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THE HIMALAYAN DISASTER: TRANSNATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT MECHANISM A MUST

We talked with Palash Biswas, an editor for Indian Express in Kolkata today also. He urged that there must a transnational disaster management mechanism to avert such scale disaster in the Himalayas. http://youtu.be/7IzWUpRECJM

THE HIMALAYAN TALK: PALASH BISWAS TALKS AGAINST CASTEIST HEGEMONY IN SOUTH ASIA

THE HIMALAYAN TALK: PALASH BISWAS TALKS AGAINST CASTEIST HEGEMONY IN SOUTH ASIA

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Fwd: Releases...............pt2



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 29, 2010 at 2:27 PM
Subject: Releases...............pt2


Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Department of Space

Achievements in Space Research

New Delhi: April 29, 2010

 

            The major achievements in space research during the last three years (April 2007-March 2010) are as below:

Successful launching of India's first Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-I and detection of traces of water, ice and hydroxyl molecules on the lunar surface based on the scientific data obtained from Chandrayaan-I which is a major discovery in planetary science having tremendous implications in planning future long term lunar and planetary explorations.

Successful launching of TEN satellites in a single mission of PSLV C9 – Cartosat-2A satellite (an advanced cartographic satellite); IMS-I satellite (for natural resource management applications) and eight nano satellites from Universities of Canada, Europe and Japan.

Successful launch and operationlisation of RISAT-2, a Radar Imaging Satellite with the capability to take images of the earth during day and night as well as cloudy conditions and ANUSAT, first experimental communication satellite built by an Indian University onboard India's PSLV C 12.

Successful launch and operationalilsation of OCEANSAT-2 satellite onboard PSLV C 14, for Ocean and Coastal studies.

Application of space technology for societal benefits in the areas of rural development, Health-care, Education, Agriculture, Natural Resources Management and Communication infrastructure through programmes of Tele-education, Tele-medicine, Village Resource Centres, location of potential zones of drinking water based on satellite data, advisories of fishermen on potential fishing zones, Disaster Management Support programme etc.

                The Government have drawn-up a long-term plan 'Vision 2025' for Space Research Programme identifying the goals, Programme  Directions and technology requirements upto 2025.  The Programme encompasses development of advanced launch vehicle systems including critical technologies for re-usable launch vehicles and Human Space Flight Programme; developing capabilities in Space communications towards meeting the developmental needs in the areas of education and literacy, health-care, rural development and disaster management support, Introduction of Satellite Navigation based positioning services, Augmenting earth observation systems with enhanced imaging capabilities for natural resource management applications and undertake front ranking research in the areas of Space science, Astronomy and Planetary exploration.

            The amount allotted and spent for space research during the last three years is as below:

                                                                                                                                                                    (Rs. in crores)

 

Budget allotted in BE

Budget allotted in RE

Actuals

2007-08

3858.80

3290.09

3278.00

2008-09

4074.07

3499.04

3493.57

2009-10

4959.04

4167.04

4158.03 (Provisional)

This was stated by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, the Minister of State (I/C) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences in the Rajya Sabha today.

 

gg/bs/dk/kol/14:22 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Science & Technology                            

DNA Profiling Data Bank

New Delhi: April 29, 2010

 

The Draft Bill having provision for establishment of DNA Data Banks both at the National and State level was circulated to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bureau of Police Research & Development, Central Bureau of Investigation, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Defence, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice, Directorate of Forensic Science. The comments have been obtained. The Draft Bill is being sent to all the States for their comments.

The comments received from the various Ministries/Departments have inter alia referred to the scope of the Draft Bill; provisions for confidentiality of information and penalties for misuse or abuse thereof; size, composition and tenure of members of the DNA Profiling Board, its powers and functions and administrative support therefore; data sharing between the National and State DNA Data Banks, approval norms for DNA Profiling laboratories; and procedures for expungement of records from the Data Bank.

Since the finalization of Draft Bill involves further consultation with the State Governments followed by Cabinet approval etc., no specific time frame can be indicated at this stage.

This was stated by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, the Minister of State (I/C) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences in the Rajya Sabha today.

 

gg/bs/dk/kol/14:23 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Commerce & Industry                           

MOUs to be Signed Between DMICDC, State Governments And Japanese Consultants Tomorrow

New Delhi: April 29, 2010

 

The Tripartite MOUs (Memorandum of Understandings) between Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC), respective State Governments i.e., Haryana, Gujarat and Maharashtra and Japanese Consultants, will be signed here tomorrow. Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Masayuki Naoshima, Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, will also be present on the occasion.

DMICDC is developing seven nodes in the first phase. These nodes are: Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad Investment Region in Uttar Pradesh; Manesar-Bawal Investment Region in Haryana; Khushkhera-Bhiwadi-Neemrana Investment Region in Rajasthan; Ahmedabad-Dholera Investment Region in Gujarat; Igatpuri-Nashik-Sinnar Investment Region in Maharashtra; Pithampura-Dhar-Mhow Investment Region in Madhya Pradesh; and Dighi Port Industrial Area. DMICDC provides India a unique opportunity to adopt futuristic smart city concept of minimal pollution, maximum recycling and reuse of finite resources, optimization of energy supplies and consumption-efficient use of public transportation in its new cities. The Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI) Government of Japan is providing expertise to DMICDC for development of small communities. METI, through its Japanese consultants shall identify and implement various environmental sustainable projects within the DMIC region.

The Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) comprising the States of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh is being developed in collaboration with the Government of Japan as a global manufacturing and trading hub. The vision is to create strong economic base with globally competitive environment and state-of-the-art infrastructure to activate local commerce, enhance foreign investments and attain sustainable development. DMIC region covers a combination of well developed, moderately developed and under developed industrial areas with varying natural resources, human skills and with or without quality physical and social infrastructure.

 

rj/mrs/dk/kol/14:23 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Defence                       

Antony Calls Upon Industry to Boost Ship Building Programmes of Indian Navy

 

India's First Indigenous Stealth Frigate Ins Shivalik Commissioned

New Delhi: April 29, 2010

 

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today called upon the Indian Industry to give their best in developing the country's ship building programmes. Commissioning INS Shivalik, the first of three new stealth frigates for the Indian Navy in Mumbai, he said, over the years there has been a distinct shift in our policy from a "Buyer's Navy' to a 'Builder's Navy".

He said the ship building industry has to modernize itself through indigenous efforts and minimize its dependence on imports. "We must continue with our efforts to transform and modernize our shipyards, so that they can not only meet the domestic demands but also achieve latest international standards in quality construction. We must be able to produce quality ships in a shorter time frame at competitive costs. I strongly urge all the participants of the Indian industry to give their best in developing our ship building programmes".

He said time and again history has taught us to maintain a strong and vigilant navy. "Our maritime heritage dates back to the ancient times. Though we have come a long way in re-establishing our capabilities on the high seas since our independence, we still have a lot to achieve before we can consider ourselves a really potent naval force. History has time and again held out lessons in maintaining a strong and an eternally vigilant Navy", the Defence Minister said.

Shri Antony said the security situation in and around our immediate neighbourhood poses several security related challenges. He reiterated that we have to maintain high levels of operational readiness at all times.

Shri Antony described the commissioning as a red letter day for the Indian Navy, our Armed Forces, the ship building industry and the entire nation. He said India's long coastline and ever expanding exclusive economic zone make it imperative to defend our main land as well as maintain the sea lanes of communication. With the commissioning of the stealth frigate, he expressed confidence that the maritime interest will further secure.

INS Shivalik and the follow-on-ships of the Shivalik class (namely, Satpura and Sahyadiri) have been conceived and designed by Indian Navy design teams. The Shivalik class will be the mainstay frigates of the Indian Navy in the first half of the 21st century.

The incorporation of numerous new design features aboard INS Shivalik effectively reduces the probability of her being detected at sea. The in-built structural, thermal and acoustic stealth features augment the potent capability of the ship to address threats in all dimensions of maritime warfare.

The weapon-sensor fit of the Shivalik is controlled through a Combat Management System called 'CMS-17', designed and developed by the Indian Navy and manufactured by Bharat Electronics (Ghaziabad). The system allows the seamless integration of the ship's systems as well as with the weapons and sensors of other Fleet ships, thus enabling the concept of 'Co-operative Engagement Capability' (CES). With her ability to detect and engage surface, air and sub-surface assets of the enemy at extended ranges, this ship represents very significant combat-potential.

With modern LM 2500 Gas Turbine propelling her to speeds in excess of 30 knots (or over 55 kmph), the ship is a true greyhound upon the seas. The ship's electric power is provided by four Diesel Alternators, which together produce 4 Mega-Watts of power – enough to light-up a small town. The power generation and distribution on board is controlled through an 'Automated Power Management System' (APMS), which enables the optimal use of electricity at all times. The two Multi-Role helicopters that would be embarked on Shivalik will provide for enhanced surveillance and attack capability.

The Shivalik is also equipped with a proven defense against Nuclear, Biological and Chemical attack. The state-of-the art 'Total Atmospheric Control System' (TACS) ensures filtration of the air going into the ship at all times. In addition, it ensures the complete removal of radioactive, chemical or biological impurities, thereby protecting the crew and shipborne systems even when operating in areas contaminated by nuclear, biological or chemical agents.

The ship's domestic requirements of fresh water are met through two Reverse Osmosis plants, while a fully automated galley, ensures that the crew can be fed Indian, Continental and Asian meals, including freshly baked bread and home-made ice cream.

The accommodation arrangements for the 35 officers and over 250 crew members of the Shivalik has been provided by M/s Godrej, whose advance ergonomic design ensures crew comfort and space management.

Among those present at today's ceremony included the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, the Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, the Secretary Defence Production Shri RK Singh, the Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Limited Rear Admiral (Retd) HS Malhi, Defence Attaches and Consul Generals of different Countries.

 

sitanshu kar in mumbai/ mn/dk/kol/14:24 hrs.

 

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation                          

Reduction in Slum Population

New Delhi: April 29, 2010

 

The Minister for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has said that UN-Habitat Report entitled "State of the World 's Cities 2010/2011 –Bridging the Urban Divide" has revealed that India has been successful in improving the lives of slum dwellers, having helped 59.7 million of these out of dire conditions since the year 2000. Slum prevalence fell from 41.5 per cent in 2000 to an estimated 28.1 per cent in 2010, a relative decrease of 32 per cent.

 

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today she said, the Government launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) on December 3, 2005 aimed at provision of city-wide infrastructure and basic services to the urban poor especially slum dwellers. Under the Basic Services for the Urban Poor component of JNNURM, Additional Central Assistance is provided to 65 cities of national importance for undertaking affordable housing and basic amenities to the poor especially those residing in slums. Similar facilities are provided in small and medium towns under Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) of JNNURM. The Government has also announced Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) in June 2009 aimed at making the country slum free. Under this scheme Central support will be provided to cities that are willing to assign property rights to slum dwellers.

 

ad/db/dk/kol/14:24 hrs.

 

 




--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/

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