Universities crucial National assets, says President

     The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended Convocation of Sido Kanhu Murmu University at Dumka today (April 29, 2013). 

Speaking on the occasion the President said India is in the process of fast and radical change, a process which is unstoppable. However, change is occurring at very different speeds in each segment of society. The complexity of the Indian society - as embodied in division and subdivision by geography, religion, caste, class, gender and employment- calls for a careful monitoring and deft steering of this process of change. The successful management of this change is the biggest challenge of our times. Our response to this challenge would determine the destiny of India as a nation. 

The President said Sido Kanhu Murmu University is a tribute to two legendary freedom fighters from this region, Sido Murmu and Kanhu Murmu. They led the Santhal rebellion popularly known as ‘Santhal Hul’ in 1855 against the exploitation of the colonial rule. Their contribution to the nation would remain immortalized in the name of this University. It is now for this University to spread the message and values for which these great men struggled and made the supreme sacrifice. 

The President said that in the world of globalization, universities are regarded as crucial national assets. Governments around the world have invested heavily in universities. They are seen as vital sources of new knowledge and innovative thinking, and as providers of skilled personnel with credible credentials. Besides, they are also acting as magnets of international talent and business investment into a region, as agents of social justice and mobility, and as resources of cultural and social vitality. Education is the prime mover of the progress of a country and India must invest in education, especially keeping in mind the demographic advantage it enjoys. 

The President said that in his Address to the Nation on the eve of the last Republic Day, he had stated that it is time for the nation to reset its moral compass. He called upon those who educate and nurture the minds of the youth, and who wield a moral authority in the society to set this process in motion. He said our universities and academic institutions also have a responsibility to take the lead and impart education that would help us meet the moral challenge of our times. It must help in spreading the values of human dignity and equality in the society. 

Nuclear And Radiation Safety Policy of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

     In accordance with the Presidential orders dated 15 November 1983, constituting the AERB, the functions of AERB include, as per clause 2(i), development of safety policies in both radiation and industrial safety areas, and further, as per clause 2(vi), evolving major safety policies based on safety criteria, recommended by IAEA and other international bodies, adopted to suit Indian conditions. Accordingly, the safety policies concerning the activities regulated by AERB are enshrined in the high level documents of AERB, namely The Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004, the mission statement and the various 'Codes' of AERB. These documents include the policies, principles and / or safety objectives that apply to the relevant activity/field and the specific regulatory requirements that are to be followed for fulfilling the same. 

The above principles and objectives form the broader policy of AERB for regulation of nuclear and radiation safety in the country. 

AERB has already published 141 regulatory documents. AERB's approach with regard to prioritization for preparation of specific regulatory documents is a dynamic and ongoing process. The 27 balance documents are incorporated in the document development framework established by AERB in accordance with their assigned priorities. 

Government to intensify efforts to reach every last child with vaccination: Immunization communication campaign launched during Special Immunization Week

     To create awareness on the urgency to vaccinate every eligible child and intensify efforts to improve RI coverage, the Government of India has launched Special Immunization Weeks. Four weeks, with one week each in the months of April, June, July and August will be used to hold special immunization sessions in high-risk areas across the country. 

Each year, full immunization prevents approximately 4 lakh under-five deaths from vaccine preventable diseases in India. But close to 75 lakh children every year miss the benefits of childhood vaccinations. A majority of those missing the opportunity are from among underserved and marginalized populations. Being unvaccinated keeps them at highest risk of catching life-threatening childhood diseases. Globally, every fifth child is unimmunized. 

“The Special Immunization Week is an opportunity to reinforce India’s Call to Action for child survival and development,” said Anuradha Gupta, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Mission Director, National Rural Health Mission while launching a new communication campaign in the presence of media, development partners, and health officials at the India Habitat Centre. 

The new communication campaign comprises a new RI logo, TV spot, radio spot and posters. The media event, organized in collaboration with UNICEF, was part of the first Special Immunization Week (April 24-30) awareness initiative. 

“The new RI logo and other communication material will promote consistent messaging to raise awareness on the urgency of reaching every child with life-saving immunization,” added Anuradha Gupta. She encouraged her state counterparts and development partners to focus on ensuring that vaccines that are provided free of cost under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) reach every last child in the country. 

Year 2012-13 was declared as “Year of Intensification of Routine Immunization.” Intensification efforts saw the expansion of Pentavalent vaccine to six more states in India after successful introduction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 

“Pentavalent vaccine expansion is a significant step in India’s Call to Action to renew its commitment to child survival and development by strengthening key strategic public health interventions. Pentavalent protects children from Hib pneumonia and Hib meningitis in addition to protection from diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and Hepatitis B.,” said Dr Rakesh Kumar, Joint Secretary, RCH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

Emphasizing on UNICEF’s focus to promote equity in programme results, Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, UNICEF India Representative said, “In India, inequity persists within and between states. There are geographical, rural-urban, poor-rich, gender and other related differences in vaccination coverage. Disparities need to be addressed to reach every last child. The Special Immunization Week is an opportunity for all of us to renew focus on ensuring equity in immunization coverage.” 

“The Special Immunization Week lays sufficient importance on generating awareness about immunization and to reach marginalized populations in brick kilns, urban slums and other hard-to-reach areas. Engagement with media and other key stakeholders have been planned and will be continued in the following weeks,” said Dr Ajay Khera, Deputy Commissioner, Child Health and Immunization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

It may be mentioned that Special Immunization Week is observed each year in late April to promote the use of life-saving vaccines, one of the world’s most potent tools to immunize children against killer diseases. 

In June 2012, the Governments of Ethiopia, India and the United States with UNICEF, USAID and other partners launched a global roadmap to end preventable deaths of children under the age of five. Since then, under the banner of Committing to Child Survival: A Promise Renewed, more than 170 countries have signed up and renewed their commitment to child survival. In February 2013, Government of India launched a Call to Action on Child Survival and Development in Tamil Nadu, renewing the promise towards further reducing Under 5 mortality in India. The Summit also arrived at a set of agreed actions that will sustain the momentum and promote accountability in India’s journey towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals related to maternal and child mortality. 

Mega projects should contribute to welfare of local people, says President

     The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stones for 1320 mega watt Thermal Power Plant, Mega Textile Cluster, Model College, and Polytechnic today (April 30, 2013) at Godda in Jharkhand. 

Speaking on the occasion the President said Industrial projects like power plants would act as a catalyst for greater regional development. At the same time, the people of the region should also benefit from these development projects. He said the local people should have access to power. He further pointed out that the idea of a textile cluster was developed when he was Finance Minister to provide village handloom weavers and artisans with modern technology and marketing techniques. 

The President also stressed the importance of education, especially vocational education and said it was important to equip our youth with the best education possible and build a knowledge society. 

The President said Jharkhand holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. This land is witness to one of the first uprisings against the British rule. ‘Baba’ Tilka Manjhi had revolted in 1779 against oppression and sacrificed his life fighting the British. Sidho and Kanho were inspiring revolutionaries who struggled for the rights and upliftment of the people. Birsa Munda was considered ‘bhagwan’ by the people and was one of India’s important freedom fighters. He resolutely stood for liberty and equality. He paid tribute to these worthy sons of India and the land which has given birth to them. 

Advance Reservation Period for Booking Reserved Train Tickets Reduced to 60 Days from Existing 120 Days from Tomorrow i.e. 1ST May 2013

The Ministry of Railways has decided that the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for booking reserved train tickets will be reduced from existing 120 days to 60 days (excluding the date of journey) from tomorrow i.e. 1st May 2013. The details are as below:- 

I. With effect from 01.05.2013, the ARP will be of 60 days (excluding the day of journey) and booking will be done accordingly. However, all the bookings done upto 30.4.2013 under the ARP of 120 days will remain intact. 

II. Cancellation of the booking made beyond the ARP of 60 days will, however, be permitted. 

III. There will be no change in the case of certain day time express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express etc. where lower time limits for advance reservations are at present in force. 

IV. There will also be no change in the case of limit of 360 days for foreign tourists.

An Interview With Film Actor Sanjay Suri

An Interview With Rana Daggubati, Film Actor

Interaction With Vishal Bharadwaj, Film Director

An Interview with Nagarjuna, Film Actor

Panel Discussion on "Celebrating 100 yrs. of Indian cinema-The Road Ahead"

Panel Discussion On Cinema With Ramesh Sippy & Vishal Bhardwaj

Interaction With Zoya Akhtar, Film Director

An Interview With Karan Johar, Film Maker

Panel Discussion With Anand Patwardhan,Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Rejendra Singh Babu

Amendment in Money Laundering Act

     The objectives of recent amendment in Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 is to strengthen the legislative and administrative framework of the country to prevent money laundering and countering financing of terrorism and capabling to handle the new evolving threats. 

Bullion traders have expressed that Germs and jewellery sector be kept out of the purview of Prevention of Money-laundering Act. The Act imposes reporting obligations on “person carrying on designated business and profession”, which would include “dealer” in precious metals, precious stones and other high value goods as and when notified by the Central Government. At present they have not been notified.

Waiving off Education Loan

     At present, there is no proposal under the consideration of the Government to waive off the education loans sanctioned to the students who could not get a job after completing their studies. The Government had in the Budget 2012-13 announced setting up of a Credit Guarantee Fund for Education Loans to ensure better flow of credit deserving students. 

Education loans are extended as per Model Educational Loan Scheme of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) as adopted by the Banks. Under the Scheme, education loans can be given upto a ceiling of Rs. 10 lakh in India and Rs. 20 lakh abroad. Banks may consider higher quantum of loans on course to course basis. The Scheme is modified from time to time keeping in view the needs of the students. In the last such revision in September 2012, degree/diploma courses like aeronautical, pilot training, shipping etc, were added in the Model Scheme for studies abroad provided these are recognized by competent regulatory bodies in India/abroad for the purpose of employment in India/abroad

Research & Experiments of ISRO

     In order to support studies in the field of atmosphere and climate change, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) conducts researches and experiments using data from satellite and ground based observations. These include - experiments by means of balloons carrying radiosonde and ozonesonde to measure temperature, humidity, pressure and ozone; sets up network of observatories with instruments viz. Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere (MST) Radar for providing estimates of atmospheric parameters on a continuous basis, Multi-Wavelength Radiometer to measure aerosols, Athalometer for black carbon concentrations, Nephelometer for scattering coefficient, Quartz Crystal Microbalance for particle size, mass and density; Boundary Layer Lidar for chemical pollution studies. 

ISRO in collaboration with national laboratories and academic institutions conducts studies on landuse/landcover dynamics, atmospheric aerosols and trace gas chemistry, energy and mass exchange in the agricultural systems, chemical pollution and atmospheric carbon sequestration. 

Amount spent for this purpose during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period is `217.34 crores. The plan outlay for the Twelfth Five Year Plan period for this purpose is ` 457.46 crores. 

Call Rates of PSU Telecom Companies

As per the existing tariff framework, tariff for telecommunication access services is under forbearance except for national roaming and Rural Fixed Line Services. The service providers have the flexibility to offer different tariff schemes depending on the market conditions and other commercial considerations. Each service provider devices various schemes in such a manner as to suit its commercial interest in accordance with the tariff regulatory guidelines issued by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) from time to time. All service providers, including Public Sector Undertaking(PSU) telecom companies Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited(BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited(MTNL), have put on offer tariff schemes which are beneficial for different consumer classes depending on their usage profile. 

BSNL and MTNL offer various tariff plans, rates for which are competitive vis-à-vis private telephone companies. Further, tariffs offered are being rationalized / reviewed from time to time on the basis of prevailing market conditions, cost considerations and TRAI guidelines. 

Four Year Under Graduate Programme of Delhi University

     The Delhi University says that it is fully prepared to launch the four-year undergraduate programme. This was stated by MoS HRD Dr. Shashi Tharoor. The four year under graduate programme has been approved by an overwhelming majority at the Academic Council (AC), he said. The Council includes Deans of Faculties, Directors of Institutes, Heads of Departments, Professors, Principals of the Colleges and elected representatives from the Colleges and the University, in addition to the Vice-Chancellor and the Pro Vice-Chancellor.

According to the University of Delhi, the four-year undergraduate programme aims at imparting holistic knowledge, which cuts across the domains of traditional courses, as well as including skills and value building. It requires the students of all disciplines to undertake certain mandatory courses in order to meet the needs and challenges of the modern society and the nation. The programme is designed in such a way that it blends practical application with high-end knowledge, facilitating the students either to seek jobs, or become entrepreneurs or to undertake high end research. 

This information was given by the MoS for Human Resource Development, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. 

Protection of Women’s Rights

     The National Commission for Women (NCW), which was constituted as a statutory body in 1992 has a wide mandate to safeguard and promote the interests of women. As per Section (10) of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, the Commission shall perform any function to safeguard and promote the interest of women in the country. These include, among others, investigation and examination of the safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws and making recommendation to Government on measures for their effective implementation; reviewing the existing provisions of the Constitution and other laws affecting women and recommendation of amendments and remedial legal measures to meet any lacunae, inadequacies or shortcoming in such laws; looking into complaints and taking suo-moto notice of matters relating to deprivation of women’s rights, etc. and taking up the issues with appropriate authorities; calling for special studies or investigations into specific problems or situations arising out of discrimination and atrocities against women, identifying the constraints so as to recommend strategies for their removal; participation and advice in the planning process for socio-economic development of women, evaluation of the progress made thereof; inspection of jails, remand homes etc., where women are kept under custody and seeking remedial action wherever necessary. 

The Commission has been given powers of a Civil Court while investigating matters relating to safeguards for women under the Constitution and other laws and deprivation of women’s rights, to the extent of summoning and enforcing attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath, requiring discovery and production of any document, receiving evidence on affidavits, requisitioning of any public record or copy thereof from any court or office, issuing Commissions for examination of witnesses and documents and any other matter which may be prescribed. 

The Government has constituted a High Level Committee for study of the Status of Women in the country since 1989, the mandate of which inter-alia, includes measures for holistic empowerment of women . The Committee has been given two years time to submit their report, from the date of its 1st meeting, which was held on 24th July, 2012. 

Misleading Advertisements of Tobacco Products

     Section 5 of “The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003” (COTPA 2003) prohibits all forms of advertisements (direct/indirect) of tobacco products including gutka, except at the points of sale or on the tobacco product packs. Moreover, under Food Safety Regulations, the production, sale, distribution and storage of food items such as gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine is prohibited. Litigation on these issues are pending before Hon’ble Supreme Court. 

The advertisement of pan masala (without tobacco or nicotine) is regulated by the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, dated 1st August, 2011, notified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Under sections 30 & 31 of this regulation, pan masala can be advertised subject to the condition that every package of Pan Masala and advertisement relating thereto, shall carry the warning, “Chewing of Pan Masala or Supari is injurious to health”. 

In recent past, a few advertisements were published in leading national and regional dailies by a body named Smokeless Tobacco Association, raising questions on whether Gutkha was a food product and also implying that Gutkha was less harmful than smoking forms of tobacco and that Food Safety Regulations were discriminatory in nature. To counter the misinformation, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare published a public notice highlighting the medical and legal facts, the harmful effects of all forms of tobacco use and the desirability of quitting tobacco use for a healthy and long life. 

Model Schools under PPP mode for Achieving RTE Objectives

The HRD Ministry has outlined criteria for setting up Model Schools under PPP mode for achieving RTE objectives. The Ministry will set up 2500 model schools in non-educationally backward blocks. Under the scheme, the selection of PPP mode will be done for model schools through a bidding process in which each bidder will have to provide details about their financial and technical capabilities. The evaluation of bids would be based on the bidder’s track record in the field of education, financial standing and commitment and preparedness to provide necessary infrastructure and governance structure. 

The model schools are to be set up based on the Kendriya Vidalaya (KV) template with infrastructure and faculty as per norms of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. Each selected private entity has to enter into a concession agreement with the Government of India to ensure quality education in these schools. The concession agreement would be enforced by regular inspections, audit and monitoring for quality assurance. The financial support under the Scheme is conditional on fulfillment of performance parameters that seek to ensure the quality of education in these schools. 

Such partnership will be helpful in achieving the objectives of the RTE Act by providing quality schools in educationally backward block, thereby helping ensure free and compulsory education to every child upto the elementary level.

Six Day Centenary Film Festival Commences at New Delhi

Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari has said that the Government would make all possible efforts to make India a major International Filming Destination. The Ministry had taken certain concrete steps to put in place a mechanism which would facilitate International as well as domestic film producers. The single window mechanism constituted through the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Promotion and Facilitation of Film Production in India would ensure the removal of all possible hurdles and lay down a timeline for different agencies involved for granting clearances for film shooting in India. In order to encourage film makers from different streams the filming of feature films, short films and TV programmes had been included in the ambit of the Inter-Ministerial Committee. Shri Tewari stated this while speaking at the launch of 6 day Centenary Film Festival here today. Elaborating further, Shri Tewari said that the Government was committed in restoring the rich legacy of Indian cinema and for this purpose the National Film Heritage Mission had been launched to conserve, restore and preserve the rich heritage. The Minister further mentioned that the Ministry looked forward to the recommendations of the Justice Mudgal Committee which had been constituted to identify the contemporary requirements of film certification. Regarding the Festival, he stated that the objective was to take India’s rich film heritage to the common people and facilitate the screening of classic masterpieces by famous Indian Directors. The Minister further stated that the Indian Cinema had a unique and unmatched identity. The medium had undertaken a technological leap from the black and white silent era films to 3D. Cinema over 100 years had captured different moods and phases of development of India as a Nation in a subtle yet realistic manner. It had proved to be an extremely powerful medium in the journey of reflecting aspirations and dreams of its people through a journey of love and hope. On the occasion, Shri Tewari inaugurated the Indian cinema 100 (celebrating a century: an audio visual voyage) exhibition. This exhibition has been specially conceived and curated by the Films Division which aims to familiarize the visitor with some vintage artefacts, cinema equipment including cameras, sound-recording and editing machines and lighting equipment. An actual Tent / Tambu Cinema for experiencing the early twentieth century way of viewing was also arranged at the main foyer of the auditorium. The exhibition is expected to set the visitor on a fascinating audio-visual journey through 30 large-sized panels with visual and moving picture narratives, in addition to interactive audio-song and informative touch-screen consoles. The highlight of the inaugural programme was the unique screening of silent film "Throw of Dice' with LIVE musical orchestra by maestro Nishat Khan. The festival is being celebrated in Siri Fort auditorium in Delhi, as well in venues such as Jamia Milia University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and India Habitat Center. The six day extravaganza will include screenings of some classics as well as contemporary Indian films by master directors such as Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt, Shyam Benegal, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and their ilk, as also pay tribute to some beloved actors of popular Indian cinema who are no more, such as Balraj Sahni, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna ,among others. Films being screened represent a sprinkling of various flavours of Indian cinema from major film producing regions of the country. Eminent film makers and actors are being invited to interact with the audiences over the course of the six day festival. Entry to the screenings, exhibition and panel discussions is free to all. A special Satyajit Ray retrospective and display of artwork of Ray, pays homage to one of the best known ambassadors of Indian cinema. Films Division, whose documentaries have captured on celluloid post Independent India in all its myriad perspectives, will showcase some gems out of its rich archive, such as news reels documentaries, shorts, featurettes and animation films on a myriad of subjects. “Cut-Uncut “,a three day workshop conceived and being executed by members of the CBFC (Censor Board) would showcase the growth and evolution of censorship in Indian cinema, through workshops and insightful panel discussions. A Play on the life and times of Dadasaheb Phalke by Aamir Raza Hussain would mark the end of the festival in Siri Fort on 30th April 2013.

INDIAN CINEMA100:- Celebrating a Century: An Audio Visual Voyage

Films Division’s Specially Conceived & Curated Exhibition

This interactive and viewer-friendly comprehensive exhibition will set the visitor on a fascinating audio-visual journey through 30 large-sized panels with visual and moving picture narratives, in addition to interactive audio-song and informative touch-screen consoles. It will also familiarize the visitor with some vintage artefacts / cinema equipment including cameras, sound-recording and editing machines and lighting equipment. And there will be an actual Tent or Tambu Cinema for experiencing the early twentieth century way of viewing some rare films. The journey –

Indian Magic Lantern, Lumiere Brothers and the Indian Beginners

Indians already knew the ways of narrating stories through Pata-Chitra accompanied with commentaries and songs. And the Indian Magic Lantern (then called Shambarik Kharolika in Sanskrit) was made much before the Lumiere Brothers’ Cinematographe reached Mumbai on 7 July, 1896. The Lumiere Brothers’ moving pictures show at Mumbai’s Watson’s Hotel was a land-mark event that inspired many Indians such as HS Bhatwadekar, Anadi Nath Bose, Hiralal Sen, JF Madan, RV Naidu and S Vincent, who made the initial experiments in cinema.

Emergence of Dadasaheb Phalke and Other Pioneers

It was Dhundirag Govind Phalke who first made India’s first ‘swadeshi’ film called Raja Harishchandra released in Mumbai’s Coronation Cinematograph on 3 May 1913. India is celebrating its century. Raja Harishchandra is also heralded as a film that gave birth to the Indian film industry. Other pioneers who contributed substantially to the development of Indian cinema were Dwarkadas Sampat, Dhiren Ganguly, Nataraja Mudaliar, Chandulal Shah, and Fatima Begum, who was India’s (and probably world’s) first woman director. The exhibition provides some rare visual glimpses of early silent cinema.

International Collaborations and early talkies

Some of the earliest instances of India’s collaborations with British and European companies led to several land-mark films such as The Light of Asia, Shiraz, A Throw of Dice and Savitri. As filmmaking technologies were developing rapidly, momentous changes were taking places across the world and India was quick on capturing those historic moments. The first Indian sound film Alam Ara was made in 1931.

The Rise of Studio System, Singing Stars and the Introduction of Playback Singing

Some of the major studios including Prabhat, New Theatres, Minerva, Ranjit, Bombay Talkies, Wadia, Gemini, AVM, Vauhini, Pakshiraja and others were established. Many singing stars (stars who could sing) including KL Saigal, SD Subbulakshmi, Kanan Devi, Noorjehan and others emerged. It was New Theatres’ film Bhagyachakra / Dhoopchhaon that first introduced the art of playback in 1935.

 Cinema-Society Symbiosis and the Nationalist Spirit

Cinema took up the challenge of reforming social conditions in the pre- and post-Independent India. It also eloquently reflected the Gandhian influence and ethos in its narratives. Besides playing such healthy social role, it also heightened the nationalist spirit. A section of the exhibition highlights the relevant historic facts with texts and images.

India’s First International Film Festival and the Creative Resonances

Organised by the Films Division in 1952, the first international film festival exposed Indian filmmakers to global happenings in the realm of cinema, including the neo-realist films from Italy. Largely under its influence, filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray and Bimal Roy began to imbue Indian cinema with newer aesthetic experience and energy. Indian cinema was also filled with creative resonances by the works by Mehboob Khan, Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, KA Abbas, Chetan Anand, Ritwik Ghatak, Tapan Sinha and many others. Indian films kept on earning laurels from film festivals abroad.

The Indian New Wave

Institutions such as the Film Institute of India (now Film & Television Institute of India), Film Finance Corporation (now the National Film Development Corporation), the National Film Archive of India were established by the Government of India, while the Indian New Wave emerged with alternative aesthetic idioms. With state support, many filmmakers across the country could make films that were recognized internationally.

Spectacle, Superstars and the Changing Looks of Indian Cinema

Many matinee idols across Indian cinemas, including Hindi, emerged and occupied the collective national memory. And along with that technological transformations (special effects, digital technologies, et al) went on giving a new look to Indian cinema at large. Indian cinema compared well with the world in terms of production finesse and perfection. These panels will familiarize the visitor with various developments in this realm.

The Regional Roots

The 10 panels in this section will highlight the growth of regional cinemas across India, particularly within major languages, viz. Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odiya, Telugu and Tamil.

FD’s Picture Palace, the Tambu Cinema

Visitors will be able to enter this Tent and view some rare silent films. Before the pucca cinema houses were built, films were shown in such tents even in Mumbai and Calcutta. Specially curated daily shows to provide an experience of the bygone era. Thus this exhibition will provide the visitor with a holistically exciting experience through the century of Indian cinema.

Amrit Gangar, Curator – in consultation with Shri VS Kundu, DG, Films Division

Review of the Economy 2012-13 Highlights

Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister released the document ‘Review of the Economy 2012-13’ at a Press Conference in New Delhi today. Following are the highlights of the document:



Ø Economy to grow at 6.4% in 2013-14
The Advance Estimates of CSO have pegged the growth of Agriculture at 1.8% in 2012-13. In expectation of normal or mostly normal monsoon, the farm sector growth is likely to improve and is projected to grow at 3.5% in 2013-14.
The Advance Estimates of CSO have pegged the growth of Industry (including manufacturing, mining and quarrying, electricity, gas, water supply and construction) at 3.1% in 2012-13. It is projected to grow at 4.9% in 2013-14. Manufacturing sector is projected to grow at 4% in 2013-14.
The Advance Estimates of CSO have pegged the growth of Services at 6.6% in 2012-13. It is projected to grow at 7.7% in 2013-14.



Ø Global Situation: Global growth although projected to pick up in 2013 would continue to remain at modest levels. In such a scenario India’s projected growth rate of 6.4% is relatively high and respectable.



Ø Structural Factors:

· Investment rate is estimated to be 35.8% of GDP in 2012-13. There has been a sharp decline in the productivity of capital as the Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR) has shot up from its historical level of around 4.0 to much higher levels. The computed ICOR for 2011-12 and 2012-13 ranges from 5.4 to 11.4, depending on how the ratio is calculated. It appears that investment capital accumulated in projects is not yielding commensurate output.

· Domestic savings rate is estimated to be around 30.8 % of GDP 2012-13. The decline in the domestic savings rate over the past few years is owing to the increase in the negative savings by the Government, the decline in profitability of private corporates, and decline in net financial savings of households.



Ø Trends in Corporate Financial Results

· In 2009-10 and 2010-11 the real net sales growth figures derived from the corporate data were closer to the ASI numbers than the IIP. If the corporate numbers are a better guide of manufacturing, the GDP estimates by CSO for both 2011-12 and 2012-13 could be revised upwards.



Ø External Sector: Controlling CAD remains our main concern at present.
Current Account Deficit is estimated to be $94 billion (5.1% of GDP) in 2012-13 and is projected to be $100 billion (4.7% of GDP) in 2013-14.

o Merchandise trade deficit is estimated to be $200 billion (10.9% of the GDP) in 2012-13 and is projected to be $213 billion (9.9% of GDP) in 2013-14.

o Net invisibles earnings are estimated to be $105.8 billion (5.7 % of GDP) in 2012-13 and are projected to be $113 billion (5.3 % of GDP) in 2013-14.
Capital flows

o It is estimated that for 2012-13 the net inflow of FDI was $18 billion ($26 billion inbound and $ 8 billion outbound). For 2013-14 EAC has projected higher inbound flows of the order of $36 billion. Outbound FDI is also expected to increase, resulting in net FDI inflow of $24 billion.

o FII inflows were weak in the first quarter of 2012-13, but picked up in the second and third quarters. For the year as a whole, portfolio inflows are estimated to be close to $24 billion. Portfolio capital flows are projected to be $18 billion in 2013-14.

o The total inflows under the head of loans are estimated to be about $30 billion in 2012-13. This comprises mostly of external commercial borrowings (ECBs) and short-term loans. The projected figure for 2013-14 is $36 billion.

o The total banking capital inflows for 2012-13 are estimated to be $24 billion and are projected to be at $ 22 billion for 2013-14.



Ø Inflation
In 2013-14, the headline WPI inflation is expected to be around 6.0 %, with primary food inflation around 8%, fuel at about 11% and manufactured goods at around 4%.
The provisional figure for inflation at the end of 2012-13 is 5.96%.



Ø Fiscal Situation
The fiscal deficit of the Centre for 2012-13 is estimated to be 5.2% of GDP. It was Rs 520,924 crores in 2012-13 as per revised estimates, and is expected to be Rs 542,499 crores in 2013-14 as per budget estimates.
The total Central subsidies stood at Rs. 257,654 crores (2.6% of GDP) in 2012-13 but, are expected to go down to Rs 231,084crores in 2013-14 largely owing to the pruning down of petroleum subsidies which have been the major cause of missing our fiscal deficit targets in the past.
As growth recovers tax collections are expected to improve. The 2013-14 BE target of 19% gross tax revenue growth is realizable.
On the expenditure side, control over the magnitude of petroleum subsidies is clearly the most important element in keeping expenditures within the overall budgeted limits.
The budget has laid firm foundations for the process of fiscal consolidation which should help in achieving high growth in a sustained way.



Conclusions:

Ø Growth and, more particularly, industrial growth has slowed. But the decline appears to have bottomed out. Overall economic growth is expected to rise to 6.4 per cent in 2013-14 from 5 per cent in the previous year. Investment and savings rates have come down. But economic growth has declined more steeply than what is warranted by the decline in investment. The main reason for this is that while capital assets have been formed, counterpart output has not flowed into the economy. Capital accumulated in projects is not yielding commensurate output, as the implementation of projects has slowed. Policy and administrative actions such as the recently constituted Cabinet Committee on Investment can help to overcome obstacles in the speedy execution of projects. While even existing rates of investment should enable us to grow at 7.5 to 8.0 per cent over the short term, a return to higher levels of savings and investment can take us back to the very high levels of growth which we had seen earlier.

Ø Inflation continues to remain high, but there are definite signs that headline WPI inflation is coming down. Non-food manufacturing inflation remains around the comfort zone. As inflation comes down, it will create more space for monetary policy to support growth.

Ø The road map for fiscal consolidation has been well laid out. Government has shown its determination to contain the fiscal deficit. The current account deficit, however, remains a source of concern, despite the fact that the financing of the deficit has not been a problem so far. While in the short run, we should take such actions that are necessary to encourage capital flows, over the medium term, we need to bring down the current account deficit to moderate levels.

Ø The next decade will be a crucial decade for India. If we grow at 8 to 9 per cent per annum, we will graduate to the level of a middle income country by 2025. It is once again a faster rate of growth which will enable us to meet many of our important socio-economic objectives.


Ø Issues to be addressed:
Speedy project clearances: While the Constitution of the Cabinet Committee on Investment has helped in speeding up project clearances, more needs to be done in the coming months so that new investment can be facilitated. In the current context, achieving the production and capacity creation targets in the key infrastructure sectors such as coal, power, roads, railways and ports, which are largely in the public sector or public-private partnership (PPP) domain, will act as a great stimulus to private investment and faster growth.
Reducing CAD: Net oil imports and gold, account for bulk of the increase in merchandise trade deficit. Price and subsidy reforms in petroleum products need to be completed to control our oil import bill. It is also vitally necessary to encourage exports of both merchandise and services. As inflation is brought under control, peoples’ appetite for gold will also diminish. Maintaining an attractive return in financial assets will also help in bringing down the demand of gold.
Managing the capital account: To ensure that the CAD is comfortably financed, capital inflows will need to be encouraged and, where necessary, procedures streamlined.
Improving Net Energy Availability: There is a close link between our dependence on imports of oil and natural gas and our external payments situation. Hence, steps should be taken to improve the energy economy in all aspects-production, transformation and final use. Facilitating an increase in domestic coal production will make a substantial difference. The conditions for exploration and production of hydrocarbons must be improved to increase domestic supply.
Containing inflation: Both supply side management and the approach to administered pricing have to be informed about the urgency in regard to stabilizing primary food inflation at a lower level.
Reforms in Agricultural Marketing and Supply Chains: The Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act (APMC Act) prevailing in a number of states limits the freedom of farmers to sell, and this has prevented the modernization of the supply chain and also contributes to primary food inflation. Regulatory obstacles in the way need to be cleared.
Moving Savings Products: Over the past few years there have been serious setbacks in the distribution of savings products, especially mutual funds and life insurance. However, sales of mutual fund products, especially to smaller investors, have been continuously negative for some time and the premium growth in insurance was (-) 10 % in 2010-11 and 2011-12, after strong growth in previous years. There is a need to reverse this decline in investment in financial assets through more attractive savings products and environment.

Table 1

Year-on-year rates of growth at constant (2004-05) prices

Unit: per cent, unless otherwise specified

	ANNUAL RATES	2005-06	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14
								QE	AE	Proj
1	Agriculture & allied activities	5.1	4.2	5.8	0.1	0.8	7.9	3.6	1.8	3.5
2	Mining & Quarrying	1.3	7.5	3.7	2.1	5.9	4.9	–0.6	0.4	2.3
3	Manufacturing	10.1	14.3	10.3	4.3	11.3	9.7	2.7	1.9	4.0
4	Electricity, Gas, Water Supply	7.1	9.3	8.3	4.6	6.2	5.2	6.5	4.9	6.4
5	Construction	12.8	10.3	10.8	5.3	6.7	10.2	5.6	5.9	7.0
6	Trade, Hotels, Transport, Storage & Communication	12.0	11.6	10.9	7.5	10.4	12.3	7.0	5.2	7.6
7	Finance, insurance, real estate & business services	12.6	14.0	12.0	12.0	9.7	10.1	11.7	8.6	9.0
8	Community & personal services	7.1	2.8	6.9	12.5	11.7	4.3	6.0	6.8	6.0
9	GDP (factor cost)	9.5	9.6	9.3	6.7	8.6	9.3	6.2	5.0	6.4
10	Farm Sector	5.1	4.2	5.8	0.1	0.8	7.9	3.6	1.8	3.5
11	Industry (2 + 3 + 4 + 5)	9.7	12.2	9.7	4.4	9.2	9.2	3.5	3.1	4.9
12	Services (6 + 7 + 8)	10.9	10.1	10.3	10.0	10.5	9.8	8.2	6.6	7.7
13	Non-Farm GDP (9 - 1)	10.5	10.8	10.1	8.1	10.1	9.6	6.6	5.5	6.8
14	GDP (factor cost) per capita	7.8	8.0	7.8	5.2	7.1	7.8	4.8	3.7	5.1
	Some Magnitudes
15	GDP factor cost-2004/05 prices in Rs lakhcrore (Trillion)	32.5	35.6	39.0	41.6	45.2	49.4	52.4	55.0	58.5
16	GDP market & current prices in Rs lakh crore(Trillion)	36.9	42.9	49.9	56.3	64.8	78.0	89.7	100.3	113.7
17	GDP market & current prices in US$ Billion	834	949	1,241	1,234	1,370	1,715	1,865	1,847	2,126
18	Population in Million	1,106	1,122	1,138	1,154	1,170	1,186	1,202	1,217	1,232
19	GDP market prices per capita current prices in Rs	33,394	38,277	43,823	48,787	55,366	65,728	74,667	82,400	92,290
20	GDP market prices per capita in current US$	754	846	1,090	1,069	1,171	1,446	1,551	1,518	1,725

Table 2

Actual and Projected Balance of Payments

US$ billion	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11	2011/12	2012/13 *	2013/14 *
Merchandise Exports	85.2	105.2	128.9	166.2	189.0	182.4	250.5	309.8	301.1	329.7
Merchandise Imports	118.9	157.1	190.7	257.6	308.5	300.6	381.1	499.5	501.1	542.7
MerchTrade Balance	-33.7	-51.9	-61.8	-91.5	-119.5	-118.2	-130.6	-189.8	-200.0	-213.0
	-4.7%	-6.2%	-6.5%	-7.4%	-9.7%	-8.6%	-7.6%	-10.2%	-10.9%	-9.9%
Net Invisibles	31.2	42.0	52.2	75.7	91.6	79.7	84.6	111.6	105.8	113.0
	4.3%	5.0%	5.5%	6.1%	7.4%	5.8%	4.9%	6.0%	5.7%	5.3%
o/w  Software & BPO	14.7	23.8	27.7	37.2	47.0	41.5	49.6	60.1	62.4	72.0
Private Remittances	20.5	24.5	29.8	41.7	44.6	53.5	53.1	63.5	65.6	69.0
Investment Income	-4.1	-4.1	-6.8	-4.4	-6.6	-5.5	-16.4	-16.5	-24.0	-28.0
Current Account	-2.5	-9.9	-9.6	-15.7	-27.9	-38.5	-45.9	-78.2	-94.2	-100.0
	-0.3%	-1.2%	-1.0%	-1.3%	-2.3%	-2.8%	-2.7%	-4.2%	-5.1%	-4.7%
Foreign Investment	13.0	15.5	14.8	45.0	3.5	51.2	38.0	39.2	41.5	42.0
o/w FDI (net)	3.7	3.0	7.7	15.4	17.5	18.8	7.7	22.1	17.8	24.0
Inbound FDI	6.0	8.9	22.7	34.2	35.0	33.1	24.0	33.0	26.1	36.0
Outbound FDI	2.3	5.9	15.0	18.8	17.5	14.4	16.3	10.9	8.3	12.0
Portfolio capital	9.3	12.5	7.1	29.6	-14.0	32.4	30.3	17.2	23.7	18.0
Loans	10.9	7.9	24.5	41.9	4.1	14.3	27.9	19.3	30.5	36.0
Banking capital	3.9	1.4	1.9	11.8	-3.2	1.5	5.0	16.0	24.2	22.0
Other capital	0.7	1.2	4.2	9.5	4.5	-13.0	-10.4	-6.9	-2.0	0.0
Capital Account	28.0	25.5	45.2	108.0	8.7	53.4	60.0	67.8	94.2	100.0
	3.9%	3.1%	4.8%	8.7%	0.7%	3.9%	3.5%	3.6%	5.1%	4.7%
Errors & Omissions	0.6	-0.5	1.0	1.2	1.1	-1.6	-2.6	-2.4	2.5	0.0
Accretion to Reserves	26.2	15.1	36.6	92.2	-18.1	13.3	11.5	-12.8	2.5	0.0
	3.6%	1.8%	3.9%	7.4%	-1.5%	1.0%	0.7%	-0.7%	0.1%	0.0%

           

Note: *            The column for 2012-13 is estimated and that for 2013-14 is projected