WHO congratulates India on successful assessment of India’s National Regulatory Authority

“The successful outcome of the WHO conducted assessment of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India is a big boost to the Government’s efforts towards quality healthcare, for which the Government is committed to”. This was stated by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda, here today, as WHO congratulated him and the Ministry for successful assessment of the country’s National Regulatory Authority (NRA). He stated that the Ministry under the dynamic guidance and leadership of the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji is poised for more such laurels in the healthcare sector.

WHO, in its letter to the Minister, has applauded the country’s NRA being declared “functional’ with a maturity level of 4, i.e., the highest level as per currently evolved definitions in respect of 5 functions, and maturity level 3 in respect of 4 functions. While, maturity level 4 indicates good results and sustained improvement trends, maturity level 3 reflects systematic process based approach, early stage of systematic improvements, data availability regarding conformance to objectives and existence of improvement trends. Shri Nadda has termed this as the result of hard work of all the health functionaries who have collaborated with the Ministry in its efforts.

The Minister informed that WHO has termed the 100% compliance in the WHO assessment (benchmarking) of the Indian vaccine regulatory system as another ‘landmark achievement’. The previous WHO assessment (benchmarking) of the Indian vaccine regulatory system was conducted in 2012 during which institutional development plan (IDP) and the road map for strengthening the NRA were developed. Pointing out to the introduction of newer vaccines in the country’s full immunisation basket through the nationwide introduction of pentavalent vaccine, and the phased roll-out of Rotavirus vaccine and Measles Rubella vaccine, Shri Nadda stated that the Ministry is confident that India shall meet all its global commitments in the healthcare sector as a result of these focussed endeavours. In addition, Mission Indradhanush has strengthened the full immunisation drive of the Government, the Health Minister stated.

WHO accords high importance to equitable access to quality, safe, efficacious, and affordable medical and health products. In view of India being one of the main global suppliers of drug and biological medicinal products including vaccines, medical devices, and traditional medicines, and as it is supplying several vaccines to UN agencies, the ‘successful assessment will go a long way in strengthening global confidence in medical products from India’. WHO also notes that this shall ‘give an impetus to the “Make in India” mantra of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’.

A fully functional NRA is a pre-requisite for WHO prequalification of vaccines. One of the requirements to become eligible and retain prequalification status is to have the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) assessed as functional against the WHO published NRA indicators. WHO Prequalification Programme, as such, facilitates access to vaccines that meet the unified standards of quality, safety and efficacy as well as programme needs. The vaccine manufacturers can only apply for WHO vaccine prequalification if the NRA meets the standards of the WHO NRA published indicators i.e. WHO Global benchmarking Tool on functional regulatory system for vaccines.

Recently, WHO has completed the assessment of the status of the Indian vaccine regulatory system against WHO NRA Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) for benchmarking and measured the maturity of the system. The assessment has been carried out by a WHO team comprising lead experts in different areas from WHO Headquarters Geneva, WHO India Country Office, experts drawn from the regulators of USA, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Indonesia, Thailand and Egypt. The assessment has been done in respect of nine different functionalities.

World Health Organisation has, based on a robust benchmarking tool developed over years of consultation with various experts drawn from across the globe, carried out assessment of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India comprising the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), State Drug Regulatory Authorities, Pharmaco-vigilance Programme of India (PvPI) and Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) structures at the Central and States levels. The nine functions included in the tool are National Regulatory System; Registration and Marketing Authorization; Vigilance; Laboratory Access and Testing; Regulatory Inspection; Clinical Trial Oversight; NRA Lot Release; Licensing Premises; and Market Surveillance and Control. The Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) so developed has 63 indicators and 288 sub-indicators, out of which 150 are critical. Earlier in 2012, NRA was assessed against 7 functions and 181 indicators. 

Production of Horticulture Crop 2015-16

Highlights: - 2015-16 (Final Estimates)

·         The total horticulture production of the country is estimated to be around 286 million tonnes during 2015-16 which is 2% higher than the previous year.

·         Production of fruits is estimated to be 90 million tonnes which is 1% higher than the previous year. 

·         Production of vegetables is estimated to be around 169 million tonnes which is about 1.5% higher than the previous year.

·         Production of spices is estimated to be around 7 million tonnes which is 14% higher than the previous year.

·         Production of onion is estimated to be around 209 lakh tonnes which is 11% higher than the previous year.

·         Production of potato is estimated to be around 434 lakh tonnes which is 10% lower than the previous year.

·         Production of tomato is estimated to be around 187 lakh tonnes which is about 15 % higher than the previous year.

Highlights:- 2016-17 (First Advance Estimates)

·         The horticulture production of the country during 2016-17 is estimated to be around 287 million tonnes which is marginally higher as compared to 2015-16.

·         Production of fruits is estimated to be 92 million tonnes which is about 2% higher than the previous year.                                                                                              

·         Production of vegetables is estimated to be around 168.6 million tonnes which is marginally lower by 0.3% than the previous year.

·         Production of spices is estimated to be around 7 million tonnes which is almost same as previous year.

·         Production of onion is estimated to be around 197 lakh tonnes which is 6 % lower than the previous year, which was a bumper production year. However as compared to the past 5 year’s average onion production, this is about 5% higher.

·         Production of potato is estimated to be around 439 lakh tonnes which is 1% higher than the previous year.

·         Production of tomato is estimated to be around 189 lakh tonnes which is about 1 % higher than the previous year.

  The following table summarizes the All-India Final Estimates: 2014-15, Final Estimates: 2015-16 & First Advance Estimates: 2016-17

(Area in ‘000 Ha, Production in ‘000 MT)
Total Horticulture	2014-15	2015-16 ( Final)	2016-17 (First Advance Estimate)
	(Final)
Area	23410	24472	24369
Production	280986	286188	287323

Live stock production 2016-17

Milk Production: The total milk production has increased from 52.21 Million Tonnes during 2015-16 (Rainy) to 54.50 Million Tonnes during 2016-17 (Rainy) registering a growth 4.38%. As against the targeted production of 163.74 Million Tonnes during 2016-17, the total estimated production in two seasons, summer and rainy, is 105.42 Million Tonnes showing an achievement of 64.38%. Further, as compared to previous year’s (2015-16) rainy estimates, the average milk yield per day has marginally improved for indigenous category of cows and buffaloes. The average yield rates of exotic and crossbred cows are estimated to be as 10.85Kgs and 7.40Kgs per animal per day respectively and the average yield rates of indigenous and non-descript cows are estimated to be as 3.56 Kgs and 2.29 Kgs per animals per day. The average yield rates of indigenous and non-descript buffaloes are estimated to be as 5.86Kgs and 4.04Kgs per animals per day respectively.The first five highest milk producing States are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh during the Rainy Season.

Egg Production: The total egg production has increased from  27.33 Billion during 2015-16 (Rainy) to 29.09 Billion  during 2016-17 (Rainy) registering a growth 6.42%. As against the targeted production of 87.05 Billions of eggs during 2016-17, the total estimated production in two seasons, summer and rainy, is 55.11 Billion showing an achievement of 63.31%. The production of egg is largely contributed by commercial poultry farms with nearly 75.75% and remaining production is from household/backyard poultry. The first five highest eggs producing States are Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana , West Bengal & Haryana during the Rainy Season.Meat Production: The total meat production has increased from 2.24 Million Tonnes during 2015-16 (Rainy) to 2.43 Million Tonnes during 2016-17 (Rainy) registering a growth 8.74%. As against the targeted production of            7.37 Million Tonnes during 2016-17, the total estimated production in two seasons, summer and rainy, is 4.67 Million Tonnes showing an achievement of 63.28%. Nearly, 47.86% of the meat production is contributed by poultry and 20.11% is from buffaloes. The first five highest Meat producing States are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, & Telangana during the Rainy Season. Wool Production: The total wool production has decreased from 5.91 Million Kgs during 2015-16 (Rainy) to 5.78 Million Kgs during 2016-17 (Rainy), a decline of 2.16%.  As against the targeted production of 44.07 Million Kgs during 2016-17, the total estimated production in two seasons, summer and rainy, is 20.66 Million Kgs showing an achievement of 46.89%. The first five highest Wool producing States are Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal  Pradesh, & Jammu & Kashmir during the Rainy Season.

   Period of Survey: The Survey period for rainy season was 1^st July, 2016 to 31^st October, 2016.

Third Phase Poll

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•  Male: 13138989
• Female:11027390
• Third Gender:1028
• Total:24167407
•   Total No. of Candidates: 826
•   Total Number of female candidates:105
•   Largest Assembly constituency electorate wis-170-Sarojini Nagar
•  Smallest Assembly Constituency Electorate wise-213-Sisamau
•  Number of EVMs to be used in the Elections: BU-30135,CU-28167
•  No.of polling Stations-25606

India's Agricultural production 2016-17

The 2^nd Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2016-17 have been released by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare on 15^th February, 2017. The assessment of production of different crops is based on the feedback received from States and validated with information available from other sources.

2.         As per 2^nd Advance Estimates, the estimated production of major crops during 2016-17 is as under:

Ø  Foodgrains  –  271.98 million tonnes (record)

·   Rice  –  108.86  million tonnes (record)

·   Wheat – 96.64 million tonnes (record)

·   Coarse Cereals  –  44.34 million tonnes (record)

·   Maize  –  26.15 million tonnes (record)

·   Pulses  –  22.14 million tonnes (record)

·   Gram – 9.12 million tonnes

·   Tur  –  4.23 million tonnes (record)

·   Urad  –  2.89 million tonnes (record)

Ø   Oilseeds  –  33.60 million tonnes (record)

·   Soyabean  –  14.13 million tonnes

·   Groundnut  –  8.47 million tonnes

·   Castorseed – 1.74 million tonnes

Ø   Cotton  –  32.51 million bales (of 170 kg each)

Ø   Sugarcane – 309.98 million tonnes

3.         As a result of very good rainfall during monsoon 2016 and various policy initiatives taken by the Government, the country has witnessed record foodgrain production in the current year. As per Second Advance Estimates for 2016-17, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at 271.98 million tonnes which is higher by 6.94 million tonnes than the previous record production of Foodgrain of 265.04 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14.   The current year’s production is also higher by 14.97 million tonnes than the previous five years’ (2011-12 to 2015-16) average production of Foodgrains. The current year’s production is significantly higher by 20.41 million tonnes than the last year’s foodgrain production.

4.         Total production of Rice is estimated at record 108.86 million tonnes which is also a new record.  This year’s Rice production is higher by 2.21 million tonnes than previous record production of 106.65 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14. It is also higher by 3.44 million tonnes than the five years’ average Rice production of 105.42 million tonnes. Production of rice has increased significantly by 4.45 million tonnes than the production of 104.41 million tonnes during 2015-16.  

5.         Production of Wheat, estimated at 96.64 million tonnes is also a record. This year’s wheat production is higher than the previous record production of 95.85 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14.  Production of Wheat during 2016-17 is also higher by 4.03 million tonnes than the average wheat production. The current year’s production is higher by 4.36 million tonnes as compared to Wheat production of 92.29 million tonnes achieved during 2015-16.

6.         Production of Coarse Cereals estimated at a new record level of 44.34 million tonnes is higher than the average production by 3.00 million tonnes.   It is higher than the previous record production of 43.40 million tonnes achieved during 2010-11 by 0.94 million tonnes. Current year’s production it is also higher by 5.82 million tonnes as compared to their production of 38.52 million tonnes achieved during 2015-16.    

7.         As a result of significant increase in the area coverage and productivity of all major Pulses, total production of pulses during 2016-17 is estimated at 22.14 million tonnes which is higher by 2.89 million tonnes than the previous record production of 19.25 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14.  Production of Pulses during 2016-17 is also higher by 4.50 million tonnes than their Five years’ average production. Current year’s production is higher by 5.79 million tonnes than the previous year’s production of 16.35 million tonnes. 

8.         With an increase of 8.35 million tonnes over the previous year, total Oilseeds production in the country is estimated at record level of 33.60 million tonnes. It is higher by 0.85 million tonnes than the previous record production of 32.75 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14. The production of Oilseeds during 2016-17 is also higher by 4.34 million tonnes than the five year’s average Oilseeds production. The current year’s production is significantly higher than the production of 25.25 million tonnes during 2015-16.

9.         Production of Sugarcane is estimated at 309.98 million tonnes which is lower by 38.46 million tonnes than the last year’s production of 348.45 million tonnes.

10.       Despite lower area coverage during 2016-17, higher productivity of Cotton has resulted into higher production of 32.51 million bales (of 170 kg each) as compared to 30.01 million bales during 2015-16.

11.       Production of Jute & Mesta estimated at 10.06 million bales (of 180 kg each) is marginally lower than their production of 10.52 million bales during the last year.

Pre-loaded Sim Card for Tourists arriving in India

Dr. Mahesh Sharma,Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture, launched a service with a pre-loaded Sim Card to foreign tourists arriving in India on e-Visa .While speaking on the occasion , he said that this unique initiative will facilitate the foreign tourists in communicating with their acquaintances immediately after their arrival in India. Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism had also launched a 24 x 7 Tourist Helpline 1800111363 in Twelve foreign languages so that the foreign tourists can get the required information in their own language. The Minister presented the First Kit containing Sim to a representative of Travel and Tourism sector. Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Shri J.S. Deepak, Secretary, Ministry of Communications and senior officers were present on the occasion.

This initiative has been launched in association with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., (BSNL), wherein BSNL would distribute pre-loaded SIM Cards to foreign tourists arriving in India on e-Visa.  This facility will be initially available in the Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3 Terminal), New Delhi and later cover remaining 15 international airports, where e-Visa facility is currently available.

To avail pre-loaded Sim Card, BSNL will collect e-Visa copy and the first page of passport from foreign tourists on arrival at the airport. This facility is only available for tourists arriving in India on e-Visa.  Sim cards will be pre-loaded with a value of Rs. 50 talk time and 50 MB data and will be activated on immediate basis so as to enable them use this facility instantly. This initiative is also aimed at providing connectivity to foreign touriststo enable them to stay in touch with their near and dear ones and also help them to contact with the 24x7 Multi lingual toll free helpline of Ministry of Tourism for any assistance and guidance during times of distress / medical emergency, etc.

Cabinet approves signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Rwanda

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Rwanda. 

The Agreement has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between India and Rwanda, bringing it in tune with developments in the civil aviation sector.  It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.

Cabinet approves acquisition of subsidiary banks of State Bank of India

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister  Narendra Modi has approved the acquisition by the State Bank of India of its subsidiary banks namely State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Travancore. 

The Cabinet also approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act, 1959 and the State Bank of Hyderabad Act, 1956.

The merger is likely to result in recurring savings, estimated at more than Rs. 1,000 crore in the first year, through a combination of enhanced operational efficiency and reduced cost of funds.  Existing customers of subsidiary banks will benefit from access to SBI’s global network.  The merger will also lead to better management of high value credit exposures through focused monitoring and control over cash flows instead of separate monitoring by six different banks.

The acquisition under Section 35 of the State Bank of India Act, 1955 will result in the creation of a stronger merged entity.  This will minimize vulnerability to any geographic concentration risks faced by subsidiary banks.  It will create improved operational efficiency and economies of scale.  It will also result in improved risk management and unified treasury operations. 

            The acquisition of subsidiary banks of State Bank is an important step towards strengthening the banking sector through consolidation of public sector banks.  It is in pursuance of the Indradhanush action plan of the Government and it is expected to strengthen the banking sector and improve its efficiency and profitability.

PM congratulates ISRO Scientist

PM congratulates ISRO on successful launch of PSLV-C37 and CARTOSAT satellite together with 103 nano satellites

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated ISRO on successful launch of PSLV-C37 and CARTOSAT satellite together with 103 nano satellites.

"Congratulations to ISRO for the successful launch of PSLV-C37 and CARTOSAT satellite together with 103 nano satellites.

This remarkable feat by ISRO is yet another proud moment for our space scientific community and the nation. India salutes our scientists.

Spoke to the Secretary, Department of Space and congratulated him & the entire team of scientists on today's exceptional achievement", the Prime Minister said. 

Biennial Elections to the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Legislative Councils from Local Authorities Constituencies.

                 

The term of office of 9 members of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council from 8 Local Authorities’ Constituencies and one member of Telangana Legislative Councils from Hyderabad Local Authorities’ Constituency is due to expire on 29^th March, 2017 and 1^st May, 2017 as per detail given below:

Andhra Pradesh

Name of the Constituencies	Name of Retiring Members	Date of Retirement
Anantapur Local Authorities’	Mettu Govinda Reddy	29.03.2017
Kadapa Local Authorities’	Narayana Reddy Chadipiralla	29.03.2017
Nellore Local Authorities’	Narayana Reddy Vakati	01.05.2017
West Godavari Local Authorities’	Angara Ramamohan	01.05.2017
	Meka Seshubabu	01.05.2017
East Godavari Local Authorities’	Boddu Bhaskara Ramarao	01.05.2017
Srikakulam Local Authorities’	Peerukatla Viswa Prasada Rao	01.05.2017
Chitoor Local Authorities’	Sri. B. Naresh Kumar Reddy	01.05.2017
Kurnool Local Authorities’	Sri Silpa Chakrapanireddy	01.05.2017

Telangana

Name of the Constituency	Name of Retiring Member	Date of Retirement
Hyderabad Local Authorities’	Syed Aminul Hasan Jafri	01.05.2017

2.         The Commission has decided to hold Biennial Elections to the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Legislative Councils from Local Authorities Constituencies to fill up the above mentioned

10 vacancies so arisen, in accordance with the following programme: -

Sl. No.	Subject of Program			Days and Dates
1.	Issue of Notifications	:		21th February, 2017 (Tuesday)
2.	Last date of making nominations	:		28th February, 2017 (Tuesday)
3.	Scrutiny of nominations	:		1st March, 2017 (Wednesday)
4.	Last date for withdrawal of candidatures	:		3rd March,  2017 (Friday)
5.	Date of poll	:		17th March, 2017 (Friday)
6.	Hours of poll	:		8.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M
7.	Counting of Votes	:		20th March, 2017 (Monday)
8.	Date before which election shall be completed	:		24th March, 2017 (Friday)