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)

UP Assembly Election facts

SECOND PHASE- Date of Poll 15.02.2017
S.No.	Item		Number of Assembly Constituencies going on poll-67
1	Total Electors
	Male		12384449
	Female		10493671
	Third Gender		1065
	Total		22879185
2	Total number of candidates		721
3	Total number of female candidates		82
4	No. & Name of the Assembly Constituency with maximum number of candidates		25- Kanth 28 Candidates
5	No. & Name of the Assembly Constituency with minimum number of candidates		39- Dhanaura		05 Candidates
6	Assembly constituency where more than one women candidate		21
7	Party-wise list of candidates		AITMC	0
			BSP	67
			BJP	67
			CPI	04
			CPI (M)	04
			INC	18
			NCP	03
			RLD	53
			SP	51
			Independents	207
			Registered but unrecognized	247
			Total	721
8	Largest Assembly Constituency Electorate wise		28- Moradabad Nagar
9	Smallest Assembly Constituency Electorate wise		20- Dhampur
10	Number and name of Assembly Constituencies where there is straight contest.		Nil
11	Number of  EVMs to be used in the Election		BU- 28040 CU- 26990
12	Number of Polling Stations		23696