Tearing Towards Doomsday
By Sanjeev Pandiya |
Mar 27, 2010
The probability of the current economic situation producing a mass-scale catastrophe is huge. But there are pockets of sunshine that carry the potential to save the Earth.
Well, for starters, let us rule out ‘consensus forecasts’. The world will not grow on steroids; a second Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in the U.S. will have dramatically different consequences, possibly triggering a currency crisis of unimaginable proportions.
Deflation, Depression
A bond market collapse looks imminent, if a second TARP is announced. Recently, long-term spreads in U.S. government bonds spiked up to 300 basis points (bps), reflecting inflationary expectations. This could accelerate the U.S. dollar (USD) depreciation pressures, exporting various asset bubbles to emerging markets.
The wrong bubble bursting could trigger mayhem all over again, this time from the currency markets. The last time equity markets were collapsing because banks were going bust, this time it will be currency markets collapsing because countries are going bust. The wrong-est bubble would be China, which is already in trouble-making territory. If China hits (asset-price) deflation, it will be new territory for the giant, and also the last straw for a beleaguered world, looking for some peg to pin its growth on. Five years of deleveraging will create such a serious growth freeze, that there can be no orderly withdrawal.
Most certainly, if such a scenario pans out, oil prices will melt down. Iraq is recommencing production, and there are new assets coming online, so there will be more than enough oil to absorb. Capital flows into the Middle East have already eased, after the Dubai fiasco, so they will have to replace them with oil surpluses. This will trigger ‘cheating’ on production, which is more bad news for oil producers.
Low oil prices are not an unmitigated blessing for India. While the current account deficit (CAD) will come down, so will ‘invisible flows’ from the Middle East. More important, it will start carry trading, if the balance of payments (BoP) turns surplus, which will result in fast appreciation of the rupee. This would cause a bubble in domestic assets, especially in stocks and real estate.
The rupee under attack is one of the scariest scenarios that I have for the coming year, at least as far as India is concerned. I am a big believer in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), but on the other hand, I have also seen how Australia and then Brazil have seen their currencies appreciate.
Gold looks sure to hold firm, with very little to bring it down, even though its nominal valuations look high. All in all, a pretty downbeat forecast, in the face of high equity market valuations. The joker in the pack would be a second bad monsoon for India, in what is predicted to be the hottest year on record. That would create something like a food crisis in India; anyway, the country better get used to precipitation levels that are much lesser than the 95 per cent of the long period average that we have had, in the last 20 years.
Hyperinflation, Recession
This is the second scenario. Inflation skyrockets in the U.S., the USD depreciates and money supply explodes. Bad for equity markets as well as the domestic budgets, but we will survive.
India may not be so badly off, especially if the monsoons hold up. The real problem would be if the rains fail and food prices continue with their upward trajectory. Bar that, we should survive pretty well.
Virtuous Growth
This cannot be my short-term expectation, but over the medium term, I am hoping that something good can happen. Mostly, I am hoping that the clean energy bandwagon will take off. Last year, very quietly, more money was invested in clean energy ($155 billion) than fossil energy. So, the world as a whole has already crossed the Rubicon of the big trend, of clean energy taking over from fossil fuels. With so much awareness floating around, India too will pick itself up and start to trundle towards a clean energy future. Not that it will impact the world as a whole, but in many small ways, very large industries are coming up in the clean energy space and its applications. A Rs 1,000 crore desalination project is coming up in Chennai, the second in the city. A sewage treatment plant is coming up in Delhi, and two water recycling plants have been announced.
Water is an application of energy, not energy itself. In little ways, you can see it already. The McDonald’s Noida outlet has a waterless flushing system, which recycles urine through bacterial degradation. It saves 10,000 litres of water per annum, and uses no energy in waste disposal.
Water is already an issue, centre-stage. If government support for a water market is forthcoming, we will see a very large recycling and conservation industry come up.
I am not so optimistic about energy trends in India but the energy sector as a whole will drive a lot of growth in the capital goods sector. More important, it will be an accelerator for Asian domestic consumption, which could revive at least the Asian economies. China knows it, but India, as usual, is taking its time to understand the clean energy opportunity.
Clean energy itself will shrink gross domestic product (GDP) directly, but it will act as an accelerator for inclusive growth. Take solar as an example: apart from the extra cost of capital expenditure, the variable cost of solar will drop to near zero; once the capital cost is recovered (or subsidized) from the rest of the economy, the direct cost of energy will drop dramatically. This will reduce nominal gross domestic product (GDP), but as the real cost of energy drops, it will draw in such a huge chunk of poor people into the real economy that it will act as a multiplier to the rest of the economy. This is not well understood by governments who think that clean energy is expensive. Just think what free energy will do for water recycling, sewage treatment and water transportation. And in turn, once these are huge, ubiquitous industries, what that will do for agriculture and the rural economy. And therefore build own operate transfer (BOOT) demand. That is one way. Another may be biotech manufacturing.
The End of the World As We Know It
Japan is already bankrupt, so are nine countries in the European Union (EU). The U.S. is on its way, with the EU struggling on. Lots of savers have to lose their savings, and earn it back again. So, people all over the world will save, the velocity of money will fall and nominal GDP will drop. Unemployment rates will spike up, and lots of older people will quietly die in their homes. If nature punishes us and monsoons fail, lots of poor people need to quietly die in their homes.
I limit myself to economics, and I am confused about politics and sociology. If these people choose not to sit quietly in their homes, then the picture gets fuzzy. What (and who) will survive, why and in what form, is something I cannot guess.
I know for sure that water could trigger mass scale riots in India, followed by unprecedented human losses, which will make Partition look like a party. We need a water recycling industry as soon as possible, and more important, a water conservation culture. In a country where even Priyanka Chopra argues that water should be free, it will take some time to get home the point that something can be ‘free’ only when it is provided by nature. Clean water is no longer provided by nature; even if it is, it has to be treated and moved to the point of consumption. That is an application of energy, and has to be paid for. The costs can be managed, but only if the industry becomes exciting, a lot of smart people are driven into the industry and then innovation drives the real costs down. None of this will come free.
(Sanjeev Pandiya teaches, trades and writes.)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sikkim turns into a pharma hub
There’s 100% excise duty exemption on finished products manufactured there, 100% exemption on income tax, capital investment subsidy of 30% on the investment in plant and machinery, interest subsidy at 3% on working capital loan and even reimbursement of 100% insurance premium. On the top of it all, Sikkim also offers attractive freight subsidy.
"The benefits which we get in Sikkim are truly attractive and in some cases even better than that in Baddi. However, the freight benefit may not have a huge impact on the pharma industry as freight cost in the domestic market accounts for just 1-2%," says Unichem Laboratories vice president (finance) Rakesh Parikh.
The scale of benefits at Baddi, such as excise, had eventually come down. In fact, the pharma sector made a beeline for Baddi around 2004-05 to cash in on the tax incentives. As many as 180 pharma units had since then set up base in Baddi. Can, then, Sikkim match up to Baddi?
While the likes of Sun Pharma feel it is still early days to truly compare Sikkim and Baddi, no one is willing to completely write off the state’s potential. "Even if we forget the excise benefits at Sikkim as such benefits are now also available in several states, the biggest draw for the state is its ten-year income tax holiday. This could mean a lot for profitable companies like us," claims Parikh.
However, a section of the industry feels the state needs to work on certain grey areas to emerge as a major pharma cluster. "Infrastructure is still the biggest concern in Sikkim. However, the good news is that the government is now emphasising on this. The state is also addressing the power situation. The recent announcement of constructing the rail link in Sikkim will provide a further fillip," says Cipla’s Kumar.
Agrees Daara B Patel, the secretary-general at Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) — the apex body of Indian pharma companies. "Certain vital factors are still missing in Sikkim. The state government needs to come up with a dedicated policy to support the pharma industry. Plus, there are issues with availability of skilled workers which again the state government can address by setting up training institutes," Patel says.
Be that as it may, analysts feel the Indian pharma companies always prefer to flock together. It had happened in Goa, Baddi and now Sikkim should not be an exception. More so, since the big guns have already tested the waters. The state has another latent edge — the Silk Route of India or the Nathu La Pass. The industry believes this could act as a shortcut for the Indian industry to tap the highly potential Chinese and CIS countries.
The pitch seems to be perfect for the next-phase expansion. "Poor marketing is a handicap which the East has perennially been suffering from and Sikkim is no exception. And it is here that Baddi had scored trumps. If Sikkim can effectively market itself and the benefits it offers, there can be no reason why it cannot emerge as the next Baddi," adds a senior executive of a Gujarat-based pharma company, which has invested in the state.
s
There’s 100% excise duty exemption on finished products manufactured there, 100% exemption on income tax, capital investment subsidy of 30% on the investment in plant and machinery, interest subsidy at 3% on working capital loan and even reimbursement of 100% insurance premium. On the top of it all, Sikkim also offers attractive freight subsidy.
"The benefits which we get in Sikkim are truly attractive and in some cases even better than that in Baddi. However, the freight benefit may not have a huge impact on the pharma industry as freight cost in the domestic market accounts for just 1-2%," says Unichem Laboratories vice president (finance) Rakesh Parikh.
The scale of benefits at Baddi, such as excise, had eventually come down. In fact, the pharma sector made a beeline for Baddi around 2004-05 to cash in on the tax incentives. As many as 180 pharma units had since then set up base in Baddi. Can, then, Sikkim match up to Baddi?
While the likes of Sun Pharma feel it is still early days to truly compare Sikkim and Baddi, no one is willing to completely write off the state’s potential. "Even if we forget the excise benefits at Sikkim as such benefits are now also available in several states, the biggest draw for the state is its ten-year income tax holiday. This could mean a lot for profitable companies like us," claims Parikh.
However, a section of the industry feels the state needs to work on certain grey areas to emerge as a major pharma cluster. "Infrastructure is still the biggest concern in Sikkim. However, the good news is that the government is now emphasising on this. The state is also addressing the power situation. The recent announcement of constructing the rail link in Sikkim will provide a further fillip," says Cipla’s Kumar.
Agrees Daara B Patel, the secretary-general at Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) — the apex body of Indian pharma companies. "Certain vital factors are still missing in Sikkim. The state government needs to come up with a dedicated policy to support the pharma industry. Plus, there are issues with availability of skilled workers which again the state government can address by setting up training institutes," Patel says.
Be that as it may, analysts feel the Indian pharma companies always prefer to flock together. It had happened in Goa, Baddi and now Sikkim should not be an exception. More so, since the big guns have already tested the waters. The state has another latent edge — the Silk Route of India or the Nathu La Pass. The industry believes this could act as a shortcut for the Indian industry to tap the highly potential Chinese and CIS countries.
The pitch seems to be perfect for the next-phase expansion. "Poor marketing is a handicap which the East has perennially been suffering from and Sikkim is no exception. And it is here that Baddi had scored trumps. If Sikkim can effectively market itself and the benefits it offers, there can be no reason why it cannot emerge as the next Baddi," adds a senior executive of a Gujarat-based pharma company, which has invested in the state.
s
Economic reforms in India: Spring Lecture held by SU
YUVRAJ DAHAL
Gangtok: First Spring Lecture on “Economic Reforms in India” was delivered by Professor GK Chadda, Chief Executive Officer, South Asian University, and former economic advisor of Prime Minister of India at the conference Hall of Hotel Royal Plaza on March 26.
The programme was chaired by former Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Mr. Sonam Wangdi. Principal of Sikkim Government College (SGC), Tadong, faculty members of Sikkim University, students, Mr. CD Rai, veteran journalist, among others, attended the programme.
Mr. Chadda, mentioned the “slumbering phase” of Indian economy in the year 1950-1970 when in those three decades the nation was living with a Gross Domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 3.5% in strong contrast to that of China, which had a higher rate of growth.“Indian economy is like a peacock that possesses the symbol of beauty, represented by its feathers and the symbol of ugliness, represented by its feet” he stated.
He explained that some economic issues of the nation are appraisable and some are dreadful.
The education sector is like the feathers of the peacock that symbolizes the magnificence of the Indian economy but there is also the dark of the ugly part of it, he added. Gap between urban and rural people of India, fluctuation of GDP rate in primary sector (agriculture) escape and descent into poverty, unevenness and disparity of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher education” he said.
He said, “Sikkim, being one of the progressive states is also not free of such GER in Higher Secondary that needs to be focused and solved as well”. Highlighting the Sikkim University, he added, to make the teaching profession acceptable, socially and globally, what really counts is the human staff, faculty, rather than the building. Education is not a matter of commercialization as it has become at present. It must be free from all disparities, he said. Certificates were also given to the winners of “Paint the Change” contest that was held on March 12, at SGC, Gangtok and Namchi Public School, in which 106 participants took part.
source:sikkim reporter
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Indian economy is on sound footing: Prof Chaddha
Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, March 26: Former Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister and the Chief Executive Officer of the Delhi based South Asian (SAARC) University, Professor GK Chaddha today asserted that Indian economy is on sound footing now and that is why it could remain intact bearing the brunt of worldwide economic recession successfully unlike many Western countries.
He said the country’s economic growth rate, which had been stagnating at around 3.5 percent between fifties to seventies, had a big leap in the eighties and could successfully achieve an accelerated growth rate of around 9 to 10 percent between 2004-05 and 2007-08.
Prof Chaddha was delivering the First Spring Lecture on the topic “Recent Economic Reforms in India” here in the Capital, organized by Sikkim University. Presenting relevant data, he stressed that Indian economy no more a mere agrarian economy as was perceived to be earlier. He told that the share of agriculture sector which used to be around 56.5 percent in the year 1950-51 was reduced to 18.9 percent in 2008-09. On the contrary, the share of Banking and Insurance sector recorded an increase from the earlier 29.9 percent to 57.3 percent during the period, he said. However, the agriculture sector, Prof Chaddha observed still employs some 55 percent of the entire workforce of the country which indicates that the per capita productivity in this sector is very low.
Prof Chaddha predicted that India may rise to the third position from the existing fourth position in the ranks of top 10 economies in the world in the next five years, leaving even a country like Japan behind with regard to purchasing power of the people. Besides, the country has also performed well in the field of poverty alleviation recording a steep decline in the poverty rate from 54.9 to 19.3 in t he last 35 years or so, he said.
He further stressed that about 80 percent of the population may still be considered poor as per the criteria applied worldwide.
Revealing that the enrolment ratio in the colleges and universities has risen to 11.4 from the earlier 4.9 in the last 35 years or so which is still far behind the Western countries, Prof Chaddha asserted that being a knowledge economy is the pre-requisite for becoming a World-economy.
YUVRAJ DAHAL
Gangtok: First Spring Lecture on “Economic Reforms in India” was delivered by Professor GK Chadda, Chief Executive Officer, South Asian University, and former economic advisor of Prime Minister of India at the conference Hall of Hotel Royal Plaza on March 26.
The programme was chaired by former Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Mr. Sonam Wangdi. Principal of Sikkim Government College (SGC), Tadong, faculty members of Sikkim University, students, Mr. CD Rai, veteran journalist, among others, attended the programme.
Mr. Chadda, mentioned the “slumbering phase” of Indian economy in the year 1950-1970 when in those three decades the nation was living with a Gross Domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 3.5% in strong contrast to that of China, which had a higher rate of growth.“Indian economy is like a peacock that possesses the symbol of beauty, represented by its feathers and the symbol of ugliness, represented by its feet” he stated.
He explained that some economic issues of the nation are appraisable and some are dreadful.
The education sector is like the feathers of the peacock that symbolizes the magnificence of the Indian economy but there is also the dark of the ugly part of it, he added. Gap between urban and rural people of India, fluctuation of GDP rate in primary sector (agriculture) escape and descent into poverty, unevenness and disparity of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher education” he said.
He said, “Sikkim, being one of the progressive states is also not free of such GER in Higher Secondary that needs to be focused and solved as well”. Highlighting the Sikkim University, he added, to make the teaching profession acceptable, socially and globally, what really counts is the human staff, faculty, rather than the building. Education is not a matter of commercialization as it has become at present. It must be free from all disparities, he said. Certificates were also given to the winners of “Paint the Change” contest that was held on March 12, at SGC, Gangtok and Namchi Public School, in which 106 participants took part.
source:sikkim reporter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indian economy is on sound footing: Prof Chaddha
Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, March 26: Former Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister and the Chief Executive Officer of the Delhi based South Asian (SAARC) University, Professor GK Chaddha today asserted that Indian economy is on sound footing now and that is why it could remain intact bearing the brunt of worldwide economic recession successfully unlike many Western countries.
He said the country’s economic growth rate, which had been stagnating at around 3.5 percent between fifties to seventies, had a big leap in the eighties and could successfully achieve an accelerated growth rate of around 9 to 10 percent between 2004-05 and 2007-08.
Prof Chaddha was delivering the First Spring Lecture on the topic “Recent Economic Reforms in India” here in the Capital, organized by Sikkim University. Presenting relevant data, he stressed that Indian economy no more a mere agrarian economy as was perceived to be earlier. He told that the share of agriculture sector which used to be around 56.5 percent in the year 1950-51 was reduced to 18.9 percent in 2008-09. On the contrary, the share of Banking and Insurance sector recorded an increase from the earlier 29.9 percent to 57.3 percent during the period, he said. However, the agriculture sector, Prof Chaddha observed still employs some 55 percent of the entire workforce of the country which indicates that the per capita productivity in this sector is very low.
Prof Chaddha predicted that India may rise to the third position from the existing fourth position in the ranks of top 10 economies in the world in the next five years, leaving even a country like Japan behind with regard to purchasing power of the people. Besides, the country has also performed well in the field of poverty alleviation recording a steep decline in the poverty rate from 54.9 to 19.3 in t he last 35 years or so, he said.
He further stressed that about 80 percent of the population may still be considered poor as per the criteria applied worldwide.
Revealing that the enrolment ratio in the colleges and universities has risen to 11.4 from the earlier 4.9 in the last 35 years or so which is still far behind the Western countries, Prof Chaddha asserted that being a knowledge economy is the pre-requisite for becoming a World-economy.
SIKKIM: Zydus Wellness plans Sikkim facility
BY VISHAL DUTTA
Zydus Wellness Ltd, the listed consumer arm of the Rs 2,900-crore Zydus group will set up a manufacturing unit at the excise free zone in Sikkim to manufacture two of its flagship products — Sugar Free and Everyuth. Currently, both the brands are produced through contract manufacturing.
Cadila Healthcare Ltd, another listed entity of Zydus Cadila Group, which is into drug making, already has a formulations manufacturing facility at Sikkim. The premises of the new facility would come up close to its existing facility.
The move comes at a time when players like Mankind and Wipro are getting aggressive in the artificial sweetener segment, which is led by Sugar Free with more than 80% share.
Says Zydus CMD Pankaj Patel, “We are investing close to Rs 30 crore in this new facility which is expected to commence operations in September.”
It is imperative for the market leader to increase its production capabilities, hence the move, sources say. “With surge in competition, you need to raise production and reach out to untapped markets before the competitor does,” says a pharma analyst. The company’s decision to have its own facility comes despite the fact that the contract manufacturers have the capability to produce 50% more.
While Zydus gets both the products contract manufactured from an excise-free zone based in North, the shift to Sikkim will make eligible for a 10-year tax holiday.
The company’s another brand, Nutralite — a healthier alternative to butter with turnover of Rs 67 crore — will continue to be produced at its existing facility near Changodar, Ahmedabad.
The cumulative growth for Zydus Wellness in the last three quarters of 2009-10 was 36%. However, sources say that the company expects growth of about 30% for next 4 to 5 years after its moves to Sikkim.
In 2008, the consumer business of Cadila Healthcare Ltd, was integrated into Carnation Nutra Analogue Ltd and was renamed as Zydus Wellness Ltd. Carnation was acquired by Cadila Healthcare in 2006.
The company’s product kitty consists of Sugar Free Gold, Sugar Free Natura, Sugar Free D’lite and Nutralite. It also caters to the skincare segment with its Everyuth and Dermacare brands.
( source:The economic times)
BY VISHAL DUTTA
Zydus Wellness Ltd, the listed consumer arm of the Rs 2,900-crore Zydus group will set up a manufacturing unit at the excise free zone in Sikkim to manufacture two of its flagship products — Sugar Free and Everyuth. Currently, both the brands are produced through contract manufacturing.
Cadila Healthcare Ltd, another listed entity of Zydus Cadila Group, which is into drug making, already has a formulations manufacturing facility at Sikkim. The premises of the new facility would come up close to its existing facility.
The move comes at a time when players like Mankind and Wipro are getting aggressive in the artificial sweetener segment, which is led by Sugar Free with more than 80% share.
Says Zydus CMD Pankaj Patel, “We are investing close to Rs 30 crore in this new facility which is expected to commence operations in September.”
It is imperative for the market leader to increase its production capabilities, hence the move, sources say. “With surge in competition, you need to raise production and reach out to untapped markets before the competitor does,” says a pharma analyst. The company’s decision to have its own facility comes despite the fact that the contract manufacturers have the capability to produce 50% more.
While Zydus gets both the products contract manufactured from an excise-free zone based in North, the shift to Sikkim will make eligible for a 10-year tax holiday.
The company’s another brand, Nutralite — a healthier alternative to butter with turnover of Rs 67 crore — will continue to be produced at its existing facility near Changodar, Ahmedabad.
The cumulative growth for Zydus Wellness in the last three quarters of 2009-10 was 36%. However, sources say that the company expects growth of about 30% for next 4 to 5 years after its moves to Sikkim.
In 2008, the consumer business of Cadila Healthcare Ltd, was integrated into Carnation Nutra Analogue Ltd and was renamed as Zydus Wellness Ltd. Carnation was acquired by Cadila Healthcare in 2006.
The company’s product kitty consists of Sugar Free Gold, Sugar Free Natura, Sugar Free D’lite and Nutralite. It also caters to the skincare segment with its Everyuth and Dermacare brands.
( source:The economic times)
“60 Years of Service for your Safety and Well-Being”
AVM (Dr.) Ajit Tyagi **
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources. It came into existence on 23rd March 1950 and at present has a membership of 189 Member States and Territories. Under WMO leadership and within the framework of WMO programmes, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services contribute substantially to the protection of life and property against natural disasters, to safeguard the environment and to enhance the economic and social well-being of all sectors of society in areas such as food security, water resources and transport.
Over the years WMO has contributed a lot towards human security and well-being. The period of sixty years can be divided on the basis of its achievements-
Formative Years (1950-63)
In these years detailed specifications for national and regional climate atlases were drawn up along with the publication of technical regulations and the development of guides to achieve uniformity of meteorological practices. The International Geophysical Year (1957–1958) was a major landmark for international research collaboration on 11 disciplines in the earth sciences. WMO supported the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of growing number of new Members through an active technical assistance programme. Expansion of weather-sensitive activities and the continuous need for improved accuracy of forecasts had prompted an increase in observations at surface and upper levels of the atmosphere during this period. The advent of radio-teletypewriter, facsimile and other radio transmission stations facilitated the availability of real-time data and the preparation and dissemination of weather maps.
Technological Development(1964-70)
The World Weather Watch Programme was established with the components of Global Observing System (GOS), Global Data-processing and Forecasting System and Global Telecommunication System, due to the advances in remote-sensing, satellites, communications and computers.
By the end of 1972, there were about 8500 surface stations, 5500 merchant and ocean weather ships, and commercial aircraft and meteorological satellites all working together within the framework of the WMO system. The initiation of a global weather experiment known as the Global Atmospheric Research Programme (GARP) was a significant development. This programme implemented over the next decade led to considerable advances in weather forecasting and climate prediction. During this period, a number of newly independent States joined WMO. WMO established its own Voluntary Assistance Programme, in order to complement resources from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and provide effective and timely support.
Decade of Initiatives(1971-80)
· The catastrophic Sahelian drought of the late 1960s and early 1970s led WMO to establishment of AGRHYMET Centre in Niamey, Niger, for capacity-building and applying agro meteorology and hydrology to the mitigation of drought and desertification, with a view to promoting food security.
· The loss of more than 400, 000 lives in Bangladesh in 1970 led WMO to reinforce its Typhoon Committee, which was formed in 1968.
· In 1971, WMO established the Tropical Cyclone Project, which was later upgraded to the level of a programme.
· WMO contributed extensively to United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 which resulted in the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
· In 1977, WMO participated actively in the United Nations Conference on Desertification and developed an Action Plan on drought and desertification, which provided valuable guidance to other countries.
· The adoption of convention and protocols on the protection of the ozone layer took place in 1985 and1987 respectively.
· The First GARP Global Experiment, or FGGE, was carried out from 1978 to 1979 which contributed to defining the global atmospheric circulation and to developing more realistic mathematical models for medium and extended-range weather forecasts and for climate projections.
· Other regional experiments MONEX for the Asian monsoon and ALPEX for the Alpine region were carried out.
· Weather modification experiment was carried out in Spain which gave rise to improved understanding of processes involved.
Climate and ozone (1981–1990)
Several of the initiatives of the previous year’s came to fruition in this decade, with numerous actions on the climate and ozone fronts, impacts and applications. The 1985 Villach Conference assessment of the role of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in climate variations provided the first universally accepted statement on the most likely magnitude of global warming and its consequences.
WMO action led to the establishment of the 1985 Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 1987 Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. As a result, science-based policy was formed for phasing out of ozone-depleting substances, with a return to normality projected over the coming 50-year period.
Natural Disasters And Sustainable Development (1991–2000)
The recurrence of extreme weather events, such as the 1982–1983 El Niño-related disasters, and concern about the continued degradation of the environment gave rise to three major developments during the decade:
· International Conference on Water and Environment, 1992
· United Nations Conference on Environment and Development ,1992 and
· United Nations International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 1990–1999.
This period also saw the entry into force of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its 1997 Kyoto Protocol, as well as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1994 and the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1993.
Climate change (2001–2010)
It was the steady perseverance of climate scientists, supported by the activities of WMO and other partners that ultimately brought climate change to the forefront of the global agenda. The 2001 IPCC Third Assessment Report concluded: “there is now stronger evidence for a human influence on the global climate”. The 2007 Fourth Assessment Report stated that “warming of the climate system is unequivocal” and that “most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.” Three climate conferences have taken place till now in 1979, 1990 and 2009.
Role of IMD in WMO
IMD has been the founder member of WMO. It plays an important role as a member of Regional Association-II (Asia) under WMO. The participation of IMD in various activities of WMO is:
· Regional Telecommunication Hub (RTH), New Delhi for exchange of meteorological data and information among international community.
· Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for providing Tropical Cyclone Advisory to countries of Indian Ocean
· Regional Training Institute at Pune for providing Meteorological Training to officials from South East Asia, Middle East countries and Africa.
· IMD has extended International Co operation in Meteorology with various countries e.g. Maldives, Nepal, Srilanka, USA, Russia, China and France.
Presently India Meteorological Department has taken up an extensive modernization programme with the following objectives and expected outcomes to enhance weather services in the country which will lead to more IMD prominence in WMO.
Objectives
· Induction of advanced technology for observational systems e.g. Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Doppler Weather Radars (DWR), advanced satellites and upper air observations network.
· Installation of a centralized information processing system and its link with the national meteorological centers.
· Assimilation of satellite data and products into NWP models.
· Improved data dissemination and better public access.
· Induction of more objective forecasting system.
· Improvement in public weather services (PWS) and early warning system.
As an outcome of the Modernization programme there are District level forecast services, now forecasting severe weather events, Extended range (10-20 days or a month) Forecast; Increased accuracy of short, medium and long range forecasts; Multi hazard early warning; Real Time Data Availability; Quicker response time for management and Improved Spatial and Temporal Coverage.
RTS/VN
SS-66/SF-66/23.03.2010
AVM (Dr.) Ajit Tyagi **
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources. It came into existence on 23rd March 1950 and at present has a membership of 189 Member States and Territories. Under WMO leadership and within the framework of WMO programmes, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services contribute substantially to the protection of life and property against natural disasters, to safeguard the environment and to enhance the economic and social well-being of all sectors of society in areas such as food security, water resources and transport.
Over the years WMO has contributed a lot towards human security and well-being. The period of sixty years can be divided on the basis of its achievements-
Formative Years (1950-63)
In these years detailed specifications for national and regional climate atlases were drawn up along with the publication of technical regulations and the development of guides to achieve uniformity of meteorological practices. The International Geophysical Year (1957–1958) was a major landmark for international research collaboration on 11 disciplines in the earth sciences. WMO supported the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of growing number of new Members through an active technical assistance programme. Expansion of weather-sensitive activities and the continuous need for improved accuracy of forecasts had prompted an increase in observations at surface and upper levels of the atmosphere during this period. The advent of radio-teletypewriter, facsimile and other radio transmission stations facilitated the availability of real-time data and the preparation and dissemination of weather maps.
Technological Development(1964-70)
The World Weather Watch Programme was established with the components of Global Observing System (GOS), Global Data-processing and Forecasting System and Global Telecommunication System, due to the advances in remote-sensing, satellites, communications and computers.
By the end of 1972, there were about 8500 surface stations, 5500 merchant and ocean weather ships, and commercial aircraft and meteorological satellites all working together within the framework of the WMO system. The initiation of a global weather experiment known as the Global Atmospheric Research Programme (GARP) was a significant development. This programme implemented over the next decade led to considerable advances in weather forecasting and climate prediction. During this period, a number of newly independent States joined WMO. WMO established its own Voluntary Assistance Programme, in order to complement resources from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and provide effective and timely support.
Decade of Initiatives(1971-80)
· The catastrophic Sahelian drought of the late 1960s and early 1970s led WMO to establishment of AGRHYMET Centre in Niamey, Niger, for capacity-building and applying agro meteorology and hydrology to the mitigation of drought and desertification, with a view to promoting food security.
· The loss of more than 400, 000 lives in Bangladesh in 1970 led WMO to reinforce its Typhoon Committee, which was formed in 1968.
· In 1971, WMO established the Tropical Cyclone Project, which was later upgraded to the level of a programme.
· WMO contributed extensively to United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 which resulted in the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
· In 1977, WMO participated actively in the United Nations Conference on Desertification and developed an Action Plan on drought and desertification, which provided valuable guidance to other countries.
· The adoption of convention and protocols on the protection of the ozone layer took place in 1985 and1987 respectively.
· The First GARP Global Experiment, or FGGE, was carried out from 1978 to 1979 which contributed to defining the global atmospheric circulation and to developing more realistic mathematical models for medium and extended-range weather forecasts and for climate projections.
· Other regional experiments MONEX for the Asian monsoon and ALPEX for the Alpine region were carried out.
· Weather modification experiment was carried out in Spain which gave rise to improved understanding of processes involved.
Climate and ozone (1981–1990)
Several of the initiatives of the previous year’s came to fruition in this decade, with numerous actions on the climate and ozone fronts, impacts and applications. The 1985 Villach Conference assessment of the role of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in climate variations provided the first universally accepted statement on the most likely magnitude of global warming and its consequences.
WMO action led to the establishment of the 1985 Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 1987 Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. As a result, science-based policy was formed for phasing out of ozone-depleting substances, with a return to normality projected over the coming 50-year period.
Natural Disasters And Sustainable Development (1991–2000)
The recurrence of extreme weather events, such as the 1982–1983 El Niño-related disasters, and concern about the continued degradation of the environment gave rise to three major developments during the decade:
· International Conference on Water and Environment, 1992
· United Nations Conference on Environment and Development ,1992 and
· United Nations International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 1990–1999.
This period also saw the entry into force of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its 1997 Kyoto Protocol, as well as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1994 and the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1993.
Climate change (2001–2010)
It was the steady perseverance of climate scientists, supported by the activities of WMO and other partners that ultimately brought climate change to the forefront of the global agenda. The 2001 IPCC Third Assessment Report concluded: “there is now stronger evidence for a human influence on the global climate”. The 2007 Fourth Assessment Report stated that “warming of the climate system is unequivocal” and that “most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.” Three climate conferences have taken place till now in 1979, 1990 and 2009.
Role of IMD in WMO
IMD has been the founder member of WMO. It plays an important role as a member of Regional Association-II (Asia) under WMO. The participation of IMD in various activities of WMO is:
· Regional Telecommunication Hub (RTH), New Delhi for exchange of meteorological data and information among international community.
· Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for providing Tropical Cyclone Advisory to countries of Indian Ocean
· Regional Training Institute at Pune for providing Meteorological Training to officials from South East Asia, Middle East countries and Africa.
· IMD has extended International Co operation in Meteorology with various countries e.g. Maldives, Nepal, Srilanka, USA, Russia, China and France.
Presently India Meteorological Department has taken up an extensive modernization programme with the following objectives and expected outcomes to enhance weather services in the country which will lead to more IMD prominence in WMO.
Objectives
· Induction of advanced technology for observational systems e.g. Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Doppler Weather Radars (DWR), advanced satellites and upper air observations network.
· Installation of a centralized information processing system and its link with the national meteorological centers.
· Assimilation of satellite data and products into NWP models.
· Improved data dissemination and better public access.
· Induction of more objective forecasting system.
· Improvement in public weather services (PWS) and early warning system.
As an outcome of the Modernization programme there are District level forecast services, now forecasting severe weather events, Extended range (10-20 days or a month) Forecast; Increased accuracy of short, medium and long range forecasts; Multi hazard early warning; Real Time Data Availability; Quicker response time for management and Improved Spatial and Temporal Coverage.
RTS/VN
SS-66/SF-66/23.03.2010
Herbal pill can cut your appetite by a fifth: study
Women can cut their daily calorie intake by almost a fifth if they simply take a herbal diet pill, a research reveals.
The supplement has also been shown to help those with a sweet tooth, reducing the temptation to indulge in sugary snacks.
Zotrim, which is based on three South American plants, was tested by scientists at the University of Liverpool.
They found that women who took the pill with their breakfast had a much lower appetite at lunch time, cutting their calorie intake by 17.6 percent, reported dailymail.co.uk.
Of the 58 volunteers who were given either Zotrim or a dummy pill in the morning, those on the herbal supplement only picked at their afternoon meal.
The subjects, some of whom were overweight, were observed at a test lunch buffet where they were told to eat as much they wanted.
Those on Zotrim ate on average 132 fewer calories. If the effects were replicated throughout the day, the pill would cut a dieter’s daily count by 400 or 500 calories.
Zotrim is designed to make the user feel fuller for longer. But it also appears to take the edge off a sweet tooth, cutting the women’s selection of biscuits and chocolate mousse from the buffet by 27 percent.
“Zotrim has a robust effect on a dieter’s appetite, which could help them lose weight,” said Dr Jason Halford, an obesity expert.
The pill contains caffeine and other ingredients from herbs Guarana, Yerba Mate and Damiana.
The cocktail delays the rate at which the stomach empties by about 20 minutes. The process is not dangerous because it merely extends the length of time taken to digest the food.
However, it makes it difficult for dieters to overeat because they feel uncomfortably full sooner.
Previous research has shown that Zotrim can help overweight women lose an average of two inches from their waists in just four weeks. Some of those taking part shed five inches from their middles.
Women can cut their daily calorie intake by almost a fifth if they simply take a herbal diet pill, a research reveals.
The supplement has also been shown to help those with a sweet tooth, reducing the temptation to indulge in sugary snacks.
Zotrim, which is based on three South American plants, was tested by scientists at the University of Liverpool.
They found that women who took the pill with their breakfast had a much lower appetite at lunch time, cutting their calorie intake by 17.6 percent, reported dailymail.co.uk.
Of the 58 volunteers who were given either Zotrim or a dummy pill in the morning, those on the herbal supplement only picked at their afternoon meal.
The subjects, some of whom were overweight, were observed at a test lunch buffet where they were told to eat as much they wanted.
Those on Zotrim ate on average 132 fewer calories. If the effects were replicated throughout the day, the pill would cut a dieter’s daily count by 400 or 500 calories.
Zotrim is designed to make the user feel fuller for longer. But it also appears to take the edge off a sweet tooth, cutting the women’s selection of biscuits and chocolate mousse from the buffet by 27 percent.
“Zotrim has a robust effect on a dieter’s appetite, which could help them lose weight,” said Dr Jason Halford, an obesity expert.
The pill contains caffeine and other ingredients from herbs Guarana, Yerba Mate and Damiana.
The cocktail delays the rate at which the stomach empties by about 20 minutes. The process is not dangerous because it merely extends the length of time taken to digest the food.
However, it makes it difficult for dieters to overeat because they feel uncomfortably full sooner.
Previous research has shown that Zotrim can help overweight women lose an average of two inches from their waists in just four weeks. Some of those taking part shed five inches from their middles.
Friday, March 26, 2010
A Step towards a Unique identity for all
Veena N. Madhavan**
Recently, many of us must have read in newspapers or magazines about National Population Register (NPR). But what is NPR? What is its purpose? And above all how is it going to benefit the common man?
To know about National Population Register, it becomes essential to know something about Census. The first census in India was held in 1872. Since 1881, population censuses have been held every ten years without any interruption. Census is an administrative exercise carried out by the Government of India. It involves the collection of information about the entire population with regard to many factors like demography, socio-cultural and economic characteristics.
The 2011 Census of India will be the 15th census and seventh after Independence. A milestone in the 2011 Census is the preparation of the NPR. The census will be carried out in two phases. The first phase spans from April to September 2010 with houselisting, house census and collection of data on NPR. This phase also involves the canvassing of NPR schedule which will be digitized in two languages – English and the official language of every State/Union Territory. The first phase will commence on April 1, 2010 in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Goa and Meghalaya and the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The second phase includes the population enumeration stage.
The creation of NPR of usual residents of the country is an ambitious project. It involves the collection of specific information on each person residing in the country. It would cover an estimated population of 1.2 billion and the total cost of the scheme is Rs.3539.24 crores. This is for the first time that NPR is being prepared. The database will be built by the Registrar of India. At this juncture, it becomes important to stress that census and NPR are different, even though the basic idea behind both the exercises is collection of information.
Census is the biggest source of data on demography, literacy and education, housing and household amenities, economic activity, urbanization, fertility, mortality, language, religion and migration. It serves as primary data for planning and the implementation of policies of the Central and State Governments. Also, it is utilized for the purpose of reservation of constituencies for Parliamentary, Assembly and local body elections.
NPR on the other hand, involves the creation of a comprehensive identity database for the country. This would facilitate planning, better targeting of government schemes/programmes and also strengthen the security of the country. Another aspect that differentiates NPR from census is that it is a continuous process. In census, the duty of concerned officers is for a limited period and their services are dispensed with after the work is over, while in the case of the NPR, the role of concerned officers and that of subordinate officers like the Tehsildar and Village Officers is of continuing nature and permanent.
NPR will include the items of information such as the name of the person, father’s name, mother’s name, spouse’s name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, current marital status, education, nationality as declared, occupation, present address of usual resident and permanent residential address. The database will also contain photograph and finger biometry of persons above the age of 15 years. The draft Local Register of Usual Residents (LRUR) would be displayed in the villages in rural areas and wards in urban areas for inviting objections like spellings in names, address, date of birth etc. and also regarding residency status of any person enumerated. The draft LRUR will also be placed before the Gram Sabha or local bodies for authentication of usual residents.
Once the database is finalised, the next task would be assigning every individual a Unique Identification Number (UID) by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Later this UID number will be added to the NPR database. It is proposed to issue identity card, which will be a smart card with UID number printed on it and include basic details like name, mother’s/father’s name, sex, date and place of birth, photograph. Complete details will be stored in the chip.
The implementation of NPR in the entire country would be based on the light of the experience gained from the pilot project, the coastal NPR project. The pilot project was carried out in selected border areas of the country. The coastal NPR project is being carried out in more than 3300 villages in 9 states and 4 Union territories. The decision to implement coastal NPR project was taken by keeping in view the enhancement of coastal security.
How NPR would benefit people?
In India, there are several databases like election card, driving license, passports, PAN cards, but all these have limited reach. There is no standard database covering the entire population. NPR would provide a standard identity database and facilitate the allotment of Unique Identification (UID) Number to each individual, something like a permanent identifier - right from birth to death of the individual.
The significance of NPR lies in the fact that there is an increasing need for a credible identification system for the country as a whole. It becomes all the more important because of various factors such as the need to reach out to people in every nook and corner of the country, to keep a check on illegal migration and also with regard to the issue of internal security.
The coming in of a unique identification number would benefit the common man in many ways. It will strike off the need for producing multiple documentary proofs of identity by an individual for availing government or private services like opening of a bank account. It will help in the easy verification of an individual. The creation of an identity database would help enhance the targeting of various beneficiary oriented schemes of the Government and non governmental agencies. NPR would also serve the requirement of sprucing up tax collection.
India has already set the process rolling to create the largest database in the world, with the promise of a unique biometric card to an estimated population of 1.2 billion. Thus the path towards providing a unique identity has been set out. The enormity of the exercise is such that it requires the undaunted support and cooperation of people in making the project a success that would be beneficial to every resident in the country. (PIB Features)
*Officer of the Indian Information Service
RTS/VN
SS-68/SF-68/26.03.2010
**Officer of the Indian Information Service
Veena N. Madhavan**
Recently, many of us must have read in newspapers or magazines about National Population Register (NPR). But what is NPR? What is its purpose? And above all how is it going to benefit the common man?
To know about National Population Register, it becomes essential to know something about Census. The first census in India was held in 1872. Since 1881, population censuses have been held every ten years without any interruption. Census is an administrative exercise carried out by the Government of India. It involves the collection of information about the entire population with regard to many factors like demography, socio-cultural and economic characteristics.
The 2011 Census of India will be the 15th census and seventh after Independence. A milestone in the 2011 Census is the preparation of the NPR. The census will be carried out in two phases. The first phase spans from April to September 2010 with houselisting, house census and collection of data on NPR. This phase also involves the canvassing of NPR schedule which will be digitized in two languages – English and the official language of every State/Union Territory. The first phase will commence on April 1, 2010 in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Goa and Meghalaya and the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The second phase includes the population enumeration stage.
The creation of NPR of usual residents of the country is an ambitious project. It involves the collection of specific information on each person residing in the country. It would cover an estimated population of 1.2 billion and the total cost of the scheme is Rs.3539.24 crores. This is for the first time that NPR is being prepared. The database will be built by the Registrar of India. At this juncture, it becomes important to stress that census and NPR are different, even though the basic idea behind both the exercises is collection of information.
Census is the biggest source of data on demography, literacy and education, housing and household amenities, economic activity, urbanization, fertility, mortality, language, religion and migration. It serves as primary data for planning and the implementation of policies of the Central and State Governments. Also, it is utilized for the purpose of reservation of constituencies for Parliamentary, Assembly and local body elections.
NPR on the other hand, involves the creation of a comprehensive identity database for the country. This would facilitate planning, better targeting of government schemes/programmes and also strengthen the security of the country. Another aspect that differentiates NPR from census is that it is a continuous process. In census, the duty of concerned officers is for a limited period and their services are dispensed with after the work is over, while in the case of the NPR, the role of concerned officers and that of subordinate officers like the Tehsildar and Village Officers is of continuing nature and permanent.
NPR will include the items of information such as the name of the person, father’s name, mother’s name, spouse’s name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, current marital status, education, nationality as declared, occupation, present address of usual resident and permanent residential address. The database will also contain photograph and finger biometry of persons above the age of 15 years. The draft Local Register of Usual Residents (LRUR) would be displayed in the villages in rural areas and wards in urban areas for inviting objections like spellings in names, address, date of birth etc. and also regarding residency status of any person enumerated. The draft LRUR will also be placed before the Gram Sabha or local bodies for authentication of usual residents.
Once the database is finalised, the next task would be assigning every individual a Unique Identification Number (UID) by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Later this UID number will be added to the NPR database. It is proposed to issue identity card, which will be a smart card with UID number printed on it and include basic details like name, mother’s/father’s name, sex, date and place of birth, photograph. Complete details will be stored in the chip.
The implementation of NPR in the entire country would be based on the light of the experience gained from the pilot project, the coastal NPR project. The pilot project was carried out in selected border areas of the country. The coastal NPR project is being carried out in more than 3300 villages in 9 states and 4 Union territories. The decision to implement coastal NPR project was taken by keeping in view the enhancement of coastal security.
How NPR would benefit people?
In India, there are several databases like election card, driving license, passports, PAN cards, but all these have limited reach. There is no standard database covering the entire population. NPR would provide a standard identity database and facilitate the allotment of Unique Identification (UID) Number to each individual, something like a permanent identifier - right from birth to death of the individual.
The significance of NPR lies in the fact that there is an increasing need for a credible identification system for the country as a whole. It becomes all the more important because of various factors such as the need to reach out to people in every nook and corner of the country, to keep a check on illegal migration and also with regard to the issue of internal security.
The coming in of a unique identification number would benefit the common man in many ways. It will strike off the need for producing multiple documentary proofs of identity by an individual for availing government or private services like opening of a bank account. It will help in the easy verification of an individual. The creation of an identity database would help enhance the targeting of various beneficiary oriented schemes of the Government and non governmental agencies. NPR would also serve the requirement of sprucing up tax collection.
India has already set the process rolling to create the largest database in the world, with the promise of a unique biometric card to an estimated population of 1.2 billion. Thus the path towards providing a unique identity has been set out. The enormity of the exercise is such that it requires the undaunted support and cooperation of people in making the project a success that would be beneficial to every resident in the country. (PIB Features)
*Officer of the Indian Information Service
RTS/VN
SS-68/SF-68/26.03.2010
**Officer of the Indian Information Service
Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling inaugurated the two day career cum employment fair “Career Prospect” 2010
0
IPR News Service
Gangtok March 25: Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling inaugurated the two day career cum employment fair “Career Prospect” 2010 in a function organized at Chintan Bhawan here in the capital.
Conceptualized by the man himself this is the 3rd year running the fair has been organized to target the educated employed youths of the state by making them capable, skill and empowering them and by bringing the world class opportunities in their doorsteps.
More than 5,000 youths benefited from this career prospect, career cum employment fair. Chief Minister Mr. Chamling distributed the token to the beneficiaries, during the inaugural secession. More than 75 stalls of State Government, multinational companies and others have been setup to create awareness and employment opportunities and to provide on the spot recruitment.
Mr. Chamling in his key note address appealed to the youths of the state to take full advantage of these opportunities which the government has brought into their doorsteps and also asked them to understand and utilize the efforts made by the government to empower them and make them skilled, capable and self sustained force of the state.
He also assured that government will provide the youths who utilizes these opportunities to the optimum with more such initiatives.
Mr. Chamling categorically stated that when youths of Sikkim will come and work in the ever growing service sector in the state then the unemployment problem will be solved.
He further added that as 10% of the budget is being utilized for capacity building and empowering the youths of the state, therefore the youths and the younger generations should come forward and absorb them to the optimum.
He also ushered the attention of the youths towards how the prospect in tourism, horticulture, floriculture are flourishing in the state and they should come forward and make career in those fields instead of looking and hoping for white collar jobs.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed sanction orders for poultry schemes and grant for milch cows under the AH&VS Deptt. The total number of orders distributed was 694. Token distribution was made to 10 beneficiaries. Kishan Credit cards were also issued to approximately 1500 farmers for taking up animal husbandry and Agriculture based schemes. A token distribution of 5 Kishan cards were made to 5 farmers.
Under the Commerce & Industries Deptt, the Chief Minister handed over 10 appointment letters for appointment in the private sector viz. Waiwai industries. Besides, the department is also disbursing assistance to 25 beneficiaries under Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Programme through the DICs.
Among the list ,the Khadi Village & Industries Board also issued subsidy or margin money to 7 beneficiaries.
Under the Energy & Power Department, the Chief Minister made token distribution to 12 appointees among the 59 appointments in the skilled, semi-skilled and managerial level provided in 12 Hydro Power Companies by the Sikkim Power Development Corporation Ltd . Similarly, under the Excise Abkari Deptt, 4 private companies provided 42 appointments related to manufacture of alcoholic, beverages and drugs.
Token distribution of 10 appointments were handed over by the Chief Minister.
The Horticulture and cash crops Development section of the FS &ADD Department distributed assistance to 1484 youth for taking up Horticultural projects like NHB sponsored loans, Orange Nursery, Cardamom Nursery, Floriculture, Green House and Vermi Composting. A token distribution of assistance was made to 25 beneficiaries.
The FS &ADD also made a token distribution of 16 Kishan credit cards through various banks.
Under the Health Care Human Services & Family Welfare Deptt, 131 appointment orders were issued to successful candidates for appointment in various pharmaceutical companies. A token distribution of 10 appointment orders were issued today. Special mention is necessary for the 60 conditional appointment orders being issued to candidates sponsored by the Directorate of Capacity Building for training at ATTC. On completion of training they will be absorbed as Basic Pharma Operators by Torrent Pharma Ltd.
Similarly, under Labour Deptt, 39 appointments were made in Industrial Training Institutes, Gyalshing & Namchi and Torrent Pharmaceuticals. 10 appointment orders were issued as token. The SRDA under the Rural Management Development Deptt. distributed assistance of revolving fund to 148 self help groups under the Swarna Jayanti Gram Sarojgar Yojna (SJGSY). Token distribution of benefits were awarded to 8 self help groups, two from each district.
SIDICo also distributed financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme to 2000 candidates to set up business enterprises . SIDICO issued token distribution of cheques to 30 beneficiaries.
SAABCo also issued Token distribution to 10 beneficiaries. A total of 133 beneficiaries were issued orders of assistance under SAABCO.
Co-operation Deptt. also disbursed Kisaan Credit Cards and Poultry Loans through
SISCO bank to 102 beneficiaries. Token distribution was made to 9 beneficiaries.
Under the Swarna Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yojna (SJSRY) which is scheme for urban self employment, revolving fund is granted to beneficiaries to set up business ventures. Some candidates are sent for skill development trainings. Women & child development schemes are undertaken. 44 benefits were distributed out of which token of 7 were handed over by the Chief Minister.
The organization Sikkim Organics issued employment orders to 5 local candidates.
Earlier the function began with the welcome address by Addl Chief Secretary cum principal Secretary Department of personnel Mr. Karma Gyatso.
The career fair was attended by speaker cabinet ministers, MLAs, chairpersons, Chief Secretary, HODs, students and host of other people and beneficiaries
0
IPR News Service
Gangtok March 25: Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling inaugurated the two day career cum employment fair “Career Prospect” 2010 in a function organized at Chintan Bhawan here in the capital.
Conceptualized by the man himself this is the 3rd year running the fair has been organized to target the educated employed youths of the state by making them capable, skill and empowering them and by bringing the world class opportunities in their doorsteps.
More than 5,000 youths benefited from this career prospect, career cum employment fair. Chief Minister Mr. Chamling distributed the token to the beneficiaries, during the inaugural secession. More than 75 stalls of State Government, multinational companies and others have been setup to create awareness and employment opportunities and to provide on the spot recruitment.
Mr. Chamling in his key note address appealed to the youths of the state to take full advantage of these opportunities which the government has brought into their doorsteps and also asked them to understand and utilize the efforts made by the government to empower them and make them skilled, capable and self sustained force of the state.
He also assured that government will provide the youths who utilizes these opportunities to the optimum with more such initiatives.
Mr. Chamling categorically stated that when youths of Sikkim will come and work in the ever growing service sector in the state then the unemployment problem will be solved.
He further added that as 10% of the budget is being utilized for capacity building and empowering the youths of the state, therefore the youths and the younger generations should come forward and absorb them to the optimum.
He also ushered the attention of the youths towards how the prospect in tourism, horticulture, floriculture are flourishing in the state and they should come forward and make career in those fields instead of looking and hoping for white collar jobs.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed sanction orders for poultry schemes and grant for milch cows under the AH&VS Deptt. The total number of orders distributed was 694. Token distribution was made to 10 beneficiaries. Kishan Credit cards were also issued to approximately 1500 farmers for taking up animal husbandry and Agriculture based schemes. A token distribution of 5 Kishan cards were made to 5 farmers.
Under the Commerce & Industries Deptt, the Chief Minister handed over 10 appointment letters for appointment in the private sector viz. Waiwai industries. Besides, the department is also disbursing assistance to 25 beneficiaries under Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Programme through the DICs.
Among the list ,the Khadi Village & Industries Board also issued subsidy or margin money to 7 beneficiaries.
Under the Energy & Power Department, the Chief Minister made token distribution to 12 appointees among the 59 appointments in the skilled, semi-skilled and managerial level provided in 12 Hydro Power Companies by the Sikkim Power Development Corporation Ltd . Similarly, under the Excise Abkari Deptt, 4 private companies provided 42 appointments related to manufacture of alcoholic, beverages and drugs.
Token distribution of 10 appointments were handed over by the Chief Minister.
The Horticulture and cash crops Development section of the FS &ADD Department distributed assistance to 1484 youth for taking up Horticultural projects like NHB sponsored loans, Orange Nursery, Cardamom Nursery, Floriculture, Green House and Vermi Composting. A token distribution of assistance was made to 25 beneficiaries.
The FS &ADD also made a token distribution of 16 Kishan credit cards through various banks.
Under the Health Care Human Services & Family Welfare Deptt, 131 appointment orders were issued to successful candidates for appointment in various pharmaceutical companies. A token distribution of 10 appointment orders were issued today. Special mention is necessary for the 60 conditional appointment orders being issued to candidates sponsored by the Directorate of Capacity Building for training at ATTC. On completion of training they will be absorbed as Basic Pharma Operators by Torrent Pharma Ltd.
Similarly, under Labour Deptt, 39 appointments were made in Industrial Training Institutes, Gyalshing & Namchi and Torrent Pharmaceuticals. 10 appointment orders were issued as token. The SRDA under the Rural Management Development Deptt. distributed assistance of revolving fund to 148 self help groups under the Swarna Jayanti Gram Sarojgar Yojna (SJGSY). Token distribution of benefits were awarded to 8 self help groups, two from each district.
SIDICo also distributed financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme to 2000 candidates to set up business enterprises . SIDICO issued token distribution of cheques to 30 beneficiaries.
SAABCo also issued Token distribution to 10 beneficiaries. A total of 133 beneficiaries were issued orders of assistance under SAABCO.
Co-operation Deptt. also disbursed Kisaan Credit Cards and Poultry Loans through
SISCO bank to 102 beneficiaries. Token distribution was made to 9 beneficiaries.
Under the Swarna Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yojna (SJSRY) which is scheme for urban self employment, revolving fund is granted to beneficiaries to set up business ventures. Some candidates are sent for skill development trainings. Women & child development schemes are undertaken. 44 benefits were distributed out of which token of 7 were handed over by the Chief Minister.
The organization Sikkim Organics issued employment orders to 5 local candidates.
Earlier the function began with the welcome address by Addl Chief Secretary cum principal Secretary Department of personnel Mr. Karma Gyatso.
The career fair was attended by speaker cabinet ministers, MLAs, chairpersons, Chief Secretary, HODs, students and host of other people and beneficiaries
ASSOCIATION OF OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM
M.G.ROAD, GANGTOK,SIKKIM
Press Release
Dt 25 March 2010
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim are in joyous mood to hear the order of Supreme Court dismissing the petition against Dr Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister.
We congratulate our Chief Minister for this victory.
Dr Chamling has brought massive change in Sikkim’s economic, social and cultural scene and have strengthened the economy of Sikkim by his visionary leadership. This has raised the living standard of the people and opportunities now abound in Sikkim in trade, commerce, industry, tourism, floriculture, agriculture and animal husbandry.
Sikkim’s brand name now matters whenever we are out of Sikkim. People respect when we tell them that we are from Sikkim.
The Association of Old settlers of Sikkim have decided not to field any candidate in the municipal poll and instead support the candidate fielded by SDF.
The Association is grateful for the resolution passed by Sikkim Assembly in respect of Income tax benefits to old settlers. We hope the Union Government will now decide the issue favorably looking into the recommendation of the State Assembly and Government and people of Sikkim.
The Association is hopeful that under your leadership, this small section of barely 6000 people will get the justice due to them.
( S.K.Sarda)
President
Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim
Gangtok.
M.G.ROAD, GANGTOK,SIKKIM
Press Release
Dt 25 March 2010
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim are in joyous mood to hear the order of Supreme Court dismissing the petition against Dr Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister.
We congratulate our Chief Minister for this victory.
Dr Chamling has brought massive change in Sikkim’s economic, social and cultural scene and have strengthened the economy of Sikkim by his visionary leadership. This has raised the living standard of the people and opportunities now abound in Sikkim in trade, commerce, industry, tourism, floriculture, agriculture and animal husbandry.
Sikkim’s brand name now matters whenever we are out of Sikkim. People respect when we tell them that we are from Sikkim.
The Association of Old settlers of Sikkim have decided not to field any candidate in the municipal poll and instead support the candidate fielded by SDF.
The Association is grateful for the resolution passed by Sikkim Assembly in respect of Income tax benefits to old settlers. We hope the Union Government will now decide the issue favorably looking into the recommendation of the State Assembly and Government and people of Sikkim.
The Association is hopeful that under your leadership, this small section of barely 6000 people will get the justice due to them.
( S.K.Sarda)
President
Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim
Gangtok.
SIKKIM: SC rejects Chamling asset probe – Petitioner told to directly approach CBI with proof
FROM THE TELEGRAPH
BY SAMANWAYA ROUTRAY
New Delhi, March 25: The Supreme Court today said it was up to police and the executive to decide whether to file a corruption case against a politician and that the court cannot take a call on this score, dismissing a plea for a CBI probe into assets owned by the Sikkim chief minister and alleged to be disproportionate to his known sources of income.
“This court cannot sit in judgment over whether investigations should be launched against politicians for alleged acts of corruption,” a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, said, dismissing a plea by a dissident Sikkim Democratic Front leader, Kunga Nima Lepcha, and three others.
They had sought a court direction for a CBI probe into the assets chief minister Pawan Chamling allegedly amassed during his previous stint as the chief minister and consequent legal action in the form of an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Chamling is the leader of the ruling SDF in the state.
“The Supreme Court functions as a constitutional court as well as the highest appellate court in the country. If the Supreme Court gives direction for prosecution, it would cause serious prejudice to the accused, as the direction of this court may have far-reaching persuasive effect on the court which may ultimately try the accused,” the bench said.
“It is always open to the petitioners to approach the investigative agencies directly with the incriminating material and it is for the investigative agencies to decide on the further course of action.”
The bench also lamented the trend of political rivals filing motivated petitions in the court to settle scores. “Four individuals belonging to a political party raises the apprehension that they were motivated by a sense of political rivalry rather than a public-spirited concern about the misuse of office by the incumbent chief minister.”
The court’s extraordinary powers to interfere were only meant to be exercised in circumstances in which fundamental rights of citizens were violated, the bench said.
The four petitioners also levelled similar charges against 21 other members of Chamling’s family. They said the family had declared assets worth Rs 4,76,54,238 prior to the Assembly polls in 2004. However, the family’s assets stood at over Rs 25 crore, the petitioners alleged.
The PTI reports that Chamling, while reacting to the order, said in Gangtok: “Now that the bogey of corruption charges has been finally removed, I will dedicate myself to the service of state without fear. Since the filing of case in 2006, I was unable to fully concentrate on governance fearing that the rivals might drag me to court about every decision on financial matters.”
FROM THE TELEGRAPH
BY SAMANWAYA ROUTRAY
New Delhi, March 25: The Supreme Court today said it was up to police and the executive to decide whether to file a corruption case against a politician and that the court cannot take a call on this score, dismissing a plea for a CBI probe into assets owned by the Sikkim chief minister and alleged to be disproportionate to his known sources of income.
“This court cannot sit in judgment over whether investigations should be launched against politicians for alleged acts of corruption,” a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, said, dismissing a plea by a dissident Sikkim Democratic Front leader, Kunga Nima Lepcha, and three others.
They had sought a court direction for a CBI probe into the assets chief minister Pawan Chamling allegedly amassed during his previous stint as the chief minister and consequent legal action in the form of an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Chamling is the leader of the ruling SDF in the state.
“The Supreme Court functions as a constitutional court as well as the highest appellate court in the country. If the Supreme Court gives direction for prosecution, it would cause serious prejudice to the accused, as the direction of this court may have far-reaching persuasive effect on the court which may ultimately try the accused,” the bench said.
“It is always open to the petitioners to approach the investigative agencies directly with the incriminating material and it is for the investigative agencies to decide on the further course of action.”
The bench also lamented the trend of political rivals filing motivated petitions in the court to settle scores. “Four individuals belonging to a political party raises the apprehension that they were motivated by a sense of political rivalry rather than a public-spirited concern about the misuse of office by the incumbent chief minister.”
The court’s extraordinary powers to interfere were only meant to be exercised in circumstances in which fundamental rights of citizens were violated, the bench said.
The four petitioners also levelled similar charges against 21 other members of Chamling’s family. They said the family had declared assets worth Rs 4,76,54,238 prior to the Assembly polls in 2004. However, the family’s assets stood at over Rs 25 crore, the petitioners alleged.
The PTI reports that Chamling, while reacting to the order, said in Gangtok: “Now that the bogey of corruption charges has been finally removed, I will dedicate myself to the service of state without fear. Since the filing of case in 2006, I was unable to fully concentrate on governance fearing that the rivals might drag me to court about every decision on financial matters.”
ANOTHER TOURISM DESTINATION IN MAKING- SHAKTI STHAL IN SIKKIM
Shakti Sthal foundation stone laid
by Chief Minister on Ramnawami
PRAKASH CHETTRI
Namchi: On the auspicious occasion of Ramnawami, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling Wednesday laid the foundation stone of Shakti Sthal at Tamletar, Mungrang, Lungchok in South Sikkim. Area MLA Tulshi Devi Rai, former Minister GM Gurung, former MLA GC Rai and Upadakshya (South) Himal Tamang were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Chamling said spiritual development was necessary for the development of an individual’s life. Stating that religion is made for the people he said that religion should be beneficial for the devotees.
Similarly, he said, politics and science also should be benefit the people. Though the Shakti Sthal is related to Hindu mythology, the purpose of its establishment in Mungrang, Lungchok South Sikkim is to provide benefits to the people and for the well being of the people of Sikkim as a whole, he said. This Shakti Sthal, where the statue of Nav Durga will be constructed to worship the Goddess Durga, will symbolize respect to the whole women community of the state, he noted.
In comparison to other states of India, Sikkim is forward in each and every field, Chief Minister emphasized. He appreciated the role of women folk in making Sikkim the number one state of the country.
He appealed to the women of the state to be more responsible and not to believe anything blindly without knowing it.
This Shakti Sthal will be a world class pilgrimage centre and create multiple opportunities for the local educated youths - this is a step towards making the area self reliant,
by Chief Minister on Ramnawami
PRAKASH CHETTRI
Namchi: On the auspicious occasion of Ramnawami, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling Wednesday laid the foundation stone of Shakti Sthal at Tamletar, Mungrang, Lungchok in South Sikkim. Area MLA Tulshi Devi Rai, former Minister GM Gurung, former MLA GC Rai and Upadakshya (South) Himal Tamang were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Chamling said spiritual development was necessary for the development of an individual’s life. Stating that religion is made for the people he said that religion should be beneficial for the devotees.
Similarly, he said, politics and science also should be benefit the people. Though the Shakti Sthal is related to Hindu mythology, the purpose of its establishment in Mungrang, Lungchok South Sikkim is to provide benefits to the people and for the well being of the people of Sikkim as a whole, he said. This Shakti Sthal, where the statue of Nav Durga will be constructed to worship the Goddess Durga, will symbolize respect to the whole women community of the state, he noted.
In comparison to other states of India, Sikkim is forward in each and every field, Chief Minister emphasized. He appreciated the role of women folk in making Sikkim the number one state of the country.
He appealed to the women of the state to be more responsible and not to believe anything blindly without knowing it.
This Shakti Sthal will be a world class pilgrimage centre and create multiple opportunities for the local educated youths - this is a step towards making the area self reliant,
NHPC signs agreement with Bhutan Govt for providing engineering & consultancy services relating to 720 MW Mangdechhu HEP
GANGTOK,: NHPC Limited has signed agreement with Department of Energy, Royal Government of Bhutan for providing engineering and consultancy services relating to pre-construction activities of Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project (720 MW) in Bhutan.
The agreement was signed by CMD, NHPC SK Garg and Director General, Department of Energy, Royal Govt. of Bhutan Yeshi Wangdi in the presence of Union Minister of Power Sushilkumar Shinde and Minister, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Royal Govt. of Bhutan Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk on March 23 in New Delhi.
According to a press statement, NHPC had before this signing of agreement prepared the Detailed Project Report of Mangdechhu H.E. Project and submitted the DPR ahead of schedule.
Presently, NHPC is also preparing DPRs of Chamkharchhu –I (670 MW) and Kuri Gongri (1800 MW) H.E. Projects in Bhutan, said the statement.
GANGTOK,: NHPC Limited has signed agreement with Department of Energy, Royal Government of Bhutan for providing engineering and consultancy services relating to pre-construction activities of Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project (720 MW) in Bhutan.
The agreement was signed by CMD, NHPC SK Garg and Director General, Department of Energy, Royal Govt. of Bhutan Yeshi Wangdi in the presence of Union Minister of Power Sushilkumar Shinde and Minister, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Royal Govt. of Bhutan Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk on March 23 in New Delhi.
According to a press statement, NHPC had before this signing of agreement prepared the Detailed Project Report of Mangdechhu H.E. Project and submitted the DPR ahead of schedule.
Presently, NHPC is also preparing DPRs of Chamkharchhu –I (670 MW) and Kuri Gongri (1800 MW) H.E. Projects in Bhutan, said the statement.
SC backs quota for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh
The Supreme Court on Thursday in an interim measure upheld the constitutional validity of 4% reservation provided to social- ly and economically backward Muslims in Andhra Pradesh.
Though Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have announced reservations for socially and educationally backward Mus- lims, it is the first time the apex court has upheld the va- lidity of religion-based reser- vation.
The ruling in effect has stayed the seven-judge Andhra Pradesh high court judgement of 8 February, which struck down a state law providing 4% reservation in educational in- stitutions and jobs to 15 groups belonging to the Mus- lim community. The high court had found the law un- constitutional and violative of the right to equality.
The state had filed a special appeal in the apex court on 26 February against the high court judgement.
As religion-based reserva- tion involves an important question of law, the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan has referred the matter to be heard in Au- gust by a five-judge constitu- tional bench.
Andhra Pradesh had provid- ed for reservation on the basis of a report by the Andhra Pradesh Commission for Back- ward Classes (APBC), which had recommended that social- ly and educationally backward Muslims be adequately repre- sented in the state.
Harish Salve, senior advo- cate and counsel for parties opposing the reservation, ar- gued in the apex court that the Congress-led Andhra Pradesh government had failed to spell out proper and relevant crite- ria for identification of socially and educationally backward Muslims in the state. G.E. Vahanvati, attorney general of India, said the iden- tification of the 15 Muslim groups was done on a scientif- ic basis.
After the Thursday ruling, Andhra Pradesh chief minister K. Rosaiah told the state legis- lative assembly that the gov- ernment would take all legal steps to implement the 4% res- ervation in jobs and education to backward class Muslims.
Opposition parties Telugu Desam Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist) favour a 10% quotas for Muslims as recommended by the Sachar and Ranganath Mishra panels.
The president of the Bharat- iya Janata Party's (BJP) Andhra Pradesh unit, G. Kishan Reddy, opposed religion-based reser- vations, saying it would en- courage conversions and lead to clashes between Muslims and backward classes.
“Our party is against any kind of reservation on the ba- sis of religion. I do not wish to comment on judicial decisions but it is against the basic spirit of the Indian Constitution and our party would continue its strive against any such move,“ said Tarun Vijay, a BJP spokes- person.
Andhra Pradesh's minority welfare minister Mohammad Ahmadulla Syed said the 4% reservations “are not based on religion but are meant for backward classes in Muslims“.
Based on the recommenda- tions of APBC, the state gov- ernment in 2005 issued an or- dinance and passed legislation for 5% reservation for 15 back- ward groups of Muslims.
The Andhra Pradesh high court quashed the legislation, saying that it would exceed the 50% total reservation limit set by the Supreme Court.
Taking this into account and to keep the reservations within the 50% limit, the state govern- ment reduced the quantum of quota to 4% and passed a new law in July 2007.
Fizoz Bakht Ahmed, a schol- ar, calling the reservation poli- cy a piecemeal and divisive measure, said there had to be a change in the mindset of Muslims towards education.
manish.r@livemint.com
The Supreme Court on Thursday in an interim measure upheld the constitutional validity of 4% reservation provided to social- ly and economically backward Muslims in Andhra Pradesh.
Though Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have announced reservations for socially and educationally backward Mus- lims, it is the first time the apex court has upheld the va- lidity of religion-based reser- vation.
The ruling in effect has stayed the seven-judge Andhra Pradesh high court judgement of 8 February, which struck down a state law providing 4% reservation in educational in- stitutions and jobs to 15 groups belonging to the Mus- lim community. The high court had found the law un- constitutional and violative of the right to equality.
The state had filed a special appeal in the apex court on 26 February against the high court judgement.
As religion-based reserva- tion involves an important question of law, the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan has referred the matter to be heard in Au- gust by a five-judge constitu- tional bench.
Andhra Pradesh had provid- ed for reservation on the basis of a report by the Andhra Pradesh Commission for Back- ward Classes (APBC), which had recommended that social- ly and educationally backward Muslims be adequately repre- sented in the state.
Harish Salve, senior advo- cate and counsel for parties opposing the reservation, ar- gued in the apex court that the Congress-led Andhra Pradesh government had failed to spell out proper and relevant crite- ria for identification of socially and educationally backward Muslims in the state. G.E. Vahanvati, attorney general of India, said the iden- tification of the 15 Muslim groups was done on a scientif- ic basis.
After the Thursday ruling, Andhra Pradesh chief minister K. Rosaiah told the state legis- lative assembly that the gov- ernment would take all legal steps to implement the 4% res- ervation in jobs and education to backward class Muslims.
Opposition parties Telugu Desam Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist) favour a 10% quotas for Muslims as recommended by the Sachar and Ranganath Mishra panels.
The president of the Bharat- iya Janata Party's (BJP) Andhra Pradesh unit, G. Kishan Reddy, opposed religion-based reser- vations, saying it would en- courage conversions and lead to clashes between Muslims and backward classes.
“Our party is against any kind of reservation on the ba- sis of religion. I do not wish to comment on judicial decisions but it is against the basic spirit of the Indian Constitution and our party would continue its strive against any such move,“ said Tarun Vijay, a BJP spokes- person.
Andhra Pradesh's minority welfare minister Mohammad Ahmadulla Syed said the 4% reservations “are not based on religion but are meant for backward classes in Muslims“.
Based on the recommenda- tions of APBC, the state gov- ernment in 2005 issued an or- dinance and passed legislation for 5% reservation for 15 back- ward groups of Muslims.
The Andhra Pradesh high court quashed the legislation, saying that it would exceed the 50% total reservation limit set by the Supreme Court.
Taking this into account and to keep the reservations within the 50% limit, the state govern- ment reduced the quantum of quota to 4% and passed a new law in July 2007.
Fizoz Bakht Ahmed, a schol- ar, calling the reservation poli- cy a piecemeal and divisive measure, said there had to be a change in the mindset of Muslims towards education.
manish.r@livemint.com
Obsession with too much healthy food may be lethal
Experts are ringing warning bells for those dangerously obsessed with eating healthy, adding they may have a disorder called orthorexia.
Cynthia Bulik, director of the eating disorders program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, referred to the phobics run from “impure” foods, limit their intake and lose dangerous amounts of weight, according to ABC News.
“We do know what we’re seeing in the clinic. We are seeing more people really worrying about what’s in their food,” The New York Daily News quoted Bulik as saying.
Researchers experts believe that the eating disorder may be a part of anorexia nervosa, in which sufferers severely limit their food intake and body weight, according to E: The Environmental Magazine.
Kathleen MacDonald of the Eating Disorders Coalition told Jezebel.com, the treatment for orthorexia so far was “hit-or-miss”.
The paper went on to cite the case of a young woman who almost landed in her grave after becoming a vegetarian and then a vegan, she began eating only raw foods.
Richmond, Virginia resident Kristie Rutzel told Good Morning America: “I stayed away from restaurants. It took me maybe two or three hours . . . to figure out what my next meal was going to be.” She told ABC about her near brush with death as she lost 60 of her 120 pounds because of her restricted diet.
Rutzel has now overcome her fears of certain foods.
She said: “It was just step by step. Just challenging myself, saying, ‘I used to eat this; I used to love it. Why not do it again?’”
Experts are ringing warning bells for those dangerously obsessed with eating healthy, adding they may have a disorder called orthorexia.
Cynthia Bulik, director of the eating disorders program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, referred to the phobics run from “impure” foods, limit their intake and lose dangerous amounts of weight, according to ABC News.
“We do know what we’re seeing in the clinic. We are seeing more people really worrying about what’s in their food,” The New York Daily News quoted Bulik as saying.
Researchers experts believe that the eating disorder may be a part of anorexia nervosa, in which sufferers severely limit their food intake and body weight, according to E: The Environmental Magazine.
Kathleen MacDonald of the Eating Disorders Coalition told Jezebel.com, the treatment for orthorexia so far was “hit-or-miss”.
The paper went on to cite the case of a young woman who almost landed in her grave after becoming a vegetarian and then a vegan, she began eating only raw foods.
Richmond, Virginia resident Kristie Rutzel told Good Morning America: “I stayed away from restaurants. It took me maybe two or three hours . . . to figure out what my next meal was going to be.” She told ABC about her near brush with death as she lost 60 of her 120 pounds because of her restricted diet.
Rutzel has now overcome her fears of certain foods.
She said: “It was just step by step. Just challenging myself, saying, ‘I used to eat this; I used to love it. Why not do it again?’”
Insurance premium may touch Rs. 1 lakh crore by 2015:
Insurance premium may touch Rs. 1 lakh crore by 2015: Assocham
Industry body Assocham on Thursday said it estimates the premium from general insurance to touch Rs. 1 lakh crore in the next 5 years as awareness and income about insurance products among the rural masses are on the rise.
Currently, insurance premium collection is estimated at Rs. 35,000 crore, the chamber said.
In rural areas, awakening levels (regarding insurance) are rising and their income is surfacing because of the various social schemes of the government, it said.
“...because of the social schemes of the government a large chunk of the rural population is getting inclined for insurance...It is one of the reason which will drive growth for insurance premium and reach projected levels of Rs. 1 lakh crore by 2015,” it added.
As over 60 per cent of the population, largely in rural areas has yet to be tapped by insurance industry, micro- financing institutions should explore possibilities in rural areas for wider coverage of general insurance, it said.
The government’s initiatives on mass insurance would also gradually open the reach of general insurance to a large part of the country.
High growth in automobile sector, huge strides in the healthcare will also open up health insurance potentials substantially, it said
Industry body Assocham on Thursday said it estimates the premium from general insurance to touch Rs. 1 lakh crore in the next 5 years as awareness and income about insurance products among the rural masses are on the rise.
Currently, insurance premium collection is estimated at Rs. 35,000 crore, the chamber said.
In rural areas, awakening levels (regarding insurance) are rising and their income is surfacing because of the various social schemes of the government, it said.
“...because of the social schemes of the government a large chunk of the rural population is getting inclined for insurance...It is one of the reason which will drive growth for insurance premium and reach projected levels of Rs. 1 lakh crore by 2015,” it added.
As over 60 per cent of the population, largely in rural areas has yet to be tapped by insurance industry, micro- financing institutions should explore possibilities in rural areas for wider coverage of general insurance, it said.
The government’s initiatives on mass insurance would also gradually open the reach of general insurance to a large part of the country.
High growth in automobile sector, huge strides in the healthcare will also open up health insurance potentials substantially, it said
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Govt approval for National Knowledge Network
National Knowledge Network enables to cater more students with virtual classrooms.
Government on Thursday approved a project to connect 1500 educational institutes across the country through high speed data communication network.
A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the establishment of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) at an outlay of Rs 5,990 crore to be implemented by the National Informatics Centre over a period of 10 years, an official spokesperson said.
“The NKN will have about 25 core Point of Presence (PoPs) and 600 secondary PoPs. It will connect around 1500 institutions,” she said adding that the setting up of core network is expected to be completed in a span of 24 months.
On January 21, the CCI had given its in-principle approval to the project which is one of the recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC).
The network is expected to encourage sharing of knowledge, specialised resources and collaborative research.
The NKN was announced by the then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in his Budget speech of 2008-09.
Initially Rs. 100 crore was allocated to the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and IT for establishing the Network.
The architecture of the National Knowledge Network will be scalable and the network will consist of an ultra-high speed core in the multiples of 10 Gbps and upwards.
“The core shall be complemented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The participating institutions can connect to the NKN at speed of 1 Gbps or to the distribution layer through a last mile connectivity bandwidth,” the spokesperson said.
“The NKN will provide nation-wide ultra high speed data-network highway. Various other networks in the country can take advantage of this ultra high speed backbone, with national and international reach to create independent and closed user groups,” she said.
NKN is expected to enable scientists, researchers and students from diverse spheres across the country to work together for advancing human development in critical and emerging areas.
It is also expected to catalyse knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer between stakeholders seamlessly — that too across the nation and globally.
NKN is expected to encourage a larger section of research and educational institutions to create intellectual property and also enable use of specialised applications, that allow sharing of high performance computing facilities, e-libraries, virtual classrooms and very large databases.
“Applications such as countrywide classrooms will address the issue of faculty shortage and ensure quality education delivery across the country,” the spokesperson said.
In the initial phase, a core backbone consisting of 15 Points of Presence (PoPs) have been established with 2.5 Gbps capacity, she said adding that around 40 institutions of higher learning and advanced research have already been connected to the network and six virtual classrooms set up.
National Knowledge Network enables to cater more students with virtual classrooms.
Government on Thursday approved a project to connect 1500 educational institutes across the country through high speed data communication network.
A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the establishment of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) at an outlay of Rs 5,990 crore to be implemented by the National Informatics Centre over a period of 10 years, an official spokesperson said.
“The NKN will have about 25 core Point of Presence (PoPs) and 600 secondary PoPs. It will connect around 1500 institutions,” she said adding that the setting up of core network is expected to be completed in a span of 24 months.
On January 21, the CCI had given its in-principle approval to the project which is one of the recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC).
The network is expected to encourage sharing of knowledge, specialised resources and collaborative research.
The NKN was announced by the then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in his Budget speech of 2008-09.
Initially Rs. 100 crore was allocated to the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and IT for establishing the Network.
The architecture of the National Knowledge Network will be scalable and the network will consist of an ultra-high speed core in the multiples of 10 Gbps and upwards.
“The core shall be complemented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The participating institutions can connect to the NKN at speed of 1 Gbps or to the distribution layer through a last mile connectivity bandwidth,” the spokesperson said.
“The NKN will provide nation-wide ultra high speed data-network highway. Various other networks in the country can take advantage of this ultra high speed backbone, with national and international reach to create independent and closed user groups,” she said.
NKN is expected to enable scientists, researchers and students from diverse spheres across the country to work together for advancing human development in critical and emerging areas.
It is also expected to catalyse knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer between stakeholders seamlessly — that too across the nation and globally.
NKN is expected to encourage a larger section of research and educational institutions to create intellectual property and also enable use of specialised applications, that allow sharing of high performance computing facilities, e-libraries, virtual classrooms and very large databases.
“Applications such as countrywide classrooms will address the issue of faculty shortage and ensure quality education delivery across the country,” the spokesperson said.
In the initial phase, a core backbone consisting of 15 Points of Presence (PoPs) have been established with 2.5 Gbps capacity, she said adding that around 40 institutions of higher learning and advanced research have already been connected to the network and six virtual classrooms set up.
India: Proposal for Setting up of National Knowledge Network (NKN)
CCI Decision
Decision: Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure has approved the establishment of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) at an outlay of Rs.5990 crore to be implemented by NIC over a period of 10 years.
Point-wise details
1. Background:
1.1 One of the important recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC) is to inter-connect all knowledge institutions through high speed data communication network. This would encourage sharing of knowledge, specialized resources and collaborative research.
1.2 The Government’s decision to set up such a National Knowledge Network was announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget speech of 2008-09. An initial amount of Rs.100 crore for FY 2008-09 was allocated to the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and IT for establishing the National Knowledge Network. A high level committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Dr. R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, to coordinate and monitor the establishment of the NKN.
2. Implementation strategy and targets:
2.1 The architecture of the National Knowledge Network will be scalable and the network will consist of an ultra-high speed core (multiples of 10 Gbps and upwards). The core shall be complemented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The participating institutions can connect to the NKN at speeds of 1 Gbps or to the distribution layer through a last mile connectivity bandwidth.
2.2 The NKN will provide nation-wide ultra high speed backbone/data-network highway. Various other networks in the country can take advantage of this ultra high speed backbone, with national and international reach to create independent and closed user groups.
2.3 The NKN will have about 25 core Point of Presence (PoPs) and 600 secondary PoPs. It will connect around 1500 institutions. The Physical Infrastructure (setting up of core network) is expected to be completed in a span of 24 months.
3. Major Impact:
3.1 NKN will enable scientists, researchers and students from diverse spheres across the country to work together for advancing human development in critical and emerging areas. NKN will catalyse knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer between stakeholders seamlessly – that too across the nation and globally. NKN is expected to encourage a larger section of research and educational institutions to create intellectual property. NKN would enable use of specialized applications, which allow sharing of high performance computing facilities, e-libraries, virtual classrooms and very large databases.
3.2 Health, Education, Grid Computing, Agriculture and e-Governance are the main applications identified for implementation and delivery on NKN. Applications such as countrywide classrooms will address the issue of faculty shortage and ensure quality education delivery across the country. The crux of the success of the Knowledge Network is related to the education related applications, databases and delivery of services to the users on demand.
4. Current status of initial phase
In the initial phase, a core Backbone consisting of 15 Points of Presence (PoPs) have been established with 2.5 Gbps capacity. Around 40 institutions of higher learning and advanced research have already been connected to the network and 6 virtual classrooms set up.
*****
CCI Decision
Decision: Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure has approved the establishment of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) at an outlay of Rs.5990 crore to be implemented by NIC over a period of 10 years.
Point-wise details
1. Background:
1.1 One of the important recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC) is to inter-connect all knowledge institutions through high speed data communication network. This would encourage sharing of knowledge, specialized resources and collaborative research.
1.2 The Government’s decision to set up such a National Knowledge Network was announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget speech of 2008-09. An initial amount of Rs.100 crore for FY 2008-09 was allocated to the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and IT for establishing the National Knowledge Network. A high level committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Dr. R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, to coordinate and monitor the establishment of the NKN.
2. Implementation strategy and targets:
2.1 The architecture of the National Knowledge Network will be scalable and the network will consist of an ultra-high speed core (multiples of 10 Gbps and upwards). The core shall be complemented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The participating institutions can connect to the NKN at speeds of 1 Gbps or to the distribution layer through a last mile connectivity bandwidth.
2.2 The NKN will provide nation-wide ultra high speed backbone/data-network highway. Various other networks in the country can take advantage of this ultra high speed backbone, with national and international reach to create independent and closed user groups.
2.3 The NKN will have about 25 core Point of Presence (PoPs) and 600 secondary PoPs. It will connect around 1500 institutions. The Physical Infrastructure (setting up of core network) is expected to be completed in a span of 24 months.
3. Major Impact:
3.1 NKN will enable scientists, researchers and students from diverse spheres across the country to work together for advancing human development in critical and emerging areas. NKN will catalyse knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer between stakeholders seamlessly – that too across the nation and globally. NKN is expected to encourage a larger section of research and educational institutions to create intellectual property. NKN would enable use of specialized applications, which allow sharing of high performance computing facilities, e-libraries, virtual classrooms and very large databases.
3.2 Health, Education, Grid Computing, Agriculture and e-Governance are the main applications identified for implementation and delivery on NKN. Applications such as countrywide classrooms will address the issue of faculty shortage and ensure quality education delivery across the country. The crux of the success of the Knowledge Network is related to the education related applications, databases and delivery of services to the users on demand.
4. Current status of initial phase
In the initial phase, a core Backbone consisting of 15 Points of Presence (PoPs) have been established with 2.5 Gbps capacity. Around 40 institutions of higher learning and advanced research have already been connected to the network and 6 virtual classrooms set up.
*****
31 IAS, 32 IPS officers in Sikkim cadre
There are 31 IAS officers and 32 IPS officer presently appointed to Sikkim cadre and posted at Sikkim.
This was informed by the Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office Prithviraj Chavan today in the Rajya Sabha in response to the question raised by Sikkim MP OT Lepcha.
It was replied in the House that out of the above officers, 10 officers each from IAS and IPS are from Sikkim and 21 IAS and 22 IPS officers are currently from outside the State.
It was also replied that there are 10 IAS officers and 6 IPS officers currently on deputation outside Sikkim and are serving within their approved tenure. Those IAS officers deputed outside Sikkim are Union Public Service Commission secretary Alok Rawat, Suresh Chandra Gupta, GP Upadhyaya, Arun Kumar Yadav, Dr. K Jayakumar, Upma Srivastava, Govind Mohan, K Sreenivasulu, Puneet Kansal and Saroj Kumar Jha.
The IPS officers of Sikkim cadre deputed outside the State are Avinash Mohananey, NK Mishra, N Sridhar Rao, Vineet Vinayak, Avichal and Mrinalini Srivastava.
There are 31 IAS officers and 32 IPS officer presently appointed to Sikkim cadre and posted at Sikkim.
This was informed by the Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office Prithviraj Chavan today in the Rajya Sabha in response to the question raised by Sikkim MP OT Lepcha.
It was replied in the House that out of the above officers, 10 officers each from IAS and IPS are from Sikkim and 21 IAS and 22 IPS officers are currently from outside the State.
It was also replied that there are 10 IAS officers and 6 IPS officers currently on deputation outside Sikkim and are serving within their approved tenure. Those IAS officers deputed outside Sikkim are Union Public Service Commission secretary Alok Rawat, Suresh Chandra Gupta, GP Upadhyaya, Arun Kumar Yadav, Dr. K Jayakumar, Upma Srivastava, Govind Mohan, K Sreenivasulu, Puneet Kansal and Saroj Kumar Jha.
The IPS officers of Sikkim cadre deputed outside the State are Avinash Mohananey, NK Mishra, N Sridhar Rao, Vineet Vinayak, Avichal and Mrinalini Srivastava.
SC dismisses petition seeking CBI probe into Sikkim CM’s assets case
Time of India
25 March, New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking CBI probe into the alleged disproportionate assets case against Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan directed petitioner Kungamina Lepcha, an opposition leader, to approach the investigating agencies concerned if he has got any such grievance.
The apex court directed the petitioner that if he feels he has got sufficient material, he can place the same before the probe agencies under relevant provisions of CrPC.
Time of India
25 March, New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking CBI probe into the alleged disproportionate assets case against Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan directed petitioner Kungamina Lepcha, an opposition leader, to approach the investigating agencies concerned if he has got any such grievance.
The apex court directed the petitioner that if he feels he has got sufficient material, he can place the same before the probe agencies under relevant provisions of CrPC.
Tea prices may decline in 2010
Food inflation may have brought tears to the eyes of consumers, but producers have prospered.
Indian tea planters are among them, having benefited from higher tea prices, as a slump in global output drove prices in 2009.
Initial signs are pointing to better weather in 2010, signalling a possible change in the price trend. Even if prices do not retrace too much, producers may have to live with subdued prices during the year.
In 2009, global tea production fell by 2.4% to 1.86 billion kg, according to the Indian Tea Association (ITA).
Two major producers, Kenya and Sri Lanka, suffered a 9% decline in output due to poor weather. These countries contributed 33% of the global production in 2009. India, which contributes more than half of the global production, also saw a decline in production due to poor monsoon rains. Overall production in the year was down by 0.2%, chiefly due to a 1.1% drop in southern India while harvest in northern India was flat.
The effect on prices was visible. Average Kenyan auction prices rose by 41% while
Sri Lankan tea prices rose by 56%, according to ITA.
Average all-India auction prices rose by 21% during 2009, which came after a 30% rise in prices in 2008. While Kenyan tea prices rose higher in the beginning of 2010, too, the past few weeks have seen an easing in prices.
Weather reports are indicating a normal season ahead for tea-growing regions.
If so, output will increase. Sri Lanka's tea production in February rose by 82% to 23.5 million kg due to lower output in the year-ago period.
The Sri Lanka Tea Board expects tea prices to ease in the second half of 2010 as the global shortfall decreases.
Higher prices have also prompted higher output from other countries, especially in Africa.
India's tea production had picked up in the last quarter of 2009, and in January, output was estimated to be up by 25%. India's weather forecast will come out next month, and by the middle of the year, there will be more clarity on its effect in the tea producing regions.
Shares of major tea producers such as McLeod Russel India Ltd and Jay Shree Tea and Industries Ltd are down from their 52-week highs reached in January.
Once estimates for 2010 are firmed up, more clarity will emerge. But it does appear that the two-year run of rising tea prices is losing steam.
Food inflation may have brought tears to the eyes of consumers, but producers have prospered.
Indian tea planters are among them, having benefited from higher tea prices, as a slump in global output drove prices in 2009.
Initial signs are pointing to better weather in 2010, signalling a possible change in the price trend. Even if prices do not retrace too much, producers may have to live with subdued prices during the year.
In 2009, global tea production fell by 2.4% to 1.86 billion kg, according to the Indian Tea Association (ITA).
Two major producers, Kenya and Sri Lanka, suffered a 9% decline in output due to poor weather. These countries contributed 33% of the global production in 2009. India, which contributes more than half of the global production, also saw a decline in production due to poor monsoon rains. Overall production in the year was down by 0.2%, chiefly due to a 1.1% drop in southern India while harvest in northern India was flat.
The effect on prices was visible. Average Kenyan auction prices rose by 41% while
Sri Lankan tea prices rose by 56%, according to ITA.
Average all-India auction prices rose by 21% during 2009, which came after a 30% rise in prices in 2008. While Kenyan tea prices rose higher in the beginning of 2010, too, the past few weeks have seen an easing in prices.
Weather reports are indicating a normal season ahead for tea-growing regions.
If so, output will increase. Sri Lanka's tea production in February rose by 82% to 23.5 million kg due to lower output in the year-ago period.
The Sri Lanka Tea Board expects tea prices to ease in the second half of 2010 as the global shortfall decreases.
Higher prices have also prompted higher output from other countries, especially in Africa.
India's tea production had picked up in the last quarter of 2009, and in January, output was estimated to be up by 25%. India's weather forecast will come out next month, and by the middle of the year, there will be more clarity on its effect in the tea producing regions.
Shares of major tea producers such as McLeod Russel India Ltd and Jay Shree Tea and Industries Ltd are down from their 52-week highs reached in January.
Once estimates for 2010 are firmed up, more clarity will emerge. But it does appear that the two-year run of rising tea prices is losing steam.
TARGETING AFFLUENCE IN 2039
India is the second fastest growing large economy and the fourth largest economy in purchasing power parity terms. But the economy's strong fundamentals are hampered by handicaps such as infrastructural bottlenecks, poor educational and healthcare systems, an outdated bureaucracy and poor governance, according to the recently released book, `India 2039: An Affluent Society In One Generation'.
Going forward, India could take one of two paths--a business-as-usual scenario, in which it ends up as a middle- income country with a per capita income of $5,500 and an economy of $8 trillion by 2039,
or
a high-growth path, which will see India as a $36 trillion economy (the world's second largest) with a $22,000 per capita income by 2039.
Citing the experience of other middle-income countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, which saw spurts of high growth followed by periods of low or even negligible growth, the book charts the road map for India to make the leap to affluence in 30 years.
India is the second fastest growing large economy and the fourth largest economy in purchasing power parity terms. But the economy's strong fundamentals are hampered by handicaps such as infrastructural bottlenecks, poor educational and healthcare systems, an outdated bureaucracy and poor governance, according to the recently released book, `India 2039: An Affluent Society In One Generation'.
Going forward, India could take one of two paths--a business-as-usual scenario, in which it ends up as a middle- income country with a per capita income of $5,500 and an economy of $8 trillion by 2039,
or
a high-growth path, which will see India as a $36 trillion economy (the world's second largest) with a $22,000 per capita income by 2039.
Citing the experience of other middle-income countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, which saw spurts of high growth followed by periods of low or even negligible growth, the book charts the road map for India to make the leap to affluence in 30 years.
Army to boost North Bengal & Sikkim infrastructure
Pinak Priya Bhattacharya, TNN
In a bid to increase its presence along the Sino-Indian border in the northeast, the Indian Army is looking for land in the area to match the infrastructure developed by the Chinese in their territory. Accordingly, Army officers held a series of meetings with district officials in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri on key issues, beginning with an airbase at Bagrakote.
District officials have been asked to acquire land to strengthen the road network to the border in the entire east and the northeast. The plan will be taken up in a phased manner for the next 20 years.
First comes the widening of NH-31A connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country. The Army had decided to lay the road afresh for better mobility and also to prevent damage by recurrent landslides during rains. There is yet another proposal to construct a new road via Odlabari in the Dooars bypassing NH-31A. The proposed road will touch Gorubathan, Lava, Algara, Pedong, Rishi and Ranipur before it reaches Gangtok. This route is not prone to landslides and is also a shorter one to Sikkim. Besides, another road to Sikkim through Bhutan is under consideration.
"Look at the other side of the Sino-Indian border. China has built four-lane roads along the border on the other side of Nathu La. They have total road connectivity along the Sino-
Indian border and this has been a cause of concern for the Indian Army. The Army has thus decided to overhaul the road link. Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts are strategically very important for the Army," said a senior state government official.
Apart from developing the road links, the Army is also planning an air base at Bagrakote in Odlabari, spread over 400 acres. The new air base has been named Shaugaon Air Base. The Army has urged the Jalpaiguri administration to acquire about 300 acres. The remaining 100 acres is lying with the Army.
"We have asked the Army to deposit the money before we start the acquisition. Most of the land is vested and there are only 20-25 families that need to be compensated. The Army has conveyed it would deposit the money shortly. Once that is done, we will start the process of land acquisition," said a senior district administrative official.
In a meeting with the district administration, the Army has also sought for a piece of land to set up a modern armoury that can help them reinstate forces in exigency.
Pinak Priya Bhattacharya, TNN
In a bid to increase its presence along the Sino-Indian border in the northeast, the Indian Army is looking for land in the area to match the infrastructure developed by the Chinese in their territory. Accordingly, Army officers held a series of meetings with district officials in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri on key issues, beginning with an airbase at Bagrakote.
District officials have been asked to acquire land to strengthen the road network to the border in the entire east and the northeast. The plan will be taken up in a phased manner for the next 20 years.
First comes the widening of NH-31A connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country. The Army had decided to lay the road afresh for better mobility and also to prevent damage by recurrent landslides during rains. There is yet another proposal to construct a new road via Odlabari in the Dooars bypassing NH-31A. The proposed road will touch Gorubathan, Lava, Algara, Pedong, Rishi and Ranipur before it reaches Gangtok. This route is not prone to landslides and is also a shorter one to Sikkim. Besides, another road to Sikkim through Bhutan is under consideration.
"Look at the other side of the Sino-Indian border. China has built four-lane roads along the border on the other side of Nathu La. They have total road connectivity along the Sino-
Indian border and this has been a cause of concern for the Indian Army. The Army has thus decided to overhaul the road link. Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts are strategically very important for the Army," said a senior state government official.
Apart from developing the road links, the Army is also planning an air base at Bagrakote in Odlabari, spread over 400 acres. The new air base has been named Shaugaon Air Base. The Army has urged the Jalpaiguri administration to acquire about 300 acres. The remaining 100 acres is lying with the Army.
"We have asked the Army to deposit the money before we start the acquisition. Most of the land is vested and there are only 20-25 families that need to be compensated. The Army has conveyed it would deposit the money shortly. Once that is done, we will start the process of land acquisition," said a senior district administrative official.
In a meeting with the district administration, the Army has also sought for a piece of land to set up a modern armoury that can help them reinstate forces in exigency.
Infectious diseases and the colonised mind
by K. S. Jacob
Indian reality calls for regional research, local solutions and national perspectives rather than subservience to international approaches, which do not prioritise India's needs.
Improved public health standards and the antibiotic revolution resulted in the conquering of infectious disease in the western world. Although the HIV/AIDS epidemic did dent human confidence in our ability to tackle infections, its control though education, public health strategies and development of new treatments re-focussed attention and efforts at controlling non communicable diseases in developed countries. The conquest of infections among the upper classes in India through effective interventions of clean water, sanitation, nutrition, housing, vaccination and easy access to health care has made Indian decision makers also take on the challenge of non communicable diseases. Yet, decades after the availability of technology and solutions, India continues to face disproportionate morbidity and mortality from infectious disease.
The situation begs the question why. The answer lies in our refusal to take into account the local reality, our reduced emphasis on national priorities, our submission to international recommendations and our failure to set our own health agenda.
The polio paralysis: The west eradicated polio by the use of clean water, improved sanitation and the oral polio vaccine. India adopted the use of the oral polio vaccine, sans clean water and sanitation. Many arguments were used to support the use of the oral vaccine over its injectable cousin. The policy pursued for over forty years has not made India polio-free. The voices within the Indian research community that had been arguing for the use of the injectable vaccine were sidelined; the Indian administration listened to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and continued the use of the oral vaccine. The recent re-emergence of polio including the incidence of vaccine-associated polio in many parts of the country has resulted in a rethink of the policy. It is now fashionable to list the merits of the injectable polio vaccine, both in India and within the international research fraternity. Clean water and sanitation, despite their significant contribution to population health, are still not part of India's battle against polio and infectious diseases.
The all-persuasive argument for the use of vaccinations as a panacea to prevent diseases is an example of the medicalisation of public health. The elimination of small pox through vaccination was an outstanding example of disease prevention. However, not all infections are similar. The presence of asymptomatic carriers and feco-oral transmission make the polio virus a completely different cup of tea. The eradication of polio will surely also involve the provision of safe water and sanitation in order to prevent the spread of the virus. The fact that different departments at the WHO and at the Government of India handle water, sanitation and vaccines means a compartmentalisation of the holistic view required to take on the challenge of polio.
The swine flu fiasco: The much-hyped swine flu pandemic, predicted by the WHO and fanned by national and international media, never materialised. More people probably died of seasonal flu than from the “pandemic.” It, however, resulted in public panic and the possible re-direction of massive resources to procure medication, masks and vaccines. One suspects that many pharmaceutical companies laughed all the way to the bank. The WHO failed to revise its prediction, after the initial hysteria and despite mounting evidence of the low level of intensity of the infection, resulting in massive financial losses to many governments.
International health agencies faced similar situations when the predicted avian flu epidemic also failed to appear. However, the panic resulted in huge economic losses with the culling of millions of birds and the restrictions on travel and tourism across many regions and countries.
Typhus tales: The past decade had seen the emergence of acute and debilitating fevers with high mortality rates in India. These patients were negative for the standard aetiologies of typhoid and malaria, common in the country. A systematic investigation into such presentations resulted in the documentation of the re-emergence of scrub typhus and rickettsial infections. Investigations from several districts and states documented the wide prevalence of such fevers. These fevers did not generally respond to the newer antibiotics but showed dramatic improvement with the older but currently infrequently prescribed medication (such as doxycycline). Typhus is localised to India and Asia and falls below the radar of global health agencies, resulting in a lack of international guidelines. Diligent Indian researchers identified the re-emergent typhus and solved the mystery infection.
Vacuous new vaccines: Financial institutions and the pharmaceutical industry support vaccines, which are profitable, for the prevention of disease over provision of clean water and sanitation. Despite several recent key reports, which emphasise the dramatic health and economic benefits gained from improvements in water and sanitation, such solutions receive low priority in funding. On the other hand, vaccines, which target diseases with much lower prevalence and that have much less impact on the health of populations, receive generous support. Many lobbies are now arguing for newer vaccines (E.g. vaccines against Haemophilus influenza type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae), developed and used in the west, in India. However, these vaccines target rare conditions in India and play into the hands of the pharmaceutical industry. They take away resources from the task of providing basic public health needs for the country. A cost benefit analysis taking into account the effectiveness against the risks is mandatory for countries with limited health budgets and in resource poor settings.
WHO is to advise? : The WHO was set up to promote and coordinate efforts at improving the health of populations across nations. It is responsible for the analysis of causes of ill-health and for recommending solutions to improve the health of populations. It is actively involved in developing international guidelines for the control and eradication of disease. However, the organisation by its very nature, takes an international perspective on issues. While its advice may be technically correct, the diversity of health contexts across nations may make its recommendations less appropriate to country-specific situations. Developed nations rarely follow its advice and set their own health agenda. Some countries like China study its recommendations but employ their own solutions by tailoring the suggested proposals to their local reality.
The World Health Organisation, by its composition and funding, is controlled by international and western expertise. Its advice is tailored to a broad context of low and middle-income countries. However, its ability to mobilise resources are limited. Nevertheless, its advice is followed by western and international donor agencies that use their funding schemes to control the health care agenda in low and middle-income countries. Yet, such solutions may not exactly fit the Indian context. While India does provide know-how to the WHO, such expertise seems to be subservient to the overall goals of the international health and financial communities.
The way forward
Despite over 60 years of independence, India continues to be colonised by the west, but in subtler form. We seek and receive advice from international agencies, which do not fully understand our different context nor acknowledge our priorities. Indian problems require Indian solutions. India needs to highlight its own health priorities and formulate its own health policies. While international advice from the WHO and from donor agencies should be considered seriously, we need to make our own decisions suited to the Indian context. We need to encourage independent thought and local expertise, which provides advice to national authorities and which are accountable for the nation's health. International advice tailored to meet the needs across national borders may not be suitable for India. Following international advice and recommendations also means throwing one's hands up in despair, when the suggested solutions fail to deliver.
There is a need to set up statutory bodies composed of experts with a genuine track record of research and policy making. Decisions should be based on good evidence, honest discourse and intelligent policymaking. The experts will need to evaluate the health problems of the country, study its context and be involved in decision and policymaking. They should be accountable for their impact on the health of populations. A regular review of strategies, the identification of policies and plans that fail and course corrections or a different approach and direction are mandatory.
India has such expertise in health. It needs to be empowered to assess local reality, suggest solutions, make decisions, set the national health agenda for the health of its people. Unless India decides to take the destiny of the health of its people in its own hands, we will not be able to tailor solutions for the Indian context, improve the health of our population and empower our people.
(Prof. K.S Jacob is on the faculty of the Christian Medical College, Vellore. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the position of any institution or organisation.)
source: The Hindu
by K. S. Jacob
Indian reality calls for regional research, local solutions and national perspectives rather than subservience to international approaches, which do not prioritise India's needs.
Improved public health standards and the antibiotic revolution resulted in the conquering of infectious disease in the western world. Although the HIV/AIDS epidemic did dent human confidence in our ability to tackle infections, its control though education, public health strategies and development of new treatments re-focussed attention and efforts at controlling non communicable diseases in developed countries. The conquest of infections among the upper classes in India through effective interventions of clean water, sanitation, nutrition, housing, vaccination and easy access to health care has made Indian decision makers also take on the challenge of non communicable diseases. Yet, decades after the availability of technology and solutions, India continues to face disproportionate morbidity and mortality from infectious disease.
The situation begs the question why. The answer lies in our refusal to take into account the local reality, our reduced emphasis on national priorities, our submission to international recommendations and our failure to set our own health agenda.
The polio paralysis: The west eradicated polio by the use of clean water, improved sanitation and the oral polio vaccine. India adopted the use of the oral polio vaccine, sans clean water and sanitation. Many arguments were used to support the use of the oral vaccine over its injectable cousin. The policy pursued for over forty years has not made India polio-free. The voices within the Indian research community that had been arguing for the use of the injectable vaccine were sidelined; the Indian administration listened to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and continued the use of the oral vaccine. The recent re-emergence of polio including the incidence of vaccine-associated polio in many parts of the country has resulted in a rethink of the policy. It is now fashionable to list the merits of the injectable polio vaccine, both in India and within the international research fraternity. Clean water and sanitation, despite their significant contribution to population health, are still not part of India's battle against polio and infectious diseases.
The all-persuasive argument for the use of vaccinations as a panacea to prevent diseases is an example of the medicalisation of public health. The elimination of small pox through vaccination was an outstanding example of disease prevention. However, not all infections are similar. The presence of asymptomatic carriers and feco-oral transmission make the polio virus a completely different cup of tea. The eradication of polio will surely also involve the provision of safe water and sanitation in order to prevent the spread of the virus. The fact that different departments at the WHO and at the Government of India handle water, sanitation and vaccines means a compartmentalisation of the holistic view required to take on the challenge of polio.
The swine flu fiasco: The much-hyped swine flu pandemic, predicted by the WHO and fanned by national and international media, never materialised. More people probably died of seasonal flu than from the “pandemic.” It, however, resulted in public panic and the possible re-direction of massive resources to procure medication, masks and vaccines. One suspects that many pharmaceutical companies laughed all the way to the bank. The WHO failed to revise its prediction, after the initial hysteria and despite mounting evidence of the low level of intensity of the infection, resulting in massive financial losses to many governments.
International health agencies faced similar situations when the predicted avian flu epidemic also failed to appear. However, the panic resulted in huge economic losses with the culling of millions of birds and the restrictions on travel and tourism across many regions and countries.
Typhus tales: The past decade had seen the emergence of acute and debilitating fevers with high mortality rates in India. These patients were negative for the standard aetiologies of typhoid and malaria, common in the country. A systematic investigation into such presentations resulted in the documentation of the re-emergence of scrub typhus and rickettsial infections. Investigations from several districts and states documented the wide prevalence of such fevers. These fevers did not generally respond to the newer antibiotics but showed dramatic improvement with the older but currently infrequently prescribed medication (such as doxycycline). Typhus is localised to India and Asia and falls below the radar of global health agencies, resulting in a lack of international guidelines. Diligent Indian researchers identified the re-emergent typhus and solved the mystery infection.
Vacuous new vaccines: Financial institutions and the pharmaceutical industry support vaccines, which are profitable, for the prevention of disease over provision of clean water and sanitation. Despite several recent key reports, which emphasise the dramatic health and economic benefits gained from improvements in water and sanitation, such solutions receive low priority in funding. On the other hand, vaccines, which target diseases with much lower prevalence and that have much less impact on the health of populations, receive generous support. Many lobbies are now arguing for newer vaccines (E.g. vaccines against Haemophilus influenza type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae), developed and used in the west, in India. However, these vaccines target rare conditions in India and play into the hands of the pharmaceutical industry. They take away resources from the task of providing basic public health needs for the country. A cost benefit analysis taking into account the effectiveness against the risks is mandatory for countries with limited health budgets and in resource poor settings.
WHO is to advise? : The WHO was set up to promote and coordinate efforts at improving the health of populations across nations. It is responsible for the analysis of causes of ill-health and for recommending solutions to improve the health of populations. It is actively involved in developing international guidelines for the control and eradication of disease. However, the organisation by its very nature, takes an international perspective on issues. While its advice may be technically correct, the diversity of health contexts across nations may make its recommendations less appropriate to country-specific situations. Developed nations rarely follow its advice and set their own health agenda. Some countries like China study its recommendations but employ their own solutions by tailoring the suggested proposals to their local reality.
The World Health Organisation, by its composition and funding, is controlled by international and western expertise. Its advice is tailored to a broad context of low and middle-income countries. However, its ability to mobilise resources are limited. Nevertheless, its advice is followed by western and international donor agencies that use their funding schemes to control the health care agenda in low and middle-income countries. Yet, such solutions may not exactly fit the Indian context. While India does provide know-how to the WHO, such expertise seems to be subservient to the overall goals of the international health and financial communities.
The way forward
Despite over 60 years of independence, India continues to be colonised by the west, but in subtler form. We seek and receive advice from international agencies, which do not fully understand our different context nor acknowledge our priorities. Indian problems require Indian solutions. India needs to highlight its own health priorities and formulate its own health policies. While international advice from the WHO and from donor agencies should be considered seriously, we need to make our own decisions suited to the Indian context. We need to encourage independent thought and local expertise, which provides advice to national authorities and which are accountable for the nation's health. International advice tailored to meet the needs across national borders may not be suitable for India. Following international advice and recommendations also means throwing one's hands up in despair, when the suggested solutions fail to deliver.
There is a need to set up statutory bodies composed of experts with a genuine track record of research and policy making. Decisions should be based on good evidence, honest discourse and intelligent policymaking. The experts will need to evaluate the health problems of the country, study its context and be involved in decision and policymaking. They should be accountable for their impact on the health of populations. A regular review of strategies, the identification of policies and plans that fail and course corrections or a different approach and direction are mandatory.
India has such expertise in health. It needs to be empowered to assess local reality, suggest solutions, make decisions, set the national health agenda for the health of its people. Unless India decides to take the destiny of the health of its people in its own hands, we will not be able to tailor solutions for the Indian context, improve the health of our population and empower our people.
(Prof. K.S Jacob is on the faculty of the Christian Medical College, Vellore. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the position of any institution or organisation.)
source: The Hindu
Gates Foundation to invest Rs. 250 crore in UP
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and Melinda Gates, Co-chair and Trustee of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, during a meeting at the former's official residence at Kalidas Marg in Lucknow on Wednesday.
Uttar Pradesh has been assured of an investment of Rs. 250 crore by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in medical, health and family welfare sectors in the state. Besides, the Foundation has also shown interest in extending its contribution towards improving the State’s health indices.
This was decided at a meeting between the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati and the Foundation’s founder, Melinda Gates in Lucknow on Wednesday. The meeting held at the Chief Minister’s 5, Kalidas Marg official residence was attended by the officers of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The programmes run by the Foundation in the State’s health and family welfare sectors, as well as the future plans were discussed in the meeting. Appreciating the initiative taken by the Founation, Ms. Mayawati assured all possible assistance from the Uttar Pradesh Government.
According to an official spokesman, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was informed by Ms. Gates that schemes worth Rs. 500 crore have been launched by the Foundation with the maximum investment being made in U.P. . Ms. Gates said the Foundation was interested in extending the benefits to those sections who were unable to avail the medical, health and family welfare services.
Particular emphasis was laid on women and child welfare and polio and tuberculosis eradication programmes by Ms. Gates, the spokesman said.
Ms. Gates was apprised by the Chief Minister how the long period of political instability in Uttar Pradesh had ended following the formation of the Bahujan Samaj Party Government in May 2007. Ms. Mayawati said a comprehensive health and family welfare programme had been formulated by her Government to ensure that these services were extended to poor and deprived sections of the population.
Ms. Mayawati said the people of the State, particularly the poor, were now ensured of better health services.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and Melinda Gates, Co-chair and Trustee of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, during a meeting at the former's official residence at Kalidas Marg in Lucknow on Wednesday.
Uttar Pradesh has been assured of an investment of Rs. 250 crore by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in medical, health and family welfare sectors in the state. Besides, the Foundation has also shown interest in extending its contribution towards improving the State’s health indices.
This was decided at a meeting between the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati and the Foundation’s founder, Melinda Gates in Lucknow on Wednesday. The meeting held at the Chief Minister’s 5, Kalidas Marg official residence was attended by the officers of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The programmes run by the Foundation in the State’s health and family welfare sectors, as well as the future plans were discussed in the meeting. Appreciating the initiative taken by the Founation, Ms. Mayawati assured all possible assistance from the Uttar Pradesh Government.
According to an official spokesman, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was informed by Ms. Gates that schemes worth Rs. 500 crore have been launched by the Foundation with the maximum investment being made in U.P. . Ms. Gates said the Foundation was interested in extending the benefits to those sections who were unable to avail the medical, health and family welfare services.
Particular emphasis was laid on women and child welfare and polio and tuberculosis eradication programmes by Ms. Gates, the spokesman said.
Ms. Gates was apprised by the Chief Minister how the long period of political instability in Uttar Pradesh had ended following the formation of the Bahujan Samaj Party Government in May 2007. Ms. Mayawati said a comprehensive health and family welfare programme had been formulated by her Government to ensure that these services were extended to poor and deprived sections of the population.
Ms. Mayawati said the people of the State, particularly the poor, were now ensured of better health services.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
EARTH HOUR: SWITCH OFF on 27th March between 8: 30 and 9:30 PM
Earth Hour – a stand against climate change
By:Sanjay Agrawal
Voice of Sikkim
Earth Hour - a stand against climate change
23 March, Gangtok: Earth Hour is a global call to action to every individual, business, school and community to take a stand against climate change. It started in the year 2007 in Sydney and went global the following year in 2008 symbolising solidarity of people around the globe. It is an initiative of WWF, and the logo of earth hour says 60 denoting 60 minutes of lights off.
While many of us debate the futility of switching off the lights for one hour, the objective of Earth Hour lies not primarily in the energy saved but rather the message that it conveys. -Nationally, a message to policy makers that we need to shift to low carbon development
Globally, a message that India is vulnerable to impacts of climate change and that it demands concrete measures to fight it
Last year in 2009, 4088 cities and towns participated- from Sydney to Washington and New Delhi to New York. Across 88 countries and 7 continents including Antartica, people came together to observe this event. Among major icons dimmed in support were the Sydney Opera House, Rome’s Coliseum, Eiffel Tower, Christ the Redeemer, Rio
Antarctica’s Scott Station, Empire State Building in NYC, Dome of the Capitol in Washington DC, The Pyramids, The Sphinx, Big Ben, Acropolis, Bird Nest in China and in India – Old Fort, Safdarjung Tomb, Qutab Minar, CST Mumbai and many more.
Earth Hour 2010 has gotten bigger. 118 countries have already committed to observe the event, with millions of supporters on social media. More than 6000 cities around the globe are already on board.
This year Earth Hour is on Saturday 27th March, 2010. It is the night of the equinox with equal day light and night time. Here is what’s happening on EH the world over -
New Zealand’s Chatham Islands will be the first territory to start Earth Hour with the last country to take part being the South Pacific island of Samoa 24 ¾ hours later.
The main street in Santa Cruz on the Galapagos island will be candle-lit for the hour.
Hotel chains Four Seasons, Intercontinental, Hilton, Shangri-la and Fairmont are taking part in EH in countries around the world.
Three of the world’s most northern cities Murmansk (Russia), Hammerfest (Norway) and Nuuk (Greenland) will be joining three of the world’s most southern cities Hobart (Australia) Ushuaia (Argentina) and Queenstown for EH.
More than 20 state Governors have signed up to WWF’s EH in the US.
Hundreds of Zimbabwean children will be holding a candle-lit picnic at Victoria Falls for EH.
Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness on climate change issues. It is being called as the greatest climate action taken. So now’s the time to take a stand and give world leaders the mandate they need to make the right climate deal. And it all begins with a flick of a switch – SHOW YOUR CONCERN for the planet-
SWITCH OFF on 27th March between 8: 30 and 9:30 PM
By:Sanjay Agrawal
Voice of Sikkim
Earth Hour - a stand against climate change
23 March, Gangtok: Earth Hour is a global call to action to every individual, business, school and community to take a stand against climate change. It started in the year 2007 in Sydney and went global the following year in 2008 symbolising solidarity of people around the globe. It is an initiative of WWF, and the logo of earth hour says 60 denoting 60 minutes of lights off.
While many of us debate the futility of switching off the lights for one hour, the objective of Earth Hour lies not primarily in the energy saved but rather the message that it conveys. -Nationally, a message to policy makers that we need to shift to low carbon development
Globally, a message that India is vulnerable to impacts of climate change and that it demands concrete measures to fight it
Last year in 2009, 4088 cities and towns participated- from Sydney to Washington and New Delhi to New York. Across 88 countries and 7 continents including Antartica, people came together to observe this event. Among major icons dimmed in support were the Sydney Opera House, Rome’s Coliseum, Eiffel Tower, Christ the Redeemer, Rio
Antarctica’s Scott Station, Empire State Building in NYC, Dome of the Capitol in Washington DC, The Pyramids, The Sphinx, Big Ben, Acropolis, Bird Nest in China and in India – Old Fort, Safdarjung Tomb, Qutab Minar, CST Mumbai and many more.
Earth Hour 2010 has gotten bigger. 118 countries have already committed to observe the event, with millions of supporters on social media. More than 6000 cities around the globe are already on board.
This year Earth Hour is on Saturday 27th March, 2010. It is the night of the equinox with equal day light and night time. Here is what’s happening on EH the world over -
New Zealand’s Chatham Islands will be the first territory to start Earth Hour with the last country to take part being the South Pacific island of Samoa 24 ¾ hours later.
The main street in Santa Cruz on the Galapagos island will be candle-lit for the hour.
Hotel chains Four Seasons, Intercontinental, Hilton, Shangri-la and Fairmont are taking part in EH in countries around the world.
Three of the world’s most northern cities Murmansk (Russia), Hammerfest (Norway) and Nuuk (Greenland) will be joining three of the world’s most southern cities Hobart (Australia) Ushuaia (Argentina) and Queenstown for EH.
More than 20 state Governors have signed up to WWF’s EH in the US.
Hundreds of Zimbabwean children will be holding a candle-lit picnic at Victoria Falls for EH.
Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness on climate change issues. It is being called as the greatest climate action taken. So now’s the time to take a stand and give world leaders the mandate they need to make the right climate deal. And it all begins with a flick of a switch – SHOW YOUR CONCERN for the planet-
SWITCH OFF on 27th March between 8: 30 and 9:30 PM
Forests and Biodiversity
Kalpana Palkhiwala**
World Forestry Day is an international event celebrated on 21 March every year. It has been celebrated around the world for 30 years to remind communities of the importance of forests and the many benefits which we gain from them.
The concept of having a World Forestry Day originated at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. Later that year, March 21, the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere was chosen as the day to be celebrated offering information about the three key facets of forestry, protection, production and recreation.
Forests have been of great importance to mankind since prehistoric days. A forest just doesn’t mean trees only but it’s an entire complex, living community. Many populations of plants and animals dwell beneath the forest canopy. The forest soil is home to large variety of invertebrates, bacteria and fungi which play an essential role in recycling nutrients in the soil and the forests.
Forests provide multiple benefits to environment, people, and animals. Forests, supply many products like timber for making furniture, houses, ships and railway sleepers, plywood, fuel wood or charcoal, paper, processed wood products like cellophane, plastics, synthetic fibers like rayon and nylon, rubber from the latex of rubber tree. Fruits, nuts and spices are gathered from the forest. A lot of medicinal plants such as camphor, cinchona also come from the forests.
The roots of the trees hold the soil together and thus help to conserve soil by preventing rapid runoff water after heavy rain and minimizing flooding. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into air which is needed to breath by the mankind. Vegetation affects local and global climate. Trees form a protective cover of the earth as well as provide shelter to the wild animals and protect all the living beings from the solar heat and regulate the temperature of earth. Forests reduce light reflection, offer a sound barrier and help guide wind direction and speed. Similarly wildlife is important for it is an important part of the lifecycle.
The need of the hour is to save forests, because reckless felling of trees is creating problems. The forest coverage has reduced to 30% as opposed to 60% earlier. The theme for this year’s World Forestry Day is “Forests and Biodiversity’. This day aims to provide opportunities for people to learn how forests can be managed and used sustainably.
Forest biological diversity is a broad term referring to all these life forms found within the forest areas and the ecological roles they perform. It encompasses not just trees but the multitude of plants, animals and micro –organisms that inhabit forest areas and their associated genetic diversity. It can be considered at different levels, including the ecosystem, landscapes, species, populations and genetics. Complex interactions can occur within and amongst these levels. In biological diverse forests, this complexity allows organisms to adapt to continually changing environment conditions and to maintain ecosystem functions.
In the last 8000 years about 45% of the Earth’s original forest cover has disappeared, cleared mostly during the past century. The food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently estimated that about 13 million hectares of the World’s forests are lost due to deforestation each year. The annual net loss of forest area between 2000 and 2005 was 7.3 million hectares (equivalent to the net loss of 0.18 percent of the world’s forests).
In the past, timber production was regarded as the dominant function of forests. However in recent years this perception has shifted to a more multi –functional and balanced view. Other forest functions and services, such as recreation, health and well -being, biological diversity, maintenance of ecosystem services and the mitigation of climate change, are now recognized as part of the importance of forests and have biological diversity. It is increasingly being recognized as both a complex and unique element .
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) addresses forests directly through the expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity (annex to decision Vi/22), adopted in 2002 by the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting. The forest work programme constitutes a broad set of goals, objectives and activities aimed at the conservation of forest biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable use of the benefits arising from the utilization of forest genetic resources. The programme of work on forest biodiversity consists of three elements conservation, sustainable use, and benefit- sharing; institutional and socio-economic enabling environment and knowledge, assessment, and monitoring.
*Deputy Director, Press Information Bureau, New Delhi
Kalpana Palkhiwala**
World Forestry Day is an international event celebrated on 21 March every year. It has been celebrated around the world for 30 years to remind communities of the importance of forests and the many benefits which we gain from them.
The concept of having a World Forestry Day originated at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. Later that year, March 21, the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere was chosen as the day to be celebrated offering information about the three key facets of forestry, protection, production and recreation.
Forests have been of great importance to mankind since prehistoric days. A forest just doesn’t mean trees only but it’s an entire complex, living community. Many populations of plants and animals dwell beneath the forest canopy. The forest soil is home to large variety of invertebrates, bacteria and fungi which play an essential role in recycling nutrients in the soil and the forests.
Forests provide multiple benefits to environment, people, and animals. Forests, supply many products like timber for making furniture, houses, ships and railway sleepers, plywood, fuel wood or charcoal, paper, processed wood products like cellophane, plastics, synthetic fibers like rayon and nylon, rubber from the latex of rubber tree. Fruits, nuts and spices are gathered from the forest. A lot of medicinal plants such as camphor, cinchona also come from the forests.
The roots of the trees hold the soil together and thus help to conserve soil by preventing rapid runoff water after heavy rain and minimizing flooding. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into air which is needed to breath by the mankind. Vegetation affects local and global climate. Trees form a protective cover of the earth as well as provide shelter to the wild animals and protect all the living beings from the solar heat and regulate the temperature of earth. Forests reduce light reflection, offer a sound barrier and help guide wind direction and speed. Similarly wildlife is important for it is an important part of the lifecycle.
The need of the hour is to save forests, because reckless felling of trees is creating problems. The forest coverage has reduced to 30% as opposed to 60% earlier. The theme for this year’s World Forestry Day is “Forests and Biodiversity’. This day aims to provide opportunities for people to learn how forests can be managed and used sustainably.
Forest biological diversity is a broad term referring to all these life forms found within the forest areas and the ecological roles they perform. It encompasses not just trees but the multitude of plants, animals and micro –organisms that inhabit forest areas and their associated genetic diversity. It can be considered at different levels, including the ecosystem, landscapes, species, populations and genetics. Complex interactions can occur within and amongst these levels. In biological diverse forests, this complexity allows organisms to adapt to continually changing environment conditions and to maintain ecosystem functions.
In the last 8000 years about 45% of the Earth’s original forest cover has disappeared, cleared mostly during the past century. The food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently estimated that about 13 million hectares of the World’s forests are lost due to deforestation each year. The annual net loss of forest area between 2000 and 2005 was 7.3 million hectares (equivalent to the net loss of 0.18 percent of the world’s forests).
In the past, timber production was regarded as the dominant function of forests. However in recent years this perception has shifted to a more multi –functional and balanced view. Other forest functions and services, such as recreation, health and well -being, biological diversity, maintenance of ecosystem services and the mitigation of climate change, are now recognized as part of the importance of forests and have biological diversity. It is increasingly being recognized as both a complex and unique element .
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) addresses forests directly through the expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity (annex to decision Vi/22), adopted in 2002 by the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting. The forest work programme constitutes a broad set of goals, objectives and activities aimed at the conservation of forest biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable use of the benefits arising from the utilization of forest genetic resources. The programme of work on forest biodiversity consists of three elements conservation, sustainable use, and benefit- sharing; institutional and socio-economic enabling environment and knowledge, assessment, and monitoring.
*Deputy Director, Press Information Bureau, New Delhi
SIKKIM: "Career Prospect 2010”
Career Prospect 2010”
Career-cum-Employment Fair at Chintan Bhawan
Gangtok: The Directorate of Capacity Building, DoPART is organizing “Career Prospect 2010”: Career-cum-Employment Fair on 25th & 26th March, 2010, at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok. Chief Minister of Sikkim will inaugurate the Fair on 25th March, it is officially informed in a release.
The Career Prospect 2010 is a platform where students and youth can gain exposure to latest employment trends. Through this Career Prospect, the Directorate seeks to empower the youth by building their capacities to meet the demands of 21st century employment market, the release said.
Chief Minister will distribute token benefits and hand over sanction orders for loans under various schemes of the Government. Appointment orders will also be given to successful candidates for vacancies in the private sector within the State, the release informed.
It is further informed that the programme on 26th March is meant exclusively for the student community where they can access information on various academic, professional, vocational and job-oriented courses. A number of reputed national and international institutes shall disseminate information on the courses conducted by their organisations. The students can gather valuable information on improving their employability skills.
Employment agencies from within and outside the State shall conduct on the spot recruitments on 25th and 26th March in the following sectors – Retail/Sales/ Hotels & hospitality/ Holistic health care/ IT/ BPO/ Banking & Insurance/ cruise liners/ Armed Forces/ Security/ Aviation/ Pharmaceuticals/ Entertainment -RJ.
There shall be seminars on memory power, media science, scope of Nursing abroad, services in the Armed Forces, culinary arts, designing and motivational workshop.
All students, youth, the teaching fraternity, parents and guardians are invited to participate in the Fair, the release said.
Career-cum-Employment Fair at Chintan Bhawan
Gangtok: The Directorate of Capacity Building, DoPART is organizing “Career Prospect 2010”: Career-cum-Employment Fair on 25th & 26th March, 2010, at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok. Chief Minister of Sikkim will inaugurate the Fair on 25th March, it is officially informed in a release.
The Career Prospect 2010 is a platform where students and youth can gain exposure to latest employment trends. Through this Career Prospect, the Directorate seeks to empower the youth by building their capacities to meet the demands of 21st century employment market, the release said.
Chief Minister will distribute token benefits and hand over sanction orders for loans under various schemes of the Government. Appointment orders will also be given to successful candidates for vacancies in the private sector within the State, the release informed.
It is further informed that the programme on 26th March is meant exclusively for the student community where they can access information on various academic, professional, vocational and job-oriented courses. A number of reputed national and international institutes shall disseminate information on the courses conducted by their organisations. The students can gather valuable information on improving their employability skills.
Employment agencies from within and outside the State shall conduct on the spot recruitments on 25th and 26th March in the following sectors – Retail/Sales/ Hotels & hospitality/ Holistic health care/ IT/ BPO/ Banking & Insurance/ cruise liners/ Armed Forces/ Security/ Aviation/ Pharmaceuticals/ Entertainment -RJ.
There shall be seminars on memory power, media science, scope of Nursing abroad, services in the Armed Forces, culinary arts, designing and motivational workshop.
All students, youth, the teaching fraternity, parents and guardians are invited to participate in the Fair, the release said.
Sikkim Governor urges to create ‘Hub Centre’ on Sikkim floriculture
GANGTOK, March 23: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh called on the Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and requested him to take urgent steps to create a Hub Centre on floriculture in Sikkim.
A press release issued from Raj Bhawan informs that the Union Agriculture Minister has promised to look into the matter urgently and to do the needful.
Besides, the Governor had also wanted ICAR Centre in Sikkim to provide special focus on organic farming and Sikkim centric research in horticulture.
It may be recalled that Sikkim has succeeded in earning a place in the floriculture map of the world. It is also informed that the need for a hub centre was to boost the efforts of the farmers in a manner that brings them sustainable livelihood and remunerative prices.
The State Government along with the assistance provided by the Government of India had built requisite infrastructures for facilitating post harvest handling and marketing, said the release adding that the efforts are on to enhance the production and productivity of cut flowers and bulbs covering a range of exotic flowers.
“With all these activities already in place, what is required is a centralized Hub Centre for Floriculture promotion and propagation. This Centre should have the state-of-the-art facilities not only to promote production of cut flowers, disbursing of planting materials or post harvest handling but it should also be a place for training of farmers and coordination of marketing activities,”
source; sikkim express
GANGTOK, March 23: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh called on the Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and requested him to take urgent steps to create a Hub Centre on floriculture in Sikkim.
A press release issued from Raj Bhawan informs that the Union Agriculture Minister has promised to look into the matter urgently and to do the needful.
Besides, the Governor had also wanted ICAR Centre in Sikkim to provide special focus on organic farming and Sikkim centric research in horticulture.
It may be recalled that Sikkim has succeeded in earning a place in the floriculture map of the world. It is also informed that the need for a hub centre was to boost the efforts of the farmers in a manner that brings them sustainable livelihood and remunerative prices.
The State Government along with the assistance provided by the Government of India had built requisite infrastructures for facilitating post harvest handling and marketing, said the release adding that the efforts are on to enhance the production and productivity of cut flowers and bulbs covering a range of exotic flowers.
“With all these activities already in place, what is required is a centralized Hub Centre for Floriculture promotion and propagation. This Centre should have the state-of-the-art facilities not only to promote production of cut flowers, disbursing of planting materials or post harvest handling but it should also be a place for training of farmers and coordination of marketing activities,”
source; sikkim express
2009 is fifth warmest year: WMO
Noting that the decade 2000-2009 was warmest-ever recorded, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has said that 2009 was the fifth-warmest year since climate records began in 1850.
In a report on its 60th anniversary, the UN weather agency said the nineties were warmer than the eighties.
The report showed that the decade 2000-2009 was warmest ever recorded.
The World Meteorological Day was celebrated yesterday to commemorate the entry into force of the WMO Convention that led to creation of the Organisation in 1950.
“As we celebrate today the 60th anniversary of the World meteorological Organisation, I would like to pay tribute to the meteorological community worldwide working together continuously beyond all borders to save and protect people, their homes and their livelihoods,” said WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarrud.
Noting that the decade 2000-2009 was warmest-ever recorded, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has said that 2009 was the fifth-warmest year since climate records began in 1850.
In a report on its 60th anniversary, the UN weather agency said the nineties were warmer than the eighties.
The report showed that the decade 2000-2009 was warmest ever recorded.
The World Meteorological Day was celebrated yesterday to commemorate the entry into force of the WMO Convention that led to creation of the Organisation in 1950.
“As we celebrate today the 60th anniversary of the World meteorological Organisation, I would like to pay tribute to the meteorological community worldwide working together continuously beyond all borders to save and protect people, their homes and their livelihoods,” said WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarrud.
RAMNAWMI GREETINGS FROM PRESIDENT OF INDIAN REPUBLIC
President of India’s Ram Navami Greetings
The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message on the occasion of Ram Navami has said: -
“On the joyous occasion of Ram Navami, I convey my greetings and best wishes to all my people.
May this day inspire us to spread Lord Ram’s message of righteous conduct and selfless service and strengthen our resolve to strive for justice and human dignity to build a glorious India.”
The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message on the occasion of Ram Navami has said: -
“On the joyous occasion of Ram Navami, I convey my greetings and best wishes to all my people.
May this day inspire us to spread Lord Ram’s message of righteous conduct and selfless service and strengthen our resolve to strive for justice and human dignity to build a glorious India.”
Rs. 3 lakhs self-employment loan per youth under CMSES
GANGTOK, March 10: After the education loan bonanza for meritorious students, the State Government is now offering soft employment loans to the unemployed youth up to Rs. 3 lakhs per individual under Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES).
Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification holders and their descendants in the age group of 22 to 35 years who have passed Class X and are unemployed are eligible for the loans under CMSES.
As per the guidelines, the benefit will be restricted to children of persons whose gross income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakhs annually subject to submission of authentic income certificate duly certified by the concerned district collector and subject to revision from time to time. Children of government and PSU employees are also eligible for the loan subject to the above conditions.
However, not more than one member of a family will be considered for the benefit, save in case of BPL families.
The quantum of loan shall not exceed Rs. 3 lakhs per individual, per scheme, it is informed. A processing fee of 1 percent of the sanctioned amount will be charged to cover the administrative expenses of Sikkim Industrial Development Investment Corporation (SIDICO) for loans under the scheme and no other amount is to be deducted from the loan. The SIDICO is the prescribed agency to accept all applications and disburse the loan amount at their end duly ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met.
The government has directed that the total amount of loan under CMSES should be as far as possible be proportionately divided among the four districts as per percentage of their population.
In case of death of a loanee, the co-applicant will be made liable for refund of the outstanding loan, the guidelines state.
Loans under CMSES are to be disbursed on a quarterly basis by the SIDICO after final approval from the government.
The SIDICO will be examining the application for loans with reference to the genuineness of the request, ability of the candidate to establish and run the project and capacity to repay the loan. Preference is to be given to candidates who have undergone higher or specialized training in the field for which the loan is being sought.
Final disbursement to the selected loanees will be made only after they have obtained the required license or permission for running the project. The amount shall be released on installment basis on satisfying progress in the implementation of project, the guidelines state.
GANGTOK, March 10: After the education loan bonanza for meritorious students, the State Government is now offering soft employment loans to the unemployed youth up to Rs. 3 lakhs per individual under Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES).
Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification holders and their descendants in the age group of 22 to 35 years who have passed Class X and are unemployed are eligible for the loans under CMSES.
As per the guidelines, the benefit will be restricted to children of persons whose gross income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakhs annually subject to submission of authentic income certificate duly certified by the concerned district collector and subject to revision from time to time. Children of government and PSU employees are also eligible for the loan subject to the above conditions.
However, not more than one member of a family will be considered for the benefit, save in case of BPL families.
The quantum of loan shall not exceed Rs. 3 lakhs per individual, per scheme, it is informed. A processing fee of 1 percent of the sanctioned amount will be charged to cover the administrative expenses of Sikkim Industrial Development Investment Corporation (SIDICO) for loans under the scheme and no other amount is to be deducted from the loan. The SIDICO is the prescribed agency to accept all applications and disburse the loan amount at their end duly ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met.
The government has directed that the total amount of loan under CMSES should be as far as possible be proportionately divided among the four districts as per percentage of their population.
In case of death of a loanee, the co-applicant will be made liable for refund of the outstanding loan, the guidelines state.
Loans under CMSES are to be disbursed on a quarterly basis by the SIDICO after final approval from the government.
The SIDICO will be examining the application for loans with reference to the genuineness of the request, ability of the candidate to establish and run the project and capacity to repay the loan. Preference is to be given to candidates who have undergone higher or specialized training in the field for which the loan is being sought.
Final disbursement to the selected loanees will be made only after they have obtained the required license or permission for running the project. The amount shall be released on installment basis on satisfying progress in the implementation of project, the guidelines state.
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