General Affairs
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Hits Out At DMK-Congress Alliance
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CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa today exhorted her party men to explain the development work and welfare schemes of her government, the party's electoral promises including freebies and remind people of the "unholy" alliance between the DMK and Congress.
"I have successfully implemented a host of schemes, both short-term and long-term to benefit all the families in Tamil Nadu," she said in a letter to her party workers.
AIADMK regime had implemented various schemes including freebies like 20 kg rice for ration card holders, mixers, grinders and milch cows and goats. However, several of these schemes had attracted opposition flak with allegations of corruption.
Highlighting her regime's performance, she cited "achievements" like creation of 1.5 crore new job opportunities and setting up of the "highest number" of small and micro industries in India.
"Tamil Nadu people are living happily, protected by rule of law," she said.
On the AIADMK manifesto, she reiterated that women would get 50 per cent subsidy for buying scooters or mopeds, waiver of farm loans, 100 units power free of cost, increasing allocation of gold (four to eight grams of gold) under 'Thallikku Thangam Scheme' (Gold for Mangalsutra Scheme).
Referring to the DMK-Congress alliance as "unholy," she asked her party workers to tell voters that this combine would jeopardise the efforts of Tamil people who are striving hard to win back their rights in Sri Lanka.
Hitting out at DMK, she said "remind voters that if the poison tree of family politics is going to strengthen itself, it will be dangerous for individual freedom and also tell them how all industrial ventures went into the control of one family till 2011."
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa today exhorted her party men to explain the development work and welfare schemes of her government, the party's electoral promises including freebies and remind people of the "unholy" alliance between the DMK and Congress."I have successfully implemented a host of schemes, both short-term and long-term to benefit all the families in Tamil Nadu," she said in a letter to her party workers.
AIADMK regime had implemented various schemes including freebies like 20 kg rice for ration card holders, mixers, grinders and milch cows and goats. However, several of these schemes had attracted opposition flak with allegations of corruption.
Highlighting her regime's performance, she cited "achievements" like creation of 1.5 crore new job opportunities and setting up of the "highest number" of small and micro industries in India.
"Tamil Nadu people are living happily, protected by rule of law," she said.
On the AIADMK manifesto, she reiterated that women would get 50 per cent subsidy for buying scooters or mopeds, waiver of farm loans, 100 units power free of cost, increasing allocation of gold (four to eight grams of gold) under 'Thallikku Thangam Scheme' (Gold for Mangalsutra Scheme).
Referring to the DMK-Congress alliance as "unholy," she asked her party workers to tell voters that this combine would jeopardise the efforts of Tamil people who are striving hard to win back their rights in Sri Lanka.
Hitting out at DMK, she said "remind voters that if the poison tree of family politics is going to strengthen itself, it will be dangerous for individual freedom and also tell them how all industrial ventures went into the control of one family till 2011."
JNU Action Against Kanhaiya Kumar, Others Put On Hold By High Court
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has stayed all disciplinary action against Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Kanhaiya Kumar and others for a controversial event in February.
Kanhaiya Kumar had been Rs. 10,000 on the recommendation of a university panel that investigated his role in a controversial on campus event in support of terrorist Afzal Guru. Two more students had been removed for two semesters. The students had challenged the punishment in the High Court.
In its verdict today, the High Court stayed the disciplinary action till the students' appeal against the University order is decided by an appellate authority.
However the ruling would not apply to JNU student Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, the court said, till they file an application saying the would appeal against the university's punishment.
Mr Khalid had been fined Rs. 20,000 and suspended for a semester by the JNU for "indiscipline". Mr Bhattacharya had been barred from pursuing any course in JNU for the next five years.
Serving the order, the judge laid the condition that the JNU students' union, which has been on a hunger strike demanding a roll-back of the punishment, withdraw the protest and not launch a new agitation.
Mr Kumar, along with Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested days after the event held on February 9 to mark the anniversary of the 2013 hanging of Afzal Guru, during which controversial slogans were raised. They were released on bail a few weeks later.
The university had accused the students of "arousing communal caste feelings, creating disharmony and colluding in the unauthorized entry of outsiders".
The arrests triggered angry student protests in different parts of the country and pitted the government against opposition parties who alleged a blatant attempt by the ruling BJP to crush dissent and free speech on campuses.
The row intensified after it emerged that the Delhi police had wrongly declared that it had video evidence of Kanhaiya Kumar making incendiary remarks against India. It was later alleged that the slogans were raised by "outsiders".
After his release in March, Mr Kumar made a forceful speech in which he called for "Azaadi" (freedom) within India. In the past few weeks, he has toured universities where he has repeatedly attacked the government for what he describes as its divisive policies.
Kanhaiya Kumar had been Rs. 10,000 on the recommendation of a university panel that investigated his role in a controversial on campus event in support of terrorist Afzal Guru. Two more students had been removed for two semesters. The students had challenged the punishment in the High Court.
In its verdict today, the High Court stayed the disciplinary action till the students' appeal against the University order is decided by an appellate authority.
However the ruling would not apply to JNU student Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, the court said, till they file an application saying the would appeal against the university's punishment.
Mr Khalid had been fined Rs. 20,000 and suspended for a semester by the JNU for "indiscipline". Mr Bhattacharya had been barred from pursuing any course in JNU for the next five years.
Mr Kumar, along with Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested days after the event held on February 9 to mark the anniversary of the 2013 hanging of Afzal Guru, during which controversial slogans were raised. They were released on bail a few weeks later.
The university had accused the students of "arousing communal caste feelings, creating disharmony and colluding in the unauthorized entry of outsiders".
The arrests triggered angry student protests in different parts of the country and pitted the government against opposition parties who alleged a blatant attempt by the ruling BJP to crush dissent and free speech on campuses.
The row intensified after it emerged that the Delhi police had wrongly declared that it had video evidence of Kanhaiya Kumar making incendiary remarks against India. It was later alleged that the slogans were raised by "outsiders".
After his release in March, Mr Kumar made a forceful speech in which he called for "Azaadi" (freedom) within India. In the past few weeks, he has toured universities where he has repeatedly attacked the government for what he describes as its divisive policies.
21 AAP Legislators Seek Personal Hearing Before Election Commission
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NEW DELHI: Twenty-one Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators, who have been made parliamentary secretaries and are facing the risk of disqualification from the Assembly on office of profit issue, have sought a personal hearing before the Election Commission.
Sources in the commission today said a decision on the matter will take at least 6 to 8 weeks.
"We have asked for a personal hearing from the Election Commission to make our stand clear. However, no date has been fixed as of now," AAP's Kasturba Nagar legislator Madanlal said.
He said this has been conveyed to the commission in the reply filed by the legislators to the notices issued by the poll panel.
The Election Commission had earlier issued notices to 21 AAP legislators asking them to explain how their appointment as parliamentary secretaries does not fall under office of profit.
The Commission has sought the response of the legislators as to why their Assembly membership should not be cancelled. The notices had been given by the commission on a complaint filed by a lawyer.
In their response to the poll body, the legislators have said that parliamentary secretary is a "post" without any remuneration or power.
A senior party functionary maintained that there was no "pecuniary benefit" associated with the post.
AAP had appointed 21 parliamentary secretaries to assist the Delhi government ministers. Thereafter, the government sought an amendment to the Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1997.
Through the Bill, which has been forwarded to the Centre by Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, AAP wants "retrospective" exemption for the parliamentary secretaries from disqualification provisions.
Questions have been raised over their appointment by the opposition.
The Lieutenant Governor has said that the office of parliamentary secretary is defined as an "office of profit if one looks at the statutes of Delhi" and that as per the GNCT Act, the city can have only one parliamentary secretary attached to the office of the chief minister.
NEW DELHI: Twenty-one Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators, who have been made parliamentary secretaries and are facing the risk of disqualification from the Assembly on office of profit issue, have sought a personal hearing before the Election Commission.Sources in the commission today said a decision on the matter will take at least 6 to 8 weeks.
"We have asked for a personal hearing from the Election Commission to make our stand clear. However, no date has been fixed as of now," AAP's Kasturba Nagar legislator Madanlal said.
He said this has been conveyed to the commission in the reply filed by the legislators to the notices issued by the poll panel.
The Election Commission had earlier issued notices to 21 AAP legislators asking them to explain how their appointment as parliamentary secretaries does not fall under office of profit.
The Commission has sought the response of the legislators as to why their Assembly membership should not be cancelled. The notices had been given by the commission on a complaint filed by a lawyer.
In their response to the poll body, the legislators have said that parliamentary secretary is a "post" without any remuneration or power.
A senior party functionary maintained that there was no "pecuniary benefit" associated with the post.
AAP had appointed 21 parliamentary secretaries to assist the Delhi government ministers. Thereafter, the government sought an amendment to the Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1997.
Through the Bill, which has been forwarded to the Centre by Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, AAP wants "retrospective" exemption for the parliamentary secretaries from disqualification provisions.
Questions have been raised over their appointment by the opposition.
The Lieutenant Governor has said that the office of parliamentary secretary is defined as an "office of profit if one looks at the statutes of Delhi" and that as per the GNCT Act, the city can have only one parliamentary secretary attached to the office of the chief minister.
Monsoon To Hit Kerala Early This Year: Weather Agency
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NEW DELHI: Monsoon will hit Kerala between May 28 and 30, two-three days before its normal onset date of June 1, private forecasting agency Skymet said. However, it is expected to reach New Delhi on July 1 and Jaisalmer by July 12.
It is likely to reach Kolkata by June 10 and Mumbai by June 12.
The Southwest Monsoon will arrive over Andaman and Nicobar Islands between May 18 and 20.
"It is likely to reach Kerala between May 28 and May 30."
"Thereafter, it will cover other parts of the country. Present weather conditions are indicating a promising beginning of Monsoon 2016 which is likely to usher in with a bang," Skymet said.
The normal monsoon onset date is June 1 when it reaches Kerala.
Monsoon reaching a tad early is expected to provide relief to many parts of country which are reeling under severe heat wave and drought conditions.
The India Meteorological Department, as well as Skymet, have made a forecast of "above normal" monsoon this year.
NEW DELHI: Monsoon will hit Kerala between May 28 and 30, two-three days before its normal onset date of June 1, private forecasting agency Skymet said. However, it is expected to reach New Delhi on July 1 and Jaisalmer by July 12.It is likely to reach Kolkata by June 10 and Mumbai by June 12.
The Southwest Monsoon will arrive over Andaman and Nicobar Islands between May 18 and 20.
"It is likely to reach Kerala between May 28 and May 30."
The normal monsoon onset date is June 1 when it reaches Kerala.
Monsoon reaching a tad early is expected to provide relief to many parts of country which are reeling under severe heat wave and drought conditions.
The India Meteorological Department, as well as Skymet, have made a forecast of "above normal" monsoon this year.
China Elevates Military Command Along Indian Border: Report
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BEIJING: In a surprise move, China has elevated the rank of its Tibet's Military Command which looks after the security along its border with India by putting it under the jurisdiction of the Chinese People Liberation Army ground forces, suggesting it may "undertake some kind of military combat mission in future."
"China raises the Tibet Military Command's (TMC) power rank," state-run Global Times said in a frontpage report.
"The TMC's political rank will be elevated to one level higher than its counterpart provincial-level military commands and will come under the leadership of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)," it reported citing another official newspaper the 'China Youth Daily.'
"The promotion marks a new journey for the TMC command's construction," it said.
The sudden "elevation" surprised many observers as the PLA in this year's reform brought most of the provincial military commands under the control of Central Military Commission's (CMC) new National Defence Mobilisation Department.
CMC, the overall high command of the PLA, is directly headed by President Xi Jinping, who is also the head of the ruling Communist Party.
"The TMC on the other hand, is controlled by the Chinese ground forces, which suggests that the command may undertake some kind of military combat mission in the future," the report quoted a "source close to the matter" as saying.
There was no elaboration of what the "military combat mission" will be.
Seasoned military observers termed the report confusing. Until last year, China had seven military area commands in Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu, Jinan, Shenyang, Lanzhou and Guangzhou. Of this, Chengdu looked after security of the Eastern sector while Lanzhou in Xinjiang looked after part of the western sector, both side bordering India.
As per the new strategic zone plan, both Chengdu and Lanzhou gets integrated into strategic command region making it perhaps the biggest areas for the Chinese military. TMC may perhaps get a four-star General instead of a Lt General, while Lanzhou where the combat forces are stationed is already led by a General.
"Loosely put, the report is very confusing. we need more information to get a proper prospective," a senior military official told news agency Press Trust of India.
India-China borders largely enjoy peace and tranquillity, notwithstanding some differences over the 3,488-km long border. They have set up a mechanism at the ground and at the level of the government to address issues relating to the recurring transgressions by the People's Liberation Army troops in the areas within India.
The issue was broadly discussed during last month's visit of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to China during which the two sides agreed to set up 'Hot Lines' between the militaries.
President Pranab Mukherjee is due to visit China on a state visit from May 24 to improve bilateral ties.
However, differences have risen between the two over China's attempts to block India's bid to ban Pakistan-based terrorist leaders.
China is also increasing its investment in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), through which it is building USD 46 billion economic corridor.
By raising TMC's authority level and putting it under the jurisdiction of the PLA ground forces, China continues to increase its military presence in Tibet and aims to allow the military command to shoulder more combat assignments, analysts said.
"The elevation of the authority level is not only an improvement for the troops' designation, but also an expansion of their function and mission," Zhao Zhong, deputy director of the Political Work Department of the TMC, was quoted as saying by China Youth Daily.
Military commands in Tibet and Xinjiang have always enjoyed special political status and the promotion in rank this time reflects a continuation of China's policy.
"The promotion shows China is paying great attention to the TMC, which will significantly improve the command's ability to manage and control the region's military resources, as well as provide better preparation for combat," Song Zhongping, a Beijing-based military expert said.
Currently, the TMC is under the leadership of Western Command, headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Defence Minister Parrikar visited it during his visit last month.
"After the military reform, the TMC's priority is the management of military resources, as well as the region's national defence mobilisation," Mr Song said.
"Border disputes between China and India have not been completely resolved. Military action in the TMC requires specialist mountain skills and long-range capabilities, which need the deployment of special military resources," Mr Song said.
"The promotion of the command's authority level shows the amount of attention China places on the defence of its southwestern borders," he said.
The report quoted a Beijing-based military expert saying that "as a key part of the Western Command, the elevation in rank of TMC will also boost combat abilities."
Early this year, Xi Jinping revamped the 2.3 million strong military by creating a PLA Rocket Force of the strategic missile forces and the Strategic Support Force to provide proper electronic and cyber intelligence backup for precision missiles strikes.
The unified joint command system which Xi Jinping initiated will end the army-dominated set-up with more role for Air Force and Navy, which are on a modernisation drive under an annual USD 145 Chinese defence budget.
The overhaul is aimed at moving away from an army-centric system towards a US-style joint command in which the Army, Navy and Air Force are equally represented.
BEIJING: In a surprise move, China has elevated the rank of its Tibet's Military Command which looks after the security along its border with India by putting it under the jurisdiction of the Chinese People Liberation Army ground forces, suggesting it may "undertake some kind of military combat mission in future.""China raises the Tibet Military Command's (TMC) power rank," state-run Global Times said in a frontpage report.
"The TMC's political rank will be elevated to one level higher than its counterpart provincial-level military commands and will come under the leadership of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)," it reported citing another official newspaper the 'China Youth Daily.'
"The promotion marks a new journey for the TMC command's construction," it said.
CMC, the overall high command of the PLA, is directly headed by President Xi Jinping, who is also the head of the ruling Communist Party.
"The TMC on the other hand, is controlled by the Chinese ground forces, which suggests that the command may undertake some kind of military combat mission in the future," the report quoted a "source close to the matter" as saying.
There was no elaboration of what the "military combat mission" will be.
Seasoned military observers termed the report confusing. Until last year, China had seven military area commands in Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu, Jinan, Shenyang, Lanzhou and Guangzhou. Of this, Chengdu looked after security of the Eastern sector while Lanzhou in Xinjiang looked after part of the western sector, both side bordering India.
As per the new strategic zone plan, both Chengdu and Lanzhou gets integrated into strategic command region making it perhaps the biggest areas for the Chinese military. TMC may perhaps get a four-star General instead of a Lt General, while Lanzhou where the combat forces are stationed is already led by a General.
"Loosely put, the report is very confusing. we need more information to get a proper prospective," a senior military official told news agency Press Trust of India.
India-China borders largely enjoy peace and tranquillity, notwithstanding some differences over the 3,488-km long border. They have set up a mechanism at the ground and at the level of the government to address issues relating to the recurring transgressions by the People's Liberation Army troops in the areas within India.
The issue was broadly discussed during last month's visit of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to China during which the two sides agreed to set up 'Hot Lines' between the militaries.
President Pranab Mukherjee is due to visit China on a state visit from May 24 to improve bilateral ties.
However, differences have risen between the two over China's attempts to block India's bid to ban Pakistan-based terrorist leaders.
China is also increasing its investment in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), through which it is building USD 46 billion economic corridor.
By raising TMC's authority level and putting it under the jurisdiction of the PLA ground forces, China continues to increase its military presence in Tibet and aims to allow the military command to shoulder more combat assignments, analysts said.
"The elevation of the authority level is not only an improvement for the troops' designation, but also an expansion of their function and mission," Zhao Zhong, deputy director of the Political Work Department of the TMC, was quoted as saying by China Youth Daily.
Military commands in Tibet and Xinjiang have always enjoyed special political status and the promotion in rank this time reflects a continuation of China's policy.
"The promotion shows China is paying great attention to the TMC, which will significantly improve the command's ability to manage and control the region's military resources, as well as provide better preparation for combat," Song Zhongping, a Beijing-based military expert said.
Currently, the TMC is under the leadership of Western Command, headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Defence Minister Parrikar visited it during his visit last month.
"After the military reform, the TMC's priority is the management of military resources, as well as the region's national defence mobilisation," Mr Song said.
"Border disputes between China and India have not been completely resolved. Military action in the TMC requires specialist mountain skills and long-range capabilities, which need the deployment of special military resources," Mr Song said.
"The promotion of the command's authority level shows the amount of attention China places on the defence of its southwestern borders," he said.
The report quoted a Beijing-based military expert saying that "as a key part of the Western Command, the elevation in rank of TMC will also boost combat abilities."
Early this year, Xi Jinping revamped the 2.3 million strong military by creating a PLA Rocket Force of the strategic missile forces and the Strategic Support Force to provide proper electronic and cyber intelligence backup for precision missiles strikes.
The unified joint command system which Xi Jinping initiated will end the army-dominated set-up with more role for Air Force and Navy, which are on a modernisation drive under an annual USD 145 Chinese defence budget.
The overhaul is aimed at moving away from an army-centric system towards a US-style joint command in which the Army, Navy and Air Force are equally represented.
Business Affairs
Sensex ends 300 points lower, Nifty below 7,750 post poor IIP, CPI data
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Snapping Thursday's gains, the S&P BSE Sensex on Friday settled the day 300 points lower, while the broader CNX Nifty managed to hold above its key 7,800-mark.
The headline indices fell more than 1 per cent after stronger-than-expected consumer inflation data raised the prospect the Reserve Bank of India would keep interest rates on hold, sending lenders such as State Bank of India sharply lower.
The 30-share index ended the day at 25,489, down 300.65 points, while broad-based 50-share index quoted 7,814, down 85.50 points at close.
Market breadth turned fairly negative with 26 of the 30 Sensex components ending the day in red.
Data released late on Thursday showed annualised consumer price inflation rose at a faster-than-expected pace to 5.39 percent last month, compared with 4.83 percent in March.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut interest rates by 150 basis points since last year, including most recently by 25 bps in April, but pinned another rate cut on inflation trends even as separate data released on Thursday showed a struggling economy with industrial output rising much less than expected.
The central bank holds its next policy review on June 7.
Banks were further hit after the RBI said on Thursday the sector would have to make higher provisions for lending to large corporate borrowers above a certain level.
"If inflation remains elevated then RBI's rate cut could get postponed, but on the other hand IIP (industrial output) numbers are soft and typically in such a scenario you would expect the RBI to cut rates. So policy outlook is concerning markets," said Deepak Jasani, head of retail research at HDFC Securities.
Adani Ports was the worst performing stock on Sensex and lost 3.5 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Banking stocks dropped, with the S&P BSE Bankex index shedding 1.25 per cent. State Bank of India and ICICI Bank were down 1.80 per cent and 2.29 per cent, respectively.
Dr Reddy's Laboratories fell 2.08 per cent after the country's second largest drugmaker on Thursday posted a near 86 percent slump in March-quarter profit.
Eicher Motors declined 3.82 per cent after promoters sold 1.14 million shares, or 4.2 pct stake, for 21 billion rupees.
Among the gainers, Asian Paints rose 1.70 per cent, its second consecutive session of gains, after good March-quarter results.
Snapping Thursday's gains, the S&P BSE Sensex on Friday settled the day 300 points lower, while the broader CNX Nifty managed to hold above its key 7,800-mark.
The headline indices fell more than 1 per cent after stronger-than-expected consumer inflation data raised the prospect the Reserve Bank of India would keep interest rates on hold, sending lenders such as State Bank of India sharply lower.
The 30-share index ended the day at 25,489, down 300.65 points, while broad-based 50-share index quoted 7,814, down 85.50 points at close.
Market breadth turned fairly negative with 26 of the 30 Sensex components ending the day in red.
Data released late on Thursday showed annualised consumer price inflation rose at a faster-than-expected pace to 5.39 percent last month, compared with 4.83 percent in March.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut interest rates by 150 basis points since last year, including most recently by 25 bps in April, but pinned another rate cut on inflation trends even as separate data released on Thursday showed a struggling economy with industrial output rising much less than expected.
The central bank holds its next policy review on June 7.
Banks were further hit after the RBI said on Thursday the sector would have to make higher provisions for lending to large corporate borrowers above a certain level.
"If inflation remains elevated then RBI's rate cut could get postponed, but on the other hand IIP (industrial output) numbers are soft and typically in such a scenario you would expect the RBI to cut rates. So policy outlook is concerning markets," said Deepak Jasani, head of retail research at HDFC Securities.
Adani Ports was the worst performing stock on Sensex and lost 3.5 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Banking stocks dropped, with the S&P BSE Bankex index shedding 1.25 per cent. State Bank of India and ICICI Bank were down 1.80 per cent and 2.29 per cent, respectively.
Dr Reddy's Laboratories fell 2.08 per cent after the country's second largest drugmaker on Thursday posted a near 86 percent slump in March-quarter profit.
Eicher Motors declined 3.82 per cent after promoters sold 1.14 million shares, or 4.2 pct stake, for 21 billion rupees.
Among the gainers, Asian Paints rose 1.70 per cent, its second consecutive session of gains, after good March-quarter results.
Use of plastic in agriculture can boost output by Rs 68k crore
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A wider use of plastics in agriculture can reduce the losses in harvesting, and increase the value of output by Rs 68,000 crore, according to a report.
Plasticulture refers to use of plastics in agriculture in a scientific manner which not only improves the productivity but also optimises the input resources.
Use of plastics in farm sector is an interesting proposition as it can help reduce pre and post-harvest losses, the Tata Strategic Management Group (TSMG) said in its report on role of plastics in agriculture.
"It is estimated that the agriculture output can be increased by Rs 68,000 crore by using proper plasticulture applications like drip irrigation, mulching etc," it said.
The report was released by Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture Hukmdev Narayan Yadav at a FICCI event.
He said plastic industry should promote sustainable development by investing in technologies that protect environment.
The report also suggests that the innovative plastic packaging and handling techniques can promote proper harvest management which will in turn contribute towards agriculture GDP.
Proper application of micro-irrigation technologies can result in water saving by up to 50-70 per cent and can help increase productivity by 30-100 per cent, the report added.
It also notes that the government should create an environment for promoting plasticulture by easy and efficient sanction of subsidies.
A wider use of plastics in agriculture can reduce the losses in harvesting, and increase the value of output by Rs 68,000 crore, according to a report.
Plasticulture refers to use of plastics in agriculture in a scientific manner which not only improves the productivity but also optimises the input resources.
Use of plastics in farm sector is an interesting proposition as it can help reduce pre and post-harvest losses, the Tata Strategic Management Group (TSMG) said in its report on role of plastics in agriculture.
"It is estimated that the agriculture output can be increased by Rs 68,000 crore by using proper plasticulture applications like drip irrigation, mulching etc," it said.
The report was released by Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture Hukmdev Narayan Yadav at a FICCI event.
He said plastic industry should promote sustainable development by investing in technologies that protect environment.
The report also suggests that the innovative plastic packaging and handling techniques can promote proper harvest management which will in turn contribute towards agriculture GDP.
Proper application of micro-irrigation technologies can result in water saving by up to 50-70 per cent and can help increase productivity by 30-100 per cent, the report added.
It also notes that the government should create an environment for promoting plasticulture by easy and efficient sanction of subsidies.
Govt announces new trademark, patent policy amid global pressure
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Government announced a new intellectual property policy on Friday, speeding up the online registration of patents and trademarks, but resisted pressure from the United States and other Western countries to amend its patent laws.
The policy will make the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy the agency in charge of regulating intellectual property rights in the country.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, global drug brands led by US companies have been pushing for changes to country's intellectual property rules.
Country's strained patent and intellectual property administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. Global pharmaceuticals players have often complained about India's price controls and marketing restrictions.
"We hope it will lead to an interpretation of the Indian Patent Act that respects innovation, encourages research and facilitates effective enforcement mechanisms," said Ranjana Smetacek, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, a body of multinational drugmakers in India.
Nirmala Sitharaman, commerce and industry minister, told lawmakers last month that over 237,000 applications were pending in India's four patent offices.
The policy aims to spread awareness among public about trademarks, copyrights and patents to promote innovation within the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters.
The new policy will try to safeguard the interests of rights owners with the wider public interest, while combating infringements of intellectual property rights.
Jaitley said India would retain the right to issue so-called compulsory licenses to its drug firms, under "emergency" conditions, and would not immediately need to change patent laws that were already fully World Trade Organization-compliant.
"Compulsory licences are already provided in our patent law. That existing provision will continue," Jaitley said after the cabinet approved national IPR policy on Thursday evening.
Last month, the US Trade Representative kept India, China and Russia on its "Priority Watch List" for inadequate improvement in IPR protection.
India, however, says, it is party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), a WTO agreement that sets minimum standards for intellectual property regulation.
"It (IPR policy) reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS agreement," a government statement said.
Government announced a new intellectual property policy on Friday, speeding up the online registration of patents and trademarks, but resisted pressure from the United States and other Western countries to amend its patent laws.
The policy will make the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy the agency in charge of regulating intellectual property rights in the country.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, global drug brands led by US companies have been pushing for changes to country's intellectual property rules.
Country's strained patent and intellectual property administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. Global pharmaceuticals players have often complained about India's price controls and marketing restrictions.
"We hope it will lead to an interpretation of the Indian Patent Act that respects innovation, encourages research and facilitates effective enforcement mechanisms," said Ranjana Smetacek, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, a body of multinational drugmakers in India.
Nirmala Sitharaman, commerce and industry minister, told lawmakers last month that over 237,000 applications were pending in India's four patent offices.
The policy aims to spread awareness among public about trademarks, copyrights and patents to promote innovation within the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters.
The new policy will try to safeguard the interests of rights owners with the wider public interest, while combating infringements of intellectual property rights.
Jaitley said India would retain the right to issue so-called compulsory licenses to its drug firms, under "emergency" conditions, and would not immediately need to change patent laws that were already fully World Trade Organization-compliant.
"Compulsory licences are already provided in our patent law. That existing provision will continue," Jaitley said after the cabinet approved national IPR policy on Thursday evening.
Last month, the US Trade Representative kept India, China and Russia on its "Priority Watch List" for inadequate improvement in IPR protection.
India, however, says, it is party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), a WTO agreement that sets minimum standards for intellectual property regulation.
"It (IPR policy) reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS agreement," a government statement said.
Plunging oil, gold imports trim India's trade deficit
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A plunge in oil and gold imports has trimmed India's trade deficit to its lowest level in more than five years, bolstering the outlook for its balance of payments.
The trade shortfall narrowed for the fourth straight month in April to $4.84 billion, its lowest level since March 2011, from $5.07 billion in the previous month, government data showed on Friday.
Tumbling global crude prices drove down the oil import bill by 24 per cent from a year earlier to $5.66 billion last month.
Subdued gold demand, due to a jewellers' strike and a sharp rise in prices, led to a 60 per cent annual fall. Imports of the yellow metal totalled $1.2 billion, sharply down from $3.1 billion in the same month a year ago.
Overall, India's imports shrank by an annual 23.10 per cent to $25.41 billion.
India's balance of payments swung to a surplus in the October-December quarter.
Exports, meanwhile, posted their 17th straight fall, contracting by an annual 6.74 per cent to $20.57 billion.
A plunge in oil and gold imports has trimmed India's trade deficit to its lowest level in more than five years, bolstering the outlook for its balance of payments.
The trade shortfall narrowed for the fourth straight month in April to $4.84 billion, its lowest level since March 2011, from $5.07 billion in the previous month, government data showed on Friday.
Tumbling global crude prices drove down the oil import bill by 24 per cent from a year earlier to $5.66 billion last month.
Subdued gold demand, due to a jewellers' strike and a sharp rise in prices, led to a 60 per cent annual fall. Imports of the yellow metal totalled $1.2 billion, sharply down from $3.1 billion in the same month a year ago.
Overall, India's imports shrank by an annual 23.10 per cent to $25.41 billion.
India's balance of payments swung to a surplus in the October-December quarter.
Exports, meanwhile, posted their 17th straight fall, contracting by an annual 6.74 per cent to $20.57 billion.
Andhra attracts Rs 1,800 crore tourism projects in a year
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Aiming to be the most preferred tourism destination, Andhra Pradesh launched tourism projects worth Rs 1,800 crore in 2015, officials said on Friday.
Work has already commenced on 160 such projects, all involving private investment.
In its bid to facilitate infrastructural development, the government initiated over 90 projects involving investment of more than Rs 190 crore during the same period.
Leading hospitality brands are coming up with five-star properties in the state. These include ITC Ltd., which is building a 150-room hotel, Accor Group whose 200-room property is coming up in Vijayawada, and The Taj with a 133-room capacity in Chittoor district.
Three-star properties with convention facilities are coming up in places like Visakhapatnam, Chittoor and Vijayawada.
Cumulatively, the state has seen investments from 29 hotels in 3- to 5-star categories, spread across the tourist hubs of Visakhapatnam, Konaseema-Rajahmundry-Kakinada, Amaravati-Vijayawada, Tirupati-Nellore and Ananthapuramu-Kurnool-Kadapa.
Aiming for holistic tourism development, Andhra Pradesh has also received investments in several water and adventure sports.
These include jeep parasailing, jet-skiing, speed boats and other water sport activities in Visakhapatnam, amphibious vehicle in Rajahmundry and Vijayawada, sea plane in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Vijayawada, waterfall rappelling and rock climbing in Chittoor.
The state also held 30 festivals and cultural events across all districts to promote tourism.
"The overwhelming response from various investors stands testimony to our sustained efforts to establish Andhra Pradesh as an investment-friendly destination," said Tourism and Culture Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad.
Aiming to be the most preferred tourism destination, Andhra Pradesh launched tourism projects worth Rs 1,800 crore in 2015, officials said on Friday.
Work has already commenced on 160 such projects, all involving private investment.
In its bid to facilitate infrastructural development, the government initiated over 90 projects involving investment of more than Rs 190 crore during the same period.
Leading hospitality brands are coming up with five-star properties in the state. These include ITC Ltd., which is building a 150-room hotel, Accor Group whose 200-room property is coming up in Vijayawada, and The Taj with a 133-room capacity in Chittoor district.
Three-star properties with convention facilities are coming up in places like Visakhapatnam, Chittoor and Vijayawada.
Cumulatively, the state has seen investments from 29 hotels in 3- to 5-star categories, spread across the tourist hubs of Visakhapatnam, Konaseema-Rajahmundry-Kakinada, Amaravati-Vijayawada, Tirupati-Nellore and Ananthapuramu-Kurnool-Kadapa.
Aiming for holistic tourism development, Andhra Pradesh has also received investments in several water and adventure sports.
These include jeep parasailing, jet-skiing, speed boats and other water sport activities in Visakhapatnam, amphibious vehicle in Rajahmundry and Vijayawada, sea plane in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Vijayawada, waterfall rappelling and rock climbing in Chittoor.
The state also held 30 festivals and cultural events across all districts to promote tourism.
"The overwhelming response from various investors stands testimony to our sustained efforts to establish Andhra Pradesh as an investment-friendly destination," said Tourism and Culture Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad.
General Awareness
Four out of top 5 world’s most polluted cities in India, Delhi ranks 9th
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WHO reported that India is home to four of the five cities in the world with worst air pollution.
4 most polluted cities out of top 5:
- Gwalior
- Allahabad
- Patna
- Raipur
The dirtiest air was recorded at Zabol in Iran
WHO experts reported that India faces a “huge challenge”, many countries are so bad that they have no monitoring system and cannot be included in its ranking.
Delhi ranks 9th
- Measured by the amount of particulate matter (PM) under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic metre of air, with an annual average PM 2.5 measurement of 122.
- Due to toxic air by limiting the use of private cars on the road for short periods
Tiny particulate matter can cause
- i. Lung cancer
- ii. Strokes
- iii. Heart disease
The WHO stated that more than 7 million premature deaths occur every year due to air pollution, 3 million of them due to outdoor air quality.
80 per cent of world’s city dwellers breathing bad air: United Nations reported
Causes of air pollution:
- Diesel-fuelled vehicles
- Heating and cooling of big buildings
- Waste management
- Agriculture and the use of coal or diesel generators for power
About WHO:
Specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: April 7, 1948
- Head: Margaret Chan
WHO reported that India is home to four of the five cities in the world with worst air pollution.4 most polluted cities out of top 5:- Gwalior
- Allahabad
- Patna
- Raipur
The dirtiest air was recorded at Zabol in IranWHO experts reported that India faces a “huge challenge”, many countries are so bad that they have no monitoring system and cannot be included in its ranking.Delhi ranks 9th- Measured by the amount of particulate matter (PM) under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic metre of air, with an annual average PM 2.5 measurement of 122.
- Due to toxic air by limiting the use of private cars on the road for short periods
Tiny particulate matter can cause- i. Lung cancer
- ii. Strokes
- iii. Heart disease
The WHO stated that more than 7 million premature deaths occur every year due to air pollution, 3 million of them due to outdoor air quality.80 per cent of world’s city dwellers breathing bad air: United Nations reportedCauses of air pollution:- Diesel-fuelled vehicles
- Heating and cooling of big buildings
- Waste management
- Agriculture and the use of coal or diesel generators for power
About WHO:Specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: April 7, 1948
- Head: Margaret Chan
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