Daily News Notes

· India's economic growth has dipped to 6.9% in 2nd quarter in comparison to 7.3% in the 1st quarter in the current fiscal while 8.4% expansion in the same period last year. The Finance Minister said that the slowdown happened due to poor performance of the manufacturing, agriculture and mining sectors. The Reserve Bank has projected that the Indian economy will grow by 7.6% in 2011-12 against 8.5% in the 2010-11. It had earlier projected GDP growth in Financial Year 2012 at 8% but later revised.
· To alleviate urban poverty, the government is implementing Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana since 1997, but still over 8 crore persons are below the poverty line in urban areas of the country. Government has also been providing food grains at highly subsidized prices to the targeted population under the Targeted Public Distribution System, and providing skill training and employment generation for the urban poor assisted in setting up of micro-enterprises.
· The Government today said 7.5 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated as on the 25th of this month. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has an agreement with the Postal Department for printing and delivery of Aadhaar cards, but due to increasing backlog, it has also partnered with the Telecommunications Consultants India Limited for printing of Aadhaar letters and it has also been decided to communicate Aadhaar numbers electronically.
· The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today decided to refer the Mullaperiyar Dam issue to its full commission after Kerala MPs met the Commission this morning to raise the issue and request its intervention. Earlier, a single member was hearing the case. In Tamilnadu, the Chief Minister said that the Government of Kerala should be advised to desist from the proposal to build a new dam and not to escalate the Mullaperiyar Dam issue when the matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court and the Empowered committee.
· In Manipur, Cabinet has decided to extend the Disturbed Area Status for another one year in the state from today. It also discussed reports on the Police, Assam Rifles and Army regarding the law and order situation in Manipur.
· In the ongoing 4th science Conclave in Allahabad, discussions were held on issues related to climate change and Global warming. Scientists here spoke on the use of green energy and the use of bacteria to crack major health problems. Nobel Laureate Prof Hartmut Michel (Nobel for chemistry in 1988) highlighted efficiencies and consequences of Photosynthesis and bio-fuels and described how industrial revolution brought by man caused increased level of Carbon dioxide and hence the temperature rise. Dr Satish Chandra from USA explained the importance of Unified Communication system as it not only enhances the efficiency of communication pattern but also reduces the capital spending and increase productivity. Prof Satya Prakash (director of an international charitable trust) explained the successful scientific innovations where we could use bacteria for making medicines to cure heart related problems.
· 800 police stations in 80 cities across the country are proposed to be equipped with radiation monitors in their Police Control Room (PCR) vans. will facilitate the police to detect and get alerted in case such a van approaches radioactive source or radiologically contaminated areas. The system can also detect the transportation of radioactive material.
· The government is implementing two schemes for rehabilitation of Child Labour which are National Child Labour Project and Grant in Aid Scheme. NCLP is hundred percent central sector schemes and is implemented through district Project Societies headed by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, while under the GAS funds upto 75 percent of the project cost are released directly to Non Government Organisations.
· The government has accepted the request of Bangladesh for duty free access of 48 Ready Made Garment lines after considering the significance of bilateral relationship with Bangladesh.
· Nearly 400 trains installed with fog safety device have started operations from today while it will be installed in another 280 trains soon. This will help hassle free train travel during foggy season as the device will help drivers to map the distance and spot the signal beforehand.
US President Barack Obama has nominated Indian-American Arun Majumdar (IIT-Mumbai alumni) as Under Secretary in the Department of Energy.