters of the mission such as velocity, terminal phase, trajectory and destruction of the warhead went as per copybook profile.
Read More...
 
Copyright (c) 2010-2013 CIVILSPEDIA by Abhinay.
Read our DISCLAIMER