Saturday 31 March 2012

DRDO planning launch of over 5000km-range Agni-5

India will join the elite club of nations having Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles ( ICBM) with the DRDO planning to carry out the launch of over 5,000 km-range Agni-5 missile next month.

"The Agni-5 will be launched in mid-April. The date of launch has not yet been finalised but it will be done within a week. The missile will have a range of more than 5,000 kms," DRDO Chief V K Saraswat told a press conference.

He said the technology of the long-range missile is one of the most advanced and closer to the ones being used by countries such as the US.

On the indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) shield, Saraswat said it was a two-phase programme first of which would be completed by 2013 and the next by 2016.

He said the premier research organisation will carry out the test of the endo-atmospheric version of the system by intercepting an incoming missile at the altitude of 150 kms and the exo-atmospheric version will be tested next year by intercepting at 30 km.

On the Naval LCA Tejas programme, Saraswat said points were raised by the Navy Chief about the flight schedule of the aircraft. "Within one or two months, the LCA Navy will undergo first test as work was on on its landing gear."

Asked if India had the means to protect its assets in space, Saraswat said India was working in that direction and was also in the process of deploying special Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR) on the satellites.

He said missiles such as Agni-4 could also be used for launching micro and mini satellites in future.

The DRDO chief said work was also on towards developing systems for preventing cyber attacks on Government networks and systems.

BrahMos developmental flight successful

A new developmental flight of India's supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, that took place on March 30 provided a fund of information on the new sub-systems that were designed and developed in India and used in the flight. The missile lifted off at 10 a.m. from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Orissa, from a truck. It reached its full range of 290 km at twice the speed of sound (2.8 Mach).
A BrahMos flight in steep dive mode over the Bay of Bengal took place on Wednesday. Although BrahMos had become an operational missile and been inducted into both the Army and the Navy, Friday's flight was called a developmental flight because it was aimed at testing many of the sub-systems, said A. Sivathanu Pillai, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BrahMos Aerospace Limited. These sub-systems included high energy batteries, airframes, composite materials, roll-cap, canister and other hardware and software, Dr. Pillai added.
“Wednesday's flight was to test BrahMos' capability again. Friday's developmental flight was to test the adequacy of many sub-systems newly designed and developed in India. We received good data from the telemetry. It was a totally instrumented flight. From the instrumented data, we will analyse the sub-systems' performance. The mission objective was to evaluate the sub-systems' suitability,” he said.
This was the 30 flight of BrahMos, a two-stage cruise missile jointly developed by Russia and India. Although it is essentially an anti-ship weapon, it can be launched land to land, sea to land and land to sea. Efforts are under way to launch it from aircraft and submarines.

Eight core industries grow by healthy 6.8% in Feb

  • Showing signs of recovery, the eight core infrastructure industries grew by 6.8 percent in February on account of healthy coal and power output, up from a dismal performance of 0.5 percent a month ago.
  • The core infra grew by 6.4 percent in February last year. 
  • The eight industries-- crude oil, petroleum refinery products, natural gas, fertilisers, coal, electricity, cement and finished steel-- have a weight of 37.90 percent in the overall Index of Industrial Production.
  • Electricity, coal and cement output grew by 8 percent, 17.8 percent and 10.8 percent, respectively, in February according to the provisional data released Thursday.
  • Economists said if this growth rate is maintained for a few more months, it would improve the overall industry output.
  • The eight core sectors had grown by a mere 0.5 percent in January, 2012.

LS speaker to lead Indian delegation to 126th IPU assembly in Uganda

Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar will lead a Parliamentary delegation to Kampala of Uganda at the 126th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly beginning from 31th of this month. The week-long Assembly will focus on the issues of promoting and practising good governance as a means of advancing peace and security and access to health as a basic right among others. The delegation will comprise of Members of Parliament from different political party and Secretary-General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Friday 30 March 2012

Fourth BRICS (BRAZIL, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit was held in New Delhi

The Fourth BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on 29 March 2012. The theme of the Summit was BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Security and Prosperity. At the Summit, the Leaders of the BRICS countries discussed political, economic and social issues of mutual and international interest.
The Summit took forward the continuing efforts towards strengthening cooperation, consultation and coordination among the BRICS countries for the benefit of their peoples and of the international community.

Seoul Nuclear Security Summit

Seoul nuclear security summit was held on 26-27 March 2012 in South Korea. It was the second nuclear security summit. 53 heads of state and government, as well as representatives of the United Nations (UN), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), European Union (EU) and INTERPOL, attended the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.

Compared to the 2010 Washington Summit, there were seven new participants: Azerbaijan, Denmark, Gabon, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania and INTERPOL. The EU was represented by both the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, making the number of participating leaders 58 in total.

The next Nuclear Security Summit will be held in 2014 in the Netherlands. The first nuclear security summit was held in Washington, USA in April 2010.

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Atomic Energy Program

The major achievements have been development of indigenous nuclear power reactor and associated fuel cycle technologies for the country’s three-stage nuclear power program in an international isolation and technology denial regime that lasted from 1974 to 2008.  India is recognized globally as a country having advanced technology with impeccable non-proliferation record.

Giving further details in reply to a question in Lok Sabha  the Minister of State in PMO  V. Narayansamy said that in the last three years, three nuclear power reactors (3x220 MS) have been commissioned successfully. Construction of 4 indigenously designed Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors of 700 MW each have been started. Bilateral cooperation agreements have been signed with several countries.

The Minister stated that as per the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 foreign equity investment in nuclear power projects is not permitted. Therefore, foreign funding can only be in the form of debt. Currently, the Kudankulam project is being set up with Russian state credit of Rs. 6416 crore. In respect of future projects, foreign debt either as state credit, banks or multilateral funding agencies is envisaged.

Revealing further on the matter  Narayansamy said that the Central Government has signed fuel supply contracts with Russian Federation, Kazakhsthan and France.

He said France has completed supply of the contracted quantity. With Russian Federation and Kazakhstan, there are long term fuel supply agreements. Supplies are being received regularly.

The land acquisition at Fatehabad, Haryana is progressing in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act. It has reached to an advanced stage of conclusion. Of the 1313 acres to be acquired for the plant site, land holders of 1109 acres have already expressed their consent. Currently compensation for land to be acquired is being discussed with the state government. The apprehensions about safety of nuclear power, particularly post Fukushima are being addressed through sustained public outreach programs.

Tuesday 27 March 2012

2001-2010 warmest decade on record: World Meteorological Organisation


Climate change has accelerated in the past decade, the UN weather agency releasing data showing that 2001 to 2010 was the warmest decade on record.

The 10-year period was also marked by extreme levels of rain or snowfall, leading to significant flooding on all continents, while droughts affected parts of East Africa and North America.

"The decade 2001-2010 was the warmest since records began in 1850, with global land and sea surface temperatures estimated at 0.46 degrees Celsius above the long term average of 14.0 degrees Celsius (57.2 degrees Fahrenheit)," said the World Meteorological Organisation.

Nine of the 10 years also counted among the 10 warmest on record, it added, noting that "climate change accelerated" during the first decade of the 21st century.

The trend continued in 2011, which was the warmest year on record despite La Nina -- a weather pattern which has a cooling effect.

'The average temperature in 2011 was 0.40 degrees Celsius above the long term average, said the WMO.

"This 2011 annual assessment confirms the findings of the previous WMO annual statements that climate change is happening now and is not some distant future threat," said WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud.

"The world is warming because of human activities and this is resulting in far-reaching and potentially irreversible impacts on our Earth, atmosphere and oceans," he added.

The UN weather agency noted that during the decade, "numerous weather and climate extremes affected almost every part of the globe with flooding, droughts, cyclones, heat waves and cold waves."

Historical floods hit Eastern Europe in 2001 and 2005, Africa in 2008, Asia and Australia in 2010.Global precipitation -- including rain or snow -- reached the second highest average since 1901. The highest average was recorded for the decade 1951-1960.

Meanwhile for the North Atlantic basin, the 10 years marked the highest level of tropical cyclone activity, including Hurricane Katrina which struck the United States in 2005 and Cyclone Nargis which hit Myanmar in 2008.

Saturday 24 March 2012

Bank of Baroda opened 1001 Ultra Small Branches Across India

Bank of Baroda, the public sector lender, on 22 March 2012 launched 1001 ultra small branches to provide banking services to the people of villages which don’t have access to banling services. The bank launched the ultra small branches under the financial inclusion initiative.
The virtual launch of 1001 ultra small branches was done by K. C. Chakraborty, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, in the presence of M. D. Mallya, Chairman and Managing Director, Bank of Baroda, at Varanasi.
On the same day, 551 ultra small branches were inaugurated across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Bank of Baroda is set to open 1700 ultra small branches in various villages across the country.

UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka’s Human rights was adopted in Geneva

UN human rights council in Geneva adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's Human rights record. 24 countries including India voted for the resolution and 15 against. 9 countries abstained from voting. The resolution is about Human Rights violations committed by the Sri Lankan Army in its war with LTTE, which ended in May, 2009.

However, India also emphasised that resolutions of this nature should fully respect the sovereign rights of states and contribute to Sri Lanka’s own efforts in this regard.
India's voting in favour of US Resolution on Sri Lanka in Geneva was in line with its stand. India has no intention to infringe on Sri Lanka's sovereignty but India is concerned about Tamils getting justice and dignity.

The Union Government of India notified NCTC (National Counter Terrorism Centre)

The Union Government of India on 3 February 2012 notified the setting up of the anti-terror body called National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). NCTC will have the power to carry out operations including arrest, search and seizure. It will draw its functional power of search and seizures under the provisions of the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. It will work as  an integral part of Intelligence bureau.

The notification mandates the terror-fighting agencies to share their inputs with NCTC and it also appoints the director and his core team. Director of NCTC will have full functional autonomy and he will have the power to seek information on terror from National Investigation Agency, NATGRID, intelligence units of CBI, National Technical Research Organisation and directorate of revenue intelligence in addition to all seven central armed police forces including NSG. He will report to the IB chief and the home ministry. The notification was issued under the Article 73 of the Constitution of India.
Article 73 in The Constitution Of India 1949
73. Extent of executive power of the Union
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive power of the Union shall extend
(a) to the matters with respect to which Parliament has power to make laws; and
(b) to the exercise of such rights, authority and jurisdiction as are exercisable by the government of India by virtue of any treaty on agreement: Provided that the executive power referred to in sub clause (a) shall not, save as expressly provided in this constitution or in any law made by Parliament, extend in any State to matters with respect in which the Legislature of the State has also power to make laws
(2) Until otherwise provided by Parliament, a State and any officer or authority of a State may, notwithstanding anything in this article, continue to exercise in matters with respect to which Parliament has power to make laws for that State such executive power or functions as the State or officer or authority thereof could exercise immediately before the commencement of this Constitution Council of Ministers

Friday 23 March 2012

Soumitra Chatterjee to Receive Dada Saheb Phalke Award for 2011

Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee will receive the top honour in India cinema - Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2011. His name was proposed by a five member Jury. The 77 year old actor made his debut in 1959 in Satyajit Ray’s APUR SANSAR and later acted in 14 of his films. The award will be presented to the veteran actor during the 59th National Film Awards function.

In the career spanning more then five decades, he has acted in more than 400 films including the films of Tapan Sinha, Mrinas Sen, Ajoy kar and Tarun Majumdar. Some of his notable films include APUR SANSAAR, DEVI, KHUDITO PASHAN, TEEN KANYA, ABHIJAN, CHARULATA, KAPURUSH, AKASH KUSUM, ARANYER DIN RATRI , ASHANI SANKET, SONAR KELLA, JOI BABA FELUNATH, HIRAK RAJAR DESHE, GHARE BAIRE, GANASHATRU, SHAKHA PROSHAKHA, PADAKSHEP, BALLYNGUNGE COURT, ANGSHUMANER CHHOBI.

Shri Chatterjee has been the winner of the National Film Award for Best Actor for the film PODOKSHEP in 2007 and Special Jury Award for Best Actor for the film DEKHA in 2000. He is also been conferred with Padma Bhushan in 2004. Mr Soumitra Chatterjee’s versatility is not confined only in the realm of cinema and theatre, he has more than a dozen books of poems to his credit.

Wednesday 21 March 2012

World Sparrow Day


 At a time when the population of sparrows is fast declining due to loss of their habitats, city-based bird lovers are striving hard to save them from extinction. On the occasion of World Sparrow Day on March 20, the bird watchers in the city urged people to contribute their bit in saving the little bird from getting extinct. 

The World Sparrow Day (WSD) is not just a one-day celebration of the ubiquitous, but fast-disappearing sparrow, but an attempt by us to bring sparrow lovers and nature supporters on a common platform, and kick off a conservation movement to save the common flora and fauna of the world.
While commendable attention has been paid by experts as well as the government to conserve endangered and exotic wildlife species like the tigers and elephants, common animals, birds and plants suffer a bleak future due of general neglect and oversight.
The pace at which our immediate environment is degrading, our common species may find their way into the endangered list before we even know it. Spreading awareness about the significance of common birds, animals and plants at this juncture is very important.
Bearing this in mind, our theme for WSD this year is called ‘Chirp for the sparrow! Tweet for the sparrow!’ This is a call to you, our friends across the world – individuals, institutes, companies and experts – to spread the word to save the sparrow and other common species. You can do it easily, by using your everyday communication devices: your mobile phones, emails, telephones as well as sharing thought on websites, social networking sites, blogs and every other possible platform. 

Goa got Nationwide Third Rank in Per Capita Deposits

Goa, the smallest Indian state by area and fourth smallest by population, secured a nationwide third rank in per capita deposits. The western state was outsmarted only by the Union Territories of Delhi and Chandigarh.
As per a recent Economic Survey the per capita deposits of Delhi stands at 3.16 lakh rupees, followed by Chandigarh which placed at 2.32 lakh rupees. Goa, which came third clocked at 1.72 lakh rupees.
According to the survey figures the aggregate deposits of Goa recorded a phenomenal growth from 9 crore rupees in 1962, a year after liberation from Portuguese rule, to 26045 crore rupees in 2008-09 and Rs 34165 crore rupees in 2010-11. The total bank deposits of the state as on September 2011 stood at 4617 crore rupees.
Goa is the only State with a low ratio of 4148 population per bank branch, while all the other States and Union Territories have a ratio of above 5000 population per branch.

A Gas-filled Aspirin was invented by the Scientist to fight Cancer

A scientist from Iran developed a gas-filled aspirin that can enhance the cancer-fighting ability of the drug. The new Aspirin was dubbed NOSH, which stands for Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulphide. The new Aspirin reduces the harmful side effects of taking aspirin.

Aspirin is effective against Cancer. But it can also cause bleeding in the gut and ulcers. The gas-filled Aspirin protects the gut from damage by producing nitric oxide and hydrogen sulphide. NOSH-aspirin was 100000 times more effective than the original drug in case of colon cancer.

Tamil Nadu Government agreed for Commissioning of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project

The Tamil Nadu Government agreed for commissioning of the 1000 MW Kudankulam nuclear power project on 19 March 2012 and sought the co-operation of the people in the area for resuming work on the plant. A resolution to this effect was adopted at the state cabinet meeting.

The resolution stated that the reports submitted by the expert committees constituted by the central and state governments had clearly stated that the nuclear power plant was absolutely safe. Moreover, the livelihood of the fishermen would not be affected by the project.

SIPRL Report: India emerged as the Largest Importer of Arms in the World

As per the report released by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRL) on 19 March 2012, India emerged as the world’s largest importer of arms in 2007-2011. In fact, India accounted for 10 percent of global arms imports between 2007 to 2011. The report stated that India took several measures to modernize its armed forces and signed many deals to procure military hardware. The major deals included 10 C-17 strategic lift aircraft, additional Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets and six C-130 Super Hercules Special Operations aircraft.

The report mentioned that in 2002-2006, China was the largest importer of arms. It is now placed at fourth position. Chinese arms industry showed improvements, which resulted in the decline of Chinese imports. The report further added that the top five global arms importer were from the Asia and Oceania.

Tuesday 20 March 2012

New Crop Varieties to Mitigate Weather Impact

National Agricultural Research System (NARS) has developed crop varieties having tolerance/resistance against biotic stresses and abiotic stresses induced due to adverse weather conditions such as drought, heat, flood, water stagnation etc. These crop varieties are under cultivation in different agro-climatic conditions for mitigating the adverse impact of weather/climate.

To augment productivity appropriate crop rotations like rice-wheat, rice-pulses, rice-oilseeds, pulses-wheat, pulses-maize, etc depending upon the suitability of soil and climate are promoted through various crop development programmes. Shifting cultivation is prevalent in North Eastern Hill States which is unsustainable and less productive. Alternate practice of settled farming is recommended for adoption which is environment friendly and sustainable.

Most of the Agro based industries are established in those areas where concerned crops are grown abundantly and as such do not displace large area under cultivation. For increasing the cultivable area and cropping intensity, utilization of rice fallows and better land use through inter-cropping are also promoted.

Rs. 716 Crore for Grameen Bhandaran Yojana

The total number of projects sanctioned so far under the Scheme is 27,110 with a total storage capacity creation of 310.29 lakh metric tonnes (MT). The Government has provided for an amount of Rs.716 crore under Grameen Bhandaran Yojana for 2012-13 to increase the capacity of godowns. The total amount sanctioned so far under scheme is Rs.912.68 crore with an expenditure of Rs.872.44 crore.

Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme

The Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has said that the City of Guwahati is covered under Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) programme- sub-Mission of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Other cities/towns of Assam are covered under Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP). The details of projects approved under BSUP and ISHDP are at Annexure.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today she said, city/town –wise details of funds allocated during each of the last three years and the funds released so far to the State of Assam under ISHDP are as below:

(Rs. Crore)
S.
No.
Year
City/Town
No. of Projects approved
Project Cost approved
Central share approved
Additional Central share released so far
1.
2008-09
Bokjan
1
10.49
8.61
4.30
2.
Nagaon
1
14.38
11.48
5.74
3.
Thiu
1
3.89
3.29
1.65
4.
2009-10
Kokrajhar
1
17.92
13.73
6.87
5.
2010-11
-
-
-
-
-

Socio-Economic & Caste Census

The field-work of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) has already commenced in 31 States/UTs. So far, enumerator’s data collection has been completed in more than 8 lakh 25 thousand census enumeration blocks of these States/UTs. The dates of field-work for the remaining four States, namely, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are being finalized by the nodal Ministry in the Central Govt., namely, the MoRD in consultation with the respective State Governments.

The field work for the SECC is being conducted by the respective State/UT Governments. The financial and technical support for this exercise is being provided by the Government of India. The Nodal Ministries in the Government of India are the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. Technical support is being provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India).

The field data-collection in each Enumeration Block is being conducted by a team of 2 persons, an enumerator who is appointed by the State/UT Government and a Data Entry Operator who is handling the Tablet PC for data entry operation. The tasks related to hardware and software development and field data entry operations has been entrusted to a consortium of three Central Public Sector Undertakings, namely, the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and the Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) Limited.

Sanitation Programme

The Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has said that Centrally sponsored revised Integrated Low Cost Sanitation Scheme is underway in the country since January, 2008 for conversion of dry latrines into twin-pit pour flush latrines and construction of new latrines for the Economically Weaker Section in the urban areas who have no latrines. State-wise details of proposals sanctioned and funds released including Maharashtra is at Annexure - I.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today she said, the upper ceiling cost of `10,000/- is prescribed for the complete unit of a two pit pour flush individual latrines with superstructure. `12,500/- cost is provided for the States falling in the category of difficult and hilly areas. The said structure is funded in the manner: 75% Central Share, 15% State Share and 10% Beneficiary share.  Hence, funds provided to the States as share of Centre is `9375/- for States falling under hilly and difficult areas and `7500/- for other States.

She said, at present, this Ministry is not taking any steps to increase the prescribed per unit cost.
Annexure – I

SL. No.
Name of the State
Units sanctioned
Central subsidy sanctioned (in crores)

1.
Bihar
12131
9.251
2.
Jammu & Kashmir
5897
5.54
3.
Manipur
7117
6.78
4.
Maharashtra
39663
30.50
5.
Nagaland
5480
5.19
6.
Kerala
8239
6.28
7.
Madhya Pradesh
14281
11.31
8.
Tripura
25039
26.95
9.
Odisha
4690
4.10
10.
Jharkhand
3891
3.4
11.
Chhattisgarh
26018
22.76
12.
Uttar Pradesh
238253
181.66
13.
Uttarakhand
1613
1.32
14.
West Bengal
14549
11.96
15.
Rajasthan
1039
0.79

Total
407900
340.411

TELiBrahma, Railtel jointly offer BluFi at Bangalore railway station


Bangalore Division, in collaboration with RailTel and Telibrahma, has launched BluFi services in the City Railway station. BluFi is a unique combination of Bluetooth application and Wi-Fi connectivity. This innovative initiative will allow passengers to receive a host of information, like videos, downloadable games, wallpapers, etc., and also information on the Railways by just switching on Bluetooth on their mobile phones.
Free Wi-Fi connectivity has also been provided by RailTel as part of their RailWire retail broadband initiative.
“This is another important step in improving the passenger amenities at the Bangalore City station and definitely it is apt that this service is happening in the IT city,” said S Mani, Divisional Railway Manager.
“RailWire is a pilot retail broadband initiative by Railtel to provide affordable, high quality internet connectivity to the masses. Railwire is providing free Wi-Fi connectivity in the Bangalore City station as a passenger amenity,” said K Manohar Raja, General Manager, Railtel Corporation of India Ltd.
To use the connection, passengers can send the request for Internet access by sending their mobile number to which the password will be sent via SMS.
Speaking at the launch, Ravi BR, COO & Co-founder, TELiBrahma, said, “The objective of enabling BluFi at the Bangalore City Railway station is to improve passenger experience. BluFi will bring a wide range of information to passengers that will help provide each one of them with an entertaining and informative transit at the station.”
TELiBrahma is a leading provider in the mobile advertising solutions space. The company works with global brands to deliver rich media engagement to targeted consumers.

Friday 16 March 2012

China becomes top foreign investor in Germany: Trade agency

China overtook the US to become the top foreign investor in Germany in 2011 in terms of investment project numbers, according to statistics released by the Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) agency Thursday.

Chinese investment projects in Germany have totalled up to 158, ahead of the US' 110, Switzerland's 91 and France's 53, said a statement by GTAI, the economic development agency of the German government, reported Xinhua.

In a latest sign of the strong Chinese investment tide in Germany, automotive supplier Heibei Lingyun Industrial Group Corporation earlier this week agreed to buy Kiekert, a German maker of latch systems for cars.

Early this year, Chinese construction equipment manufacturer Sany Heavy Industry wound up acquisition of Putzmeister, a German engineering firm.

The deal has been deemed as one of the biggest investment projects in the mechanical manufacturing and engineering sector, the pillar industry of the German economy.

More than half of the total foreign investments in Germany still come from the European countries, according to the GTAI.

Sachin creates history with 100th ton


Iconic Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar on March 16 scripted history by becoming the first cricketer in the world to score 100 international centuries, a phenomenal feat which may remain unconquered for years to come.
Tendulkar, who already has a pile of runs and records to his credit, achieved the incredible milestone when he turned spinner Shakib—ul Hasan towards fine—leg in the Asia Cup match against Bangladesh.
The star batsman first looked heaven-wards and then acknowledged the cheers of his teammates and the crowd by lifting his bat.
It was the end of a long wait for the 38—year—old veteran, who had gone 33 innings and a year without a century. The right—hander made his 99th international ton in a World Cup match against South Africa in Nagpur on March 12.
Since then it had been an agonising wait for the maestro, whose every inning was watched with anticipation. He came close on quite a few occassion only to miss the milestone so much so that it became a huge monkey on his back and an unwanted distraction during every series that India played.
He was woefully out of form during India’s Test and ODI whitewash at the hands of England last year and though he recovered quite a bit in the later series, the hundred was still not coming.
He carried the weight of expectation to what turned out to be a horror tour of Australia. Tendulkar seemed to be in good touch during the Tests but his form waned after he missed the 100th hundred despite coming close a few times.
Following this, he made himself available for the ODI tri—series against Sri Lanka and Australia but there too, the milestone proved elusive.
But the wait finally ended in familiar sub—continental environs.
With an over two decade long career, records are fairly routine for Tendulkar but for the cricketing fraternity every run he scores just adds to the legend that the diminutive right—hander has become.
The champion batsman has perhaps every batting record that is there to be taken under his belt and adding to the countless tally is the historic hundred he scored against England in the post—lunch session.
Much before his debut on November 15, 1989, Tendulkar’s precocious talent was there to be seen when he shared an unbeaten 664—run stand with buddy Vinod Kambli in the Lord Harris Shield Inter—School Game in 1988.
The 1989 international debut was far less spectacular, in fact forgettable. A Waqar Younis bouncer left him with a bleeding nose but Tendulkar did not wince and the next two decades saw him punishing bowlers all over the world on all kind of surfaces.
His first Test century came in England next year at Old Trafford and the Mumbaikar rose in stature after the 1991—92 tour of Australia, hitting sublime centuries on a Sydney turner and a Perth minefield.
The rest is history. No existing batting record seemed safe. Other than Brian Lara’s Test match highest of 400 not out and first class highest score of 501 not out, every batting record became Tendulkar’s.
A staggering 15470 runs scored in 188 Tests at a robust average of 55.44 confirmed Tendulkar’s greatness in the longer version of the game.
And in the 462 ODIs he played, a whopping 18,260 (before the Asia Cup match against Bangladesh) were added to his mountain of runs at an average of 44.64.
Tendulkar is also the only batsman in the world who has scored a double ton in ODIs, a feat he achieved in Gwalior against South Africa in February. This feat was included in ’Times’ magazine’s top 10 sports moments of the year.
A perfect teamman, Tendulkar has limited his Twenty20 ambition to the Indian Premier League where he leads Mumbai Indians, ruling himself out of national reckoning lest it upsets the existing equilibrium of the side.
The biggest compliment to his batting came from Sir Donald Bradman himself in 1999 when he said that Tendulkar’s style of playing resembled his style. “That touch I used to feel when I batted,” he had said.
Tendulkar’s colossal batting exploits have completely overshadowed his utility as a part—time bowler who reveled in breakthroughs.
He was a complete enigma with the ball, sending down military medium pace, orthodox leg—break and off—spin with the guiles that often caught batsmen off their guard.
His 45 Test wickets and 154 scalps in ODIs underline the fact that Tendulkar could have also staked claim to be that elusive all—rounder that India has been desperately looking for since the legendary Kapil Dev. But shoulder problems have not allowed him to bowl as much as he and the team would have liked.
In the field, he is among the safest pair of hands in the slip and his flat throw releasing strong arm saw him manning the deep with equal aplomb. He has taken 113 catches in Test cricket and 140 in the ODIs.

Economic Survey of India 2011-12: Highlights

The economic survey 2011-12 was presented in the parliament by the Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee on 14 March 2012. According to the economic survey 2011-12 the Indian GDP pegged at 6.9% in the fiscal year 2010-11. Figure for the agriculture, services and industry sector stood at 2.5%, 9.4% and 4-5% respectively. The survey, which is presented annually by the Ministry of Finance, of government of India, maintained that the Indian economy despite global slowdown remained exuberant and was among the fastest growing economies of the world.

Given below are the highlights of economic survey 2011-12

•    Growth Rate is estimated to be 6.9%. Outlook for growth and stability is promising as the real GDP growth expected to pick up to 7.6% in 2012-13 and 8.6% in 2013-14.
•    At 2.5 %, Agri sector performed well. Services sector grew by 9.4 %, its share in GDP grew up to 59%.
•    Industrial sector growth stood at 4-5 %
•    Inflation on WPI which was on a upward trajectory in the initial part of the year witnessed a sharp slow down by the year-end.
•    WPI food inflation dropped from 20.2% in February 2010 to 1.6% in January 2012. The low inflation rate is likely to improve promote investment
•    India remains among the fastest growing economies of the world. Country’s sovereign credit rating rose by a substantial 2.98 percent in 2007-12.
•    Fiscal consolidation on track - savings & capital formation expected to rise.
  • Exports grew 40.5% in the first half of this fiscal and imports grew by 30.4%.
  • The trade deficit stood at 8% of the GDP. 
  • Forex reserves enhanced - covering nearly the entire external debt stock
•    Central spending on social services goes up to 18.5% this fiscal from 13.4% in 2006-07.
•    MNREGA coverage increases to 5.49 crore households in 2010-11.
•    Sustainable development and climate change concerns on high priority.

Thursday 15 March 2012

Chinese lawmakers propose all-weather border highway


China's lawmakers have proposed the construction of a new highway linking southwestern Yunnan with Tibet, which would for the first time provide year-round access to a remote region which borders Arunachal Pradesh.
The new highway, which would include two 1,600-metre-tunnels, would also cut short the route between the two regional capitals of Kunming and Lhasa by more than 300 km, according to Ding Xiuhua, a representative in the National People's Congress (NPC, the Chinese Parliament) from Nujiang, a Yunnan prefecture that borders the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
She described the project as one of “strategic significance” in her proposal. The highway would run through Nyingchi, a Tibetan county that borders Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims and refers to as “south Tibet”.
The new route would also allow connectivity in the winter. The current highway, which is located at an altitude of 4,000 metres, was “almost impassable” in winter months because of hazardous conditions, she said.
“The construction of the new route will also boost economic development along the road,” Ms. Ding told the official Xinhua news agency.
The plans are part of a recent move to boost infrastructure in border regions, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang which have seen recent unrest.

Economic development

While China says the projects are aimed at economic development, Indian defence officials have expressed concern about their strategic implications and the growing asymmetry in infrastructure across the disputed border.
People's Liberation Army (PLA) Major General Luo Yuan, a scholar with the Academy of Military Sciences, told the Communist Party-run Global Times newspaper that border areas needed more attention considering the large presence of ethnic minorities, accounting for 15 per cent of the population in those areas. “An unbalanced economy” in frontier regions, he warned, “will bring unharmonious elements to these areas”.

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Half of India's homes have cellphones, but not toilets


Though half of all Indians do not have a toilet at home, well over half own a telephone, new census data released.
These and many other contrasting facts of life have come out in Census 2011. The data on housing, household amenities and assets cast new light on a country in the throes of a complex transition, where millions have access to state-of-the-art technologies and consumer goods — but a larger number lacks access to the most rudimentary facilities.
It shows Indian society is overwhelmingly made up of nuclear families. They have ever more access to electricity and gather their information from television, rather than radio. At the same time, women are forced to rely on traditional smoky fuels to cook, and less than a third of the population have access to treated drinking water.
Only 46.9 per cent of the total 246.6 million households have toilet facilities. Of the rest, 3.2 per cent use public toilets. And 49.8 per cent ease themselves in the open. In stark contrast, 63.2 per cent of the households own a telephone connection — 53.2 per cent of mobile phones
Releasing the data, Registrar-General and Census Commissioner C. Chandramouli said the lack of sanitary facilities “continues to be a big concern for the country.” “Cultural and traditional reasons,” he argued, “and lack of education seemed to be the primary reasons for this unhygienic practice. We have to do a lot in these areas.”
However, the data also show significant deficits in areas that have nothing to do with cultural practices or poor education. For example, two-thirds of households continue to use firewood, crop residue, cow dung cakes or coal for cooking — putting women to significant health hazards and hardship.
The data also show that just 32 per cent of the households use treated water for drinking and 17 per cent still fetch drinking water from a source located more than 500 metres in rural areas or 100 metres in urban centres.
There has been an 11 percentage point increase in households using electricity, from 56 per cent to 67 per cent. The rural-urban gap for this indicator has dropped by seven percentage point, from 44 per cent to 37 per cent.
India, the data show, is now overwhelmingly made up of nuclear families — a dramatic change from just a generation ago, where joint families were the norm. Seventy per cent of the households consist of only one couple. Indian families are overwhelmingly likely — 86.6 per cent of them — to live in their own houses, but 37.1 per cent live in a single room.
Though there has been a nine percentage point jump in the numbers of households who own a two-wheeler, 45 per cent own a cycle, which remains the primary mode of transport.
The data cast light on the changing character of the media. There has been a 16 per cent increase in the number of households watching television, but a 15 per cent decline in the use of radios and transistors. A total of 47.2 per cent of households own a television; only 19.9 per cent have either radio or transistors.

Railway Budget 2012-13 at a Glance


The Railway Budget presented by Minister of Railways  Dinesh Trivedi in Parliament on March 14 seeks to raise investment in modernization and upgradation of rail infrastructure. It gives very high priority to rail safety and security. Passenger fares have been increased marginally.  Presenting the Railway Budget 2012-13 in Parliament on March 14, Trivedi proposed a Budget with highest ever plan outlay of Rs. 60,100 crore which provides Rs. 6,872 crore for new railway lines and significant funds for passengers safety, security and amenities.    
In this Budget, the Railway Minister has focused on five important fields, which are: Safety; Consolidation; Decongestion & Capacity Augmentation; Modernization; and to bring down the Operating Ratio from 95% to 84.9% in 2012-13.    
The marginal increase in passenger fares is as follows:   
By 2 paise per km for suburban and  ordinary second class; 3 paise per km for mail/express second class; 5 paise per km for sleeper class; 10 paise per km for AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier and First Class; 15 paise per km for AC 2 tier and 30 paise per km for AC I.  The fares will be rounded off to the next nearest five rupees and the minimum fares and platform tickets will  cost Rs. 5.   
In the Railway Budget, the Minister has proposed 75 new Express trains, 21 new passenger services, 9 DEMU services and 8 MEMU services. Shri Trivedi also announced the extension of the 39 trains; increase in the frequency of 23 trains; 75 additional services to run in Mumbai suburban; 44 new suburban services to be introduced in Kolkata area; 50 new services to be introduced in Kolkata Metro; and 18 additional services to be run in Chennai area.   
The Railway Budget for 2012-13 also provides for 50% concession in fare in AC-2, AC-3, Chair Car & Sleeper classes to patients suffering from ‘Aplastic Anaemia’ and ‘Sickle Cell Anaemia’. It also provides for extending the facility of travel by Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains to Arjuna Awardees. The travel distance under ‘Izzat Scheme’ has also been increasd from 100 kms to 150 kms.   
Proposing highest ever plan outlay for the Railway Budget, the Railway Minister said that it will be financed through Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) of Rs 24,000 crore; Railway Safety Fund of Rs 2,000 crore; internal resources  of Rs 18,050 crore; and Extra Budgetary Resources of Rs 16,050 crore, which includes market borrowing of Rs 15,000  crore through IRFC.   
The Railway Budget provides for 725 km new lines; 700 km doubling; 800 km gauge conversion and 1,100 km electrification. Rs 6,872 crore have been provided for new lines; Rs 3,393 crore for doubling; Rs 1,950 crore for gauge conversation and Rs 828 crore have been provided for electrification.   
The Railway Budget 2012-13 lays emphasis on safety and security of the passengers. Shri Dinesh Trivedi said that drawing from the recommendations of the  Anil Kakodkar and Sam Pitroda Committees, he has chosen five focus areas. These are: Track; Bridges; Signalling & Telecommunication; Rolling Stock; and Stations & Freight Terminals. Under this a Railway Safety Authority has been proposed as  statutory regulatory body; Missions will be created  to implement the modernization programme; and setting up of a Railway Tariff Regulatory Authority is to be considered. Two new Board Members (Safety/Research and PPP/Marketing) are to be inducted.  Shri Trivedi also announced the setting up of a Rail-Road Grade Separation Corporation to eliminate level crossings. Three ‘Safety Villages’ will also be set up at Bengaluru, Kharagpur and Lucknow for skill development for disaster management. The Railway Minister also announced that an Indian Railway Station Development Corporation will be set up to redevelop stations through PPP mode. He also announced that a Logistics Corporation will be set up for development & management of existing railway goods sheds and multi-modal logistics parks. A National High Speed Rail Authority is also to be set-up.   
Highlighting the efforts being made to improve the amenities and to provide better experience to the passengers at stations the Railway Minister said that 929 stations will be upgraded as Adarsh Stations including 84 stations proposed in 2012-13.  Specially designed coaches for differently-abled persons will be provided in each Mail/Express trains. RPF helpline will be integrated with the All India Passenger Helpline. SMS on passenger mobile phone in case of e-ticket will be accepted as proof of valid reservation. Satellite based real time train information system (SIMRAN) will be introduced to provide train running information to passengers through SMS, internet, etc. On board passenger displays indicating next halt station and expected arrival time will be introduced. 321 escalators will be installed at important stations of which 50 will be commissioned in 2012-13. Regional cuisine will be introduced at affordable rates.
The Railway Minister also announced  launching of Book-a-meal scheme to provide multiple choice of meals through SMS or email. Coin/currency operated ticket vending machines will be introduced during 2012-13. Rail Bandhu on-board magazines will be distributed on Rajdhanis, Shatabdis and Duronto trains. The Railway Budget 2012-13 also proposes setting up of AC Executive lounges at important stations.   
The Railway Minister announced that pre-feasibility studies on six high speed corridors have already been completed and study on Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Jodhpur will be taken up in 2012-13.   
Announcing the measures for the welfare of railway employees, the Minister proposed a wellness programme for railway staff at their work places; ensuring proper rest for skilled and technical staff including the running crew; and institution of ‘Rail Khel Ratna’ Award for 10 rail sports-persons every year.   
Caring for the environment, the Railway Minister announced the introduction of a ‘Green Train’ to run through the pristine forests of North Bengal; 200 remote railway stations will be set up as ‘green energy stations’ powered entirely by solar energy; solar lighting system will be provided at 1,000 manned level crossing gates;  2,500 coaches will be equipped with bio toilets. Shri Dinesh Trivedi also announced setting up of 72 MW capacity windmill plants in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.   
The Minister said that during 2011-12 the railways recruited over 80,000 persons to fill up various vacancies; now he proposes to recruit over one lakh persons during 2012-13 so that backlog of SC/ST/OBC and other categories will be wiped off.   
The Minister announced that freight loading during 2012-13 is expected to be 1,025 MT which will be 55 MT more than 2011-12. The passenger growth during the year is pegged at 5.4%. 

Highlights of Railway Budget 2012-13

• Passenger fares increased marginally. The increase will be by 2 paise per km for suburban and ordinary second class; 3 paise per km for mail/express second class; 5 paise per km for sleeper class; 10 paise per km for AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier and First Class; 15 paise per km for AC 2 tier and 30 paise per km for AC I.

• Minimum fare and platform tickets to cost Rs. 5.

• 50% concession in fare in AC-2, AC-3, Chair Car & Sleeper classes to patients suffering from ‘Aplastic Anaemia’ and ‘Sickle Cell Anaemia’.

• Extending the facility of travel by Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains to Arjuna Awardees.

• Travel distance under ‘Izzat Scheme’ to increase from 100 kms to 150 kms.

• SMS on passenger mobile phone in case of e-ticket to be accepted as proof of valid reservation.

• Introduction of satellite based real time train information system (SIMRAN) to provide train running information to passengers through SMS, internet, etc.

• On board passenger displays indicating next halt station and expected arrival time to be introduced.

• Installation of 321 escalators at important stations of which 50 will be commissioned in 2012-13.

• Introduction of regional cuisine at affordable rates; launching of Book-a-meal scheme to provide multiple choice of meals through SMS or email.

• Introduction of coin/currency operated ticket vending machines.

• Upgradation of 929 stations as Adarsh Stations including 84 stations proposed in 2012-13; 490 stations have been completed so far.

• Specially designed coaches for differently-abled persons to be provided in each Mail/Express trains.

• Introduction of Rail Bandhu on-board magazines on Rajdhanis, Shatabdis and Duronto trains.

• Setting up of AC Executive lounges at important stations

• 75 new Express trains to be introduced.

• 21 new passenger services, 9 DEMU services and 8 MEMU services to be introduced.

• Run of 39 trains to be extended.

• Frequency of 23 trains to be increased.

• 75 additional services to run in Mumbai suburban; 44 new suburban services to be introduced in Kolkata area, 50 new services to be introduced in Kolkata Metro; 18 additional services in Chennai area.

• 725 km new lines, 700 km doubling, 800 km gauge conversion and 1,100 km electrification targeted in 2012-13.

• Rs 6,872 cr provided for new lines, Rs 3,393 cr for doubling, Rs 1,950 cr for gauge conversation, Rs 828 cr for electrification

• Highest ever plan outlay of Rs. 60,100 cr

• Rae Bareli coach factory manufactured 10 coaches in 2011-12; phase-II of the factory would be commissioned in 2012-13.

• A wagon factory to be set up at Sitapali (Ganjam District of Odisha)

• A rail coach factory with the support of Government of Kerala to be set up at Palakkad; two additional new manufacturing units for coaches to be established in the Kutch area in Gujarat and at Kolar in Karnataka with active participation of the State Governments.

• Setting up of a factory at Shyamnagar in West Bengal to manufacture next generation technology propulsion system for use in high power electric locomotives.

• Creating Missions as recommended by Pitroda Committee to implement the modernization programme.

• Setting up of Railway Tariff Regulatory Authority to be considered.

• New Board Members for Safety/Research and PPP/Marketing to be inducted.

• Rail-Road Grade Separation Corporation to be set up to eliminate level crossings.

• Indian Railway Station Development Corporation to be set up to redevelop stations through PPP mode.

• Logistics Corporation to be set up for development & management of existing railway goods sheds and multi-modal logistics parks.

• National High Speed Rail Authority to be set-up.

• Pre-feasibility studies on six high speed corridors already completed; study on Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Jodhpur to be taken up in 2012-13.

• Introduction of a ‘Green Train’ to run through the pristine forests of North Bengal.

• Setting up of 200 remote railway stations as ‘green energy stations’ powered entirely by solar energy.

• Providing solar lighting system at 1,000 manned level crossing gates.

• 2,500 coaches to be equipped with bio toilets.

• Setting up of 72 MW capacity windmill plants in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

• Installation of Integrated Security System at all 202 identified stations to be completed in 2012-13.

• Escorting of trains by RPF/GRP extended to 3,500 trains.

• Integration of RPF helpline with the All India Passenger Helpline.

• Setting up of a Railway Safety Authority as a statutory regulatory body as recommended by Kakodkar Committee

• . Three ‘Safety Villages’ to be set up at Bengaluru, Kharagpur and Lucknow for skill development for disaster management.

• Over one lakh persons to be recruited in 2012-13 – backlog of SC/ST/OBC and other categories to be wiped off.

• Introduction of a wellness programme for railway staff at their work places.

• Ensuring proper rest for skilled and technical staff including the running crew.

• Institution of ‘Rail Khel Ratna’ Award for 10 rail sports-persons every year.

• New coaching terminal at Naihati, the birth place of Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay commemorating him on 175th Birth Anniversary.

• .Project to connect Agartala with Akhaura in Bangladesh to be taken up in 2012-13.

• Freight loading of 1,025 MT targeted; 55 MT more than 2011-12

• Passenger growth targeted at 5.4 %.
 

Railway Safety Authority to be Set up
The Ministry of Railways proposes to set up an independent Railway Safety Authority as a statutory regulatory body as recommended by Kakodkar Committee. This was announced by the Minister of Railways Shri Dinesh Trivedi. Introducing the Railway Budget for 2012-13 in Parliament today, he said, the function of the authority would be worked out in greater details in line with international practices in the best interest of passenger safety. The Minister said since research and development activities are central to any tangible results in the area of safety enhancement, he also proposed to set up a Railway Research and Development Council at the apex level to spearhead such efforts. Shri Trivedi said, his entire emphasis is going to be on strengthening Safety.

Admitting that he is not at all satisfied with the safety standard at the present moment, the Minister said the commitment made in 2001 to reduce accidents per million train km from 0.55 to 0.17 has been achieved. He said, however the target should be zero death. The Minister said that more than 40% of the consequential train accidents, involving 60% to 70% of the total casualties occur at unmanned railway crossings. To fast track elimination of level crossings in the next five years, the railways have decided to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Rail-Road Grade Separation Corporation of India.

Shri Trivedi said, in order to achieve even higher safety standards, he has decided to set up a committee to examine the current standards of safety on Indian Railways and to suggest suitable benchmarks and safety protocols. He said, considering the zero tolerance approach in the areas of nuclear science and aerospace, he feels that the best people to guide railways in determining appropriate safety protocols should be from these two fields.

The Minister also announced that a New Board Member (Safety/Research) to be inducted in the Railway Board.

He said, three ‘Safety Villages’ to be set up at Bengaluru, Kharagpur and Lucknow for skill development for disaster management.
 

New Passenger Amenities  
The allocation under passenger amenities in this year’s Railway Budget has been raised to Rs. 1102 crore. The allocation under this head in 2011-12 was Rs. 762 crore. Some of the important passenger and other user friendly measures introduced or being proposed during 2012-13 are:

i. To facilitate easy movement of passengers, installation of 321 escalators at important stations of which 50 will be commissioned during 2012-13;

ii. SMS on passenger mobile phone in case of e-ticket along with an ID proof to be accepted as proof of valid reservation;

iii. To meet the needs of changing times and customer demand, launching of “Book-a-meal” scheme to provide multiple choice of meals, like low cost meal, diabetic meal etc. through SMS or email;

iv. To set up AC Executive lounges at important stations to provide value added services at a charge, offering facilities such as wifi internet, buffet services, wash and change, concierge services for pre-departure and post-arrival assistance to passengers;

v. Expansion of housekeeping schemes for trains such as Clean Train Station, On Board Housekeeping Services for cleaning en route and mechanized cleaning at originating/terminating stations;

vi. Introduction of ‘Rail Bandhu’ on-board magazine on Rajdhanis, Shatabdis and Duronto Trains;

vii. Introduction of coin/currency operated ticket vending machines as a pilot project;

viii. Introduction of alternate Train accommodation System (ATAS) as a pilot project to accommodate waitlisted passenger on alternate trains;

ix. Introduction of first model rake with world class interiors;

x. Upgradation of 929 stations as Adarsh Stations including 84 stations proposed in 2012-13;

xi. Construction of Multi-functional Complexes at 24 locations completed;

xii. Sale of PRS tickets (reserved tickets) through 151 post offices and

xiii. Implementation of electronic transmission of Railway Receipts for freight traffic direct to the customers.
 

India and AARDO in Search of New Horizons

India had played a leading role in struggle for political emancipation of many nations of Africa.  The Mahatma once said “India’s heart pines for Africa”. Due to shared history, commonality of issues and challenges and geopolitical reasons India has been a strong votary and architect of solidarity and cooperation among Afro-Asian nations.  From Bandung to hey days of Non-alignment and pinnacle of South-South Cooperation India has always stood up for a closer relationship and collective approach among the countries of the region on every possible sphere.
            Afro-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) is the culmination of a unique camaraderie and resolve in exploring innovative and effective ways and means to strengthen cooperation between Asia and Africa in the field of rural development.  AARDO is one of the earliest examples of South-South cooperation in rural development in the Afro-Asian region.  It is an autonomous inter-governmental organisation.
            Notwithstanding the growing and rapid urbanization of the countries of the region, an average 68 per cent of population in the region still live in rural areas.  More than two-thirds of the world population lives in this region.  Paradoxically, three-fourth of world’s poor also live here.  No doubt poverty is a global phenomenon; it however does not affect every region of the world equally.  Worldwide 2.7 billion people live on less than $2 a day, and 1.1 billion people live on under $1 a day. 
            In Sub-Saharan Africa almost 50% of the population lives on under $1 a day.  Thirty-two of the world’s forty eight poorest countries are located in this region.  Similarly, Southeast Asia account for approximately half of the world’s poor.  Of a population of 1.3 billion, 85% live on less than $2 a day.  The East Asia/Pacific region is home to 1.8-2 billion people, making it one of the most populous regions on earth.  About 50% of the population here too lives on less than $2 a day.
            Thus the whole Afro-Asian region in general and the rural areas of the region in particular are afflicted by extreme poverty.
            Poverty is the greatest affront on human rights, dignity, and development.  Many of the conflicts witnessed in the countries of the region are directly attributable to extreme poverty.
            To banish extreme poverty and allied scourges from the face of the earth in a time bound manner by 2015 through a global partnership, UN adopted the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  As a natural corollary, AARDO in its New Delhi Declaration of 2007 undertook to achieve the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and agreed to carry forward the spirit of cooperation for rural development, to begin with, among AARDO member countries and strive to enlarge cooperation with others in the year to come.
            The principal objective of AARDO has been the promotion of understanding among member countries for better appreciation of each others problems.  To realise these objectives, AARDO has been implementing a number of concerted programmes on triennial basis.  During the triennium 2006-2008, all out efforts were made to consolidate the existing activities of AARDO, namely, training programmes, workshops, seminars, deputation of experts, development pilot projects, dissemination of information and at the same time, initiate new programmes such as new training courses, regional level workshops/seminars and study visits, action research studies, meeting of heads of training institutes and regional representatives to discuss and review technical programmes, etc. AARDO also aims to help the member countries in obtaining financial and technical assistance for rural development programmes from the financial and other specialised institutions like World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), African Development Bank (AFDB) etc.
            Another major plank for AARDO has been collaboration with appropriate international and regional organisations, including the UN agencies and national level bodies both governmental and non-governmental, in the developed and developing countries, for the purpose of taking such actions as may accelerate the pace of rural development.
            AARDO has also been assisting in the development of organisation of farmers and other rural people including the cooperatives for accelerating rural development in the member countries.  It is in this backdrop that India’s experience and phenomenal success in the field of agriculture and rural reconstruction are of critical value to the AARDO member states many of which are still struggling to grapple with the issue of how to fast pace the development of their rural areas by eradicating thirst, hunger, illiteracy, disease and poverty.
            From the dawn of independence one of the most abiding and absorbing tasks for our successive governments has been to develop millions of our villages where over 70 per cent of our people live.  Keeping with the urgency of bridging the gulf, 5-year plans set out and achieved ambitious tasks of rural reconstruction.  The methodology, strategy, orientation and trajectory were changed and adjusted, but the focus remained the improvement of the quality of life in our rural areas.  Tenth Five-Year Plan had outlined India’s human development goals and targets for the next five to 10 years.  Most of these are related to and are more ambitious than the Millennium Development Goals. Emanating from this is “Bharat Nirman” – a time bound business like programme for specific targets of rural infrastructure development by 2015. 
            To match up with the renewed emphasis and new mood of reaching out development in rural areas also called for a change in approach, a paradigm shift was hence introduced with more and more rural development programme becoming demand driven i.e. not limited by budget, programmes are also aiming at universal coverage.  The new mantra for rural development is to foster an “inclusive growth” which does not leave out the vast majority of rural populace from the ambit of growth and development taking place in the country.
India’s concern for poverty eradication and emancipating the rural population from the scourge of hunger transcends her national boundaries as India always believes that poverty is indivisible and is the single biggest cause for conflict among communities and nations and hence need to be combated concertedly.
The formation of Afro-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) (earlier known as Afro-Asian Rural Reconstruction Organisation) in 1962 underscored the far-sightedness of the social and political leaders of Asia and Africa in recognising the need for cooperation among the countries in the field of agriculture and rural development.  The “Copenhagen Declaration” described poverty as “….. a condition characterised by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information.”
Time has therefore come to strengthen AARDO to enable it to take a holistic approach to address the rural poverty as defined by the “Copenhagen Declaration” so that its mission and objectives can be taken beyond the realms of semantics.  This can be achieved by bringing together   many of the nations of Africa and Asia, which are still not members of AARDO and also by broadening its purview.
 The forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebration of AARDO being held in New Delhi on 5-6th, March, 2012 shall provide a new fillip and also an apt platform to the 29 member nations to share their experiences and explore new areas of cooperation