Friday, December 30, 2011

AMC on modernization spree Rs 8100 Cr


Friday, December 30, 2011


AMC on modernization spree at Estimated Cost Rs 8100 Cr

Nksagar-Sagar Media Inc: New Delhi;
Army Medical Corps, today said that modernization of 42 Army Hospitals are on the agenda to cater to meet the demands of the armed forces. Holding briefing reporters on the occasion of its 248th Anniversary, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services Lt. General H. L Kakria explained Corps professionalism at its best added the work of modernization will be undertaken at an estimated cost of 8100 crore rupees. He said that government has approved induction of over 10000 doctors to enhance the strength of hospitals so that more patients can be treated. He said that at present the strength of Doctors in Army Corps is about 6000 out of which 900 are women Doctors and there is no shortage of Doctors.

Lt. General Kakria said that the Army Hospital are equipped with latest  and modern,with innovative technologies and providing vital facilities including diagnosis of diseases and organ transplantation. Further said   307 medical personnel including nursing staffs have been deployed in different United Nation Missions in Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon and Israel.Indian Medical Mission in Afghanistan is being conducted for common people.

Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for the year 2011

Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for the year 2011
Several Social Security and Labour Agreements signed for Welfare of Overseas Indians
2011 was an eventful year for Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with several Labour and Social Security agreements signed with foreign countries for protection and betterment of Indian workers and professionals. An equally large number of initiatives were taken for constructive and mutually beneficial engagement with the Indian Diaspora. Some highlights are given below.

Bilateral Labour Agreements for Migrant Workers

Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has entered into Bilateral Labour Agreements with UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Malaysia. Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has taken several initiatives for safeguarding the welfare and protection of Indian workers going abroad. The Bilateral Labour Agreements include (i) Establishment of Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in the Indian Missions to provide immediate relief to the Indian workers in need and distress, (ii) Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) at New Delhi. This centre has 24x7 helpline and walk-in counseling centre to provide information and to handle workers problems. This centre uses 8 Indian languages and has a toll free number. (iii) Bilateral Social Security Agreements (SSA) for protection of the interests of Indian professionals going abroad and (iv) Indian Workers Resource Centre (IWRC) at Dubai for providing information to the Indian workers and to handle their problems.

Revised MoU on Manpower with UAE

A revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on manpower was signed in September 2011. The MoU will strengthen the symbiotic relationship and mutual cooperation between the two countries. The revised MoU will boost the initiative of the Ministry in implementing Web Based Attestation Procedure for employment contracts for emigrant workers in UAE by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi. A need has been felt over the years to revise the MoU, which was signed between India and the UAE in December, 2006 to address various problems faced by the Indian emigrant workers in the UAE. The MoU in the field of manpower between India and the UAE provides (i) Facilitation of the recruitment of Indian manpower for working in the UAE (ii) Broad procedure for employment of workers; Responsibilities of the employers and workers (iii) Exchange of knowledge and experience in job-creation and generation of employment opportunity iv) Protection and welfare of workers under the labour laws and regulations of the host country (v) Authentication of the work contract between the Employer and the employee by the Ministry of Labour, Government of UAE (Vi) and (vii) Constitution of a Joint Committee comprising of at least three Members each from both the Governments to implement the provisions of the MoU.

Social Security Agreements

The Ministry has concluded the Social Security Agreements (SSA) with Belgium, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Denmark. A comprehensive SSA was signed with Germany at Berlin in October, 2011. The SSA between India and France came into force with effect from 01.07.2011 and the SSA between India and Luxembourg came into force with effect from 1st June, 2011. The administrative Arrangement of the SSA between India and the Republic of Korea was signed at Seoul in July this year. A Norwegian Delegation and a Japanese delegation visited New Delhi this year for finalization of forms of the SSA. Countries with which India has already signed SSA but the agreements have not come into force due to finalization of forms being under process are; Netherlands, Hungary, Czech Republic, Norway. The Government is in negotiations on Social Security Agreements with Portugal, Canada, Finland, Austria, Sweden, Australia and Japan. The bilateral Social Security Agreements protect the interests of Indian professionals by providing following benefits:

Exemption from social security contribution for the posted (detached) workers (provided the worker is covered under the Indian social security system and continues to pay his contribution to the Indian system during the period of contract).

Exportability of benefits in case of relocation to India or any other country after having made social security contribution.

Totalization of the periods of contribution pertaining to both countries for the purpose of assessing eligibility for benefit/pension under the legislation of each country.

Social Security Agreements provides for pension and insurance benefits to Indian workers working abroad in the countries with whom India has entered into an SSA.

9th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention is the flagship event of the Ministry organized every year in January since 2003, with a view to connect India to its vast Indian diaspora and bringing their knowledge, expertise and skills on a common platform. The 9th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention was held in New Delhi from 7th to 9th January, 2011. The Convention was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and the valedictory address was delivered by the President. The President also conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to the eminent Overseas Indians. The theme of the event was “Engaging the Global Indian”. Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor General of New Zealand was the Chief Guest for 9th PBD.

Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, Canada

The fifth Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) was held in Toronto from 9th and 10th June 2011 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The theme of the Conference was “Building bridges: Positioning strategies for the Indian diaspora”.

Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra

The Ground-breaking ceremony of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) was held in April 2011 and the construction work of building has been commenced. The PBK will be the prominent centre for Overseas Indians. It will serve as the focal point of the institutional framework to benefit from networks with and among overseas Indians. The Kendra will develop into the hub of activities for sustainable, symbiotic and mutually rewarding economic, social and cultural engagement between India and its Diaspora. The Kendra would have the facilities such as library/research centre, flexible capacity meeting rooms, Indian Cultural Centre, art auditorium and fully fledged business centres etc. The PBK will be established on three plots of lands, measuring about 9800 sq. mts. at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

Unveiling of Memorial plaque at Kolkata

A Memorial plaque in honour of Indian Indentured Labourers was unveiled at Kidderpore Dock, Kolkata Port to commemorate the thousands of indentured Indian workers who sailed from Kolkata Port between 1834 and 1920, to lands far away, seeking better livelihoods for themselves and their families. This memorial symbolizes the deep emotional connect the descendants of those Indians, who are now living in different countries of the world. During the indenture system, which lasted from 1833 to 1920, more than 1,190,000 Indians were sent to work to different parts of the world. About 453,000 went to Mauritius, 239,000 to British Guiana, 144,000 to Trinidad and 152,000 to Natal, South Africa. This is the first ever Memorial established in India in honour of Indian Indentured Labourers that travelled from India in the 19th & 20th centuries. The Kolkata Memorial recognizes and honours the indomitable spirit and heroism of all Indians who left the shores of their motherland from 1833 to 1920 to embark a long and hazardous journeys to far away

Web-Based Attestation Procedure for Overseas Indian Workers

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs announced to implement a web-based attestation procedure for the benefit of Indian workers going to the UAE for employment. The Web Based Attestation Procedure will include registration of employers, online filing of the demand, online receipt of documents from Indian Missions, filing of details of employees selected and finally the Emigration Clearance of the Protector of Emigrants (POE). This system will provide access to all data/information related to the recruitment of Indian Emigrant Workers in the country of destination to the Indian Mission, the employer, the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE) and the Protector of Emigrants (POE). Thus, the system will provide a data bank of the employer, the Indian worker, contract validation, control on recruitment and grievance redressal and the resolution of labour disputes.

6th Head of Missions Conference

The 6th Annual Conference of the Head of Missions was held in New Delhi. Heads of Indian Missions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as well as Jordan, Yemen, Malaysia, Maldives, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa and Iraq attended the conference. The Agenda of the Conference was, the new initiatives in the Emigration Policy being framed by the Ministry, review of various welfare measures at the Mission level, strengthening Grievance Redressal Mechanism at the Mission level, follow up on the Joint Working Group meetings’ decisions, pursuant to labour MoUs with five GCC countries etc. The two day Conference was an important institutional initiative to discuss various issues and problems relating to the Overseas Indian Community, especially the expatriate workers and to further develop an institutional framework and operational mechanism to effectively address the concerns of Overseas Indians.

4th Consultation meeting with State Governments

The 4th Consultation Meeting with State Governments on Emigration Management held in New Delhi. The two-day consultation meeting is being organized to discuss various emigration and Diaspora related matters and how best the Ministry can partner with the State Governments to provide required support and guidance in effectively addressing the concerns of Overseas Indians. The aim of this consultation meeting was to take this engagement of the States to the next level in Emigration Management. This meeting is an important initiative of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) for providing a platform for the State Governments to make suggestions and recommendations to the Government of India in the matter of emigration and overseas Indians.

Know India Programme 35 participants from 12 countries (Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, New Zealand, Peru, Suriname, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, UK and Zimbabwe) participated in the 16th Know India Programme from 5th- 26th January 2011. A group of 24 diaspora youth from seven countries attended 17th Know India Programme (KIP) from 28th April to 18th May, 2011. The Programme was conducted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The 18th Know India Programme (KIP) of this Ministry held from 21st September, 2011 to 11th October, 2011 with partner State of Rajasthan. 28 Diaspora Youth in the age group of 18-26 years (12 girls and 16 boys) from six countries (Australia, Fiji, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Malaysia) took part in the progrmme. The Know India Programme, by the Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs is organized for diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-26 years is conducted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The programme is held in partnership with one or two State Governments with a view to promoting awareness on the different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, science & technology, communication and information technology and culture.

Midnight Chaos Lokpal bill in Limbo in RS _Sagar31news

Midnight Chaos Lokpal bill in Limbo in RS



30.12.2011 05:58:45 - Nksagar-Sagar Media Inc:Poorly Managed Lokpal bill from the day one ends midnight exposure of Politicians.Congress failed to take its UPA allies on board their failed effort to convince its allies ultimately finding themselves in quandary allowed the house to slip in chaos thus ruckus was the hour of midnight in front of people of this great nation India.

(live-PR.com) - Chair Ansai said unprecedented situation arise on the floor of the house.
Chair has no option reluctantly ask to go home.There appears to be a desire to outshout each other.House adjourned Sine Die at Midnight.

PK Bansal said the amendments came upto 6 PM and we will come with all amendments.Rajiv Ask Arun to pass the bill in two minutes.Arun
adds that minority government has choreographed the debated in such a way that it avoid vote.Last appeal to Chair that it is You who decided the term of the house. Sitaram said government did not bring the bill yesterday and if you have no plan then don't bring Lokpal bill,government is bend on not to pass the bill.

Treasury bench ask BJP to get the bill passed.
PK Bansal insists that there are 187 amendments and after next day new year the bill needs to be reconsidered.

When Union Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanswamy sums up the government's response to the preceding daylong debate, Rashtriya Janata Dal member Rajniti Prasad walks up to his table to tear copies of the Lokpal Bill and throw it in the well of the house, there are members shouting slogans 'waapas karo, waapas karo'.

As per the rules, the session can go on only till midnight.a vote has to take place, it must occur before mid night a vote has to take place.Parties coming out in open either to support or reject the bill. Sitaram Yechuri stood up to ask if the session will go past midnight, or it will take a break and resume tomorrow. To which the chairman says 12 O clock is a long way off. But, Yechuri interjected, the honourable minister has the capacity to go on. At which the chairman laughed, and said no no, he doesn't.
The chairman has adjourned the House for 15 minutes following the ruckus.


Another stigma attached to the entire midnight drama. RJD-MP Rajniti Prasad on midnight tore the lokpal bill after snatching it from MoS for parliamentary affairs V Narayanasamy.

V Narayanasamy:said to NDTV Lokpal Bill to be brought again in Budget session
BJP: Government has no moral authority to continue.PM must quit.Government is in hopeless minority and Choreographed the entire chaos.

Lokpal bill deferred ,Rajya Sabha adjourned sine-die amid chaos.An abrupt end to RS session at midnight and the scripted chaos after congress finds their coalition parties unable to fall in line.

Venkat Naidu said coming out of parliament that government must go.
Congress General Secretary, Janardan Diwedi said we asked the BJP to pass the Bill
within minutes as idone in Lower house.

Arun Jaitley addressing the media said the government tried to create trouble in parl and has no majority.Government which run away from the vote or avoid to vote must go and has no locus standi to rule the country.Government did not want the strong Lokpal bill.People of India will be resurgent to bring strong Lokpal bill.

Salman Khurshid said we did not ran away it is the opposition which passed the bill in Lokh Sabha.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Midnight Debate on Lokpal bill in RS

Midnight Debae on Lokpal bill in RS  

The secretary General has announced the upper house that Lokpal bill and whistle blower bill placed in Upper House.This has been reported on Rajya Sabha TV.Debate to begin today and UPA  government is keen to get the bill passed to gain mileage for ensuing election in five states and if the opposition oppose the bill and delays its clear path the government is still  a winner to go to the polls with an issue.
BJP still says it will push for an amended bill and will oppose the government's attempt to avoid a vote on the bill. The party says it is confident of a majority.  TMC says it stands firm on amendments.
Promises to be a cliffhanger.
BSP leader Satish C Mishra told Mukherjee that BSP was opposed to Lokayukta provision as it goes against the sprit of federalism.The government told him that it would get back, the sources said.
Jethamalani said, "Swiss paper had named an Indian PM in a corruption charge.
Chair agrees with Narayanaswamy, says nothing should go on record.Further added,I am not prepared to support this bill until two conditions are satisfied: Repeal section 4 of the Delhi Police Act. Power of superintendents must be divested from central govts and be transferred and vested in the Lokpal. And the power of the CBI must be transferred to the Lokpal, make the CBI independent. Biggest fraud you have perpetuated making the states fall under the Lokpal. CBI today is not free because of the constant misuse by the govt"
PK Bansal raises a point of order, reads rule 232 which says a member while speaking shall not refer to any mater on which a judicial decision is pending.
Chandan Mitra said,So I can't speak on 2G, I can't speak on CWG!! WHAT IS THIS?
Chandan Mitra Corruption runs in the genes of the Congress party. Apart from Lal Bahadur Shastri every single PM has had corruption charges against them.
Obviously, uproar from the Congress.
Chair asks Mitra to confine himself to the Lokpal debate.
Rajiv Shukla and Ravi Shankar Prasad,The brothers-in-law avoid each other on television, but had a heated exchange in the Rajya Sabha today!Rajiv Shukla said it is the responsibility of everyone present in the house to pass a strong Lokpal bill, not the responsibility of the government or of a single party alone.

Arun Jaitley: Leader of Opposition RS-Explain Lokpal_Sagar31news

Lokpal bill placed in Upper House

Lokpal bill placed in Upper House

 Dec29 2011:Nksagar-Sagar Media Inc:Lokpal bill placed in Upper House The Secretary General has announced the upper house that Lokpal bill and whistle blower bill placed in Upper House.This has been reported on Rajya Sabha TV.Debate to begin today and UPA government is keen to get the bill passed to gain mileage for ensuing election in five states and if the opposition oppose the bill and delays its clear path the government is still a winner to go to the polls with an issue. Indian anti-corruption activist ends his fast to take on head collision with political outfit which are weakening the proposed Lokpal ombudsman for anti graft bill to be enacted keping in view of rampant corruption in India. Tweeter:Anna to end fast today in Mumbai as he is indisposed,plus lukewarm response from the metropolitan.Anna will protest in Ramlila ground New Delhi from 30 December 2011. Anna Hazare: There are two years left for union elections will campaign for these two years against those traitors. Anna: No 'jail bharo' campaign for now. Anna said in Mumbai Jail bharo agitation is not now and will tour five states where assembly polls are due.Further adds, Anna Hazare, Cast out fear, like Gandhiji wanted us to. Our fight is a long one and it has just started, there is need to be fearless in struggle for democracy. Congress stuck in process, Mamata as her party TMC to move amendment to Lokpal.Thus if this or any other amendment accepted bill goes back to LS. Is the Anna currency is being diluted day by day shot media person. Anna left the press conference halfway, saying health does not permit. janlokpal Janlokpal The anshan will end today and I will tour the five states where elections are coming up to spread awareness - Ann Hazare

Is the Anna currency is being diluted ay by day shot media person.
Anna left the press conference halfway, saying health does not permit.
Janlokpal

The anshan will end today and I will tour the five states where elections are coming up to spread awareness - Ann Hazare

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Gita Row End

Just in: A Russian court has rejected the application
seeking a ban on a translated version of the Bhagvad Gita, claims ISKCON.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has conveyed to Russian Ambassador Alexander Kadakin the country's concern over the sensitive issue of a Siberain court hearing a petition seeking a ban on Bhagavad Gita.

Ahead of the court hearing on Wednesday, Krishna called Kadakin and told him that the Russian Government should provide all possible help to resolve the issue.
Taking up the issue, which has created a uproar in India, strongly with the Russian Ambassador, Krishna conveyed the sensitivities involved in the issue of seeking a ban on the religious scripture, sources said.
During the meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday, Kadakin assured Krishna that the Russian Government will do all it can within its powers.
"The External Affairs Minister conveyed the concerns of the Parliament of India and the people of India on the issue. The Russian side has been saying that it is a judicial process and that it will take all steps it can within its power (to resolve the issue)," a source said.
The Siberian court in Tomsk city will hear on Wednesday petition from a group connected to the Christian Orthodox Church, seeking to declare the Gita an extremist text.
This is the second time in four days that the Russian envoy has been called by the Ministry of External Affairs to convey the country's concerns on the issue.
Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai had met Kadakin last week in this regard. After the meeting, the Russian envoy told reporters that the Russian Government will do everything it can within in the realm of its powers.
"You understand that it is a court case but the Russian Government can do one thing. It can ask the people to express our love and admiration for the Gita. That (assurance) you can get from anyone in Russia," he said.Kadakin said that he had himself read Gita and that any human being can have only one opinion on the scripture -- Gita is a great scripture and it is a scripture of the world.
The Russian Ambassador said his attitude on the issue remains the same that "no holy scripture, whether it is Bible, Quran or Gita cannot be brought to a court."
"I am of the opinion that no religious scripture can be judged in a court," the envoy said.
During the meeting, Krishna and Kadakan also discussed the recent visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Russia and other issues. On the delivery of Nerpa nuclear submarine to India, Kadakin said it is on its way.Media agencies

Lokpal bill passed tonight by Lok Sabha

Historical for Indian democracy to have now a magic wand for better governance and ease out corruption at high places and in the functioning of the system for the welfare of the common man.
A landmark bill for the creation of the Lokpal is passed by the Lok Sabha tonight with the government making it clear that setting up of Lokayuktas by the states would not be mandatory, amending a contentious provision in view of opposition from allies and others.

Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 2011 was approved after the government moved a few other key amendments, including keeping the defence forces and Coast Guard personnel out of the purview of the anti-graft ombudsman and increasing the exemption time of former MPs from five to seven years.
A number of amendments moved by the Opposition, to include corporates, media and NGOs receiving donations, were defeated. Lokpal Bill the Lok Sabha cleared today with a voice vote: A declaration that this is the ninth Lokpal Bill introduced in government in a series that started as early as 1968 and ended in 2001. Seven of the previous bills lapsed with the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, while one was withdrawn. Lokpal Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday even as the Left Front, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party MP's staged a walk out.

Anna Hazar sat on a fast at the MMRDA grounds, is likely to be hospitalised. Sources say the cops are waiting for the results of Anna's blood tests conducted by JJ hospital doctors. If Anna resists, he will be forcefully taken to the hospital, most likely JJ hospital.Team Anna is trying to convince him to call off his fast which could affect the Jail Bharo andolan too. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has also made a personal appeal to Anna to call off the fast. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has said there will be no forceful action to get Anna Hazare admitted to hospital, this assurance, the IAC volunteers can breathe a sigh of relief. Kiran Bedi has flown to New Delhi and team to holds that as of now Anna is not going to any hospital. The security personnel have been briefed to be on standby. Ambulances and other ammenities needed are all ready to take Anna to the hospital.
Export-Import Bank of India Amendment Bill, 2011, passed

Parliament gave its seal of approval to the Export-Import Bank of India Amendment Bill, 2011, as the Rajya Sabha adopted it today. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha earlier.
It aims at promoting international trade by raising the capital funds of overseas trading from two thousand crore rupees to ten thousand crore rupees.Replying to the debate on the Bill, Minister of state for Finance, Namo Narain Meena said the EXIM Bank has been consistently making profit. It has achieved a strong business growth.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Indian anti-corruption activist begins fast

vhp protest on proceedings in court ban on Geeta in Russia

Vhp protest against muslim reservation and ban on Geeta
New Delhi. Dec 27, 2011. Vishwa Hindu Parishad(VHP) Bajarang Dal and some other hindu organisations today staged protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protest lead by prominent saints & other Hindu leaders burn effigies of Reservation & Russian President to put pressure on the UPA Govt at centre. Terming the reservations to Muslim & Christians as unconstitutional they demanding to roll it back and asks Govt of Bharat to advise Russia strongly to stop banning Geeta in their country or any part of the world. Addressing the protesters VHP central advisory board member BL Sharma “prem” said that when constituent assembly rejected any reservation based on religion unanimously and various high courts + the supreme court of Bharat had also criticized it heavily then why the UPA Govt is time and again trying to impose it on the country. The country has already lossed a lot by dividing it on religious lines, now UPA govt is creating the same situation in greediness of votes, Mr Prem added. Mr Prem warned the Russian President against any type of ban on Geeta, which is not only a holy book but a god in itself.

We have also submitted a memorandum to the president of Bharat today demanding immediate recall of any reservations based on religion and advise her Russian counterpart to stop any move to ban Geeta, said Vinod Bansal, Media chief-VHP Delhi. The protestors carrying saffron flags, banners, posters and play cards were souting slogans like “Aarakshan Abhishap hai-desh ka stya naas hai”, “Gaata mata kaa apamaan nahin sahega hindusthan” “Russian Govt Hos men ao” etc.

The gathering was also addressed by swami Pragyanand, Mahant Naval Kishore das, Mahant Surendra Nath Avadhut, VHP state gen. secretary Satyendra Mohan, VP Amrit Lal Sharma, secretary Gurdeen Prasad Rustagi, Roshan lal Gorakhpuria, Tara chand Gupta, Durga vahini convenor Anjali Tripathi, Matri Shakti Coconvenor Ms Simmi Ahuja etc.

Sale and Distribution of Imported Pulses: CAG Report 26


NEW DELHI-December 27, 2011The Audit Report on the Performance Audit of Sale and Distribution of Imported Pulses has been tabled in both the Houses of the Parliament today.

1. Pulses are important food crops and have a very significant impact on the health of the average Indian because of their protein content. The gap between demand and production of pulses in the country has been in the range of 10 to 50 lakh MT during 2002-03 to 2010-11. To bridge this gap, the Government of India introduced two schemes, one in 2006 and the other in 2008, for import and distribution of pulses through four agencies (NAFED, MMTC, PEC and STC ) in order to facilitate the availability of pulses and accordingly, to stabilise prices.
2. In the first scheme introduced in May 2006, the agencies were to import pulses on Government account, subject to reimbursement of losses, if any, up to 15 per cent of the landed cost by the Government. The other scheme introduced in November 2008, envisaged import of four lakh MT of pulses for distribution to BPL households through the Public Distribution System at an overall subsidy of ` 10/kg.
3. Audit of both the schemes revealed that they could not achieve their targeted objectives due to serious deficiencies in their design, implementation and monitoring.
4. The following are the main audit findings:
i. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCA, F&PD) did not conduct any survey for assessing the demand for and consumption of the different types of pulses in the country. This should have been done to calculate the actual amounts needed to be imported.
ii. As against the targeted quantity of import and sale of 53.10 lakh MT of pulses during 2006-11, the agencies imported 30.04 lakh MT and sold 26.95 lakh MT of pulses during this period, incurring losses totalling `1201.32 crore on these transactions. The shortfall in imports was as high as 76.13 per cent in 2009-10, while the shortfall in disposal of the available quantity of pulses was as high as 50.70 per cent during 2008-09.
iii. The Government decided to import yellow peas in 2007 on the grounds that they were a reasonably good substitute for other types of pulses and their prices were comparatively lower. However, the peas did not find many takers in the domestic market and were sold after considerable delays, at very low rates, with heavy losses to the importing agencies. The MoCA, F&PD decided in November 2008 that the agencies need not go for further contracts of yellow peas. However, the Union Cabinet decided (March 2009) to allow the agencies to import these peas. Although the Committee of Secretaries in 2009 recognized that there was very low demand for the yellow peas, the decision to continue to import these peas was not reversed till 2010-11. The agencies continued to import the peas during the subsequent years even when they had huge unsold stocks. The outcome was a total loss of ` 897.37 crore suffered by the importing agencies, which amounted to 75 per cent of the total loss of ` 1201.32 crore suffered by them in the process of import.
iv. There were delays in clearance of the pulses at the ports, which led to an avoidable expenditure of ` 42.71 crore on detention and demurrage charges upto March 2011. These delays led to subsequent delays in release of the imported pulses into the domestic market, with a consequential adverse impact on prices.
v. The MoCA, F&PD failed to work out a detailed distribution strategy for the imported pulses as decided by the Committee of Secretaries. In the absence of any specific guidelines issued by the Ministry, all the designated importing agencies sold the imported pulses in the open market through the tendering process, instead of distributing them through State agencies, as envisaged by the Government in 2006.
vi. The tender conditions, especially those of high minimum bid quantities (200-1000 MT) and corresponding earnest money deposits, ensured that mainly large private players could submit bids, thus restricting the channels of distribution and keeping most of the smaller parties out of the loop. Out of the test-checked quantity of sale of 8.38 lakh MT of pulses, it was found that 6.08 lakh MT (73 per cent) was sold to just four large buyers.
vii. In many cases, the buyers inordinately delayed the lifting of the imported pulses. Consequently, the pulses were not made available to the domestic market promptly, for stabilization of prices.
viii. A scheme introduced in November 2008 by the Government of India for import of four lakh MT of pulses with a subsidy limit of ` 400 crore and preferential distribution of the same to BPL households through the Public Distribution System at an overall subsidy of ` 10/kg also suffered from deficiencies. Against the Government’s target for import of four lakh MT of pulse during 2008-09, only 0.12 MT was imported and 0.09 lakh MT was distributed.
ix. The subsidy element of a meagre ` 10/kg would keep the prices of pulses very high for BPL families and could thus result in diversion of pulses to non-BPL households as well as to the open market.
Conclusion
Thus despite the release of subsidy amounting to ` 781.10 crore (` 361.39 crore under the 15 per cent re-imbursement scheme and ` 419.71 crore under the PDS Distribution scheme), the twin objectives of the scheme, i.e. availability of pulses and stabilization of their market prices remained largely unfulfilled.



Anna heads to MMRDA Ground

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owdpl.jpg

People trickling in to MMRDA grounds


Shashi Tharoor
Going in to LokPal debate. Expecting to speak later, after a round of Opposition statements. Looking forward2a good debate &a strong outcome
NDTV

Mulyam, Lalu, Khurshid, Pawan Bansal, Kapil Sibal meet Pranab

People trickling in to MMRDA grounds #

u8la.jpg

Monday, December 26, 2011

Sai Stadia to open for Schools, Colleges, Societies, Associations & Federations – Ajay Maken

Sai Stadia to open for Schools, Colleges, Societies, Associations and Federations at Nominal Charges – Ajay Maken Shri Ajay Maken , Union Minister of State (I/C), Youth affairs & Sports has announced the opening up of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Stadia in the Capital for use by Government Schools, Colleges, Universities, State federations, sports associations, Registered societies and clubs at a nominal rate of Rs 1000. While National federations will be charged Rs. 5000 for their competitions, Private institutions and Corporates will also be able use the Sporting infrastructure at premium charges, Shri Maken said this at a press conference here today. Shri Maken underlined that the use thereof will remain restricted to Sporting events, competitions and activities. He however added that the weight lifting auditorium in the JLN Stadium Complex will be opened for non-sporting activities and the tariff and other conditions for the same were in the process of being worked out.
After opening up of the SAI Stadia for the use of children, students and the people at large under the Come & Play scheme- an initiative that saw about 13,000 sports enthusiasts participating in various sports like Swimming, Hockey, Cricket, Badminton, Cycling, Gymnastics and Shooting etc- in May this year, the current proposal will firmly put the legacy utilization plan for the CWG 2010 infrastructure in the domain of public utilization, Shri Maken hoped.
The Sports minister informed that soon after taking charge of the Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports, he had set up a committee of sports person with Secretary, sports as its chairperson to suggest the way forward for the utilization of the CWG 2010 infrastructure, and it was in line with its recommendations that these initiatives were being taken.
It was decided that the Stadia will be used for,

1. People at large under the Come & Play Scheme.
2. Holding of Competitions by Schools, Colleges and other stake holders and
3. Establishing Training Centres/ Academies for various disciplines.
The Come & Play scheme was not only running successfully in the Capital but had also been introduced in over 80 SAI facilities across the Country. A national level competition of the participants of the scheme was also scheduled to be held in Delhi in January next year. Similarly, the SAI governing body had approved the setting up of Centre for training in Hockey at a cost of Rs 25 Cr in the MDC National Stadium Complex.
It has been now decided to open up these Stadia complexes for Sporting activities and a detailed tariff structure has been finalized which is available on the website of Sports Authority of India www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in. The detailed category wise tariff is available as Annexure.
The response of various organizations for making use of the Stadia for sporting activities has been very encouraging and some of the events which have already taken place or are planned in the future are as follows:
JLN Stadia Complex: Airtel Half Marathon, Air Force Station Sports Control Board, All India Football Federation for SAFF Championship, AIFF for International Football match between Bayern Munich and best of India, Delhi Police, Indian Navy Sports Control Board, YMCA, Father Angel School etc.
MDC National Stadium: LB Shastri Hockey Tournament, JL Nehru Hockey Tournament, National Camps for Men and Women, PNB Team coaching, Olympic Qualifier Tournament, International matches between India and South Africa/Azerbaizan etc.
IG Stadia Complex: Asian Junior Chess Championship, National Sub-Junior Badminton Championship, National Camp for Basketball for Junior/ Senior both Men and Women, National Camps for Gymnastics for both Men and Women etc.
Dr SPMSPC: National Swimming Coaching Camp, Delhi State Sub- Junior/Junior Aquatics Championship, Delhi State Open Tiny Tot Swimming Championship, Delhi State Swimming Championship, Delhi State Veteran’s Swimming Championship, KVS National Swimming Sports Meet for Girls etc.
KSSR: National Camp for Men and Women in all events, Haryana State Shooting Championship etc.

Election Commission poll-related complaints

Election Commission poll-related complaints24-our toll free call centre number 1950Election Commission has opened for the first time a 24-our toll free call centre number 1950, the year in which the Commission came into being, to register poll-related complaints. The Chief Election Commissioner said every poll going state shall have a complaint redressal mechanism based on a website and call centre.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

पाक हिन्दुओं को निकाला गया तो होगा प्रचण्ड आन्दोलन : विहिप

पाक हिन्दुओं को निकाला गया तो होगा प्रचण्ड आन्दोलन : विहिप
(पाकिस्तान से आये हिन्दुओं के लिए विहिप ने किया यज्ञ-सत्संग का आयोजन)
नई दिल्ली दिसम्बर 25, 2011। पाकिस्तान व बंग्लादेश में प्रताडित हो रहे हिन्दुओं के प्रति भारत सरकार का उदासीन रवैया हिन्दू समाज के प्रति घोर अन्याय है। विहिप के केन्द्रीय मंत्री डा सुरेन्द्र जैन ने आज दक्षिणी दिल्ली के बिजबासन मे रह रहे पाक से आए हिन्दुओं के साथ हवन यज्ञ व सत्संग में भाग लेकर कहा कि भारत हिन्दू धर्म की जन्म स्थली है इसलिए संपूर्ण विश्व का हिन्दू जब भी संकट में होता है, वह भारत की ओर आशा भरी निगाह से देखता है। उन्होंने मांग की कि पाकिस्तान से पीडित और प्रताडित होकर आए हिन्दुओं को नागरिकता प्रदान करने की कार्यवाही तुरन्त प्रारम्भ करनी चाहिए। सरकार को आडे हाथों लेते हुए उन्होंने चेताया कि यदि किसी ने इन्हे भारत से बाहर करने का दुस्साहस किया तो इसके विरोध में एक प्रचण्ड आन्दोलन खडा किया जएगा।

डा सुरेन्द्र जैन ने कहा कि पाकिस्तान के हिन्दुओं के प्रति भारत सरकार का नैतिक और संवैधानिक दायित्व बनता है। नेहरू-लियाकत पैक्ट के अनुसार पाकिस्तान व बंग्लादेश में रह रहे हिन्दुओं के हितों की रक्षा करना भारत सरकार की जिम्मेदारी है। आज पाकिस्तान में हिन्दुओं का कत्लेआम हो रहा है, उनकी सम्पत्ति और लडकियां छीनी जा रही हैं। उन्होंने मांग की कि भारत में पाक से जान बचाकर आए हिन्दुओं के पुनर्स्थापन की व्यबस्था भारत सरकार को करनी चाहिए। सरकार अपनी जिम्मेदारी समझे या न समझे, विश्व हिन्दू परिषद अपने दायित्व को समझती है। हमने पहले भी पाक से आए हिन्दुओं को यहां बसाया है। अब भी विहिप इसके लिए संकल्पबद्ध है। विहिप इनके लिए रोजी रोटी की व्यबस्था करेगा तथा भारत में इन्हें बसाने हेतु हर संभव प्रयास करेगा। डा जैन ने यह भी कहा कि मुसलमानों की तकलीफ़ों की झूठी कहानियों पर आंसू बहाने बाली इस सरकार को हिन्दुओं के प्रति भी संवेदनशील होना चाहिए, इनको नागरिकता प्रदान करने की कार्यवाही तुरन्त प्रारम्भ करनी चाहिए। उन्होंने चेतावनी भरे स्वर में कहा कि यदि किसी ने इन्हे भारत से बाहर करने का दुस्साहस किया तो इसके बिरोध में एक प्रचण्ड आन्दोलन खडा किया जाएगा।

इस अवसर पर महामण्डलेश्वर स्वामी रामानन्द रमते योगी जी महाराज, स्वामी करुणानन्द जी, स्वामी सुरेसानन्द जी तथा स्वामी राम मंगलदास जी, विहिप दिल्ली के महामन्त्री श्री सत्येन्द्र मोहन, उपाध्यक्ष श्री महावीर गुप्ता, मीडिया प्रमुख विनोद बंसल, विभाग मंत्री श्री शान्ती स्वरूप, जिला मंत्री श्री कमलेश शुक्ला, प्रसिद्ध समाज सेवी व विहिप कार्यकर्ता श्री नाहर सिंह व श्री राकेश पाण्डे सहित आदि अनेक लोग सामिल थे।

भवदीय

विनोद बंसल

Shobha Yatra homage to Swami Shardhanan

Shobha Yatra  on eve of 85 th Balidan Diwas

On the eve of 85th. “Balidan ( Sacrifice) Diwas” of Swami Shardhanan ji, the Great Social Reformer & Independence Fighter and a Symbol of Hindu Muslim Unity. A Grand “Shobha Yatra” of 4-5 Kms. will start at 10am on 25 Dec. from Naya Bazar, to Chawri Bazar, Nai Sarak, Chandni Cowk and end at Ramlila Ground at 1 Noon. Every Year around 10,000 to 12,000 Aryas from around 300 Arya Samajs, Gurukuls, DAV Educational Institues & Schools Participate.

Homage is Paid to the Great Swami Shardhanan ji, at Ramlila Ground. Chief Minister Smt. Shiela Dikshit and Ho'nble Minister Yoganand Shastri along with other VIP & Dignitories are expected to be present in the Function on that Day.
You are requested to be available along with your City Reprter / Journalist & Photographer at the “Press Conference” as per above details and oblige.
Your Confirmation will be Highly Appreciated :

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Indian anti-corruption activist begins fast The difference: What 40 Dollars Means

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays, President Barack Obama The White House, Washington Good afternoon -- Earlier this week, it looked like Congress would go home for the holidays without preventing a tax increase that would mean millions of American families would have about $40 less in each paycheck. But then something pretty incredible happened. It began when we asked everyone to show us how that missing $40 would affect them and their families. In a matter of hours thousands of vivid, powerful stories from Americans of all ages, all backgrounds, from every corner across the country were pouring in. For some, $40 means dinner out with a child who's home for the holidays. For others it means a tank of gas or a charitable donation. In just two days, tens of thousands of Americans were making their voices heard. You spoke up. Your voices made all the difference. Thanks to you, Congress reached an agreement to extend the payroll tax cut. On top of that, vital unemployment insurance will continue for millions of Americans who are looking for work. Yesterday I had the chance to meet a few of the folks who took to the web to make this happen. We aren't done fighting for the middle class. When Congress returns, they need to keep working to reach an agreement that will extend this tax cut and unemployment insurance for all of 2012 -- without drama or delay. That's just the beginning of our work ahead in the new year to put more Americans back to work, restore middle-class security, and ensure that folks who work hard and play by the rules get a fair shot. More than ever I'm confident that, together, those are goals we can achieve. Thank you, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays, President Barack Obama

Friday, December 23, 2011

NHAI to Raise Rs 10,000 Cr through Tax Free Bonds

Dr. C.P. Joshi Announces Nhai to Raise Rs. 10000 Crores Through Public Issue of Tax Free Secured Redeemable Bonds


Dr. C.P. Joshi, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways has announced here today that National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), an autonomous body under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is going to raise upto Rs. 10,000 crores through Public Issue of Tax Free Secured Redeemable Non Convertible Bonds. He said that 29 PPP projects have been awarded by NHAI till November 30, 2001, out of which 27 on BOT (Toll) – (20 on premium and 7 on grant) in addition two projects on BPT (Annuity). About 21000 kms of roads to be awarded by NHAI in next 3 financial years as per Work Plan considered for revised financial projections. He also said that about 4200 km length of roads have been awarded by NHAI up to November, 2011 against a target of 7300 km for financial year 2012. Peak cumulative outstanding debt is expected to be Rs. 57000 crores in 2016-17 as per the revised financial projections for the implementation of NHDP. The proposed tax free bonds of Rs. 1000 crores will be one part of the market borrowings, he added.



The issue opens on 28th December, 2011 and is expected to remain open for 14 days (minimum 3 days). The issue will be of Rs. 5000 crores with a green shoe option to retain additional Rs. 5000 crores. The coupon rates will be 8.2% for 10 years and 8.3 % for 15 years. To benefit retail investors, 30% of the Bonds issue has been reserved for them. NHAI intends to deploy the Issue proceeds towards financing of the various projects being implemented by it under the NHDP and other NH projects as approved by Government of India.



NHAI is entrusted with management of a network of 70,934 km of National Highways in India. It has been authorized by the CBDT notification to raise funds upto 10,000 Crore through public issue of Tax Free Secured Redeemable Non Convertible Bonds of face value of Rs. 1,000 each in the nature of Debentures having tax benefits under the Section 10(15)(iv)(h) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as amended, in one or more tranches in the Financial Year 2011-12.. For this purpose, it has filed the Draft Shelf Prospectus dated November 23, 2011, Shelf Prospectus dated December 13, 2011, Addendum to the Shelf Prospectus dated December 22, 2011 and Prospectus Tranche -1 dated December 22, 2011 (referred as the “Prospectus”) with the designated stock exchange, BSE Limited (“BSE”). The Prospectus has been filed with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE”) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) also. The Issue size under Tranche-1 aggregates to ` 5,000 crores with an option to retain over-subscription upto Rs. 10,000 crores.



These Bonds are being issued in two series viz. Tranche 1 Series 1 and Tranche 1 Series 2 having a tenure of 10 years and 15 years respectively. The coupon rate for the Tranche 1 Series 1 and Tranche 1 Series 2 would be 8.20% per annum and 8.30% per annum respectively. The interest is payable annually on October 1st of each year.



The Tranche 1 Bonds proposed to be issued have been rated as ‘CRISIL AAA/Stable’ by CRISIL, `CARE AAA` by CARE and ‘FITCH AAA (IND) with stable outlook’ by FITCH. The rating of the Bonds issued by CRISIL and CARE indicate highest degree of safety regarding timely servicing of financial obligations. Such instruments carry lowest credit risk. The rating of the Bonds by FITCH indicates highest rating assigned in its national rating scale. This rating is assigned to the "best" credit risk relative to all other issuers or issues in the country. The Bonds offered through this Issue are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the NSE.



The Issue shall remain open from December 28, 2011 to January 11, 2012 with an option to close earlier or extend up to a maximum period of 30 days at the discretion of the Board of NHAI subject to necessary approvals, by intimating through an advertisement issued in a leading national daily. However, the Issue shall remain open for a minimum of 3 days. The funds raised through this Issue will be used for part financing of the various projects being implemented by NHAI. SBI Capital Markets Limited and A.K. Capital Services Limited are the Lead Managers to the Issue. Additionally, ICICI Securities Limited and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited are also involved for marketing of the Issue.



NHAI

Raghav Malik wins the PGTI Final Qualifying Stage for the 2012


Raghav Malik wins the PGTI Final Qualifying Stage for the 2012 season
Arshdeep Tiwana finishes second, Top 44 players earn full card for the 2012 season
Gurgaon, December 23, 2011: Raghav Malik (72-71-69) of the DLF Golf & Country Club emerged winner at the PGTI’s Final Qualifying Stage for the 2012 season which was played at the Golden Greens Golf & Country Club, Gurgaon.

Gurgaon-based Malik clinched the title on the first playoff hole (18th hole), after he had ended tied first along with Arshdeep Tiwana (74-69-69) of the Kovai Hills Golf Resort, Coimbatore, at the end of the regulation 54 holes. Malik and Tiwana had identical totals of four under 212 before they headed for the playoff.

The top 44 players from the Final Qualifying Stage earned full cards for the 2012 PGTI season.
Raghav Malik’s fourth round of three under 69 included birdies on the third, fifth, seventh, 10th and 17th and bogeys on the sixth and 16th. Raghav sank a 15-footer on the third and converted a 12 feet putt on the 10th. He hit a great approach shot from the fairway bunker on the fifth where he landed it within four feet of the pin. The 22-year-old also hit his tee shots extremely close on the seventh and 17th holes.
Malik finally sealed it after making an excellent up and down from the bunker for birdie on the first playoff hole. Tiwana lost out in the playoff as he missed an eight feet birdie putt.
Malik said, “I had a very strict game-plan for this tournament and I stuck to it. This win comes as a huge confidence-booster ahead of the 2012 season. It was important for me to break the victory-barrier and this win has helped me achieve that. I would like to thank my family for their continuous support and my mental conditioning coach for making me believe in my abilities. I would also like to thank PGTI for staging this event in an excellent manner and Golden Greens Golf Course for providing immaculate playing conditions.”
Runner-up Arshdeep Tiwana’s final round 69 featured five birdies and two bogeys.
Pawan Kumar (75-69-71) of Delhi grabbed third place after finishing with an overall score of one under 215.
The Chandigarh duo of KPS Sekhon and Abhijit Singh Chadha finished tied fourth along with Delhi’s Dinesh Kumar at even par 216.





Thursday, December 22, 2011

Lokpal bill 2011 Introduced in Parliament

Govt introduces Lokpal Bill and Lokayukta bill in LS

The Govt on Thursday introduced the new version of the Lokpal bill in Lok Sabha after a lengthy debate during which almost all parties except the ruling one opposed the introduction of the bill in its current form.
The bill was moved in the house by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayansamy who seeks to create a public ombudsman to check corruption committed by public servants.

The office of the Prime Minister is also within the ambit of the Lokpal but with certain safeguards.
However, the CBI has been kept outside the control of Lokpal as against one of the main demands of social activist Anna Hazare, who has launched a strong campaign for creating institution of a strong Lokpal.
The Congress top brass, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party chief Sonia Gandhi, met on Thursday ahead of the introduction of the new Lokpal Bill.
The meeting of the Congress Core Group was held at a time when some parties like the RJD, SP and BSP protested against exclusion of minorities from the anti-graft bench of the proposed ombudsman.
Besides Core group members like A K Antony and P Chidambaram, the meeting was also attended by Union Minister Kapil Sibal and Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh.
Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy tabled 'The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011' that also mandates the states to appoint a Lokayukta along with a Constitution (Amendment) Bill to provide Constitutional status for both Lokpal and Lokayuktas.
Pranab Mukherjee said it was the Constitutional responsibility of the House to pass a law.
After the Minister's reply to the impromptu debate, the House allowed introduction of the Lokpal Bill by voice vote. The government also withdrew the Lokpal bill introduced in August this year.

Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011 Introduced in Lok Sabha


Government today introduced in Lok Sabha the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, aimed at setting up the body of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas at the level of the States. Government also introduced a Bill for amending the Constitution for conferment of Constitutional status on both bodies. Government also withdrew earlier Lokpal Bill, 2011 as it decided to introduce a new comprehensive Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 Bill after consideration of the suggestions made by the Parliamentary Committee which recommended significant changes in the scope and content of the earlier Bill.



The salient features of the proposed new Bills are as under:-

Focus on improving accountability:



Ø Establishment of new institution in the Constitution called Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for the States. These autonomous and independent bodies, shall have powers of superintendence and direction for holding a preliminary inquiry, causing an investigation to be made and prosecution of offences in respect of complaints under any law for the prevention of corruption.



Ø The Bill provides a uniform vigilance and anti corruption road map for the nation, both at Centre and States.

Ø The Bill institutionalizes separation of investigation from prosecution and thereby removing conflict of interest as well as increasing the scope for professionalism and specialisation.

Structure of the Institution:



Ø Lokpal will consist of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight Members of which fifty percent shall be judicial Members.

Ø Fifty per cent of members of Lokpal shall be from amongst SC, ST, OBCs, Minorities and Women.

Ø There shall be an Inquiry Wing of the Lokpal for conducting the preliminary inquiry and an independent Prosecution Wing.

Ø Officers of the Lokpal to include the Secretary, Director of Prosecution, Director of Inquiry and other officers.

Process of selection;Ø The selection of Chairperson and Members of Lokpal shall be through a Selection Committee consisting of –

§ Prime Minister

§ Speaker of Lok Sabha;

§ Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha;

§ Chief Justice of India or a sitting Supreme Court Judge nominated by CJI;

§ Eminent jurist to be nominated by the President of India

Ø A Search Committee to assist Selection Committee in the process of selection. Fifty per cent of members of Search Committee shall be from amongst SC, ST, OBCs, Minorities and Women.

Jurisdiction

Ø Prime Minister to be brought under the purview of the Lokpal with subject matter exclusions and specific process for handling complaints against the Prime Minister. Lokpal can not hold any inquiry against the Prime Minister if allegations relate to:

§ International relations

§ External and internal security of the country;

§ Public Order;

§ Atomic energy

§ Space.

Any decision of Lokpal to initiate preliminary inquiry or investigation against the Prime Minister shall be taken only by the Full Bench with a majority of 3/4th. Such proceedings shall be held in camera.

Ø Lokpal’s jurisdiction to include all categories of public servants including Group ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ & ‘D’ officers and employees of Government. On complaints referred to CVC by Lokpal, CVC will send its report of PE in respect of Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ officers back to Lokpal for further decision. With respect to Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees, CVC will proceed further in exercise of its own powers under the CVC Act subject to reporting and review by Lokpal.

Ø All entities receiving donations from foreign source in the context of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in excess of Rs. 10 lakhs per year are brought under the jurisdiction of Lokpal.

Ø Lokpal will not be able to initiate inquiry suo moto.

Other significant features of the Bill

Ø No prior sanction shall be required for launching prosecution in cases enquired by Lokpal or initiated on the direction and with the approval of Lokpal.

Ø A high powered Committee chaired by the Prime Minister with leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India as members, will recommend selection of the Director, CBI.

Ø Provisions for confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending.

Ø Lokpal to be final appellate authority on all decisions by public authorities relating to provision of public services and redressal of grievances containing findings of corruption.

Ø Lokpal to have power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them.

Ø The Bill lays down clear time lines for :

§ Preliminary enquiry – three months extendable by three months.

§ Investigation – six months extendable by six months.

§ Trial – one year extendable by one year.

Ø The Bill proposes to enhance punishment under Prevention of Corruption Act

(a) Maximum punishment from 7 years to 10 years

(b) Minimum punishment from 6 months to 2 years

Ø The Bill proposes to give legal backing to Asset Declaration by public servants

Ø The Bill also seeks to make necessary consequential amendments in the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, and the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.

Syrian National Council calls for emergency session of UNSC & Arab League

Syrian National Council calls for emergency session of UNSC & Arab League
Dec 22,  8:35 AM
In Syria, the opposition Syrian National Council called for emergency session of the U.N. Security Council and Arab League to discuss the crackdown on protesters in Syria.

It alleged that the Syrian forces massacred more than 200 people in Zawiyah mountain, Idlib, and Homs over the past two days.The Local Coordination Committee said the Syrian security forces carried out a massacre by killing 111 civilians in Kafruwed in Idlib province on Tuesday.

London based Syrian Observatory for human rights had claimed that over 100 fleeing army deserters were killed or wounded in Idlib on Tuesday.

Meanwhile Arab League advance team is leaving for Damascus on Thursday to pave the way for some 500 observers. Syria has accused the opposition of pushing for foreign intervention and trying to sabotage the peace deal.

Court summons promoters of Essar & Loop

2G: Court summons promoters of Essar & Loop

The promoters of Essar Group and Loop Telecom were among the five persons who were directed to appear on 27th Jan before a Delhi Court which took cognizance of the CBI charge sheet arising out of the probe in the 2G scam case against them.

"I have carefully gone through the copy of the FIR, supplementary charge sheet, statement of witnesses and related documents. On the basis of material on record, I am satisfied there is enough incriminating material on record to proceed against the accused," Special CBI Judge O P Saini said on Wednesday.
Essar group promoters Anshuman and Ravi Ruia along with Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan, her husband I P Khaitan and Essar Group director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf and three companies -Loop Telecom Pvt Ltd, Loop Mobile India Ltd and Essar Tele Holding are named as accused in the third charge sheet.
The court said that the three companies will stand the trial either through their Directors or they will appoint their representatives for the purpose.
"Three companies be served through their directors and the companies may appoint authorised representatives for the purpose of trial," the judge said while making it clear that though charges are not slapped under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), the accused will face trial in the Designated court set up on the order of the Supreme Court.
However, Essar Group in a statement, expressed "surprise" that the special court has taken cognizance of the matter even though there is no charge of corruption made by the CBI.
The Group said it will take "further legal recourse to defend its position" as "it has been advised that the special court has no jurisdiction in matters where no corruption charges have been alleged".
The judge said the accused, charged with offence of conspiracy and cheating under the IPC, will still have to stand the trial before the Designated Court in accordance with the March 28, 2011 notification by the Delhi Government setting up a special court to deal exclusively with cases pertaining to the 2G scam following the Supreme Court order.
The CBI, in its charge sheet filed on December 12, has accused the Essar and Loop promoters of conspiring to cheat the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) but has not found evidence to prosecute them under the PCA.
It said "investigation has not revealed evidence to prove mala-fide on the part of public servants in the matter".
" Essar Group, in a statement on December 12, had denied any involvement in the 2G scam and said it has complied in totality with all conditions of telecom licences. It claimed that the CBI has confirmed that Essar was not involved in the 2G scam".
The CBI has said that the accused persons and companies created a "complex corporate veil" to cheat DoT by concealing that Essar, an existing telecom operator having substantial shares in Vodafone (then Hutch), was having more than 10 per cent stake in Loop Telecom.
Special Public Prosecutor U U Lalit had said UAS Licence guidelines bar an existing telecom operator from holding 10 per cent or more equity in another telecom company in same circle and, therefore, Loop was ineligible for the licences as it was an "alter ego of Essar which is an existing operator".
CBI had said the probe revealed that Loop was actually and completely controlled by Essar

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Meira Kumar adjourns Lok Sabha till noon


Angered over disruptions by TDP and Left on farmers' issue, Speaker Meira Kumar adjourns Lok Sabha till noon.

State Human Rights Commissions Constituted by 20 States

State Human Rights Commissions Constituted by 20 States
20 States have constituted State Human Rights Commissions. These are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

8 States have not constituted the State Human Rights Commissions. These are Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Uttarakhand.

The responsibility to ensure adequate manpower and infrastructure for each SHRC lies primarily with the respective State Government. The Govt. of India and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) are keen that each State sets up a State Human Rights Commission. The Govt. and NHRC have been requesting to all those States, which have not yet constituted their State Commission, to do so at the earliest.

This was stated by Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in Ministry of Home Affairs in written reply in the Lok Sabha

Private Investment in Food Processing Industries

Private Investment in Food Processing Industries Government policy has multipronged strategy to provide grants-in-aid as well as fiscal incentives for inviting private sector investment in food processing sector. The response and interest shown by the private sector has been encouraging.

Government has taken several steps like tax reduction, waiver/reduction of excise duty, reduction of custom duty on specific food items with a view to encourage the growth of food processing industries and make them more competitive.

The scheme of the Ministry are project oriented and demand driven and therefore likely capital investment to be made may not be possible to be quantified.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Dr. Charan Das Mahant in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Rural Godown Scheme for Creation of Scientific Storage

Rural Godown Scheme for Creation of Scientific Storage Ministry of Agriculture is implementing the Rural Godown Scheme for creation of scientific storage capacity with allied facilities inrural areas to meet out various requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce, agricultural inputs, including onion, etc. As on 31st October, 2011, 25682 godowns having a capacity of 294.83 lakhs tones have been sanctioned by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) all over the country. The scheme is being implemented in the XIth Plan Period with a target of 90 lakh tones. The scheme is demand driven and back-ended subsidy is made available for construction of godowns to all categories of farmers, agricultural graduates, cooperatives, individual companies and corporations and women farmers.

As reported by National Horticulture Research & Development Foundation (NHRDF) that the estimated storage of onion during 2011 is 28.40 lakh MTs. The requirement for storage of onions in the country is about 30-32 lakh MTs.

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) has set up onion storage godown at Lasalgaon with a capacity of 1600 metric tones (MTs), Pimpalgaon with a capacity of 1,000 MTs and at Delhi with a capacity of 4,000 MTs. Further, NCDC has dovetailed its cold storage/storage programme for horticulture produce with capital investment subsidy scheme of the government being implemented by National Horticulture Board since 2000-01.

This information was given by Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Parliamentarians’ Christmas Celebration 2011.

 
Parliamentarians’ Christmas Celebration 2011. The CSF Gen Sec get IICCC Award*
Parliamentarians' Christmas Celebration 2011
The Indo International Christian Chamber of Commerce (IICCC) hosted the Parliamentarians’ Christmas Celebration 2011, chaired by former union minister, Dhanaskodi Athithan, which was well-attended by a number of union ministers and MPs cutting across party lines. Among the prominent persons seen were - Pawankumar Pansal (Union Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary Affairs), GK Vasan (Union Cabinet Minister for Shipping), KH Muniappa (Union Minister of State for Railways), B. Narayana Swamy (Union Minister of State for Personnel & PMO), Oscar Fernandes (Congress General Secretary), etc. Prominet among the MPs who attended were PC Chacko, Jesudas Selam, Charles Dias, PT Thomas, PJ Kurian, Mohd Kansal, Mohindarkumar Rai, Anto Anthony, Helen Davidson, CM Chang, SS Ramasubbu, Mithlesh Kumar, Rishang Kesing, MS Swaminathan, Shashi Tharoor, KP Dhanebalam, Helen Davidson, etc.

Parliament will have final word on Lokpal: Advani

BJP leader L K Advani on Sunday made it clear that though Team Anna has a right to voice its differences on various aspects of Lokpal Bill, the final word lies with Parliament on passing laws.

"There are no two opinions that it is Parliament which will decide the final Bill, nobody else.... Parliament will now have to decide what form to give to the Lokpal Bill," Advani told reporters in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
He emphasised that BJP wanted a strong and effective Lokpal and was willing to extend full cooperation on the matter in Parliament.
"From our (BJP and NDA) side, there will be every effort to get the Bill passed. This effort was there even in the joint committee and also in meetings called by the Prime Minister and (Finance Minister) Pranab Mukherjee," he said.
He maintained that BJP has clearly stated its view in the all-party meetings on the form the Lokpal Bill should take.
Advani claimed Team Anna had discussed the Jan Lokpal Bill with the BJP leadership which in turn had pointed out "three-four" lacunaes in it.
"After discussing the Bill with us, they all had even agreed to these changes. I do not know on how many they agree with us and on how many they are still firm," he said.
Asked about the allegations against Home minister P Chidambaram on the issue of withdrawal of FIRs against a hotelier, Advani said there are lot many issues that would be coming up now and the parliament would be pursuing them.
"It is because the government has to deal with such issues that it has not been able to take decisions (on policy matters)," Advani said.
Speaking about his yatra on black money, he said that it was for re-creating self-esteem in the countrymen and not for any other purpose.
"It had nothing to do with Advani or the BJP party. Someone once asked me if the Janchetna yatra was to repackage Advani. To which I said that I do not need to repackage myself. I am what I am," Advani said.
Advani, who had come here for a Sindhi Conference, expressed concern over the Sindhi language losing its identity and script as it has now become for all practical purpose a spoken langua

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Death toll 175 washin Storms philippines

Death toll in Philippines storms is 175



17.12.2011 11:48:09 - Dec.17-2011:Nksagar-Sagar Media Inc: Nearly 175 people have died,hundreds remain missing when tropical storm Washin (local name Sendong) brought heavy downpour that caused massive flooding in some parts of Mindanao on Saturday, military officials

(live-PR.com) - Death toll in Philippines storms is 175-In Mindanao, 97 people died in the Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City areas. At least 125 others are missing and subject to search and rescue efforts, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Leopold Galon.Citing reports from the field, Galon said about 2,000 others were rescued.He said military
trucks, boats, helicopters and ground troops have been deployed in the two areas for search and rescue operations. In Western Mindanao, AFP Western Mindanao Command spokesman Randolph Cabangbang said they have accounted 75 deaths. "Seventy-five dead (have been) physically accounted," said Cabangbang, adding that 15 were rescued at sea and 250 are still missing. Calon said, "It brought continuous rains since last night."

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director and Office of Civil Defense administrator Benito Ramos said Philippine President Benigno Aquino III went to the NDRRMC office in Camp Aguinaldo for a briefing. "We gave him a briefing on what happened and he instructed us to bring assistance to the victims," said Ramos, adding the Department of Social Welfare and Development will be on the frontline on this. Ramos said the NDRRMC's official death toll is 56 dead with one missing. He noted that local government units, the Armed Forces, the Coast Guard, other government agencies and even the media were making their own count that are far larger than the NDRRMC count.

"But to us, we rely on bodies and their names," said Ramos, adding "The flooding occurred around 2:30 a.m while the people were sleeping. The massive rains caused the silted river system to overflow." Media agencies
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NOKIA LUMIA ARRIVES IN INDIA!


NOKIA LUMIA ARRIVES IN INDIA!

Nokia surprises consumers with an amazing impromptu 
bash by music director duo Vishal &Shekhar -


3

Delhi,December 17, 2011: True to the theme of ‘Amazing Everyday’, Nokia ushers in its Nokia Lumia smartphones into the country with a grand, surprise bash for consumers with a scintillating performance by the rocking music director duo of Vishal and Shekhar in Delhi.The celebrations will continue with surprises bashes in Bangalore and Mumbai tomorrow with a different set of artistes.
The Nokia Lumia 800 and the Nokia Lumia 710 hit the store shelves at the stroke of midnight on December 15, 2011 as promised by Nokia India. The first set of devices were handed over at an exclusive event at the Nokia Evo Store in Gurgaon by Indian tennis star, SaniaMirza on December 15th.Lucky consumers also got units of the X-Box 360 Kinectcomplementary with the Nokia Lumia 800.The devices will be available across the country in Nokia’s top retail stores, which sport an all-new luminescent look.

As part of the launch celebrations, all vehicles passing through the Delhi-NOIDA-Delhi tollgate both ways were also exempted from paying toll from 8:30am to 10:00am this morning.  “The Nokia Lumia devices are not your everyday smartphones. The Amazing Everyday campaign is focused on creating small joys and amazing moments, moments that can be captured and shared with friends, with your Nokia Lumia device. It is aimed at reminding people that even everyday routine can be amazing and there are little adventures waiting for us around every corner. The launch event was integral to the theme of building little and not-so-little surprises for our consumers,” said Viral Oza, Director-Marketing, Nokia India.


The stunningly social Nokia Lumia 800 brings content to life with head-turning design, familiar Nokia elements, such as leading imaging capabilities, and Nokia’s best social and Internet performance with one-touch social network access, easy grouping of contacts, integrated communication threads and Internet Explorer 9. The Nokia Lumia 800 will retail at a best buy price of Rs. 29999/-.

The Nokia Lumia 710 is a smartphone that delivers excellent performance and a wide array of functionality. Colorful and compact, it can be personalized with interchangeable back covers. It has been widely praised as the best Windows Phone experience at is price point.  It combines the powerful social and Internet experience of Windows Phone with the ability to take pictures in almost any conditions and share with friends in seconds, as well as access to thousands of the most popular apps, including exclusive Nokia services. The Nokia Lumia 710 will have a best buy price of Rs. 18999/-

Based on the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango release, the Nokia Lumiasmartphones are designed to appeal to people with lively social lives, who want an easy way to enjoy all the benefits of Windows Phone and access to signature Nokia experiences:
·         People Hub in Windows Phone displays all call, text, email and social network interactions with any individual contact in an integrated view, with the ability to group contacts and pin favourite groups and individuals to the start screen for live updates and easy access to the people who matter most.
·         Faster, easier Web browsing experience with Internet Explorer 9 and one-touch Bing search.
·         Nokia Drive delivers a full-fledged personal navigation device (PND) with free, turn-by-turn navigation and dedicated in-car-user-interface.
·         The Nokia Lumia smartphones also come with several unique apps preloaded on to them such as ContactsTransfer, a first-of-its kind which allows phonebook transfer from any other device/platform and App Highlights, which showcases top apps and is integrated seamlessly with the online Windows Phone Marketplace.
·         The Windows Phone Marketplace will more than 1000 rich, locally relevant apps created by Indian partners.  In addition, users will also have access to over 35000 apps from Microsoft, both paid and free to download, on the Windows Marketplace.

Product Specifications:

Nokia Lumia 800: Stunningly social
·                  Head-turning unibody design with vivid colors: cyan, magenta, and black
·                  Best social networking experience provided by Windows Phone release 7.5
·                  Best Internet browsing experience with Internet Explorer 9
·                  Vivid 3.7” AMOLED, ClearBlack display with WVGA 800x480 pixels, 16 million colours and 2.5D
curved glass
·                  Leading imaging capabilities with Carl Zeiss optics, above the lock capture, 8MP camera with
autofocus and touch focus capability, dual LED flash, high definition 720p video recording with
30FPS and one touch image sharing
·                  Nokia signature hub: Nokia Drive
·                  1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 512MB program memory, 16GB internal user
memory, and up to 9 hours of 3G talktime

Nokia Lumia 710: Compact and powerpacked
·                  Comes in All White; All Black: White Front with Cyan Back cover; White front with Fuchsia Back cover
·                  Best social networking experience provided by Windows Phone release 7.5
·                  Best Internet browsing experience with Internet Explorer 9
·                  3.7" WVGA TFT, ClearBlack capacitive touch screen with pinch zoom, 800 x 480 pixels and 16 million colours
·                  5 MP camera with auto focus, LED flash, high definition 720p video recording with 30FPS and one-touch image sharing
·                  Nokia signature hubs: Nokia Drive
·                  1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 512MB program memory, 8GB internal user memory, and up to 7.6 hours of 3G talktime

Competitiveness, climate, security Finn’s priorities Ministry of Finance release Finnish road map of EU presidency. Finland is set ...