{DNN} Daily News Notes: 12th to 14th Dec, 2012

· Pandit Ravi Shankar, whose mastery over the sitar helped rejuvenate the classical instrumental tradition in India and popularise Indian music in the West through concerts and collaborations with well-known artists, died in San Diego, U.S. He will be awarded a Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award at the 55th Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
· Parliament has approved the North Eastern Areas (Re-organisation) Amendment Bill 2012. The bill, aimed at constituting separate cadres of IAS and IPS for Manipur and Tripura.
· The President of India presented the 11 National Energy Conservation Awards – 2012 to Indian Railways, the highest ever by any Indian industry, for the remarkable achievements by its Zonal Railways in Energy Conservation initiatives during the year 2012. Background: In order to intensify the energy conservation initiatives, Ministry of Power has instituted “National Energy Conservation Award” which is given on National Energy Conservation Day on December 14 every year. These awards are given to 11 major category (like Railways, hospitals, office buildings, industry, power plant etc.) covering 35 different subsectors of large and medium scale industries mainly on the basis of improvement in specific energy and energy conservation initiatives.
· The government has said that investigation into alleged FEMA violations in the Bharti-Walmart joint venture had been referred to the Enforcement Directorate. Online services provider Flipkart is also under the ED scanner. The issue was that the FC-GPR form filed (for an investment of Rs. 455 crore by Walmart in the Bharti group firm Cedar Support Services) for issuance of the Compulsorily Convertible Debentures [CCD] has not been taken on record by RBI. Also, Flipkart allegedly flouted FDI rules which allow e-commerce companies with foreign investment to carry out only business-to-business (B2B) transactions, and not business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions by creating complex structures that may not be permissible.
· Defence Minister has informed that some allegations regarding malpractices in the recruitment of Group 'C' employees of National Defence Academy (NDA) have been brought to the notice. Officers suspected to be involved have been placed under suspension and CBI is investigating the matter. Further, the Minister informed that the Government had constituted a Committee in July, 2012, headed by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth, for looking into the issues namely One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) and had submitted its report to the Government. The recommendations have been accepted by the Government and also gave its nod for enhancement of family pension and dual family pension that will cost the government about Rs. 2300 crore annually. The scheme are in the process of implementation. Background: Under OROP, the demand of the defence forces and ex-servicemen associations was that an uniform pension be paid to the defence personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement, and that any future enhancement in the rates of pension be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. The Cabinet also decided that dual family pension would be allowed in the present and future cases where the pensioner drew, is drawing or may draw pension for military service as well as for civil employment. [Click here for more Details]
· Union Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) informed that as per Census 2001, slum population in 1743 cities/towns having population of 20,000 or more, which were covered under slum population enumeration, was 52.4 million (23% of the population of these 1743 cities/towns). The Minister stated that the number of slum dwellers in cities/Municipal Corporations with population above 5 lakh is reported by the Census 2001 as ~2.4 crore. The slum population of Bangalore, Delhi, Greater Mumbai and Mysore are reported as ~4lakhs, ~18lakhs, ~65lakhs and ~74k respectively. The Minister further stated slum improvement and upgradation and urban poverty alleviation fall under the domain of State Governments. Under 12th Schedule of the Constitution of India brought in by the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992, slum improvement/upgradation and urban poverty alleviation are envisages as function of Municipalities. However, the Government of India launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in Dec, 2005 to assist States/UTs in taking up housing and infrastructural facilities for the urban poor/slum dwellers in 65 select cities in the country under the Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) Programme. For other Cities/Towns, the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) was launched. The duration of Mission was upto March, 2012 and it has now been extended by 2 years. Further, he said that a new scheme ‘Rajiv Awas Yojana’ (RAY) was launched in June, 2011 which envisages providing Central support to States that are willing to assign property rights to slum dwellers for provision of decent shelter and basic civic and social services for slum redevelopment, undertake reservation of land/Floor Area Ratio (FAR)/dwelling units for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)/Low Income Groups (LIG), earmark 25 % of municipal budget for basic services to the urban poor/slum-dwellers and bring in legislative amendments and policy changes to redress land and affordable housing shortages for the urban poor.
· Minister of State for Personnel has informed that reservation is available to SC/STs at the rate of 15% and 7.5%, respectively, in all Groups viz. A, B, C (including erstwhile Group D posts) in case of promotion by non-selection method. In case of promotion by selection method, reservation is available in Group B, C and upto the lowest rung of Group A at the same rates. As regards senior posts of Secretary, Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary in the Central Ministries/Departments, these posts are filled on deputation basis under the Central Staffing Scheme except the posts in the Ministry of External Affairs. Reservation does not apply to posts filled on deputation. In case the empanelment does not lead to adequate representation to categories like SC/ST, women, particular State Cadres, North East, etc., the criteria for empanelment would be suitably relaxed to give due representations. For this purpose, adequacy of representation would mean the cumulative representation in four batches, i.e. current batch and immediately preceding 3 batches being less than 2/3rd of all India percentage of empanelment. Further, the Minister informed that the representation of SC/ST has not declined in the previous years. The representation of SC and ST in posts and services of the Central Government in Group C was 16.4% and 7.2% in 2009 respectively, whereas as in 2011, it was 16.4% and 7.7% respectively. Similarly, in erstwhile Group D services in 2009, the representation of SC and ST was 21.6% and 6.7% respectively, which as in 2011 has gone upto 23% and 6.8%, respectively.
· Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment has informed that the welfare programmes of the persons with disabilities, including persons with physical and mental disabilities, lies with the State Government as per entry No.9 in the “State List”. However, under the Central Sector Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), financial assistance is provided to NGOs for providing various services to persons with mental retardation. Further, National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities is implementing schemes for education, training and rehabilitation of persons with above disabilities. These schemes are (i) Gyan Prabha – a scholarship scheme for education and vocational training (ii) Sahyogi – a scheme for training and deployment of caregivers (A person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating illness or disability) (iii) Aspiration – an early intervention/school readiness training programme (iv) Samarth – a scheme for short term and long term stay facility for persons with developmental disability & (v) Gharaunda – a scheme providing lifelong residential facility for adults with developmental disabilities.
· Minister of State for Personnel has said that the use of modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can reduce corruption in the public service delivery systems by increasing transparency and accountability. Use of modern ICT can reduce direct contact between citizens and public servants who provide public services and thus reduce the scope for corruption in the delivery of public services. The use of computers in the railways and in the income-tax department are good examples of the salutary effect modern technology has had in reducing corruption in both the organizations. Modern ICT platforms can also help in increasing participation of all sections of the society, in the process of governance, by providing them greater voice and connectivity. The Central Vigilance Commission has issued guidelines advising Government/Public Sector Undertakings/Organisations to adopt and follow e-tendering solution in their procurement activities. To streamline payment and have an effective view on the pendency of contractor payments, the Commission has recommended adoption of e-payment and other measures for reduction of public interface in effecting payments etc.
· Minister of State for Civil Aviation has informed that the Aviation Carbon Footprint report for 2011 highlights some important points as follows: [1.] There is 6 percent growth in carbon emissions in 2011 from the 2010 level; [2.] The carbon footprint of civil aviation sector is less than 1 percent of the country’s total carbon emissions; [3.] Fuel efficiency of many scheduled airlines are at or below the average global level of CO2 per RTK ( i.e. 0.95 Kgs) but some are on the higher side also.
· Minister of State for HRD has informed that to achieve the goal of Adult Education, the National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA) is implementing two schemes, namely, the Saakshar Bharat Mission, the new variant of the National Literacy Mission, and the Support to Voluntary Agencies for Adult Education and Skill Development Scheme (SVAAESD). The Saakshar Bharat Mission aims to provide adults (in the age group of 15 and above) opportunities for functional literacy, basic education, skill development and continuing education. The main objective of the Scheme of SVAAESD is to secure extensive as well as intensive involvement of the voluntary sector in the endeavour of the Government to promote functional literacy, skill development and continuing education among adults. Further, the Minister informed that since the launch of Saakshar Bharat, in September 2009, the Mission has be functioning in 372 districts and as per the recent review held in November 2012, the functioning of the programme in HR, J&K, MP, OR, PB and UP has been found to be below par. Further, the Minister said that as per Census 2011, the country is 25.96 % short of 100 percent literacy and the time by which 100 percent literacy is likely to be achieved is not fixed.
· Minister of State for Commerce & Industry informed that the National Manufacturing Policy contains dispensations to facilitate manufacturing industry both in the National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) and for manufacturing industry in the country as a whole including wherever manufacturing units are able to organize themselves in clusters as stipulated in the policy. These dispensations include inter-alia an exit mechanism; subsidy for technology acquisition and production of green technology; token incentives for adoption of clean manufacturing practices; skill development initiatives by the private sector; finance for small and medium enterprises; and for creation of physical and institutional infrastructure. Further, he said that the states have been requested to identify land banks for setting up of the National Investment and Manufacturing Zones. The Government has received proposals for setting up NIMZs from Governments of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
· The Centre has informed that assistance under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) has been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per month from 1st of October this year. Also, the upper age limit has also been revised to 79 years from the existing 59 years and hence IGNWPS now is applicable for widow in the age group of 40-79 years and belonging to household living below poverty line as per the criteria prescribed by the Government of India.
· The single-stage, solid-propelled, surface-to-surface, nuclear weapons capable Agni-1 missile was successfully launched by the personnel of the Strategic Forces Command. The recent user trials involved the test firing of upgraded version of Agni-I with better re-entry technology, maneuverability and range extension of up to 700–1,250 km. [Click here for more Details]
· Union Minister for Tourism informed that the proposal has been submitted by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh seeking Central Financial Assistance for development of Mega Circuit Bundelkhand and Sonari-Satdhara-Murelkhurd Budhist circuit. Further, his Ministry has appointed a National Level Consultant (NLC) to identify some spiritual tourism circuits, including Sufi Circuit, for integrated development in association with the States/Union Territories (UTs) during the 12th Plan period. The Sufi Circuit identified by NLC for the State of Maharashtra is “Mumbai – Aurangabad – Shirdi”.
· Water Resources Minister has informed that Central Water Commission had undertaken the work of development of Water Resources Information System (WRIS) during the XI plan for planning and management of Water resources. It has the following major objectives: [1.] To collate available data from various sources, generate new database of country’s water resources in standardized Geographical Information system (GIS) and provide a thin client scalable web enabled information system; [2.] To provide tools to create value added maps by way of multi-layer stacking of GIS databases so as to provide integrated view of water resources issues; [3.] To provide foundation for advance modeling purpose and future spatial decision support system including automated data collection system.
· Minister of State for Personnel and Public Grievances has informed that the identity of whistle blowers is confidential as per Department of Personnel and Training’s Resolution dated 21st April, 2004. However, the Government has introduced a Bill for protection of whistle blowers which has been passed by the Lok Sabha on 27th December, 2011 as the “Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2011” and is presently pending in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of the person making disclosure on any allegation of corruption or willful misuse of power or willful misuse of discretion against any public servant. It is also provided that if the Competent Authority is of the opinion that either the complainant or public servant or the witnesses, etc. need protection, the Competent Authority shall issue appropriate directions to Police to protect them.
· The Minister of State for Power has informed that as per census 2001, the total number of inhabited villages in the country were ~6lakkhs including rural and backward areas. Out of which, ~5lakhs villages were electrified. The Government of India launched Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana – Programme for creation of Rural Electricity Infrastructure and Household Electrification, in April, 2005 for providing access to electricity to rural households and providing free electricity single point connection to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Further, the Minister informed that Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the setting up of National Electricity Fund (Interest Subsidy Scheme) to provide interest subsidy to the State Power Utilities both in public and private sector, to improve the distribution network. For financial assistance from NEF Scheme, States have been categorized as “Special category and focused states”, and “States other than special category and focused States”. The preconditions for eligibility are linked to reform measures taken by the States and the amount of interest subsidy is linked to the progress achieved in reforms linked parameters.
· Minister of State for HRD informed that the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) are sanctioned in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) with rural female literacy below the national average as per Census 2001, provided such residential schools are set up only in those EBBs which do not have a residential school at upper primary level for girls under any other scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment or the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. As on 30-09-2012, ~9% of the girls enrolled in KGBVs are from the minority community. Socio-economic reasons and reluctance of the community to send girls to residential schools are the main reasons for low enrolment amongst educationally backward minorities. In order to promote elementary education amongst girls inter alia, opening of schools in the neighborhood to make access easier for girls, appointment of additional teachers including women teachers, free textbooks, free uniforms, separate toilets for girls, mid-day meal programme to improve nutrition levels, early childhood care and education centres in/near schools in convergence with ICDS programme, gender sensitization of teachers, gender-sensitive teaching-learning materials and intensive community mobilization efforts to promote girls education, are being undertaken by the Government.
· Minister of State for HRD informed that the Central Government has formulated the ‘Universities for Research and Innovation Bill’. The Bill aims to provide for the establishment and incorporation of Universities for Research and Innovation.
· Minister of Finance has said that with a view to elongating the life of banknotes, particularly in lower denominations, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in consultation with the Government had decided to introduce one billion pieces of Rs.10 banknotes on polymer substrate on a field trial basis in five cities. The primary objective of introduction of polymer/plastic notes is to increase its life and not to combat counterfeiting. The polymer banknotes are made from a non-fibrous and non-porous polymer. Firther, he said that the Indian Banknote paper is made from long fibres obtained from cotton comber and linter. There is thus no direct relation between paper based currency and cutting of trees.
· Minister of State for Finance has informed that the RBI has advised all Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in Aug, 2012 to offer a ‘Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account’ and also convert existing basic banking ‘no-frills’ accounts’ to ‘Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account’. Such accounts do not have the requirement of any minimum balance and comes with the facility of ATM-cum-Debit Card. Also, under Financial Inclusion, banks have already opened ~3 crore accounts by March 31, 2012.
· The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has undertaken a Pilot Study to examine the concept and the feasibility of developing a Business Index. As a part of the pilot study, a literature review has been taken up and a list of variables measuring the macroeconomic and the micro/business aspects of corporate performance to be drawn from primary and secondary sources has been broadly identified. The Business Index, if and when developed, would aim at measuring the overall business climate at regular intervals on the basis of well-defined basket of identifiable and measurable parameters.
· Minister for Health & Family Welfare has informed that the setting up of National Institutes of Aging at New Delhi and Chennai has been included in the 12th Five Year with a specific objective of health care for elderly people, including promotion of research in the field of geriatrics. Under the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) started in 2010-11, 8 Regional Medical Institutes have already been selected and funded for establishment of dedicated geriatric departments for the benefit of the elderly population, which will also be responsible for research on specific elderly diseases. Further, the Minister informed that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) supports research on Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs).
· Minister of State for Health has given the details of Coconut’s Usefulness: [1.] Ayurveda - Coconut has been used as medicine in Ayurveda in disease conditions such as Burning, Pain, excess thirst, dehydration, bleeding disorders, Acid Peptic etc.; [2.] Unani - Use of coconut is recommended in diseases such as Alopecia, Hair loss, Premature Greying of Hair, Bronchitis, Dandruff, Excessive Thirst, Fevers, General Debility. Coconut Fruit pulp is used as appetizer, astringent, cooling, diuretic, laxative, nourishing and tonic. Coconut oil is used as hair tonic, appetizer, digestive, disinfectant, insecticidal and nutritive; [3.] Siddha - Tender coconut, leaf, Tender leaf, Infloresesence, Root, coconut Shell, Nut and Milk are used in Siddha for diseases such as Psoriasis and eczema etc.; [4.] In a recent study carried out by National Institute of Nutrition of Indian Council of Medical Research, no adverse effects were observed due to consumption of coconut oil at moderate levels. There was an increasing trend in plasma HDL – cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels, due to consumption of coconut oil as against groundnut oil consumption in over weight subjects.
· Minister for Health informed that under Prime Minister Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) setting up of 6 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and upgrading 19 medical colleges has been launched by the Government of India with the objective of correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services and also augmenting facilities for quality medical education in the country. AIIMS like institutes will start at Bhopal (MP), Bhubaneshwar (OR), Jodhpur (RJ), Patna (BR), Raipur (CG) and Rishikesh (UK).
· Minister of Panchayati Raj has informed that the Rural Business Hubs (RBH) Scheme aims at synergistically linking the strengths of rural areas/producers with industry and marketing organizations so that rural products reach wider market and benefits of value addition are shared. It has been decided to taper off the Scheme during the 12th Plan period. RBH projects have been sanctioned for various products including metal work, carpets, embroidery, biofuels, horticultural products etc. The objectives of RBH Scheme are: [1.] to identify rural products which have potential for national/ international markets and standardize their quality; [2.] to ensure value addition in rural products and increase production volumes to levels viable for marketing; [3.] to promote Rural Non-Farming Enterprises (RNFE) which utilize local skills and/or resources and promote rural employment and to foster mutually beneficial relations between the producers and Industrial houses.
· Minister of Panchayati Raj has informed that Awards to Panchayats under Panchayat Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme (PEAIS) have been given for the first time in 2011-12. Final decisions regarding the schemes of the Twelfth Five Year Plan have not been taken. However, the Scheme continues in the first year of 12th Five Year Plan, that is 2012-13. Background: PEAIS is a Central Sector Plan Scheme being implemented since 2005-06. It aims to (i) incentivize States to devolve 3Fs (functions, funds and functionaries) to Panchayats and (ii) incentivize Panchayats to put in place accountability systems to make their functioning transparent and efficient. Performance of States is measured through a Devolution Index (DI) prepared through an independent agency. Awards are given to best performing States/UTs based on their rank on DI annually. From 2011-2012, Panchayats have been incentivized for their performance during the year 2010-2011. The State/UT Governments have been advised to utilise the amount released for the development of Panchayati Raj in the State.
· Minister of Mines has informed that Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative [EITI] is a globally developed standard for extraction of natural resources to promote revenue transparency at the local level. However, India is not a signatory to the EITI.
· Minister of State for Finance informed that the general permission has been granted by RBI to domestic Scheduled Commercial Banks (other than RRBs) to open branches in: [1.] Tier 2 to Tier 6 centres (with population upto 99,999) which include rural centres; [2.] rural, semi urban and urban centres of the North-Eastern States and Sikkim; [3.] to open mobile branches in Tier 3 to Tier 6 Centres (with population upto 49,999). The New Private Sector Banks are also required to have 25% of their total number of branches in rural and semi-urban centres with population below 1 lakh. The Banks are also required to allocate at least 25% of the branches proposed to be opened during a year in unbanked rural Tier 5 and 6 centres.
· The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a urea investment policy, which is likely to incentivise fertilizer companies to set up new plants and expand existing capacity and attract fresh investment of about Rs.35,000 crore to increase domestic production by 8 million tonnes. The country produces 22 million tonnes of urea, against the requirement of 32 million tonnes. India imports over 30 per cent of its urea requirement and the policy aims at reducing that. Under the new policy, the government will give 12-20 per cent post-tax return on fresh capital infused by the manufacturers for setting up of new plants as well as for expansion and revamp of the existing ones. To ensure this return, the government would cover the entire cost of natural gas, which is the main feedstock of urea, and accounts for 80 per cent of the cost.
· In Ladakh region of J&K, the festival of Losar, which marks the advent of the New Year, begins on 14th Dec. It is the main festival of the Buddhist community. The 15-day long celebration of the festival is marked by the performance of ritual in the name of Gods and Goddess. It is a time when the family members remember their ancestors by visiting their resting places and offering prayer and food. Houses are decorated with lucky signs and fire procession is held to bid goodbye to the passing year.
· In a spirited defence of Chinese investments, Sri Lanka has said the Hambantota port is not part of a Chinese ‘string of pearls’ to surround India. The government had long insisted that the port development project was first offered to India and when there was no reaction, SL had approached China. “As one of Sri Lanka’s key development partners over the last few years, China was an obvious nation to approach. After many requests and representations at the highest level, this assistance was granted.” China’s alleged ‘string of pearls’ ports include Gwadar in Pakistan, Marao in Maldives, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Chittagong in Bangladesh and Sittwe in Myanmar.
· India has bagged three prestigious awards from World Travel Awards (WTA). These are: World’s Leading Destination- India, World’s Leading Tourist Board- Incredible India and World’s Leading Tourist Attraction- Taj Mahal. Background: Established 19 years ago, WTA is committed to raising the standards of customer service and overall business performance throughout the international tourism industry. This was for the first time that WTA ceremony was held in Asia.
· Comptroller and Auditor General of India Vinod Rai has been re-elected as chairman of United Nations Panel of External Auditors for 2013. The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has appreciated the panel and the yeoman service rendered by the external auditors in improving governance in the United Nations system, it said. Background: The panel of external auditors plays an important role in promoting accountability and strengthening governance mechanisms in the UN organisations. The panel meets annually to discuss emergent issues in the audit of UN organisations. At present, the panel comprises Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Pakistan, Philippines, Switzerland, Tanzania and the UK.
· The “Visa on Arrival” (VoA) Scheme registered a growth of 25% during the period January-November 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011. A total number of ~14k VoAs were issued during this period. The highest number of VoAs was issued to the tourists from Japan followed by New Zealand, The Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Finland, Vietnam, Cambodia, Luxembourg, Myanmar and Laos. During this period (Jan-Nov, 2012), the highest number of VoAs were issued at Delhi airport, followed by Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Background: As a facilitative measure to attract more foreign tourists to India, the Government launched the “Visa on Arrival” (VoA) Scheme in January 2010 for citizens of five countries, viz. Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore, visiting India for tourism purposes. The Government extended this Scheme to the citizens of six more countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar in January 2011.
· NASA scientists have spotted the longest extraterrestrial river system ever - on Saturn's moon Titan - and it appears to be a miniature version of Earth's Nile River. The river valley on Titan stretches more than 400 kilometres from its "headwaters" to a large sea. In comparison, the Nile river on Earth stretches about 6,700 kilometres. Titan is known to have vast seas - the only other body in the solar system, apart from Earth, to possess a cycle of liquids on its surface. However, the thick Titan atmosphere is a frigid one, meaning liquid water couldn't possibly flow. The liquids on Titan are therefore composed of hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane.
· Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have found seven galaxies that formed relatively shortly after the universe's birth some 13.7 billion years ago. One of the objects may be the oldest galaxy yet found. The discovery of galaxies dating back to the universe's early years should help scientists figure out what happened after the "dark ages," a period of time about 200 million years after the Big Bang explosion when cooling clouds of hydrogen, clumped together by gravity, began to ignite, triggering the first generation of stars.
· Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences has informed that the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) established at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Sciences, (INCOIS - ESSO) Hyderabad is being upgraded continuously and has been recognized as one of the best systems in the world. The major upgradation work would be Standardization of the Operating Procedures, bulletin formats and terminologies with warning centres operating in other global basins. To achieve this, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC of UNESCO) has set up a task team comprising of experts from tsunami warning centres of all ocean basins, with India as the Chair. Thus, India receives earthquake data from all other global networks to detect earthquakes of M>6.5. Further, he said that the state-of-the-art early warning centre at INCOIS - ESSO is operational since October 15, 2007 with all the necessary computational and communication infrastructure that enables reception of real-time data from seismic & sea-level sensors, analysis of the data, tsunami modeling, and dissemination of tsunami advisories guided by a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The centre is capable of detecting tsunamigenic earthquakes occurring in the whole of Indian Ocean region as well as in the Global Oceans within 10 minutes of their occurrence and disseminates the advisories to the concerned authorities within 20 minutes through various modes of communication like email, fax, SMS, GTS and website. Since its inception in October 2007 to till date, ITEWC has monitored 339 earthquakes of M > 6.5 out of which 63 are in the Indian Ocean region. ITEWC also acts as one of the Regional Tsunami advisory Service Provider (RTSP) along with Australia & Indonesia for the Indian Ocean region. As the oceans on the earth are interconnected, the tsunami waves generated due to any great earthquakes in the global oceans can affect the Indian Coasts.
· A US scientist has offered a radical solution to global warming by suggesting that we could refreeze the Arctic using a few modified Gulfstream jets, costing around USD 8 billion a year. He used climate models to suggest that injecting reflective particles into the atmosphere could reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth, engineering a regional effect that could bring ice back to the Arctic. He claims that reducing the penetration of sunlight by just 0.5 per cent could be possible to restore the sea-ice around the North Pole back to pre-industrial era levels. His studies explore the possibility that a technological solution could be found to the problem of global warming melting the ice caps on the North Pole. Background: The amount of ice in the Arctic Ocean has shrunk to an all-time low in September, with the total area covered now half what it was in the 1980s.
· Scientists have developed a new device that works like a 'rear-view mirror' for doctors during bowel examinations, helping to detect 25 per cent more cancer cells on average. The Third Eye Retroscope provides an additional video camera which gives a rear-facing view to reveal the areas behind folds that are hidden from the front-facing view of the colonoscope.
· Seven planets in the Milky Way outside our solar system that could potentially harbour life have been discovered, researchers from an ambitious project to catalogue all habitable worlds claim. The Habitable Exoplanets Catalog (HEC) celebrated its first anniversary by announcing that it had exceeded expectations in its search for possible new Earths.
· Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are the International Tennis Federation’s world champions for 2012. Djokovic won the men’s award for the second straight year, while Williams took the honour for the third time in her career. Djokovic won the Australian Open and was runner-up at the French Open and US Open. He finished the season No. 1 in the ATP rankings with six tour titles. Williams won Wimbledon, US Open and the Olympic gold medal. American twins Bob and Mike Bryan were named men’s doubles world champions for the ninth time in 10 years, while Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy took the women’s doubles award. Esther Vergeer of Netherlands won the women’s wheelchair tennis award for the 13th consecutive year. Stephane Houde of France was named the men’s winner.