February
1) National Awards for E-Governance
To recognise and promote excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India, presents National Awards for e-Governance every year.
Category of Awards are:
A) Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering
B) Exemplary Horizontal Transfer of ICT-based Best Practice
C) Outstanding Performance in Citizen-Centric Service Delivery
D) Innovative Usage of Technology in e-Governance
E) Exemplary Usage of ICT by PSUs
F) Best Government Portal
G) Sectoral Award (Focus Sector Social Sector Programs)
Gold, Silver and Bronze icons will be awarded in each category.
State-wise award are as follows: Assam-01, Karnataka-01, Gujrat-04, Jharkhand-01, Andhra Pradesh -02, Odisha- 02, Rajasthan-01, Madhya Predesh-02., Jammu & Kashmir -01, Bihar-01, Govt. of India -01.
The list of initiatives being awarded this year in various categories is as follows:
Category 1 - Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering
GOLD" Computerisation of Registration (Panjeeyan) Project in Assam, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Assam
SILVERTransformation of Mineral and Administration through e-Governance (Geology and Mining), Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Karnataka
BRONZEOnline Voting System (OVS), State Election Commission, Gujarat
Category 2 - Exemplary Re-Use of ICT Based Solutions
GOLDXLNXtended Licensing & Laboratory Node of SALES, Food & Drugs Control Administration, Gujarat
SILVERElectronic Benefit Transfer through BC Model at Pragya Kendras, Jharkhand Agency for Promotion of IT, Department of IT, Government of Jharkhand
BRONZEIT enabled services in Gurukulam institutions, APTWREIS (Gurukulam), Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh
Category 3 - Outstanding performance in Citizen-Centric Service Delivery
GOLDStudents Academic Management System (SAMS), Department of Higher Education, Government of Odisha
SILVERMail Network Optimization Project, Department of Posts, Government of India
BRONZEUse of ICT for Delivering Mechanized Agricultural Implements & Effective Monitoring of Input Delivery System through ICT, Directorate of Agriculture & Food Production, Government of Odisha
Category 4 - Innovative use of Technology in e-Governance
GOLDiBHUGOAL, Information Technology Department, Government of Bihar and National Informatics Centre, Bihar
SILVERMeasuring Physical Accessibility to Healthcare Network and Population Coverage Modeling in J&K State using Geo-informatics, Directorate of Environment & Remote Sensing, Government of J&K
BRONZEMAGIC: Mineral Administration and Governance Using ICT, Commissionerate of Geology and Mining, Government of Gujarat
Category 5 - Innovative use of ICT by PSUs for Customers Benefits
GOLDIntegrated System for Online Generation of Electrical Specifications for Transformers, Informatics Center (IFX), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Bhopal
SILVEREPIMRS, IT Wing, Eastern Power Distribution Company of A.P. Limited.
BRONZEiMINE (IT Intervention for Managing Integrated Networked Enterprise), Information Technology Department, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC)
Category 6 - Best Government Portal
GOLDRPSC e-Governance, Rajasthan Public Service Commission, Ajmer
Category 7 - Specific Sectoral Award - Focus Sector Social Sector Programmes
GOLDSPARSH Special Project for Assistance, Rehabilitation & Strengthening of Handicapped A healing touch for disabled, old age and destitute, Directorate Social Justice, Government of Madhya Pradesh and National Informatics Center, Madhya Pradesh
2) Aero-India 2013
oAero India, the largest Air Show in Asia and one of the worlds most important military aviation exhibitions, took place at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru from the 06th February to 10th February 2013.
oThis biennial air show and aviation exhibition which is organised by the Defence Ministry of India along with the Indian Air Force, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Department of Space and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry aims at showcasing the range of products and services offered by the Indian Defence Industry in the international market.
oIt also provides an exposure to Indian Armed Forces, R & D personnel and young engineers, to the latest technologies and advancements in the Aviation and Aerospace Industries.
3) Amendments to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Act, 1981
The Union Cabinet approved the amendments to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Act 1981.
The following amendments to the NABARD Act 1981 are proposed:-
* Raising the authorized capital of NABARD to Rs. 20,000 crore from Rs. 5,000 crore.
* The meaning of cooperative society is proposed to be enlarged to include multistate cooperative societies registered under any Central law or any other Central or State law relating to cooperative societies.
* Change of ownership to facilitate the transfer of the remaining share capital of NABARD from the Reserve Bank to the Central Government.
* Increasing the scope of operations of NABARD under short term funding purposes and other changes.
The following benefits are projected by this amendment:-
* By increasing the authorized capital of NABARD to Rs 20,000 crore from Rs 5,000 crore, the ability of NABARD to mobilize resources from the market will be enhanced thereby new credit products, new credit linkages and new clients will be developed.
* The amendments allow NABARD to lend to new institutions, mainly Societies covered under multistate cooperative societies act and other central laws, producer organizations or such class of financial institutions which are approved by the Central Government. This is likely to benefit a larger segment of the financially excluded farmers in the country.
* The amendments allow combination of credit, creation of short term operations fund and swapping of debt of farmers.
* The decision of the Government to transfer the balance one percent shares to the Govt. of India from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in NABARD shall be carried out, which will provide for increased public accountability, as the Government will acquire the equity held by RBI.
* NABARD will combine the post of Chairman and the post of Managing Director, into one, therefore Chairman and Managing Director, under the provisions of the NABARD Act relating to these two posts. This shall ensure a distinct line of command.
Background
NABARD was established on 12 July 1982 to provide sharp focus to agriculture credit and rural development. NABARD adopted, as its mission, the promotion of sustainable and equitable development of agriculture and rural prosperity through effective credit support, related services, institution development and other innovative initiatives.
4) Commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajratan
Indian Coast Guard Ship `Rajratan, the fifth of a series of eight Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) was commissioned.
oTo deal upon the criticality of capacity building towards tackling emergent maritime challenges.
oFor continuous vigil along the nations maritime frontiers to preserve and protect maritime interests.
Indigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, the 50m long IPV displaces 300 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots, with an endurance of 1500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 16 knots.
oEquipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment, it makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast missions such as surveillance, interdiction, Search and Rescue, and medical evacuation.
oThe special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous Fire Control system (FCS).
5) Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2011 to Ms. Ela Ramesh Bhatt of Sewa
6) Integrated Pest Management Programme:
Activities being carried out under the Integrated Pest Management Programme:
--Popularization of IPM approach among farming community.
-- Conducting regular pest surveillance and monitoring to assess pest / disease situation.
-- Rearing biological control agents for their use and conservation of naturally occurring bio-agents.
--Promotion of Bio-pesticides and neem based pesticides as alternatives to chemical pesticides.
-- Play a catalytic role in spread of innovative IPM skills to extension workers, land farmers in various States / UTs.
-- Human Resource Development in IPM by imparting training to master trainers, extension workers and farmers through Farmers Field Schools (FFSs).
-- Organization of Farmers Field Schools (FFS) through KVKs/SAUs/ICAR institutes to develop the sufficient human resource.
-- Further, farmers are being educated through 2 days short duration programmes. Non formal education through participatory approach is also being adopted for educating the farmers.
7) Introduction of New Drug Policy
The salient features of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, 2012 (NPPP- 2012) are as under:
The regulation of prices of drugs is on the basis of essentiality of drugs as under National List of Essential Medicines 2011.
The regulation of prices of drugs is on the basis of regulating the prices of formulations only.
The regulation of prices of drugs is on the basis of fixing the ceiling price of formulations through Market Based Pricing (MBP).
8) Educational Tourist Train Azadi Express to be introduced
To enable youth of the country to travel to important places connected with the freedom movement
9) Free Medicines for Poor in Rural Areas
* Under the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), the drugs are provided free of costs to all TB patients.
* Under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) financial assistance up to Rs.1.00 lakh for chemotherapy drugs is provided to treat up to 100 patients in a district.
10) Countervailing Duty by US on Export of Shrimp
A legal petition to USA has been filed on 28.12.2012 by Coalition of Gulf Shrimp Industries, for imposition of countervailing duty (CVD) on import of shrimps to USA by seven countries viz. China, Thailand, Vietnam, Ecuador, Indonesia, Malaysia and India
Issue
Coalition of Gulf Shrimp Industries claims that subsidies provided by Government of India to the Indian Shrimp Industry provide unfair advantage for Indian shrimp exporters to export shrimps to USA at lower prices.
11) Nirbhaya Fund of Rs. 1,000 Crores Announced
* To ensure the dignity and safety of women.
* To empower women and to keep them safe and secure.
12) Official Amendments to Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011
Salient features of amendments to lokpal and lokayuktas bill 2011 approved by the cabinet on January 31, 2013 are as below:-
* Collegium for Selection of Lokpal: The Bill provides for selection of Members of Lokpal by a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, Speaker (Lok Sabha), Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha), Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by CJI and an eminent jurist nominated by the President. The Select Committee has recommended that the fifth member of the Selection Committee (i.e., eminent jurist) may be nominated by the President on the basis of recommendation of the first four members of the Selection Committee. Government has accepted this recommendation.
* Jurisdiction over bodies receiving donations from public: The Select Committee has recommended exclusion of bodies and institutions receiving donations from the public from the purview of Lokpal. Government has decided to exempt only such bodies or authorities established, constituted or appointed by or under any Central or State or Provincial Act providing for administration of public religious or charitable trusts or endowments or societies for religious or charitable purposes registered under the societies Registration Act. Other non governmental bodies receiving donation from the public would thus remain within the purview of Lokpal.
* Power to order investigation straight away: Select Committee has recommended that the Lokpal should be given power to order an investigation straightaway (without first ordering a preliminary inquiry) in case Lokpal finds that a prima facie case exists. Government has accepted this recommendation subject to the modification that the Lokpal should, before coming to a conclusion that there exists a prima facie case for entrusting the matter for investigation, call for the explanation of the public servant and then decide whether there exists a prima facie case for ordering investigation.
* Opportunity of Hearing to public servant: The Select Committee has recommended that the seeking of comments from the public servant during the preliminary inquiry by the investigating agency should not be mandatory [clause 20 (2)]. Committee has also recommended that the opportunity of hearing by Lokpal before ordering investigation may be dispensed with [clause 20 (3)]. The affording of an opportunity to the public servant and to the government/competent authority at the preliminary inquiry stage and before ordering formal investigation would help clear doubts in several cases and would substantially reduce the number of cases going for regular investigation. Therefore, Government has decided not to accept this recommendation of the Select Committee and move an official amendement for the purpose.
* Power to order prosecution of public servants: The Select Committee has recommended that the power to grant sanction for prosecution of public servants could be shifted to the Lokpal in place of the Government. The Select Committee has also recommended that Lokpal may be required to seek comments of the competent authority and the public servant before taking such decision. Government has decided to accept this recommendation of the Select Committee.
* Strengthening of CBI: The Select Committee has recommended a number of amendments in the Bill for strengthening the CBI. These include-
* The setting up of a Directorate of prosecution headed by a Director of Prosecution under the overall control of Director, CBI;
* The appointment of the Director of Prosecution on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission;
* Maintenance of a panel of advocates by CBI, other than the Government Advocates, with the consent of the Lokpal for handling Lokpal referred cases;
* Provision of adequate funds to CBI for investigating cases referred by Lokpal;
* Transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by Lokpal with the approval of Lokpal.
Government has decided to accept all these recommendations except the last one, i.e., seeking approval of Lokpal for transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by the Lokpal , which is proposed not to be accepted as it would affect the smooth functioning of the CBI.
Other salient features of the Bill
* Powers of supervision over CBI : The Bill confers powers of superintendence on the Lokpal over the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) in respect of matters referred by the Lokpal for inquiry/investigation.
* Appointment of Director, CBI: A high powered Committee chaired by the Prime Minister will recommend selection of the Director, CBI.
* Attachment/confiscation of ill-gotten property: The Bill contains provisions for attachment/confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending.
* Enhancement of punishments under Prevention of Corruption Act: The Bill proposes to enhance punishments under Prevention of Corruption Act:
* Maximum punishment from 7 years to 10 years
* Minimum punishment from 6 months to 2 years.
March
1) Indian Community Welfare Fund
The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) meets contingent expenditure for Overseas Indian Citizens who are in distress.
The ICWF is used for providing relief such as:
* boarding and lodging for distressed Overseas Indian workers;
* emergency medical care; providing initial legal assistance in deserving cases;
* airlifting the mortal remains to India, or meeting expenses of local cremation/burial of deceased Overseas Indians, in cases where the sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so as per the contract and the family is unable to meet the cost;
* payment of small fines/ penalties for the release of Indian nationals in jail/ detention centre;
* providing support to local Overseas Indian associations to establish Overseas Indian Community Centres in countries that have population of Overseas Indians exceeding 1,00,000, etc.
* Besides, legal assistance is provided to needy Indian women in distress, who have been deserted by their overseas Indian/foreigner husbands.
2) Schemes for Destitute Children
Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)
* The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the comprehensive Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) for the welfare and rehabilitation of children in difficult circumstances.
* One of the objectives of ICPS is to map the needs and services for children and families at risk.
Financial assistance is provided to the State Governments/UT Administrations under the Scheme for, inter-alia, undertaking such exercise at district level and assessing the number of children in difficult circumstances.
Scheme for Welfare of Working Children in Need of Care and Protection
* Another Scheme being implemented since 2004-05 in urban areas by the Ministry is the Scheme for Welfare of Working Children in Need of Care and Protection for providing support for the wholesome development of child workers and potential child workers, especially those with none or ineffective family support.
* The Scheme for Welfare of Working Children in Need of Care and Protection was evaluated by National Institute for Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) during the year 2009-10.
* Thereafter, a Committee was set up in the Ministry for examining the evaluation report and recommending changes to the Scheme.
* The Committee has recommended that, to avoid duplication of efforts and provide more comprehensive services to vulnerable children including working children, it would be advisable to discontinue the Scheme for Welfare of Working Children and cover the targeted children under the Open Shelter Component of the ICPS.
3) One Stop Crisis Centre for Women
* Ministry of Women and Child Development has formulated a scheme for operationalization of minimum 100 pilot projects of One Stop Crisis Centres (OSCCs), a specialized facility for providing all necessary services for women victims/ survivors of violence, in urban areas having population of more than 5 lakh, identified by the States for implementation during the remaining years of the 12th Plan.
* These Centres will be attached to the District Hospitals of the State Governments.
An outlay of Rs. 10.00 crores has been kept for the year 2013-14 for implementation of the scheme
4) Global Hunger Index, 2012
* The report Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2012 by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is based on three equally weighted indicators, namely undernourishment (proportion of undernourished people as percentage of population), child underweight and child mortality.
* This report mentions that India has lagged behind in improving its GHI score despite strong economic growth along with the statement that GHI data is based partly on outdated data.
The approach in dealing with the nutrition challenges has been two pronged:
* First is the Multi-sectoral approach for accelerated action on the determinants of malnutrition in targeting nutrition in schemes/ programmes of all the sectors.
* The second approach is the direct and specific interventions targeted towards the vulnerable groups such as children below 6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers.
The Government has accorded implementing several schemes/programmes through State Governments/UT Administrations.
The schemes/programmes include :
* the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS),
* National Rural Health Mission (NRHM),
* Mid-Day Meal Scheme,
* Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) namely SABLA,
* Indira Gandhi Matritva SahyogYojna (IGMSY) as direct targeted interventions.
Besides, indirect multi-sectoral interventions include Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS),
* National Horticulture Mission, National Food Security Mission,
* Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS),
* Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan,
* National Rural Drinking Water Programme etc.
All these schemes have potential to address one or other aspect of Nutrition.
5) Extinction of Trees and Species
Out of 19,156 species of vascular plants (Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, Pteridophytes) so far recorded from the country, 1236 species belong to different threatened categories like Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, etc. Out of these, 17 species of plants are considered as possibly extinct as they have not been collected from wild for more than last fifty years :
1. Isoetes dixitii Shende,
2. Isoetes sampthkumarnii L.N. Rao,
3. Selaginella cataractarum Alston,
4. Lastreopsis wattii (Bedd.) C. Chr.,
5. Ophiorrhiza brunonis Wight & Arn.,
6. Ophiorhiza caudata C. Fischer,
7. Ophiorrhiza radicans Gardn.,
8. Wenlandia angustifolia Wight,
9. Sterculia khasiana Deb,
10. Carex repanda C.B. Clarke,
11. Eragrostis rottleri Stapf ,
12. Eriochrysis rangacharii C.B. Clarke,
13. Dipcadi concanense (Dalz.) Baker,
14. Dipcadi reidii Deb & Dasgupta,
15. Urginea polyphylla Hook. f.,
16. Corypha taliera Roxb.,
17. Hedychium marginatum C.B. Clarke
6) Outcome of Doha Climate Change Conference 2012
The key outcomes of the eighteenth Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Doha, Qatar from November 26 to December 8, 2012 include
* amendment of the Kyoto Protocol to implement the second commitment period for emissions reductions by developed country parties under the Protocol;
* successful conclusion of the work under the Bali Action Plan (BAP);
* and planning further work under the Durban Platform (DP) for Enhanced Action for post-2020 arrangements agreed to at Durban last year.
Indias role
* India pursued the strategy of working together with the Group of77 & China in order to protect the overall interests of developing countries.
* During the Conference, India raised the issues of equity in climate change related actions and commitments, technology-related Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and unilateral measures taken by some countries in the name of climate change and succeeded in having these issues included in the ongoing work of various bodies of the Convention.
* India successfully defended the nature of its voluntary domestic goal of reducing emissions intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 20-25% by 2020 in comparison with 2005 level and ensured that agriculture, a sensitive sector of Indian economy, was not included in the mitigation work programme proposed to be launched at the global level.
7) Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony on Sitar Maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar
* The Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony has been instituted as a part of the commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and an announcement to this effect was made by the then Finance Minister in his Budget Speech on 28th February, 2011.
* It is an International Award with prize money of Rs. 1 Crore for promoting values of Cultural Harmony.
* The Jury constituted for the selection of Tagore Award for the year 2012 under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of India selected Pandit Ravi Shankar, the Indian Sitar Maestro, became the first recipient of the Tagore Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Cultural Harmony and Universal Values.
The Award to Pandit Ravi Shankar was announced on 7th May 2012 during the closing ceremony of the commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.
* Since Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away on 11th December, 2012, the Award is being presented to his wife, Smt. Sukanya Shankar
8) Objectives of e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project
* e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) aims at enabling the PRIs to effectively use Information Technology (IT) in automating their internal workflow processes for better functioning and delivery of citizen services leading to increased transparency and accountability.
* Under e-Panchayat MMP, 11 Core Common applications are envisaged that address all aspects of Panchayats functioning viz. from internal core functions such as Planning, Monitoring, Implementation, Budgeting, Accounting, Social Audit, etc to citizen service delivery like issue of certificates, licenses etc.
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9) Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sahir Ludhianvi
Shri Sahir Ludhianvi was widely acclaimed as a peoples poet who wrote on the trials and tribulations of the everyday life of the common man with great intensity and deep empathy.
He was recognised as the poet of the young because of his writings on love and beauty.
He wrote with great sensitivity on the values and social concerns of the contemporary period.
Sahirs greatest contributions was to converge Urdu poetry into film songs. He also fought for recognition for lyric writers through the Film Writers Association. The fact that his birth day is being commemorated 33 years after his death with the release of the stamp is proof that he lives - through his poetry and his songs in peoples hearts.
10) Salient Features of National Telecom Policy-2012
Licensing, Convergence and Value Added Services
* Strive to create One Nation - One License across services and service areas.
* Achieve One Nation - Full Mobile Number Portability and work towards One Nation - Free Roaming.
* To orient, review and harmonise the legal, regulatory and licensing framework in a time bound manner to enable seamless delivery of converged services in technology and service neutral environment. Convergence would cover:
* Convergence of services i.e. convergence of voice, data, video, Internet telephony (VoIP), value added services and broadcasting services
* Convergence of networks i.e. convergence of access network, carriage network (NLD/ ILD) and broadcast network
* Convergence of devices i.e. telephone, Personal Computer, Television, Radio, set top boxes and other connected devices.
* To move towards Unified Licence regime to exploit the attendant benefits of convergence, spectrum liberalisation and facilitate delinking of the licensing of Networks from the delivery of Services to the end users to enable operators to optimally and efficiently utilise their networks and spectrum by sharing active and passive infrastructure.
* Put in place a simplified Merger & Acquisition regime in telecom service sector while ensuring adequate competition.
* To facilitate resale at the service level under the proposed licensing regime both wholesale and retail.
* To delink spectrum in respect of all future licences. Spectrum shall be made available at a price determined through market related processes.
* To frame appropriate Policies for new licensing framework, migration of existing licensees to new framework, exit policy, measures for ensuring adequate competition etc. in consultation with TRAI.
* To facilitate convergence of local cable TV networks post digitalisation.
* To put in place an appropriate regulatory framework for delivery of VAS at affordable price to fuel growth in entrepreneurship, innovation and provision of region specific content in regional languages.
* To put in place a framework to regulate the carriage charges, which are content neutral and based on the bandwidth utilisation.
* Reposition the mobile phone from a mere communication device to an instrument of empowerment that combines communication with proof of identity, fully secure financial and other transaction capability, multi-lingual services and a whole range of other capabilities that ride on them and transcend the literacy barrier.
Spectrum Management
* Ensure adequate availability of spectrum and its allocation in a transparent manner through market related processes. Make available additional 300 MHz spectrum for IMT services by the year 2017 and another 200 MHz by 2020.
* To move at the earliest towards liberalisation of spectrum to enable use of spectrum in any band to provide any service in any technology as well as to permit spectrum pooling, sharing and later, trading to enable optimal utilisation of spectrum through appropriate regulatory framework..
* To undertake periodic audit of spectrum utilisation to ensure its efficient use.
* To refarm spectrum and allot alternative frequency bands or media to service providers from time to time to make spectrum available for introduction of new technologies for telecom applications.
* To prepare a roadmap for availability of additional spectrum every 5 years.
Broadband and Rural Telephony
* Increase rural teledensity from the current level of around 39 to 70 by the year 2017 and 100 by the year 2020. .
* To recognise telecom, including broadband connectivity as a basic necessity like education and health and work towards Right to Broadband.
* Provide affordable and reliable broadband-on-demand by the year 2015 and to achieve 175 million broadband connections by the year 2017 and 600 million by the year 2020 at minimum 2 Mbps download speed and making available higher speeds of at least 100 Mbps on demand.
* Provide high speed and high quality broadband access to all village panchayats through a combination of technologies by the year 2014 and progressively to all villages and habitations by 2020.
R&D, Manufacturing and Standardization of Telecommunication Equipment
* Promote the ecosystem for design, Research and Development, IPR creation, testing, standardization and manufacturing i.e. complete value chain for domestic production of telecommunication equipment to meet Indian telecom sector demand to the extent of 60% and 80% with a minimum value addition of 45% and 65% by the year 2017 and 2020 respectively
* Create a corpus to promote indigenous R&D, IPR creation, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, commercialisation and deployment of state-of-the-art telecom products and services during the 12th five year plan period.
* To promote setting up of Telecommunications Standard Development Organisation (TSDO) as an autonomous body with effective participation of the government, industry, R&D centres, service providers, and academia to drive consensus regarding standards to meet national requirements including security needs.
* Provide preference to domestically manufactured telecommunication products, in procurement of those telecommunication products which have security implications for the country and in Government procurement for its own use, consistent with our World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments.
Telecom Infrastructure/ RoW issues, Green Telecom, Clear Skyline, Mitigation efforts during disasters and emergencies
* To work towards recognition of telecom as Infrastructure Sector for both wireline and wireless and extension of the benefits available to infrastructure sectors to telecom sector also, to realize true potential of ICT for development.
* To facilitate increased use of alternative sources (Renewable Energy Technologies) of energy for powering telecom networks through active participation of all the stakeholders the government, the telecom industry and the consumer for green telecommunications. Sector specific schemes and targets for promotion of green technologies will be finalised in consultation with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and other stakeholders.
quality of Service and protection of Consumer Interest
* To strengthen the regulator for ensuring compliance of the prescribed performance standards and Quality of Service (QoS) parameters by the Telecom Service Providers
* To formulate a Code of Practice for Sales and Marketing Communications to improve transparency as well as address security issues relating to Customer Acquisition
* To undertake legislative measures to bring disputes between telecom consumers and service providers within the jurisdiction of Consumer Forums established under Consumer Protection Act.
Security
* To create an institutional framework through regulatory measures to ensure that safe-to-connect devices are inducted into the Telecom Network and service providers take measures for ensuring the security of the network..
* To ensure security in an increasingly insecure cyber space, indigenously manufactured multi-functional SIM cards with indigenously designed chips incorporating specific laid down standards are considered critical.
Skill Development and Public Sector
* To assess the manpower requirement at different skill and expertise levels by partnering with National Skill Development Council and industry to identify the relevant needs of the sector and prepare a roadmap.
Cloud Services
* To recognise that cloud computing will significantly speed up design and roll out of services, enable social networking and participative governance and e-Commerce on a scale which was not possible with traditional technology solutions.
* To take new policy initiatives to ensure rapid expansion of new services and technologies at globally competitive prices by addressing the concerns of cloud users and other stakeholders including specific steps that need to be taken for lowering the cost of service delivery.
Telecom Enterprise Services, Data Use New technologies and IPV 6 compliant Networks
* To facilitate the role of new technologies in furthering public welfare and enhanced customer choices through affordable access and efficient service delivery. The emergence of new service formats such as Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications (e.g. remotely operated irrigation pumps, smart grid etc.) represent tremendous opportunities, especially as their roll-out becomes more widespread.
* To recognize the importance of the new Internet Protocol IPv6 to start offering new IP based services on the new protocol and to encourage new and innovative IPv6 based applications in different sectors of the economy by enabling participatory approach of all stake holders.
Financing of Telecom Sector
* To create a Telecom Finance Corporation as a vehicle to mobilize and channelize financing for telecom projects in order to facilitate investment in the telecom sector.
* To rationalize taxes, duties and levies affecting the sector and work towards providing a stable fiscal regime to stimulate investments and making services more affordable.
Role of Regulator, Changes in legislation
* To review the TRAI Act with a view to addressing regulatory inadequacies/ impediments in effective discharge of its functions.
* To undertake a comprehensive review of Indian Telegraph Act and its rules and other allied legislations with a view to making them consistent with and in furtherance of the above policy objectives.
OPERATIONALISATION OF THE POLICY
* To take suitable facilitatory measures to encourage existing service providers to rapidly migrate to the new regime in a uniformly liberalised environment with a level playing field.
* Policy will be operationalized by bringing out detailed guidelines, as may be considered appropriate, from time to time.
The NTP-12, inter-alia, has following Objectives on promoting R & D, Telecom Equipment Manufacturing and standardization of Telecommunication Equipment:-
* Promote innovation, indigenous R&D and manufacturing to serve domestic and global markets, by increasing skills and competencies.
* Create a corpus to promote indigenous R&D, IPR creation, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, commercialisation and deployment of state-of-the-art telecom products and services during the 12th five year plan period.
* Promote the ecosystem for design, Research and Development, IPR creation, testing, standardization and manufacturing i.e. complete value chain for domestic production of telecommunication equipment to meet Indian telecom sector demand to the extent of 60% and 80% with a minimum value addition of 45% and 65% by the year 2017 and 2020 respectively.
* Provide preference to domestically manufactured telecommunication products, in procurement of those telecommunication products which have security implications for the country and in Government procurement for its own use, consistent with our World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments.
* Develop and establish standards to meet national requirements, generate IPRs, and participate in international standardization bodies to contribute in formulation of global standards, thereby making India a leading nation in the area of international telecom standardization.
* Put in place appropriate fiscal and financial incentives required for indigenous manufacturers of telecom products and R&D institutions.
This information was given by Shri Milind Deora, Minister of State for C&IT in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
11) Human Development Index
* The latest Human Development Index (HDI) 2011 prepared by the UNDP ranks India at 134 out of 187 countries and its HDI is shown as 0.547 which is an improvement of 5.39% (HDI was 0.519 in 2010 HDI part).
* The health aspects are reflected in life expectancy at birth which is shown as 65.4 year in HDI 2011 against 64.4 year in HDI 2010.
* High IMR and Under 5 MR are the major factors in lowering Life Expectancy at Birth. MMR also needs improvement. A target of 25/1000 for IMR and 1000/100,000 live births for MMR has been prescribed by the 12 Five Year plan document for the end of 2017.
Some of the steps taken under NRHM for improving the situation are:
* Regular ANC care at health facilities and home visits by ASHA
* Personalized monitoring of pregnant women, the new born and the post partum woman through MCTS
* Promotion of institutional delivery through JSY, increase in delivery points and improvement in referral transport.
* JSSK
* Increase in number of SNCU for managing preterm and sick neonates
* Promotion of exclusive breast feeding
* Reduction in incidence of diarrhoea through improvement in hygiene by measures such as hand washing and management of diarrhoea through Zinc and ORS supplementation.
* Extension of immunization coverage
* The various disease control programs against Malaria, Kala Azar, filaria, TB (RNTCP) etc have improved the burden of disease and mortality due to major infectious diseases in all stages of life.
* In order to tackle the impact of Non-communicable diseases, Government of India has launched the National Programme for prevention and control of cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010 in 100 districts of 21 States with a focus on an awareness generation for behaviour and life style changes, early diagnosis and referral to higher facilities for appropriate management. It has also been envisaged to build capacity at various levels of health care systems for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of NCDs.
12) National Mission for Empowerment of Women
* National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) is an initiative of the Government of India (GOI) for empowering women holistically.
* It is conceived as an umbrella mission with a mandate to strengthen inter-sectoral convergence and facilitate the process of coordinating all the womens welfare and socio economic development programmes across ministries and departments.
The salient features of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) are:
2. To ensure economic empowerment of women.
2. To ensure that violence against women is eliminated progressively.
3. To ensure social empowerment of women with emphasis on health and education.
4. To oversee gender mainstreaming of programmes, policies, institutional arrangements and processes of participating Ministries, Institutions and Organizations.
5. To undertake awareness generation as well as advocacy activities to fuel demand for benefits under various schemes and programmes and create, if required, structures at district, tehsil and village level with the involvement of Panchayats for their fulfillment.
13) Objectives of PYKKA
(i) To create a network of basic sports infrastructure throughout the country;
(ii) To provide universal access to sports in rural areas and promote a sports culture;
(iii) To harness available and potential sporting talent among rural youth, through a well designed competition structure starting from the block level.
14) Why the need for a common authority on agricultural biosecurity?
* The liberalisation of global trade in agriculture has opened new avenues for growth and diversification of agriculture, but it has also brought in many challenges.
* There is an increased risk of introduction of exotic pests and weeds in the country with the potential to cause serious economic losses.
* Advances in genetic engineering leading to the introduction and release of living modified organisms or their products (e.g. genetically modified organisms) require proper risk assessment and management.
* Climate change has the potential to alter the habitat of known pests and even cause introduction of new pests.
We have to contend with the ever increasing threat of bio-terrorism. The emergence and spread of transboundary diseases such as the avian influenza and the Ug-99 wheat stem rust fungus pose new threats to human, animal and plant safety.
* A number of plant diseases, animal diseases, marine diseases and pests have been introduced into India through import of seeds, planting material, livestock and livestock products previously.
* Many of them, including weeds such as Parthenium, Phalaris minor and Lanatana camara, have got established in the country and continue to cause enormous economic losses every year.
Over the years, systems have been developed and put in place separately for protection of plant, animal and marine health.
* The existing systems including infrastructure for agricultural biosecurity of the country need major changes to meet the emerging challenges which have highlighted agricultural biosecurity as an urgent issue requiring policies and technological capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to such threats.
* An integrated approach towards agricultural biosecurity would not only increase the national capacity to protect human health, agricultural production and livelihood, safeguard the environment, and protect against uncertain technologies and products, but also equip the country to meet obligations under international trade and sanitary and phytosanitary agreements in food and agricultural products.
15) Plastic Currency Notes
* It has been decided by the Government of India and the RBI to introduce one billion pieces of Rs. 10 notes in polymer/plastic on a field trial basis.
* The field trial will be conducted in five cities viz. Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar and Shimla with varied geographical locations and climatic conditions.
Reserve Bank of India has informed that while the primary objective of introduction of polymer notes is to increase its life, it could also help in combating counterfeiting.
16) Government Launches Major Programme for Pashmina Developers in Ladakh Region
components of the scheme are:
* Assistance for foundation stock in new areas for Pashmina rearing activities
* Health Coverage and Feed Supplement
* Strengthening of existing Fodder Bank/Farms of LAHDC and Pashmina Goat Breeding Farm
* Establishment of Multipurpose Extension Centre and Pasture Farm on migratory routes
* Training programme/Breeder Orientation Training Camp
* Research and Development
Pashmina, internationally known as Cashmere a fine luxury fibre is being produced from Changthang goats bred in the Ladakh region of India. Pashmina producing goats are of great importance for revitalizing the economy of the poverty stricken region of Changthang and the Leh district of Ladakh. Ladakh produces more than 80% of the total Pashmina yield of the country.
17) Long Range Cruise Missile Nirbhay Launched
Long range cruise missile Nirbhay was successfully launched today at 1150 hrs from launch complex, Chandipur inOdisha, meeting the basic mission objectives successfully. After travelling approximately mid-way, deviations were observed from its intended course. Further, flight was terminated to ensure coastal safety.
18) Saral to Study Oceans
* The Satellite with Argos and Altika (SARAL) has been successfully launched on 25th February, 2013 at 18:01 hrs, onboard Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-20 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
SARAL is an oceanographic satellite jointly developed by Indian Space Research organization (ISRO) and the French Space Agency CNES.
* The satellite, weighing 407 kg, carries three payloads, namely ALTIKA (a Ka band altimeter) for studying the sea surface topography, ARGOS a data collection platform and a Solid State C-Band Transponder (SCBT) used for calibration of Ground Radars at SDSC, SHAR. The satellite is built by ISRO, whereas CNES contributed the ARGOS and ALTIKA payloads.
The main objective of SARAL satellite is to develop and launch a joint Indo-French oceanographic satellite for applications like marine meteorology and sea state forecasting, climate monitoring, continental ice studies, environmental monitoring, protection of biodiversity and improvement in maritime security.
19) My Stamp Scheme
My Stamp was introduced in the country during the World Philatelic Exhibition in 2011 in Delhi. My Stamp has two parts - the value part having a regular postage stamp and the personalized part which could be a thumbnail photograph of the customer, logos of institutions, images of artwork, heritage buildings, famous tourist places, historical cities, wildlife, animals and birds etc. The personalized part only is not a legally valid stamp.
So far 12,17,496 My Stamps have been prepared/issued.
The facility is offered in selected post offices, generally for a limited period during special events, at the discretion of the Heads of Postal Circles.
20) Thorium as a Safe and Clear Energy Source
* Thorium plays a pivotal role in Indian Nuclear power programme.
* In fact, right at the beginning, a 3-stage Indian nuclear power programme has been chalked out and use of Thorium as an energy source has been contemplated during the third stage.
* Right from the inception of Indian nuclear power programme, work has been carried out on various aspects of thorium utilisation- including mining and extraction of thorium, fuel fabrication, irradiation in reactors, reprocessing and refabrication. Internationally too, certain new designs have been proposed to use Thorium.
The third stage of Indian nuclear power programme contemplates making use of Uranium-233 (obtained from irradiated thorium) to fuel Uranium-233 Thorium based reactors, which can provide energy independence to the country for several centuries. This will avoid the dependency on coal and natural gas.
Thorium will be introduced on a large scale at an optimal point during operation of Fast Breeder Reactors in the second stage of Indian Nuclear Programme and it will become the mainstay for nuclear power generation in the third stage. The time of large scale thorium deployment is expected to be 3 - 4 decades after the commercial operation of Fast Breeder Reactors with short doubling time.
21) Objectives of Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana
The objectives of Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) is to encourage and enable overseas Indian workers having Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports going to ECR countries, to
(a) save for their return and resettlement,
(b) save for their old age and
(c) obtain a Life Insurance cover against natural death during the period of coverage.
The scheme envisages a co-contribution of Rs.1000/- by Government to overseas Indian workers who save Rs.4000/- per annum so that on return to India, a MGPSY subscriber can utilise these savings for return and resettlement purposes, and also get benefits on the lines of Swavalamban pension Scheme, for which also Government contributes Rs.1000/- (Rs.2000/- in case of females) for a pension contribution of between Rs.1000/- and Rs.12, 000/- by the subscriber.
22) Carbon Disclosure Project
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a voluntary, international, and not-for-profit organization having membership of about six thousand large companies in the world that have agreed, on a voluntary basis, to measure, disclose, manage and share their environmental data and information including climate related strategies, greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in a format developed by the CDP..
The activities of CDP in India are operated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). In 2012, out of 200 companies in India which were approached by the CII for the information, 53 companies responded.
23) Protection of Sea Cows
* Government of India has initiated the assessment of dugongs distribution, habitat and risks due to fisheries and other anthropogenic related activities in India following the standardized Dugong catch/incidental catch survey developed by UNEP/CMS Dugong MoU Secretariat with the help of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.
* The Government of India has supported the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Gujarat to assess the populations of dugong using interview based survey in 2009 and found that the populations of dugong were declined in its all ranges.
* Primary analysis of the survey carried out by WII in 2012-13 has also confirmed that the dugong populations in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu is declining due to fisheries related activities, pollution and habitat degradation. However, the dugong population in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is found to be stable.
steps taken by the Government to protect the habitats of wild animals including marine animals in the country are as follows:-
* Dugong has been identified as one of the 16 selected species for initiating recovery programmes in their respective habitats under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats'. Financial and technical assistance is provided to the Union Territory Government of Andaman & Nicobar Islands under the component Recovery of Critically Endangered Species.
* Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. According to the conservation and threat status, wild animals are placed in different schedules of the Act. Dugongs are included in Schedule I of the Act, which affords it the highest degree of protection under the Act.
* The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, provides for punishment of offences for violation of its provisions. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).
* Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats.
* The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to strengthen the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.
* The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.
* The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around the Protected Areas.
* Strict vigil is maintained by the officials of State Departments of Forests and Wildlife.
24) GISAT
* Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is designing a GEO Imaging Satellite (GISAT).
GISAT will carry a GEO Imager with multi-spectral (visible, near infra-red and thermal), multi-resolution (50m to 1.5 km) imaging instruments.
* GISAT will be placed in geostationary orbit of 36,000 km.
The remote sensing satellites launched by ISRO revisit the same area once in every 2 to 24 days and acquire images of a geographical strip (swath) at different spatial resolution (360 meter to better than 1 meter).
* GISAT will provide near real time pictures of large areas of the country, under cloud free conditions, at frequent intervals. That is, selected Sector-wise image every 5 minutes and entire Indian landmass image every 30 minutes at 50m spatial resolution.
GISAT is planned to be launched during 2016-17
25) Mythical Saraswati River
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has studied the palaeochannels in North West India and related them to the channels of River Saraswati. ISRO has not constituted any committee for this purpose.
An integrated palaeochannel map of River Saraswati has been prepared from the origin in Himalayas to Rann of Kutchch. The origin of the mapped course of the River Saraswati palaeochannel in North West India was linked to Himalayan perennial source through Sutlej and Yamuna Rivers.
The Government has made efforts to trace the origin of Saraswati river and has also constituted a committee for this purpose.
The work on delineation of entire course of river Saraswati in North West India was carried out using Indian Remote Sensing Satellite data along with digital elevation model. Satellite images are multi-spectral, multi-temporal and have advantages of synoptic view, which are useful to detect palaeochannels. The palaeochannels are validated using historical maps, archaeological sites, hydro-geological and drilling data. It was observed that major Harappan sites of Kalibangan (Rajasthan), Banawali and Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Dholavira and Lothal (Gujarat) lie along the River Saraswati.
26) International Telecom Regulations
* The global review of International Telecom Regulations (ITRs) was held in the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12) at Dubai during 3-14 December, 2012.
The ITRs will come into force on 1st January, 2015 and India has not signed the ITRs.
* Further the ITRs only deal with international telecommunication and they dont deal with internet.
* With regard to mobile users, there are provisions in ITRs that operating agencies provide free of charge, transparent information to end users on international telecommunication services including international roaming prices and the associated relevant conditions in a timely manner.
* There are also provisions to promote competition in international roaming services and prices with satisfactory quality.
The review of ITRs was completed on 14.12.2012 during WCIT-12 at Dubai.
India did not sign the ITRs, however made the following statement.
India supports the proposed ITRs and the Resolutions 1,2,4 and 5. We support the broad thrust of Resolution plenary 3 regarding an enabling environment for the greater growth of the Internet, particularly its recognition of the multi-stakeholder nature of the Internet and its wider social and economic impact within and across countries around the world. India considers that this resolution should reflect the current and emerging global realities and the dynamics of the Internet.
We need to consider the wider ramifications of this Resolution before taking a decision on signing of the ITRs. We would therefore like to undertake necessary consultations at home before announcing our final decision."
Post WCIT-12, no new consultations have taken place, and hence there is no change in the governments stand so far on ITRs.
27) RTI: Department of Posts Launches e-IPO for Indian Citizens Abroad
Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications & IT, in association with Department of Personnel and Training launched Electronic Indian Postal Order (eIPO) to enable Indian citizens abroad to pay RTI fee online.
This is a facility to purchase an Indian Postal Order electronically by paying a fee on-line through e-Post Office Portal i.e. https://www.epostoffice.gov.in. It can also be accessed through India Post website www.indiapost.gov.in.
At present, this facility is available only for Indian Citizens abroad across the globe to facilitate them to seek information under the RTI Act, 2005. Both Debit and Credit Cards of any Bank powered by Visa/Master can be used for this purpose. All the requirements for filling an RTI application as well as other provisions regarding eligibility, time limit, exemptions etc; as provided in the RTI Act, 2005 will continue to apply.
28) New Strategy for Farm Mechanization in 12th Plan
A new strategy is being formulated for farm mechanization during the Twelfth Five Year Plan. The aims & objectives of the proposed Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) under National Mission on agricultural Extension & Technology are as under:
Increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers;
Establishment of Custom Hiring Centre to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small landholding and high cost of individual ownership.
Passing on the benefit of hi-tech, high value and hi-productive agricultural machinery to farmers through creating hubs for such farm equipment;
Promotion farm mechanization through demonstration and capacity building activities ; and
Ensuring quality control of newly developed agricultural machinery.
29) Rice Husk Based Electricity
* The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is promoting rice husk based distributed / off grid electricity generation through biomass gasifier system for meeting unmet demand of electricity in rural areas.
* MNRE provides Central Finance Assistance (CFA) @ Rs.15000 per kW besides providing financial support up of Rs.1.0 lakh per km for a maximum of 3 km, for laying distribution network in association with state governments, NGOs, village level organizations, institutions, private entrepreneurs etc.
So far about 70 rice husk based gasifiser systems of 32 kW each have been installed in rural areas of the country, mainly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, providing electricity needs of about 200 villages / hamlets so far. Each system is capable of providing electricity to more than 200-250 households and other establishments for 5-6 hours daily in the evening with an average load of 25-30 kW.
30) Soil Borne Infections
Soil Transmitted Helminthiases (STH) are the most important infections among the school going children in the country. There is no regular surveillance of such infections. Thus State/UTs wise status is not available. However as per WHO progress report on Soil Transmitted Helminthiases, 42 % of the children in South East Asia region are in need of deworming treatment and out of this 64% of children are from India.
Under the school health programme, deworming tablets are provided to all the children bi annually. Beside this, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has also launched National Iron plus strategy for control of iron deficiency anaemia where all the children from 6 months to 18 years of age are provided weekly supplementation of iron and folic acid. Teacher and Anganwadi workers are also trained to supervise administration of the medicines and refer sick children.
31) Organ Donation
Government of India has enacted the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011 which has made following provisions for simplifying the procedure for human organ donation:
i.Retrieval Centres and their registration for retrieval of organs from deceased donors.
ii.Swap Donation included.
iii.Mandatory inquiry by the Registered Medical Practitioner of a hospital in consultation with transplant coordinator (if available) from the near relative(s) of potential donor admitted in Intensive Care Unit and informing them about the option to donate and if they consent to donate, inform the retrieval centre for retrieval of organs.
iv.Mandatory Transplant Coordinator in all registered hospitals under the Act for coordinating all matters relating to removal or transplantation of human organs or tissues or both and for assisting the authority for removal of human organs.
v.Constitution of Brain death certification committee has been simplified.
vi.National Human Organs and Tissues Removal and Storage Network and National Registry of Donors and recipients of Human Organs.
vii.Enucleation of corneas has been permitted by a trained technician.
32. 2013-14 Declared the Year for Skill Development of the Youth
April
1) Protection of Elephants
Efforts are made to protect and increase the elephant population in the country. The Central Government is releasing funds for protection and conservation of elephants in the country under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant.
The Elephant range states have taken various activities to mitigate Man-Elephant conflict, improvement of Elephant Habitat, restoration of Elephant Corridors and various awareness programmes under the scheme. Some of the activities are as follows:
* Habitat improvements and restoration of Elephant Corridors in PE Range states under PE Scheme (CSS)
* Infrastructure improvement in Elephant Reserves for effective management of elephant population.
* Anti depredation squads, anti poaching squads and trekkers are engaged for protection of elephants.
* To restrict menace of elephants to human habitations, solar fencing, trenches and stone waling are being provided in the depredation prone localities.
* Studies on various issues such as man animal conflict, carrying capacity of elephant habitat are encouraged.
* Awareness programme among the local villagers are taken to minimize the loss of life of the wild elephants.
* For better management of Wild Elephants, 28 Elephant Reserves have been established by the states.
* To secure the future of the elephants in India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has constituted an Elephant Task Force which has submitted its report Gajah to the Ministry in 2010.
* To monitor and review the CSS scheme of PE, a steering committee has been constituted by the Ministry.
* As per one of the decisions in the 6th meeting of NBWL, a committee for strengthening of Elephant Reserves and elephant corridors has been constituted in January, 2013.
* As per one of the Elephant Task Force recommendations, creation of National Elephant Conservation Authority (NECA) is under process.
* Joint advisories have been issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Ministry of Railways (MoRs) to all the concerned states to avoid deaths of elephants by speeding trains.
2) Agni-2 Launched
* By the Strategic Forces Command (SFC),
* fired the medium range Agni-2 missile propelled by solid rocket propellant system, with a range capability of over 1700 kms utilizing the range facility at Wheelers Island, off the Odisha coast today.
* The entire trajectory of the missile was tracked by a battery of sophisticated radars, telemetry observation stations, electro-optic instruments and naval ships.
* Agni-2 missile is equipped with state of the art avionics, advanced high accuracy navigation system and guided by an innovative guidance scheme.
* An SFC spokesman said, the flight most importantly, conveys our preparedness to meet any eventuality. The mission fully validated our operational readiness as also the reliability of the systems and the missile.
3) Flag off of Science Express- Biodiversity Special Train
* To create awareness amongst masses in general and youth in particular about the exceptional biodiversity of India
* Initiative by the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) in collaboration with Department of Science & Technology ( DST) and Indian Railway launched on 5th June, 2012on World Environment Day
* To showcasing the myriad biodiversity spread across all the bio-geographical zones of India through a variety of interactive exhibits, short films & videos that are shown on Plasma & LED TV screens, large format displays, kiosks, backlit panels, and so on.
4) Steps to Reduce Air Pollution in the Country
The Government has taken steps to reduce air pollution in the country particularly in NCR and other metro-politan cities. These include :-
Bharat stage-IV emission norms have been implemented in 13 mega cities including NCR for new 4-wheelers from 2010.
Mass emission standards (Bharat Stage III) have been notified for two, three wheelers and diesel driven agricultural tractors from April 1, 2010 throughout the country.
Stringent Emission Standards have been implemented to regulate emissions from in-use vehicles from October 2004.
Supply of improved diesel and gasoline.
Operating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mode public transport in Delhi.
Introduction of metro in Delhi to promote use of mass public transport system.
Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards are implementing the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 to restore air quality.
A mutually time targeted programme is implemented under Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection (CREP).
Special drives for prevention and control of pollution in 17 categories of highly polluted industries.
5) Protection of Endangered Species
Several steps taken by the Government.
* Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
* The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended and made more stringent. The punishment for offences under the Act have been enhanced. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).
* Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats.
* Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State/ Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats`, Project Tiger and Project Elephant for providing better protection to wildlife, and improvement of its habitat.
* The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.
* The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around the Protected Areas.
* The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to strengthen the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.
* Strict vigil is maintained by the officials of State Departments of Forests and Wildlife.
6) Veteran Film Actor Pran conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2012
* Shri Pran Krishan Sikand, popularly known as Pran, the veteran film actor, has been conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2012.
* He is the 44th Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner.
* The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.
* The award consists of a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of Rs.10 lakhs and a shawl. The award is given on the basis of recommendations of a Committee of eminent persons.
* Shri Pran is a recipient of a number of film awards including the Filmfare Award. He was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
7) Steps Taken for Protection of Birds in Bharatpur Sanctuary of Rajasthan
The Ministry of Enviroment & Forests has taken several steps for augmentation of water supply for protection of birds in the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
* A project costing Rs.65.00 crore has been undertaken for supply of water to Keoladeo National Park from Goverdhan drain by laying of pipelines from Santruk village to Keoladeo National Park for a distance of about 17.1 km and water resource augmentation within the National Park area.
The work of laying of pipeline has been completed and test of water flowing into the Park has been done during September 2012.
* About 216 million cubic feet (mcft) and 234 mcft of water was made available from the traditional source, i.e., Panchana Dam during the year 2010-11 and 2012-13 respectively.
The State Board for Wildlife has recommended that the water supply from the Panchana dam be made available every year on sustained basis.
In pursuance to the conditions stipulated by the Central Empowered Committee in the approval of Chambal- Dholpur drinking water project, a quantity of 310 mcft water has been received in the Keoladeo National Park in the year 2012-13 upto February 2013.
8) Honours to Olympic Medal Winner Sita Sahu.
* The winner of two medals at Special Olympics World Summer Games at Athens, Greece held in 2011
* She won Bronze Medals in 200 M and 1600 M relay race and secured 4th place in 100 M (female) race.
* Sita Sahu, a 15 year old young Olympian and coming from an extremely poor family of the Rewa district in Madhya Pradesh,
* Sita Sahu was found selling gol gappe ( Pani Puri) along with her parents to support herself and her family. This news was not only shocking to the people of Madhya Pradesh, but to the people of the whole nation.
9)
The National Policy for Children, 2012
* The Policy reaffirms the government`s commitment to the realisation of the rights of all children in the country.
* It recognizes every person below the age of eighteen years as a child and that childhood is an integral part of life with a value of its own, and a long term, sustainable, multi-sectoral, integrated and inclusive approach is necessary for the harmonious development and protection of children.
* The policy lays down the guiding principles that must be respected by national, state and local governments in their actions and initiatives affecting children.
* Some of the key guiding principles are: the right of every child to life, survival, development, education, protection and participation; equal rights for all children without discrimination; the best interest of the child as a primary concern in all actions and decisions affecting children; and family environment as the most conducive for all-round development of children.
* The policy has identified survival, health, nutrition, education, development, protection and participation as the undeniable rights of every child, and has also declared these as key priority areas. Dipankar Sharma
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