Electronic Toll Collection System makes Delhi-Mumbai Drive Faster and Cheaper

“The Electronic Toll Collection System is a step towards the realization of the Prime Minister’s vision of `Digital India’, said the Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, while launching the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System for Delhi-Mumbai highway via Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, here today. The system would evolve into newer technologies and facilities like touch-card, debit card etc. in the near future which will contribute to the nation’s growth, he added. He dedicated the system to the nation, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

The FASTag is a passive RFID tag affixed at the centre of the windscreen. All you have to do is Recharge your Tag Account and drive through FASTag Lanes at the toll plazas, and appropriate toll would automatically be deducted from your balance. SMS alerts will be sent on the registered mobile number giving information on toll fee deducted and low balance. 

Currently FASTag services are available at 24 toll plazas on Delhi-Mumbai section, and simultaneously, work is in progress to implement FASTag on all National Highways. Also, FASTag shall be extended for fuel payments and entry fee payments at State Border check posts in near future. FASTag is available at Point-of-Sales set up at certain bank branches. Currently, ICICI Bank is offering FASTag, and soon FASTag from Axis Bank will also be available. Very shortly such Point of Sales will be set up at toll plazas also. 

The new ETC system will save commuters time, fuel, money and reduce pollution. This will go a long way in taking forward the nations growth especially when it is extended to other roads across the country. 

ETC has already been installed at 55 Toll Plazas and their integration with Central Clearing House (CCH) operators has almost been completed. A pilot project for interoperable ETC system of 10 toll plazas between Mumbai (Charoti) and Ahmadabad has already been tested and seamless ETC on this section is successfully in operation. 

In order to remove the bottlenecks and ensure seamless movement of traffic and collection of toll as per the notified rates, Government had constituted a committee on Electronic Toll Collection technology for use on National Highways under the chairmanship of Shri Nandan Nilekani. This Committee's mandate was to examine all technologies available for ETC and recommend the most suitable technology for local conditions. Considering user convenience, rate of acceptance and ease of implementation, the passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based on EPC, Gen-2, ISO 18000-6C Standards for ETC technology was adopted by the Government. 

A web based portal has been developed through which National Highway users may easily access information related to toll fee and other details viz. applicable toll charges and concessions available for local vehicles near any toll plaza in the country, date of toll fee notification, commercial operation date, effective & due date of toll rate revision, name and contact details of key personnel on toll plaza, details of nearest police station, hospitals etc. in addition to facilities available near Toll Plaza(s). The portal is GIS based wherein Toll Plazas may be easily searched on a map. 

State-wise list of all toll plazas along with their name, location, number of the National Highway and section/stretch will be displayed in this section. User can also type “name” of a toll plaza to get information of the toll plaza entered on the screen. User can click on “Toll Plaza name” to get further details of that toll plaza. A facility is also available to ascertain the Toll Plaza Location as well as the amount of fee that a user shall have to pay while travelling through a selected stretch of National Highway. Toll rates can also be accessed through mobile phones by sending SMS to 56070 with predefined text messages. 

To standardize the process of data collection and creating of central data repository, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways envisaged automating the process of traffic surveys on National Highways and Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. (IHMCL) has been entrusted to execute this project. This project includes conducting seven-day traffic surveys, twice annually, at more than 1600 location on all National Highways across India. These traffic surveys would be conducted using portable Automatic Traffic Counter and Classifier (ATCC) systems, which do not require any human intervention. Also the video of the Vehicular movement during the survey shall be captured and used for verification of survey data. A Control Centre would be established for the purposes of creating central repository of traffic data and for compilation, verification and analysis of data generated from traffic surveys. Through this project, crucial and reliable traffic data and analysis will be available at the fingertips, which can be further used for better infrastructure planning and traffic management. 

The launching ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways Shri Krishan Pal, Chairman, NHAI, Shri R.P. Singh, President, NHBF, Shri V.C. Verma and other dignitaries. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Text of PM’s address at 'Run For Unity' at Rajpath on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

मेरे साथ आप लोग बोलेंगे, मैं कहूंगा सरदार पटेल आप लोग कहेंगे अमर रहे, अमर रहे,… सरदार पटेल, (अमर रहे) सरदार पटेल, (अमर रहे) सरदार पटेल (अमर रहे)। 

मंच पर विराजमान मंत्रिपरिषद के हमारे वरिष्‍ठ साथी, आदरणीय सुषमा जी, आदरणीय वैंकेया जी, श्रीमान रविशंकर जी, दिल्‍ली के लेफ्टिनेंट गवर्नर और सारे नौजवान साथियों 

आज सरदार वल्‍लभ भाई पटेल की जन्‍म जयंती का प्रेरक पर्व है। जो देश इतिहास को भूला देता है, वह देश कभी भी इतिहास का निर्माण नहीं कर सकता है। और इसलिए एक जीवंत राष्‍ट्र के लिए, एक आशा-आकांक्षाओं के साथ भरे हुए राष्‍ट्र के लिए सपनों को सजा कर बैठी युवा पीढ़ी के लिए अपने ऐतिहासिक धरोहर सदा-सर्वदा प्रेरणा देती है और हमारे देश ने इस बात को भी कभी भी भूलना नहीं होगा कि हम इतिहास को विरासतों को अपने वैचारिक दायरे में न बांटे। इतिहास पुरूष, राष्‍ट्र पुरूष इतिहास की वो धरोहर हाते हैं जो आने वाली पीढि़यों के लिए नया उमंग और नया उत्‍साह भरते हैं। 

आज श्रीमती इंदिरा गांधी जी की भी पुण्‍य तिथि है। सरदार साहब का जीवन देश की एकता के लिए आहूत हो गया। बैरिस्‍टर के नाते, सफल बैरिस्‍टर गांधी के चरणों में समर्पित हो गए, और हिंदुस्‍तान के किसानों को आजादी के आंदोलन में जोड़कर के उन्‍होंने अंग्रेज सल्‍तनत को हिला दिया था। अंग्रेज सल्‍तनत ने भांप लिया था अगर देश का गांव, देश का किसान आजादी के आंदोलन का हिस्‍सा बन गया तो अंग्रेज सल्‍तनत की कोई ताकत नहीं है कि वो आजादी के दीवानों के खिलाफ लड़ाई लड़ सके। 

कभी-कभी जब हम रामकृष्‍ण परमहंस को देखते हैं तो लगता है कि स्‍वामी विवेकानंद के बिना रामकृष्‍ण परमहंस अधूरे लगते हैं। वैसे ही जब महात्‍मा गांधी को देखते हैं तो लगता है कि सरदार साहब के बिना गांधी भी अधूरे लगते थे। यह एक अटूट नाता था। यह अटूट जोड़ी थी। जिस दांडी यात्रा ने हिंदुस्‍तान की आजादी को एक नया मोड़ दिया था। पूरे विश्‍व को सबसे पहले ताकतवर मैसेज देने का अवसर दांडी यात्रा में से पैदा हुआ था। उस दांडी यात्रा में एक सफल संगठक के रूप में, एक कार्यकर्ता के रूप में सरदार साहब की जो भूमिका थी, वो बेजोड़ थी। और महात्‍मा गांधी ने दांडी यात्रा की पूरी योजना सरदार साहब के हवाले की थी। हम कल्‍पना कर सकते थे कि देश की आजादी आंदोलन के अलग-अलग पढ़ाव में, महात्‍मा गांधी के साथ रहकर के सरदार साहब की कितनी अहम भूमिका रही थी और आजादी के बाद सरदार साहब का लाभ देश को बहुत कम मिला। बहुत कम समय तक हमारे बीच रहे। लेकिन इतने कम समय में सरदार साहब ने अंग्रेजों के सारे सपनों को धूल में मिला दिया था, चूर-चूर कर दिया था। अपनी दूर दृष्टि के द्वारा, अपने कूटनीति सामर्थ्‍य के द्वारा, अपनी राष्‍ट्र भक्ति के द्वारा। अंग्रेज चाहते थे कि देश आजाद होने के बाद सैकड़ों टुकड़ों में बिखर जाए। आपस में लड़ते रहे, मर मिटते रहे, यह अंग्रेजों का इरादा था, लेकिन सरदार साहब ने अपनी कूटनीति के द्वारा, अपनी दीर्घ दृष्टि के द्वारा, अपने लोखंडित मनोबल के द्वारा साढ़े पांच सौ से भी अधिक रियासतों को एक सूत्र में बांध दिया। जिसे सम्‍मान देने की जरूरत थी, उसे सम्‍मान दिया। जिसको पुचकारने की जरूरत थी, उसको पुचकारा और जिसको आंख दिखाने की जरूरत थी उसको आंख दिखाने में भी सरदार पटेल ने कभी हिचक नहीं की, संकोच नहीं किया। उस सामर्थ्‍य का परिचय दिया था। और उसी महापुरूष ने, एक प्रकार से आज जब हिंदुस्‍तान देख रहे हैं वो एक भारत का सफलदृष्‍टा उसके नियंता सरदार पटेल को देश कभी भूल नहीं सकता है। 

शताब्दियों पहले इतिहास में चाणक्‍य का उल्‍लेख इस बात के लिए आता है कि उन्‍होंने अनेक राजे-रजवाड़ों को एक करके, एक सपना लेकर के, राष्‍ट्र के पुनरूद्धार का सपना देकर के सफल प्रयास किया था। चाणक्‍य के बाद उस महान काम को करने वाले एक महापुरूष हैं, जिनका आज हम जन्‍म जयंती पर्व मना रहे हैं, वो सरदार वल्‍लभ भाई पटेल हैं। लेकिन यह कैसा दुर्भाग्‍य है, जिस व्‍यक्ति ने देश की एकता के लिए अपने आप को खपा दिया था, आलोचनाएं झेली थी, विरोध झेले थे। अपने राजनीतिक यात्रा में रूकावटें महसूस की थी। लेकिन उस लक्ष्‍य की पूर्ति के मार्ग से कभी विचलित नहीं हुए थे, और वो लक्ष्‍य था भारत की एकता। उसी देश में, उसी महापुरूष की जन्‍म जयंती पर, 30 साल पहले भारत की एकता को गहरी चोट पहुंचाने वाली एक भयंकर घटना ने आकार लिया। हमारे ही अपने लोगों को मौत के घाट उतार दिया गया। और वो घटना किसी सम्‍प्रदाय के लोगों के सीने पर लगे घाव की नहीं थी, वो घटना भारत के हजारों साल के महान व्यवस्था के सीने पर लगा हुआा एक छूरा था, एक खंजर था, भयंकर आपत्तिजनक था। लेकिन दुर्भाग्‍य रहा इतिहास का कि उसे महापुरूष के जयंती के दिन यह हो गया। और तब जाकर के देश की एकता के लिए, हम लोगों ने अधिक जागरूकता के साथ, अधिक जिम्‍मेवारी के साथ। सरदार साहब ने हमें एक भारत दिया, श्रेष्‍ठ भारत बनाना हमारी जिम्‍मेवारी है। ‘एक भारत श्रेष्‍ठ भारत’ इस सपने को पूरा करने के लिए भारत की जो महान विरासत है वो विरासतें विविधता में एकता की है। उस विविधता में एकता की विरासत को लेकर के, जातिवाद से परे उठकर के, भाषावाद से परे उठकर के, सम्‍प्रदायवाद से परे उठकर के एक भारत समृद्ध भारत, ऊंच-नीच के भेदभाव से मुक्‍त भारत यह सपने को साकार करने के लिए आज से उत्‍तम पर्व नहीं हो सकता, जो हमें आने वाले दिनों के लिए प्रेरणा देता रहे। 

और युवा पीढ़ी आज इस राष्ट्रीय एकता दिवस पर पूरे हिंदुस्‍तान में Run for Unity के लिए दौड़ रही है। मैं समझता हूं यह हमारा प्रयास एकता के मंत्र को निरंतर जगाए रखना चाहिए। और हमारे शास्‍त्रों में कहा है राष्‍ट्रयाम जाग्रयम वयम.. हर पल हमें जागते रहना चाहिए अपने सपनों को लेकर के, सोचते रहना चाहिए, उसके अनुरूप काम करते रहना चाहिए तभी संभव होता है। भारत विविधताओं से भरा हुआ देश है। अनेक विविधताओं से भरा हुआ देश है। विविधता में एकता यही हमारी विशेषता है। हम कभी एकरूपता के पक्षकार नहीं रहे। हम विविधताओं से भरे हुए रहते हैं। एक ही प्रकार के फूलों से बना गुलदस्‍ता और रंग-बिरंगे फूलों से बने गुलदस्‍ते में कितना फर्क होता है। भारत उन विशेषताओं से भरा हुआ देश है, उन विशेषताओं को बनाते हुए एकता के सूत्र को जीवंत रखना, एकता के सूत्र को बलवंत बनाना यही हम लोगों का प्रयास है और यही एकता का संदेश है। 
राज्‍य अनेक राष्‍ट्र एक, 
पंथ अनेक लक्ष्‍य एक, 
बोली अनेक स्‍वर एक, 
भाषा अनेक भाव एक, 
रंग अनेक तिरंगा एक, 
समाज अनेक भारत एक, 
रिवाज अनेक संस्‍कार एक, 
कार्य अनेक संकल्‍प एक, 
राह अनेक मंजिल एक, 
चेहरे अनेक मुस्‍कान एक, 
इसी एकता के मंत्र को लेकर के यह देश आगे बढ़े। 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

PM flags off, joins Run For Unity on Sardar Patel Jayanti

PM: Sardar Patel gave us "Ek Bharat" – let us all make "Shreshth Bharat"

Enthusiastic youth persuade Prime Minister to lead "Run For Unity" after flagging it off

Flagging off the "Run For Unity" on the occasion of Sardar Patel Jayanti, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today (31.10.2014) recalled the mantra of "Ek Bharat: Shresth Bharat" and said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel gave us "Ek Bharat" (United India), and we should all work towards creating "Shresth Bharat" (Foremost India). He was addressing a large gathering of youth and people from all walks of life, at Rajpath in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister referred to Sardar Patel Jayanti as an inspirational moment, and said a country that forgets history, cannot create history. He said India's glorious heritage will always be an inspiration for its aspirational youth. He reminded the people that India's rich heritage can never be divided on ideological lines. He remembered former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi, noting that today was her death anniversary. 

Mentioning Sardar Patel's unique contribution to the freedom struggle, the Prime Minister drew a comparison of the Sardar's relationship with Mahatma Gandhi, to the relationship between Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahansa. The Prime Minister also spoke of Chanakya's vision of a united India, and said the Sardar had, through his strategic foresight, converted that dream into reality. 

On India's unity in diversity, the Prime Minister said this diversity gives us strength. He said India's people should always be vigilant to guard this unique strength of unity in diversity. He regretted that thirty years ago, India's fabric of unity in diversity had been attacked, as one specific community had been targeted. 

The Prime Minister administered the pledge of unity to the assembled people and later flagged off the Run For Unity. Even as he exhorted people to begin the run, the assembled youth enthusiastically waited for the Prime Minister to lead the run. Eventually, the Prime Minister led the Run For Unity.

Union Ministers Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Shri Venkaiah Naidu and Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Najeeb Jung were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Prime Minister paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Patel, at Patel Chowk on Parliament Street.

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Activities on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations on 31st October

Tomorrow, on 31st October, 2014 a large number of people are expected to participate in the ‘Run for Unity’ being organised in the National capital. 

A function to pay floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will be held at Patel Chowk, Parliament Street, New Delhi at 0730 hrs. 

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will address the participants of ‘Run for Unity’ at Vijay Chowk at 0740 hrs and administer the Unity Pledge at 0800 hrs. The ‘Run for Unity’ will be flagged off from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Rajpath at 0815 hrs. 

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh will attend a programme ‘Run for Unity’ at Sardar Patel Statue in Nampally, Hyderabad at 0745 hrs. Later, Shri Rajnath Singh will attend the passing out parade of Indian Police Service Officers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad.

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

President to flag off the ‘Run for Unity’ tomorrow at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will flag off the ‘Run for Unity’ at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow (October 31, 2014) at 0815 a.m. to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The residents and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s Body Guard, the Army Guard and the Delhi Police will participate in the Run.

The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) Pledge will be administered by Smt. Omita Paul, Secretary to the President to all staff prior to the Run.

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Vice President Inaugurates 7th Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Scientific Session

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that according to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally as more people die annually from these diseases than from any other cause. Low-and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular diseases, with over 80% of deaths in these countries being due to these diseases. Delivering inaugural address at “7^th Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Scientific Session (APHRSS)” here today (30.10.2014), he has said that it is estimated that by the year 2030, almost 25 million people will die from cardio-vascular diseases, mainly from heart disease and stroke, which are projected to remain the single leading cause of death.

He said that the situation is no different in India. Recent studies have shown that heart diseases have emerged as the number one killer in both urban and rural areas of the country. The diseases affect men and women alike. If all age groups are included, heart diseases account for about 19 per cent of all deaths in the country.

The Vice President said that given that coronary heart diseases have become the most significant of all causes of death and that heart rhythm disorders or ‘arrhythmias’ are the main complications of ischemic heart disease, it is important that we collectively make every possible effort to find newer and better ways of diagnosing and treating these disorders so that this killer disease can be controlled or treated, if not eliminated.

Following is the text of Vice President’s address :

“I am happy to be here today for the inauguration of the 7^th Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Scientific Session being held in India for the first time. I thank Professor Khalilullah for inviting me.

I am confident that this gathering would provide participants with an opportunity to share their knowledge, techniques and research outcomes in the field of cardiac rhythm disorders.

I understand, according to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally as more people die annually from these diseases than from any other cause. Low-and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular diseases, with over 80% of deaths in these countries being due to these diseases.

It is estimated that by the year 2030, almost 25 million people will die from cardio-vascular diseases, mainly from heart disease and stroke, which are projected to remain the single leading cause of death.

The situation is no different in India. Recent studies have shown that heart diseases have emerged as the number one killer in both urban and rural areas of the country. The diseases affect men and women alike. If all age groups are included, heart diseases account for about 19 per cent of all deaths in the country.

Given that coronary heart diseases have become the most significant of all causes of death and that heart rhythm disorders or ‘arrhythmias’ are the main complications of ischemic heart disease, it is important that we collectively make every possible effort to find newer and better ways of diagnosing and treating these disorders so that this killer disease can be controlled or treated, if not eliminated.

In this context, I am happy to know that Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society is organizing these conferences regularly in different countries. The 7^th Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society conference is probably the largest of its kind with participation of all the Presidents of major heart rhythm societies in the world.

I convey my best wishes to all the participants and wish them success in their deliberations during this conference in the coming days. Jai Hind”

Courtesy:pib.nic.in

First round of Regional Consultations on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme in Chandigarh tomorrow

To initiate the roll out of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme of Government of India, the first round of Regional Consultation with 27 District Collectors/Deputy Commissioners from the Northern States of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh UT will take place on 31st October, 2014 in Chandigarh. The inaugural address at the Consultation shall be delivered by Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Union Minister of Women and Child Development. The primary agenda of this consultation is to deliberate on the implementation modalities of District Action Plans under this Scheme. The Nodal Ministry for this Joint Initiative is Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Partner Ministries are Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development. In addition to the DCs and State Government Officials, the Consultation shall be attended by Officials from MWCD, MH&FW, MHRD and PMO. 

Briefing on the BBBP initiative and the Scheme Guidelines developed for the District Collectors/Deputy Commissioners shall be done during the consultation. An overview of the implementation of PC & PNDT Act in the country shall also follow. The critical components of BBBP, namely Media Campaign and Multi-sectoral action in selected districts with adverse CSRs, the Scheme Guidelines and various other matters shall also be discussed in the Consultation. The BBBP initiative lays focus on strict enforcement of PC & PNDT Act by MoHFW, ensuring girl child friendly standards in schools including strengthening of School Management committees (SMCs), creation of forums like Balika Manch to encourage participation of girls, reenrollment of drop-out girls in secondary schools, ensuring availability of functional toilets by MoHRD (School Education) and capacity-building and sensitization of concerned government officials, grassroots functionaries, elected representatives, promote early registration of pregnancy by motivation & incentivizing mothers to register their pregnancy in the first trimester among others. 

The formal launch of the Scheme is scheduled at a later date. The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narender Modi has been requested to launch the Scheme. 

The trend of decline in the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) defined as per of girls per thousand of boys between 0-6 years of age has been alarming. The CSR declined from 945 in 1991 to 927 in 2001 and further to 918 in 2011. To address this grave issue the Government of India has announced the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)Scheme. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Ministry of HRD to host 2nd Meeting of SAARC Education Ministers

The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India and SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, Nepal are co-hosting the 2nd Meeting of the SAARC Ministers of Education/Higher Education at New Delhi on 31st October, 2014. The Ministers will discuss about the strengthening cooperation in education amongst the SAARC Member States. They will discuss the progress made by the SAARC countries on the SAARC Development Goals on Education and the strategy for Education beyond 2015. Deliberations to strengthen the capacity within the region for improving quality and learning outcomes, mobility, leveraging the potential in research, mutual recognition of qualifications and effective use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education including sharing of e-resources and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) will also be held in the meeting. 

South Asian University established at New Delhi was also one of the outcomes of SAARC process of Development and a presentation will also be made on its different programmes and its future strategy. 

The Ministers of Education and Senior Officers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Maldives and Senior Officers from Pakistan and Sri Lanka will participate in the Meeting.

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Engineers’ Conclave-2014 to be held in Bangalore

Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are organising a mega event titled “Engineers’ Conclave- 2014” (EC-2014) from October 30, 2014 to November 01, 2014 at the J N Tata Auditorium in the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. The objective of this event is to provide a platform to all Professional Engineers/Scientists of the country to address some of the major engineering challenges relevant to society as well as the country and to suggest suitable engineering solutions.

  Dr K Radhakrishnan, Chairman, ISRO/Secretary, Department of Space is the Chair and Dr Baldev Raj, President, INAE/Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, is the co-chair of Engineers’ Conclave-2014.

  EC-2014 will be inaugurated by Prof U R Rao, Chairman, PRL Council and Former Chairman, ISRO/Space Commission.

  This Conclave will have two themes, namely, “Emerging Space Applications” and “Technologies for the Hill Regions”. The Conclave will have a two anda half day conference with inaugural and valedictory sessions, plenary talks and well structured panel discussions.

    Technical Sessions in the “Emerging Space Applications” theme will have 15 invited talks by experts from various organisations including ISRO and will cover:

             1. Energy and Infrastructure
             2. Weather and Climate
             3.  Natural Resources Monitoring, Management and e-Governance
             4. Early Warning Systems
             5. Communication and Navigation

   Technical Sessions in the “Emerging Space Applications” theme will have 16 invited talks by experts from various organisations including ISRO and will cover:

1. Mountain Weather      

2. Gravity Flows and  Associated Hazards

3.  Communications for Hazardous conditions in the Hill regions

4.  Earthquake and Avalanche Hazards in Himalayan Regions and Its  Mitigation

5.   Snow Cover, Water management and Energy in the Hill regions

The Valedictory Session will be Chaired by Dr. K Kasturirangan, Chairman, Knowledge Commission, Government of Karnataka and Former Chairman ISRO/Space Commission. The outcome of EC-2014 will form the recommendations to various organisations involved in the related activities in the country.

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Early closure of Government Offices today in connection with the “Run for Unity” flag off at Vijay Chowk

Some of the Government Offices located in New Delhi’s Central area will remain closed from 1400 hrs on October 30, 2014 (Thursday) to 0930 hrs on October 31, 2014 (Friday) in connection with the “Run for Unity” flag off at Vijay Chowk by the Prime Minster. 

The buildings to be closed from 1400 hrs on October 30, 2014 (Thursday) to 0930 hrs on October 31, 2014 (Friday) include South Block, North Block, Rail Bhawan, CSIR Building, Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, National Archives, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, National Media Centre, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Hutment (MOD Office), Dalhousie Road & on Krishna Menon Marg, DRDO Bhawan, Vayu Bhawan, Sena Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan (MEA office), National Museum & ASI Office, Vigyan Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, CCA, Min. Of Agriculture, 16-A, Akbar Road, Raksha Bhawan, National Stadium, Hyderabad House and Coast Guard HQ, Baroda House and National Gallery of Modern Art. 

The buildings to be closed from 1400 hrs on October 30, 2014 (Thursday) to 0800 hrs on October 31, 2014 (Friday) include Transport Bhawan, RBI, Yojana Bhawan, Sardar Patel Bhawan, Nirvachan Sadan, Punjab National Bank Building, Patel Chowk, Akashwani Bhawan /AIR, Sansad Marg, Dak Bhawan ,Sanchar Bhawan, Jeevan Tara Building, Jeevan Deep Building, Jeevan Vihar Building and SBI Building. 

The Government Offices located in Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House would remain closed from 2200 hrs on October 30, 2014 (Thursday) to 0930 hrs on October 31, 2014 (Friday). 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Statue of Unity, The Icon of India: A marvel beyond imagination

Whenever we utter or hear the name of Mahatma Gandhi, the first word comes to mind is ‘Non-violence’. Similarly, when we take the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, what we recall is the word ‘Iron Man’. The project of building world’s tallest statue of the ‘Iron Man’ in Gujarat has been declared a ‘National Project’ in the union budget 2013-14 for which the centre has allocated Rs. 200 crores. The Gujarat government has already given Rs. 500 crores in its budget to construct this iconic structure which will stand tall in the waters of river Narmada to represent the oneness of Indians despite the long standing socio-cultural diversity that exist in India and commemorate the man behind this unity and oneness of the nation. That’s why Government of India has decided to celebrate Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary on October 31 as 'National Unity Day'.

Statue of Unity: The Icon of India

An Iconic 182 meters Statue, that’s a tribute to the Iron Man of India, is to be built at the Sadhu-Bet Island, approximately 3.5kms south of Sardar Sarovar Dam at Kevadia in the Narmada district of Gujarat. This inspiring memorial site, with a number of edu-tainment components, is between the Satpuda and Vindhyachal Ranges rising weir Narmada River, impounded by Garudeshwar, the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the town of Kevadia. The majesty of this grand monument will be enhanced by a picturesque backdrop. Its unique location will prove to be beneficial for eco-tourism and regional development.

The ‘Statue of Unity’ is a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It symbolizes Patel’s impeccable work of uniting the disintegrated groups of nearly 565 princely states after the independence and building the Indian State. It stands as a tribute to the extraordinary administrative skills and bravery shown by the then home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in uniting India after the bloody and painful partition. The Sardar’s 182 meters high first of its kind statue will undoubtedly lead to development of tourism with tourists inflow from all across the globe to visit India to admire its beauty and salute the man behind the Indian spirit and unity.

The work order for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project 'Statue of Unity' the world's tallest statue of India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, has been issued by the Gujarat government to leading engineering company Larsen and Toubro (L&T). Work on the 182-metre tall statue of Sardar Patel is to be completed at a cost of Rs 2,979 crore, which is far more than the total sum of Rs 700 crores allocated so far. But, by declaring it a National project, the government has ensured speedy construction and adequate funding to the project.

"This huge construction work will be completed in four years at a cost of Rs 2,979 crore. The contract has been given to the country's leading construction company Larsen and Toubro", said Gujarat Chief Minister Smt. Anandiben Patel. Rs 1347 crore will be spent on the main statue, Rs 235 crore will be spent on the exhibition hall and convention centre, while Rs 83 crore will be spent on the bridge connecting the memorial to the main land and Rs 657 crore would be spent to maintain the structure until 15 years after it is completed. The 182-metre-tall 'Statue of Unity', which would be double the size of New York's 'Statue of Liberty' (93 metres), would inspire future generations. The project will include an exhibition hall and audio- visual presentation on the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which will become the centre of attraction for tourists from the all over the world. 75,000 cubic metres of concrete, 5,700 metric tonne of steel structure, 18,500 steel rods and 22,500 metric tonne of bronze will be used for the project. It goes without saying that the 'Statue of Unity' project will generate employment in the tribal area of Narmada district as well as boost the tourism sector.

The project was launched by the former Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2013, on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary. Shri Modi had also launched a country wide campaign to collect iron to build the 'Statue of Unity' and the Gujarat government has claimed that iron was collected from around seven lakh villages across the nation.

It’s indeed a moment of pride for Gujarat that a leader from its soil is getting the honour of getting erected at an unprecedented height. No wonder the whole Gujarat would love to bow before him. But, restricting Sardar Patel to Gujarat will be a dishonour to his work. His work, although started from the state, steadily crossed all the borders to leave an impact over the world and humanity in general. The words of Sardar Patel still resonate all over the world therefore there is no wonder this project was declared as a national one. We hope that the world would see it truly as a national project not a political one and every Indian takes pride in it.

The proposed height of the world’s biggest statue is almost double the height of New York’s world famous ‘Statue of Liberty’ and five times high than the Rio de Janerio’s statue of Christ the Redeemer. It will even be taller than the Sardar Sarovar dam. The statue is neither meant for merely taking pride in its magnitude nor will it stand like a silent memorial. Rather a special work plan has been designed to make this statue a vibrant working centre. The ‘Statue of Unity’ is being built not only to remember India’s freedom struggle but also to inculcate Sardar Patels’s visionary ideology of unity, patriotism, inclusive growth and good governance.

This statue will soon be developed into a fully functional economic centre which will connect people, provide health and education facilities, run various developmental activities for tribal population in the region. An agriculture research centre will also be established within it. Due to this project, Narmada district will have modern infrastructure which will benefit the district as well as the state. Modern infrastructure will give a boost to industrial development in the district. Various environment friendly industries can be established in the region which will not only provide employment to the local people but also help improve their standard of living. Farmers will also be benefited once the agricultural and bio-technological research centres are set up in the region. Last but not least the establishment of the marvelous statue will rejuvenate tourism industry.

The government envisages making the statue a vibrant centre of development. Although the project has been criticized in some quarters as wastage of resources and money but if the purpose behind the project gets served then it will certainly emerge as a modern centre for development for our country. Once completed, the iconic statue would indeed attract tourists, scientists, businessmen, intellectuals and researchers from across the world and project India’s a new identity in the world. Just like Sardar's spirit and will, the statue would surpass the rest of the mute memorials in the world by being a vibrant economic centre.

With inputs from PIB Ahmedabad

See more at: http://www.statueofunity.in/statue-of-unity-project-features
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Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Ratification of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur supplementary protocol on liability and redress to the Cartagena protocol on biosafety by India

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today (29.10.2014) gave its approval for ratifying the 'Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur supplementary protocol on liability and redress to the Cartagena protocol on biosafety' by India. 

The proposed approach provides for an international regulatory framework in the field of liability and redress related to living modified organisms that reconciles trade and environment protection. The Supplementary Protocol would promote sound application of biotechnology making it possible to accrue benefits arising from modern biotechnology while minimizing the risk to the environment and human health. 

The proposal will protect the interests of all Indians without distinction or differentiation. 

The proposal is based on the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, both internationally negotiated and binding legal instruments. It will promote innovation in agricultural and healthcare research and development that is safe for the environment and human beings. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

India favours ban on e-cigarettes

Dr Harsh Vardhan outlines proactive measures against tobacco use

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister, is in favour of a complete ban on e-cigarettes and all products described as “Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)”. In his clearest message yet on the controversy over the safety of ENDS, Dr Harsh Vardhan ruled out their acceptability in the light of research findings by experts which have held that they are no less unsafe than the “real thing”. The Minister, who was addressing global tobacco control experts at the 45th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday (28.10.2014), said that e-cigarettes and similar products push children towards the tobacco habit eventually via nicotine dependence. “In our national consultation it has been shown that children and other non-smokers tend to develop nicotine addiction at a rate greater than situations where ENDS did not exist. And after that the slide to tobacco is practically inevitable,” he said. Dr Harsh Vardhan, who is credited with writing the first ever anti-smoking consumption law in the country –The Delhi Prohibition of Smoking and Non-Smokers’ Health Protection Act, 1996 – received a rousing reception at the meeting. The Union is a 94-year-old forum dealing with lung diseases, TB and tobacco issues. He however pointed out that banning ENDS should not be an end in itself. “The success of a ban strategy will depend on how we agree to control illicit trade and cross border sales of such products. The use of the Internet for this trade should also be curbed.” India is home to 275 million tobacco users. The use of smokeless tobacco has become a major public health menace, which, if not checked in time with strong measures, could become a national threat. The aggressive marketing strategies marked by attractive packaging, flavouring and price-cuts represent a major challenge for the government. Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “I am sure all experts present here are aware of the power of the tobacco industry. India is committed to taking proactive measures to counter the challenges they throw up.” In this context, he mentioned India’s recent climbing to the first position among countries notifying mandatory printing of warnings on the largest surface area of packages containing cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. The new rules demand pictorial health warnings on 85 percent on both sides of tobacco packs. The government’s clamping of the highest ever rates of taxes and reduction of duty free allowance on all tobacco products has in fact become a test case of State intervention. Delegates here greeted Dr Harsh Vardhan’s advocacy behind this Union Budget announcement and sought his advice on similar proposals considered in other countries. Dr Harsh Vardhan said that he had a definite road map for the future. This includes institutionalising a 24-hour telephone helpline (to be called “Quitline”) to counsel tobacco users who are fighting the habit. Also on the anvil are five tobacco testing laboratories at the national and regional levels, setting up 27 new state tobacco control cells during the present financial year and Amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 to ensure better implementation and enforcement. Courtesy: pib.nic.in

International Conference on Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities

Access to Education for Persons with Multiple Disabilities stressed

National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), under Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India has organized an International Conference on “Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities: Access to Education for Persons with Multiple Disabilities” which begain here today (29.10.2014). The objective of the tow day’s conference is:- • To support services provided for persons with multiple disabilities across the globe towards mainstreaming. • To promote harmonious relationship among the professionals working in the field of multiple disabilities and • To develop accessible models for education of children with multiple disabilities. The Inauguration program of Conference was held here today. Shri. Thaawar Chand Geholt, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The Minister emphasized that Multiple Disabilities has became the concern of both National and International level. It is a need of the time to identify ways to find talents in person with multiple disabilities and provide opportunities to express the talents throw both public and private partnership. The Guest of Honour of the Conference was Smt. Stuti Kacker, Secretary, Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Prof. (Mrs.) Sudesh Mukhopadhyay, Chairperson, RCI, New Delhi, Prof. A.P. Tiwari, Dean, Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow and Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President – Amity Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation, Noida was the Distinguished Guest. Renowned Professionals in the field of Rehabilitation from International (Dr. Soezin Krog, South Africa, UK Ms. Gillain Morbey, Prof. Rosangela Machado, Brazil, Dr. Nora Griffin Shirley, USA, and Dr. Devender Panda, USA) and National speakers (Dr. Pramila Balasundaram, Dr. Himanshu Das, Ms. Merry Barua, Mr. Akhil Paul, Dr. Prathibha Karanth, Mr. Sameer Sethi, Prof. P. Jeya chandran, Dr. Amitav Misra, Dr. Rubina Lal, Dr. Neeradha Chandramohan, and Dr. Raja Guru) from various states participated and presented their views in the conference. More than 250 participants from 19 states across the country participated the conference and staff of NIEPMD Shri. P. Kamaraj, Lecturer, Special Education, Co-ordinator of the conference, Shri. Nachiketa Rout, Associate Professor, Speech, Hearing & Communication, Dr.Balabaskar, Lecturer, Adult Independent Living, Shri. S. Vijayaraghavan, Accounts officer are among those present on the occasion. About 15 papers and 35 poster presentations presented during the conference. Courtesy: pib.nic.in

India, Japan seek to enhance cooperation in urban development sector

Joint Working Group on Urban Development discuss areas of cooperation Maharashtra projects US $ 50 billion investment in urban transport sector by 2031

“With several sewerage projects under implementation and other efforts in progress, and if everything goes well, the quality of water in river Yamuna should be good for drinking by 2017” said, Shri Sinya Ejima, Chief Representative of JICA in India. He said so, while making a detailed presentation on ‘JICA’s Operations in Urban Sector In India’ at the meeting of India-Japan Joint Working Group on Urban Development here today (29.10.2014). JICA is currently associated with 16 projects relating to sewerage and water supply with a total loan commitment of Rs.28,660 cr in the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa. Shri Ejima informed that current commitment of JICA’s assistance in urban sector including water and transport is of the order of Rs.2,40,000 cr. JICA said, the challenges in water sector in India to be addressed are : Improvement in Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for efficient management of assets created, improvement in service delivery, improving financial position of urban local bodies, entrusting O&M to private sector through PPP model and promotion of re-use and recycling technologies to address water scarcity. Challenges in urban transport sector being: introduction of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), optimal mechanism for introduction of Metro rail systems, introduction of regional transit systems, monorails and Light Rail Transport and technical assistance for preparing comprehensive mobility plans. Shri Shankar Aggarwal, Secretary(UD) and Shri Yoichi Nakagami, Director General, Policy Bureau, Government of Japan called for further scaling up of cooperation between the two countries in the context of India’s focus on urban development sector and recent successful visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Japan. For the first time, state governments have been involved in the meetings of the Joint Working Group after 7 years of its inception. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala have outlined various urban development initiatives in respective states highlighting opportunities for technical and financial cooperation. Maharashtra Government said it has planned for 450 km network of metro systems, 241 ksm of sub-urban railway system, 1,660 km. of urban highway system, 77 km of highway corridors besides passenger water transport systems with the attendant infrastructure in urban areas by 2031 with an investment requirement of US $ 50.72 billion. Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Government initiated innovative approaches to reach out to the people through multiple media platforms: Prakash Javadekar

Minister launches Free AIR News SMS Service in 4 Indian languages News SMS service launched in Assamese, Gujarati, Tamil and Malayalam

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Information & Broadcasting has said that the Government had initiated innovative approaches in reaching out to the people through multiple media platforms. The endeavour was to address the communication needs, to enter into a dialogue with different cross-sections of the society and address the aspirations of young people. The Minister stated this while launching the free News SMS service of AIR News Services Division in four Indian languages viz. Assamese, Gujarati, Tamil and Malayalam here today. Elaborating further, Shri Javadekar said the SMS services of All India Radio intended to provide instant communication to public in a language and form understood by them. The service reiterated the richness and reach of each of the languages introduced by All India Radio. Shri Javadekar also mentioned that mobile phones acted as a tool of empowerment to all sections of the society. Keeping in mind the reach and connectivity, All India Radio could consider a customized news and related information to varied sections of the society.  Earlier, AIR had launched SMS service in English on 9th September last year and in five other languages on 19th September, 2014 – Hindi, Marathi, Dogri, Sanskrit and Nepali – to provide AIR News on mobile sets to its subscribers free of cost. The Service has already touched the database of over three lakh subscribers.  This newly launched service can be availed by registering on the website of All India Radio viz. http://newsonair.nic.in/smsservice . SMS can also be sent for registration in following format to 7738299899: AIRNAMEAGEGENDERCODELANGUAGECODE  Different codes for the SMS are as follows: GENDER CODES : M for Male    and    F for Female LANGUAGE CODES: A for Assamese,  G for Gujarati, ML for Malayalam, T for Tamil,       H for Hindi,M for Marathi, D for Dogri, S for Sanskrit, N for Nepali. Courtesy: pib.nic.in

President calls upon NITs to deepen and broad-base involvement with society

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated a two day Conference of Directors of National Institutes of Technology (NITs) at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (October 29, 2014). This is the second Conference of Directors of NITs during the present Presidency and is part of the regular, focused interaction the President has been having with Central Universities, IITs and IISERs in his capacity as Visitor to these institutions. 

Speaking on the occasion, the President called upon all NITs to deepen and broad-base their involvement with society. He said their work must find resonance with the needs and aspirations of our people. On the model of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana launched by the Prime Minister recently, NITs should adopt at least one village each and transform them into model villages worthy of replication across the country. They must source, if required, experts from other Central institutions to provide solutions to the wide mosaic of issues that such a transformation to model villages will entail. 

The President asked NITs be at the forefront of bridging the digital divide, income asymmetries and rural-urban differentiation in the country, especially, in view of the ‘Make in India’ and the ‘Digital India’ initiatives unveiled by the Government. He said NITs can and need to be the connecting force between rural innovations, local employment and world class manufacturing. 

The President congratulated NITs for their contributions to research and innovation. He said given the right environment our scientists and technologists are second to none in the world. He stated that NITs have emerged as front runners in imparting quality scientific and technical education in India. The need now is for the NITs to undertake a synergetic collaboration with similar institutions in the country and abroad as also forge greater horizontal linkages with them at multiple levels of contact. 

The President said economic growth and educational progress share a symbiotic relationship. Our engineers and scientists are vital to the process of national development. In today’s context, urbanization, water supply, sanitation, environment protection, efficiency in delivery of healthcare and education call for innovative solutions. Our engineers and scientists must be equipped to address new-age problems with new-age answers. Technical institutions like NITs should nurture world-class, professionally-competent engineers who will not only take India to new heights in technology but also improve the quality of life of our countrymen. 

The President said Directors of the NITs must provide bold, innovative and inspiring leadership. Every NIT must institutionalize quality assurance and sustenance measures in all academic and administrative processes. The key areas of focus have to be engagement of quality faculty, innovation and research, excellence in teaching, industry linkages and social responsibility. NITs must aim to attract the best engineering talent in the country and transform them into outstanding engineers, researchers, scientists and teachers. The President asked NITs to also continue to engage with alumni so as to enable their full contribution to the growth, vibrancy and dynamism of their alma maters. 

Pointing out that most of central institutions in the country are facing acute shortage of faculty at all levels, the President said in his recent visit to Norway and Finland, he had called upon the scientists, researchers and academics amongst Indian diaspora to become a part of Indian campuses, either on a full time or a part time basis, as regular, visiting or adjunct faculty. He expected the Ministry of HRD, in consultation with higher educational institutions, to create an enabling environment for such movements to take place. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in