Categories

National Current Affairs
National Current Affairs October 3rd Week 2017
Category : National Current Affairs
posted Date :
Total No.of views :
Total No.of Comments :
Rating: 
0 / 5 (0 votes)

1. PM Modi announces Rs. 10,000 crore for 20 best varsities in India, to make them world class.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised Rs 10,000 crore and autonomy to 20 universities — 10 public and private — in the country so as to compete globally and be counted among the world’s best institutions. (Highlights)

Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Patna University (PU), India’s seventh oldest varsity, Modi rued that no Indian institution was ranked among the top 500 in the world.

“Isn’t it a slur on us? Shouldn’t the situation change in a country that has had an unmatched legacy in the field of education, with institutions like Nalanda, Vikramshila and many more?” he asked.

“We will provide an assistance of Rs 10,000 crore to 10 private universities and an equal number of government ones for a period of five years. All these universities have to do is to demonstrate their potential to become world class,” he announced.

The varsities will not be selected on the recommendations of PM, CM or anyone, but transparently through third party appraisal on laid down parameters, viz. innovation, performance, history, quality and many more.

“The state governments will also have a big role in helping their institutions prepare for the challenge,” he said.

A Step Ahead

The Prime Minister’s announcement came moments after Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar earlier urged him to accord central university status to Patna University, in keeping with the sentiments and demands of the public, to which Modi said he wanted to take it a step ahead.

“I have come here with an invitation to PU and all the universities of India to take up the challenge. It is much bigger than what central university status can offer,” he said, virtually putting a lid on PU’s demand and dampening the excitement raised by the CM’s speech.

Modi also asked universities to rope in alumni for their growth. “With the kind of competent alumni PU has, I urge the university connect with them. All institutions should do it, as their contribution could be huge,” he added.

He also recalled that IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) have been set free to chart its own course and compete with the best in the world. “I am confident they will do it.”

From Snakes to ‘Mouse’

The Prime Minister observed that with IT revolution, India has changed its global perception as a country of snake charmers and black magic.

“Long back, while on a visit to Taiwan, I told a friend that we, as a nation, have moved from snakes to the mouse,” he said.

All the institutions of eminence will be governed by the UGC (institutions of eminence deemed to be universities) Regulations, 2017. It will ensure their complete academic, administrative and financial autonomy and free them from restrictive inspection regime and regulatory control.

Stress on Innovation

Maintaining that with the changing requirements of higher education, innovation was the key. Opening up to new ideas, he said, central university was a talk of yesterday. The message was clear: Performance will determine funding.

“In a globalised world, the competition is also global. No country can excel today without innovation, which goes far beyond modification or cosmetic change. Today, countries at the top are innovating the maximum and India cannot wait. We need to match the pace at which the world is changing,” he said.

Pointing to the demographic profile of India, with 65% population below the age of 35 years, Modi said India was a young country and its youth should realise the big Indian dream with their innovations that touched the lives of common man and converted it into start- ups by availing the benefits of Mudra scheme.

“Earlier, the government lacked the will for major reforms. This government has shown the guts.
 
2. Chennai Students Create New Guinness World Record at IISF Chennai 2017.
Chennai Students Create New Guinness World Record at IISF Chennai 2017
Who knew high school science classes could be fun - and even memorable enough for a Guinness World Record. But over a thousand students in Chennai managed exactly that when they got together for a one-of-kind biology lesson on Saturday as part of the ongoing India International Science Festival.

The class began with all the 1,049 students being individually tagged. Then, a local school teacher gave them a biology lesson and a demonstration on how to extract the DNA from a ripe papaya fruit.

At the end of it all, Mr Swapnil Dangarikar, Adjudicator, Guinness World Records said, "You have successfully broken the record and this is a the new Guinness Record for the largest biology lesson. Congratulations."
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
There were happy faces, posing for selfies all around at the end of 90-minute lesson. Ms Nithya Subramaniam, a student from Vana Vani Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai said, "I feel amazing. I want to thank my school and the Government of India for this amazing opportunity. I love science and I am grateful that I was able to do something for science and made the country proud. Makes me so happy and I feel amazing right now."

At hand was a science minister who relished the moment. Dr Harsh Vardhan, Cabinet Minister for Science and Environment told NDTV, "Definitely, a proud moment. My congratulations to the students and teachers. They have got an award for the world`s largest biology lesson. This shows the capability of the students and teachers. I am happy that they have given the country a welcome Diwali gift."
 
3. Worlds largest combustion research centre inaugurated at IIT Madras.
Worlds largest combustion research centre inaugurated at IIT Madras
The worlds largest combustion research centre which will impart a major boost to the Indian scientific community was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras today.
The National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) was inaugurated by NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat in the presence of Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, a release by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) said.

This is the worlds largest combustion research centre, it said. "With over 30 faculty members from six departments of IIT-M working on the project, this is the largest grouping of academic combustion researchers globally. In addition, the infrastructure facilities are also the largest for any combustion research centre in an academic setting globally," it said.

NCCRDs research interests will cover automotive, thermal power and aerospace propulsion, besides fire research and microgravity combustion to minor extent, the release said.

"The NCCRD has been established at a total cost of Rs 90 crore. It will develop state-of-the-art capabilities in combustion research involving experts in the country," it said.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
"The establishment of the centre will impart a major boost to the Indian scientific community and will provide an impetus to research in Alternative Energy and Environmental Protection by focusing on effective utilisation of combustion as a means of thermo-chemical energy conversion," the release said. NCCRD is supported by the state-run Science and Engineering Research Board of Department of Science and Technology (DST), it said. Saraswat was quoted as saying that NCCRD was one of the premier centres in the country. "The intention is to make it a knowledge base in areas like gasification, combustion, propulsion and automotive sectors. This is one of the best diagnostic centres in the country to understand combustion," he said. NCCRD has been set up as a nodal centre in the region and any institute and industry can work with it as it is totally IT-enabled and possess a strong simulation facility, the NITI Ayog member said.

IIT-M director Bhaskar Ramamurthi said energy, emission of carbon dioxide and pollutant gases have become very important due to climate change, global warming and other impact that combustion has. "This centre will play a pivotal role in making sure that India has access to the latest technologies in all these areas," he said. Many industrial and R&D organisations like Mahindra, TVS, AVL, GAIL, GE, Shell, BHEL, DRDO (DRDL, GTRE, CFEES), NAL, ISRO, Forbes-Marshall, Siemens, Thermax, Cummins, FM Global, Tata Power, VTT and Valmet are working closely with NCCRD, the release added.
 
4. Rajasthan Assembly becomes first in India to call attention and adjournment motions online.
Going digital, the Rajasthan assembly has become the first in India to call attention and adjournment motions and proposals online from legislators to send them to the state government. Speaker Kailash Meghwal has inaugurated the new system by sending a call for an attention motion to the state government with a click of the mouse.

The system is expected to save time, labour and use of paper in the functioning of the assembly, and also help legislators in bringing attention to urgent public issues.

Must Do Takeaways from the above News:

Vasundhara Raje Scindia is present Chief Minister of Rajasthan since 2013; previously she served in the same post from 2003 to 2008.

Rajasthan with an area of 342,239 sq km is the largest state in India. Before the formation of Chattisgarh as a separate state in the year 2000, Madhya Pradesh was the largest Indian state in terms of area.
 
5. HC restricts bursting of Firecrackers to Three Hrs in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh on Diwali Day.
HC restricts bursting of Firecrackers to Three Hrs in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh on Diwali Day
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday ruled that firecrackers can be burst in the states only between 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm on Diwali. It directed authorities to ensure that adequate vans of the Pollution Control Room are deployed to prevent people from flouting the order, The Indian Express reported.

The bench also restricted authorities from issuing permanent licences to firecracker traders without the court’s permission. It limited the number of temporary licences that can be issued and said a draw should be conducted to grant permits to sell firecrackers.

The order comes a day after High Court justices AK Mittal and Amit Rawal took suo motu notice of the pollution caused by bursting firecrackers. On Thursday, they issued notices to the two state governments and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, seeking details of the temporary licences issued to sell crackers, the Hindustan Times reported.

The restriction on Friday came soon after the Supreme Court refused to modify its order banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region till November 1.
 
6. Defence Minister to commission INS Kiltan into Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.
Defence Minister to commission INS Kiltan into Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam
An indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette INS Kiltan will be commissioned into the Indian Navy by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Naval Dockyard here on October 16.

According to a Navy statement released here today, this is the third of the four Kamorta-class corvettes being built under Project 28.

The commissioning ceremony will be attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and a host of other dignitaries.

Designed by the Indian Navy`s in-house organisation Directorate of Naval Design and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, INS Kiltan portrays the growing capability of the Indian Navy, it said.

The country is "becoming self-reliant through indigenisation, thus, accentuating our national objective of `Make in India`," the statement said.

INS Kiltan is the latest indigenous warship after Shivalik Class, Kolkata Class and sister ships INS Kamorta and INS Kadmatt to have joined the Indian Navy`s arsenal wherein a plethora of weapons and sensors have been integrated to provide a "common operational picture", it said.

It is India`s first major warship to have a superstructure of carbon fibre composite material resulting in improved stealth features, lower top weight and maintenance costs, the statement added.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The ship hosts a predominantly indigenous cutting-edge weapons and sensors suite which includes heavyweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, 76 mm caliber Medium Range gun and two multi-barrel 30 mm guns as close-in-weapon system (CIWS) with dedicated fire control systems, missile decoy rockets (Chaff), advanced ESM (Electronic Support Measure) system, most advanced bow mounted sonar and air surveillance radar Revathi, it said.

The ship in the future would also be installed with short range SAM system and carry an integral ASW helicopter, it added.

The ship derives its name from one of the islands in Aminidivi group of the strategically located Lakshadweep and Minicoy group of islands.

The ship also boasts of the proud legacy of the erstwhile Petya Class ship of same name `Kiltan (P79)` built in the USSR, which had actively participated as Task Force Commander in the `Operation Trident` during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the statement added.
 
7. Prime Minister lays Foundation Stone for Infrastructure Projects in Bihar.
Prime Minister lays Foundation Stone for Infrastructure Projects in Bihar
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today laid the foundation stone for four sewerage projects under the Namami Gange programme; and four National Highway projects, at Mokama in Bihar. The total outlay of these projects is over Rs. 3700 crore. 

Addressing a large public meeting, the Prime Minister said that he is delighted to come to a land closely associated with the great poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar Ji. He assured everyone that the Union Government and the State Government will do everything possible for Bihar`s growth. 

The Prime Minister said that the Government is working tirelessly to fulfil the aspirations of the people. He said the projects whose foundation stones are being laid today will give impetus to Bihar`s development. 

He added that the Government is focussing on increased pace of road construction. The projects related to Namami Gange will help preserve the River Ganga, he said. 
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Referring to the recent launch of the Antyodaya expresses, he said these will improve connectivity between Bihar, eastern India and other parts of the country. Asserting that good connectivity will lead to greater development, the Prime Minister said stress is being given to roads, railways, and waterways. 

The four National Highway projects for which foundation stones have been laid include: 

4-laning of Aunta-Simariya section of NH-31 and construction of 6-                 lane Ganga Setu

4 laning of Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama section of NH-31

2-lane construction of Maheshkhunt-Saharsa-Purnea section of NH                 107

2-lane construction of Biharsharif-Barbigha-Mokama section of NH-82

The four sewerage projects include Sewage Treatment Plant at Beur, Sewerage System with Sewer Network at Beur, Sewage Treatment Plant at Karmalichak and STP and Sewer Network at Saidpur. These projects together will create new STP capacity of 120 MLD and upgrade the existing 20 MLD for Beur.
 
8. Union Government has started sending money to Gram Panchayats directly.
 Union Government has started sending money to Gram Panchayats directly
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Nihal Chand today said it was for the first time that the Centre had transferred funds directly into gram panchayats accounts, and prepared a five-year development plan of villages.

Addressing farmers here, the Minister said, "For the first time, the BJP-led government has prepared a five-year plan for villages, and transferred money directly into the Gram Panchayats accounts."
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
According to an official statement, Nihal announced that in the current fiscal year, a grant of Rs 50 lakh each is being given to every gram panchayat, and by January end the second installment of the funds would reach the panchayats."

During the last 60 years of previous governments at the Centre, the Modi governments moves of development in villages would be remarkable and memorable, he said.
Every farmer should obtain "soil health card", which will carry crop-wise recommendations of nutrients and fertilisers required for the individual farms to help farmers to improve productivity through judicious use of inputs, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajasthan Water Resource Minister Dr Ram Pratap said the strengthening (repair) of "gangnahar in Sriganganagar district" was completed now, and strengthening works on Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojna and Bhakhra Canal with its tributories would be completed in a phased manner, the release added.
 
9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi.
The first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), modelled on the lines of AIIMS, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on `Ayurveda Day` on October 17.

Set up as an apex institute under the Ministry of AYUSH, the AIIA will bring in the synergy between traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and modern diagnostic tools and technology, Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for AYUSH, said today.

The All India Institute of Ayurveda, set up on a total area of 10.015 acres on a budget of Rs. 157 crore, is the first medical institute under the AYUSH ministry to hold the coveted National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) accreditation.

"In a short time, the AIIA has gained wide national and international recognition. It has started working towards facilitating quality patient care and research, bridging gaps in scientific information about quality, safety and efficacy of Ayurveda products, and developing benchmarks of Ayurvedic education, research and healthcare," Mr Naik said.

The Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines developed by the ministry will also be released at the inaugural function.


Nearly 1,500 participants from across the country are expected to be a part of the program.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The present clinical specialities of hospital block include neurological and degenerative disease care unit, rheumatology and musculoskeletal care unit, diabetes and metabolic/allergic disorders care unit, Yoga, Panchakarma clinic, Kriya Kalpa, diabetic retinopathy clinic and infertility clinic.

It also has pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and radiology laboratories and diagnosis facilities.

Mr Naik said post-graduate programme (MD/MS) in Ayurveda at AIIA started from the academic session 2016-17 and the PhD courses have been started for the session 2017-18.

The Ministry of AYUSH has requested all the state governments, Ayurveda teaching institutions, associations of Ayurveda practitioners and Ayurveda drug industries among others in India and abroad to observe `Ayurveda Day` on October 17 and undertake various activities like organising public lectures, seminars, exhibition and radio talks.
 
10. Punjab police launches foot patrolling in all districts.
Punjab police launches foot patrolling in all districts
In a bid to check criminal activities in the state, Punjab police on Monday launched an initiative whereby police personnel will patrol designated areas on foot to keep a watch on anti-social elements.

According to a senior police official, the aim of this initiative is to reduce incidence of crime by increasing the presence of police in vulnerable locations.

The initiative would ensure safety and security of women, children and senior citizens, and also build a bridge for people-friendly policing, the official said.

“Foot patrolling has been launched in all districts of the state today,” Punjab director general of police (law & order) H S Dhillon said.

Foot patrolling involves beat patrolling on foot in a designated area which will be identified on the basis of criminal incidences, vulnerability, footfall in markets, strategic installations, educational, financial and religious institutions.

It will also involve intelligence gathering and detection of crime, an official said.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Ludhiana police commissioner R N Dhoke said foot patrol officers would do a round of their designated areas round the clock every day in eight-hour shifts depending on the type of beat area.

“In each beat area, foot-patrol officers in a buddy pair will be assigned to engage in intensive policing. The average length of a beat area will be around three km,” he said.

The age limit for these foot-patrol officers, who has to be physically fit, has been fixed at 45 years. They will be wearing jungle boots, specially designed arm-band and will be equipped with weapons, baton, handcuffs and wireless sets, Dhoke said.

“These officers shall have basic technical knowledge, experience of four years in service with field units and knowledge of the area,” he said, adding each buddy pair would be given an android-based tablet with a specially designed mobile application to monitor and supervise their performance.
 
11. Mahindra launches ‘Prerna’ project for women farmers.
Mahindra launches `Prerna` project for women farmers
Mahindra & Mahindra today said it has launched a programme, Prerna, to empower women working in the agriculture sector by promoting efficient and ergonomic farm tools and equipment.

"The project will be initially launched in the state of Odisha, with the intention to positively impact the lives of over 1,500 families across 30-plus villages," Mahindra & Mahindra said in a statement.

The company, which is part of the USD 19 billion Mahindra Group, yesterday celebrated the `Mahila Kisan Diwas` with the launch of this programme.

The first project under Prerna is a collaboration between Mahindra & Mahindra, the Central Institution for Women in Agriculture (CIWA), a department of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the NGO Pradan (Professional Assistance for Development Action).

The company said that there are 100 million women and many of them work long hours in the fields, often with tools and equipment not suited for women.

The first project under Prerna aims to address these issues with the promotion of women friendly, efficient and ergonomic farm tools and equipment.

12. Ayurveda 2nd Day is celebrated on 17 October.

Ayurveda 2nd Day is celebrated on 17 October
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), modelled on the lines of AIIMS, today i.e, October 17 on ‘Ayurveda Day’. The AIIA, set up as an apex institute under the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), aims to bring synergy between Ayurveda and modern diagnostic tools and technology. The institute is built with an aim to focus on fundamental research of Ayurveda, drug development, standardization, quality control, safety evaluation and scientific validation of Ayurvedic medicine.

The All India Institute of Ayurveda is built with an aim to focus on fundamental research of Ayurveda, drug development, standardization, quality control, safety evaluation and scientific validation of Ayurvedic medicine. The It is set up on a total area of 10.015 acres on a budget of Rs 157 crore. It is the first medical institute under the AYUSH ministry to hold the coveted National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) accreditation.

The AIIA has pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and radiology laboratories and diagnosis facilities. The hospital currently has neurological and degenerative disease care unit, rheumatology and musculoskeletal care unit, diabetes and metabolic/allergic disorders care unit, Yoga, Panchakarma clinic, Kriya Kalpa, diabetic retinopathy clinic and infertility clinic. It started post-graduate programme (MD/MS) in Ayurveda from the academic session 2016-17 and the PhD courses have been started for the session 2017-18.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
To observe ‘Ayurveda Day’, the Ministry of AAYUSH requested all the state governments, Ayurveda teaching institutions, associations of Ayurveda practitioners and Ayurveda drug industries to undertake various activities like organising public lectures, seminars, exhibition and radio talks. The AIIA will provide state-of-the-art Ayurvedic treatment facilities. A glimpse of classical Ayurveda therapies, education and scientific research will be shown there.

The inauguration of AIIA is expected to boost medical tourism in the India as the institute will attract foreign patients for Ayurvedic treatment of chronic health problems that other branches of medical science have not found solutions for. It also boasts of pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and Radiology laboratories/Diagnosis facilities. Besides the inauguration of AIIA by PM Modi, the Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines developed by the ministry will also be released at the event.
 
13. Yes Bank Commits Rs 156 crores for Namami Gange Project.
Yes Bank Commits Rs 156 crores for Namami Gange Project
Banking major Yes Bank signed Rs. 156 crore deal with Essel Infraprojects for the construction of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) under Namami Gange Project at Varanasi under Hybrid Annuity-PPP Model.  

Essel Infraproject is an enterprise of Dr. Subhash Chandra-led Essel Group. The company has three SBUs and seven business verticals comprising of an order book worth USD 4.3 billion. It has a growing present in over 17 states and across over 100 cities in India.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The project marks India’s first STP project under PPP Model to treat sewage entering river Ganga. The agreement for the project was signed between Essel Infraprojects and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on October 11 in Delhi for development of STP under Hybrid Annuity based PPP mode. Under the agreement, 40 per cent of the cost will be linked to construction, and the other 60 per cent on the performance of the operator.

Yes Bank closed at Rs. 367.50 per share, lower by 0.57 per cent on BSE on Monday. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs. 374 per share and an intraday low of Rs. 366 per share on BSE. The stock had hit its 52-week high of Rs. 383.25 per share on September 21, 2017 and its 52-week low of Rs. 218.25 per share on December 26, 2016.
 
14. Footwear Design & Development Institute Act 2017 Comes into Force.
. Footwear Design & Development Institute Act 2017 Comes into Force
Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) has been declared an ‘Institute of National Importance’ under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The FDDI bill was passed by the Parliament in July 2017. The Provisions of FDDI Act 2017 have come into force from today, according to the Notification published in The Gazette of India on October 5, 2017.

The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri C.R. Chaudhary said here today, that the commitment of the Government to resolve the degree issue has culminated in the grant of the status of ‘Institute of National Importance’ to FDDI. With this, the government has also ensured upgradation of FDDI to a position of eminence so as to enable the Institute to effectively serve the Sector/Industry.

To empower the youth of the nation and to help them march alongside the Prime Minister’s Skill Development mission and Make in India initiative, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India proposed the FDDI INI bill to Parliament. FDDI, after becoming an INI, now has the autonomy to design its courses as per the requirement of the industry, and award its own degree to the students. FDDI can now independently develop and conduct courses leading to graduate and post graduate degrees, doctoral and post-doctoral courses and research in the areas of footwear and leather products design and development and allied fields.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Presently FDDI is imparting skill based graduate and post graduate courses in the fields of footwear, leather goods, retail and management to around 2,500 students across eight campuses spread over India. With the enhancement of the status of FDDI as an Institute of National Importance by the virtue of the FDDI Act, 2017, the institute will now be able to enroll around 2,500 more students in the upcoming admission session, across its 12 campuses, out of which four new campuses will become functional with the next academic session.

FDDI is a premier Institute, serving as a ‘One stop solutions provider’ in footwear, leather and allied industry. Since its inception in 1986, FDDI has been playing a pivotal role in facilitating Indian industry by bridging skill gaps in the areas of footwear, leather, fashion, retail and management. FDDI has been functioning as an interface between the untapped talent and industry and its global counterparts, by fulfilling the demand of skilled man power with its specific curriculum, state of the art laboratories, world class infrastructure and experienced faculty.
 
15. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Launches `Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana`.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Launches `Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana`
Sagar (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 16 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday inaugurated the ambitious `Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojna` in the presence of the farmers at the Krishi Upaj Mandi in Khurai, Sagar.

The Chief Minister said that the Yojana is one of the most profound decisions of his life and thus its launch makes this day a historic one for him.

He added that it is a matter of great happiness for him that the Yojana is being launched in his state for the welfare of farmers.

Chouhan added that Madhya Pradesh is the first state to lend money to farmers at zero percent interest.

"A farmer will take Rs. one lakh loan now and return only ninety thousand," he said.

In addition, Chouhan said that his government has approved a web of irrigation projects across the Sagar District which will cover 96-hectare fields.

The Chief Minister also said that farmers deserve suitable prices for their crops instead of loan waiver and therefore, the state government has brought a new formula which will make it possible for them to obtain the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.

Chouhan added that preparation has been made for the purchase of crops at the MSP.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
He elaborated that an average will be drawn from the market prices of three different states and then the difference between `Model Price` of crops and its `MSP` will be deposited in the bank accounts of farmers.

To get benefits of the scheme, the farmers are required to sell their crops in the mandi and obtain a receipt for the same.

"The MP Government will provide you interest even if you store your grains in the godowns," Chouhan said while adding that droughts have been declared in the places that were deprived of rain.

He added that the government will provide subsidy and loan ranging from Rs 10 lakhs to two crores to the farmers willing to invest in industries.

Besides, the Chief Minister assured proper action against corrupt administrative and police officers, who will attempt to take benefit from the farmers.

"We will not let dishonest officers continue their job. 2 IAS, 2 IFS and 1000 police personnel have already been fired from their work for indulging in corruption. No corrupt officer will be spared in cases related to farmers," Chouhan insisted.
 
16. Ministry of Women and Child Development launches campaign on `women for women`.
In an attempt to end Gender bias in women against women, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is undertaking an online campaign #IamThatWoman.
 
 Through the campaign, the Ministry seeks to highlight the various aspects of women standing `by` and `for` women. Ministry of WCD has urged people to shun stereotypes associated with women harming other women. Twitter and Facebook users have been encouraged to tag and share stories of women helping women with a photograph and post online with the hashtag #IamThatWoman.
           
Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi said, "When a woman has the support of her womanhood, she can be unstoppable. Through this campaign, we aim to shed light on the enormous contributions made by women for women. A mother-in-law can be her daughter-in-law`s best companion. It is time we did away with the `in-law` in `daughter-in-law`. A woman manager can easily empathise with her female juniors and help her climb the ladder of success. Likewise, a landlady`s affection towards a female tenant makes a world of difference in making the young girl feel at home, away from home. Join the `#IamThatWoman` campaign and spread the message that a woman can move mountains for another woman."
 
Posts can be made on the links given below:
  • Twitter Minister: @ManekaGandhiBJP;
  • Twitter Ministry: @MinistryWCD;
  • Facebook Minister: @ManekaGandhiOfficial;
  • Facebook Ministry: @MinistryWCD

17. MCX launches first commodity options trading with gold.

The Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX) on Tuesday launched India’s first commodity options in gold, giving stakeholders a new set of financial instruments to hedge their price risks.

Launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi on the auspicious day of Dhanteras, the gold options received an encouraging response on Day 1.

The total traded notional value for gold options stood at ?1,259 crore, while the total traded volume totalled 4,220 lots (1 kg each).

MCX has currently launched a Gold Option contract, keeping Gold (1 Kg) futures as the underlying asset, with expiry on November 28, 2017 and January 29, 2018.

The European-styled Gold options are hedge-friendly and physically settled, which means on exercise at expiration the options position develops into a corresponding underlying MCX 1 KG Gold futures position at the strike price of the exercised options.

The options product is unique and the first of its kind, giving buyers the right to buy or sell the underlying asset, but no obligation, at a specified price at the expiry.

Thus, for buyers, the risk is limited only to the premium paid to the option seller (i.e. Option writer).

Saurabh Chandra, Chairman, MCX, told BusinessLine: “The launch denotes one of the most significant reform measures since modern commodity derivatives trading started 14 years ago. There has been a very conscious effort by the government and SEBI to develop and integrate commodity markets in a phased manner.”

As per the MCX data, the November 2017 contract reported a total volume of 4,218 lots, with a value of 12.17 crore and notional value of 1,258.39 crore.

18. Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu lays foundation stone for TU142M aircraft museum.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu lays foundation stone for TU142M aircraft museum

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the TU142M aircraft museum in Visakhapatnam.

The chief minister along with Eastern naval command chief Vice Admiral H. C. S. Bisht laid the foundation stone of the museum, being built at the Beach Road.

Speaking at the event, Naidu said: "I have seen TU 142M aircraft and can proudly say that it is going to inspire the future generations."

The Russian aircraft, which was decommissioned in March at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu after 29 years, was brought to the city on April 8 to be converted into a Museum.

Naidu also heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it was due to the latter`s effort that the Indian Navy had become one of the most prominent powers in the world.

The aircraft museum will be inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind in December.

"President Ramanath Kovind will be coming to Visakhapatnam in the month of December and the TU 142M will be inaugurated by him," Naidu said.

19. Chhattisgarh government reduces interest on loan under Saksham Yojna.

Chhattisgarh government reduces interest on loan under Saksham Yojna

Chhattisgarh government has reduced the rate of interest on loan given to women and their self help groups (SHGs) under `Saksham Yojna` from 6.5 per cent to 5 per cent. 

State`s Women and Child Development Minister Ramsheela Sahu took decision in this regard today while chairing a meeting ofthe governing body of `Chhattisgarh Mahila Kosh` (CMK) here at Mantralaya, a government official said. 

To benefit more and more women and women`s SHGs under Saksham Yojna, the rate of interest on loans given to them has been cut from 6.5 per cent to 5 per cent, he said. 

The initiative will allow the women and SHGs to easily avail the loan facility for self-employment and thereby become self-dependent, he added. 

The Chhattisgarh Mahila Kosh is operated by states women and child development department to disburse easy term loans to women and SHGs. 

An amount of Rs 1.04 crore loans had been disbursed to about 279 SHGs in the current fiscal 2017-2018 till September under various schemes of CMK, the official said. 

Under Saksham Yojna of the Kosh,loan to the tune of Rs 72 lakh had been distributed to about 111 SHGs during the same period while in the previous fiscal, Rs 2.44 crore loan was sanctioned to 407 SHGs under this scheme, he added. 

Several other decisions were also taken during the meeting to encourage hard-working SHGs while the minister also reviewed the progress under various related projects, he said. 

Besides, the district programme and projects officers of the department have been instructed to support women and SHGs for their training under different schemes of CMK and motivate them to avail the loan facility for commercial and business-related activities, he added.

20. IIT Bombay top ranked Indian institute in QS Asia University Rankings 2018.

 IIT Bombay top ranked Indian institute in QS Asia University Rankings 2018

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay emerged the best Indian university in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asian University Rankings for 2018, which saw most of the top Indian schools slipping in their rankings in Asia.

IIT Bombay was ranked 34th in Asia, followed by IIT Delhi (41), IIT Madras (48) and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc) at 51. The 2018 rankings by QS made available to public on Tuesday showed that IISc, which was the best institution from India in 2016 and 2017, slipped the most among top Indian schools.

Among the top 10 Indian schools, all except IIT Bombay lost their ground. While IISc dropped 18 ranks, Calcutta University dropped 17 places to 125th in Asia. IIT Roorkee slipped 15 places to be ranked at the 93rd position. Top IITs, including Delhi, Madras and Kanpur, slipped between 5th and 11th ranks in the 2018 rankings as against their performance in the previous year.

IIT Bombay said on Tuesday that it has scored an overall 75.7 out of 100 in the Asian rankings. “The Institute has score of 88.1 in academic reputation, 97.5 in employer reputation, 44.5 in faculty student ration, 96.3 in staff with PhD, 89.6 in papers per faculty, 9.7 in international faculty, 6.3 in international students, 10.9 in inbound exchange students, 9.1 in outbound exchange students, and 41.4 in citations per paper. Among these ten parameters, Employer Reputation indicated the strongest one for IIT Bombay with a rank of 21 globally,” the IIT said in a statement.

“This is a reflection of the excellent work being done by faculty and students of the Institute,” IIT Bombay director Devang Khakhar said.

The Singapore-based Nanyang Technological University (NTU) climbed two places to be the best university in Asia, overtaking the National University of Singapore which has now slipped to the second place. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has been ranked third, followed by Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology of South Korea and University of Hong Kong (HKU).

This year’s ranking features over 400 universities and was compiled by assessing universities across 10 different indicators, including academic and employer reputation, the proportion of PhD qualified academic staff, and the proportion of inbound and outbound exchange students at the university, the British raking agency said.

Tsinghua University in the sixth place is China’s leading institution and Japan’s top university continues to be the University of Tokyo, ranked 13th, the QS said in a posting in its website.

21. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas conferred with Swachh Bharat Inter-Ministerial Award.

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas conferred with Swachh Bharat Inter-Ministerial Award

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) has been awarded with Swachh Bharat Inter-Ministerial Award by Minister of State, Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation Shri S.S. Ahluwalia in the presence of Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, and Minister of State, Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation Shri R.C. Jigajinagi in recently held Swachh Bharat National Award ceremony on Gandhi Jayanti, 02nd October 2017 in New Delhi. The award in the inter-Ministerial category was presented to MoPNG on the basis of the activities undertaken in the past three years and was received by Senior Adviser (PNG). This event was organized to mark the third anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Swachh Bharat Diwas, and the conclusion of Swachhata Hi Seva fortnight.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has been proactively involved in making India clean mainstreaming Swachhta in our regular activities. The focus of MoPNG has been not only to garner people’s involvement but also to bring about behavioural and attitudinal change through unique/special contribution to the cause of Swachh Bharat Mission, through innovative and unconventional practices/approaches. Some of the innovative activities undertaken by Oil & Gas CPSEs, under the administrative control of MoPNG, inter-alia include, launch of Project Saraswati to tap the ground water resources along the course of Paleo-channel of river Saraswati in Haryana to tide over severe water crisis in summer; construction of unique zero energy based vegetable cellars in Nang village near Leh for helping potato farmers by preventing rotting of farm produce due to extreme temperatures; construction of bio-toilets in Leh (J&K) and Mahanandpur (Bihar), making ODF localities such as Bharatnagar (Maharashtra), Gandhigaon (Assam) etc., cleaning Himalayas in collaboration with Indian Mountaineering Foundation and organizing competitions on Swachhta Apps.

Under the Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan, to reduce the drop-out rate among girl students due to non-availability of separate toilet facilities, Oil CPSEs/JVs have constructed more than 20,187 school toilets. These toilets are used by more than 5 lakh girl students. More than 95% of the toilets have been constructed in rural areas. Under waste to fuel projects, Oil & Gas CPSEs have taken initiatives for implementation of waste to fuel projects on a pilot basis across 7 States.

Tourist/religious iconic places have been earmarked for Oil and Gas CPSEs with focus on special clean up initiative focusing on maintenance and upkeep of tourist/religious places. The best iconic place award was given to Golden temple, Amritsar and Special awards were given to Mata Vaishno Devi temple, J&K and Meenakshi temple, Tamil Nadu, adopted by HPCL, IOCL and BPCL respectively.

MoPNG is fully committed to contribute its best in making Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a Jan Andolan and in building a clean, green, healthy, sustainable and inclusive “New India”.

22. Maharashtra Government releases Rs 4000 crore in phase 1 of Loan Waiver Scheme.

Maharashtra Government releases Rs 4000 crore in phase 1 of Loan Waiver Scheme

The Maharashtra government has released a sum of Rs 4,000 crore under the first phase of the over Rs 34,000 crore farm loan waiver scheme, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced today.

Disbursal, in the first phase, will cover more than 8 lakh farmers, Fadnavis said as he listed initiatives taken by his government towards increasing investment in the agriculture sector.

"Today we have released Rs 4,000 crore of which Rs 3,200 crore will be for writing off the loans of 4.62 lakh farmers. The remaining Rs 800 crore will be in the form of incentive for 3.78 lakh farmers who are paying their loans on time," he said.

The release of funds under the scheme, announced in June, will be a continuous process, the chief minister said, adding that by November 15, 75-80 per cent of the disbursement will be completed.

"Farmers have been going through a lot of trouble and year after year we have seen that the agricultural growth rate has been in negative.

"The first decision that we took after coming to power (in 2014) was that we did not keep our work limited to relief and rehabilitation, because that was our job anyway," Fadnavis said at an event organised for disbursement of the loan waiver amount into accounts of farmers.

Fadnavis said that from Rs 21,000 crore in 2011-12, investment in the agriculture sector had increased by almost three times to Rs 63,000 crore now.

He said the BJP-led government`s flagship schemes such as the `Jal Yukt Shivar` (a water conservation programme) have made a big contribution in ensuring a growth rate of up to 12 per cent in the key sector.

"In actual terms, the agriculture sector is seeing production worth Rs 40,000 crore," Fadnavis said.

The chief minister reiterated that loan waiver was not the only solution to farmers` distress and maintained that continuous investments in the sector for the next 5 years will ensure sustainable development.

"Our job has been to get farmers, who had gone out of the institutional credit system, back into the system so that they do not get stuck in the trap of money lenders and that they are able to take more loans from financial institutions, repay them and also earn money," he said.

Fadnavis admitted that he was initially nervous about the financial burden the scheme would put on the state exchequer.

"When banks said Rs 34,000 crore would be needed to waive loans, I was nervous because I did not know how the government would bear this burden.

"I spoke to Finance Minister Sudhir bhau (Mungantiwar) and he told me to go ahead with the announcement and that his department would somehow manage the herculean task, which he actually did," Fadnavis said.

Responding to the Opposition`s criticism of the online system of filling forms for availing the scheme, he said had that not been done, banks would have mismanaged funds.

"They would have disbursed money in their own way and only banks and those who own banks would have benefited. Farmers know what was done was for their own good."

Fadnavis said only government employees, who also earn income from agriculture, legislators and those who pay income tax are exempted from the scheme.

"Today, we have uploaded a list of 8.4 lakh beneficiaries online and it would be sent to banks. From a single bank account, money will be transferred to banks and they will be asked to deposit the money in farmers` accounts as per the list. The process will be regularised from Monday after the end of the holiday season," he said.

"Some incomplete forms have been sent back to farmers. Once they complete them, we will consider them for the loan waiver if they are eligible. This scheme will not stop until every eligible farmer benefits from it," Fadnavis said.

23. Prime minister Narendra Modi to launch projects in Kedarnath.

Prime minister Narendra Modi to launch projects in Kedarnath

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kedarnath on Friday, a day before the Himalayan shrine dedicated to Shiva is closed for six winter months.

Considering the “incomplete flood protection works and reconstruction of Kedarpuri that needs to be done”, Modi will be laying the foundation stone for projects “worth hundreds of crores of rupees”, Uttarakhand BJP president Ajay Bhatt told The Indian Express. This will be the PM’s second visit to Kedarnath in less than six months.

The town of Kedarpuri, which encompasses the Kedarnath shrine located at an altitude of 3,583 metres, had undergone devastation in June 2013 after a glacier lake breached due to heavy rainfall and caused flash floods in the river Mandakini, which passes through the Kedar valley.

Bhatt said, “Modiji has been thinking about the reconstruction of Kedarnath for quite some time. Over four years after the Kedarnath floods, not much work has been done, so Modiji will be launching projects for reconstruction of Kedarpuri.”

The projects include construction of houses for purohits of Kedarnath, repair of the bridle path to Kedarnath, construction of ghats in Kedarpuri, flood protection work near Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, and foundation-laying ceremony of a ‘samadhi sthal’ for Adi Sankara.

After offering prayers, amid tight security provided by 500 police personnel, six IPS officers and 10 gazetted officers, Modi will address the public from the shrine premises, Rudraprayag SP Prahlad Meena said. The PM will reach Kedarnath at 10 am and be on the shrine premises for one and a half hours, he added.

At least 4,000 people, including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Rawat and state ministers and BJP workers, are expected to be present on the Kedarnath premises.

The PM visited Kedarnath on May 3, when the doors of the shrine were opened after the winter break.

24. Assam Government rolls out new Tourism policy.

Assam Government rolls out new Tourism policy

Assam government today rolled an ambitious Tourism policy by declaring the sector an industry with an aim to increase tourist inflow by at least two to three times within next five years.

The `Tourism Policy of Assam 2017`, effective from January next year till December 2022, gives special emphasis on making the state a destination of film making by offering a range of incentives to movie producers.

"Tourism shall be accorded industry status in Assam and all facilities and incentives applicable to industries shall be available to Tourism industry also," Assam Tourism Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said after releasing the policy here.

According to the policy, 45,00,000 domestic and 20,000 foreign tourists visited Assam as per the figures of 2014.

"This Tourism policy paper is aimed at creating a policy framework to move tourism into a major economic sector of Assam increasing the inflow of tourists` by at least two to three fold in the next five years," it added.

Sarma said the `Tourism policy of Assam 2017` was approved by the state Cabinet on October 17 and the key focus of it was to attract the film industry to come and shoot in the state.

"Cash grant of 25 per cent or Rs 1 crore, whichever is less, of expenditure in Assam will be offered as reimbursement to Hindi, English and foreign language cinema makers, who have produced a minimum of five feature films.

The particular film`s 25 per cent shooting must be in Assam and 25 per cent of cast and crew should be from the state," he added.

There will be an additional 10 per cent grant if the film`s storyline is on Assam`s culture, tourism and heritage, while another 10 per cent rebate will be offered if more than 50 per cent of the entire shooting is done in the state, the minister informed.

"The producers, who have produced minimum 10 films in Hindi, English or foreign languages, will be provided free accommodation and transport for their important casts during the period of stay for shooting the films in Assam," he added.

The policy also offered a host of other subsidies, including 50 per cent reimbursement of net state GST paid for 10 years by a new tourism unit that will start commercial operations by December 2022, subject to maximum of 100 per cent fixed capital investment.

"A capital investment subsidy at the rate of 30 per cent of capital investment, subject to a ceiling of Rs 1 crore, shall be available for tourist lodges, hotels, resorts, houseboats and floating restaurants," it added.

Besides, a subsidy of 25 per cent of cost payable for connecting power line to the eligible tourism units with a ceiling of Rs 10 lakh will be provided.

The Tourism policy also offered a range of financial benefits for constructing approach roads and installing renewable source of energy at the tourist units.

"Private sector will be encouraged to pro-actively participate and invest in tourist places in the tourism sector.

A special incentive will be offered as additional 10 per cent capital grant up to Rs 25 lakh for investment in remote/potential tourist destination of Assam," the document said.

 25. Maharashtra Government panel approves 16,000-crore Navi Mumbai airport.

Maharashtra Government panel approves 16,000-crore Navi Mumbai airport
GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd is one step closer to bagging the mandate for the mega Rs. 16,000-crore Navi Mumbai Greenfiled airport project with the project monitoring committee approving its financial bid.

The financial bid, which was made by the GVK-led Mumbai International Airport Ltd, which developed the existing airport in Mumbai, was approved by the committee earlier during the week. It has to now secure the Government approval, which is likely in early November.

As per the procedure, the committee will recommend GVK`s bid to the Maharashtra Government and the Cabinet is likely to provide final approval. GMR was the other bidder.

The letter of intent (LoI), which the GVK management is anxiously waiting to take up works, will be issued y the City and Industrial Development Corporation. LoI has seen an inordinate delay.

During the company`s annual general meeting in September, GVK Reddy, Chairman of the diversified GVK Group, had said, “We are awaiting the LoI for quite some time. There has been quite some delay. However, we expect this to be issued by middle of October.”

Significantly, couple of major pre-airport development works worth over Rs. 2,000 crore have been awarded. This includes site levelling, removal of a major rock, reclamation of land, changing water course and rehabilitation of people living in three villages.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Rehabilitation of villagers too is at an advanced stage and expected to be completed once the monsoon season is over. This will be one of the biggest public private partnership projects in the country. Phase one of the project is expected to be ready within 36 months of commencement of work.

Reddy had said the project would be developed by MIAL itself and there would not be any need for a special purpose vehicle. This will be relatively easier to develop unlike MIAL, which had to overcome a number of hurdles.

The Rs. 16,000-crore PPP project will have 74 per cent equity holding by MIAL, Airports Authority of India and CIDCO 13 per cent each. Construction may commence before the end of the year.
 
26. The National Police Commemoration Day is observed as 21st October 2017.
The National Police Commemoration Day is observed as 21st October 2017
The Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21st every year. The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh will attend the Police Commemoration Day Parade at the Police Memorial Ground here tomorrow. On the occasion, he will also lay wreath and pay homage at the Police Memorial.

The day commemorates the sacrifices of ten policemen while defending our borders with China in 1959. Indian Police personnel were responsible for manning the 2,500 mile long border of India with Tibet until the autumn of 1959.

On October 20, 1959, three reconnaissance parties were launched from Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh in preparation for further movement of an Indian expedition which was on its way to Lanak La. While members of two parties returned to Hot Springs by the afternoon of that day, the third one comprising of two Police Constables and a Porter did not return. All available personnel were mobilized early next morning in search of the missing personnel. A party of about 20 Police personnel led by Shri Karam Singh, DCIO proceeded ahead on horseback, while other followed on foot in three Sections.

At about mid day, Chinese Army personnel were seen on a hillock who opened fire and threw grenades at the party led by Shri Karam Singh. Since there was no cover, most personnel were injured. Ten of our brave Police Personnel attained martyrdom and seven others sustained injuries. The seven injured were taken prisoners by the Chinese while the remaining managed to escape. Bodies of the ten personnel were returned by the Chinese only on November 13, 1959, a full three weeks after the incident. These bodies were cremated with full Police honours at Hot Springs.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories held in January 1960 decided that October 21 would henceforth be observed as ‘Commemoration Day’ in all Police Lines throughout India to mark the memory of these gallant personnel who were killed in Ladakh and all other Police personnel killed on duty during the year. It was also decided to erect a memorial at Hot Springs and, every year, members of Police Forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage to those gallant martyrs. Since the year 2012, the Police Commemoration Day Parade is being held at the National level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri.

So far since Independence, 34,418 Police personnel have sacrificed their lives for safeguarding the integrity of the nation and providing security to people of this country. During the last one year, from September 2016 to August 2017, 383 Police personnel have laid down their lives.
 
27. Union Government sets up expert group for suggestions on Artificial Intelligence policy.
Union Government sets up expert group for suggestions on Artificial Intelligence policy
The Union ministry of electronics and information technology has set up an internal committee to advise the government on a policy on artificial intelligence (AI).

Top sources said that the expert committee will advise the IT ministry on the most apt technologies for India. The government’s main focus is to reduce cyber attacks with AI. The main policy will be drawn up once the committee gives its report.

Sources said that the committee is expected to give its report soon.

“Whenever the government has consulted with top tech companies, we have seen that their biggest involvement is with AI. We also want to take advantage of this technology and so a policy will be formed to ensure that it is properly leveraged,” said an official in the know of the matter.

Senior sources at the IT ministry pointed out that officials from Union home and finance ministries are also involved in the consultations.

AI is also widely seen as a major challenge in generation of employment as many companies are likely to depend more on it to cut down on human resources. A subject that has cropped up every time that IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has met top tech companies.

The artificial intelligence market is estimated to touch $153 billion in 2020 and expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 45.4% from 2016 to 2022.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The government has recently drawn up a seven-point strategy that would form the framework for India’s strategic plan to use AI.

The strategy includes developing methods for human machine interactions; ensuring safety and security of AI systems; creating a competent workforce in line with AI and R&D needs, understanding and addressing the ethical, legal and societal implications of AI, measuring and evaluating AI technologies through standards and benchmarks, among others.

“AI can benefit various government agencies in their functioning. But at the same time we have to ensure that an indigenous workforce to develop AI is created,” said another official.

Globally too, there is a growing interest in AI. In 2016, the White House initiated work on Preparing for the future of artificial intelligence; in the UK, the House of Commons committee on S&T looked at robotics and artificial intelligence while in 2017, the State Council of China started work on the next generation artificial intelligence development plan.
 
28. Varanasi to get 2 new Sewage Treatment plants before March for Clean Ganga Process.
Varanasi to get 2 new Sewage Treatment plants before March for Clean Ganga Process 
The Ganga won’t be clean before March 2019, Union Minister for Water Resources Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday, in a departure from the position of his predecessor, Uma Bharati, who had stated during her tenure as Water Minister that the river would be clean by 2018.

“You know my track record of delivering on promises. I cannot commit to a date yet,” Mr. Gadkari said at an event to announce the names of the companies who had won the contracts to run sewage treatment plants (STP) in Varanasi and Haridwar. “However, you will see noticeable improvement in water quality by Dec 2018-March 2019,” Mr. Gadkari added.

As per the original plan, cleaning the Ganga was inextricably linked to ensuring that ecological flows —or a minimum quantity of water at various stretches— were maintained. Mr. Gadkari, however, said that ecological flows would “automatically result” when the river was clean, indicating a different approach to the task of cleaning the river.

He also underlined that the tenders for the STPs in all the cities concerned would be issued by December. It would take at least two years for the plants to be built and become operational. So it wouldn’t be until the end of the present government’s tenure that “significant results” would be visible, he said.

New treatment plants
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Essel Infra Projects, owned by businessman and BJP MP, Subhash Chandra, and HNB Engineers Pvt Ltd, have bagged the first projects under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), worth 324 crore. They will build and run STPs in Varanasi and Haridwar respectively. The combined capacity of their plants will be a sewage volume of 132 million litres a day (MLD), according to a press statement by the NMCG.

About 12,000 MLD of sewage are emptied into the Ganga across 11 States from Uttarakhand to West Bengal. At present, the capacity for sewage treatment is only 4,000 MLD, and of this, 1,000 MLD is functional.

The Clean Ganga Mission was allocated ?20,000 crore to be spent over five years. Of the 20,000-crore, about 15,000 crore has been sanctioned so far, and of this amount, only 2,700 crore had been spent as of August 2017.

Of the 87 sewage infrastructure projects approved as part of the Mission, only 14 had been completed as of August 2017, according to NMCG records.
 
29. Union Government to organise Global Ayurveda meet in Kochi.
Union Government to organise Global Ayurveda meet in Kochi
Increasing India’s share in the $ 100 billion herbal medicine market, integrating ayurveda with health tourism besides wooing large-scale private investment will be discussed at a three-day global summit, beginning here tomorrow.

China’s corners 85 per cent of the world herbal medicine market and India should aim for at least 25 per cent share, R. Sathish, Director and Head CII Kerala, and Joy Verghese T, Chief Executive officer, Confederation for Ayurvedic Renaissance (CAReKeralam) told reporters here.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
India’s export turnover in herbal medicine is presently Rs. 4,200 crore, with Kerala contributing Rs. 500 crore. At least 15 to 20 per cent growth is needed in this sector, they said, adding there was need to encourage private investment.

The ayurveda summit, being jointly organised by Confederation of Indian Industry, in association with Kerala government and Department of AYUSH, Government of India, will also be exploring ways to use IT to achieve extensive documentation of Ayurveda practices and a national data base.

Union Minister of state for Health and Family Welfare, S. Gandhiselvan, state Health minister, P. K. Sreemathi, S. Gopalakrishnan, CEO and Managing Director Infosys Technologies Ltd, and Deputy Chairman CII Southern Region, will be among those participating.

About 500 delegates, 100 of them from abroad, will also take part in the summit.
 
30. Hirasar Greenfield Airport Project in Gujarat gets Green Clearance.
Hirasar Greenfield Airport Project in Gujarat gets Green Clearance
The Centre has given green clearance for a greenfield airport project at Hirasar, about 28 km from Rajkot in Gujarat, at a cost of over Rs 1,400
crore.

The state government has proposed a new airport in Rajkot district as the existing one is small and the earlier plan to extend the current runway could not materialise because of high land cost.

"The Environment Ministry has given the environment clearance to the Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Ltd (GSAICL) for development of a greenfield airport at Rajkot," a senior government official said.

The green clearance given to the project, after taking into account the ministry`s expert panel, is subject to certain riders, the official said. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,405 crore. It would be a single runway airport for operating `C` category aircraft. The proposed project will be build in an area of 1,025.54 hectare, of which 96.48 per cent is government land.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
According to the GSAICL, the proposed project will aid development of trade and tourism besides improving regional connectivity in Gujarat. More than 1000 persons will be employed directly and indirectly for different activities of the airport. As many as 2,180 trees will be cut in the proposed airport site. About
632.24 hectare forest land will also be diverted for the same.

All airports in Gujarat have a moderate air-traffic growth of 5-8 per cent with exceptions of Ahmedabad and Vadodara where traffic growth is between 8-10 per cent, as per the Airport Authority of India (AAI).

The holistic development of Hirasar airport will not only serve the demand generated by the Rajkot city but also cater to the demand in the neighbouring states.

Over a due course of time, the proposed airport will also meet the spillover needs to Ahmedabad, it said in the report submitted by GSAICL to the central government along with the proposal.
 
31. GSTN Launches excel-based offline tool to file initial GSTR-3B Returns.
GST Network has launched an excel-based offline tool for businesses to file initial GSTR-3B returns.

Taxpayers can download the offline utility from the GSTN portal under the download section and after fill in the data. Following this, the file can be uploaded on GST portal. After uploading of the return to the GST Portal, the taxpayer has to preview the form, complete formalities like submit, offset the liability and file their GSTR-3B Return using digital signature or electronic verification code, GSTN said in a statement.

"This facility will provide an opportunity to the taxpayer to verify details of GSTR 3B before filing and minimise chances of error," GSTN CEO Prakash Kumar said.
 
32. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed use of fertilizer & new techniques will help in doubling farmers` income by 2022.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed use of fertilizer & new techniques will help in doubling farmers` income by 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that cooperative major IFFCO’s initiatives to train the farming community on right use of fertilisers, advanced techniques and cash-less transactions will help in doubling farmers’ income by 2022. “IFFCO’s contribution in the upliftment of farmers and co-operative organisations is praiseworthy,” Modi said in a message on the occasion of the cooperative’s golden jubilee year. The cooperative has also played an important role in implementation of urea neem-coating programme rolled out by the government to curb black marketing of urea, the prime minister said in his letter to IFFCO managing director U S Awasthi. Modi praised IFFCO for conducting programmes across the country to train farmers and co-operative members about digitisation and cash-less transactions in the agri sector and right use of soil nutrients, among others. Stating that the government has fixed a target to double farmers’ income by 2022, Modi said IFFCO’s initiatives to connect farmers with best farm techniques would be helpful in achieving this goal.
> /* Calculate the width of available ad space */ ad = document.getElementById(`google-ads-1`); if (ad.getBoundingClientRect().width) { adWidth = ad.getBoundingClientRect().width; // for modern browsers } else { adWidth = ad.offsetWidth; // for old IE } /* Replace ca-pub-XXX with your AdSense Publisher ID */ google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2551325655874098"; /* Replace 1234567890 with the AdSense Ad Slot ID */ google_ad_slot = "6713161600"; /* Do not change anything after this line */ if ( adWidth >= 728 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "250"]; /* Leaderboard 728x90 */ else if ( adWidth >= 468 ) google_ad_size = ["468", "60"]; /* Banner (468 x 60) */ else if ( adWidth >= 336 ) google_ad_size = ["336", "300"]; /* Large Rectangle (336 x 280) */ else if ( adWidth >= 300 ) google_ad_size = ["300", "300"]; /* Medium Rectangle (300 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 250 ) google_ad_size = ["250", "250"]; /* Square (250 x 250) */ else if ( adWidth >= 200 ) google_ad_size = ["200", "200"]; /* Small Square (200 x 200) */ else if ( adWidth >= 180 ) google_ad_size = ["180", "150"]; /* Small Rectangle (180 x 150) */ else google_ad_size = ["125", "250"]; /* Button (125 x 125) */ document.write ( `` ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Founded in 1967 with just 57 cooperatives, IFFCO is today an amalgamation of over 36,000 Indian cooperatives.

On its 50th year, it is conducting training programmes for farmers at 125 locations across the country. IFFCO posted a turnover of over Rs 22,500 crore during last fiscal. Its total fertiliser production stood at around 85 lakh tonnes and it sold nearly 110 lakh tonnes last fiscal. The co-operative has five plants in India and three overseas.

Apart from its core business of manufacturing and selling fertilisers, IFFCO is also engaged in general insurance to rural telecom and rural retail businesses. IFFCO’s MD Awasthi this month completed 50 years in fertiliser sector, of which around 25 years are in the current organisation.