Celebration of “Water Conservation Day” on 19th November 2012

National Integration Day is celebrated on 19th November to mark the birth anniversary of late Mrs Indira Gandhi, the 1st woman Prime Minister of India. On this occasion Union Ministry of Water Resources has decided to celebrate “Water Conservation Day" on 19th November 2012 to create awareness regarding concern about depleting water resources & its vision for the water underlining the Ministry’s commitment to be an active contributor to the sustainability of this very important natural resource. 

Field offices of various organizations under the administrative control of the Ministry have been advised to hold discussions, seminars related to water conservation to spread the message. Ministry of Water Resources as well as its organisations will organise a variety of mass awareness programmes for different stake holder. At national level, a function is being organized by Ministry of Water Resources at CSMRS auditorium, New Delhi at 1 P.M. on 19th November 2012. Union Minister of Water Resources Shri Harish Rawat would chair the inaugural function and Shri Rajendra Singh, the Raman Magasaysay Winner 2001 also known as the Waterman would be the guest of honour. Secretary (Water Resources), Chairman (CWC) and other dignitaries would address the gathering. In the function an event representing amalgamation & integration of the water of rivers across India would also be held. 

Inauguration function would be followed by technical presentations on Water Conservation by Central Water Commission, Central ground Water Board and Delhi Jal Board officers on water conservation. Also, there would be a play by children on Water Conservation and the representatives of various stake holders, NGOs, RWAs etc., would present their views on how they are or can contribute in water conservation. 

It is expected that various stakeholders in water sector, NGOs, VOs, students group’s, RWA and community leaders would participate in the function apart from various scientific and technical officers and staff of various organizations of MoWR. 

National Awards for Excellence in Journalism Given

Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Manish Tewari has said that the changing paradigm in the media space has taken place due to the technological innovations in the media domain. Both the regulatory framework and human ingenuity have not kept pace with the technological innovations. I the current scenario, self regulation was the best way forward with the participation and partnership of key stakeholders. The Minister stated this while delivering his address at the commemoration of the National Press Day organized by Press Council of India. 

Elaborating further, the Minister said, that in view of the challenges that had emerged, there was need for constant introspection so that the self regulation process could be taken forward. The Constitution of India under Article 19 provides for the freedom of speech and expression, from where the media drew its strength. 

The Press Council of India has instituted National Awards to honour journalists excelling in print journalism in various fields were given during the occasion. These awards were given today to encourage the media to pursue its duties following the dictum of ‘freedom with responsibility’. 

There is one main Award in honour of one of the greatest reformer journalists of the country, ‘Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award for Excellence in Journalism’ and carries a cash award of Rupees One Lakh, a plaque and a citation. Other awards are in the fields of Rural Journalism, Developmental Reporting, Women Empowerment, Indian Language Reporting, Photo-Journalism etc., carry Rupees fifty thousand each, a plaque and a citation. 

This year’s awardees include Damayanti Datta, Priyanka Dubey, R. Samban, Rajesh Parshuram Joshte, Razia Begum, Biplab Banerjee, Lattur Rathinam Shankar, Partha Paul, Kamal Kishore, Sanjoy Ghosh, Zishaan Akbar Latif and Hasan Kamaal. 

Shri Manish Tewari takes charge as Minister of Information & Broadcasting

Shri Manish Tewari took charge of his new assignment as Minister of Information & Broadcasting here today. Speaking to media persons, after assuming charge, Shri Tewari said that he would take forward the comprehensive policies of the UPA Government taken recently in the Films, Information and Broadcasting Sectors. The Minister reiterated that all efforts would be taken to highlight the policies and programmes of the Central Government. Regarding the key priority areas, the Minister said that he would like to express his views only after he had a comprehensive briefing. 

Regarding the Digitization process, the Minister said that the Ministry had put in place a roadmap for achieving the target of switching over from analogue to digital. The Ministry had taken painstaking efforts to involve the key stakeholders associated with the digitization initiative. The Minister further mentioned that he was confident that the targets would be met by the deadline stipulated. 

Later, the Minister was briefed on the key initiatives, mandate and policy framework of the Ministry by Secretary (I&B) and other Senior Officials. 

Election commission introduced new facilities for citizen

Election Commission of India in its constant endeavor to provide information and services to citizens in a hassle free manner has started a new service on the website of the Commission – www.eci.nic.in. Polling Station locations of National Capital Territory of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh have already been plotted on maps and can be seen by citizens when they visit the concerned page on the website of Election Commission of India. Polling Station locations of rest of the country are being plotted and will be available very soon on the website.
A tab named “Information Linked to Polling Station Maps” has been provided on the left hand side panel of the website of the Commission. Citizens can visit the Polling Stations Maps page by clicking on this tab. Once on the page, citizens will see the names of States for which maps of polling stations are available. On clicking on the name of the State, the map page will open up. Citizens can select District, Assembly Constituency and Polling Station names from drop down lists and click a button to see Polling Station Locations of the selected area on the map viewer on the page. It is possible to zoom into any point on the map to increase the magnification by either double clicking on the map or by increasing the magnification on the left side on the map viewer.
Users can activate the satellite image layer and even see the Polling Station buildings, and the roads leading to it. Polling Station Locations are seen as Pins dropped on the map for each Polling Station. On clicking on the Pin, a balloon opens up showing the names and cell phone numbers of the Chief Electoral Officer, District Election Officer, Electoral Registration Officer and Booth Level Officer.
There is also a link provided for Electoral Rolls. On clicking this link, Electoral Roll for that Polling Station opens up in PDF format and can be saved by the user on his local computer and also printed from the local computer. The Commission hopes that electors and political parties will find this facility useful for the smooth and active participation in the electoral process

Pawan Bansal condoles untimely demise of Jaspal Bhatti

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal has deeply condoled the passing away of Sardar Jaspal Singh Bhatti in a tragic road accident today.
Following is the text of his message:
“It was with utter disbelief and shock that I came to know about the tragic and untimely demise of Sardar Jaspal Singh Bhatti today. Destiny has suddenly snatched away from us a pious soul who brought a smile on every face. It is an irreparable loss, not only to the Bhatti family, but the entire nation. A deeply religious person, Bhatti sahib not only worked tirelessly to make the people aware of various evils that afflict our society, but also spearheaded a number of philanthropic initiatives. His hard-hitting yet light-hearted satire touched the public conscience and left a deep impact on everyone. The cartoonist, actor and filmmaker in him struck a chord with and won the hearts of millions of people. Jaspal Bhatti has earned a place in the league of artists who will ever rule the hearts of people, regardless of their physical absence.
I express my deep condolences to Smt. Savita Bhatti and all family members. May Almighty grant them strength and courage to bear the loss with fortitude. I also pray for speedy recovery of Jasraj Bhatti”.

President Approves New Protocol Practice

Following a review of current protocol practice, The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee has formally approved the following changes for implementation with immediate effect: 

1. Use of the words ‘His Excellency’ will be discontinued while organizing functions within the country and during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President. 

2. In Hindi, राष्ट्रपति‍ महोदय should be used in place of महामहि‍म during such occasions. 

3. The word “Hon’ble” will be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor’. The traditional Indian greeting of “Shri” or “Smt.” should precede the name. 

4. “Excellency” will be used only for interaction of leaders with foreign dignitaries and foreign dignitaries with our leaders as is customary international practice. 

5. It has also been decided that the word राष्ट्रपतिजी‍ will replace महामहि‍म in official notings in the President’s Secretariat. 

As per past practice, above decisions have been conveyed to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action. 

Taking into account inconvenience caused to public during his movement within the city and in order to reduce the burden on police and other agencies, The President has instructed that, to the best extent possible, all functions be organized within Rashtrapati Bhavan premises itself. 

DGCA Issues Show Cause Notice to Kingfisher

Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued a show cause notice to the Kingfisher Airlines (KFA),to be replied within fifteen days,that why its permit should not be cancelled or suspended under the provisions of Section 15(2)(b) of Schedule XI of the Aircraft Rules 1937 as the Airline has failed to establish a safe, efficient and reliable service. The operations of the KFA are under suspension since 30^th September 2012 due to strike by its employees. Union Minister of Civil Aviation ShriAjit Singh while taking a strong note of the situation has said that there will be no compromise on safety of aircraft operations.  The Government has also taken legal opinion in this regard. As per Section 15(2)(b) of Schedule XI of the Aircraft Rules 1937, DGCA may cancel or suspend permit of an Airline for such period as he thinks fit, if he is satisfied that the holder of the permit has failed to establish a safe, efficient and reliable service.

Earlier the Director General, Civil Aviation ShriArun Mishra had called the CEO of the KFA on 2^nd October and had asked him to submit an operational plan of the Airline. In the meeting the DGCA also asked the Airline to show their operational preparedness before DGCA could allow recommencement of its operations by fulfilling the following conditions:

The CEO of the Airline had assured to resume operations by the 4-5 October 2012 but the Airline has not been able to resolve its issues.  They have not approached DGCA with any operational plan. DGCA reviewed the current situation of the Airline today and decided to issue the show cause notice to the Airline under Section 15(3) of Schedule XI of the Aircraft Rules 1937.

click here to see notice

Expenses of UPA Chairperson's Overseas visits

Media reports quoting certain quarters about massive expenses from the Exchequer on UPA Chairperson's Overseas visits have been brought to the notice of the Prime Minister's Office. 

The reports quoting an expense of Rs. 1880 crore are untrue and misleading. 

The Central Information Commissioner has already denied these reports and made a statement. 

The Prime Minister's Office would like to put on record that the Government has incurred no expenses on UPA Chairperson's visits abroad. Expenses for her security contingent are borne by the Special Protection Group. 

During the last 8 years only one trip to Belgium undertaken at the invitation of the Belgian Government to receive a national honour was paid for by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The total cost was less than Rs. 3 lakhs. 

It is further clarified that the Government has not borne any expenses for UPA Chairperson's medical treatment abroad and in India. 

Amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1977

The Union Cabinet today approved the following amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: 
(i) Amendment to Section 2: 

Definitions of 'Gram Sabha', 'Panchayat', and 'Scheduled Areas' have been added to the Act. 

(ii) Amendment to Section 18: 

Provisions for having consultation with Gram Sabha in the event of the intention of the State Government for declaration of a Sanctuary has been included in the Act. 

(iii) Amendment to Section 22: 

Records of the Gram Sabha and the Panchayat during the inquiry by the Collector on the claims to be considered by him during the process of notification of the Sanctuary. 

(iv) Amendment to Section 33: 

Consultation with the Gram Sabha concerned for management and maintenance of a Sanctuary has been made mandatory. 

(v) Amendment to Section 35: 

Provisions for having consultation with Gram Sabha in the event of the intention of the State Government for declaration of a National Park has been included in the Act. 

(vi) Amendment to Section 36D: 

Representative of Panchayat or tribal community have been included in the Community Reserve Management Committee. 

(vii) Amendment to Section 38: 

Provision for having consultation with Gram Sabha in the event of declaration of a National Park by the State Government has been included in the Act. 

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj had advised additional amendments to these Sections. 

Background: 

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), provides the legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals, management of their habitat and also for the regulation and control of trade in the products derived from wild animals. The Act has been amended from time to time. Due to emerging needs, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has proposed to further amend the said Act. Amendments had separately been proposed for incorporation of provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), enhanced penalties for offences and other minor amendments. 

The Union Cabinet in its Meeting held on 19th May 2011 had considered the above amendment proposal of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and approved the same. 

Indian Air Force to induct first killer drones

The Indian Air Force is planning to induct its first self-destructing combat drones from Israel by next year for enhancing its firepower.

The Israeli-made Harop unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) will give IAF the capability of hitting high value targets such as enemy missile and radar sites without sending its manned fighter aircraft.

"The UCAV are expected to join us by next year enhancing our firepower in both conventional and low intensity conflict," a senior IAF official said.

Harop will be IAF's first combat UAV for offensive strikes, though it already possesses a fleet of Searcher and Heron UAVs to perform surveillance and reconnaissance roles.

Unlike the Predator drones being used by the US against the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan that can fire missiles and return after a mission, the Harop is self-destructing, making them a more expensive option.

Developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries, the Harop UCAVs were bought by India two years ago under a deal expected to be worth over Rs 500 crore.

The UCAV cannot only hit enemy radars by locking on to their radio emissions, but also has an electro-optical sensor that allows the remote operator to select static or moving targets in a battlefield.

Harop, with a 23-kg warhead, is 2.5 metre long with a 3-metre wingspan and has a six-hour endurance.

The DRDO is also working on some projects to develop indigenous combat UAVs but they are at an advanced stage.

Address of the President of India At 4th Convocation of Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga on October 3, 2012

“It is indeed my privilege to be here at the convocation of the Lalit Narayan Mithila University. You are fortunate and privileged to have been educated at this University – which is the brainchild and result of the collective efforts of the eminent academicians of the time, Dr. Amarnatha Jha, Dr. R.C. Mazumdar, Dr. A.S. Altekar, Dr. Sunit Kumar Chaterjee. 

Darbhanga is the heartland of Mithila and universally acknowledged as the centre of learning of ancient philosophy. It was from this region that saints and philosophers, men of art and craftsmen travelled out and inspired the world with their learning, wisdom and compassion. It is but natural that the Lalit Narayan Mithila University will imbibe and impart this legacy to its students. 

I am glad to note that since it was founded in 1972, the University has come a long way. It has developed 23 teaching departments, 43 Constituent Colleges and 36 affiliated colleges and even provides distance learning. I am told that the University has a collection of nearly one lakh rare books and manuscripts. 

As I glanced at the vision of the “Vision 2011” of the University , I was struck by its pragmatic choice of priorities: to establish a Women’s Institute of Technology imparting teaching in Bio-Technology and Information Technology, to promote export of Makhana, to promote the teaching of Mithila Art & Craft - especially Mithila painting, to establish an Institution of Disaster Management, to upgrade Distance Education, establish an Institute of Rural Technology and establish an Institute of Forensic Science. I was glad to note that the University plans to build on regional specializations, provide students with the kind of knowledge and learning that would provide them a variety of opportunities. 

Over 70 per cent of Indians will be of working age in 2025. Our young demography is an asset and we should prepare this population for their future role by giving them a solid foundation. For this, increasing the availability of accessible and affordable higher education and providing training in vocational skills is a key requirement. 

Government has been providing special grants to recognise excellence in universities and academic institutions. A National Skill Development Council has been established and given a mandate to create 15 crore skilled workers by 2022. A National Innovation Council has been set up to prepare a roadmap for innovations in India. The process of setting up State Innovation Councils in each State and Sectoral Innovation Councils aligned to Central Ministries is underway. A National Knowledge Network (NKN) will link 1500 Institutes of Higher Learning and Research through an optical fibre backbone. 

Government of India, in its Approach to the 12th Five Year Plan, will continue with a threefold strategy of expansion, equity and excellence for higher education. It has identified revitalisation of the State Universities and Colleges as a critical component of the Plan. 

Academic reforms will be prioritized and strengthening of research activity in Universities by establishing mutually-reinforcing linkages between teaching and research will be undertaken. Technology-enabled learning, and collaborative, information and communication technologies (ICT) will be an area of focus. To improve the quality of education and learning, Government is proposing pilot projects of Innovation Universities giving them considerable autonomy and freedom and supplementing these with the creation of Centres of Excellence in existing universities. Resource constraints will make it difficult to meet the need of expanding higher education entirely through the public sector. Private investments in higher education, including through PPP- models will be encouraged. 

Distinguished guests, while all these initiatives indicate that it is an opportune time for higher education in India, we have to be mindful that in the increasingly competitive international environment of today, it is necessary for our Universities to ensure that the curriculum is carefully crafted. They should ensure that the courses that they offer are relevant, modern and progressive. Government of India has prioritized the promotion of quality by focusing on performance, curricular reforms, better human resource management, promotion of quality research and the creation of conducive ambience in order to attract the best talent to its faculty. 

It is equally important for Universities to give importance to autonomous research. It is necessary for Universities to build linkages and collaborations with premier institutions in Indian and abroad. Their governance, too, should be guided by flexibility and dynamism. 

Finally, how does a University develop in our youth a well rounded intellect and a personality that is in harmony with society? An interdisciplinary approach will undoubtedly give a proper value orientation to our educational system. It is important to simultaneously develop moral values along with a scientific temper. 

I am inspired by the words of Dr Rajendra Prasad who while addressing the Patna University Convocation in 1953 said - and I quote, “education is in one sense a process of acquainting and enriching every new generation with the accumulated experiences and knowledge of a past generations and thereby enhancing the capacity and power of their reason”. 

I would only add that, there is, today, a real need for each and every student passing through the portals of this prestigious institution to remind himself, as he receives his degree, of the high expectations that society has of him and his generation. Each one of you should have a deep sense of purpose and commitment to make your individual contribution to the building of your State and our nation. Along with the accolades that you will enjoy should be a sobering thought - about what you will do to make a difference - and what will be your significant effort for the people around you. I call upon you all to individually and collectively think about this as a noble obligation. 

I once again congratulate the scholars and students who have been awarded medals, certificates of merit and distinction and I hope that your training and education from this esteemed institution shall help you face challenges of the competitive world , that you will contribute in your own way towards the progress and prosperity of the nation.” 

Ashutosh Rana enlightens engineering students at Bhopal

Report: Manish Chandra Mishra

This is for the very first time the Amulett Education Services Has invited talented and versatile actor Ashutosh Rana to Bhopal to give some tips for engineering aspirant on journey towards engineering excellence and importance of GATE/IES/PSU & GPAT Entrance exam at Gyan Vigyan Kendra, Barkatullah University here on Sunday. Amulett Education Services in association with Maxim Business school Organised a seminar in which more than 1500 engineers aspirant assembled to know the tips for cracking GATE/IES/PSU & GPAT and what all it takes to enter India's prominent engineering institutions.

Prof. Manish Sharma, Alimni,IIT powai taught some memory techniques.

D S Goyal, IES,Nagpur told the aspirants about the present trends in the field of PSUs. He said public sector units are very easy to crack. he provided students very easy tips which are very beneficial to crack these exams.

Addressing the students, film actor ashutosh Rana said,"there are many students who wish to be engineer. They said to students that dont take pressure and convert pressure in please then study.money is not the ultimate thing to get.Earn happiness and joy as well.

At last Shiv pratap Rawal Director Amulett Education Services Acknowledge the seminar and give thanks to Ashutosh Rana for his presence.