“5/20 Rule” of Aviation Sector likely to be scrapped by the Union government
Union government is planning to scrap the 5/20 Rule prevalent in the Indian aviation industry. Thus, Govt. plans to fulfill the demand of a few private airlines that want the rule to be relaxed.
5/20 Rule: As per this rule, a carrier must be 5-year-old and have at least 20 aircraft in its fleet before being permitted to fly abroad.
The UPA-II Government had started the course of scrapping the 5/20 rule but was not able to finish the job. Now, the new Modi government had called a meeting of the CEOs of all the Indian Airlines to look into the matter. In the Meeting, 4 private airlines (Air India, Jet, IndiGo and SpiceJet) requested retention of the 5/20 rule whereas the new airlines of Tatas, one with Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia and other with Singapore Airlines, requested the deletion of this rule.
Union government is planning to scrap the 5/20 Rule prevalent in the Indian aviation industry. Thus, Govt. plans to fulfill the demand of a few private airlines that want the rule to be relaxed.
5/20 Rule: As per this rule, a carrier must be 5-year-old and have at least 20 aircraft in its fleet before being permitted to fly abroad.
The UPA-II Government had started the course of scrapping the 5/20 rule but was not able to finish the job. Now, the new Modi government had called a meeting of the CEOs of all the Indian Airlines to look into the matter. In the Meeting, 4 private airlines (Air India, Jet, IndiGo and SpiceJet) requested retention of the 5/20 rule whereas the new airlines of Tatas, one with Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia and other with Singapore Airlines, requested the deletion of this rule.
Govind Mishra gets Saraswati Samman 2013 for novel ‘Dhool Paudhon Par’
The renowned Hindi author, Mr. Govind Mishra received the Sarawasti Samman 2013 for his book “Dhool Paudho Par” published in 2008. The award made Mr. Mishra the second Hindi author to receive the honour after noted Indian poet Mr.Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
About Saraswati Samman
- Establish: 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation.
- Cash Price: Rs 10 lakh, a citation and a plaque.
- Annual award for outstanding prose or poetry literary works in any Indian language listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India.
Note: In 1991, Mr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan became the first Hindi author to receive the Saraswati Samman for his autobiography in four volumes.
The renowned Hindi author, Mr. Govind Mishra received the Sarawasti Samman 2013 for his book “Dhool Paudho Par” published in 2008. The award made Mr. Mishra the second Hindi author to receive the honour after noted Indian poet Mr.Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
About Saraswati Samman
- Establish: 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation.
- Cash Price: Rs 10 lakh, a citation and a plaque.
- Annual award for outstanding prose or poetry literary works in any Indian language listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India.
Note: In 1991, Mr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan became the first Hindi author to receive the Saraswati Samman for his autobiography in four volumes.
PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ pitch to extend red carpet for investors
In order to make India a manufacturing hub, PM Narendra Modi launched theMake In India Campaign at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The promotion is intended to appeal foreign companies to set up their manufacturing units in India and to obtain larger foreign investment. P.M. Narendra Modi on his Independence Day speech had declared the Make in India policy.
The aim of the crusade is to get manufacturing sector to grow over 10% on a viable basis over a long run and to transform the economy from a Service-driven growth model to Labour-intensive manufacturing-driven growth. Thus, it will assist in creating jobs for over 10 million people, who join the workforce every year.
Via ‘Make In India’ campaign, the Union Government wishes to clear the disheartening image of complex rules and bureaucratic red tape of Indian administration. It will assist the global investors to promote their investment choices. This will assist in apprehending the objective of a liberalized economy.
As per the World Bank’s ease of doing business index, India ranks at very low at 134 (out of 189) nations in 2014. The ‘Make in India’ campaign will act as a guiding for foreign investors on all aspects of regulatory and policy issues and support them in attaining regulatory sanctions. The Government has already allowed 100% FDI under automatic route in construction, operation and maintenance in rail infrastructure projects.
The ‘Make In India’ places stress on 25 sectors with emphasis on job creation and skill development. These include: automobiles, chemicals, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, ports, aviation, leather, tourism and hospitality, wellness, railways, auto components, design manufacturing, renewable energy, mining, bio-technology, pharmaceuticals and electronics, etc.
Union Government released individual brochures for these sectors along with a general brochure. The brochures will offer details of growth drivers, investment opportunities, sector specific FDI and other policies and associated agencies.
Features of the ‘Make In India’ campaign
- Govt to look into all regulatory processes to ease the load on investors.
- A dedicated cell to answer enquiries from the business bodies via a freshly created web portal.
- A.Q.s on the portal to assist investors find instant answers to their general queries
- Back-end support team to answer specific enquiries within 72 hours
- DIPP and FICCI have together set up an 8-member expert group to address enquiries and apprehensions of investors. They will explain Indian policies to the investors and propose reforms to the Central and states governments.
- All Central government services are being integrated with an e-Biz single window online portal.
- States recommended initiating the self-certification
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has been asked to provide all security clearances to investment proposals within 3 months.
- An advisory has been sent to all departments/ state governments to streamline and straighten out the regulatory environment.
In order to make India a manufacturing hub, PM Narendra Modi launched theMake In India Campaign at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The promotion is intended to appeal foreign companies to set up their manufacturing units in India and to obtain larger foreign investment. P.M. Narendra Modi on his Independence Day speech had declared the Make in India policy.
The aim of the crusade is to get manufacturing sector to grow over 10% on a viable basis over a long run and to transform the economy from a Service-driven growth model to Labour-intensive manufacturing-driven growth. Thus, it will assist in creating jobs for over 10 million people, who join the workforce every year.
Via ‘Make In India’ campaign, the Union Government wishes to clear the disheartening image of complex rules and bureaucratic red tape of Indian administration. It will assist the global investors to promote their investment choices. This will assist in apprehending the objective of a liberalized economy.
As per the World Bank’s ease of doing business index, India ranks at very low at 134 (out of 189) nations in 2014. The ‘Make in India’ campaign will act as a guiding for foreign investors on all aspects of regulatory and policy issues and support them in attaining regulatory sanctions. The Government has already allowed 100% FDI under automatic route in construction, operation and maintenance in rail infrastructure projects.
The ‘Make In India’ places stress on 25 sectors with emphasis on job creation and skill development. These include: automobiles, chemicals, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, ports, aviation, leather, tourism and hospitality, wellness, railways, auto components, design manufacturing, renewable energy, mining, bio-technology, pharmaceuticals and electronics, etc.
Union Government released individual brochures for these sectors along with a general brochure. The brochures will offer details of growth drivers, investment opportunities, sector specific FDI and other policies and associated agencies.
Features of the ‘Make In India’ campaign
- Govt to look into all regulatory processes to ease the load on investors.
- A dedicated cell to answer enquiries from the business bodies via a freshly created web portal.
- A.Q.s on the portal to assist investors find instant answers to their general queries
- Back-end support team to answer specific enquiries within 72 hours
- DIPP and FICCI have together set up an 8-member expert group to address enquiries and apprehensions of investors. They will explain Indian policies to the investors and propose reforms to the Central and states governments.
- All Central government services are being integrated with an e-Biz single window online portal.
- States recommended initiating the self-certification
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has been asked to provide all security clearances to investment proposals within 3 months.
- An advisory has been sent to all departments/ state governments to streamline and straighten out the regulatory environment.
Govt declares September 25 as ‘Antyodaya Diwas’
Union Government announced 25 September as “Antyodya Diwas” to mark the 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, a noted philosopher, historian and political activist. Several activities including blood donation camps, seminar, symposia were organised across the country.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916-68) was a well-known political personality and a thoughtful philosopher. He was a coordinator and a famous leader of Jan Sangh. He founded the Rashtra Dharma Prakashan publishing house in Lucknow and launched Rashtra Dharma, a monthly magazine, to advocate the principles he held sacred. Later he launched the weekly Panchjanya and the daily Swadesh. He wrote a drama Chandragupta Maurya in Hindi and later wrote a biography of Shankaracharya.
Union Government announced 25 September as “Antyodya Diwas” to mark the 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, a noted philosopher, historian and political activist. Several activities including blood donation camps, seminar, symposia were organised across the country.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916-68) was a well-known political personality and a thoughtful philosopher. He was a coordinator and a famous leader of Jan Sangh. He founded the Rashtra Dharma Prakashan publishing house in Lucknow and launched Rashtra Dharma, a monthly magazine, to advocate the principles he held sacred. Later he launched the weekly Panchjanya and the daily Swadesh. He wrote a drama Chandragupta Maurya in Hindi and later wrote a biography of Shankaracharya.
ICICI Bank launches ‘Smart Star’ account, a minor operated savings account for minors above 10 years of age
ICICI Bank launched ‘Smart Star’ account, a savings account for minors above 10 years of age. The account will be opened in the name of the minor and will offer kid with a tailored cheque-book and a debit card with a picture of his/ her choice. The permits minors to operate their accounts individually. This will benefit to teach kids a practice of saving and responsibility of spending sensibly.
Minors will be able to start several banking transactions including issuing cheques, paying bills, recharge mobile phones, open fixed deposits and recurring deposits amongst others. They will also have access to banking networks such as ATM, mobile, Internet banking, etc.
ICICI Bank launched ‘Smart Star’ account, a savings account for minors above 10 years of age. The account will be opened in the name of the minor and will offer kid with a tailored cheque-book and a debit card with a picture of his/ her choice. The permits minors to operate their accounts individually. This will benefit to teach kids a practice of saving and responsibility of spending sensibly.
Minors will be able to start several banking transactions including issuing cheques, paying bills, recharge mobile phones, open fixed deposits and recurring deposits amongst others. They will also have access to banking networks such as ATM, mobile, Internet banking, etc.
SC Declares Tax Tribunal Unconstitutional
A five judge bench of the SC declared the National Tax Tribunal Act of 2005 as unconstitutional. The impugned legislation envisages creation of tribunals to deal with tax related cases only.
The law was declared unconstitutional on the grounds that it took away powers of the higher judiciary to determine questions of substantial law and reposed them in the Tribunals. The legislation surpassed the authority of the HC in an effort to clear the backlog of cases. An appeal from the National Tax Tribunal could be made to the SC but not the HC.
This judgment could have many grave repercussions, as now the constitutionality of other Tribunals like the Company Law Tribunal can also be called into question.
A five judge bench of the SC declared the National Tax Tribunal Act of 2005 as unconstitutional. The impugned legislation envisages creation of tribunals to deal with tax related cases only.
The law was declared unconstitutional on the grounds that it took away powers of the higher judiciary to determine questions of substantial law and reposed them in the Tribunals. The legislation surpassed the authority of the HC in an effort to clear the backlog of cases. An appeal from the National Tax Tribunal could be made to the SC but not the HC.
This judgment could have many grave repercussions, as now the constitutionality of other Tribunals like the Company Law Tribunal can also be called into question.
Government Working on New National E-Mail Service
The DeitY (Department of Electronics and Information Technology) is working on creating a user friendly Indian email service on the lines of popular email service providers like Gmail and Yahoo. The serGovernment Working on New National E-Mail Servicevice will first be made available to the Central government, then the State government, and then to the citizens for communicating with the government.
Importance is placed on this project to ensure national security by ascertaining that the communication systems and data transfers are effective and not hackable. The service is also expected to be fast because of enhanced bandwith and servers that will be located in India. It is expected to be ready by November.
This project is a part of PM Modi’s “Digital India” programme.
The DeitY (Department of Electronics and Information Technology) is working on creating a user friendly Indian email service on the lines of popular email service providers like Gmail and Yahoo. The serGovernment Working on New National E-Mail Servicevice will first be made available to the Central government, then the State government, and then to the citizens for communicating with the government.
Importance is placed on this project to ensure national security by ascertaining that the communication systems and data transfers are effective and not hackable. The service is also expected to be fast because of enhanced bandwith and servers that will be located in India. It is expected to be ready by November.
This project is a part of PM Modi’s “Digital India” programme.
110 Acre Integrated Food Park Inaugurated In Tumkur
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a mega food park in Koravahalli village which is 25 km from 110 Acre Integrated Food Park Inaugurated In Tumkur. The park is set to be the largest of its kind in Karnataka and is expected to help farmers living within a radius of 250 kms of the park, especially in the areas of Kolar, Tumkur and Shimoga.
The food park, is being set up under a public private partnership venture with Future Group Company at a cost of Rs. 140 crores. Farmers will be able to directly sell their products to the food park. A system is envisaged wherein agri produce from surrounding areas will be sorted and graded, after which some of the produce will be sold at retail stores owned by the Future Group and the rest will be processed. The park will have a centre housing 60 medium sized units processing ready to eat products. Also, it will house pulping, milling, flouring, spice and dal units. Further, the park will also have a massive 80,000 square feet cold storage facility to store fruits and vegetables.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a mega food park in Koravahalli village which is 25 km from 110 Acre Integrated Food Park Inaugurated In Tumkur. The park is set to be the largest of its kind in Karnataka and is expected to help farmers living within a radius of 250 kms of the park, especially in the areas of Kolar, Tumkur and Shimoga.
The food park, is being set up under a public private partnership venture with Future Group Company at a cost of Rs. 140 crores. Farmers will be able to directly sell their products to the food park. A system is envisaged wherein agri produce from surrounding areas will be sorted and graded, after which some of the produce will be sold at retail stores owned by the Future Group and the rest will be processed. The park will have a centre housing 60 medium sized units processing ready to eat products. Also, it will house pulping, milling, flouring, spice and dal units. Further, the park will also have a massive 80,000 square feet cold storage facility to store fruits and vegetables.
The food park, is being set up under a public private partnership venture with Future Group Company at a cost of Rs. 140 crores. Farmers will be able to directly sell their products to the food park. A system is envisaged wherein agri produce from surrounding areas will be sorted and graded, after which some of the produce will be sold at retail stores owned by the Future Group and the rest will be processed. The park will have a centre housing 60 medium sized units processing ready to eat products. Also, it will house pulping, milling, flouring, spice and dal units. Further, the park will also have a massive 80,000 square feet cold storage facility to store fruits and vegetables.
Centre Welcomes SC Decision to Cancel Allocation Of 214 Coal Blocks
The Supreme Court (SC) has cancelled 214 coal block allocations out of the 218 that were under consideration. These allocations were made to various companies since 1993.
The Centre welcomed the SC decision and stated that its stand on the allegedly illegal coal block allocations was now vindicated. The government has been granted six months to ensure a smooth transition within which it will have to decide on the course of action to be followed.
The corporate world, however, was disappointed with the verdict with businessleaders predicting decrease in domestic coal supplies causing supply disruptions and aggravation of the power crisis. It is also believed that this will dampen investor confidence.
The Supreme Court (SC) has cancelled 214 coal block allocations out of the 218 that were under consideration. These allocations were made to various companies since 1993.
The Centre welcomed the SC decision and stated that its stand on the allegedly illegal coal block allocations was now vindicated. The government has been granted six months to ensure a smooth transition within which it will have to decide on the course of action to be followed.
The corporate world, however, was disappointed with the verdict with businessleaders predicting decrease in domestic coal supplies causing supply disruptions and aggravation of the power crisis. It is also believed that this will dampen investor confidence.
UNSC Adopts Binding Resolution against ISIS
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2178 (2014) at a special sitting of the UNSC where most members were represented by their heads of state and the meeting itself was chaired by President Obama.![ScreenClip[22]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vNksqVQEbiLWDeUnbS7vFFRVM1ZoI1wjeS3HnaupTX6TprsbzmDMJaf9tbQugiS22lQIVlZJAA0FGaVPg_7ns1smRvScIK4p4TGTacnXCwJMgFpjoJvmqpohUrIz9zxA8rEhIg_ft61Xevd16B-HM=s0-d)
The resolution was passed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter which makes it binding on all member states. The resolution emphasizes on internationalcooperation to undertake counterterrorism measures to stop the ISIS threat. It places specific obligations on member states to take steps to stop the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) to the area of conflict. The resolution also calls upon the UN agencies to play their part in helping nations assess and curb the threat of FTF. The resolution is a milestone because it requires the member to take affirmative action to prevent recruitment and movement of FTF instead of merely condemning FTF.
Earlier, in August, Resolution No. 2170 (2014) was adopted by the UNSC which condemned violence and the abuse of human rights by extremist groups like ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2178 (2014) at a special sitting of the UNSC where most members were represented by their heads of state and the meeting itself was chaired by President Obama.
The resolution was passed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter which makes it binding on all member states. The resolution emphasizes on internationalcooperation to undertake counterterrorism measures to stop the ISIS threat. It places specific obligations on member states to take steps to stop the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) to the area of conflict. The resolution also calls upon the UN agencies to play their part in helping nations assess and curb the threat of FTF. The resolution is a milestone because it requires the member to take affirmative action to prevent recruitment and movement of FTF instead of merely condemning FTF.
Earlier, in August, Resolution No. 2170 (2014) was adopted by the UNSC which condemned violence and the abuse of human rights by extremist groups like ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
98th Birth Anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Observed
The 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was celebrated on the 25th of September, with the Madhya Pradesh Government establishing a Chair in his honour at Makhanlal University. Pandit Deendayal was an eminent political activist and philosopher. He was a noted leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which is considered a precursor to the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).![ScreenClip[21]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vtF_M0Pr14Oi1HVNjtuyE61d7mUuAcieFlBC9xu51_1p1aqu0SbeTK0hK4iygeNkh3xmL8AFBy7nRmiLdYjuBB-Mj0nFjqev2MQhpanFxzNKtUCsrSh-DnbRTfxDfzmRCZLUwGh-APVRYnaWrvH4Y=s0-d)
Pandit Deendayal was born in 1916 in what is now Uttar Pradesh. He excelled in academics since a young age and was even selected to the Provincial Services. However, he chose to dedicate his life to the common man and engage in public service instead of joining the Provincial Services.
A critic of both capitalism and communism, Pandit Deendayal advocated his own brand of Integral Humanism which combined morality in politics and a human centric approach to economics. He strongly supported swadeshiand small scale industrialization. He upheld nationalistic ideals, and believed that blindly adhering to Western ideologies wouldn’t be a suitable path for India.
Along with an active political career, he also engaged in various literary endeavors. He established his own publishing house named Rashtra Dharma Prakashan and brought out the monthly Rashtra Dharma. He also launched and edited the weekly Panchjanya and the daily Swadesh from Lucknow. He also wrote a drama on Chandragupta Maurya, a biography of Shankaracharya and also translated a Marathi biography of K.B.Hedgewar.
He suffered an untimely death in 1968 when he was assassinated in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh.
The 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was celebrated on the 25th of September, with the Madhya Pradesh Government establishing a Chair in his honour at Makhanlal University. Pandit Deendayal was an eminent political activist and philosopher. He was a noted leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which is considered a precursor to the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).
Pandit Deendayal was born in 1916 in what is now Uttar Pradesh. He excelled in academics since a young age and was even selected to the Provincial Services. However, he chose to dedicate his life to the common man and engage in public service instead of joining the Provincial Services.
A critic of both capitalism and communism, Pandit Deendayal advocated his own brand of Integral Humanism which combined morality in politics and a human centric approach to economics. He strongly supported swadeshiand small scale industrialization. He upheld nationalistic ideals, and believed that blindly adhering to Western ideologies wouldn’t be a suitable path for India.
Along with an active political career, he also engaged in various literary endeavors. He established his own publishing house named Rashtra Dharma Prakashan and brought out the monthly Rashtra Dharma. He also launched and edited the weekly Panchjanya and the daily Swadesh from Lucknow. He also wrote a drama on Chandragupta Maurya, a biography of Shankaracharya and also translated a Marathi biography of K.B.Hedgewar.
He suffered an untimely death in 1968 when he was assassinated in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh.
Mom Inserted Into Mars Orbit
The Mars Orbiter Mission(MOM), or Mangalyaan was successfully inserted into Mars’ orbit on the 24th of September 2014 with the help of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This gives India the distinction of not only being the first nation to send a satellite into Mars’ orbit in its first attempt, but also the first Asian nation to successfully send a satellite to Mars. This combined with the fact that MOM cost India only a tenth of what NASA incurred to insert its satellite into Mars’ orbit, makes this achievement a source of great pride to the nation.
India’s first interplanetary mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on a PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) on the 5th of November 2013. The satellite, weighing around 1,350 kg was on an elliptical orbit around the Earth for a month before it set off towards Mars.
The objectives of the MOM are to study Mars’ surface features, mineral compositions and atmospheric conditions using indigenously developed instruments. The mission also serves to showcase India’s capabilities in indigenously developing, planning and launching an interplanetary mission. Apart from being a feat in itself, this latest milestone could help open up the highly lucrative space technology market to India.
The Mars Orbiter Mission(MOM), or Mangalyaan was successfully inserted into Mars’ orbit on the 24th of September 2014 with the help of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This gives India the distinction of not only being the first nation to send a satellite into Mars’ orbit in its first attempt, but also the first Asian nation to successfully send a satellite to Mars. This combined with the fact that MOM cost India only a tenth of what NASA incurred to insert its satellite into Mars’ orbit, makes this achievement a source of great pride to the nation.
India’s first interplanetary mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on a PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) on the 5th of November 2013. The satellite, weighing around 1,350 kg was on an elliptical orbit around the Earth for a month before it set off towards Mars.
The objectives of the MOM are to study Mars’ surface features, mineral compositions and atmospheric conditions using indigenously developed instruments. The mission also serves to showcase India’s capabilities in indigenously developing, planning and launching an interplanetary mission. Apart from being a feat in itself, this latest milestone could help open up the highly lucrative space technology market to India.
India’s ex-Ambassador to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri named Secy-general of ICM
Hardeep Singh Puri appointed as Secretary General of Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM). Hardeep Singh was former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the UN.
Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM)
Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM) launched by InternationalPeace Institute (IPI) is targeted at recognizing policy proposals to improve the multilateral system’s capacity to respond to developing global challenges. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will be chairperson of the ICM, Foreign Minister of Norway Borge Brende and Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird will be co-Chairpersons. The commission will be an all-inclusive two-year programme and it will be funded by the Canada and Norway governments.
Hardeep Singh Puri appointed as Secretary General of Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM). Hardeep Singh was former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the UN.
Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM)
Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM) launched by InternationalPeace Institute (IPI) is targeted at recognizing policy proposals to improve the multilateral system’s capacity to respond to developing global challenges. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will be chairperson of the ICM, Foreign Minister of Norway Borge Brende and Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird will be co-Chairpersons. The commission will be an all-inclusive two-year programme and it will be funded by the Canada and Norway governments.
Kaushik Basu appointed as president-elect of International Economic Association (IEA)
Kaushik Basu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of World Bank, has been appointed as president-elect of the association by the InternationalEconomic Association (IEA). Meanwhile, Basu will continue serving as Senior Vice President and World Bank Chief Economist. A World Bank Chief Economist is appointed for a 4 year term and Basu started his Job as Senior Vice President and World Bank Chief Economist on October 1, 2012.
The International Economic Association (IEA) is one of the key organizations of professional economists, and has been significant in determining global economic policy and research. Amongst the past presidents of IEA were theNobel laureates Robert Solow, Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz. Thus, Kaushik Basu will be the 2nd Indian to head IEA.
IEA produces a large number of research papers and books and organises round tables on topics of present-day interest. Its principal activities include International Congress organized every 3 years. The occasion serves as one of the major assemblies of economists from around the world. The 2014 International Congress was held at Dead Sea, Jordan. Earlier to that the Congress was hosted by China in Beijing in 2011.
Kaushik Basu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of World Bank, has been appointed as president-elect of the association by the InternationalEconomic Association (IEA). Meanwhile, Basu will continue serving as Senior Vice President and World Bank Chief Economist. A World Bank Chief Economist is appointed for a 4 year term and Basu started his Job as Senior Vice President and World Bank Chief Economist on October 1, 2012.
The International Economic Association (IEA) is one of the key organizations of professional economists, and has been significant in determining global economic policy and research. Amongst the past presidents of IEA were theNobel laureates Robert Solow, Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz. Thus, Kaushik Basu will be the 2nd Indian to head IEA.
IEA produces a large number of research papers and books and organises round tables on topics of present-day interest. Its principal activities include International Congress organized every 3 years. The occasion serves as one of the major assemblies of economists from around the world. The 2014 International Congress was held at Dead Sea, Jordan. Earlier to that the Congress was hosted by China in Beijing in 2011.
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa wins the Midori Prize 2014
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa, an eminent professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, won the Midori Prize (2014) in Biodiversity for his research, including in climate change in the Himalayas.
Kamal Bawa, founder president of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in Bangalore, will accept the prize with a cash award of $100,000 during the Oct 16-17, 2014 Conference of Parties (COP-12) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in South Korea. India, the at present the chair of the COP-11 and India will pass the baton to Korea at the COP-12 in South Korea. The theme of this year’s COP-12 meeting is ‘Biodiversity for Sustainable Development’.
Other Awardees For Year 2014
- Alfred Oteng-Yeboah (Ghana) Chair, Ghana National BiodiversityCommittee
- Bibiana Vila (Argentina) Director, Vicuñas, Camelids and Environment (VICAM), Principal Researcher, National Research Council (CONICET) Argentina.
Midori Prize for Biodiversity
Established in 2010 at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the AEON Environmental Foundation, the Midori Prize is regarded a major element “at the service of the objectives of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020.” The Prize honors 3 individuals who have made exceptional contribution to conservation and sustainable use at local and global levels, and who have inspired several biodiversity-related works, as well as fostering consciousness about biodiversity. Each winner gets a certificate, a memorial gift and a cash prize of USD100,000. The MIDORI Prize serves as a key instrument at the service of the aims of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020.
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa, an eminent professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, won the Midori Prize (2014) in Biodiversity for his research, including in climate change in the Himalayas.
Kamal Bawa, founder president of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in Bangalore, will accept the prize with a cash award of $100,000 during the Oct 16-17, 2014 Conference of Parties (COP-12) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in South Korea. India, the at present the chair of the COP-11 and India will pass the baton to Korea at the COP-12 in South Korea. The theme of this year’s COP-12 meeting is ‘Biodiversity for Sustainable Development’.
Other Awardees For Year 2014
- Alfred Oteng-Yeboah (Ghana) Chair, Ghana National BiodiversityCommittee
- Bibiana Vila (Argentina) Director, Vicuñas, Camelids and Environment (VICAM), Principal Researcher, National Research Council (CONICET) Argentina.
Midori Prize for Biodiversity
Established in 2010 at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the AEON Environmental Foundation, the Midori Prize is regarded a major element “at the service of the objectives of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020.” The Prize honors 3 individuals who have made exceptional contribution to conservation and sustainable use at local and global levels, and who have inspired several biodiversity-related works, as well as fostering consciousness about biodiversity. Each winner gets a certificate, a memorial gift and a cash prize of USD100,000. The MIDORI Prize serves as a key instrument at the service of the aims of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020.
“National Ayush Mission” gets Government’s nod
Government has permitted the launching of National Ayush Mission (NAM) to attend to the gaps in health services in vulnerable and far-flung parts of the country. The judgment to launch the NAM was taken in a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Via the AYUSH Mission (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha andHomoeopathy), the Govt. is looking forward to address gaps in health services by backing the attempts of state governments for delivering Ayush health services and education in the country, mainly in vulnerable and remote areas. The Mission will assist in improving the Ayush education via improvement in the number of advanced educational institutions and deliver improved access to Ayush services via growth in number of Ayush hospitals and dispensaries. The mission will also assist sustained accessibility of quality raw material for Ayush systems of medicine and advance accessibility of quality drugs via growth in number of pharmacies and drug laboratories.
Government has permitted the launching of National Ayush Mission (NAM) to attend to the gaps in health services in vulnerable and far-flung parts of the country. The judgment to launch the NAM was taken in a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Via the AYUSH Mission (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha andHomoeopathy), the Govt. is looking forward to address gaps in health services by backing the attempts of state governments for delivering Ayush health services and education in the country, mainly in vulnerable and remote areas. The Mission will assist in improving the Ayush education via improvement in the number of advanced educational institutions and deliver improved access to Ayush services via growth in number of Ayush hospitals and dispensaries. The mission will also assist sustained accessibility of quality raw material for Ayush systems of medicine and advance accessibility of quality drugs via growth in number of pharmacies and drug laboratories.
Finance Ministry planning to double the Banks’ commission for DBT scheme from 1% to 2%
Finance Ministry is in the final stages of the course to double the commission to banks at 2% of the quantum of funds they transmit to individual beneficiaries under the government’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. The current rate of commission is 1% per for every transaction under the DBT.
The government transfers money to the bank account of consumers of kerosene, LPG, etc. via its DBT scheme in order to do away with the loopholes and ascertain corruption free delivery. Now, the Finance Ministry plans that for all accounts, whether under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana or otherwise, if subsidy is routed via the DBT scheme, 2% of the total amount will be given to banks as administration cost. This money will not be cut from the consumer’s account but the government will spend extra 2%.
Example, if in a year, a bank transfers Rs 10 crore as DBT payments, then the government will transfer Rs 10.2 crore to that bank.
Banks play a very important role as Govt agents in routing subsidies via DBTSchemes.
Finance Ministry is in the final stages of the course to double the commission to banks at 2% of the quantum of funds they transmit to individual beneficiaries under the government’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. The current rate of commission is 1% per for every transaction under the DBT.
The government transfers money to the bank account of consumers of kerosene, LPG, etc. via its DBT scheme in order to do away with the loopholes and ascertain corruption free delivery. Now, the Finance Ministry plans that for all accounts, whether under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana or otherwise, if subsidy is routed via the DBT scheme, 2% of the total amount will be given to banks as administration cost. This money will not be cut from the consumer’s account but the government will spend extra 2%.
Example, if in a year, a bank transfers Rs 10 crore as DBT payments, then the government will transfer Rs 10.2 crore to that bank.
Banks play a very important role as Govt agents in routing subsidies via DBTSchemes.
Govt to provide training to IAS, IPS, IFoS officers in dealing with Naxalism
The government has devised a training programme for IAS, IPS and Forest Service officers on dealing with problem of Naxalism. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has written to Chief Secretaries of 8 states requesting nomination of at least 3 officers each from Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) for the course. The nominated officers will be coached by armed forces personnel at theChhattisgarh Academy of Administration (Raipur) during October 15-17, 2014. The programme is being held for the first time on Naxalism.
The aim of the programme is to boost exposure of IAS, IPS, IFoS and other civil services officers to the military, so as to efficiently deal with unanticipated circumstances at short notice. The programme brings together civilian and armed force officers from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, , Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengalto a shared discussion forum on the theme ‘Left Wing Extremism’.
The government has devised a training programme for IAS, IPS and Forest Service officers on dealing with problem of Naxalism. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has written to Chief Secretaries of 8 states requesting nomination of at least 3 officers each from Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) for the course. The nominated officers will be coached by armed forces personnel at theChhattisgarh Academy of Administration (Raipur) during October 15-17, 2014. The programme is being held for the first time on Naxalism.
The aim of the programme is to boost exposure of IAS, IPS, IFoS and other civil services officers to the military, so as to efficiently deal with unanticipated circumstances at short notice. The programme brings together civilian and armed force officers from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, , Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengalto a shared discussion forum on the theme ‘Left Wing Extremism’.
Govt notifies amendments in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending norms
The government has made alterations to the norms governing expenses onCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) undertakings under the fresh Company Law (2013). Now a particular class of profitable companies are necessitated to spend minimum 2% of their 3-year yearly average net profit towards CSR works.
The obligation is part of the Companies Act, 2013, maximum of whose requirements came into effect from April 1, 2014. As per the rules, companies are permitted to build CSR capabilities for their own personnel via other institutions given that such expenses do not exceed 5% of the total expenditure incurred on social welfare activities in one financial year. This 5% cap would include “expenditure on administrative overheads”.
The changes have been made to the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014. As per earlier norms, companies were allowed to build CSR capacities of their own personnel as well as those of their implementing agencies via institutions with established track records of at least 3 financial years but such expenditure shall not exceed 5% of total CSR expenditure of the company in a single financial year.
The new CSR norms would be applicable on companies having at least Rs 5 crore net profit, or Rs 1,000 crore turnover or Rs 500 crore net worth. Such corporates would required to spend 2% of their 3-year average yearly net profit on CSR activities in each financial year, beginning 2014-15 fiscal.
Several activities including livelihood improvement and rural development projects, lessening inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups, working towards safeguard of national heritage, art and culture, comes under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) domain.
The government has made alterations to the norms governing expenses onCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) undertakings under the fresh Company Law (2013). Now a particular class of profitable companies are necessitated to spend minimum 2% of their 3-year yearly average net profit towards CSR works.
The obligation is part of the Companies Act, 2013, maximum of whose requirements came into effect from April 1, 2014. As per the rules, companies are permitted to build CSR capabilities for their own personnel via other institutions given that such expenses do not exceed 5% of the total expenditure incurred on social welfare activities in one financial year. This 5% cap would include “expenditure on administrative overheads”.
The changes have been made to the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014. As per earlier norms, companies were allowed to build CSR capacities of their own personnel as well as those of their implementing agencies via institutions with established track records of at least 3 financial years but such expenditure shall not exceed 5% of total CSR expenditure of the company in a single financial year.
The new CSR norms would be applicable on companies having at least Rs 5 crore net profit, or Rs 1,000 crore turnover or Rs 500 crore net worth. Such corporates would required to spend 2% of their 3-year average yearly net profit on CSR activities in each financial year, beginning 2014-15 fiscal.
Several activities including livelihood improvement and rural development projects, lessening inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups, working towards safeguard of national heritage, art and culture, comes under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) domain.
Sebi relaxes governance norms, increases deadline for minimum one woman director on the boards of listed companies to April 1, 2015
To simplify the procedure of executing better corporate governance norms by listed firms, the market regulator Sebi relaxed several provisions of the fresh law, particularly for smaller companies, and stretched the deadline for appointing at least one woman director to April 1, 2015.
Although amendments were made to numerous provisions of the Corporate Governance Code in order to align it with the appropriate sections of the new Companies Act (2013), the deadline would remain unmoved at October 1, 2014, except for obligation of a minimum one woman director on the boards of listed companies. Thus, the listed companies would have time till April 1, 2015 to fulfill with the woman director-related provision.
To simplify the procedure of executing better corporate governance norms by listed firms, the market regulator Sebi relaxed several provisions of the fresh law, particularly for smaller companies, and stretched the deadline for appointing at least one woman director to April 1, 2015.
Although amendments were made to numerous provisions of the Corporate Governance Code in order to align it with the appropriate sections of the new Companies Act (2013), the deadline would remain unmoved at October 1, 2014, except for obligation of a minimum one woman director on the boards of listed companies. Thus, the listed companies would have time till April 1, 2015 to fulfill with the woman director-related provision.
Grapheme-based flexible screen developed; paves way for foldable electronic devices in future
Researchers at the Cavendish Laboratory of the Cambridge University for the very first time have developed a grapheme-based flexible screen. The advancement is important because it will lead to the development of next-generation high-tech wearable and foldable electronic devices in future. Professor Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre and Plastic Logic demonstrated a flexible display incorporating graphene in its pixels’ electronics.
Graphene-based flexible screen
The novel prototype is an effective matrix electrophoretic display, comparable to the screens used in today’s e-readers, excluding the fact that it is made of flexible plastic as an alternative of glass. The pixel electronics, or backplane of this display comprises a solution-processed graphene electrode, in contrast to conventional displays. It will substitute the sputtered metal electrode layer within Plastic Logic’s conventional devices, which will bring about the product and method benefits.
The newfangled 150 pixel per inch backplane was prepared at low temperatures (less than 100 degrees Celsius) by means of the Plastic Logic’s Organic Thin Film Transistor (OTFT) technology. The prototype will quicken the commercial development of grapheme and is being considered as the first step in the direction of broader application of graphene and graphene-like materials into flexible electronics. The ultra-flexible graphene layer will permit a extensive range of products, involving foldable electronics.
About Graphene
Graphene is a 2D (two-dimensional) material comprising of sheets of carbon atoms. It is amongst the strongest, most lightweight and flexible materials identified, and has the capacity to revolutionize industries from healthcare to electronics. Graphene is more elastic than usual ceramic substitutes like Indium-Tin oxide (ITO) and more transparent than metal films. Graphene can be processed from solution bringing characteristic benefits of using more effective printed and roll-to-roll manufacturing methods. Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov of Russia won the Nobel Prize 2010 for research on graphene.
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