Daily News Notes

· The PM of Trinidad and Tobago Ms. Kamla Prasad Bissessar is the Chief Guest of the 10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas conference (Theme: 'Global Indian-Inclusive Growth') which began in Jaipur today. Dr. Manmohan Singh will formally inaugurate the Divas tomorrow. Rajasthan Government is also organizing an interaction of Youth with overseas Indians including academicians, industrialists, doctors and experts, participating in the seminars.
· A MoU for co-operation in Traditional Medicines between T&T and India was today signed in New Delhi. MoU will provides a legal frame work for the cooperation between the two countries for the promotion of Indian traditional medicine in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
· The Government today said that the age bar for the widows, who are beneficiaries of the central pension scheme will be lowered from the existing 40 to 18 years. At present only the widows under the age bracket of 40 to 59 years are entitled for the benefits. It also expressed hope that the pension amount for the widows, old-aged and physically challenged persons will also be raised from the existing 200 rupees per month to 500 as the matter had already taken up with the Finance Minister.
· Following the recommendations of the Expenditure Reforms Commission, the new bank note printing line at Dewas has been commissioned and corporatized 9 units including four mints, two currency printing presses, two security printing presses and one security paper mill. A new Indian Rupee Symbol has been introduced in all currency notes and coins. This symbol reflects the Indian ethos and culture and is a matter of national pride underscoring the growth of the Indian economy. This symbol now lends a distinctive character and identity to the Indian currency.
· The Centre has conveyed displeasure to 7 states (KL, DL, AS, WB, GJ, MP, TN) for their reluctance to commence the Socio-Economic and Caste census (SECS). The Ministry of Rural development is making these efforts to speed up the identification of Priority House Holds for the National Food Security Bill, which is already on table.
· In Assam, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi recently announced special package for the modernization of traditional bell metal and fireworks industry. Barpeta district in Lower Assam is known to be the traditional hub of the age old industry. Brass metal utensils are indispensable part of the Assamese culture and religious institutions. The artists produced bell metal in a composition of 22% of tin and 78% of copper which maintains its high quality. Apart from other states of the country, the market is also expanded to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The fireworks that are being made in Barpeta are also known to have pollution free in comparison to other fireworks.
· In Jammu and Kashmir, 300 kilometre long Srinagar-Jammu high way has been closed for traffic following first major snowfall of the season and an avalanche warning is issued for people living near higher riches. The entire Kangra valley are experiencing snow fall this winter which is historical as these area never had received snowfall. The Hindustan Tibet Road was closed for traffic for the 2nd day with fresh snowfall in the Kufri and Narkanda. Western disturbances and cyclone circulation over North Rajasthan and adjoining states has brought rains and thundershowers in many parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
· Pakistan has freed 179 Indian fishermen and one civilian from Karachi’s Jail as a goodwill gesture on the New Year. There are still 276 fishermen held in Pakistani jails.
· United Nations Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay, has warned Yemen not to grant amnesty to those who have committed war crimes as part of a deal with President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down. An Amnesty Law is due to go to parliament in Yemen shortly.
· The African National Congress (ANC) is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Africa's oldest liberation movement successfully brought an end to the Apartheid which once saw South Africa legally divided on the basis of race. Nelson Mandela, the symbol of the party and its success, is not likely to make an appearance.
· In her inaugural address, Jamaica's new Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, has said she intends to make the island a republic, removing Queen Elizabeth as the head of state. Jamaica is celebrating its 50 years of independence from Britain.