The President of India has appointed Shri Kalyan Kumar Chakravarty, as Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi. Kalyan Kumar Chakravarty is a 1970 batch Indian Administrative Service Officer and retired in the rank of Secretary to Government of India. In addition to holding posts at district and national level, in developmental and cultural administration in the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, he held several assignments with an academic content viz. Director, Education, Archaeology and Museums, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Commissioner of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Special Secretary, Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Director, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya at Bhopal, Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary for Culture, Education, Environment, Forest and Tourism, Government of Chhattisgarh, Member-Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Director General, National Museum, New Delhi and Vice Chancellor, National Museum Institute. Chakravarty will hold office till the end of the calendar year in which he completes 70 years of age i.e. upto 31.12.2017.
Lalit Kala Akademi
Lalit Kala Akademi or the National Academy of Fine Art is fine art institution of Government of India with an objective to promote, develop as well as spread the culture of Indian fine art. It receives funds from Ministry of Culture.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) to Minorities Crossed 15 Percent Mark in 2012-2013
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) to Minorities increased considerably from 10.60 percent of total PSL in 2007-2008 to 15.01 percent in 2012-2013. Priority Sector Lending (PSL) to minorities belongs to one of the schemes which are covered under the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for Welfare of Minorities.
An increase was observed because of lending of 171960.71crore Rupees as on September 2012 to the minorities. Self-employment initiatives were created and sustained because of bank credit. The increase was observed because of sustained efforts of government of India.
In order to increase credit flow to the minorities, various steps were undertaken by the Government. These included:
•Reserve Bank of India issued directions on Priority Sector Lending in order to improve credit facilities to the minorities.
•From 2007-2008 to 2011-2012, 5954 branches of bank were opened in those areas where there was substantial minority population.
•Regular monitoring of Public Sector Banks was done for checking disposal of loan applications for the minorities.
•14244 awareness campaigns were organised by Public Sector Banks in 15466 towns and blocks which covered minority population.
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) to Minorities in the absolute terms increased from 58662.67 crore Rupees in 2007-2008 to 171960.71crore Rupees as of September 2012.
Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for Welfare of Minorities
The President on 25 February 2005 announced that Government of India would recast the 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities for including certain programme specific interventions.
The objectives of this programme were as follows:
An increase was observed because of lending of 171960.71crore Rupees as on September 2012 to the minorities. Self-employment initiatives were created and sustained because of bank credit. The increase was observed because of sustained efforts of government of India.
In order to increase credit flow to the minorities, various steps were undertaken by the Government. These included:
•Reserve Bank of India issued directions on Priority Sector Lending in order to improve credit facilities to the minorities.
•From 2007-2008 to 2011-2012, 5954 branches of bank were opened in those areas where there was substantial minority population.
•Regular monitoring of Public Sector Banks was done for checking disposal of loan applications for the minorities.
•14244 awareness campaigns were organised by Public Sector Banks in 15466 towns and blocks which covered minority population.
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) to Minorities in the absolute terms increased from 58662.67 crore Rupees in 2007-2008 to 171960.71crore Rupees as of September 2012.
Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for Welfare of Minorities
The President on 25 February 2005 announced that Government of India would recast the 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities for including certain programme specific interventions.
The objectives of this programme were as follows:
•Enhancing opportunities for education.
•Ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, through existing and new schemes, enhanced credit support for self-employment, and recruitment to State and Central Government jobs.
•Improving the conditions of living of minorities by ensuring an appropriate share for them in infrastructure development schemes.
•Prevention and control of communal disharmony and violence.
•Ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, through existing and new schemes, enhanced credit support for self-employment, and recruitment to State and Central Government jobs.
•Improving the conditions of living of minorities by ensuring an appropriate share for them in infrastructure development schemes.
•Prevention and control of communal disharmony and violence.
MCX-SX, the Third National Stock Exchange Made its Debut in India
MCX-SX, the third bourse on the equities and equity derivatives trading block debuted on 11 February 2013. It is the third national stock exchange of India after Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange. MCX-SX started its trading in shared of 1116 listed companies against 1665 companies in National Stock Exchange and 5191 companies in Bombay Stock Exchange.
MCX-SX Index:
MCX-SX Index is called SX40. This is like Sensex of BSE and Nifty of NSE. SX40 is formulated for measuring the economic performance through polished presentation of different industries as well as sectors based on ICB, which is a leading international classification from FTSE-100 of Britain.
SX40 Constituents:
SX40 constituents are as follows:
•ACC
•Ambuja Cements
•Asian Paints
•Bajaj Auto
•BPCL
•Bharti Airtel
•BHEL
•Cairn India
•Cipla
•Coal India
•Dr Reddy's
•Gail (India)
•HCL Tech
•HDFC Bank
•HDFC
•Hero MotoCorp
•Hindalco
•HUL
•ICICI Bank
•Infosys
•ITC
•JP Associates
•JSPL
•L&T
•Lupin
•M&M
•Maruti Suzuki
•NTPC
•ONGC
•Power Grid Corp
•RIL
•Sun Pharma
•TCS
•Tata Motors
•Tata Power
•Tata Steel
•Titan Industries
•United Spirits
•Wipro
•Zee Entertainment
What is SX40:
•SX40 is the free-float based index, which means that the shares are available at any time for trading. It is an index of 40 large-cap as well as liquid stocks.
•SX40 includes those companies which have minimum free float of 10 per cent. These companies are included within top 100 liquid companies.
•In terms of international indexes, Britain's FTSE includes 25 percent free float criteria and US S&P 500 includes 50 percent free float criteria.
MCX-SX Index:
MCX-SX Index is called SX40. This is like Sensex of BSE and Nifty of NSE. SX40 is formulated for measuring the economic performance through polished presentation of different industries as well as sectors based on ICB, which is a leading international classification from FTSE-100 of Britain.
SX40 Constituents:
SX40 constituents are as follows:
•ACC
•Ambuja Cements
•Asian Paints
•Bajaj Auto
•BPCL
•Bharti Airtel
•BHEL
•Cairn India
•Cipla
•Coal India
•Dr Reddy's
•Gail (India)
•HCL Tech
•HDFC Bank
•HDFC
•Hero MotoCorp
•Hindalco
•HUL
•ICICI Bank
•Infosys
•ITC
•JP Associates
•JSPL
•L&T
•Lupin
•M&M
•Maruti Suzuki
•NTPC
•ONGC
•Power Grid Corp
•RIL
•Sun Pharma
•TCS
•Tata Motors
•Tata Power
•Tata Steel
•Titan Industries
•United Spirits
•Wipro
•Zee Entertainment
What is SX40:
•SX40 is the free-float based index, which means that the shares are available at any time for trading. It is an index of 40 large-cap as well as liquid stocks.
•SX40 includes those companies which have minimum free float of 10 per cent. These companies are included within top 100 liquid companies.
•In terms of international indexes, Britain's FTSE includes 25 percent free float criteria and US S&P 500 includes 50 percent free float criteria.
MCX-SX’s competition:
•The direct competition of MCX-SX is with NSE and BSE.
India and Japan held talks to Strengthen Cooperation in Tourism Sector
India and Japan on 12 February 2013 decided to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector and explore the new areas and opportunities in the sector by working together in different fields like the field of human resource development, investment in the tourism sector, exchange of tour operators and exchange of information related to tourism.
The decision was made during a meet of the Japanese Senior Vice-Minister of Tourism, Hiroshi Kajiyama with the Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi in India. The two also discussed issues related to singing of an agreement/MoU.
India and Japan had been an important tourism market for each other in the recent past and Japan accounts to be among the top ten inbound tourist generating market for India.
Japanese tourists in India in past few years:
The decision was made during a meet of the Japanese Senior Vice-Minister of Tourism, Hiroshi Kajiyama with the Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi in India. The two also discussed issues related to singing of an agreement/MoU.
India and Japan had been an important tourism market for each other in the recent past and Japan accounts to be among the top ten inbound tourist generating market for India.
Japanese tourists in India in past few years:
Year
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
No. of tourists
|
145352
|
124756
|
168019
|
193525
|
Japanese Tourists in India are interested in visiting to places connected to Buddhism in India. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had extended a loan of 7331 million Japanese Yen that is equivalent to 299 crore rupees for development of the Ajanta Ellora Conservation and Development Program – Phase II. The Ministry of Tourism is going to hold road shows in Tokya and Osaka on 18 February 2013 and 20 February 2013, respectively.
New norms for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana approved by the Cabinet
PMGSY was launched in the year 2000 and has the objective of providing all-weather connectivity to all unconnected habitations with population of 500 persons and above 250 persons and above in hilly states, desert areas (as identified under DDP), Tribal Schedule-V areas and 82 selected tribal and backward districts as identified under Integrated Action Plan in rural areas of the country. The Union Cabinet has given its approval to for the upgradation of the scheme. The new norms include:
A. Revision of the Core Network by including:
I. 2,687 left-out unconnected habitations (as per the 2001 census) in Tribal (Schedule-V) areas (other than 82 Integrated Action Plan (lAP) districts already included) and blocks adjoining the international border under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). It was also approved to provide new connectivity to these habitations and allowing upgradation of certain roads measuring about 2,000 km in these areas at an estimated cost of Rs.1,000 crore (at 2012-13 prices), based on a road condition survey which will determine an upgradation priority list;
II. 1,410 left out unconnected habitations with population of 250 persons and above (as per the 2001 census) in the 10 Hill States and desert areas (as identified under the Desert Development Programme (DDP)) to provide new connectivity to these habitations;
III. 9,112 left out unconnected habitations with population of 500 persons and above (as per the 2001 census) in plain areas to provide new connectivity to these habitations, at an estimated cost of Rs.13,850 crore (at 2012-13 prices).
B. Extension of the cluster approach from international border blocks to international border districts of the State of Arunachal Pradesh, by clubbing the population within a path distance of 10 km, and treating as a cluster for eligibility and to provide new connectivity to 126 habitations at an estimated cost of Rs.1,200 crore (at 2012-13 prices)
C. 'In principle' approval for covering unconnected habitations with population of 100 persons and above (as per the 2001 census) in the Left Wing Extremists affected blocks (identified in consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs) with a limited provision to complete missing links, to form closed loops from through routes of the core network at an estimated cost of Rs. 8,000 crore (at 2012-13 prices).
The net number of total eligible unconnected habitations are 1,64,849. This is likely to increase to 1,78,184 habitations on account of this relaxation.
A. Revision of the Core Network by including:
I. 2,687 left-out unconnected habitations (as per the 2001 census) in Tribal (Schedule-V) areas (other than 82 Integrated Action Plan (lAP) districts already included) and blocks adjoining the international border under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). It was also approved to provide new connectivity to these habitations and allowing upgradation of certain roads measuring about 2,000 km in these areas at an estimated cost of Rs.1,000 crore (at 2012-13 prices), based on a road condition survey which will determine an upgradation priority list;
II. 1,410 left out unconnected habitations with population of 250 persons and above (as per the 2001 census) in the 10 Hill States and desert areas (as identified under the Desert Development Programme (DDP)) to provide new connectivity to these habitations;
III. 9,112 left out unconnected habitations with population of 500 persons and above (as per the 2001 census) in plain areas to provide new connectivity to these habitations, at an estimated cost of Rs.13,850 crore (at 2012-13 prices).
B. Extension of the cluster approach from international border blocks to international border districts of the State of Arunachal Pradesh, by clubbing the population within a path distance of 10 km, and treating as a cluster for eligibility and to provide new connectivity to 126 habitations at an estimated cost of Rs.1,200 crore (at 2012-13 prices)
C. 'In principle' approval for covering unconnected habitations with population of 100 persons and above (as per the 2001 census) in the Left Wing Extremists affected blocks (identified in consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs) with a limited provision to complete missing links, to form closed loops from through routes of the core network at an estimated cost of Rs. 8,000 crore (at 2012-13 prices).
The net number of total eligible unconnected habitations are 1,64,849. This is likely to increase to 1,78,184 habitations on account of this relaxation.
Grameen Sadak Yojana enhances movement between villages and towns. Thus increases the pace of rural development as follows:
• New business opportunities will emerge due to better transport. • Transportation cost of agricultural goods will get reduce. • This will increase connectivity to schools and hospitals. • This will provide employment to poor and unemployed people. • This will increase penetration of government assistance in inaccessible areas too. • This will enhance the better implementation of government schemes. Farmers now find it easier to take their produce to market in time, school enrollment is on the rise, and families' access to health care has improved. The Rural Roads Project has also brought about a paradigm shift in the way rural roads are mapped, designed, monitored, and built. |
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Afzal Guru’s Secret Hanging Was Called Operation Three Star
Operation Three Star: Code name given to secret plan for executing Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Afzal Guru in Tihar Jail on 9 February 2013.
Operation Three Star started on 4 February 2013, just a day after the President of India Pranab Mukherjee rejected mercy plea of Afzal Guru. A few top officials of Home Ministry were aware about secret Operation Three Star.
Afzal Guru was hanged on 9 February 2013 at 8 AM in Tihar Jail, New Delhi. Afzal Guru was guilty of conspiring as well as providing shelter to terrorists who attacked Indian Parliament on 13 December 2001.
Hanging of Mumbai terror attack militant Ajmal Kasab was called Operation X. he was hanged at Yerwada Central Jail on 21 November 2012.
Operation Three Star started on 4 February 2013, just a day after the President of India Pranab Mukherjee rejected mercy plea of Afzal Guru. A few top officials of Home Ministry were aware about secret Operation Three Star.
Afzal Guru was hanged on 9 February 2013 at 8 AM in Tihar Jail, New Delhi. Afzal Guru was guilty of conspiring as well as providing shelter to terrorists who attacked Indian Parliament on 13 December 2001.
Hanging of Mumbai terror attack militant Ajmal Kasab was called Operation X. he was hanged at Yerwada Central Jail on 21 November 2012.
Pakistan Successfully Test Fired Short Range Surface-To-Surface Missile Hatf IX (NASR)
Pakistan on 11 February 2013 successfully test fired short range surface-to-surface missile Hatf IX (NASR). The test fire took place with consecutive launches of two missiles from multi-tube launcher. NASR has 60 km range with the capability of in-flight manoeuvring. It also has the capability of carrying nuclear warheads having apt yields, with higher efficiency.
Important facts
•NASR is designed specifically to defeat Anti-Tactical Missile Defence Systems of all kinds.
•The test firing of short range surface-to-surface missile Hatf IX (NASR) was a part of medium-range ballistic missiles [MRBM] and short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile [SRBMs] exercise which will be completed in three cycles by July 2013.
•The missile has the capability to carry nuclear weapons.
Important facts
•NASR is designed specifically to defeat Anti-Tactical Missile Defence Systems of all kinds.
•The test firing of short range surface-to-surface missile Hatf IX (NASR) was a part of medium-range ballistic missiles [MRBM] and short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile [SRBMs] exercise which will be completed in three cycles by July 2013.
•The missile has the capability to carry nuclear weapons.
Second Meeting of Joint Committee Of Business Development Cooperation Between India And Colombia
The Second Meeting of Joint Committee of Business Development Cooperation between India and Colombia was held on 11th February, 2013 in New Delhi. Mr. Carlos Andres de Hart Pinto, Vice Minister of Entrepreneurial Development, Colombia and Commerce Secretary Shri S R Rao, Govt. Of India met to discuss issues of concern of both sides.
A lot of emphasis was made on improving bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. Specific sectors such as Mines and Minerals, textiles, engineering, automobile, pharmaceuticals and Biotech, transport sector, infrastructure development, strengthening human capital, cluster development of certain sectors, knowledge transfer, services trade (IT, software engineers, BPOs) have been identified for enhancing collaboration and co-operation .
It was decided to constitute Joint Working Group (JWG) in five sectors viz pharma/biotech, IT, FMCG, Auto, engineering & transport, textiles to formalize the structure and follow up enhancement in value chains in these sectors. Both sides decided to consider flexibility in Visa issues. Cooperation in tourism sector was also explored.
It has been decided to set up a CEO forum for discussion on various issues at the level of B2B which will be co-chaired by business stalwarts from both sides.
A lot of emphasis was made on improving bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. Specific sectors such as Mines and Minerals, textiles, engineering, automobile, pharmaceuticals and Biotech, transport sector, infrastructure development, strengthening human capital, cluster development of certain sectors, knowledge transfer, services trade (IT, software engineers, BPOs) have been identified for enhancing collaboration and co-operation .
It was decided to constitute Joint Working Group (JWG) in five sectors viz pharma/biotech, IT, FMCG, Auto, engineering & transport, textiles to formalize the structure and follow up enhancement in value chains in these sectors. Both sides decided to consider flexibility in Visa issues. Cooperation in tourism sector was also explored.
It has been decided to set up a CEO forum for discussion on various issues at the level of B2B which will be co-chaired by business stalwarts from both sides.
South Asian Autism Network Conference
A daylong Conference of South Asian Autism Network (SAAN) is being held on February 11.
Representatives from India, Bangladesh, Thailand and WHO, SEARO are participating in the daylong conference. Wishing the Conference all success, the Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Kumari Selja in her speech said “I am really happy to participate in this august regional conference which is focussing its attention on improving the situation of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I welcome all the international and national delegates to this conference.
Autism is a complex condition and individuals with autism have a completely different social understanding of the world from those who are non-autistic. The challenges in processing information and in social communication make it hard for most them to express themselves and advocate for their rights. This is why parents, activist parent groups and NPOs have taken the lead in advocating for their children and bringing about these changes we now see.
Representatives from India, Bangladesh, Thailand and WHO, SEARO are participating in the daylong conference. Wishing the Conference all success, the Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Kumari Selja in her speech said “I am really happy to participate in this august regional conference which is focussing its attention on improving the situation of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I welcome all the international and national delegates to this conference.
Autism is a complex condition and individuals with autism have a completely different social understanding of the world from those who are non-autistic. The challenges in processing information and in social communication make it hard for most them to express themselves and advocate for their rights. This is why parents, activist parent groups and NPOs have taken the lead in advocating for their children and bringing about these changes we now see.
Commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Rajratan’
Indian Coast Guard Ship `Rajratan, the fifth of a series of eight Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) was commissioned by Director General Indian Coast Guard, Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan in Kolkata.
In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Muralidharan dwelt upon the criticality of capacity building towards tackling emergent maritime challenges. He reiterated the need for continuous vigil along the nation’s maritime frontiers to preserve and protect our maritime interests. He further stated that several far-reaching initiatives towards augmentation of manpower and force levels were underway, that would provide the requisite fillip to the Coast Guard’s capabilities.
Indigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, the 50m long IPV displaces 300 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots, with an endurance of 1500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 16 knots. Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment, it makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast missions such as surveillance, interdiction, Search and Rescue, and medical evacuation. The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous Fire Control system (FCS). The ship is commanded by Commandant (JG) CS Joshi, and has a complement of five Officers and 30 Other Ranks. Post commissioning, ICGS Rajratan would be based at Porbandar under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North West).
Commander, Coast Guard Region (North-East) Inspector General KC Pandey and other senior dignitaries of the Central and State Govt. were also present in the commissioning ceremony.
In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Muralidharan dwelt upon the criticality of capacity building towards tackling emergent maritime challenges. He reiterated the need for continuous vigil along the nation’s maritime frontiers to preserve and protect our maritime interests. He further stated that several far-reaching initiatives towards augmentation of manpower and force levels were underway, that would provide the requisite fillip to the Coast Guard’s capabilities.
Indigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, the 50m long IPV displaces 300 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots, with an endurance of 1500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 16 knots. Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment, it makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast missions such as surveillance, interdiction, Search and Rescue, and medical evacuation. The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous Fire Control system (FCS). The ship is commanded by Commandant (JG) CS Joshi, and has a complement of five Officers and 30 Other Ranks. Post commissioning, ICGS Rajratan would be based at Porbandar under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North West).
Commander, Coast Guard Region (North-East) Inspector General KC Pandey and other senior dignitaries of the Central and State Govt. were also present in the commissioning ceremony.
North Korea carries out nuclear test
North Korea has sparked alarm around the world by testing a nuclear bomb. It has staged its most powerful nuclear test yet, claiming a breakthrough with a "miniaturised" device in a striking act of defiance to global powers including its sole patron China. Its claim of miniaturisation suggests that it is a step closer to fitting a nuclear warhead onto a ballistic missile.
North Korea stated that the nuclear test was conducted as part of measures to protect national security and sovereignty against the reckless hostility of the United States that violated republic's right for a peaceful satellite launch.
The first priority for the international community will be determining the precise nature and yield of any test and what it reveals about the technical level of the North's nuclear weapons programme. For nuclear experts, the key question will be whether North Korea used up more of its scarce reserves of plutonium for the suspected third test, or used uranium in a new and self-sustaining path to atomic detonations
A uranium test would confirm suspicions that the North has been secretly enriching weapons-grade uranium for years and open a path for Pyongyang to significantly expand its small nuclear arsenal.
Some experts had suggested a simultaneous test of both plutonium and a uranium device.
Even with sophisticated seismic monitoring and "sniffer" planes capable of detecting radioactive fallout, external analysis will provide only limited information on the test, especially if it was well-contained.
North Korea's two previous tests in 2006 and 2009 which triggered waves of UN sanctions.
North Korea stated that the nuclear test was conducted as part of measures to protect national security and sovereignty against the reckless hostility of the United States that violated republic's right for a peaceful satellite launch.
The first priority for the international community will be determining the precise nature and yield of any test and what it reveals about the technical level of the North's nuclear weapons programme. For nuclear experts, the key question will be whether North Korea used up more of its scarce reserves of plutonium for the suspected third test, or used uranium in a new and self-sustaining path to atomic detonations
A uranium test would confirm suspicions that the North has been secretly enriching weapons-grade uranium for years and open a path for Pyongyang to significantly expand its small nuclear arsenal.
Some experts had suggested a simultaneous test of both plutonium and a uranium device.
Even with sophisticated seismic monitoring and "sniffer" planes capable of detecting radioactive fallout, external analysis will provide only limited information on the test, especially if it was well-contained.
North Korea's two previous tests in 2006 and 2009 which triggered waves of UN sanctions.
Protocol for Amending DTAA signed between India and Sweden
India and Sweden have signed protocol amending the avoidance of double taxation pact.
The convention and protocol between India and Sweden for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital (DTAC) was first signed on June 24, 1997. In April 2011, both India and Sweden concluded a protocol to amend the Article 27 of the DTAC concerning exchange of Information to bring it in line with the international standards and to add an article in the protocol to the DTAC to include tax examination abroad.
The protocol was signed by Indian Ambassador to Sweden Banashri Bose Harrison and Anders Borg, Ministry of Finance, Sweden.
The protocol will replace the article concerning exchange of information in the existing DTAC between India and Sweden and will allow exchange of banking information as well as information without domestic interest. It will, now, allow use of information for non-tax purpose if allowed under the domestic laws of both the countries, after the approval of the supplying state.
The article added in the protocol to the DTAC will enable both the countries to assist in conducting tax examination abroad by allowing officials of one country to enter the territory of other country for this purpose.
The convention and protocol between India and Sweden for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital (DTAC) was first signed on June 24, 1997. In April 2011, both India and Sweden concluded a protocol to amend the Article 27 of the DTAC concerning exchange of Information to bring it in line with the international standards and to add an article in the protocol to the DTAC to include tax examination abroad.
The protocol was signed by Indian Ambassador to Sweden Banashri Bose Harrison and Anders Borg, Ministry of Finance, Sweden.
The protocol will replace the article concerning exchange of information in the existing DTAC between India and Sweden and will allow exchange of banking information as well as information without domestic interest. It will, now, allow use of information for non-tax purpose if allowed under the domestic laws of both the countries, after the approval of the supplying state.
The article added in the protocol to the DTAC will enable both the countries to assist in conducting tax examination abroad by allowing officials of one country to enter the territory of other country for this purpose.
Ministry of Steel Initiative to Strengthen Cooperation in Steel & Mining with Brazil
The Ministry of Steel recently led a delegation to Brazil to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in steel & mining. During the visit, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed by the Secretary, Ministry of Steel on behalf of Government of India and by the Executive Secretary (Mines & Energy) on behalf of the Government of Brazil.
The LoI inter-alia aims to promote and expand bilateral relations between the two countries in the mineral sector with focus on strengthening the supply chain for the growth of the steel industry in both the countries. The Letter of Intent aims to encourage investment opportunities in iron & steel related businesses by the Indian and the Brazilian companies in India and Brazil, facilitate exchange of technical know-how in developing the iron and steel production and other steel related raw materials, including pelletisation plants and other associated industries. Both the Governments would jointly work for developing the steel industry and to exchange technically qualified manpower for sustainable growth of the iron & steel industry. The possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding during the forthcoming visit of the President of Brazil to India is also being explored. Both India and Brazil have been showing robust growth in the consumption of steel and are globally viewed as the two large emerging markets after China in terms of their growth potential. |
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Indo-French satellite set for launch
Indo-French space cooperation is all set to soar to new heights with the scheduled launch of a satellite to study changes in the environment soon after the visit of French President Francois Hollande.
The SARAL-Altika satellite, a joint project of the space agencies of India and France, will complement the observations of the seas made by current satellites.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has identified a launch window between February 22 and February 25 for putting the 450 kg Indo-French satellite into orbit from its spaceport at Sriharikota, official sources said here.
India's warhorse rocket, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will put the satellite into orbit.
SARAL is short for Satellite with ARgos and ALtiKa, the two main devices on it which have been provided by French space agency CNES. Besides building the spacecraft, ISRO will launch and operate it through its life.
SARAL would be one of the very few ocean-centric satellites and a vital cog in studying sea surface heights and other aspects.
Earlier, the launch was scheduled for December last year but it had to be put off to complete a few tests and validations.
AltiKa is an Ka-band altimeter system, dedicated to accurate measurement of the rise in the sea levels.
The satellite would be useful in studying the sea state, light rainfall climatalogy, mean sea level and coastal altimetry.
The satellite would help ocean scientists gather accurate data on the rise in the sea level which could threaten the low lying and coastal areas of the country.
The SARAL-Altika satellite, a joint project of the space agencies of India and France, will complement the observations of the seas made by current satellites.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has identified a launch window between February 22 and February 25 for putting the 450 kg Indo-French satellite into orbit from its spaceport at Sriharikota, official sources said here.
India's warhorse rocket, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will put the satellite into orbit.
SARAL is short for Satellite with ARgos and ALtiKa, the two main devices on it which have been provided by French space agency CNES. Besides building the spacecraft, ISRO will launch and operate it through its life.
SARAL would be one of the very few ocean-centric satellites and a vital cog in studying sea surface heights and other aspects.
Earlier, the launch was scheduled for December last year but it had to be put off to complete a few tests and validations.
AltiKa is an Ka-band altimeter system, dedicated to accurate measurement of the rise in the sea levels.
The satellite would be useful in studying the sea state, light rainfall climatalogy, mean sea level and coastal altimetry.
The satellite would help ocean scientists gather accurate data on the rise in the sea level which could threaten the low lying and coastal areas of the country.
NASA to launch world's largest solar sail in 2014
NASA
has announced plans to launch the world's largest solar sail in 2014 -
and it will be travelling an incredible two million miles from Earth.
The giant solar sail will use photons from the Sun for propulsion, paving the way for various exploration missions that could be accomplished only through the use of "propellant-less propulsion" technology.
Dubbed Sunjammer, the giant solar sail measures about 124 feet on a side and boasts a total surface area of nearly 13,000 square feet.
Led by industry manufacturer L'Garde Inc of Tustin, California, the Solar Sail Demonstration mission builds on two successful ground-deployment experiments led by L'Garde in 2005-2006, NASA said.
It also leverages the successful deployment of the NanoSail-D sail, a 100-square-foot test article NASA launched to Earth orbit in early 2011 to validate sail deployment techniques.
Sunjammer is potentially applicable to an advanced space weather warning system, which could provide more timely and accurate notice of solar flare activity.
During its own test flight, the new Solar Sail Demonstration mission - dubbed "Sunjammer" by its designers in honour of the 1964 Arthur C Clarke story of the same name, in which he coined the term "solar sailing" - will deploy and operate a sail approximately 124 feet on a side.
That's almost 13,000 square feet, or a third of an acre - seven times larger than any solar sail tested in space to date. But when collapsed, it's the size of a dishwasher and weighs just 70 pounds.
Attached to a 175-pound disposable support module, the Sunjammer is easily packed into a secondary payload on a rocket bound for low-Earth orbit.
The sail will unfurl in space to catch the sunlight. During the flight experiment, researchers will test attitude controls and assess sail stability and their ability to trim.
They also will execute a navigation sequence with mission-capable accuracy.
The giant solar sail will use photons from the Sun for propulsion, paving the way for various exploration missions that could be accomplished only through the use of "propellant-less propulsion" technology.
Dubbed Sunjammer, the giant solar sail measures about 124 feet on a side and boasts a total surface area of nearly 13,000 square feet.
Led by industry manufacturer L'Garde Inc of Tustin, California, the Solar Sail Demonstration mission builds on two successful ground-deployment experiments led by L'Garde in 2005-2006, NASA said.
It also leverages the successful deployment of the NanoSail-D sail, a 100-square-foot test article NASA launched to Earth orbit in early 2011 to validate sail deployment techniques.
Sunjammer is potentially applicable to an advanced space weather warning system, which could provide more timely and accurate notice of solar flare activity.
During its own test flight, the new Solar Sail Demonstration mission - dubbed "Sunjammer" by its designers in honour of the 1964 Arthur C Clarke story of the same name, in which he coined the term "solar sailing" - will deploy and operate a sail approximately 124 feet on a side.
That's almost 13,000 square feet, or a third of an acre - seven times larger than any solar sail tested in space to date. But when collapsed, it's the size of a dishwasher and weighs just 70 pounds.
Attached to a 175-pound disposable support module, the Sunjammer is easily packed into a secondary payload on a rocket bound for low-Earth orbit.
The sail will unfurl in space to catch the sunlight. During the flight experiment, researchers will test attitude controls and assess sail stability and their ability to trim.
They also will execute a navigation sequence with mission-capable accuracy.
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