General Affairs
India pushes troops in Doka La in longest impasse since 1962
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India has pushed in more troops in a "non-combative mode" to strengthen its position in an area near Sikkim, where its soldiers have been locked in a standoff with Chinese troops for almost a month now, in what has been the longest such impasse between the two armies since 1962.
India brought in more troops after the destruction of two of its bunkers and "aggressive tactics" adopted by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), sources said. In a "non- combative mode", the nozzle of a gun is placed downwards.
Giving details for the first time about the events that preceded the face off between the two armies, the sources said the PLA on June 1 asked the Indian Army to remove the two bunkers set up in 2012 at Lalten in Doka La, which falls in the vicinity of Chumbi Valley at the corner of India-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction.
BUNKERS POSITIONED AS BACK-UP OPTION
The Indian Army, which had been patrolling this area for many years, decided in 2012 that two bunkers would be positioned there as a backup option, besides providing security to the Bhutan-China border.
The Indian Army forward positions informed Sukna-based 33 Corps Headquarter in North Bengal about the Chinese warnings on the bunkers, the sources said. However, during the night of June 6, two Chinese bulldozers destroyed the bunkers, claiming that the area belonged to China and that India or Bhutan had no right over it, the sources said.
Indian troops on the ground prevented the Chinese men and machines from doing any further damage or transgressing into the area, they said.
Additional forces from nearby brigade headquarters, located 20 km from the face off point, were moved in on June 8 during which a scuffle led to soldiers on both sides suffering minor injuries.
PLA troops were rushed in from its 141 division located in the area, prompting the Indian Army to also strengthen its position.
LONGEST STAND-OFF
This is the longest standoff between the two armies since 1962. The last one, which carried on for 21 days, occurred at Daulat Beg Oldie in the Ladakh division of Jammu and Kashmir in 2013, when Chinese troops entered 30 km into Indian territory till the Depsang Plains and claimed it to be a part of its Xinjiang province.
They were, however, pushed back.
Sikkim, which became a part of India in May 1976, is the only state which has a demarcated border with China. The lines are based on a treaty signed with the Chinese in 1898.
After the India-China war of 1962, the area where the Indian troops are stationed was placed under the Indian Army and the ITBP, which is the border guarding force and has a camp 15 km from the international border.
As the scuffle broke out between the two sides, the Indian Army rushed an officer of the Major General rank to the area and a flag meeting was sought with the Chinese counterparts.
China rejected two such requests from the Indian side, but accepted the third call for a meeting, where it asked the Indian Army to withdraw its troops from the Lalten area, which falls in Doka La.
Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it to be part of its Donglang region.
YATRA REFUSED
As a fallout of the standoff, the Chinese refused to allow the first batch of 47 pilgrims, who were to conduct the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, into Tibet. They also conveyed to the Indian side that visas of another batch of 50 yatris had also been cancelled, the sources said, describing the move as an indication of "increased tempers" in Beijing.
The Sikkim route to Mansarovar, which is in Tibet, was opened in 2015, enabling pilgrims to travel the 1500-km long route from Nathu La to Kailash by buses.
It is not the first time that such a transgression has happened at Doka La. The Chinese forces had in November 2008 destroyed some makeshift Indian army bunkers there.
Defence experts believe China wants to exert its dominance over the Chumbi Valley, which is a part of the southern reaches of Tibet. By claiming the Doka La area, Beijing wants to maximise its geographical advantage so that it can monitor all movements along the India-Bhutan border.
China has also increased diplomatic pressure on India and lodged a protest over the alleged "crossing of boundary" by Indian troops in the Sikkim section.
They demanded their immediate withdrawal, as Beijing warned that future visits of Indian pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar would depend on the resolution of the standoff.
"Our position to uphold our territorial sovereignty is unwavering. We hope the Indian side can work with China in the same direction and immediately withdraw the personnel who have overstepped and trespassed into Chinese border," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang had told the media in Beijing last week.
CHINA SPEAKS TOUGH
Peoples Liberation Army spokesman Col Wu Qian also spoke a tough language while making a reference to the 1962 Sino- India conflict, saying that New Delhi should "learn historical lessons".
Qian described Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks that India was ready for a "two-and-a-half front war" as "extremely irresponsible" and asked him to "stop clamouring for war".
Rawat had said India was prepared for security threats posed by China, Pakistan as well as by internal threats.
"Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible. We hope that the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war," he had said.
The Defence Minister, Arun Jaitley, made New Delhi's stand clear when he said the India of 2017 was different from that of 1962.
"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different and the India of 2017 is different," Jaitley had said when asked about China's warning.
Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.
India has pushed in more troops in a "non-combative mode" to strengthen its position in an area near Sikkim, where its soldiers have been locked in a standoff with Chinese troops for almost a month now, in what has been the longest such impasse between the two armies since 1962.
India brought in more troops after the destruction of two of its bunkers and "aggressive tactics" adopted by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), sources said. In a "non- combative mode", the nozzle of a gun is placed downwards.
Giving details for the first time about the events that preceded the face off between the two armies, the sources said the PLA on June 1 asked the Indian Army to remove the two bunkers set up in 2012 at Lalten in Doka La, which falls in the vicinity of Chumbi Valley at the corner of India-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction.
BUNKERS POSITIONED AS BACK-UP OPTION
The Indian Army, which had been patrolling this area for many years, decided in 2012 that two bunkers would be positioned there as a backup option, besides providing security to the Bhutan-China border.
The Indian Army forward positions informed Sukna-based 33 Corps Headquarter in North Bengal about the Chinese warnings on the bunkers, the sources said. However, during the night of June 6, two Chinese bulldozers destroyed the bunkers, claiming that the area belonged to China and that India or Bhutan had no right over it, the sources said.
Indian troops on the ground prevented the Chinese men and machines from doing any further damage or transgressing into the area, they said.
Additional forces from nearby brigade headquarters, located 20 km from the face off point, were moved in on June 8 during which a scuffle led to soldiers on both sides suffering minor injuries.
PLA troops were rushed in from its 141 division located in the area, prompting the Indian Army to also strengthen its position.
LONGEST STAND-OFF
This is the longest standoff between the two armies since 1962. The last one, which carried on for 21 days, occurred at Daulat Beg Oldie in the Ladakh division of Jammu and Kashmir in 2013, when Chinese troops entered 30 km into Indian territory till the Depsang Plains and claimed it to be a part of its Xinjiang province.
They were, however, pushed back.
Sikkim, which became a part of India in May 1976, is the only state which has a demarcated border with China. The lines are based on a treaty signed with the Chinese in 1898.
After the India-China war of 1962, the area where the Indian troops are stationed was placed under the Indian Army and the ITBP, which is the border guarding force and has a camp 15 km from the international border.
As the scuffle broke out between the two sides, the Indian Army rushed an officer of the Major General rank to the area and a flag meeting was sought with the Chinese counterparts.
China rejected two such requests from the Indian side, but accepted the third call for a meeting, where it asked the Indian Army to withdraw its troops from the Lalten area, which falls in Doka La.
Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it to be part of its Donglang region.
YATRA REFUSED
As a fallout of the standoff, the Chinese refused to allow the first batch of 47 pilgrims, who were to conduct the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, into Tibet. They also conveyed to the Indian side that visas of another batch of 50 yatris had also been cancelled, the sources said, describing the move as an indication of "increased tempers" in Beijing.
The Sikkim route to Mansarovar, which is in Tibet, was opened in 2015, enabling pilgrims to travel the 1500-km long route from Nathu La to Kailash by buses.
It is not the first time that such a transgression has happened at Doka La. The Chinese forces had in November 2008 destroyed some makeshift Indian army bunkers there.
Defence experts believe China wants to exert its dominance over the Chumbi Valley, which is a part of the southern reaches of Tibet. By claiming the Doka La area, Beijing wants to maximise its geographical advantage so that it can monitor all movements along the India-Bhutan border.
China has also increased diplomatic pressure on India and lodged a protest over the alleged "crossing of boundary" by Indian troops in the Sikkim section.
They demanded their immediate withdrawal, as Beijing warned that future visits of Indian pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar would depend on the resolution of the standoff.
"Our position to uphold our territorial sovereignty is unwavering. We hope the Indian side can work with China in the same direction and immediately withdraw the personnel who have overstepped and trespassed into Chinese border," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang had told the media in Beijing last week.
CHINA SPEAKS TOUGH
Peoples Liberation Army spokesman Col Wu Qian also spoke a tough language while making a reference to the 1962 Sino- India conflict, saying that New Delhi should "learn historical lessons".
Qian described Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks that India was ready for a "two-and-a-half front war" as "extremely irresponsible" and asked him to "stop clamouring for war".
Rawat had said India was prepared for security threats posed by China, Pakistan as well as by internal threats.
"Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible. We hope that the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war," he had said.
The Defence Minister, Arun Jaitley, made New Delhi's stand clear when he said the India of 2017 was different from that of 1962.
"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different and the India of 2017 is different," Jaitley had said when asked about China's warning.
Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.
JDU to skip Lalu's anti-BJP rally, Nitish's participation uncertain
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It is now official that Janata Dal United (JDU) will not be participating in the rally called by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on August 27 at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
Lalu has called for this anti-BJP rally after senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi came out with a series of sensational expose against Lalu and his family alleging them of acquiring benami properties to the tune of crores.
The rally themed as "BJP hatao, Desh bachao" is likely to witness several opposition parties Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj party, AIADMK and Trinamool Congress in attendance.
Lalu has invited Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh former Chief Ministers Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for this rally.
According to RJD sources, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati and Mamata Banerjee have confirmed their participation.
RALLY NOT BY MAHAGATHBANDHAN, BUT BY RJD
Speaking to India Today, senior JDU leader and former Minister, Shyam Rajak said that since call for rally was given by Lalu's party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and not the Mahagathbandhan, JDU will not be participating in it.
"This rally is not of the Mahagathbandhan but only RJD and therefore JDU will not participate in it", said , Shyam Rajak, JDU leader.
However, Rajak maintain that if any JDU leader is personally invited by Lalu, he or she was free to accept or decline the invitation. He maintained that Nitish has also been invited for the rally by Lalu but whether he will attend it or not is completely his prerogative.
"Lalu Prasad has invited Nitish Kumar to attend the rally and whether he will go or not, it will be decided by him at an appropriate time," said, Shyam Rajak.
It is now official that Janata Dal United (JDU) will not be participating in the rally called by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on August 27 at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
Lalu has called for this anti-BJP rally after senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi came out with a series of sensational expose against Lalu and his family alleging them of acquiring benami properties to the tune of crores.
The rally themed as "BJP hatao, Desh bachao" is likely to witness several opposition parties Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj party, AIADMK and Trinamool Congress in attendance.
Lalu has invited Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh former Chief Ministers Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for this rally.
According to RJD sources, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati and Mamata Banerjee have confirmed their participation.
RALLY NOT BY MAHAGATHBANDHAN, BUT BY RJD
Speaking to India Today, senior JDU leader and former Minister, Shyam Rajak said that since call for rally was given by Lalu's party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and not the Mahagathbandhan, JDU will not be participating in it.
"This rally is not of the Mahagathbandhan but only RJD and therefore JDU will not participate in it", said , Shyam Rajak, JDU leader.
However, Rajak maintain that if any JDU leader is personally invited by Lalu, he or she was free to accept or decline the invitation. He maintained that Nitish has also been invited for the rally by Lalu but whether he will attend it or not is completely his prerogative.
"Lalu Prasad has invited Nitish Kumar to attend the rally and whether he will go or not, it will be decided by him at an appropriate time," said, Shyam Rajak.
Nuclear reactor at Kalpakkam: World's envy, India's pride
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Hidden from public, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal at Kalpakkam near Chennai, Indian nuclear scientists are in the final throes of starting a high-tech giant stove more than 15 years in the making.
This novel nuclear reactor is a kind of an 'akshaya patra', the mythical goblet with a never-ending supply of food.
The Department of Atomic Energy is getting ready to commission its ultra-modern indigenously designed and locally mastered fast breeder reactor.
Experts say to make nuclear energy sustainable, one sure shot way is to make fast breeder reactors mainstream.
Yukiya Amano, Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, says "fast reactors can help extract up to 70 per cent more energy than traditional reactors and are safer than traditional reactors while reducing long lived radioactive waste by several fold."
Easier said than done, since these reactors are also notoriously unstable and hence difficult to run reliably over long periods.
Called a 'Fast Breeder Reactor', these are a special kind of nuclear reactors that generate more atomic fuel than they consume as they work.
India has been running an experimental facility called a Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) now for 27 years.
This is a small nuclear reactor a forerunner for the monster that India has constructed at Kalpakkam called the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). This will generate electricity commercially using the fast breeder route.
The world's only commercially operating fast breeder reactor is situated in the Ural Mountains of Russia at the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant, not far from Russia's fourth largest city Yekateringburg.
RUSSIANS THE GLOBAL LEADERS
The Russians today are the global leaders in fast breeder reactors having operated a fast breeder reactor called BN 600 since 1980.
In 2016, the Russian nuclear agency Rosatom commercially commissioned its big brother -- the BN 800 fast breeder reactor.
This reactor produces about 800 MW of electricity and supplies it to the Ural region including the city of Yekateringburg.
While electricity that is produced is no different than any other electricity but the global community of atomic boffins is suitably chuffed about this unique achievement.
M Chudakov, now with the IAEA and well-known Russian fast breeder expert, calls "these reactors a bridge to the future as they can supply an almost unlimited supply of electricity".
All eyes are now on southern India where another global nuclear milestone is likely to be crossed this year.
Arun Kumar Bhaduri, Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam says, "fast breeder reactors are far safer than the current generation of nuclear plants and that all efforts are being made to kickstart within this year India's first commercial fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam."
Such is the interest in fast breeder reactors that more than 700 of the best atomic scientists from over 30 countries gathered at Yekateringburg in IAEA's conference on the 'next generation nuclear systems for sustainable development'. The scientists deliberated on how to make nuclear energy last for several centuries.
Given India's expertise, the co-chair of the conference was Suresh Chetal, one of the early pioneers of fast breeder reactors who helped tame fast breeder reactors for New Delhi when he was at the IGCAR.
Many countries have dabbled with fast breeder reactors and have given up, first off the block was the US but it gave up since inherently American governments have an allergic response with re-processing of nuclear waste in addition since USA has enough supplies of fissile material there is no hunger to maximally extract energy from uranium.
Japan and France both had robust programs with fast breeder technology but repeated failure to safely handle liquid sodium forced them to more or less give up on fast reactors.
China is more than a decade behind India in trying to master this complex beast
FAST BREEDER REACTORS
Russia invested heavily in developing the fast breeder technology but since it commissioned its first fast breeder reactor BN 600 in 1980 it suffered an economic meltdown as the former Soviet Union broke up and only recently Russia could gather enough resources to complete its upgraded fast breeder reactor BN 800.
Today the BN 800 is a flagship reactor that uses both uranium and plutonium as fuel and generates electricity that is supplied to the grid. A visit to the facility reveals a squeaky clean reactor where seasoned operators like Ivan Sidrow are also experimenters as they go about trying to design a bigger 1200 MW fast breeder reactor.
India's own PFBR is unique and rather different from the Russian fast breeder reactor though both use the same basic principle of physics.
WHY FASTER BREEDER
Fast breeder reactors are called such not because they run faster but because the neutrons that sustain the atomic chain reaction travel at a much higher velocity than neutrons that help run the traditional atomic plants.
These are called breeders as they generate more fuel than they consume a fact hard to fathom since they seem to defy the laws of conservation of energy.
But a very unique quirk of elemental uranium makes this possible.
Nuclear reactors use a flavour of uranium called U-235 which unfortunately constitutes a minuscule quantity even in super purified uranium.
The larger component is what is called U-238 this flavour is the bulk but is essentially a waste product as the atomic reaction cannot be sustained by this elemental flavour.
In a fast breeder reactor the very special fast neutrons interact with the so called wasted uranium U-238 and converts it into a valuable resource. This is why fast breeders are akin to an 'akshaya patra'.
India's fast breeder reactor is even more unique as within it the country also deploys special rods of thorium which when they get exposed to or irradiated by fast neutrons they generate U-233 and a normally benign thorium turns into a valuable atomic material.
It is well known that India is very energy hungry and as economic growth takes place mega quantities of electricity will be required.
Unfortunately, nature has not been bountiful on India as the Indian land mass is not endowed with enough uranium but on the other hand the country has the world's second largest store of thorium.
Today the country in a well thought out strategy is mastering fast breeder reactors that can be an effective via media for utilising the vast thorium reserves.
Hidden from public, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal at Kalpakkam near Chennai, Indian nuclear scientists are in the final throes of starting a high-tech giant stove more than 15 years in the making.
This novel nuclear reactor is a kind of an 'akshaya patra', the mythical goblet with a never-ending supply of food.
The Department of Atomic Energy is getting ready to commission its ultra-modern indigenously designed and locally mastered fast breeder reactor.
Experts say to make nuclear energy sustainable, one sure shot way is to make fast breeder reactors mainstream.
Yukiya Amano, Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, says "fast reactors can help extract up to 70 per cent more energy than traditional reactors and are safer than traditional reactors while reducing long lived radioactive waste by several fold."
Easier said than done, since these reactors are also notoriously unstable and hence difficult to run reliably over long periods.
Called a 'Fast Breeder Reactor', these are a special kind of nuclear reactors that generate more atomic fuel than they consume as they work.
India has been running an experimental facility called a Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) now for 27 years.
This is a small nuclear reactor a forerunner for the monster that India has constructed at Kalpakkam called the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). This will generate electricity commercially using the fast breeder route.
The world's only commercially operating fast breeder reactor is situated in the Ural Mountains of Russia at the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant, not far from Russia's fourth largest city Yekateringburg.
RUSSIANS THE GLOBAL LEADERS
The Russians today are the global leaders in fast breeder reactors having operated a fast breeder reactor called BN 600 since 1980.
In 2016, the Russian nuclear agency Rosatom commercially commissioned its big brother -- the BN 800 fast breeder reactor.
This reactor produces about 800 MW of electricity and supplies it to the Ural region including the city of Yekateringburg.
While electricity that is produced is no different than any other electricity but the global community of atomic boffins is suitably chuffed about this unique achievement.
M Chudakov, now with the IAEA and well-known Russian fast breeder expert, calls "these reactors a bridge to the future as they can supply an almost unlimited supply of electricity".
All eyes are now on southern India where another global nuclear milestone is likely to be crossed this year.
Arun Kumar Bhaduri, Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam says, "fast breeder reactors are far safer than the current generation of nuclear plants and that all efforts are being made to kickstart within this year India's first commercial fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam."
Such is the interest in fast breeder reactors that more than 700 of the best atomic scientists from over 30 countries gathered at Yekateringburg in IAEA's conference on the 'next generation nuclear systems for sustainable development'. The scientists deliberated on how to make nuclear energy last for several centuries.
Given India's expertise, the co-chair of the conference was Suresh Chetal, one of the early pioneers of fast breeder reactors who helped tame fast breeder reactors for New Delhi when he was at the IGCAR.
Many countries have dabbled with fast breeder reactors and have given up, first off the block was the US but it gave up since inherently American governments have an allergic response with re-processing of nuclear waste in addition since USA has enough supplies of fissile material there is no hunger to maximally extract energy from uranium.
Japan and France both had robust programs with fast breeder technology but repeated failure to safely handle liquid sodium forced them to more or less give up on fast reactors.
China is more than a decade behind India in trying to master this complex beast
FAST BREEDER REACTORS
Russia invested heavily in developing the fast breeder technology but since it commissioned its first fast breeder reactor BN 600 in 1980 it suffered an economic meltdown as the former Soviet Union broke up and only recently Russia could gather enough resources to complete its upgraded fast breeder reactor BN 800.
Today the BN 800 is a flagship reactor that uses both uranium and plutonium as fuel and generates electricity that is supplied to the grid. A visit to the facility reveals a squeaky clean reactor where seasoned operators like Ivan Sidrow are also experimenters as they go about trying to design a bigger 1200 MW fast breeder reactor.
India's own PFBR is unique and rather different from the Russian fast breeder reactor though both use the same basic principle of physics.
WHY FASTER BREEDER
Fast breeder reactors are called such not because they run faster but because the neutrons that sustain the atomic chain reaction travel at a much higher velocity than neutrons that help run the traditional atomic plants.
These are called breeders as they generate more fuel than they consume a fact hard to fathom since they seem to defy the laws of conservation of energy.
But a very unique quirk of elemental uranium makes this possible.
Nuclear reactors use a flavour of uranium called U-235 which unfortunately constitutes a minuscule quantity even in super purified uranium.
The larger component is what is called U-238 this flavour is the bulk but is essentially a waste product as the atomic reaction cannot be sustained by this elemental flavour.
In a fast breeder reactor the very special fast neutrons interact with the so called wasted uranium U-238 and converts it into a valuable resource. This is why fast breeders are akin to an 'akshaya patra'.
India's fast breeder reactor is even more unique as within it the country also deploys special rods of thorium which when they get exposed to or irradiated by fast neutrons they generate U-233 and a normally benign thorium turns into a valuable atomic material.
It is well known that India is very energy hungry and as economic growth takes place mega quantities of electricity will be required.
Unfortunately, nature has not been bountiful on India as the Indian land mass is not endowed with enough uranium but on the other hand the country has the world's second largest store of thorium.
Today the country in a well thought out strategy is mastering fast breeder reactors that can be an effective via media for utilising the vast thorium reserves.
IAF officer denied extension of short service commission for 4 years over weight issue
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A Military court has stopped the Indian Air Force (IAF) from releasing a lady officer from service over health issues, including being overweight, while asking the force to wait for her medical test results before any action.
The lady officer of the rank of squadron leader is posted at Sirsa airbase in Haryana and has completed 10 years in the IAF as a short service commission officer and had sought a further extension of four years.
In a plea filed before the Armed Forces Tribunal here, the lady officer had contended that "she has been denied extension of short service commission for four years on account of her not meeting the requisite medical category". She had said that the reason for denial was because she was "found to be overweight as well as suffering from hypothyroidism" and was suppose to be released on June 15.
The officer claimed that despite her requests, IAF authorities decided to hold her medical review only after June 15 - the day of her release from service. However, IAF authorities did not accept her plea to hold her review before June 15 as she wanted to have a medical report with her before she was to quit service. As per schedule, her review date was July 1. The officer had approached the court to quash the orders dated by virtue of which she was being released on account of non-extension of her short service commission.
The IAF opposed the plea saying she had been informed way back in February 2015 that she was not maintaining her medical parameters. "Despite sufficient time being given to the applicant, she did not bring her health condition within permissible parameters as a consequence of which, there was no alternative but to deny her benefit of extension of service as well as her release from the service," the IAF said.
The AFT bench headed by Justice VK Shali said, "There is no justification of discharging the applicant till the report (of the medical board) comes."
A Military court has stopped the Indian Air Force (IAF) from releasing a lady officer from service over health issues, including being overweight, while asking the force to wait for her medical test results before any action.
The lady officer of the rank of squadron leader is posted at Sirsa airbase in Haryana and has completed 10 years in the IAF as a short service commission officer and had sought a further extension of four years.
In a plea filed before the Armed Forces Tribunal here, the lady officer had contended that "she has been denied extension of short service commission for four years on account of her not meeting the requisite medical category". She had said that the reason for denial was because she was "found to be overweight as well as suffering from hypothyroidism" and was suppose to be released on June 15.
The officer claimed that despite her requests, IAF authorities decided to hold her medical review only after June 15 - the day of her release from service. However, IAF authorities did not accept her plea to hold her review before June 15 as she wanted to have a medical report with her before she was to quit service. As per schedule, her review date was July 1. The officer had approached the court to quash the orders dated by virtue of which she was being released on account of non-extension of her short service commission.
The IAF opposed the plea saying she had been informed way back in February 2015 that she was not maintaining her medical parameters. "Despite sufficient time being given to the applicant, she did not bring her health condition within permissible parameters as a consequence of which, there was no alternative but to deny her benefit of extension of service as well as her release from the service," the IAF said.
The AFT bench headed by Justice VK Shali said, "There is no justification of discharging the applicant till the report (of the medical board) comes."
Maharashtra forest department busts capiz sea shell company in Mumbai, 20 detained
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The Maharashtra forest department has lately been investigating into a surprise seizure of 80 MT of capiz sea shells from Navi Mumbai's Ulwe area.
The beautiful marine mollusks with a hard, protective outer case are found scattered across sea shores in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Since ages, they have been harvested and used in furniture, lampshades, cutlery and jewellery pieces.
However, enforcement agencies were surprised to note a new usage - in oil mining rigs in countries of West Asia and Argentina, - for which they were being powdered in a factory in Khopoli and smuggled through the sea route.
At least four lorries were found carrying the contraband material in the backwater mangroves area near Raigad.
FACTORY RAIDED, 20 DETAINED
M Maranko, deputy director of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Western Region, said, "We had recently conducted an awareness and training session for the Maharashtra Forest Department, during which we told them about the lesser-known wildlife items trafficked."
"As a result of it, an officer spotted this item in trucks in Ulwe and recognised it as an illegal goods. At least 15-20 labourers were detained and the factory they named was raided. Further questioning is going on," Maranko said.
Though its exact usage in oil rigs is still unclear, the factory owners said the powdered Capiz shell is shoved down big pipes into oil and natural gas beds to condense the natural resource and block it from sinking further into the earth.
As West Asia and Argentina are abundant in oil rigs, it is in high demand there and could have been illegally exported for crores of rupees.
BUSINESS WAS ON SINCE 2015
The shady business was on since 2015, though it came into light only with this catch.
Experts said they were hearing of this practice for the first time.
Dr Deepak Apte, director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), said, "These are live animals (bivalve mollusks), which develop shells from their blood and salt sea water to protect themselves. While the meat is boiled and eaten, the shells and pearls inside are highly-vaued."
"The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, regulates their trade under Schedule IV. This means that they can be harvested from sea coasts and used in handicrafts etc., but in limited quantities. Sadly, the Schedule IV of WPA is poorly defined and understood. So nobody knows how much can be traded in which State/area and season," he said.
Capiz shells form beautiful rosette-shaped beds in shallow waters and are easily extracted by fishermen. They are much-favoured for usage in windows and jewellery due to their glossy, translucent quality. Till a few years back, they were found in abundance in Gujarat but have vanished due to over-harvesting. "The same thing will happen in Goa and Maharashtra if the laws regarding Capiz shells are not better enforced," Dr Apte added.
The Maharashtra forest department has lately been investigating into a surprise seizure of 80 MT of capiz sea shells from Navi Mumbai's Ulwe area.
The beautiful marine mollusks with a hard, protective outer case are found scattered across sea shores in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Since ages, they have been harvested and used in furniture, lampshades, cutlery and jewellery pieces.
However, enforcement agencies were surprised to note a new usage - in oil mining rigs in countries of West Asia and Argentina, - for which they were being powdered in a factory in Khopoli and smuggled through the sea route.
At least four lorries were found carrying the contraband material in the backwater mangroves area near Raigad.
FACTORY RAIDED, 20 DETAINED
M Maranko, deputy director of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Western Region, said, "We had recently conducted an awareness and training session for the Maharashtra Forest Department, during which we told them about the lesser-known wildlife items trafficked."
"As a result of it, an officer spotted this item in trucks in Ulwe and recognised it as an illegal goods. At least 15-20 labourers were detained and the factory they named was raided. Further questioning is going on," Maranko said.
Though its exact usage in oil rigs is still unclear, the factory owners said the powdered Capiz shell is shoved down big pipes into oil and natural gas beds to condense the natural resource and block it from sinking further into the earth.
As West Asia and Argentina are abundant in oil rigs, it is in high demand there and could have been illegally exported for crores of rupees.
BUSINESS WAS ON SINCE 2015
The shady business was on since 2015, though it came into light only with this catch.
Experts said they were hearing of this practice for the first time.
Dr Deepak Apte, director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), said, "These are live animals (bivalve mollusks), which develop shells from their blood and salt sea water to protect themselves. While the meat is boiled and eaten, the shells and pearls inside are highly-vaued."
"The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, regulates their trade under Schedule IV. This means that they can be harvested from sea coasts and used in handicrafts etc., but in limited quantities. Sadly, the Schedule IV of WPA is poorly defined and understood. So nobody knows how much can be traded in which State/area and season," he said.
Capiz shells form beautiful rosette-shaped beds in shallow waters and are easily extracted by fishermen. They are much-favoured for usage in windows and jewellery due to their glossy, translucent quality. Till a few years back, they were found in abundance in Gujarat but have vanished due to over-harvesting. "The same thing will happen in Goa and Maharashtra if the laws regarding Capiz shells are not better enforced," Dr Apte added.
Business Affairs
Trains with new Economy AC coaches: Cheaper than 3AC, to run on select routes
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Train passengers will soon have option of travelling in a new class of Economy AC coaches with fares less than normal 3AC tariff.
The proposed fully AC train will have three-tier Economy AC coaches besides AC-3, AC-2 and AC-1 classes as part of the transformation exercise. An added feature would be automatic doors.
However, the passengers will not require blankets in the Economy AC class like other AC coaches as the temperature will be around 24-25 degrees.
Currently Mail and Express trains have Sleeper, Third AC, Second AC and First AC classes while Rajdhani, Shatabdi and recently introduced Humsafar and Tejas trains are fully air- conditioned.
The railways is exploring an idea to introduce fully AC trains in select routes, aiming to provide comfort by facilitating AC travel for maximum passengers.
An exercise has been undertaken for a transformation in service by upgrading existing facilities in trains and stations and a separate cell has been created by the Railways for this.
"There will not be any chilling effect like in other AC classes and the temperature will be fixed around 24-25 degrees. The aim is to make the passengers comfortable and not make them feel the outside heat," said a senior Railway Ministry official.
The recently launched Humsafar Express, comprising 3-AC coaches only, has become very popular.
The fully AC train with more Economy AC coaches is expected to cater to more passengers.
However, the details of the Economy AC class are to be worked out before deciding for manufacturing such coaches, said the official.
Train passengers will soon have option of travelling in a new class of Economy AC coaches with fares less than normal 3AC tariff.
The proposed fully AC train will have three-tier Economy AC coaches besides AC-3, AC-2 and AC-1 classes as part of the transformation exercise. An added feature would be automatic doors.
However, the passengers will not require blankets in the Economy AC class like other AC coaches as the temperature will be around 24-25 degrees.
Currently Mail and Express trains have Sleeper, Third AC, Second AC and First AC classes while Rajdhani, Shatabdi and recently introduced Humsafar and Tejas trains are fully air- conditioned.
Currently Mail and Express trains have Sleeper, Third AC, Second AC and First AC classes while Rajdhani, Shatabdi and recently introduced Humsafar and Tejas trains are fully air- conditioned.
The railways is exploring an idea to introduce fully AC trains in select routes, aiming to provide comfort by facilitating AC travel for maximum passengers.
An exercise has been undertaken for a transformation in service by upgrading existing facilities in trains and stations and a separate cell has been created by the Railways for this.
"There will not be any chilling effect like in other AC classes and the temperature will be fixed around 24-25 degrees. The aim is to make the passengers comfortable and not make them feel the outside heat," said a senior Railway Ministry official.
The recently launched Humsafar Express, comprising 3-AC coaches only, has become very popular.
The fully AC train with more Economy AC coaches is expected to cater to more passengers.
However, the details of the Economy AC class are to be worked out before deciding for manufacturing such coaches, said the official.
PM Modi says govt cancelled registration of 100,000 companies
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India has cancelled the registration of more than 100,000 companies which were "in violation of laws", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, in the latest effort by the government against "black money" and tax evasion.
The decision was taken based on an extensive data analysis conducted by the government after Modi in November announced a sudden ban on high-value currency banknotes.
More than 300,000 firms had come under scanner for irregular transactions following the banknote ban, while licences of more than 100,000 firms had been cancelled, Modi said, without naming any company.
"This is not an ordinary decision," Modi said late on Saturday while addressing a gathering of accountants, hours after launching the country's landmark sales tax reform.
"Further stern measures will be taken in the coming days against companies which are violating the law."
While the decision to outlaw 500- and 1,000-rupee bank notes last year was part of a broader crackdown on corruption, the sudden withdrawal of 86 percent of currency in circulation left businesses, farmers and households suffering.
Modi defended his decision, calling it a "fight" for the poor.
The government's "data mining" exercise initiated after the November decision was still ongoing, Modi said.
The government will also take action against more than 37,000 identified "shell companies" which were found to be engaged in illegal transactions.
"The ones who have looted the poor, will have to return to the poor," Modi said.
India has cancelled the registration of more than 100,000 companies which were "in violation of laws", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, in the latest effort by the government against "black money" and tax evasion.
The decision was taken based on an extensive data analysis conducted by the government after Modi in November announced a sudden ban on high-value currency banknotes.
More than 300,000 firms had come under scanner for irregular transactions following the banknote ban, while licences of more than 100,000 firms had been cancelled, Modi said, without naming any company.
"This is not an ordinary decision," Modi said late on Saturday while addressing a gathering of accountants, hours after launching the country's landmark sales tax reform.
"Further stern measures will be taken in the coming days against companies which are violating the law."
While the decision to outlaw 500- and 1,000-rupee bank notes last year was part of a broader crackdown on corruption, the sudden withdrawal of 86 percent of currency in circulation left businesses, farmers and households suffering.
Modi defended his decision, calling it a "fight" for the poor.
The government's "data mining" exercise initiated after the November decision was still ongoing, Modi said.
The government will also take action against more than 37,000 identified "shell companies" which were found to be engaged in illegal transactions.
"The ones who have looted the poor, will have to return to the poor," Modi said.
AI employees' union to meet, plan stir against privatisation
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Air India's largest employees' union will hold its general body meeting here this week to "organise its members for a movement" against the government's decision to privatise the debt-ridden national carrier.
The Air Corporations Employees' Union (ACEU) is also planning to meet a group of ministers to be set up by the government to look into the disinvestment of its stake in the airline.
The ACEU is a grouping of Air India's non-technical staff and comprises nearly 8,000 of the total 21,137 employees.
"The meeting will be held to enlighten the rank and file about the privatisation of Air India and how it will affect them. This will also be a forum to organise them as we plan a movement against the privatisation of the national carrier," said a member of the ACEU.
"The move is clearly aimed at benefiting private airlines. If the government is so concerned about the taxpayers' money, then why does it not recover Rs 7.5 lakh crore borrowed by corporates from public sector banks?" the member asked.
Seven unions of Air India have already joined hands to oppose the privatisation of the financially bleeding airline.
Their representatives met last month and wrote to Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapthi Raju, warning him of an "industrial unrest".
The letter was written jointly by the AI Air Corporate Employees Union, AI Employees Union, AI Aircraft Engineers' Association, United Air India Officers' Association, AI Engineer's Association, AI Cabin Crew Association and AI Service Engineers' Association.
These unions will also hold talks with the two pilots' unions -- Indian Commercial Pilots' Association and Indian Pilots' Guild -- and Indian Aircraft Technicians' Association to bring them on board.
They have called NITI Aayog's report on Air India "arbitrary and unilateral" and said it was prepared without consulting the employees, who are the largest stakeholders.
Air India's largest employees' union will hold its general body meeting here this week to "organise its members for a movement" against the government's decision to privatise the debt-ridden national carrier.
The Air Corporations Employees' Union (ACEU) is also planning to meet a group of ministers to be set up by the government to look into the disinvestment of its stake in the airline.
The ACEU is a grouping of Air India's non-technical staff and comprises nearly 8,000 of the total 21,137 employees.
"The meeting will be held to enlighten the rank and file about the privatisation of Air India and how it will affect them. This will also be a forum to organise them as we plan a movement against the privatisation of the national carrier," said a member of the ACEU.
"The move is clearly aimed at benefiting private airlines. If the government is so concerned about the taxpayers' money, then why does it not recover Rs 7.5 lakh crore borrowed by corporates from public sector banks?" the member asked.
Seven unions of Air India have already joined hands to oppose the privatisation of the financially bleeding airline.
Their representatives met last month and wrote to Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapthi Raju, warning him of an "industrial unrest".
The letter was written jointly by the AI Air Corporate Employees Union, AI Employees Union, AI Aircraft Engineers' Association, United Air India Officers' Association, AI Engineer's Association, AI Cabin Crew Association and AI Service Engineers' Association.
These unions will also hold talks with the two pilots' unions -- Indian Commercial Pilots' Association and Indian Pilots' Guild -- and Indian Aircraft Technicians' Association to bring them on board.
They have called NITI Aayog's report on Air India "arbitrary and unilateral" and said it was prepared without consulting the employees, who are the largest stakeholders.
TCS ranked as top employer of US talent in IT sector
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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was ranked among the top two job creators in the US for the IT services sector over the past five years, according to a study.
The countrys largest software exporter has recruited more than 12,500 US employees from 2012-2016, while it ranked first in terms of US employee growth during that period, at 57 per cent, said the study by The Cambridge Group.
The company has had a presence in the US for more than four decades, and the ranking in The Cambridge Group report reflects the IT giants ongoing level of investment in the worlds largest economy, the study explained.
The Mumbai-headquartered exporter has invested nearly USD 3 billion in the US over the past three years, in terms of employment, new innovation labs, extensive nationwide STEM education programmes, and academic partnerships and endowments, according to the report.
"Our industry leading US recruitment, advanced digital training of employees, and academic and STEM (science, tech, engineering & math) partnership programmes act as a key contributor to the US innovation economy, while also preparing the current and upcoming workforce with foundation skills needed for 21st century careers," Surya Kant, President of North America, UK and Europe, TCS said.
TCS expects recruitment of IT services professionals in the US in 2017 to remain on par or exceed prior years levels, the report said.
The company regularly has approximately 800-900 open positions, quarter-to-quarter, in locations like Texas, Ohio, California, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York, it said.
Over the past five years, TCS has steadily increased its relationships and recruitment from more than 75 US college campuses, for both undergraduate and Masters students, the study found.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was ranked among the top two job creators in the US for the IT services sector over the past five years, according to a study.
The countrys largest software exporter has recruited more than 12,500 US employees from 2012-2016, while it ranked first in terms of US employee growth during that period, at 57 per cent, said the study by The Cambridge Group.
The company has had a presence in the US for more than four decades, and the ranking in The Cambridge Group report reflects the IT giants ongoing level of investment in the worlds largest economy, the study explained.
The Mumbai-headquartered exporter has invested nearly USD 3 billion in the US over the past three years, in terms of employment, new innovation labs, extensive nationwide STEM education programmes, and academic partnerships and endowments, according to the report.
"Our industry leading US recruitment, advanced digital training of employees, and academic and STEM (science, tech, engineering & math) partnership programmes act as a key contributor to the US innovation economy, while also preparing the current and upcoming workforce with foundation skills needed for 21st century careers," Surya Kant, President of North America, UK and Europe, TCS said.
TCS expects recruitment of IT services professionals in the US in 2017 to remain on par or exceed prior years levels, the report said.
The company regularly has approximately 800-900 open positions, quarter-to-quarter, in locations like Texas, Ohio, California, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York, it said.
Over the past five years, TCS has steadily increased its relationships and recruitment from more than 75 US college campuses, for both undergraduate and Masters students, the study found.
Govt mulls hiking import duty on sugar to 60 pc
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The government is considering raising import duty on sugar to 60 per cent from the current 40 per cent to restrict cheap shipments and maintain domestic prices.
Any fall in local prices will affect millers capacity to pay cane dues to growers.
In view of lower sugar output estimated during the current 2016-17 marketing year, the government had in April allowed import of 5 lakh tonnes of raw sugar at zero duty to boost domestic supply.
"We are monitoring global price movement closely. Prices in the international market are falling and some traders are keen to import even at high customs duty. So, we are considering raising import duty," a senior Food Ministry official told PTI.
Higher duty will be imposed the moment there is further fall in global sugar prices to ensure cheap imports do not put pressure on domestic retail prices, which at present are ruling steady at Rs 40-50 per kg across the country.
Already, 5 lakh tonnes of sugar have been contracted at zero duty and most of it has already arrived, the official said, adding imports were allowed to ensure there are enough supplies in the domestic market.
While the annual sugar demand is about 24-24.5 million tonnes, the domestic output in the 2016-17 season ending October is pegged at little over 21 million tonnes and there is cushion of previous years stock.
Asked about more imports being undertaken at 40 per cent customs duty, the official said there are some reports that additional 3 lakh tonne of sugar has been contracted from Brazil and is on the way.
However, the official said, "It is normally imported by refiners for re-export. I dont think it is for domestic use. If contracted for domestic consumption, the shipments will only arrive in next 45 days and whatever taxes ruling then need to be paid."
Meanwhile, the government has asked the industry to maintain the gap between global and domestic prices so that traders are not incentivised to import. "If there are more supplies, then sugar prices will come under pressure," the official said.
Global prices of raw sugar have fallen to below 13 cents per pound at present when compared with 16-17 cents per pound four months back, as per trade data.
The weak trend in international rates is because of excess supplies on account of Indias policy of not importing the sweetener plus Brazil planning not to use cane for ethanol, analysts said.
The traders who were holding sugar stocks anticipating India will import have started offloading, pulling down the prices, they added.
In India, wholesale price of sugar is ruling above Rs 32, which is viable for mills, the official said, adding that there is healthy margin for millers to make cane dues to growers.
The government is considering raising import duty on sugar to 60 per cent from the current 40 per cent to restrict cheap shipments and maintain domestic prices.
Any fall in local prices will affect millers capacity to pay cane dues to growers.
In view of lower sugar output estimated during the current 2016-17 marketing year, the government had in April allowed import of 5 lakh tonnes of raw sugar at zero duty to boost domestic supply.
"We are monitoring global price movement closely. Prices in the international market are falling and some traders are keen to import even at high customs duty. So, we are considering raising import duty," a senior Food Ministry official told PTI.
Higher duty will be imposed the moment there is further fall in global sugar prices to ensure cheap imports do not put pressure on domestic retail prices, which at present are ruling steady at Rs 40-50 per kg across the country.
Already, 5 lakh tonnes of sugar have been contracted at zero duty and most of it has already arrived, the official said, adding imports were allowed to ensure there are enough supplies in the domestic market.
While the annual sugar demand is about 24-24.5 million tonnes, the domestic output in the 2016-17 season ending October is pegged at little over 21 million tonnes and there is cushion of previous years stock.
Asked about more imports being undertaken at 40 per cent customs duty, the official said there are some reports that additional 3 lakh tonne of sugar has been contracted from Brazil and is on the way.
However, the official said, "It is normally imported by refiners for re-export. I dont think it is for domestic use. If contracted for domestic consumption, the shipments will only arrive in next 45 days and whatever taxes ruling then need to be paid."
Meanwhile, the government has asked the industry to maintain the gap between global and domestic prices so that traders are not incentivised to import. "If there are more supplies, then sugar prices will come under pressure," the official said.
Global prices of raw sugar have fallen to below 13 cents per pound at present when compared with 16-17 cents per pound four months back, as per trade data.
The weak trend in international rates is because of excess supplies on account of Indias policy of not importing the sweetener plus Brazil planning not to use cane for ethanol, analysts said.
The traders who were holding sugar stocks anticipating India will import have started offloading, pulling down the prices, they added.
In India, wholesale price of sugar is ruling above Rs 32, which is viable for mills, the official said, adding that there is healthy margin for millers to make cane dues to growers.
General Awareness
65 MoUs signed at Textiles India 2017 in the presence of Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani
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65 MoUs in the textiles sector were signed on July 1, 2017, the 2nd day of mega textiles trade fair, ‘Textiles India 2017’. These MoUs were signed in presence of Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani.
More Details about 65 MoUs signed on second day of ‘Textiles India 2017’:
MoUs were signed between various domestic and international organizations from industry and government. Of the 65 MoUs, three were Government – to – Government (G2G) MoUs, with Australia, Bangladesh and China.
- The MoUs signed relate to exchange of information and documentation, research & development, commercialization of handloom products and silk production, cooperation in geo textiles, skill development and supply of cotton and trade promotion with overseas partners.
About ‘Textiles India 2017’:
‘Textiles India 2017’ was a three-day event held from June 30, 2017 to July 2, 2017 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 30, 2017.
- This event which was India’s first-ever mega trade event for the textiles sector. It was organised by the Union Ministry of Textiles and is aimed at showcasing the country as a global sourcing hub and investment destination.
- Nearly 2500 international buyers, over 1000 international and domestic exhibitors and several top fashion designers participated in ‘Textiles India 2017’.
- The three day event was attended by several Union Ministers as well as Gujarat State Cabinet Ministers. Top Heads of prominent private textile companies also attended the event.
- Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Venkaiah Naidu was the chief guest for the valedictory session of the event on July 2, 2017.
Significance of Textile Industry in India:
Textile Industry contributes 2% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India and 10% to total manufacturing production.
- Around 10% of India’s export earnings are generated by textile industry.
- India’s textile industry directly employs 45 million people.
65 MoUs in the textiles sector were signed on July 1, 2017, the 2nd day of mega textiles trade fair, ‘Textiles India 2017’. These MoUs were signed in presence of Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani.
More Details about 65 MoUs signed on second day of ‘Textiles India 2017’:
MoUs were signed between various domestic and international organizations from industry and government. Of the 65 MoUs, three were Government – to – Government (G2G) MoUs, with Australia, Bangladesh and China.
- The MoUs signed relate to exchange of information and documentation, research & development, commercialization of handloom products and silk production, cooperation in geo textiles, skill development and supply of cotton and trade promotion with overseas partners.
About ‘Textiles India 2017’:
‘Textiles India 2017’ was a three-day event held from June 30, 2017 to July 2, 2017 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 30, 2017.
- This event which was India’s first-ever mega trade event for the textiles sector. It was organised by the Union Ministry of Textiles and is aimed at showcasing the country as a global sourcing hub and investment destination.
- Nearly 2500 international buyers, over 1000 international and domestic exhibitors and several top fashion designers participated in ‘Textiles India 2017’.
- The three day event was attended by several Union Ministers as well as Gujarat State Cabinet Ministers. Top Heads of prominent private textile companies also attended the event.
- Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Venkaiah Naidu was the chief guest for the valedictory session of the event on July 2, 2017.
Significance of Textile Industry in India:
Textile Industry contributes 2% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India and 10% to total manufacturing production.
- Around 10% of India’s export earnings are generated by textile industry.
- India’s textile industry directly employs 45 million people.
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