Lord Swraj Paul, a leading NRI industrialist and educationist was presented with the International Indian of the Decade award on 15 November 2013. Swraj Paul was presented the award for his outstanding achievements in the fields of industry, education and philanthropy.
Virender Paul, the acting High Commissioner of India to the UK presented the award to Lord Swraj Paul at the 20th anniversary of the publication of India Link International (a monthly magazine).
Saturday, November 16, 2013
18th International Children's Film Festival of India Inaugurated at Hyderabad
The 18th International Children Film Festival of India (ICFFI) was inaugurated on 14 November 2013 at Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari was inaugurated the week-long (14 to 20 Nov 2013) event popularly known as Golden Elephant.
The film festival was thrown open with the screening of Hindi Animation Film "Gopi Gawaiyya Bhaga Bajaiyya" Over 200 films from 48 countries scheduled to be screened at 11 theatres in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. About one lakh 50 thousand children are expected to take part in the biennial event. The film festival is jointly organized by the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Children’s Film Society of India and the Andhra Pradesh state government.
The film festival was thrown open with the screening of Hindi Animation Film "Gopi Gawaiyya Bhaga Bajaiyya" Over 200 films from 48 countries scheduled to be screened at 11 theatres in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. About one lakh 50 thousand children are expected to take part in the biennial event. The film festival is jointly organized by the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Children’s Film Society of India and the Andhra Pradesh state government.
22nd Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) began in Colombo, Sri Lanka
The official symbol for CHOGM is Water lily flower. The logo symbolises the blue water lily (Nil Manel), the national flower of Sri Lanka. The multi coloured petals represent the diversity, liveliness and unity among different Commonwealth countries within a global perspective.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid is represented the India in the 22nd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This year, CHOGM in Sri Lanka, the first time an Asian country is hosting the summit in 24 years. The last CHOGM Summit (in 2011) was held at Perth, Australia.
About CHOGAM
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is held every two years to enable leaders of Commonwealth countries to come together to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to decide on collective policies and initiatives.
Every CHOGM is jointly organized by the host country and the Commonwealth Secretariat. These biennial meetings serve as the principal policy and decision-making forum to guide the strategic direction of the association.
Commonwealth leaders have been coming together for discussions since 1949, but the title Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was adopted during a session in Singapore in 1971. This specific classification was used to depict the gathering of both presidents and prime ministers in the event.
One unique aspect of the meeting is that the formal opening ceremony and the formal Executive Session are followed by a where leaders meet privately for discussions. With an informal atmosphere, this session allows heads of state to freely and frankly exchange their views on important issues and come to a consensus.
Every CHOGM is jointly organized by the host country and the Commonwealth Secretariat. These biennial meetings serve as the principal policy and decision-making forum to guide the strategic direction of the association.
Commonwealth leaders have been coming together for discussions since 1949, but the title Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was adopted during a session in Singapore in 1971. This specific classification was used to depict the gathering of both presidents and prime ministers in the event.
One unique aspect of the meeting is that the formal opening ceremony and the formal Executive Session are followed by a where leaders meet privately for discussions. With an informal atmosphere, this session allows heads of state to freely and frankly exchange their views on important issues and come to a consensus.
Previous CHOGMs have focused on a range of global issues, including international peace and security, democracy, climate change, multilateral trade issues, good governance, sustainable development, small states, debt management, education, environment, gender equality, health, human rights, information and communication technology, and youth affairs.
The theme of the 2011 CHOGM in Perth, Australia, was Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience.
About the Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 53 countries, many of them former territories of the British Empire. It was established in 1949. The head of the Commonwealth is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Member countries
The theme of the 2011 CHOGM in Perth, Australia, was Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience.
About the Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 53 countries, many of them former territories of the British Empire. It was established in 1949. The head of the Commonwealth is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Member countries
Fifty-three countries are members of the Commonwealth. These Countries are from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific and are diverse – they are amongst the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries. Thirty-two of our members are classified as small states – countries with a population size of 1.5million people or less and larger member states that share similar characteristics with them.
Leaders of member countries shape Commonwealth policies and priorities. Every two years, they meet to discuss issues affecting the Commonwealth and the wider world at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
All members have an equal say regardless of size or economic stature. This ensures even the smallest member countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth.
The last two countries to join The Commonwealth - Rwanda and Mozambique - have no historical ties to the British Empire.Four countries - Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Fiji and Pakistan - have been suspended from the Commonwealth in the past.
The Gambian Government on 2 October 2013 announced that it is pulling out of the Commonwealth with immediate effect. Gambian, a West African country joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1965.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
India successfully launched its Maiden Mars Mission from Sriharikota
India's premier space agency, ISRO, on 5 November 2013 successfully launched its historic mission to Mars from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, about 100 from Chennai. It was India’s first mission to the red planet. The mission follows India’s successful 2008-2009 Chandrayaan-1 moon probe, which discovered water molecules in the lunar soil. The total cost of the Mars mission is 73 million US dollars.
The main features of the Mars mission are as following:
• The main objective of the mission is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission.
• The main objective of the mission is to explore Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and search for methane in the Martian atmosphere using indigenous scientific instruments.
• The satellite carries instruments such as Lyman Alpha Photometer, a methane sensor, a composition analyser, a camera and an imaging spectrometer for studying the atmosphere, particle environment and surface imaging.
• The satellite is scheduled to reach the Mars orbit in September 2014 and is designed to circle the Red Planet in an elliptical orbit of 366 km X 80000 km.
• The main objective of the mission is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission.
• The main objective of the mission is to explore Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and search for methane in the Martian atmosphere using indigenous scientific instruments.
• The satellite carries instruments such as Lyman Alpha Photometer, a methane sensor, a composition analyser, a camera and an imaging spectrometer for studying the atmosphere, particle environment and surface imaging.
• The satellite is scheduled to reach the Mars orbit in September 2014 and is designed to circle the Red Planet in an elliptical orbit of 366 km X 80000 km.
Mission Objectives
one of the main objectives of the first Indian mission to Mars is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission.
A. Technological Objectives:
one of the main objectives of the first Indian mission to Mars is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission.
A. Technological Objectives:
• Design and realisation of a Mars orbiter with a capability to survive and perform Earth bound manoeuvres, cruise phase of 300 days, Mars orbit insertion / capture, and on-orbit phase around Mars.
• Deep space communication, navigation, mission planning and management.
• Incorporate autonomous features to handle contingency situations.
• Deep space communication, navigation, mission planning and management.
• Incorporate autonomous features to handle contingency situations.
B. Scientific Objectives:
• Exploration of Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and Martian atmosphere by indigenous scientific instruments.
Payloads
1. Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP)
2. Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM)
3. Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA)
4. Mars Colour Camera (MCC)
5. Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometre (TIS)
About Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)
Primary objectives of the Mars mission are to demonstrate India’s technological capability to send a satellite to orbit around Mars and conduct meaningful experiments such as looking for signs of life, take pictures of the red planet and study Martian environment.
The main aim of MOM to be to seek whether there is methane, considered a precursor chemical for life, on the red planet. Methane sensor, one of the five payloads (scientific instruments) on board the spacecraft, would look to detect the presence of methane.
The XL version of the Indian Space Research Organisation's workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) would be used for launching of the mission.
The satellite will carry compact science experiment instruments, totalling a mass of 15 kg. There will be five instruments to study Martian surface, atmosphere and mineralogy.
After leaving the earth’s orbit, the spacecraft will cruise in deep space for about ten months using its own propulsion system and will reach Martian transfer trajectory in September 2014.
The spacecraft subsequently is planned to enter into a 372 km by 80000 km elliptical orbit around Mars.
1. Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP)
2. Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM)
3. Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA)
4. Mars Colour Camera (MCC)
5. Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometre (TIS)
About Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)
Primary objectives of the Mars mission are to demonstrate India’s technological capability to send a satellite to orbit around Mars and conduct meaningful experiments such as looking for signs of life, take pictures of the red planet and study Martian environment.
The main aim of MOM to be to seek whether there is methane, considered a precursor chemical for life, on the red planet. Methane sensor, one of the five payloads (scientific instruments) on board the spacecraft, would look to detect the presence of methane.
The XL version of the Indian Space Research Organisation's workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) would be used for launching of the mission.
The satellite will carry compact science experiment instruments, totalling a mass of 15 kg. There will be five instruments to study Martian surface, atmosphere and mineralogy.
After leaving the earth’s orbit, the spacecraft will cruise in deep space for about ten months using its own propulsion system and will reach Martian transfer trajectory in September 2014.
The spacecraft subsequently is planned to enter into a 372 km by 80000 km elliptical orbit around Mars.
Satellite
|
Launch Date
|
Launch Vehicle
|
Type of Satellite
|
| Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft |
05.11.2013
|
PSLV-C25
| Space Mission |
| GSAT-7 |
30.08.2013
|
Ariane-5
VA-215 | Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-3D |
26.07.2013
|
Ariane-5
VA-214 | Geo-Stationary/Meteorological Satellite |
| IRNSS-1A |
01.07.2013
|
PSLV-C22
| Navigation Satellite |
| SARAL |
25.02.2013
|
PSLV-C20
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| GSAT-10 |
29.09.2012
|
Ariane-5
VA-209 | Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| RISAT-1 |
26.04.2012
|
PSLV-C19
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| Jugnu |
12.10.2011
|
PSLV-C18
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| SRMSat |
12.10.2011
|
PSLV-C18
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| Megha-Tropiques |
12.10.2011
|
PSLV-C18
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| GSAT-12 |
15.07.2011
|
PSLV-C17
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| GSAT-8 |
21.05.2011
|
Ariane-5
VA-202 | Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| RESOURCESAT-2 |
20.04.2011
|
PSLV-C16
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| YOUTHSAT |
20.04.2011
|
PSLV-C16
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| GSAT-5P |
25.12.2010
|
GSLV-F06
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| STUDSAT |
12.07.2010
|
PSLV-C15
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| CARTOSAT-2B |
12.07.2010
|
PSLV-C15
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| GSAT-4 |
15.04.2010
|
GSLV-D3
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Oceansat-2 |
23.09.2009
|
PSLV-C14
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| ANUSAT |
20.04.2009
|
PSLV-C12
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| RISAT-2 | 20.04.2009 |
PSLV-C12
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| Chandrayaan-1 |
22.10.2008
|
PSLV-C11
| Space Mission |
| CARTOSAT - 2A |
28.04.2008
|
PSLV-C9
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| IMS-1 |
28.04.2008
|
PSLV-C9
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| INSAT-4B |
12.03.2007
|
Ariane-5ECA
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| CARTOSAT - 2 |
10.01.2007
|
PSLV-C7
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| SRE - 1 |
10.01.2007
|
PSLV-C7
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| INSAT-4CR |
02.09.2007
|
GSLV-F04
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-4C |
10.07.2006
|
GSLV-F02
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-4A |
22.12.2005
|
Ariane-5GS
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| HAMSAT |
05.05.2005
|
PSLV-C6
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| CARTOSAT-1 |
05.05.2005
|
PSLV-C6
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| EDUSAT (GSAT-3) |
20.09.2004
|
GSLV-F01
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Resourcesat-1(IRS-P6) |
17.10.2003
|
PSLV-C5
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| INSAT-3A |
10.04.2003
|
Ariane-5G
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-3E |
28.09.2003
|
Ariane-5G
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| GSAT-2 |
08.05.2003
|
GSLV-D2
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| KALPANA-1(METSAT) |
12.09.2002
|
PSLV-C4
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-3C |
24.01.2002
|
Ariane-42L H10-3
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Technology Experiment Satellite (TES) |
22.10.2001
|
PSLV-C3
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| GSAT-1 |
18.04.2001
|
GSLV-D1
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-3B |
22.03.2000
|
Ariane-5G
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Oceansat(IRS-P4) |
26.05.1999
|
PSLV-C2
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| INSAT-2E |
03.04.1999
|
Ariane-42P H10-3
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-2DT |
January 1998
|
Ariane-44L H10
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| IRS-1D |
29.09.1997
|
PSLV-C1
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| INSAT-2D |
04.06.1997
|
Ariane-44L H10-3
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| IRS-P3 |
21.03.1996
|
PSLV-D3
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| IRS-1C |
28.12.1995
|
Molniya
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| INSAT-2C |
07.12.1995
|
Ariane-44L H10-3
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| IRS-P2 |
15.10.1994
|
PSLV-D2
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-C2) |
04.05.1994
|
ASLV
| Space Mission |
| IRS-1E |
20.09.1993
|
PSLV-D1
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| INSAT-2B |
23.07.1993
|
Ariane-44L H10+
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-2A |
10.07.1992
|
Ariane-44L H10
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-C) |
20.05.1992
|
ASLV
| Space Mission |
| IRS-1B |
29.08.1991
|
Vostok
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| INSAT-1D |
12.06.1990
|
Delta 4925
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| INSAT-1C |
21.07.1988
|
Ariane-3
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-2) |
13.07.1988
|
ASLV
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| IRS-1A |
17.03.1988
|
Vostok
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-1) |
24.03.1987
|
ASLV
| Space Mission |
| INSAT-1B |
30.08.1983
|
Shuttle [PAM-D]
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Rohini (RS-D2) |
17.04.1983
|
SLV-3
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| INSAT-1A |
10.04.1982
|
Delta 3910 PAM-D
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Bhaskara-II |
20.11.1981
|
C-1 Intercosmos
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) |
19.06.1981
|
Ariane-1(V-3)
| Geo-Stationary Satellite |
| Rohini (RS-D1) |
31.05.1981
|
SLV-3
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| Rohini (RS-1) |
18.07.1980
|
SLV-3
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) |
10.08.1979
|
SLV-3
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
| Bhaskara-I |
07.06.1979
|
C-1 Intercosmos
| Earth Observation Satellite |
| Aryabhata |
19.04.1975
|
C-1 Intercosmos
| Experimental / Small Satellite |
New Delhi to host 12th Edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014
The 12th edition of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be held in New Delhi from 7th to 9th of January 2014. This was announced by Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs on 5 Novemeber 2013 in New Delhi.
The theme of the convention is -Engaging Diaspora - Connecting across Generations- with a special focus on the younger generation.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the convention and President Pranab Mukherjee will give his valedictory address. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman will also be bestowed on 15 persons during the convention.
The PBD Convention provides a unique platform for overseas Indians to interact among themselves and with the Government of India and the Governments of various Indian States. It is a forum where the Government of India showcases investment opportunities in India and its potential in various sectors. The 11th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was held at Kochi, Kerala from 7th to 9th of January 2013.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every yearto mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
PBD conventions are being held every year since 2003. These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.
During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to appreciate their role in India’s growth. The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.
The theme of the convention is -Engaging Diaspora - Connecting across Generations- with a special focus on the younger generation.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the convention and President Pranab Mukherjee will give his valedictory address. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman will also be bestowed on 15 persons during the convention.
The PBD Convention provides a unique platform for overseas Indians to interact among themselves and with the Government of India and the Governments of various Indian States. It is a forum where the Government of India showcases investment opportunities in India and its potential in various sectors. The 11th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was held at Kochi, Kerala from 7th to 9th of January 2013.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every yearto mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
PBD conventions are being held every year since 2003. These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.
During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to appreciate their role in India’s growth. The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.
Monday, November 4, 2013
National Integration Council
Prime Minister is the Chairman of National Integration Council (NIC). It has 144 members including Union Ministers, Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry with legislatures, Leaders of National Political Parties and Regional Political Parties, Chairpersons of National Commissions, Eminent Media Persons, Eminent Public Figures, Representatives of Business and Women’s Representatives.
The 16th meeting of the National Integration Council was held on September 23, 2013 at VigyanBhawan, New Delhi.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Sushmita Sen honoured with the Mother Teresa International Award
Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has been awarded the Mother Teresa International Award by the Harmony Foundation for her efforts towards achieving social justice on October 27, 2013. Sushmita is been associated with charitbale projects and NGOs. The Harmony Foundation also honoured former Outlaw motorcycle club member Sam Childers for his efforts towards rescuing children from a war-zone in Sudan.
The Harmony Foundation:
The Harmony Foundation:
- The Harmony Foundation is a NGO and not for profit organization working to establish communal harmony between various communities, castes and work towards the benefit of all the communities without any discrimination as to religion, caste, creed, gender or region.
- It was founded in October 2005 by Dr. Abraham Mathai.
- The Harmony Foundation honours the people working towards the social justice with the Mother Teresa International Award.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Iceland tops in Global Gender Gap Report
A new report titled 'Global Gender Gap Report' released by the World Economic Forum indicated that the gap between men and women has narrowed slightly in the past year in most countries.
Iceland, Finland and Norway top the list of 136 nations, based on political participation, economic equality and rights like education and health. Iceland's position at the top of the WEF rankings was the fifth year in a row the country has been named the world's most equal.
Nicaragua in 10th place was the highest positioned country in North and South America. Cuba followed at 15th, with Ecuador in 25th place.
Among major world economies Germany ranked 14th (down one), the UK held its position at 18, with Canada at 20 and the United States 23rd.
The highest-ranked Asian nation was the Philippines (fifth), praised for its success in health, education and economic participation. On the other, Asia's major economies performed poorly, with China in 69th place and Japan 105th. India is at 101th position; however, the country was way ahead at the ninth position in 2013 in terms of women empowerment in politics.
In Africa, several countries -- Lesotho, South Africa, Burundi and Mozambique -- featured in the top 30 this year due to women’s participation in the workforce.
The Middle East and North Africa were the only regions not to improve in the past year. The United Arab Emirates in 109th place is the highest-ranked Arab country in the region, which achieved parity in education. Bahrain ranked 112th and Qatar at 115th, “still failing to adequately capitalize on the investments in education through greater economic and political contributions from women”.
The bottom of the list is occupied by Chad at 134th, Pakistan at 135th and Yemen 136th.
Iceland, Finland (second), Norway (third) and Sweden (fourth) had all closed over 80% of the gender gap, where 100% would represent full equality.
Top Ten Countries
Iceland, Finland and Norway top the list of 136 nations, based on political participation, economic equality and rights like education and health. Iceland's position at the top of the WEF rankings was the fifth year in a row the country has been named the world's most equal.
Nicaragua in 10th place was the highest positioned country in North and South America. Cuba followed at 15th, with Ecuador in 25th place.
Among major world economies Germany ranked 14th (down one), the UK held its position at 18, with Canada at 20 and the United States 23rd.
The highest-ranked Asian nation was the Philippines (fifth), praised for its success in health, education and economic participation. On the other, Asia's major economies performed poorly, with China in 69th place and Japan 105th. India is at 101th position; however, the country was way ahead at the ninth position in 2013 in terms of women empowerment in politics.
In Africa, several countries -- Lesotho, South Africa, Burundi and Mozambique -- featured in the top 30 this year due to women’s participation in the workforce.
The Middle East and North Africa were the only regions not to improve in the past year. The United Arab Emirates in 109th place is the highest-ranked Arab country in the region, which achieved parity in education. Bahrain ranked 112th and Qatar at 115th, “still failing to adequately capitalize on the investments in education through greater economic and political contributions from women”.
The bottom of the list is occupied by Chad at 134th, Pakistan at 135th and Yemen 136th.
Iceland, Finland (second), Norway (third) and Sweden (fourth) had all closed over 80% of the gender gap, where 100% would represent full equality.
Top Ten Countries
2013
|
2012
| |
Iceland
|
1
|
1
|
Finland
|
2
|
2
|
Norway
|
3
|
3
|
Sweden
|
4
|
4
|
Philippines
|
5
|
8
|
Ireland
|
6
|
5
|
New Zealand
|
7
|
6
|
Denmark
|
8
|
7
|
Switzerland
|
9
|
10
|
Nicaragua
|
10
|
9
|
Food auditing firms to conduct quality checks on trains, Railways Ministry
Following constant passenger complaint about food served on trains, Railways has decided to deploy international food auditing firms who do quality checks at five star hotels to do its quality assessment.
As a pilot project at present, a Swedish company is carrying out third-party audit of the food and hygiene on the premium trains on the Mumbai-Howrah route. It will present its report to the Railway Ministry on November 5. "There are renowned multinational auditing firms who do quality audits for five star hotels. Once the ministry gets the report for this, it will formalise this policy and call for tenders for all trains. The firms will not only check quality and quantity of food served but will also assess the condition in which the food is made and served, and the hygiene standards. After rolling out a new menu with reduced food items and at the same time jacking up their prices on Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains on October 17, Railways quickly reverted to the old menu because passengers had been complaining of getting "too less for more money". The ministry also said the ticket prices increased due to the changed menu, however, will remain the same for now. |
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Protection to Western Ghats
The recommendations of the two reports on the Western Ghats, one by the Madhav Gadgil and the other by the K. Kasturiranga led the Environment Ministry to turn approximately 60,000 square kilometres of the Western Ghats across six States into an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), banning mining, quarrying, thermal power plants and polluting industries over the entire range. All other projects would be allowed only with the prior consent of gram sabhas (village councils) in the zone.
The decision, once formally notified, would make the identified region of the Western Ghats complex the largest protected forests in India ranging over 1,500 km linear distance from the Tapti river in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. Going with the recommendations of the high-level panel that was headed by Mr. Kasturirangan, the Ministry has decided to declare the ESA over 37% of the Western Ghats under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The Ministry has drafted the notification and it will be put out soon for comments. Natarajan has approved the use of three criteria that the panel had recommended — biodiversity richness, fragmentation of forests and human population density to demarcate these forest patches that would turn into a no-go zone for mining, thermal power plants and other dirty industries.
The type of industries banned would be those included in the ‘red list’ issued by the government under the Environment Protection Act. These are usually considered to be the most polluting of the lot. Going against the recommendation of the Environment Secretary, the Minister retained the criteria to leave areas with high-density of population out of this regulated zone’s ambit. The panel had recommended that the hill tracts with high population densities be kept out of the ESA ambit. It had advised against using the legal force that the ESA would provide to alter the economic practices in these areas, instead suggesting economic and other tools to incentivise more ecologically sustainable activities.
Within the ESA prior consent from the gram sabhas and strict adherence to the Forest Rights Act would be made mandatory for any of the projects that are not on the negative list. This too would be done after studying cumulative impacts of the projects in the region.
Townships and buildings over 20,000 square metres in the region too would not be allowed once the draft notification is published. But those already in the pipeline in different States would be allowed to go ahead. Applications for such townships would not be entertained in future.
The Ministry has decided to not go with the recommendations of the high-level panel in the case of windmills. Construction of windmills would be permitted in the ecologically sensitive area though environment regulations to review their impact may be brought in through other legal routes available to the government.
Hydro-electric projects would be permitted in the ESA but with a new set of strict regulations that the Kasturirangan-led panel has recommended, including those on maintaining ecological flows in the rivers.
The decision, once formally notified, would make the identified region of the Western Ghats complex the largest protected forests in India ranging over 1,500 km linear distance from the Tapti river in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. Going with the recommendations of the high-level panel that was headed by Mr. Kasturirangan, the Ministry has decided to declare the ESA over 37% of the Western Ghats under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The Ministry has drafted the notification and it will be put out soon for comments. Natarajan has approved the use of three criteria that the panel had recommended — biodiversity richness, fragmentation of forests and human population density to demarcate these forest patches that would turn into a no-go zone for mining, thermal power plants and other dirty industries.
The type of industries banned would be those included in the ‘red list’ issued by the government under the Environment Protection Act. These are usually considered to be the most polluting of the lot. Going against the recommendation of the Environment Secretary, the Minister retained the criteria to leave areas with high-density of population out of this regulated zone’s ambit. The panel had recommended that the hill tracts with high population densities be kept out of the ESA ambit. It had advised against using the legal force that the ESA would provide to alter the economic practices in these areas, instead suggesting economic and other tools to incentivise more ecologically sustainable activities.
Within the ESA prior consent from the gram sabhas and strict adherence to the Forest Rights Act would be made mandatory for any of the projects that are not on the negative list. This too would be done after studying cumulative impacts of the projects in the region.
Townships and buildings over 20,000 square metres in the region too would not be allowed once the draft notification is published. But those already in the pipeline in different States would be allowed to go ahead. Applications for such townships would not be entertained in future.
The Ministry has decided to not go with the recommendations of the high-level panel in the case of windmills. Construction of windmills would be permitted in the ecologically sensitive area though environment regulations to review their impact may be brought in through other legal routes available to the government.
Hydro-electric projects would be permitted in the ESA but with a new set of strict regulations that the Kasturirangan-led panel has recommended, including those on maintaining ecological flows in the rivers.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
NOBEL PRIZES 2013
| Category | Name of the Person | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Physiology or Medicine | James Rothman | for their groundbreaking work on how the cell organises its transport system |
| Randy Schekman | ||
| Thomas Suedhof | ||
| Physics | Peter Higgs | for the theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles. |
| Francois Englert | ||
| Chemistry | Michael Levitt | for the development of multi scale models for complex chemical systems |
| Martin Karplus | ||
| Arieh Warshel | ||
| Peace | The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) | for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons |
| Literature | Alice Munro | master of the contemporary short story |
| Economics | Eugene Fama | for their work on creating a deeper knowledge of how market prices move |
| Lars Peter Hansen | ||
| Robert Shiller |
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