K E R A L A M O N I T O R . C O M N E W S B U R E A U
ZIMBABWE: Crackdown on forex smuggling
BULAWAYO, 15 December (IRIN) - With an iron grip on a medium-sized
travelling bag, Zodwa strolls leisurely along Fifth Avenue, one of the
busiest streets in the southern Zimbabwean town of Bulawayo, keeping an eye
out for cars bearing foreign plates, and the police.MoreRam Naik launches the first Natural Gas Conservation Programme
18.92% shares of Hindustan Zinc sold to Sterlite More News
India Kuwait Extradition Treaty RatifiedSmt. Sumitra Mahajan places National Auto Fuel Policy in the Lok Sabha Backward classes commission to submit report on Creamy Layer among OBCs within three months Procurement of jets for VIP's "Your BBC, your say" - Jowell launches biggest ever public debate on the future of the BBC Britain Introduces Spam Law to control unsolicited mail Regional centre for authentication of educational certificates to be opened in Kerala More News IBM India announces new laptop at Rs. 54,990/-
International News Indian News Kerala Dubai News
Science cities at Jalandhar, Ahmedabad & Lucknow under constructions
Lok Sabha
Dec 15: Science cities with the assistance of Central Government are being set up at Jallandhar, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. Besides this, science museum/centres are being developed at Dimapur, Imphal, Itanagar, Shillong, Gangtok, Amritsar, Kurukshetra and Haldighati. This was stated by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Jagmohan in reply to a question by Dr. N. Venkataswamy in Lok Sabha today.
During the current financial year, out of a total sum of Rs. 1300.00 lakhs earmarked for setting up of the Science Cities and Science museums/centres, so far, the amounts have been released are - Pushpa Gujral Science City, Jallandhar - Rs. 300.00 lakhs, Gujarat Science city, Ahmedabad - Rs. 200.00 lakhs, Kalpana Chawala Planetarium, Kurukshetra - Rs. 200.00 lakhs and Panorama at Haldighati - Rs. 100.00 lakhs, Shri Jagmohan added. -Keralamonitor.com
Prime Minister flags off Vigyan Rail
Dec 15: The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee flagged off Vigyan Rail-Scientific Exhibition on Wheels at a function at Sadarjung Railway Station here today. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Vajpayee said that he was happy to note that the Vigyan Rail would help spread awareness about India's progress in various fields of science and technology and help inculcate scientific temper among masses to bring them to the national mainstream. Reaching the masses through the network of Railways was the best way as the Indian Railways have played an important role in the social and economic development of the nation for over one and a half century, he added. The Prime Minister exuded confidence that the Vigyan Rail would prove to be a landmark in the history of science and technology communication in the country as also in the world. He gave an overview of the strides made by science and technology since Independence especially during the last five years of his government. The Prime Minister was happy to note that the yearlong journey of the Vigyan Rail would be a tribute to the year 2004, made the 'year of Scientific Awareness in India'.
The Union Minister of Railways Shri Nitish Kumar, in his welcome address, said that the Vigyan Rail would inspire and enthuse people especially the youths by creating public awareness of science and technology and fulfill the Prime Minister's desire to make India a fully developed nation by 2020. In this connection, Shri Nitish Kumar referred to the Exhibition Train, which crisscrossed the country showcasing the strides made by Indian Railways during the 150 glorious years of its service to the nation. He also referred to the Technology Mission on Rail Safety, announced by the Prime Minister on the Independence Day 2003 in collaboration with the IIT Kanpur and the Department of Science and Technology for improving rail safety and Special Railway Safety Fund and National Rail Vikas Yojana, as non-budgetary initiatives to strengthen and augment rail infrastructure to meet the challenges of globalization. He complimented his counterpart in the Ministries of Human Resource Development, Science and Technology and Ocean Development Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi for conceiving the project of Vigyan Rail and hoped it would achieve its intended objective to spread the awareness of science and technology and inculcation of scientific temper in the country.
The Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Science, Technology and Ocean Development Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, in his introductory remarks, said that the Railways, a product of science and technology, would run the Vigyan Rail across the country showcasing the scientific achievements of India since Independence. Science and technology today left no field untouched resulting in all-round strides made by India in space, atomic energy, power, industry, agriculture, medicine and so on. He said only through the application of science and technology we could find solution to various problems concerning socio economic development and security. Dr. Joshi also highlighted the onerous role played by Indian Railways in all-round progress of the nation.
The Vigyan Rail will crisscross all over the country in a yearlong time from today. It would stop at 56 destinations wherein the train would exhibit for two to five days or even more depending upon the demands of the people. It is an initiative to spread scientific temper in the country and is a joint venture between Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Railways in collaboration with Scientific Departments and Ministries of the Government of India under the guidance of the Human Resource Development, Science and Technology and Ocean Development Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi. The function was presided over by the Union Minister for Railways Shri Nitish Kumar.
The Minister of State for Science and Technology Shri Bachi Singh Rawat, the Minister of State for Railways Shri Basanagouda R. Patil, the Lt. Governor of Delhi Shri Vijay Kapoor and Chairman Vigyan Prasar Shri M.V. Kamath, were present, among others, on the occasion. -Keralamonitor.com
Joint Programme Advisory Committees (PACs) in major Doordarshan Kendras and AIR Stations have been constituted, consisting of eminent personalities from different disciplines/interest groups, to review the programmes telecast/broadcast to suggest improvement in the planning and presentation of the future programmes. This information was given by Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Explosive parcel sent to Arab Times
Dec 11: An explosive parcel addressed to editor in chief of Arab Times daily Ahmad al-Jarallah went off when his secretary, a Lebanese, attempted to open it. The explosion ended up with injury of his secretary named Walid Dahdouh, of Jarallah. Security forces rushed to the daily's headquarters at Shuwaikh to carry out the necessary interrogations. Also Minister of Information Mohammad Abulhasan visited the building to unveil progress of the interrogations and health of the staff inside. Jarallah is presently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Director of office of editor in chief of daily Arab Times was back to work Thursday, after being treated from slight injuries due to an explosive parcel which he received earlier today. The security officials available at the daily's site in Shuwaikh, are currently listening for a report from the victim Walid Dahdouh on the complications of the incident. When the incident occurred the security members rushed to the scene of the arabic daily. Minister of Information Mohammad Abu Al-Hasan took note of the progress of interrogations and checked the wellness of staff members. In an interview with KT Television Jarallah did not hold anyone responsible for the incident which he said was not the only one which his daily comes under, adding that his daily would not swerve from its criticism to terrorism. More News
Constitution amendment bill for PRIs - Kashiram Rana
Dec 11: Ministry of Rural Development is processing the case for bringing about for the constitution amendments for speedy and effective devolution of financial and administrative powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions(PRIs). An amendment bill to the constitution in this regard will be introduced shortly in Parliament. This was informed by Shri Kashiram Rana, Union Minister for Rural Development in a Consultative Committee meeting attached to his ministry here today.Shri Rana further informed that the 73rd Amendment Act made constitution of PRIs and regular elections to them every five year mandatory for the States. But as regards the devolution of powers to PRIs and other functional aspects, the decision making was left to the State Legislatures. Today we have approximately 2,50,000 Panchayats and about three million people have been elected of which one-third are women. This is the largest single representative base and the world's largest experiment in local democracy. Shri Rana expressed concern that administrative and fiscal decentralization however, has fallen far short of what was desirable.
Shri Rana observed that people living in far corners of rural India have become quite aware of the issues of governance and development. As the markets become more and more competitive, infrastructure requirements are increased, people demand viable and speedy solutions to their day to day problems. The only way to meet this challenge and to fulfill the aspirations of the people is to engage them in the development process and social audit through Gram Sabhas.
Listing out various steps taken by the Ministry for empowering of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Shri Rana highlighted that Rural Development Ministry has already transferred decision making and implementation and financial powers to PRIs in respect of its programmes. The Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) is implemented through Panchayts. Through recent Guidelines of Hariyali, implementation of Watershed Development Programmes namely IWDP, DPAP and DDP has been transferred to PRIs. Panchayats have also been assigned the implementation of Swajaldhara. Selection of beneficiaries in all the programmes is to be done by Panchayats.
Members lauded the efforts made by the Ministry for instituting the awards for the Best Panchayats. They were in a view that it would encourage Panchayats to excel in performance of their role. Members raised the issue of holding regular meeting for Vigilance and Monitoring committees. They also suggested for training of elected representatives and for constitution of District Planning Committees.
Shri Rana replied that for the training of elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayats, support is provided by National Institutes of Rural Development (NIRD) in terms of training of trainers, development of materials and other guidance. Action Plan from 22 State Governments for providing training to elected and official functionaries of PRIs has been approved by the Ministry and the State Governments are encouraged to use all available infrastructure and networking with NGOs and other institutions for the training. Shri Rana said that regarding constitution of DPCs, he will take up this issue with the State Governments.
Members who attended meeting are Shri B.C. Yadav, Shri A.F. Golam Osmani, Shri Chintaman Wanga. Shri Y.V. Rao, Shri Saif-ud-din-Soz, Shri P.S. Gandhvi, Shri M. Vasva, Shri M.K. Patel, Shri R.S. Shakya, Shri B.K. Katara, Shri B.P. Solanki, Shri P.D. Elangovan, Shri Dalit Ezhilmalai and Shri M.D. Mistry. -Keralamonitor.com
Smt. Sumitra Mahajan places National Auto Fuel Policy in the Lok Sabha
Dec 11: Smt Sumitra Mahajan, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, laid the National Auto Fuel Policy on the Table of the Lok Sabha today. The policy provides a clear cut road map for changes in vehicular technology and corresponding fuel quality for the whole country. Measures are also proposed to reduce emissions from in-use vehicles. It is expected that the implementation of the policy would lead to better ambient air quality which will reflect through improvement in public health and better environment.
The salient features of the National Auto Fuel Policy include compliance of Bharat Stage-II norms by all new vehicles (other than 2/3 wheelers) from 1.4.2005 in the whole country and Euro-III equivalent norms in the whole country from 1.4.2010. In 11 major cities which include Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Kanpur and Agra the new vehicles would meet Euro-III equivalent norms from 1.4.2005 and Euro-IV norms from 1.4.2010. New 2/3 wheelers would be required to meet Bharat Stage-II norms from 1.4.2005 and Bharat Stage-III norms preferably from 1.4.2008 but not later than 1.4.2010. In respect of in-use vehicles, the policy suggests new improved Pollution Under Control (PUC) checking system, inspection and maintenance system, checking system for catalytic converter and conversion kits for CNG/LPG vehicles.
Another significant feature of the policy include a road map for compliance of emission norms by buses/trucks plying on Inter-State routes passing through Delhi and 10 other major cities mentioned above which have high level of environmental pollution. Inter-State buses/trucks would not be allowed to originate or terminate in Delhi from 1.4.2007 unless they meet India 2000 emission norms and the cut-off point for Bharat Stage-II norms will be 1.4.2011. Emission norms for Inter-State buses originating or culminating in 10 other major cities will have to meet a minimum of 1996 norms w.e.f. 1.4.2006, if registered before 1.4.2000 and India 2000 norms, if registered after 1.4.2000. For Inter-State buses registered after 1.4.2005 in these cities will have to meet at least Bharat Stage-II norms w.e.f. 1.4.2011.
It is estimated that the existing domestic oil refineries, in addition to the investment of Rs. 10,000 crore already made to achieve Euro-I/Bharat Stage-II auto fuel specifications, would need to incur an additional investment of around Rs. 18,000 crore by the year 2005. Further investment of around Rs. 12,000 crore will need to be made during the period 2005-2010. The investment requirement of the automobile industry is estimated at around Rs. 25,000 crore over this period.
The Policy suggests, taking into account security of supplies and existing logistics perspectives, that liquid fuels should remain as main auto fuels throughout the country. The policy recommends encouraging use of CNG/LPG in cities affected by higher pollution levels so as to enable vehicle owners to have the choice of the fuel and technology combination.
To accelerate development of other alternative clean technologies like battery-powered vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles, etc., Auto Fuel Policy suggests that a comprehensive support programme should be drawn up. Technologies for producing ethanol/bio fuels and vehicles to use these fuels would be encouraged through R & D and other fiscal and financial measures. The policy also recommends scientific studies for collection of sufficient air quality data for the whole country and to apportion the health disorders attributable to air pollution/vehicular pollution.
The policy has been formulated taking a holistic view of the diverse aspects of auto emissions, auto technologies and auto fuel quality on the one hand and the social costs and security of fuel supply on the other. A Committee of Experts of national repute headed by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), was set up to recommend an appropriate Auto Fuel Policy for the country. -Keralamonitor.com
License to Power Links Transmission Limited
Lok Sabha
Dec 11: Power Links Transmission Ltd; a joint venture company of Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. and Tata Power Ltd; has been granted licence by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission on 13.11.2003 to construct, maintain and operate six transmission lines for evacuation of power to be generated from Tala Hydro-electric Power Project in Bhutan. These are:
Siliguri-Purnea 400 kV D/C (Quad. Conductor) Transmission Line,
Purnea-Muzzaffarpur (New) 400 kV D/C (Quad. Conductor) Transmission Line,
Mazzaffarpur (New)- Gorakhpur 400 kV D/C (Quad. Conductor),
Gorakhpur-Lucknow 400 kV D/C (Twin Conductor) Transmission Line,
Bareily-Mandola 400 kV D/C (Twin Conductor) Transmission Line,
Muzzaffarpur (New)-Muzzaffarpur (BSEB) 220 kV 400 kV (Twin Conductor) Transmission Line.
The transmission system will also be utilized for transfer of surplus power from Eastern Region to Northern Region. Tata Power Ltd., and POWERGRID will hold 51 per cent and 49 per cent of the equity share capital respectively of the Company.
The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2006. The transmission system will enable delivery of 1020 MW power to be evacuated from Tala HEP, Bhutan to Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and Damodar Valley Corporation in the Eastern Region in accordance with their allocated share. The transmission system will also be utilized to transfer surplus power from Eastern Region to the States of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana and National Capital Territory of Delhi in Northern Region. This information was given in the Lok Sabha today in a written reply by the Minister of Power Shri Anant Gangaram Geete. -Keralamonitor.com
Backward classes commission to submit report on Creamy Layer among OBCs within three months
Lok SabhaDec 11: The Government has decided to review the income criteria for identification of "Creamy Layer" amongst OBCs. The work has been entrusted to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). The Commission will review the existing ceiling of income/wealth to determine the `Creamy Layer' amongst OBCs. It will also evolve and suggest formulae through which the periodic revision of income ceiling/ criteria in terms of quantum of rupee be fixed so that the income ceiling for determining the `Creamy Layer' amongst OBCs is revised from time to time as per the formula. The Commission has been requested to submit its recommendations to the Government within three months. This was stated by the Social Justice and Empowerment Minster Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
The National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 stipulates that the Central Government shall undertake revision of the lists at the expiration of ten years with a view to exclude those classes who have ceased to be backward. The provision has been made following direction of the Supreme Court in Indira Sawhney & Others v/s Union of India case popularly known as Mandal Case. The underline philosophy for periodic revision is that the reservation should be only for those backward classes that are genuinely deserving and are handicapped without it. Castes and Communities, which have advanced to a certain level of advancement, should be replaced by those who have not reached that stage of development and are in great need of reservation.
The Backward Classes ( other than SCs/STs) account for about 52% of the country's total population and there is enormous rang of diversity among them in terms of occupation, customs and level of development. -Keralamonitor.com
NMDFC starts job-oriented education loan scheme for minorities Lok Sabha
Dec 11: An Educational Loan Scheme to facilitate job-oriented education amongst the weaker sections of the notified minorities has been started by the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) from the current financial year. The scheme is implemented through the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) of the NMFDC, nominated by the respective State Governments. Stating this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, the Social Justice and Empowerment Minster Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya said the scheme envisages a maximum loan of Rs. 75,000/- for pursuing professional and technical courses of duration not exceeding 2 years. He said funds for this purpose are made available to the SCAs at interest rate of 1% which in turn charge 3% interest for lending to the beneficiaries. The loan is repayable in maximum period of five years after completion of the course. The beneficiary for becoming eligible should be in age group of 16-32 years and the annual family income should be below double the poverty line. The Minister said that the the SCAs have been advised to use 10% of the Annual Allocations provided to them by the NMDFC for the purpose of Educational loans. Accordingly, allocations to the extent of Rs. 10.90 crore are available to the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) for the year 2003-04. Dr. Jatiya said that as on 30.11.2003, loans amounting to Rs. 22.50 lakh have been disbursed to 161 students under the scheme. -Keralamonitor.com
Deployment of submarines and troops by Pakistan
Lok Sabha
Dec 11: The Government is aware of the deployment of submarines and troops by Pakistan near west coast of Gujarat. Operations of the Pakistan Navy submarines near Gujarat coast have come to notice during last two months. There is also known deployment of Pakistani troops near west coast of Gujarat, opposite Rann of Kutch and Sir Creek Area.
The deployment of Pakistan troops/submarines/naval craft are monitored by the Indian Armed Forces, through constant surveillance. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Mansinh Patel and Shri Haribhai Chaudhary in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Lok Sabha
Dec 11: The Union Government has decided to acquire five executive jets for VIPs from Brazil's M/s Embraer. The contract for the purchase has been signed on Sep 19, 2003. Four jets are meant for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and one for the Border Security Force (BSF).
Necessary budgetary allocation have been made. Acquisition of the executive jets will enable the IAF and BSF to execute safe and efficient carriage of visiting VVIPs and VIPs, in aircraft fitted with modern navigational aids. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Prabodh Panda and Shri Rupchand Murmu in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Development of remotely controlled improvised explosive device
Lok Sabha
Dec 11: An electronic devise based on Electronic Counter Measures has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation which can temporarily mute the remotely controlled improvised explosive device for protection of convoy of vehicles.
After successful evaluation of the device by the Army, it has been inducted into service. The cost of each device is Rs. 30 lakh. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Adhir Chowdhury and others in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Manufacturing of submarines
Lok Sabha
Dec 11: A long-term perspective plan envisaging acquisition of indigenous capability in submarines design, development and construction of submarines and their core systems and also indigenous construction of submarines to meet the requirements of the Indian Navy, has been approved by the Government. The plan is to be implemented in two phases. The first phase is scheduled for completion in 2012 and the second phase in 2030. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Suresh Chandel in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Development of Airborne Early Warning and Control system
Lok Sabha
Dec 11: Indian Air Force and Defence Research and Development Organisation have jointly carried out a study and evolved the system level requirements for an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. The project proposal is under evaluation at Defence Research and Development Organisation headquarters.
It is envisaged that help from other countries may be required for a suitably modified aircraft platform. Limited consultancy may also be required for technologies such as system engineering and system integration. Such details are to be worked out.This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Dr. DVG Shankar Rao in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Defence Cooperation Agreement in Singapore
Lok Sabha
Dec 11: The Government of the Republic of India and the government of the Republic of Singapore have signed an Agreement concerning cooperation in the field of defence on Oct 13, 2003. The areas of military cooperation identified with Singapore cover exchange of expertise and personnel, military training, exchange of visits, bilateral naval exercises and participation in defence related seminars and symposia. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Rajaiah Malyala in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
18.92% shares of Hindustan Zinc sold to Sterlite
Dec 11: 18.92% shares of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL) held by Government of India have been sold to M/s. Sterlite Opportunities and Ventures Ltd. (SOVL) recently, for an amount of Rs. 323,88,01,115/-. M/s. SOVL presented a bankers' cheque for the sale proceed to the Minister of State (IC) of Mines Shri Ramesh Bais. As per the shareholder's agreement M/s SOVL had submitted their call option notice to the Government to acquire further 7,99,50,657 shares representing 18.92% of the share capital of HZL. -Keralamonitor.com