E-Commerce Portal of NSIC

        To boost the business of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in retail sector, the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), the Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of MSME has launched e-commerce portal, viz. www.msmeshopping.com on 31^st July, 2014. The salient features of this portal includes online registration, web store management, online buying and selling, multiple payment options, popular products section, multi product cart, customer support through Call Centre, attractive range of products, payment gateway for membership subscription and enhanced security features. As reported, there are 253 registered suppliers having 2473 products in 103 categories and 279 orders have so far been placed after launching of this portal.

To promote its usages, several steps have been taken viz., awareness programmes in MSME clusters, search engine optimization, participation in exhibitions, road shows and seminars to sensitize MSMEs, email marketing, institutional networking, advertisement in industrial association’s journals, advertisements in print media and national dailies, press releases, radio advertisements (Pan India) and television advertisements.

ICT in Universities/Colleges Across the Country

Under the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT), it is envisaged to provide 15-20 broadband connections of 512 Kbps speed each to over 25000+ colleges including 2000 polytechnics in the country and 1 Gbps optical fibre connectivity to 419 universities/ university level institutions. The other components of the NMEICT Mission include provision of e-books and e-journals free to the learners, support for generation of e-contents for Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate level, creation of web and video courses under NPTEL (National Programme in Technology Enhanced Learning) in all branches of engineering and physical sciences, development of virtual laboratory, development of vocational education modules etc. 

Under the NMEICT scheme, no financial assistance has been provided by the Central Government directly to States to implement the scheme/ project. For connectivity to universities and colleges, central share of 75% of the cost is directly released to the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)/ Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) (implementing agency for connectivity) with the stipulation that the balance 25% of the cost would be deposited by the concerned institution directly to BSNL/ MTNL. The ratio in case of North Eastern Region (NER) is 90:10. However, as provided in the Mission document, funds have been released to universities/university level institutions of the country for various projects. Using computer infrastructure and connectivity, the reach of these facilities is ensured to the academic community. 

Decriminalisation of Section 309

The Law Commission of India, in its 210th Report, had recommended that Section 309 (attempt to Commit suicide) of IPC needs to be effacted from the statute book. As law and order is the State subject, views of States/UTs were requested on the recommendations of the Law Commission. 18 States and 4 Union Territory Administrations have supported that Section 309 of the IPC may be deleted. Keeping in view the responses from the States/UTs, it has been decided to delete Section 309 of IPC from the Statute book. 

Use of Led Lamps

For large scale adoption of LEDs for lighting, Ministry of Power had prepared a roadmap, in close cooperation with the lighting industry, in 2009 which sought to: (a) ensure the quality and reliability of LED lamps; (b) reduce the price of LED lamps, initially through large scale public procurement and then through a labelling programme; and (c) facilitate awareness and demonstration of this lighting through LED technology. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, simultaneously promoted demand for LED bulbs and LED streetlights by providing financial support to all states to set up demonstration projects to highlight the lighting quality and energy savings of LED technology. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. 

Shri Goyal further stated that the Ministry of Power has also written to all Ministries/Departments to procure LEDs in place of Compact Florescent Lamps (CFLs) and Incandescent Lamps (ICLs) and also requested the Directorate General of Supplies & Dsiposals (DGS&D) to include LEDs in the rate contract list. Ministry of Finance has been requested to issue directives to all Central Ministries/Departments to procure LED bulbs instead of CFLs/ICLs. Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) has stopped giving license to produce incandescent bulbs of wattage more than 100W. 

The efficacy of the lamp (assembly of LED chip, diffuser, driver and heat sink which makes up the bulb or tubelight) currently ranges from 80-120 lumen/watt. Hence, LED lamps available in the market consume about 1/10th of power as compared to incandescent lamp and close to 1/2 of CFLs, to provide equivalent light output. The production of 300 lumen per watt is only under lab conditions and that too only of the LED chip as claimed by some manufacturers. 

Under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), Ministry of Power in 2013 has issued guidelines that LED bulbs would be provided with free electricity connection to eligible Below Poverty Line Households, Shri Goyal added. 

As per a report of ASSOCHAM published in 2011, it is estimated that with wide spread use of efficient lighting devices such as CFLs and LEDs can save around 34,743 MW of generation capacity. Given that our total generation capacity is 254649.49 MW (Oct. 2014), the saving is of the tune of 13% of installed capacity. 

Indian Trusts (Amendment) Bill, 2014

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the introduction of the Indian Trusts (Amendment) Bill, 2014 in the current session of Parliament to amend section 20 and 20A of the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. 

The amendments are intended to provide the trustees greater autonomy and flexibility to take decisions on investment of trust money. This would enable the Central Government to notify securities or class of securities, for investment by trusts and to remove the outdated provisions occurring in section 20 of the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. 

Rooftop Solar System in Power Stations

            Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) has mandated for harnessing of solar energy on the roof of all buildings of new thermal power projects. Accordingly, NTPC is including rooftop solar plants in all its thermal power plant buildings in upcoming NTPC power projects. These shall be installed as and when the buildings are constructed as per the project execution schedule. This was stated by Shri. Piyush Goyal, (Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.  

Further, year-wise targets for next three years shall be fixed by NTPC after estimating potential of rooftop solar Photo Voltaic systems at its existing thermal power station buildings and after carrying out the detailed feasibility, location-wise, the Minister added.

            The Minister further stated that so far 2970 MW grid connected Solar Power Projects, 364.27 MW equivalent off-grid solar applications including solar lighting & solar pumping and 8.42 million sq. meters solar thermal collectors for solar water heating systems, solar cooking, solar cooling and industrial process heat applications have been set up under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in the country. 

The major steps taken by the Government to promote the scheme are:

i.                    The cumulative targets of 20,000 MW grid connected solar power, 2,000 MW off-grid solar applications & 20 million sq. meters solar thermal collector area by 2022 set under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) launched on 11th January, 2010. 

ii.                  Provision for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) for solar has been made in the National Tariff Policy.

iii.                Grant of subsidy on off-grid applications.

iv.                Provision of Concessional Import duty/Excise duty exemption for setting up of solar power plants, accelerated depreciation and tax holiday.

v.                  Generation based incentive; viability gap funding and facility for bundled power for Grid connected Solar Power Projects through various interventions announced from time to time.

vi.                Creation of Solar Energy Corporation of India and National Institute of Solar Energy.

vii.               Awareness programmes such as exhibitions, training workshops etc. are being conducted.

viii.            Several R&D efforts have been initiated for new technologies and improvement in efficiency.

Law and Order in and around Hyderabad under AP Reorganisaiton Act

As per Section 8 (1) of A.P Reorganisation Act, “On and from the appointed day, for the purposes of administration of the common capital area, the Governor shall have special responsibility for the security of life, liberty and property of all those who reside in such area”. 

Business Transaction Rules (BTR) have not been amended by the Government of Telangana. Union Ministry of Home Affairs vide letter dated June 4, 2014 has written to Government of Telangana to furnish its comments on BTRs. Government of Telangana submitted its comments vide its letter dated 5-07-2014. 

The State Government of Telangana overall did not agree with the proposal to amend to the State Business Transactions Rules. The Comments of the State Government are summarised as under:- 

1. The Government of Telangana will furnish periodical reports on Law & Order to the Governor through Council of Ministers. 

2. An Officer will be designated in the O/o DGP to deal with hate crimes and crimes related to extortion or any other specified crime and internal security and security of vital installations. 

3. The common Capital area is an integral part of Telangana State. There cannot be any joint force in the Common Capital area as Law & Order is a State subject and the Police Officers of another State cannot have any jurisdiction. 

This was stated by Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to Shri Palvai Govardhan Reddy in the Rajya Sabha 

Scholarship for Higher Education in Foreign Countries

The Ministry of HRD is implementing the scheme for providing financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and backward classes to pursue their higher education abroad.viz Central Scheme to provide lnterest Subsidy. Under the scheme full interest subsidy is provided during the period of moratorium i.e., Course Period plus one year or six months after getting job, whichever is earlier, on loans taken by students belonging to Economically Weaker Sections from scheduled banks under the Educational Loan Scheme of the lndian Banks' Association, for pursuing any of the approved courses of studies in technical and professional streams, from recognised institutions in lndia. 

The interest subsidy under the Scheme is available to the eligible students whose annual gross parental family income is not more than Rs. 4.5 lacs per year (from all sources) and is provided only once, either for the first undergraduate degree course or the post graduate degrees / diplomas in lndia. Interest Subsidy is, however, admissible for integrated courses (graduate + post graduate). The scheme is independent of any other schemes which may cater to Economically Weaker Sections. 

This information was given by the Union Human Resource Development Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha question

Team India

The proposal to form “Team India” with the Council of Chief Ministers and the Hon’ble Prime Minister as the chairperson to weave the economic agenda of the country

Shri E Ahamed, Member of Parliament and President of the Indian Union Muslim League, today presented a cheque for Rs 25 lakh rupees to the Prime Minister, towards the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, for flood relief and rehabilitation.

The Indian Union Muslim League has extended all support for the Prime Minister's relief activities.

The Chairman and CEO, Bank of America, Mr. Brian Moynihan called on PM Narendra Modi.

Government of China’s Sichuan province invitation to State Government of Telanagan

Government of China’s Sichuan province has extended an invitation to Honorable Chief Minister Sri.K.Chandrashekar Rao and his accompanying delegation from the Telangana state to visit Chengdu, Sichuan province, to strengthen friendly relations between Telangana state and Sichuan province, in view of promoting business and cultural cooperation between these two.

In a letter to the Chief Minister’s Office Ms.Zhang Tao, Deputy Director General of Sichuan Foreign affairs Office mentioned that both Sichuan province and Telangana State are very similar in their history, culture and resources.

She said that, stories told of dynasties and kings who ruled these lands, where tales were inscribed in history so deep that, they have now become legends or even myths.

The letter described that, both Sichuan province and Telangana have carvings and sculptures of Lord Buddha and his teachings are practiced and preached very devoutly.

The Deputy Director General also mentioned that Telangana economically is driven by agriculture and both Sichuan and Telangana are among the richest in mineral resources and both are heavy industry centers of their respective countries.

Ms.Zhang Tao, informed through the letter that Chengdu the capital of Sichuan is also the headquarters of Donfang Electric Corporation Ltd., the Worlds largest power equipment manufacturer. Considering the fact that Telangana state is in need of large capacity of power projects at the earliest, cooperation between related parties in this subject should be discussed and an MOU should be signed as and when the visit of the Chief Minister materializes mentioned in the letter.

Metro Luxury A.C Buses

Chief Minister Sri K.Chandrashekar Rao inaugurating (TSRTC) Metro Luxury A.C Buses at Necklace Road.

Union Minister Sri Bandaru Dattatreya, Dy CM Sri Mohd. Mahamood Ali, Ministers Sri P Mahender Reddy, Sri Nayini Narasimha Reddy, Sri Padma Rao, Hyderabad Mayor Sri Mohammad Majid Hussain, Sri Chintala Ramachandra Reddy BJP MLA were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion

Industrial Policy Framework for State of Telangana (2014)

The Telangana State Government has conducted detailed studies and consulted experts to identify the competitive advantages the state can have, given its geographical location, available resources and skill-base, raw material availability, existing manufacturing practices and expertise, and opening up of new opportunities. Accordingly, the Telangana State Government recognizes the following 14 sectors as thrust areas, investments in which will be accorded a higher priority over others.

1 Life Sciences—including, bulk drugs, formulations,vaccines, nutraceuticals, biologicals, incubation centers, R&D facilities and medical equipment

2 IT Hardware including bio-medical devices, electronics, cellular communications, FAB

3 Precision Engineering, including aviation, aerospace, defence

4 Food processing and nutrition products including dairy, poultry, meat and fisheries

5 Automobiles, Transport Vehicles, Auto-components, Tractors and Farm Equipment

6 Textiles and Apparel, Leather and leather value added products like shoes, purses, bags, artificial material infused and coated textiles, paper and paper products

7 Plastics and Polymers, Chemicals and Petro-chemical, glass and ceramics

8 FMCG and Domestic Appliances

9 Engineering and Capital Goods, including castings, foundry and Ferro-alloys and other metallurgical industries

10 Gems and Jewellery

11 Waste Management and Green Technologies

12 Renewable Energy and Solar Parks

13 Mineral-based and wood-based Industries

14 Transportation/Logistic Hub/Inland Port/Container Depot

Role of Changing Technology in Cinema: A Discussion

A panel discussion on technology versus creativity in cinema was held at the 45th IFFI . Ashok Rane, the Director of Indian Film Academy opined that while technology on one hand has made cinema production easier, it has snatched away the longevity of the film on the other. The story value in the film is being undermined by technology as the producers are focusing on technology at the cost of the story. 

Another panelist, Dr. Rashmi Doraiswamy, who is a Professor at the Academy of Third World Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, subscribing to the observations of Mr. Rane said that, technology has driven mankind to a mad race and the same has happened in cinema also. In technology there is no space for silence and instead of mind, the cinema is catering to the body. She however, appreciated technology for making low-budget films possible. 

Noted film scholar and critic, Shri M.K. Raghavendra put forth the capacity of the technology in film making. Replying to a query he said that science fictions have nothing to do with progress in the field of science and a number of countries who have made strides in science have hardly rolled out much science fictions. 

Releasing of Undertrials who have Served Half of Maximum Sentence

The Government is considering to free undertrials who have served half of their maximum terms of sentence. The following measures have been taken by the Government in this regard-

(i) An advisory has been issued by the Government of India on 17.1.2013 to the States/UTs regarding use of section 436A of the Cr.P.C to reduce overcrowding of prisons. The same can also be accessed on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs at the link: 

http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/AdvSec436APrisons-060213_0.pdf

(ii) Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated 5.9.2014 in Writ Petition No. 310/2005 – Bhim Singh Vs Union of India & Others relating to undertrial prisoners, has directed for effective implementation of Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure by directing the jurisdictional Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate/Sessions Judge to hold one sitting in a week in each jail/prison for two months commencing from 1st October, 2014 for the purposes of effective implementation of section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In its sittings in jail, the above judicial officers shall identify the under-trial prisoners who have completed half period of the maximum period or maximum period of imprisonment provided for the said offence under the law and after complying with the procedure prescribed under Section 436A pass an appropriate order in jail itself for release of such under-trial prisoners who fulfill the requirement of section 436 A of Cr P. C. 

(iii) An advisory dated 27.9.2014 has also been issued by the Government of India to the States/UTs on reckoning half-life of time spent in judicial custody of Undertrial prisoners under Section 436A of Cr. P.C. The same can also be accessed on the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the link: 

http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/GuidelinesForRreckoningHalfLife_161014.pdf

As per data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) at the end of 2013, out of the total population of 4,11,992 inmates in jails, the total number of undertrial prisoners in the country was 2,78,503, which constitutes 67.6% of total inmates. 

The Union Home Minister has written to the Chief Ministers of all States/UTs on 3.9.2014 regarding use of section 436A of Cr. P.C. to reduce overcrowding in jails of the country. 

DG (Prisons)/IG (Prisons) of all States/UTs have also been requested by the Government of India on 22.9.2014 to take necessary action to comply with the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of Bhim Singh Vs Union of India & Others. 

This was stated by Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to Shri S.Thangavelu in the Rajya Sabha

ational Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organisation (NOTTO)

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has been set up in New Delhi. It has become partially functional. It will result in ensuring increased availability of organs/tissues retrieved from deceased donors and help save lives of many persons suffering from end stage organ failure. 

Since health is a State subject, the Government of India will provide support to States under the National Organ Transplant Programme to set up Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations/State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations. It is envisaged that all new AIIMS like institutions including the one at Bhubaneswar would eventually have such a facility. 

The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha 

Amendment in Citizenship and Visa Laws

There is no proposal to amend the Citizenship Act and visa rule for Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals living in India on Long Term Visa. However, the facilities provided to these foreigners are reviewed from time to time, as and when required. The Government of India has initiated the process to amend suitably clauses (a), (c), (f) and (g) of sub-section (1) of Section 5 and Section 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 to relax the prescribed period of one year of continuous stay of foreigners in India immediately before making an application for citizenship. 

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju in Lok Sabha

ICT Can Help Government Empower PwDs and Lead to their Inclusion- Says Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment

The UNESCO’s International Conference “From Exclusion to Empowerment: Role of ICTs for Persons with Disabilities” was held here today. The inaugural session was addressed by Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister of Human Resource Development and Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. 

The following is the text of the speech by Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot at the Conference: “My Government is focusing on a seven point agenda relating to the disability sector. These include enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill to fulfil our international obligation post ratification of the UNCRPD; using technology to deliver low-cost, home-based education through e-learning; issue of Universal ID to each and every person with disability for availing government benefits; developing income generations models to ensure economic independence; ensuring access to public facilities, public buildings and transport; aid and support to voluntary organizations; and tax relief to the family members taking care of persons with disabilities. 

“As you all are aware, India was among the first countries to ratify the UNCRPD. The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities of 2006 recognizes that Persons with Disabilities are a valuable resource for the country, and seeks to create an environment that provides them every opportunity to participate fully in society. 

“According to the Census of India 2011, there are 2.68 crore Persons with Disabilities in the country, which constitutes 2.2% of our population. In order to create an inclusive society, the Government, development partners, civil society and disability sector experts are working together to ensure protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities through a range of early intervention services, protection of rights, provision of aids and assistive devices and promoting accessibility in public buildings. Inclusion means providing equal opportunities in education, skill development, economic empowerment and ensuring full participation of Persons with Disabilities in family, cultural and social life; in administrative and political spheres. It is our collective duty to ensure that Persons with Disabilities are empowered to lead a safe and dignified life as citizens of India. 

“To achieve this end, a standalone Department of Disability Affairs was created in May, 2012 which has initiated since then many new initiatives. The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, (ALIMCO) our state owned enterprise, manufactures wide range of cost-effective ISI marked assistive devices on a mass scale for disabled people. Since its inception in 1974, it has enabled 4.2 million people. The Department of Disability Affairs is administering 3 legislations namely Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, National Trust Act, 1999 and Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992. It is supported by 7 National Institutes, 3 statutory bodies namely Rehabilitation Council of India, National Trust and Office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and 2 Central Public Sector Undertakings namely ALIMCO and NHFDC. The Department is in the process of establishing the National Institute of Inclusive and Universal Design, Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre, National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation, Centre for Disability Sports and Centre for Disability Research. 

“Day by day, new trends in science and technology have enabled ICT applications to meet the various needs of persons with disabilities. The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India has announced a nationwide campaign for a "Digital India" which would bring ICTs to the doorstep of every Indian citizen. The Prime Minister has emphasized the critical role ICTs play in good governance and in enhancing inclusive growth and development. This is an important opportunity to work towards integrating ICTs with a wide range of other offline systems and services. 

“This high-level International Conference on the role of ICTs for persons with disabilities should contribute to meeting our vision of inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in India and worldwide and should benefit from a range of ICT -based applications. I hope that this Conference will give a new impetus to the partnerships and technological innovation efforts to improve the status of persons with disabilities and also combating poverty in developing countries. We trust this Conference will provide a road-map for a more inclusive society, which prevents discrimination and encourages participation of Persons with Disabilities in all spheres of life. I also hope that this conference also explores how best ICT could be used for the economic empowerment of PwDs”. 

Present on the occasion were MoS SJE, Vijay Sampla, Secretary, Department of Disability Smt. Stuti Kakkar, official of the Ministry and delegates from UNESCO. 

Facts at A Glance- Jharkhand

Phase-I of Poll -25-11-2014

S. No.	Item	Number of Assembly Constituencies going on poll= 13
1.	Total Electors	Male          –  1784848 Female      –  1577090 T. Gender  -              2   Service   -           3840 NRI Voters:   0     ------------------------------  Total  -          3365780
2	Electors Age group 18-19	115863(M)	82603 (F)	Total=198466
3	Number Types of Assembly Constituencies	General :  06 SC :         03  ST:          04
4	Total number of Candidates	199
5	Assembly Constituencies  having more than 16 candidates	05
6	Assembly Constituencies  having more than 32 candidates	00
7	Total Number of Female candidates	18
8	No. and Name of the Assembly Constituency with maximum No. of  Candidates	76-Daltonganj 26 Candidates
8	No. & Name of the Assembly Constituency with  minimum number of Candidates	27-Chatra 07 Candidates
10	Party-wise list of candidates:	BJP			12
		BSP			12
		CPI			6
		CPIM			2
		INC			7
		NCP			5
		AJSU			1
		JVM(P)			11
		RJD			6
		JMM			12
		Registered Political Parties (other then recognised National and State)			53
		Independents			72
		Total No. Of candidates			199
11	Largest Assembly constituency Electorate wise	27-Chatra   - Electors-339159
12	Smallest Assembly constituency Electorate wise	68-Gumla -      213110
13	Number of General, Expenditure, Police & Awareness Observers  deployed	General Observers -          13   Expenditure Observers  -    08 Police  Observers            -  02 Awareness Observers-        02 Micro Observers           -     126
14	No. of Polling Personnel deployed ( approx)	35425 (APPROX)
15	No. of  Polling Stations	3939 + 22 AUXILLARY = 3961
16	Number of EVMs to be used in the elections	Control Units -    3961 Ballot Units -      5637
17	Polling Station Location	3061 after relocation