Government approves four GST Bills

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the following four GST related bills:
1.      The Central Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The CGST Bill)
2.      The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The IGST Bill)
3.      The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The UTGST Bill)
4.      The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to the States) Bill 2017 (The Compensation Bill)
The above four Bills have been earlier approved by the GST Council after thorough, clause by clause, discussion over 12 meetings of the Council held in the last six months.
The CGST Bill makes provisions for levy and collection of tax on intra-state supply of goods or services for both by the Central Government. On the other hand, IGST Bill makes provisions for levy and collection of tax on inter-state supply of goods or services or both by the Central Government.
The UTGST Bill makes provisions for levy on collection of tax on intra-UT supply of goods and services in the Union Territories without legislature. Union Territory GST is akin to States Goods and Services Tax (SGST) which shall be levied and collected by the States/Union Territories on intra-state supply of goods or services or both.
The Compensation Bill provides for compensation to the states for loss of revenue arising on account of implementation of the goods and services tax for a period of five years as per section 18 of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016.
             The Government is committed to early introduction of GST, one of the biggest reforms, in the country as early as possible.  GST Council has decided 1st July as the date of commencement of GST.  The Finance Minister in his Budget Speech has mentioned that country-wide outreach efforts will be made to explain the provisions of GST to Trade and Industry.

Health Policy: A huge milestone in the history of public health in India

Health Policy provides policy framework for achieving universal health coverage, and is patient-centric and quality-driven: J P Nadda 

Terming the Cabinet approval of the National Health Policy 2017 as a huge milestone in the history of public health in the country, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda said that it seeks to reach everyone in a comprehensive integrated way to move towards wellness. Shri Nadda added that NHP 2017, which is patient-centric and quality-driven, provides the much needed policy framework for achieving universal health coverage and delivering quality health care services to all at an affordable cost. The Union Health Minister stated under the guidance of the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, the Health Ministry has formulated the National Health Policy 2017, after a gap of 14 years, to address the current and emerging challenges necessitated by the changing socio-economic and epidemiological landscapes since the last National Health Policy was framed in 2002. Shri Nadda said that “The Policy recommends prioritizing the role of the Government in shaping health systems in all its dimensions. The roadmap of this new Policy is predicated on public spending and provisioning of a public healthcare system that is comprehensive, integrated and accessible to all. Further, it advocates a positive and proactive engagement with the private sector for critical gap filling towards achieving national goals. It envisages private sector collaboration for strategic purchasing, capacity building, skill development programmes, awareness generation, developing sustainable networks for community to strengthen mental health services, and disaster management”. The Minister added that the Policy advocates financial and non-financial incentives for encouraging the private sector participation. NHP 2017 seeks to promote quality of care, focus on emerging diseases and invest in promotive and preventive healthcare. It addresses health security and make in India for drugs and devices. The Policy has also assigned specific quantitative targets aimed at reduction of disease prevalence/incidence, for health status and programme impact, health system performance and system strengthening. It seeks to strengthen the health surveillance system and establish registries for diseases of public health importance, by 2020. It also seeks to align other policies for medical devices and equipment with public health goals. 

Due to the 'dangerous level' of the IAS officers

The number of vacant posts of IAS officers has reached the 'alarming level'. By January 1, 2016, the information about 1470 IAS officers was vacant. Giving this information, a committee of the Parliament said that it will take decades to complete this shortfall. The Committee has expressed concern that administrative work is being affected due to the lack of officers on important posts in the Central and State.
In the parliament, the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice on Wednesday said in its report that the shortage of IAS officers has remained a lasting problem since 1951 and now the situation has reached alarming levels. It told the Parliament that only 6,396 posts were filled in 4,926 posts. The committee has recommended a comprehensive effort to fill these vacancies. It has said in its recommendation that training should be given to more IAS officers using the ability of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).
According to the report, the panel has received this information that out of the 1470 posts, 9 00 posts are directly recruited from the quota and the rest are connected to the state's promotion quota. The Department of Personnel Training (DOPT) told the committee that these recruits can not be taken abruptly because only 180 IAS officers have the ability to train and if the officers are recruited together at large, then difficulties in cadre management Can come.
At the same time, the director of LBSNAA told the committee, contrary to DOPT's claim that it could train more than 180 officers every year. The committee told the Parliament that it is beyond the understanding that why the ability to train the vacancies is being counted as the reason.

UP: Will Rajnath Singh be the new CM?

Dinesh Sharma is in the new face.

Rajnath Singh is a well-known politician, Dinesh Sharma is the creator of the biggest party
After getting a huge majority in Uttar Pradesh, BJP is finding it difficult to choose a skilled person in the chief minister's post as the BJP is not finding the CM but the founding stone foundation for the BJP to win in 2019 has to be found. There should be a leader who can maintain the current BJP wave from his work and at the same time maintain a good rapport in the BJP, the government and the RSS. Finding such a skilled person is not easy task. Looking at this criterion Rajnath Singh is coming out as the most powerful candidate. The second is the name of Dinesh Sharma, who has been given the task he has been entrusted to increase his work from the expectation. Talking about the experience, Rajnath Singh has no match with Dinesh Sharma. He has also been the Chief Minister of the state and how to make the BJP government during the BJP-BSP coalition, Rajnath Singh's cleverness has embraced him today. Even before the election campaign, there is a talk of sending Rajnath Singh to UP, but he is repeatedly refusing. Today, UP needs Rajnath Singh

This is the big gift for East UP after win

 Approval of Rs. 2,147 crore worth of widening of Handia-Varanasi highway

The BJP has adopted Uttar Pradesh especially. In Uttar Pradesh, specially favorable for the BJP in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The signs of this have started to come out soon. For the first time after getting the majority in the state, BJP has approved the project of widening the Hondia Varanasi segment through the Central Government for the first time Rs 2,147 crore. After the BJP's massive victory in the state assembly elections, the Center has approved any first project for Uttar Pradesh. The statement of the Road Transport and Highways Ministry said that the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this, a project for six laning of Hondia Varanasi section on National Highway No. 2 in Uttar Pradesh was approved. Under the project, the total length of the block is approximately 73 kms and its estimated cost is Rs.2,147 crores.

Actress Yukti Kapoor goes bold for 'Agnifera'

After playing coy characters in "Siya Ke Ram" and "Balika Vadhu", actress Yukti Kapoor is excited to play a 'rough and tough' role in upcoming fiction show "Agnifera".
"The character of Ragini is nothing like what I have played till now on screen. She is a firebrand who believes that the only way to convince someone is by threatening them. She is rough and tough by nature but is also very funny," Yukti said in a statement.
She added: "I am excited to be portraying a role like this as I am sure my fans will be really surprised to see this new side of me. Right from the dialect to my mannerisms, everything is a complete departure from what they have seen me as."
In "Agnifera", she will be seen alongside Ankit Gera. The show will go on air on &TV from March 20.

Fatwa was issued because I am a girl, says teen singer Nahid Afrin

Crediting her parents for offering her unconditional support, she said they have been citing examples of Muslim musicians like Begum Parveen Sultana, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Javed Ali, AR Rahman and Salim Merchant to keep up her strength.

According the Story of MD: Nahid Afrin will not cow down. A fatwa was issued last night against the 15-year-old Assamese singer, who was the first runner-up of musical reality TV show 'Indian Idol Junior in 2015, by 46 clerics, but she will not let the fundamentalists have the last word.
The fatwa was reportedly issued over an event scheduled for March 25 in the vicinity of a mosque and a graveyard in Lanka town in Assam, in which she is slated to perform. Afrin, who made her Bollywood playback debut with Sonakshi Sinha-starrer Akira last year, told mid-day from her home in Biswanath Chariali, Biswanath district in Assam, she is ready to fight the fatwa.A fatwa is a religious edict over an issue/person and does not always involve death threat.
"Last night, the news [of the fatwa] came as a shock. Initially, I thought it was a rumour. But when my father switched on the TV, we learnt that 46 Muslim organisations had issued a fatwa against me. I was hurt. They've treated me like a culprit. They want me to quit music. Music means everything to me, and music has no religion," she said.
Afrin is happy to have received support from several artistes from Mumbai who have called her all morning and encouraged her to stay strong.
"I got calls from [composer-singer] Vishal Dadlani sir and others from the fraternity after news of the fatwa broke. They said they are ready to help me in every possible way. Last night, the chief minister (Sarbananda Sonowal) also contacted us and offered to provide security, if needed. He asked me not to worry," said Afrin.
Nahid said the clerics have picked on her because she is a girl. "If I were a boy, they wouldn't have had an issue. They are trying to browbeat me because I'm a girl," she said. Crediting her parents for offering her unconditional support, she said they have been citing examples of Muslim musicians like Begum Parveen Sultana, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Javed Ali, AR Rahman and Salim Merchant to keep up her strength. "They are an inspiration. So, I have decided that come what may, I will face this situation bravely."
The press has been hounding the young star since last night. Does the media glare intimidate her? "(Laughs) Yes, it's a bit tiring. But, it's important for me to speak up on the matter," said Afrin.
Revealing that this isn't the first time she is being 'troubled,' she said, "Even when I was part of Indian Idol, some maulanas and maulvis spoke ill of me. Some imams and maulanas criticised me in the jumma namaz. My maternal uncle attended one namaz where they said, 'If you have voted for Nahid, do tauba (repent), since she is doing a gunah (crime) by singing.' I ignored them, but it's important that I speak out now. I can't be quiet anymore."

Progress in Establishing new AIIMS like Institutes

Six AIIMSs at Patna (Bihar), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Jodhpur (Rajasthan) and Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) have already been made functional. An AIIMS at Rae Bareli is being established under Phase-II of PMSSY. Hon’ble Finance Minister while presenting the Budget for the financial year 2014-15 had announced setting up of four new AIIMS in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Purvanchal in UP, and in the Budget speech 2015-16 has proposed to set up six new AIIMS in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Bihar. Two new AIIMS in Gujarat and Jharkhand have been announced in Budget speech of 2017-18.
In so far as establishment of AIIMS at Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab and Assam is concerned, the land has been transferred to Government of India. There is a delay in handing over of land identified for setting up of AIIMS at Jammu, Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh to Government of India.
Government of Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have been asked to identify three to four alternate locations for establishment of AIIMS based on criteria under challenge method.
The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Smt Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. 

Maulana Azad Education Foundation Scholarships sanctioned to 48 thousand girl students

The Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) Scholarships, for the last academic year 2015-16, has sanctioned scholarships to 48,000 girl students, studying in Class XI, amounting to Rs. 57.60 crore. Out of this, 45,700 students have already received the first installment of scholarship. This information was given by Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Minister of State (IC) for Minority Affairs, in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

Weightage to General Studies in UPSC

The changes in the syllabus of Civil Services (Prelims) took place from Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2011 followed by changes in the Civil Services (Main) from CSE 2013 in which four papers of General Studies carrying 250 marks each were included. Thus General Studies is having 1000 marks out of 1750 marks in written part of examination. From CSE 2015 onwards, the General Studies Paper-II of the preliminary examination was made qualifying with minimum marks fixed at 33%. Further, UPSC has constituted an Expert Committee under chairmanship of Shri B.S. Baswan to comprehensively examine the various issues, raised from time to time regarding the CSE, with respect to the eligibility, syllabus, scheme and pattern of the Examination vide notice dated 12.08.2015. The report of Baswan Committee is currently under the consideration of the UPSC and the recommendations of the UPSC on the report are yet to be received.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question by Shri Ramsinh Rathwa in the Lok Sabha today.

15 IIITs declared as Institutes of National Importance

Cabinet approves Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public- Private Partnership) Bill, 2017
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved -
i. Introduction of the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Public Private Partnership (IIIT PPP) Bill, 2017;
ii. To grant statutory status to the fifteen Indian Institutes of Information Technology in Public Private Partnership and declare them as Institutions of National Importance;
iii. To enable these institutions to grant degrees to their students in the academic courses conducted by them.
There is no financial implication with regard to the proposed IIIT PPP Bill, 2017
The Bill will declare the existing Indian Institutes of Information Technology in Public Private Partnership as 'Institutions of National Importance with powers to award degrees. This will entitle them to use the nomenclature of Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or Master of Technology (M.Tech) or Ph.D degree as issued by a University or Institution of National Importance.
The grant of a formal degree in Information Technology, Engineering or Ph.D will enhance the prospects of the graduating students in the job market and will also enable the Institutes to attract enough students required to develop a strong research base in the country in the field of information technology.
The emerging needs of the industry and the economy, as a whole for skilled technical manpower is expected to be met from the talent pool of trained personnel of the institutes.
Every Institute shall be open to all - irrespective of gender, caste, creed, disability, and domicile, and ethnicity, social or economic background. Academic Session has commenced in the following15 Institutes:-
Andhra Pradesh(Chittoor), Assam(Guwahati) Gujarat(Vadodara), Haryana(Sonipat), Himachal Pradesh(Una), Jharkhand(Ranchi), Karnataka(Dharwad), Kerala(Kottayam) Maharashtra (Nagpur & Pune), Manipur(Senapati), Rajasthan (Kota), Tamilnadu(Tiruchirappalli), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow), Kalyani (West Bengal).

Consumers Day:PM urges consumers to embrace digital transactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has saluted the consumer urging him to embrace digital transactions on World Consumer Rights Day. “On World Consumer Rights Day we salute the consumer, on whose purchasing power the growth of our economy rests. Government of India is at the forefront of several initiatives that protect the rights of the consumer and ensure their grievances are solved. This World Consumer Rights Day, I urge consumers to embrace digital transactions and join the movement to end corruption and black money,” the Prime Minister said.

It Is Master Plan for Expansion of IGI Airport

In compliance with the provisions of Operation, Management and Development Agreement (OMDA), M/s Delhi International Airport Private Limited (DIAL) has reviewed and updated the Master Plan of IGI Airport, New Delhi in 2016 in consultation with the Airports Authority of India, Sovereign agencies providing reserved services at the airport and with other stakeholders.
The total area of IGI Airport demised to DIAL is 4608.90 acres. The land available is sufficient for executing the expansion plan under the Master Plan, 2016.
            The updated Master Plan envisages expansion of passenger handling capacity of IGI Airport from existing 62 million passenger per annum (mppa) to 109.3 mppa in a phased manner by way of both Airside and Terminal side developments.  The development works include expansion of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, construction of a new Terminal 4, construction of new runway etc. in three phases  starting from 2017 and till 2034. The design, project cost and other details etc. are finalized during the finalization of the Major Development Plan in compliance with the OMDA. The development works under the updated Master Plan are based on traffic triggers, optimum utilization of Capex, induction of new technologies & best industry practices to enhance passenger experience  and further improve service levels and maximization of the use of existing assets by improving operational efficiency, maintaining service levels and safety requirements, etc.          This information was given by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha   Wedenesday.

International Flights from Madhya Pradesh

Airports Authority of India owns and maintains 8 airports in Madhya Pradesh including a Civil Enclave at Gwalior.  Development of airports to international standards is a continuous process and is undertaken by Airports Authority of India (AAI) from time to time depending upon commercial viability, traffic demand, availability of land, demand from airlines, etc. Bhopal, Indore and Khajuraho airports in Madhya Pradesh have already been upgraded to international standards with new integrated terminal buildings and other requisite facilities for international operations.
Indian carriers are free to mount services from any point in India to foreign destinations as per the respective bilateral air service agreements. However, actual operations are always guided by traffic demands and commercial judgement of airlines.  This information was given by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha Wedenesday.

World leaders congratulate PM on Assembly Election results

World Leaders have congratulated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the victory in the recently held assembly elections. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Emir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President, HE Francois Hollande spoke to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and conveyed their felicitations.

Promotion of Tourism in the NE Region

Development and promotion of tourism is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Governments/UT. However, the Government has taken the following initiatives to promote tourism in North Eastern Region:
(i)      Provision of complimentary space to the North Eastern States in India Pavilions set up at major International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions.
(ii)     100% Central Financial Assistance for organizing fairs & festivals, is allowed to the North Eastern States as compared to 50% to other States.
(iii)    Ministry of Tourism, as part of its on-going activities, annually releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country, including the lesser known destinations which have tourism potential. The Ministry of Tourism undertakes special campaigns on NE Region on TV channels to promote tourism in the regions.
(iv)    International Tourism Mart (ITM) is organized annually with the objective of showcasing the largely untapped tourism potential of North East region in the domestic and international markets. So far, Ministry of Tourism in association with North Eastern States and West Bengal, has conducted five ITMs in the North East region.
10% of the plan allocation of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India is earmarked for North Eastern Region (NER). 

H1B visa: Trump decides right, Indian IT skill person happy

Rigged Indian companies are more upset

America's President Donald Trump gave the slogan of  Buy American- Hire American for the good of his countrymen. Even though Indian IT companies are bewildered and upset, employees working in Indian IT companies are happy. These people say that no President is good for the country and for the people of his own country, not the citizens of other countries. If Trump has said about Americans then what's wrong is said.
Indian companies will be disturbed because Americans will have to pay fixed salary and all facilities to hire Americans under the rules of the US government. President Trump says that Indian companies can not take advantage of illegal use by bringing Indian Americans on H-1B visas in half-quarters of salary and facilities from Americans. If they want to raise, these companies have to give this margin between the Americans and Indians to the US government. These tricks of profits of Indian companies are no longer going on. Indian IT companies are worried about this matter.
Employees working in Indian companies are happy that Indian companies will now do justice to them in the US. Now rigging will not work. Even if the number of people traveling to America declined, but experts do not believe this. They believe that companies will have to take their trusted expert staff, otherwise their work will be affected

Parrikar Quit the defence minister post and to take oath as Goa CM tomorrow

Jaitley become new defence minister, President accepted the resign of Manohar Parrikar

The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of  Manohar Parrikar, from the Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution. Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Arun Jaitely, Cabinet Minister, shall be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Defence, in addition to his existing portfolios. 

Mr. Parrikar, who resigned as Chief Minister in 2014 to become a Union Minister, has 15 days to prove his majority in the 40-member House.

“I have tendered my resignation as Defence Minister and have sent it to the PMO. I will be taking the oath [as Chief Minister] tomorrow evening, along with the Cabinet ministers,” Mr. Parrikar told news agency  on Monday. BJP sources reiterated here that a majority of the Cabinet berths are expected to be offered to the coalition partners.

"The details are still being worked out. We will retain Finance and Home Ministry. Preliminary talks about portfolio allocation with our partners were conducted by Nitin Gadkariji. The finer details are being worked out by Mr. Parrikar himself in consultation with other party leaders," a senior party leader said on Monday.

The BJP won 13 seats and the Congress 17 in the 40-member Assembly. On Sunday, Mr. Parrikar called on Governor Mridula Sinha and submitted evidence of support of the 13 MLAs of the BJP, three each of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and two independent MLAs. On Monday, the BJP received another letter of support from independent MLA Prasad Gaonkar who was elected from Sanguem constituency, taking the number to 22.

'Why didn't the Governor invite Congress?'

The Congress, which emerged as the single largest party in the State, has criticised the Governor for choosing the BJP to form a government. "People of Goa had given a mandate of single largest party to the Congress, and obviously, Governor Mridula Sinha should have invited the party to form a government,” said Shantaram Naik, party MP from Goa. In a statement, Mr. Naik accused Mr. Parrikar of “murdering the democracy and the provisions of the Constitution by playing a treacherous game to install himself as Chief Minister of Goa”.

बुरा न मानो होली है: आया मोदी का भूकंप

देखो मच गया हडक़ंप
आया मोदी का भूकंप
राहुल-अखिलेश बेचारे
पता नहीं कहां परे-डारे
माया की बोलती हुई बंद
आया मोदी का भूकंप...
न संसद डोली, न जनता
घर-घर मोदी बोली जनता
क्योंकि मोदी नही मदारी है,
जादू की पिटारी है
काशी पहुंचे तो बोले हर-हर बम-बम
आया मोदी का भूकंप...
साइकिल से मिला साथ
तो दोनों बन गए अनाथ
मां रूठी बेटे से तो
बाप ने सुनाई खरी-खरी
अब क्या बोले दोनो भइया
दोनों की आंखे हैं नम
देखो मच गया हडक़ंप
आया मोदी का भूकंप

This is the Horoscope of UP’s New MLAs

322 of new MLAs crorepatis, 143 face criminal cases

According to  the Story of ET, A whopping 322 of the 403 new lawmakers elected to the Uttar Pradesh assembly are 'crorepatis' (multi-millionaires) while as many as 143 have criminal cases, including of murder, pending against them.
According to a report by the National Election Watch, the list of multi-millionaires elected members is headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party's Ajay Pratap Singh elected from Colonelganj constituency in Gonda.
Singh, who in his poll affidavit declares himself as a farmer, possesses properties worth over Rs 49 crore. That includes 60 kg of gold, seven vehicles and six guns, three each in his name and his wife's.
As many as 1,455 multi-millionaires contested the assembly polls, the results of which were declared on Saturday.
Of the 143 new legislaors who have declared pending criminal cases against them, 107 face serious charges including of murder and crimes against women.  Mafia-don-turned politician Mukhtar Ansari of the Bahujan Samaj Party leads the pack of new legislators with criminal antecedents. Elected from Mau, Ansari has 16 criminal cases against him, and that includes five charges of murder. Of the total 4,853 candidates who contested the polls, 860 had declared that criminal cases were pending in courts against them. On the gender side, among the newly elected legislators only 40 are female. Of the total 4,853 contestants, only 479 were women -- less than 10 per cent. Nearly 72 per cent or 290 of the legislators are graduates or more educated.

Mulayam & Shivpal comes in support of Akhilies

Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav today defended his son Akhilesh Yadav after the party’s humiliating loss in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, saying “no one person is responsible for the defeat”.
“No one person is responsible for the defeat. We failed to convince voters,” Mr. Mulayam, who was ousted by Mr. Akhilesh as party chief after the power tussle in the family, told reporters.
“Everyone is responsible for the loss. A single person cannot be blamed,” he said on arriving at Saifai, his native village, for Holi.
“It was people’s inclination towards BJP as it has made a lot of promises. Let us see how many promises they fulfill,” Mr. Mulayam said.
Mr. Mulayam’s brother Shivpal, who had fallen out with Mr. Akhilesh ahead of the polls, had earlier in the day said the party would analyse the reasons behind its poor performance in the polls. “In politics, you win and lose. SP has its orgins in struggle and we will struggle again and win,” he said.

New India is emerging and it is a subsidiary of development: Modi

A day after BJP's spectacular victory in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that 'new India' is emerging and it is a subsidiary of development. He told the public that he should take a pledge to build a new India and show his commitment to Narendra Modi's mobile app.
Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "A new India is emerging, which has the strength and capacity of 125 crore Indians. This is favorable for India development. ' He further wrote, "In the year 2022 when we complete 75 years of independence, we should make an India which is proud of Gandhi ji, Sardar Patel and Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar."
The Prime Minister has appealed to the citizens to take the pledge for a New India and express commitment.
The Prime Minister said, " On the NM Mobile App http://nm4.in/dnldapp , take the pledge and express your commitment towards building a new India. A new India is emerging, which is being powered by the strength & skills of 125 crore Indians. This India stands for development.  When we mark 75 years of freedom in 2022, we should have made an India that will make Gandhi Ji, Sardar Patel & Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar proud.

Vice President Greets People on Holi

The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Holi. In a message, he said that the colourful festival of Holi marks the onset of warmer season and celebrates the victory of good over evil. “I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Holi – the festival of colours.
Celebrated with traditional fervor and enthusiasm throughout the country, the colourful festival of Holi marks the onset of warmer season and celebrates the victory of good over evil.  May this festival bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.”

Holi mark the beginning of a new phase of peace and prosperity in the country”

President of India’s message on the eve of Holi

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the eve of Holi has said:-  “On the auspicious occasion of Holi, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens.
Holi celebrates spring and is a harbinger of hope and fulfilment in our lives. May this festival of colours bring together the diverse hues of India’s culture in a rainbow of unity. Let us on this day spread happiness and share joy with the needy and downtrodden. May this unique festival strengthen brotherhood and harmony amongst all our people.
Let this year’s Holi mark the beginning of a new phase of peace and prosperity in the country”.

LANDMARK DECISION FOR MEDICAL STUDENT

In a landmark decision, following the introduction of single medical entrance exam in the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has now made provision for common counselling at the State level for admission to medical courses at the under graduate and post graduate levels. As per the amendments made in the relevant regulations of MCI, the designated authority at the State/UT level shall conduct common counselling for all medical education institutions in the State whether established by the Central Government, State Government, University, Deemed University, Trust, Society, Company, Minority Institutions or Corporation.
The move would bring in transparency in the admission process and curb the practice of capitation fee charged by private colleges. Further, the students would not have to apply to multiple agencies for admission in the same State.
After NEET UG 2016 was conducted by CBSE, the Ministry in consultation with States and other stakeholders had issued advisory on 09.08.2016 to the States to preferably conduct combined counselling for admission to MBBS courses for session 2016-17. At the instance of the Ministry, UGC vide letter dated 15.9.2016 had directed all Deemed Universities that they shall also be part of common counselling for admission in common courses organized either by State Government / Central Government or through its agencies based on the marks obtained in NEET.
The advisory for common counselling at the State level was repeated on 05.12.2016 for admission to PG courses for the session 2017-18. The advisories were issued since counselling was not covered under any regulations and the entire admission process had evolved as an administrative mechanism. But now with the amendment notifications in Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 1997 and the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation, 2000, enabling legal provisions have been made for common counselling.
It is further clarified that the counselling for All India Quota seats at under graduate and post graduate level will continue to be conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

Semi-final: Modi will get 20 in 2019

UP model will become roll model, again like Indira-era

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convert the true the poem of Allama Iqbal 'KHUDI KO KAR BULAND ITNA KI HAR TAQDEER KA PAHELE KHUDA BANDE KA YE POONCHHE BATA TERI RAZA KYA HAI'. Narendra Modi, except for local reasons, repeat the final in the semi-final and prove that if the intention of the person is correct and the intention is right, then nobody can defeat any force in the world. Black money, notebook, Ram temple, Triple divorce, communalism and not knowing which of these factors were being counted and it was being said that Modi's magic ended. In a two-and-a-half year rule, Modi took strict action like note-taking, more politicians from the public got scared, and the tears of the bills started turning out to be good on the good day but Narendra Modi, the master of his tune, took the country together and made a new action. . It says that the job speaks.
Narendra Damodara Das Modi has today made his image of a good ruler. Its effect is clear that Modi will be able to govern his will. You can take your decisions yourself. Now, the UP has given a gift to the son who came in his lap. This will increase the strength of the Modi Government in the Rajya Sabha too. Increasingly, Modi will have an opportunity to openly oppose and take decisions. Once the opportunity is available, the examination of the Modi government will also start, because the public has a lot of public for five years. Seeing the lost legends in the Janata Janardan mandate, everyone should take this lesson that the voter of India has become literate and sensible now.
Talking about defeat, BSP supremo Ms. Mayawati and SP supremo laughed at Mulayam Singh's allegations. It seems that more than that, the illiterate village will be smart. He would also know that the machine is the machine. EVM is okay if EVM is okay, EVM is okay if EVM is okay and if BJP wins, EVMs are made in Gujarat and everyone's vote goes to BJP. Now the question arises that the allegations of both these leaders are correct, why did not the BJP win in Punjab, Goa and Manipur? May also want to comment on Mayawati and Mulayam Singh.
In Uttar Pradesh, the opinion of the SP is not different, the opinion of the BSP is not different. People know about SP that if the winnings, the districts surrounding Etawah will be MALAMAL. The bears of Yadavas will be twelve. The Muslims will get a little too much. Lord God of the rest. Similarly, it is clear about the BSP that if BSP wins, then the areas of Noida-Greater Noida and Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Meerut will flourish, scheduled people will get benefit. More stones than humans will be worshiped. In such a situation, the BJP was the only option left by Janata Janata Party. Justice of the people is very good. BJP MLA Raghunandan Singh Bhadauriya from CANTT's assembly constituency of Kanpur also lost his seat due to his false arrogance in the hurricane of Modi. If the women were angry at the meeting before the public before the election, talk to the assassin - do not vote or vote to vote. There is no noise in the country that those Muslim women voted candidly in favor of the BJP who are victims of TRIPLE  TALAQ  and their family is a victim of this malady. The area of ​​Kanpur Cantt is considered as a Muslim dominated area, then why is it lost Raghunandan Singh Bhadauriya? It needs to be considered.
Now, after getting 325 seats in 403 seats in UP, BJP and allied parties have prepared the 2019 land right now. Given the Lok Sabha elections that take place after two years, it can be said that these two years will prove to be a tough test for the BJP on the day of the exam. However, one thing is also being considered that the voter of Uttar Pradesh is conscious and has given a huge victory to Modi, the BJP, to form the government of the same party in the state and the center. This will be the beginning of the examination of BJP and Modi. Only after passing, Modi will get 20 or 201 in 2019. It is public that everyone knows. The way Modi government is working today. He misses the era of Indira's government. Look at the leader's history of calling Modi a dictator or dictator, and remember that at that time Indira Gandhi could not even open up to Junk, what was that? Who is to make a governor, who is to make the chief minister, who is to make a minister, when he decides who to decide, nobody knew. It was said that the left hand of Indira Gandhi did not know what the left hand could do. Today the time is coming again again. Maybe Modi will remove some of the Indira Govt's government in his government and give him good government. At present, there is a stable environment in the country which was very necessary for the country's progress and will remain the same in the coming days.

सेमीफाइनल: 2019 में मोदी पड़ेंगे सब पर ऐसे 20

यूपी बनेगा रोल मॉडल, फिर लौटेगा इंदिरा जैसा युग

प्रधानमंत्री नरेन्द्र मोदी ने अलामा इकबाल की कविता 'खुदी को कर बुलंद इतना कि हर तकदीर से पहले खुदा बंदे से ये पूछे बता तेरी रजा क्या है। नरेन्द्र मोदी ने स्थानीय कारणों को छोड़ कर सेमीफाइनल में फाइनल को रिपीट करके यह साबित कर दिया कि इन्सान की नीयत और हलक सही हों और इरादे नेक हों तो दुनिया की कोई भी ताकत शिकस्त नहीं दे सकती। काला धन,नोटबंदी, राम मंदिर, ट्रिपल तलाक,साम्प्रदायिकता और न जाने कौन-कौन से ऐसे फैक्टर गिनाए जा रहे थे और यह कहा जा रहा था कि मोदी का जादू खत्म हो गया। ढाई साल के शासन में मोदी ने नोटबंदी जैसा सख्त कदम उठाया तो जनता से अधिक नेता तिलमिला उठे और घडिय़ाली आंसू बहाते हुए अच्छे दिन पर जुमले बाजी होने लगी लेकिन अपनी धुन के पक्के नरेन्द्र मोदी ने देश को साथ में लेकर दुनिया में नया कारनामा कर दिखाया। इसे कहते हैं कि काम बोलता है।
नरेन्द्र दामोदर दास मोदी ने आज अपनी एक अच्छे शासक की छबि बना ली है। इसका असर स्पष्ट यह दिखाई दे रहा है कि मोदी अपनी मर्जी का शासन चला सकेंगे। अपने फैसले खुद ले सकेंगे। अब तो यूपी ने अपने गोद में आए बेटे को नायाब तोहफा दे दिया है। इससे अब मोदी सरकार की राज्यसभा में भी ताकत बढ़ जाएगी। इसके बढ़ते ही मोदी को खुलकर राज करने और फैसले लेने का अवसर मिल जाएगा। अवसर मिलते ही मोदी सरकार की परीक्षा भी शुरू हो जाएगी क्योंकि मोदी के पांच साल पर जनता का एक दिन ही काफी है। जनता जनार्दन के जनादेश में हारे दिग्गजों को देखकर सभी को यह सबक लेना चाहिए कि भारत का मतदाता अब साक्षर और समझदार हो गया है।
करारी हार के बात बसपा सुप्रीमो सुश्री मायावती और सपा सुप्रीमो रहे मुलायम सिंह के आरोपों को देखकर हंसी आती है। लगता है कि इनसे अधिक तो गांव का अनपढ़ होशियार होगा। वह भी जानता होगा कि मशीन तो मशीन है। बसपा जीत जाए तो ईवीएम ठीक है, सपा जीत जाए तो ईवीएम ठीक है और भाजपा जीत जाए तो ईवीएम गुजरात में बनी है और सबके वोट भाजपा में ही गए। अब सवाल उठता है कि इन दोनों दिग्गज नेताओं के आरोप सही हैं तो पंजाब, गोआ और मणिपुर में भाजपा क्यों नहीं जीती। इस पर भी कोई टिप्पणी करना चाहेंगी मायावती और मुलायम सिंह।
उत्तर प्रदेश में सपा ने जैसा बोया वैसा काटा,बसपा के बारे में लोगों की राय अलग नहंीं है। सपा के बारे में लोग जानते हैं कि जीत गई तो इटावा के आसपास के जिले मालामाल होंगे। यादवों के पौ बारह होंगे। मुसलमानों को थोड़ा बहुत मिल जाएगा। बाकी का भगवान मालिक। वैसे ही बसपा के बारे में स्पष्ट है कि बसपा जीती तो नोएडा-ग्रेटर नोएडा और गौतमबुद्धनगर, गाजियाबाद,मेरठ के क्षेत्र फलेंगे फूलेंगे, अनुसूचित जाति के लोगों को लाभ मिलेगा। इंसान से अधिक पत्थर की पूजा होगी। ऐसी स्थिति में जनता जनार्दन के पास एकमात्र विकल्प भाजपा ही बची थी। जनता का इंसाफ बहुत अच्छा होता है। मोदी की आंधी में भी कानपुर के कैन्ट विधानसभा क्षेत्र से भाजपा विधायक रघुनंदन सिंह भदौरिया अपनी झूठी अकड़ के चलते अपनी सीट गंवा बैठे। चुनाव से पहले जनता से मुलाकात के दौरान महिलाएं नाराज हो गईं तो तपाक से बोले-मर्जी आए वोट देना चाहे मत देना। सारे देश में शोर है कि उन मुस्लिम महिलाओं ने भाजपा के पक्ष में खुलकर वोट डाले जो ट्रिपल तलाक की शिकार हैं और उनका परिवार इस कुप्रथा का शिकार है। कानपुर कैंट का क्षेत्र मुस्लिम बहुल क्षेत्र माना जाता है तो फिर क्यों हारे रघुनंदन सिंह भदौरिया। इस पर विचार करने की आवश्यकता है।
अब यूपी में 403 सीटों में 325 सीटें हासिल करके भाजपा एवं साथी दलों ने 2019 की जमीन अभी से तैयार कर ली है। मात्र दो साल बाद होने वाले लोकसभा के चुनाव को देखते हुए यह कहा जा सकता है कि ये दो साल भाजपा के लिए कड़ी परीक्षा के दिन साबित होंगे। हालांकि एक बात यह भी मानी जा रही है कि उत्तर प्रदेश का मतदाता सजग है और उसने प्रदेश और केन्द्र में एक ही दल की सरकार बनाने के लिए मोदी यानी भाजपा को प्रचंड जीत दिलाई है। इसके बाद से भाजपा और मोदी की परीक्षा की शुरुआत होगी। पास होने पर ही 2019 में मोदी 20 पड़ेंगे वरना 18 भी साबित हो सकते हैं। ये पब्लिक है सब जानती है। जिस तरह से आज मोदी सरकार काम कर रही है। उससे इंदिरा सरकार के युग की याद आती है। आज मोदी को डिक्टेटर या तानाशाह कहने वाले नेता इतिहास देखें और याद करें कि उस समय इंदिरा गांधी के सामने जुबान तक नहीं खोल पाते थे, वह क्या थीं। किसे राज्यपाल बनाना है, किसे मुख्यमंत्री बनाना है, किसे मंत्री बनाना है,कब फैसला कौन लेना है, कोई नहीं जान पाता था। ये कहा जाता था कि इंदिरा गांधी का दाहिना हाथ क्या करता है बायां हाथ भी नहीं जान सकता था। आज वहीं जमाना फिर से आ रहा है। हो सकता है कि मोदी अपनी सरकार में इंदिरा सरकार की कुछकमियों को दूर करके उससे अच्छी सरकार देंगे। फिलहाल देश में स्थिरता का माहोल है जो देश की प्रगति के लिए बहुत आवश्यक था और आने वाले समय में भी ऐसा ही बना रहेगा। 

Landmars decision:Common counselling at State level for admission to medical courses at UG and PG levels

In a landmark decision, following the introduction of single medical entrance exam in the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has now made provision for common counselling at the State level for admission to medical courses at the under graduate and post graduate levels. As per the amendments made in the relevant regulations of MCI, the designated authority at the State/UT level shall conduct common counselling for all medical education institutions in the State whether established by the Central Government, State Government, University, Deemed University, Trust, Society, Company, Minority Institutions or Corporation.
The move would bring in transparency in the admission process and curb the practice of capitation fee charged by private colleges. Further, the students would not have to apply to multiple agencies for admission in the same State.
After NEET UG 2016 was conducted by CBSE, the Ministry in consultation with States and other stakeholders had issued advisory on 09.08.2016 to the States to preferably conduct combined counselling for admission to MBBS courses for session 2016-17. At the instance of the Ministry, UGC vide letter dated 15.9.2016 had directed all Deemed Universities that they shall also be part of common counselling for admission in common courses organized either by State Government / Central Government or through its agencies based on the marks obtained in NEET.
The advisory for common counselling at the State level was repeated on 05.12.2016 for admission to PG courses for the session 2017-18. The advisories were issued since counselling was not covered under any regulations and the entire admission process had evolved as an administrative mechanism. But now with the amendment notifications in Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 1997 and the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation, 2000, enabling legal provisions have been made for common counselling.
It is further clarified that the counselling for All India Quota seats at under graduate and post graduate level will continue to be conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

होली है प्यारे: हाथ न आया गोआ दगा दे गया पंजाब

खता करना माफ क्योंकि दिमाग है हाफ
हाथ में लेकर झाड़ू , मांगते हैं सबसे हिसाब
बात करो मफलर की तो कहते हैं तबियत है खराब
पर पंगा लेने में सबसे आगे रहते हैं ये जनाब
अब क्या करेंगे भइया, दिन में देखा था ख्वाब
दिल्ली दूर होने से पहले पकड़ लेंगें पंजाब
हाथ न आया गोआ दगा दे गया पंजाब
दिल्ली में लगने वाली है झाडृू
अब क्या करूं जनाब
बोलती हो गई बंद, अब क्या दें जवाब
सोच रहे हैं भइया,डगमग डोले नइया
हार का कोई मांग न ले हिसाब
कहां से अब देवें जवाब,
लाओ अब फिर कर लें तबियत अपनी खराब
कोने में पड़ा रो रहे मफलर की याद आई जनाब
खांसी से कटेगी फांसी, फिर कर देंगे लाजवाब

होली है प्यारे: कैसे हैं नेता हमारे

खता करना माफ क्योंकि दिमाग है हाफ
हाथ में लेकर झाड़ू , मांगते हैं सबसे हिसाब
बात करो मफलर की तो कहते हैं तबियत है खराब
पर पंगा लेने में सबसे आगे रहते हैं ये जनाब
अब क्या करेंगे भइया, दिन में देखा था ख्वाब
दिल्ली दूर होने से पहले पकड़ लें पंजाब
दिल्ली में लगने वाली है झाडृू
हाथ से निकल गया पंजाब
बोलती हो गई बंद, अब क्या दें जवाब
सोच रहे हैं भइया,डगमग डोले नइया
हार का कोई मांग न ले हिसाब
कहां से अब देवें जवाब,
लाओ अब फिर कर लें तबियत अपनी खराब
कोने में पड़ा रो रहे मफलर की याद आई जनाब
खांसी से कटेगी फांसी, फिर कर देंगे लाजवाब

President Toyota, and Chairman Suzuki, call on PM

Mr. Akio Toyoda, President Toyota, and Mr. O. Suzuki, Chairman Suzuki, called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday. The Toyota-Suzuki business partnership, and future technological developments came up for discussion. The partnership is expected to bring together Toyota’s global leadership in technology and manufacturing, with Suzuki’s strength in manufacture of small cars, especially in India. It is expected to enable India to use new technological developments. Further, high volumes will enable local manufacture of components required for these technologies.  Hence, the partnership will promote Make in India, and contribute to employment generation. It also opens up scope for export of new technology cars from India.

Maternity Benefits Increased For Women

Lok Sabha Passes Maternity Benefits (Amendment) Bill, 2016 

Lok Sabha passed Thursday on 9th March, 2017 the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 which inter-alia includes increasing maternity benefit to woman covered under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 from 12 weeks to 26 weeks up to two surviving children in order to allow the mother to take care of the child during his/her most formative stage, providing maternity benefit of 12 weeks to Commissioning mother and Adopting mother, facilitate “work from home” to a mother with mutual consent of the employee and the employer, making mandatory in respect of establishment having fifty or more employees , to have the facility of crèche either individually or as a shared common facility within such distance as may be prescribed by rules & also to allow four visits to the crèche by the woman daily, including the interval for rest allowed to her and every establishment to intimate in writing and electronically to every woman at the time of her initial appointment about the benefits available under the Act.
The bill was presented in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State (IC) for Labour and Employment  Bandaru Dattatreya.
The Maternity Benefit(Amendment) Bill, 2016 has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha on 11th August,2016. These changes will have major impact on the health, well-being and growth of the future generation in the Country. It will have positive impact on women’s participation in labour force and will improve the work- life balance of the women workers. The Maternity Benefits (Amendment) Act, 2016 will come into the force only after the President’s assent. 

By 2050, India and Africa will be home to close to four billion people

President of India inaugurates the 12th CII-Exim bank conclave on India Africa Project Partnership

The President of India Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 12th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership today (March 9, 2017) in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that our connection with Africa is not new. The bonds between our countries have strengthened over the years. We are committed to building genuine partnerships that create jobs and opportunities for our peoples. Mindful of our common history and shared future, we have decided to elevate our relationship. For the first time ever, we welcomed representatives of all 54 countries of Africa at the third India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015. We have since then broadened our diplomatic footprint. Our leadership has visited almost every African country in the last eighteen months. He stated that he personally went to Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Namibia last year.
The President said that India and Africa have together made a long and steady journey of progress over the years. The impact of our progress is visible in our cities. When he first spoke at the CII-EXIM Bank Conference in 2009, a million passengers were using the world-class Delhi Metro. Hundreds of kilometres of rail have been added since then and its ridership today is over three and a half million people daily. It is indeed a shining example of a technically complex project, involving multiple partners and stakeholders.
The President said that India has supported development in Africa through Lines of Credit estimated at over US$7 billion under the IAFS process. Our collaboration extends across a wide spectrum. We have offered fifty thousand scholarships to our African brothers- six thousand Africans have since trained under IAFS-3.
The President said that the future holds bright prospects for us. By 2050, India and Africa will be home to close to four billion people. Our combined GDP will be over USD thirty five trillion. He called upon the leaderships of India and Africa to work together for the promise of a new tomorrow for the people of India and the people of Africa. He expressed hope that the 12th Edition of the Conclave will open new vistas of co-operation between India and Africa. 

Ministry of Railways and UNEP signed LOI on Environment Initiatives

      In the august presence of Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Ministry of Railways signed a LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to formalise the joint cooperation in the area of environmental conservation today i.e. 9th March 2017 at Rail Bhavan. Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain specially graced the occasion. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A. K. Mital, Member (Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Shri Ravindra Gupta, other Railway Board Members and senior officials were also present on the occasion. Mr. Erik Solheim, Executive Director UNEP (and Under Secretary General, UN) from Head office, Nairobi, Kenya was also present. Representatives of Indian Railways and UNEP signed and exchanged Letters of Intent for exploring the opportunity and Developing a Joint cooperation mechanism in the field of Environment& Sustainability.
The focussed areas identified for joint activities would be to; a. Collaborate in Formulating Specific Roadmap for achieving 20% reduction in Water consumption at Railway establishments.
b. Collaborate in the development of a Draft action plan for establishing waste management centres at major stations on Indian Railways.
c.Collaborate in the development of a Draft action plan for Indian Railways on sustainable public procurement for green technology.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that Indian Railways welcomes this partnership. The priority in Railways is to reduce the carbon footprints which will help public at large. After this partnership, opportunities are large to work for environment conservation in collaboration with UNEP. Railway is already taking several green initiatives and is going to produce 1000MW solar energy. This joint co-operation will help Indian Railways in its green objectives.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Erik Solheim, Executive Director UNEP said that Indian Railways is an iconic organization which provides environment friendly transport. The focus of this partnership is on three main areas: waste management which is important for community, reduction in water consumption which is core of environment issues and sustainable public procurement. Indian Railways is a major procurement agency. The focus should be to move towards a greener state. Indian Railways under the reformist leadership of Minister of Railways will sure move towards greener and efficient transport system.

India attaches great value to its ties with Jordan

Chief of Royal Court of Jordan calls on President 

His Excellency Dr. Fayez Al-Tarawneh, Chief of Royal Court of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan called on President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at RashtrapatiBhavan yesterday (March 8, 2017).
Welcoming Dr. Al-Tarawneh to India, the President said he had warm memories of his recent visit to Jordan, the first ever State Visit by a Head of State of India to Jordan.The President said India attaches great value to its ties with Jordan.  India appreciates Jordan’s proactive role, under the leadership of King Abdullah on regional issues, especially towards resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and addressing the scourge of terrorism that has affected our regions and the world.  The President said no country is safe from terrorism.Urgent collective action is needed to eradicate it.
The President said India lauds Jordan’s exceptional humanitarian assistance in hosting refugees from its war torn neighbourhood despite the tremendous strain on its socio-economic resources.  He was happy that India could make a contribution to help mitigate the crisis.
The President said India-Jordan bilateral trade which was US $1.35 billion in 2015-16 is expected to touch new heights.  India is happy that Jordan is interested in cooperation in security and defence cooperation, space, fertilizers etc.

No one to be deprived of benefits under ICDS for lack of Aadhaar

Considering the effectiveness of Aadhaar in curbing leakages and bringing transparency in delivery system, the Government has recently issued orders to use Aadhaar in several welfare schemes funded from the Consolidated Fund of India.
While these orders require beneficiaries of these programs to give their Aadhaar number, it has also been ensured that no one is deprived of the benefits for want of Aadhaar. It has been made incumbent on the departments under Regulation 12 of Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations 2016 to provide Aadhaar enrolment facilities to their beneficiaries so that no one is deprived of the benefits for lack of Aadhaar.
For children upto age of six years, Birth Certificate or any of the specified documents such as production of request for enrolment under Aadhaar or slip issued thereof, Bank pass book, Voter ID card, Ration Card, Kisan photo pass book, Pan card, MGNREGS job card, etc. can be produced as proof of relationship of child with the parent/legal guardian, etc.
It has also been provided that till Aadhaar number is assigned to such individual, the benefit will continue to be given based on alternate means of identification. For example, under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, the Anganwadis have been asked to collect the Aadhaar number of the children beneficiaries and in case a child does not have Aadhaar, the ICDS functionary will be required to provide enrolment facilities to her and till Aadhaar number is assigned to her, the benefits will be continued to be given to her.  In a large number of cases filed by different parties including Government of Maharashtra before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, on 03.03.2017, the Attorney General stated that the policy of the Government would be covered in the affidavit for which he has sought time

Aadhaar mandatory for children aged up to six years

Clarification regarding cash transfers and Aadhaar card requirements under ICDS 

Reports have appeared in some newspapers and media channels regarding Cash transfers under the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme) Scheme of the Ministry of Women & Child Development and making Aadhaar mandatory for benefits under the programme. It has also been reported that for children aged up to six years, Government has decided to replace the provision of dry ration under ICDS with cash transfers. However, this is factually incorrect. It is therefore, clarified that: Under ICDS, Supplementary Nutrition is provided in the form of Take Home Ration (THR) to children 6-36 months’ age group (including malnourished children) and Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers. But for children between 3-6 years age group, Hot Cooked Meal is provided at the Anganwadi Centres. The Hot Cooked Meals will continue for the age group of 3 to 6 years. However, there is no plan at present to substitute this with cash transfers.
There have also been complaints about the quality of Take Home Rations (THR). Therefore, the Government is considering ways to improve the system and to make it more transparent. It is also exploring the possibility of Conditional Cash Transfer in lieu of THR in select districts as a pilot as one of the options. However, a final decision is yet to be taken in this regard.
Under Section 39 of the National Food Security Act, 2013, MWCD is mandated to notify the Supplementary Nutrition (Under ICDS) Rules. These Rules were framed and notified for the first time on 08.06.2015. Under Section 8 of the NFSA, a beneficiary is entitled to Food Security Allowance if he/she is not provided the food under the NFSA. This clause relating to Food Security Allowance has now been incorporated in the SNP Rules which were notified on 20.02.2017. Payment of Food Security Allowance is mandated by the NFSA, 2013 and it has nothing to do with the Conditional Cash Transfer in lieu of SNP. 

होली का हुड़दंग, ये है होली का हुड़दंग

खा के गुजिया पीके भंग चढ़ा अजब है रंग
ये है होली का हुड़दंग...
लोग कहें नशा भंग का है बिलकुल बेकार
करने वाले से पूछो वो जाता सात समुंदर पार
कभी ऊपर कभी नीचे जाता उसका मनवा
उछल कूद के हंसे-रोए,खाए मीठा हलवा
भंग चढ़ जाए तो दिखलाए अजब-गजब के ढंग
ये है होली का हुड़दंग...
भंग के नशे में इंसा क्या पहने और क्या दे उतार
कपड़ों के बारे में मत पूछो मेेरे प्यारे यार
खाने पर तुल जाए तो मंगवा दे आटा उधार
एक बात अच्छी है भंग की बढ़ता है सिर्फ प्यार
क्योंकि इसका नशा निराला और है बेढंग
ये है होली का हुड़दंग...

Latest Jurassic Park blockbuster relocated away from Hollywood

THE new Jurassic Park dinosaur blockbuster is being filmed – on a business estate in SLOUGH

Movie makers have hired out a warehouse in the Berkshire town made famous by Ricky Gervais’ The Office.New Jurassic Park movie has had an unusual change of location
Filming of some scenes for the £210million Jurassic World 2 – set to be called Ancient Futures – started on the Langley Business Centre yesterday morning.
Ten more days of filming are also being lined up there between now and the start of the summer.
It’s the fifth instalment of the Jurassic Park movies – starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard – and is due out next June.
The Hollywood blockbuster is to be filmed on a business estate in Slough
One local said: “It does seem a bizarre place to film a movie about dinosaurs.
“Slough’s offices are only famous for David Brent.” One fan joked on Twitter said: “Jurassic World 2 to be filmed in Slough. “Saving production company from having to build pre-historic sets.” David Brent
The town was made famous by Ricky Gervais’ hit sitcom The Office, in which he played boss David Brent
Other companies based there and residents living nearby were warned there might be disruption. In a letter they were told: “Our hours of filming will be from 8am to 6pm (approx). “I would like to apologise in advance for any disruption this may cause. “Please be assured we will strive to keep this to an absolute minimum.” Bryce Dallas Howard, from left, as Claire, Chris Pratt as Owen, Nick Robinson as Zach, and Ty Simpkins as Gray, The fifth instalment of the film will cost £210 million and star Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. The production company said crew would park off site and only big film trucks would be on the estate.
It continued: “I appreciate filming near residential properties can be inconvenient to local residents and businesses.
“However we are hopeful this can be achieved with the minimum disruption possible.
“We currently have another 11 days filming scheduled in Langley between now and the end of June 2017.
“Location filming cannot work without the ongoing support of locals residents and businesses and for this we are very grateful.”

Hollywood: Woody Harrelson becomes latest Hollywood star

It is support an unusual English team as he cheers on OXFORD UNITED

WOODY HARRELSON has become the latest A-lister to adopt an English team as their own – although his choice has raised more than a few eyebrows,
Woody Harrelson was a surprise face in the crowd at Oxford on Saturday
Harrelson’s presence was unable to inspire the U’s on the pitch as they went down 2-0 to Bristol Rovers in front of the star of hit movies such as White Men Can’t Jump, Natural Born Killers and The Hunger Games.
Harrelson is in the UK to film the new Hans Solo movie, and seeing him sat in the stand at the Kassam certainly felt like it was from a galaxy, far, far away, But he is not the first big name to become a ‘soccer’ fan. Here’s some more Hollywood and other celebrity supporters.

Web Portal for obtaining CRZ Clearances launched

Portal as a good example of ‘Ease of Doing Business’

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change  Anil Madhav Dave, launched the web portal for obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone clearances, here Wedenesday.  The Minister termed the launch of the portal as a good example of ‘Ease of Doing Business’. The Portal is a web-based system for obtaining clearances required from the Ministry under the “Coastal Regulation Zone” (CRZ) by the Project proponents.  The system will enable the Project proponents and the concerned State/Union Territory bodies like the State Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMAs) and Municipal/Town Planning agencies in tracking the status of their proposals.  The system is based on web architecture, similar to the existing systems in place for according environmental and forest clearances.
The Portal is a very user-friendly initiative, which enables submission of applications for CRZ clearance in a single-window interface and facilitates quick flow of information related to CRZ clearances.  The portal allocates a unique identity for each proposal for all future references.  It is accessible from any computer with internet facility. The objectives of the web portal include – enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability in the process of CRZ clearances; enhance responsiveness through workflows and availability of real-time information on the status of CRZ clearance proposals; ease of business and convenience of citizens in accessing information and services; standardised procedures and processes across Central and State levels. There are other initiatives underway, like the notification of High Tide Line/Low Tide Line (HTL/LTL), ecologically sensitive areas falling under CRZ-1, hazard line etc.  All these steps are aimed at minimising discretions and enhancing accountability at all levels.

Last date of submission of Digital Life Certificate extended upto 31st March 2017

EPF & MP Act, 1952 made applicable to all staff employed in ECHS on contractual basis 

A single page composite claim form in death cases replaces Form 20, form 5-IF and Form 10-D
Noticing that many pensioners are yet to submit Aadhaar authenticated Jeevan Pramaan as life certificate for continuation of drawal of pension, the EPFO has further extended the last date of submission of Digital Life Certificate through Jeevan Pramaan Patra upto 31st March 2017. Earlier the last date was 28th February 2017.
Members and pensioners of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 are required to furnish Aadhaar number by 31st March 2017.  In case a member has not been allotted Aadhaar Number, a copy of Aadhaar Enrolment ID slip is required to be attached for settlement of claim under EPS, 1995, namely for pension processing and monthly pension payments.  Aadhaar number however is not required in case a member of pension scheme having less than 10 years of service chooses to withdraw by making an application in Form 10-C.

An Employee Enrolment Campaign-2017, started by EPFO on January 1st 2017 to cover left out workers, continues upto 31st March 2017.  Under the scheme:-

· The employee’s share of contributions if not deducted by the employer is waived.
· Nominal damages to be paid by the employer, in respect of the employees for whom declaration has been made under this campaign, is at the rate of Rupee One per annum.
· Administrative charges have been waived.

Outcomes of First IORA summit satisfying: Vice President

Addresses Media onboard: The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari has said that the outcomes of the First Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Leaders' Summit were satisfying. He was addressing the Media onboard Air India One Special Aircraft while returning back from Jakarta, Indonesia after participating in the Summit, on March 07, 2017.
Responding to a question on Association's view on terrorism, the Vice President said that the Summit adopted the Declaration on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism which is a synthesis of the views the region has on the matter. He further said that there is no divergence that violence in any form is an undesirable thing for civilized life and people are beginning to realize that violence has to be resisted. The view that anybody can get away by promoting terrorism is getting increasingly sidelined, he added.
Responding to a question on the alleged shooting of an Indian fisherman by the Sri Lankan Navy, the Vice President said that he had taken up the matter with the President of Sri Lanka when he met him on the side-lines of the Summit. He further informed that the Sri Lankan President had told him that he had spoken to the Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy who had told him that no such incident had occurred form the Sri Lankan side. The Sri Lankan President has ordered a full and complete enquiry into the matter, he added.
Responding to a question on the existence of the IORA, the Vice President said that a renewed focus on the Indian Ocean Rim had commenced at the Bengaluru meeting in 2011 and Indonesia was taking the initiative forward along the core areas that were identified earlier. There is a new thrust to the Association's activity now and it is an identified body with 21 participating countries, he added.
On the Indian proposal for setting up an IORA Centre of Excellence (ICE), the Vice President said that all member States are doing extensive work on matters related to maritime issues and interests. He further said that, the first exercise would be to pool the knowledge. India has the expertise and willingness to lead this effort, which will be an online setup and anybody can access it and give input to it, he added.
Responding to a question on increasing exports to Indonesia, the Vice President said that this issue was also discussed with the Indonesian President and there is renewed interest in expanding our trade ties. There has been considerable progress in two areas, namely acquisition of defence equipment and in the pharmaceuticals sector, he added. 

IISc, Bangalore in top 10 institutions in the 'Best Small Universities'

Pranab Mukherjee congratulated Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

The President of India Pranab Mukherjee congratulated Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore for figuring in the list of top 10 institutions in the 'Best Small Universities' category of the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings 2017. In a message to Prof. Anurag Kumar, Director, IISc, Bangalore, the President has said “Please accept my hearty congratulations on your Institute having entered into the list of top 10 institutions in the 'Best Small Universities' category of the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings 2017.
Kindly convey my sincere compliments to the entire faculty, staff and students of your esteemed Institute for having responded to my repeated calls to strive to be amongst the top Institutions of higher learning in the world. This achievement reiterates my firm belief that Indian Institutions are not lacking in merit and can be amongst the best in the world. I am confident your Institution will continue to strive and achieve greater and greater heights in the future”.

PM Salutes Nari Shakti on Women's Day

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted the spirit of 'Nari Shakti' on International Women's Day. The Prime Minister said, " Saluting the indomitable spirit, determination & dedication of Nari Shakti on International Women's Day.  GoI’s various initiatives seek to facilitate economic empowerment, self-reliance & social equality as far as Nari Shakti is concerned. Looking forward to addressing a conclave of women Sarpanchs & honouring trailblazers who have worked towards a Swachh Bharat."

Women day: Gender biases have no place in modern India , says President

The President of India Pranab Mukherjee presented Nari Shakti Puruskars for the year 2016 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (March 8, 2017) on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the individual ladies and organizations of India who received the national award, the Nari Shakti Puruskar today. He said that they have distinguished themselves in taking up challenges and realizing high aspirations that they represent. Behind each success is a story of tremendous commitment and perseverance. Each accomplishment represents the sincere efforts of thousands of other women and these are to be equally respected.
The President said that Government is equally concerned at the rising rate of violent crimes against women. It is inexcusable that women in India do not feel as secure and safe as they should. Gender biases have no place in modern India where inclusive development is a key objective. A greater emphasis on early sensitization of children and youth in schools and institutions of higher learning would help inculcate due respect for the female gender. This should be taken up through appropriate measures in our rural and urban populations and through well-conceived and coherent Government programmes.
The President said that on International Women’s Day, it is important to reiterate that every girl child and woman in our country should be assured that Government of India is fully committed to providing her an enabling environment that affords equal opportunity. She should feel confident that she can achieve her highest aspirations in whichever field she chooses. Prime Minister’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign has been launched in response to the falling Child Sex Ratio in many parts of our country. It is designed to also motivate girl children in every part of our country to enroll in primary education. The programme entails selective intervention - 100 districts across India have been targeted in 2015 and expanded to 61 additional districts in 2016.

Indo - Nepal Joint Exercise commenced at Pithoragarh

     

Indo - Nepal Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran - XI commenced Tuesday at Pithoragarh. In this 14 days exercise, Nepal Army is being represented by the officers and troops of the elite DURGA BAKSH Battalion while the EKTA SHAKTI Battalion of The Punjab Regiment is participating on behalf of the Indian Army. This is eleventh such battalion level exercise between the two countries aimed at training of troops in counter insurgency operations in mountainous terrain. It formally incorporates issues related to humanitarian assistance and disaster management (HADR) and will help enhance defence co-operation and military relations between the two countries.

Indo - Oman Joint Army Exercise Al Nagah-Ii 2017

Second edition of the joint exercise between the Indian and Oman Armies commenced Tuesday with the Opening Ceremony at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The training contingents comprised of platoon strength from both the Armies, which will be validated over 2-3 days by senior military observers of both the countries. The previous edition of the Exercise was held at Muscat, Oman in 2015.
The aim of this exercise is to acquaint both forces with each other’s operating procedures, improve the interoperability in conducting joint operations in the backdrop of counter insurgency/ counter terrorism environment as also to enhance the existing military relationship between the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman. 

No one to be deprived of benefits for lack of Aadhaar

Government says that benefits to continue with alternate means of identification

Government has said that no one will be deprived of the benefits for lack of Aadhaar. In a statement issued today, the Government has reiterated that till Aadhaar number is assigned to any individual, the benefit will continue to be given based on alternate means of identification. It also directed the departments to provide Aadhaar enrolment facilities to their beneficiaries under Regulation 12 of Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations 2016.
Considering the usefulness of Aadhaar in curbing leakages and bringing transparency in delivery system, the Government has recently issued orders to use Aadhaar in several other welfare schemes funded from the Consolidated Fund of India. While these orders require beneficiaries of these programs to give their Aadhaar number, it has also been ensured that no one is deprived of the benefits for want of Aadhaar.
 In case of Mid Day Meal scheme and under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, the schools and Anganwadis have been asked to collect the Aadhaar number of the children beneficiaries and in case a child does not have Aadhaar, the school or ICDS functionary will be required to provide enrolment facilities to a child and till Aadhaar number is assigned, the benefits will be continue.
  Aadhaar has been given to more than 112 Crore people. With  such wide  and extensive coverage,  Aadhaar has  become an important tool of  transformation, good governance and empowerment of people. It ensures that the benefits reach only the deserving and entitled individuals and are not cornered away by fake persons and middlemen. Various studies and survey had earlier pointed out massive leakages in welfare schemes. During the last two and half years, Aadhaar has helped in direct delivery of benefits to crores of people through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in schemes such as LPG subsidy under Pahal, Scholarships, MNREGA, and Pensions. In the Public Distribution System, Aadhaar is also ensuring that the food grains are received only by the genuine beneficiaries and not diverted by any middle man or unscrupulous elements.  It has, thus, saved huge sums of public money which otherwise was being siphoned away by middlemen. The total savings because of plugging of leakages due to Aadhaar during the last two and half years in just a few schemes where Aadhaar has been implemented amount to more than Rs 49,000 Crore.

Women awarded on International Women’s Day

Nari Shakti Puraskars to be given away by the President Wedenesday 

The President Pranab Mukherjee will present Nari Shakti Puraskars 2016 at a special ceremony/function to be held in New Delhi on International Women’s Day .
 To acknowledge Women’s achievements, the Government of India confers Nari Shakti Puraskars on eminent women and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of women empowerment.
            The awards recognize the efforts made by women & institutions in rendering distinguished services for the cause of women, especially vulnerable and marginalized women. The Ministry of Women and Child Development announces these national level awards for eminent women, organisations and institutions.
The Puraskars are open to all Indian Institutions, organisations and individuals. The WCD Ministry invites nominations from the State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, concerned Central Ministries/Departments, Non-Governmental Organisations, Universities/ Institutions, private and public sector undertakings (PSUs) working for empowerment of women. However, in exceptional cases, the Selection Committee may also, suo moto, recommend a person or institution for the award, with justification.
A Screening Committee to scrutinize and short list the nominations received for the Awards and a Selection Committee constituted for the purpose considers the achievements of organizations and individuals nominated or recommended for the Puraskars by the prescribed authority. The outstanding contributions in the field are of primary consideration in identifying the recipients of Puraskars.
The final selections of the Awardees are made by the National Selection Committee which takes into account the recommendations of the Screening Committee. The National Selection Committee may at its discretion also consider individuals other than those recommended by the State Governments/Central Ministries. This year the Selection Committee chaired by the Minister of Women & Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, has unanimously agreed to increase the number of Awards to 31 as more nominees were found to be deserving and the  age criteria was also relaxed.
The Nari Shakti Awards were initiated in the year 1999 and the guidelines were reframed in the year 2015.
The Nari Shakti Puraskar carries a cash award of Rs.1 Lakh and a certificate for individuals and institutions.

Agreement between ISPRL and ADNOC of UAE

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for signing of the Definitive Agreement on Oil Storage and Management between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of UAE.
According to the Agreement, the ADNOC will fill up 0.81 MMT or 5,860,000 million barrels of crude oil at ISPRL storage facility at Mangalore, Karnataka.
Out of the crude stored, some part will be used for commercial purpose of ADNOC, while a major part will be purely for strategic purposes. The signing of the Agreement will augment India's energy security.
India and UAE are strategic partners. The investment by ADNOC is a major investment from UAE under the High Level Task Force on Investment (HLTFI) and the first investment by UAE in India in the energy sector. 

Cadre Review of Central Engineering Service (Roads) Sanctioned

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister  Narendra Modi has approved the Cadre Review of Central Engineering Service(CES)(Roads) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.  The proposal will be implemented immediately.
 CES(Roads) Cadre strength will be revised as under:-
 (i) Increase the number of posts of CES(Roads) at:  a.    HAG level  02 b. SAG level 05 c. JTS level   36
 (ii)  Decrease in the number of posts at the STS level - 28
 (iii)      Recruitment against 86 posts as Special Reserve at entry level (JTS) for Deputation purpose only outside the cadre strength in addition to the normal vacancies arise in the JTS level in the cadre
 The CES(Roads) Cadre was constituted in the year 1959. The first allocation of Group ‘A’ Technical post was fixed at 189 in 1976. The last Cadre review of the service was carried out in the year 1987.
 Vacant posts of Mechanical Cadre will be utilized for filling up the same by Civil Engineers thereby merging the Mechanical Cadre with the Civil Cadre in a phased manner so that this shall not have any adverse impact on the present incumbents.
 There is an additional expenditure of Rs. 1.8 crores per annum approximately involved in the above Cadre Review proposal. As regards the special reserve for deputation, there will be no financial liability.