I love Bharat

Quotations

2012-11-03T10:43:00.001-07:00

The most importanat thing in our life is to be happy :beacause we have no other choice .

Success is continuation of success.

Do whatever you want but keep the designs of God in your mind.

Make as much friend as you can,through this you can understand the human psyche and you will cultivate the habit of appreciation.

Make new friends but never forget old ones.

Life is all about making choices at ach moment of our life.

Health is wealth ,when we lost health then we reliase the true value of health but then it was too late to take corrective actions.

Repsect elders,knowledgeable persons and love the tender children.

Take care of parents as parents take care of us in our childhood.

Cooliris » Channels » Lifestyle » March: From Panama's beaches to the shores of Tripoli

2011-01-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

Cooliris » Channels » Lifestyle » March: From Panama's beaches to the shores of Tripoli

GS2

2010-12-02T03:17:00.000-08:00

National Action Plan on Climate Change Issues

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), is one of the eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It seeks to address issues regarding ‘Sustainable Agriculture’ in the context of risks associated with climate change by devising appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies for ensuring food security, enhancing livelihood opportunities and contributing to economical stability at the national level.

The Programme of Action (POA) proposed under the Mission Document would be operationalized by mainstreaming adaptation and mitigation strategies in ongoing research and development programmes and in flagship schemes including; RashtriyaKrishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Horticulture Mission (NHM), National Food security Mission (NFSM) etc. through a process of selective up scaling and course correction measures. The mission document on NMSA has been approved for implementation of various interventions to address the issues of climate change in agriculture sector.

PPP Mode should find cost Effective Solutions to Healthcare: Ghulam Nabi Azad

The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Sh. Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that we need to look at Public Private Partnership as a synergetic arrangement which ensures that the private sector also contributes to public health goals. Sh. Azad said that a fine balance has to be worked out between profitability and corporate responsibility. Sh. Azad acknowledged that the Public Private Partnership in the context of health sector can be a vital instrument for improving the health of the population but partnership is not meant to be substitution for lesser provisioning of Govt. resources nor abdication of Govt. responsibility but as a tool for augmenting the public health system. The Minister was inaugurating the 7th India Health Summit 2010 at New Delhi today.

Sh. Ghulam Nabi Azad informed that over the last five years Govt. of India has invested nearly Rs. 45,000 crore to meet the healthcare infrastructure right from sub-centre to district hospitals. He said a larger effort will be required in the 12th Plan period to achieve the goal of taking the total allocation for the health sector to 2-3% of our GDP. “For the Govt. in the context of the health sector, profit would mean efficient, affordable and accountable services to the people”. Sh. Azad also stressed upon the fact that healthcare, to be sustainable, has to be affordable. Sh. Azad also informed that the Ministry of H&FW has tied up with the Ministry of Railways for providing land owned by them. He said that private sector participation and investment in establishing diagnostic facilities, hospitals, specialized and super specialty care centres is being invited. He said the strategy under the proposed National Urban Health Mission is to arrange for the secondary and tertiary care medical needs of urban people through a system of health insurance. “The common theme in all the projects has to be quality and affordability” he emphasized. The Minister mentioned that the Govt. is reviewing the existing regulatory system for clinical establishment and medical education. He also said that a Bill for setting up a National Council for Human Resources in Health is ready to be introduced soon in Parliament so that the issue of quality, quantity and equitable distribution of medical education resources can be addressed. Sh. Azad said that the adversarial positioning between public and private sector has to be removed so that both these sectors can contribute hugely and in synergy to the task of healthcare for all Indians.

India’s Commitment to Kyoto Protocol

India is fully committed to the Kyoto Protocol. The talks for further emission reduction commitments of Annex-I Parties in the Second Commitment Period (Post 2012) are undergoing since 2005. India, along with South Africa and 35 other like minded countries had earlier submitted a proposal calling for Annex-I Parties to agree to at least 40% emission reduction commitment by 2020 as compared to their 1990 levels. India has been one of the major beneficiaries of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a flexible mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol and would like that this mechanism to continue and be further strengthened. There has been no agreement till date and the negotiations on the targets of Annex-I Parties for the second commitment period and other relevant issues are ongoing for a possible decision at the sixteenth Conference of Parties (COP-16) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and sixth Meeting of Parties (MOP-6) to the Kyoto Protocol presently being held at Cancun, Mexico.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri K.R.G. Reddy in Lok Sabha today.

Review and Strengthening of PRIs

Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Dr. C.P. Joshi today informed the Rajya Sabha that Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) implements the schemes of Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) – Capacity Building (CB) component and Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana (RGSY) for supporting and strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions.

BRGF (CB) component is under implementation in all States except Goa whereas the RGSY scheme is under implementation in all States that are covered under Part IX of the Constitution.

All eligible States have availed grants under the BRGF (CB) component. RGSY is demand driven scheme and grants under the scheme have been availed by all eligible States. State Governments have evolved different mechanisms to review the working of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). MoPR carries out a review of the working of PRIs on annual basis and publishes the findings as State of Panchayat Report.

The Minister was replying to a written question on the programmes and schemes to support and strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs); the States which have implemented these programmes and whether Government has developed any mechanism to periodically review the working of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

GS

2010-12-02T03:00:00.001-08:00

Government has taken following steps to create awareness about the Right to Information Act; (i) launch of awareness generation campaigns through radio, television and print media; (ii) display of posters in Hindi and six regional languages in rural areas; (iii) publication of five Guides on the Act; (iv) providing funds to the State Information Commissions and the State Administrative Training Institutes for awareness generation; (v) launch of logo on RTI; (vi) launch of a portal on RTI etc.

CIP Processing.png (721�548)

2010-05-25T03:39:00.000-07:00

CIP Processing.png (721�548)

PIB Press Release

2010-05-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

PIB Press Release: "Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it is estimated that 1.47 lakh MT of e-waste was generated in the country in the year 2005, which is expected to increase to about 8.00 lakh MT by 2012."

writing

2010-04-06T20:38:00.001-07:00

Chanakya famously taught young Chandragupta Maurya that it was not enough to cut off an offending plant — you must destroy its roots. The roots of Maoism lie in the deficit of democracy and development in large parts of rural, particularly tribal, India

It is a reflection of India’s swift implementation of a sophisticated Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System for Government departments and the interest shown by the member countries from the region towards an effective, efficient and transparent governance.

Government Performance Management Network to share experiences and emerging regional best practices on an ongoing basis.

Chanakya, the great thinker and administrator, had stated in the Arthashastra that prevention was better than cure and if regular checks and balances were conducted from time to time, economic crises would not occur. It was therefore the duty of the ruler to ensure that accounting was done and auditing took place from time to time. This philosophy was adopted in different measures in subsequent societies and has finally culminated in the institution of the CAG in modern, independent India.

Executive accountability to the legislature is a cornerstone of our democracy. It is also an essential component of good governance. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, is the instrument of fiscal accountability provided for in the Constitution. His primary role is to report to the Legislature whether the activities of the Government in all financial matters are carried out in accordance with the Constitution and the laws and rules framed thereunder – both in letter and in spirit. He also provides assurance that the sums authorized by the legislature in the budget have been spent for the intended purposes and within the sanctioned limits. The members of the Indian Audit & Accounts Department have the task of assisting the Comptroller and Auditor General to effectively carry out his Constitutional mandate.

The range of Government activities has increase manifold and many players, other than the Central and State Governments, such as local bodies, societies, NGOs and private sector, through public private partnerships, have become partners in the process of development. This has introduced complexities in fund flows, expenditure, accounting and evaluation.

To remain relevant in this rapidly changing world every institution has to consciously review and modernize its procedures and practices.

We should recognise that the objective of the executive and audit are the same, viz. that the aam aadmi gets the greatest benefit. This overarching reality often gets lost in practice. It is a natural tendency to become defensive on audit reports which comment on performance. This phenomenon can be tackled through greater interaction and frequent engagement at different levels as it facilitates an understanding of each other’s view point. I have learnt with great satisfaction that Audit has taken steps in the right direction by highlighting the innovations, good practices and positive aspects noticed in the implementation of programme.

am happy to learn that you have collaborated with the Government in developing a control based risk management framework which is going to be applied in implementing various schemes. This will provide an in-house oversight mechanism which will empower the field level officers to prevent, detect and set the right inefficiencies and leakages by suitable interventions. Consequently, the deliveries should improve. Some of the performance audits done by your department in the recent past also underline the positive interactions and the collaborative approach which has led to effective mid-course corrections that will contribute substantially to the achievement of the overall objectives. Such initiatives will encourage free exchange of information and ideas, leading to better governance.

writing

2010-04-01T00:08:00.001-07:00

Writing a paragraph is not a natural skill, but learned skill. Anyone can learn! Simply follow the structure below.

WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?

A paragraph usually contains a general idea in one sentence, and 4 - 5 supporting sentences which expand this idea by giving explanation, details and/or examples to support the main idea. Length can vary.

On the page, the paragraph is a solid block of writing (like this!) To start a new paragraph, you should leave a whole line and start at the beginning of the line after. You can indent - if handwriting (start about 2 cm from the left), but this is not necessary if you have left a line.

WHY USE PARAGRAPHS?

Paragraphs are used to separate main ideas. A new paragraph signals to the reader that a new idea is about to be discussed. The break between paragraphs gives the reader time to take in each idea.

HOW IS A PARAGRAPH STRUCTURED?

There is no one correct structure. However, a useful structure is:

1. Topic Sentence
	This is the first sentence and it expresses the main idea.
2. Supporting Sentences
	details that expand your main idea.
3. Concluding Sentence
	a rounding off, possibly by summarizing what has been said or drawing a logical conclusion from it.
(Note that in a piece of writing which is longer than one paragraph you should leave yourconclusion to the very end!)

Another way of explaining the 3 parts of a paragraph is to describe these parts like this:

1.	Say what you are going to say.
2.	Say it.
3.	Say what you've said!

HOW DO YOU WRITE A PARAGRAPH?

Planning is essential. Even in situations where time is limited, you should plan by briefly noting your points.

A plan can look like this:

When you are planning, Jot down Just enough to remind you of your points.

Number your points so that when you write you know what order you are going to write them in.

WRITING...

For an assessment task, you will probably need to

	Write one draft from your plan,
	then make corrections (edit your draft)
	then rewrite it.
Even professional writers do this!

Sample of the finished paragraph:

There are three levels of government in Australia. The Commonwealth looks after areas of national importance such as postal services, foreign affairs, and collecting and distributing taxes. It also supervises the armed forces. The State Governments' responsibilities include hospitals, schools and the state police forces. Local concerns, such as suburban streets and garbage services, are looked after by Local Government. So, in general, the responsibilities of each level of government are appropriate to the geographical area it serves.

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR PARAGRAPHS FLOW?

Sometimes writing sounds jerky when read. You can make your paragraph more flowing by:

1.	Using linking words and phrases such as: also, as well as, firstly, next, then, finally, so thus, as a result, because, therefore, for example, for instance, in contrast, on the other hand.
2.	Using pronouns: Once mentioned, Jack Smith can become he, Dr. Susan Brown can be she, and the community can be called it, - as long as the meaning is clear.
3.	Starting sentences in different ways. For example:
	Draft sentence: "In Australia, there are three levels of government" Instead, you could write... "Government in Australia is on three different levels" or... "There are three different levels of government in Australia."

Warning! Of course, the focus of the sentence may change if you start a different wall - be sure it is what you want!

FINALLY...

The paragraph is basic to most writing styles. It is worth spending some time getting it right.

http://grammar.about.com

2010-03-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

Coherence Strategies: Transitional Words and Phrases

By Richard Nordquist, About.com Guide

Filed In:

Composing Paragraphs

Here we'll consider how transitional words and phrases can help make our writing clear, coherent, and cohesive.

As we've seen, a key quality of an effective paragraph is unity. A unified paragraph sticks to one topic from start to finish, with every sentence contributing to the central purpose and main idea of that paragraph.

But a strong paragraph is more than just a collection of loose sentences. Those sentences need to be clearly connected so that readers can follow along, recognizing how one detail leads to the next. A paragraph with clearly connected sentences is said to be coherent andcohesive.

The following paragraph is unified and coherent. Notice how the italicized words and phrases (called transitions) guide us along, helping us see how one detail leads to the next.

Why I Don't Make My Bed
Ever since I moved into my own apartment last fall, I have gotten out of the habit of making my bed--except on Fridays, of course, when I change the sheets. Although some people may think that I am a slob, I have some sound reasons for breaking the bed-making habit. In the first place, I am not concerned about maintaining a tidy bedroom because no one except me ever ventures in there. If there is ever a fire inspection or a surprise date, I suppose I can dash in there to fluff up the pillow and slap on a spread.Otherwise, I am not bothered. In addition, I find nothing uncomfortable about crawling into a rumpled mass of sheets and blankets.On the contrary, I enjoy poking out a cozy space for myself before drifting off to sleep.Also, I think that a tightly made bed is downright uncomfortable: entering one makes me feel like a loaf of bread being wrapped and sealed. Finally, and most importantly, I think bed-making is an awful way to waste time in the morning. I would rather spend those precious minutes checking my email or feeding the cat than tucking in corners or snapping the spread.

Transitional words and phrases guide readers from one sentence to the next. Although they most often appear at the beginning of a sentence, they may also show up after thesubject. Here are the common transitional expressions, grouped according to the type of relationship shown by each.

1. Addition Transitions

Example In the first place, no "burning" in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover, volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore, the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks; and finally, the "smoke" is not smoke but condensed steam. (Fred Bullard, Volcanoes in History)

2. Cause-Effect Transitions

Example The ideologue is often brilliant. Consequently some of us distrust brilliance when we should distrust the ideologue. (Clifton Fadiman)

3. Comparison Transitions

Example When you start with a portrait and search for a pure form, a clear volume, through successive eliminations, you arrive inevitably at the egg. Likewise, starting with the egg and following the same process in reverse, one finishes with the portrait. (Pablo Picasso)

4. Contrast Transitions

Example Every American, to the last man, lays claim to a “sense” of humor and guards it as his most significant spiritual trait, yet rejects humor as a contaminating element wherever found. America is a nation of comics and comedians; nevertheless, humor has no stature and is accepted only after the death of the perpetrator. (E. B. White)

5. Conclusion and Summary Transitions

Example Reporters are not paid to operate in retrospect. Because when news begins to solidify into current events and finally harden into history, it is the stories we didn’t write, the questions we didn’t ask that prove far, far more damaging than the ones we did. (Anna Quindlen)

6. Example Transitions

Example With all the ingenuity involved in hiding delicacies on the body, this process automatically excludes certain foods. For example, a turkey sandwich is welcome, but the cumbersome cantaloupe is not. (Steve Martin, "How to Fold Soup")

7. Insistence Transitions

Example The joy of giving is indeed a pleasure, especially when you get rid of something you don’t want. (Frank Butler, Going My Way)

8. Place Transitions

Example What did it matter where you lay once you were dead? In a dirty sump or in a marble toweron top of a high hill? You were dead, you were sleeping the big sleep, you were not bothered by things like that. (Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep)

9. Restatement Transitions

Example Anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer studied the few peaceful human tribes and discovered one common characteristic: sex roles were not polarized. Differences of dress and occupation were at a minimum. Society in other words, was not using sexual blackmail as a way of getting women to do cheap labor, or men to be aggressive. (Gloria Steinem, "What It Would Be Like If Women Win")

10. Time Transitions

Example At first a toy, then a mode of transportation for the rich, the automobile was designed as man's mechanical servant. Later it became part of the pattern of living.

Cash coupons

2010-03-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

STRAIGHT DRIVE

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO REPLACE ITS SUBSIDY MECHANISM WITH COUPONS/CASH DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO POOR HOUSEHOLDS.

WIDE SUPPORT Delhi government is debating direct cash payments to poor households to buy kerosene from the market instead of selling heavily subsidised fuel The economic survey had also make a strong pitch for use of vouchers to deliver food and subsidy Economic Advisor to finance ministry Kaushik Basu is a strong proponent of the system
How will direct transfers of subsidy help Ensures targeted delivery of subsidy Prevents leakage and cornereing Better management of subsidy can bring down government’s bill Allows market forces to dictate prices and thereby discourages wasteful consumption
How does direct transfer work Instead of asking beneficiaries to buy subsidies stuff from dedicated shops they are given coupons These coupons can be used by households for open mkt purchases A number of private companies have forged tie-ups with private providers of food coupons to incentivise their employees These food coupons recognised at merchant establishments can be used by the employees to buy groceries or at restaurants The same principle can be applied in the case of fertiliser and kerosene
Pitfalls of direct transfers Could be sold off by the recipient at a discount The coupons could as easily reach those who do not need the subsidy Could beused by recipients to buy other things than food
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE The United States passed a legislation on food stamps in 1977 The system of direct transfers in now implemented through electronic debit and ATM card system accepted at most grocery stores The card gets topped with cash subsidy at the beginning of every month which can be used for making payments Caters to over 35 million people very month African nation Malawi has introduced a large-scale input subsidy programme using vouchers UAE has a experimented successfully with books coupons for children
INDIAN EXPERIENCE Andhra Pradesh has issued ration cards with bar coded coupons for buying rice and kerosene Jammu & Kashmir has issued ration card booklets with 24 months for buying provisions Bihar has provided monthly food coupons for wheat & rice to BPL families

If some people sell off the coupons, don't try to set up an elaborate bureaucratic machinery to stop this. Even if the coupon gets sold, someone somewhere will use that to buy food and the poor household that sold it off at least got money in exchange KAUSHIK BASU, C H I E F E C O N O M I C A D V I S O R

EDUCATION

2010-03-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

EDUCATION

Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.

B. F. Skinner (1904 - 1990), New Scientist, May 21, 1964

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

Diogenes Laertius

Education begins a gentleman, conversation completes him.

Dr. Thomas Fuller (1654 - 1734), Gnomologia, 1732

Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.

James A. Garfield (1831 - 1881), July 12, 1880

Attitude

2010-03-25T05:11:00.000-07:00

ATTITUDE

I happen to feel that the degree of a person's intelligence is directly reflected by the number of conflicting attitudes she can bring to bear on the same topic.

Lisa Alther, Kinflicks, 1975

A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.

Patricia Neal

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.

William James (1842 - 1910)

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.

William James (1842 - 1910)

PDS

2010-03-18T23:13:00.001-07:00

In defence of PDS
The central vigilance committee led by retired Justice D. P. Wadhwa, which was established by the Supreme Court of India to monitor its orders in the PIL on the right to food, has come out with a strong indictment of the public distribution system (PDS). Based on State-level reports for Delhi, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, the committee has identified widespread corruption at different levels of the system. To ensure the availability of basic items of food at affordable prices to the masses, containing and eradicating corruption in the PDS is an imperative. The committee has made several useful suggestions in this regard, including automation of the weighing system, doorstep delivery of food grain to fair-price shops, speeding up cases pending in courts under the Essential Commodities Act, and setting up inspection squads. It points to the lack of a system of accounting for grain allocated and a weak implementation of the monitoring and vigilance procedures. Rooting out corruption requires action by the executive and the judiciary, and also more directly through gram sabhas.
The recommendation of the committee for the “abolition of APL,” however, is unwarranted. Indeed, many of the ills of the PDS today can be traced to the introduction of narrow targeting in 1996, and the artificial and unfair separation of BPL (below-poverty-line) and APL (above-poverty-line) households. It is now widely recognised that the current definition of BPL is really a definition of destitution and has excluded large numbers of poor, malnourished, and food-insecure households from the ambit of the PDS. Incentives for diversion of grain, as the committee notes, stem from the high demand for BPL cards and the unmet needs of the so-called APL households. Targeting, it notes, has reduced the profits of traders running fair price shops. International experience shows that narrow targeting lowers the quality of welfare programmes. Lessons have also to be learnt from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, all households have access to grain of the same quantity, quality, and price, and there are recognisably fewer leakages in the PDS. Prior to targeting, Kerala, with near-universal programme coverage, was renowned for having the best-run PDS. It is well known in law that the misuse of a thing is no argument against its use. In the name of reducing corruption, the public distribution system itself must not be dismantled. On the contrary, during a period of high food inflation and in a country with the largest number of malnourished people in the world, the PDS needs to be strengthened and made universal.

Mains2

2010-03-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Why do countries favour FTAs? Why are rule based multilateral frameworks not able to take off that well?

Today's op-ed that appeared in ET analyses and gives very good answers for these questions. Take a look.
For those of you that are hard pressed for time, we attempt an excerpt:
As of 2008, 421 RTAs had been notified to the WTO mostly under article XXIV of GATT. If one includes RTAs not yet notified, being negotiated or at proposal stage, about 400 FTAs would come up for implementation in 2010. Again, about 90% of RTAs are proposals for free trade among members but do not extend to customs unions (CUs). The difference is that in CUs at least some country would have to lower its existing global (MFN) tariff levels.
So why FTAs? The failure of the trade negotiations after 1995 to promote labour-intensive exports can be traced to technical details which very few developing countries were qualified to understand. This has led to a ‘trust deficit’ which must first be overcome if multilateral negotiations are to come back on track. FTAs seem to be a defensive response to this.
One more reason is need to firm up international political alliances. This is probably most important for developing countries who feel particularly vulnerable in global fora like the WTO. In this context small developing economies have the greatest fears and are normally quickest to get off the block in negotiating FTAs.
It is important to note that these alliances (FTAs) will become even more important as other multilateral fora (like for climate change) emerge in future. To this extent, the FTAs are an insurance for future negotiations.

Mains

2010-03-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

It will allow 181 seats of the 543 in the Lok Sabha to be reserved for them, apart from 1,370 seats out of a total of 4,109 in 28 state assemblies.

On the effectiveness of affirmative actions

Any form of affirmative action must have two essential characteristics for it to be effective: one, it must not kill the incentive to excel among the beneficiaries, and two, it must not reinforce perceptions of inferiority.
When competition among the beneficiaries of reservation is intense, the incentive to excel is retained. However, outright reservations fail the second test and are, therefore, an imperfect tool of empowerment.
Yet, an imperfect design is better than no form of affirmative action at all.

The three challenges identified by the finance minister in his recent budget

The first, widely noted and much applauded by corporate India, concerned finding means to cross the ‘double-digit growth barrier’. The second, less glamorous and hence less discussed, is in harnessing economic growth to make development more inclusive. The third, which attracted little notice and comment, relates to ‘weaknesses in government systems, structures and institutions’ that he recognised as a ‘bottleneck of our public delivery mechanisms’.

Environment
- What is wrong with India's stand on emission reductions?

TFC's recommendations on debt to GDP ratio

The thirteenth finance commission has suggested the reduction of the consolidated debt of the Centre and states to 68% of the GDP by 2014-15 from the estimated 82% in 2009-10. It has also recommended a steady reduction of Centre’s debt stock to 45% of GDP by 2014-15 and that of the states to less than 25% by the same year.
As per the budget estimates, the estimated debt to GDP ratio for central government would be 51.5% in 2009-10 and 51.1% in 2010-11, after factoring in adjustments.
With the projected level of fiscal deficit of 4.8% of GDP in 2011-12 and 4.1% in 2012-13, the estimated debt to GDP ratio would be 50.0% and 48.2% respectively.

India -Saudi Arabia

2010-03-14T23:02:00.001-07:00

India signs extradition treaty and a few other agreements with Saudi Arabia

India and Saudi Arabia have vowed to jointly combat terrorism and money laundering as they signed an extradition treaty and several agreements to raise their cooperation to a strategic partnership covering security, economic, energy and defence areas. The extradition treaty enhances existing security cooperation and will help in apprehending wanted persons in each other’s country.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Saudi King Abdullah signed the Riyadh Declaration outlining the contours of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening the strategic energy partnership in line with the Delhi Declaration of 2006, including meeting India’s increasing requirement of crude oil supplies and identifying areas of new and renewable energy.
India and Saudi Arabia also signed four other agreements relating to transfer of sentenced persons, cultural cooperation, memorandum of understanding between Indian Space Research Organisation and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology for cooperation in peaceful use of outer space and joint research and information technology.

Language Lessons

Demographic dividend

2010-03-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

P E R S P E CT I V E S

Old is gold even in today’s world

    INDIA’S demographic dividend is a phenomenon that contributes to the growth of our nation. The age of the chief earner is an important factor that determines household earning, spending and patterns, and per-capita income levels. There is, however, a paradox: although the country’s demographic profile is getting younger, it is the older age groups that earn more. Savings patterns too show a marked difference across age groups. Households whose chief earners are in the 56-65 years age bracket, for instance, comprise 8.9% of the population at the all-India level and contribute 10.4% to total income, whereas the 66+ group with 2.6% population share contributes 3% to total income. Those in the 46-55 years age group comprise 21.9% of total population and contribute 25.3% to total household income. Average household incomes, at the all-India level, rise from Rs 47,745 per annum in the case of households where the chief earner is below 25 years old, to Rs 55,830 in the 26-35 years age group, and maintaining an upward trend reaches the level of Rs 80,964 per annum in households where the chief earner is above 66 years old.
    Middle-aged chief earners are the ones that form the bulk of earners. In both rural and urban areas, households with chief earners in the 36-45 years age group account for the highest share of the total population as well as total income. At the all-India level, 36.5% households are headed by a person in the 36-45 year age group — these households account for 34.9% of the total household income. The average household income for this age group is Rs 62,231. In rural areas, such households account for 36.4% share of total population and 34.5% share of household income. For urban areas, the figures are 36.9% and 35.3% respectively. As the chief earner (across households) gets older, two trends emerge. One, the motivation to save tends to change. Increasingly, the householder feels the need to save for old age. Two, in absolute as well as relative terms, the saving level increases. Households whose chief earners are in the 36-45 years age group form the major bulk of households (35%) followed by those in the 26-35 years age group are the next biggest group (22%). Households with chief earners in the age group of 66 years and above (66+) constitute just 3% of the population but they have the highest level of savings, Rs 21,196 per annum, which is 25% of their annual income.
    Savings, both absolute and proportionate, steadily increase up to the 36-45 years age group, followed by a sharp decline in the 46-55 years age group that is followed by a sharp rise in the 56-65 years age segment. The savings of the 66+ years age group is only marginally higher. Interestingly, in all the categories except the second and last categories (66+), the proportionate savings in three modes — cash, financial investments and physical investments — are almost identical: nearly 68% cash savings and 22% physical investments. In the 26-35 years age group, corresponding shares are 60% and 28% respectively, and for the 66+ age group, 57% and 25% respectively. All the groups except the 56-65 years age group invest 22-23% of their savings in life insurance policies. The 56-65 years age group invests only 13% of its savings in life insurance, but this is more than compensated by its higher investment (16%) in shares and debentures. Households headed by younger chief earners (less than 25 year olds) as well as the 26-35 year olds and 36-45 years group invests in consumer durables: investment in this mode ranges between 32-39%. The 36-45 year olds, however, invest more in debentures (10%) than 56-65 year olds. The 66+ age group invests the largest share in consumer goods (52%) compared to shares and debentures.
    In percentage terms, the youngest chief earners and the 56-65 years age group invest more in jewellery (20%) than other age groups (12-15%). As the chief earners grow older, their percentage share of savings that is kept at home as cash declines: from 45% for the youngest group to 29% for the 56-65 year old age group. Conversely, bank deposit percentages increases, from 41% to 60%. At the same time, the 66+ group holds 32% as liquid cash and 57% as bank deposits.
    These trends are an indication that despite the focus on youth, Indian households are dependent on the middle-age earners for a large chunk of the total household income as well as savings. Indian households are said to be the most frugal in the world, saving a large proportion of their income. Analysts have predicted a decline in the savings rate in the future from the current rate of 28% of disposable income to about 22% by 2025. As poverty declines and as more households join the bracket of middle-class households, and the thrust shifts to increased spending, there could well be a change of emphasis towards younger chief earners. But for now, middle-aged chief earners are making the largest contributions to total household income as well as savings.
    (The author is Senior Fellow at NCAER)

Rajesh Shukla

NRHM

2010-03-10T04:03:00.001-08:00

NRHM is a initiative for sector wide rejuvenation of Public Health delivery system in all states in accelerated mode over the period 2005-2012. The NRHM does not have a target based approach for States/UTs but there are expected outcomes outlined in the NRHM Implementation Framework which are as follows:-

· IMR reduced to 30/1000 live births by 2012.

· Maternal Mortality reduced to 100/100,000 live births by 2012.

· TFR reduced to 2.1 by 2012.

· Malaria Mortality Reduction Rate - 50% up to 2010, additional 10% by 2012.

· Kala Azar Mortality Reduction Rate - 100% by 2010 and sustaining elimination until 2012.

· Filaria/Microfilaria Reduction Rate - 70% by 2010, 80% by 2012 and elimination by 2015.

· Dengue Mortality Reduction Rate - 50% by 2010 and sustaining at that level until 2012.

· Cataract operations-increasing to 46 lakhs until 2012.

· Leprosy Prevalence Rate –reduce from 1.8 per 10,000 in 2005 to less that 1 per 10,000 thereafter.

· Tuberculosis DOTS series - maintain 85% cure rate through entire Mission Period and also sustain planned case detection rate.

· Upgrading all Community Health Centers to Indian Public Health Standards.

· Increase utilization of First Referral units from bed occupancy by referred cases of less than 20% to over 75%.

· Engaging 6,00,000 female Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) etc.

Since the launch of NRHM, the Jammu & Kashmir State has reported effective and efficient implementation of NRHM. As per the latest report, 6788 Village Health & Sanitation Committees (VHSCs) have been constituted and 5215 Joint Accounts are operational in the State. Rogi Kalyan Samiti is operational at 14 District Hospitals, 87 Community HealthCentres (CHCs) and 375 Primary Health Centres (PHCs). All the districts have started developing their own Integrated District Health Action Plan (IDHAP). 44 CHCs and 14 DistrictHospitals are functioning as First Referral Units (FRUs).

9500 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) have been selected and 9500 are trained in 1^st Module. About 9500 ASHAs have been provided with drug kits. 1742 Sub-centres are functional with an ANM.

295 Sub-centres (SCs) are strengthened with 2^nd ANM, 346 Staff Nurses, 375 ANMs have been recruited on contractual basis.

State of J&K have been advised to accelerate the implementation of steps for better health care services at grass root level. Regular State visits and hand-holding workshops are conducted to address the areas which need support in the State. Experience sharing workshops are also convened where States share their best practices for benefit of other States.

eco

2010-03-10T03:49:00.001-08:00

Year	Share of MSE sector in GDP (Percentage)
2004-05	5.84
2005-06	5.83
2006-07*	7.20

job creation

2010-03-09T08:34:00.001-08:00

The article is thought provoking and provides the practical guidelines that can create the million of job in the coming years.To create 10 million job per year is the herculean task in this task the government should work with private sector n civil society to utilize the demographic dividend in our favor . There are numerous ways to create the jobs like-
Firstly ,more emphasis on service industry,so that India can become the service centre of the world.
secondly,construction industry will provide the job as well as the foundation for the future growth.
Thirdly,the food processing industry-will improve the income of farmers as well as provide the job to the needy.
Fourthly, the India specific dynamic strategies while keeping in mind the global demand - to generate maximum employment in long and short run.
and finally the policy gaps if any should be filled on urgent basis.

NATGRID

2010-03-08T00:50:00.001-08:00

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

Posted: 13 Feb 2010 03:23 AM PST

Government of India is setting up a national intelligence grid called NATGRID.It is a brainchild of Home Minister P Chidambaram. This NATGRID will be fully set up by May 2011 where each individual's data ranging from land records, Internet logs, phone records, gun records, driving license, property records, insurance, and income tax records would be available in real time and with no oversight.

NATGRID & UID:

The government believes that UID project may not be enough to eliminate the risks of terror on the domestic front. NATGRID is currently awaiting the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security.With a UID from the Unique Identification Authority of India being given to every Indian from February 2011, the government would be able track people in real time. A national population registry of all citizens will be established by the 2011 census, during which fingerprints and iris scans would be taken along with GPS records of each household.
Basic Idea:
The basic idea of the government is to network 21 available databases across government and private agencies to 'flag potential terrorist threats.

How it will work?

These databases will be linked to enable security and intelligence agencies get any information at the press of a button under the National Intelligence Grid. Only 11 selected government agencies will be able to access the grid and a special mechanism will prevent any leakage of data. As such, the raw data will reside with the provider agencies and will be readily available to NATGRID, as it will only take abstracted and approved subsets of information from the original databases.

The eleven agencies who will have access to the database include the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Military Intelligence, Revenue Intelligence, National Intelligence Agency and National Security Council. Personnel from these agencies will be work with NATGRID to liaison with their parent organisations and guide them in usage of the data generated.

The new system is being designed to help the government agencies combat terror and threats to internal security by generating "actionable" intelligence through search and retrieval from the networked databases. The grid will have a command centre that will double up as an anti-terror hot line and will have an international connect to network with data available in other countries that is useful to keep a tab on suspects.
Who is Captain Raghu Raman:
In 2009 Mahindra Special Services Group CEO Captain Raghu Raman had been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) project to strengthen the intelligence sharing and analysing mechanism in the country.He has been hired on a 18 month contract and enjoys the perks of a joint secretary.

Captain Raghu Raman is a Former Soldier and during his 10 year stint with the forces he spent time battling counter-insurgency in Punjab, leading troops in active operations in Siachen Glacier, as a UN Peace Keeper in Angola and finally as an instructor teaching tactics and leadership to young officers in the School of Armored Warfare.

prez sppech

2010-03-07T01:08:00.000-08:00

rightful place in the comity of nations

deepen the values of pluralism and secularism, and to ensure rapid growth with justice and fairness for all.

My government has combined a caring and sensitive approach in dealing with the immediate economic and social problems, has taken measures to strengthen the nation's security, has proceeded with a desire to accommodate disparate political and regional voices, has sincerely worked towards deepening our federal polity, has vigorously pursued our enlightened national interests in pro-actively engaging with the global community, and has introduced sensitivity in the partnership between the institutions of governance and civil society.

In the longer term, our food security can be ensured only through sustained efforts at increasing agricultural productivity combined with a comprehensive reform of the public distribution system and open market intervention. My government is committed to bringing forth a legislation to ensure food security

My government has taken several new measures to strengthen the security apparatus of the country to equip it to meet the grave challenge posed by terrorism. These include strengthening of the state and district police machinery and Central Para-Military Forces, operationalization of the National Investigation Agency, establishment of four National Security Guard hubs to ensure quick and effective response to any possible terror attack, augmentation of the strength of the Intelligence Bureau, strengthening of the Multi-Agency Centre in the Intelligence Bureau to enable it to function on a round-the-clock basis, and strengthening of coastal security.

12. Government remains vigilant against all forms of challenges posed by terrorism. Zero tolerance of terrorist activities is our principled policy. We have to keep constant watch and innovate against global terrorist groups.

13. The overall internal security, law and order, and the communal situation remained largely under control during 2009. Infiltration of terrorists from across the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up. Even then, the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the North East, but left wing extremism continues to be a significant cause of concern.

it poses challenges at the same time opportunity too.

that the time has come to focus on ensuring that the processes of governance are sensitized, administrative instruments sharpened, and that the benefits of welfare programmes reach the aam aadmi. This commitment to canons of good governance must guide the massive slew of rural and urban reconstruction initiatives under Bharat Nirman, and other schemes for ensuring inclusive growth and social protection.

Investment in education is critical for accelerated inclusive growth.

education infrastructure based on the three pillars of expansion, inclusion and excellence. A National Council for Higher Education and Research will soon be established as an overarching body to regulate higher education and research in India. Government is endeavouring to bring forward an appropriate legislation for facilitating the participation of globally renowned and quality academic institutions in our higher education sector, and for bringing in foreign education providers for vocational training and skill development.

38. For providing the common man an opportunity to share in the growth of the central public sector enterprises, government has decided to list profitable companies on the stock exchanges through a public offer of at least 10% of the equity.

39. My government has taken several steps to meet the challenge of climate change. The National Action Plan on Climate Change is being operationalised. The Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mission has been launched with an ambitious target of 20 thousand megawatts of solar power by 2022.

40. A mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency has been approved, and it is expected to work towards saving of 10 thousand megawatts of electricity by the end of the Eleventh Plan.

41. To ensure expeditious and effective disposal of civil cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests, a National Green Tribunal Bill, 2009 has been introduced.

42. The economy remains critically dependent on oil and gas. After the near stagnation in production for about a decade, the year 2009-10 is set to register a major increase, with 20 new oil discoveries.

43. My government is committed to give the aam aadmi maximum access to gas and petroleum products. A new scheme of rural LPG distribution namely, 'Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitarak Yojana' has been launched.

44. With a view to meeting the objective of 'Power to All' by 2012, as stated in the National Electricity Policy, a special effort has been made to encourage expansion in electricity generation capacity. As a result, during the Eleventh Five Year Plan we expect to add more than three times the capacity that was added in the Tenth Plan.

45. My government has announced a quantum jump in the pace of developing National Highways to reach 20 kilometers a day. Several policy initiatives have been taken to create an enabling environment. There is a fresh momentum in the development of National Highways.

46. The Civil Aviation sector could not remain unaffected by the global slowdown. Our national carrier, Air India, was particularly badly hit. Steps are being taken for its early rehabilitation under the careful guidance of a Group of Ministers.

47. The expansion and modernization of airports, especially the four metro airports, are progressing well. The Delhi airport project would be fully operational by July, 2010, well in time for the Commonwealth Games. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority has been established to discharge regulatory functions in the airport sector.

48. My government has been implementing the National Maritime Development Programme which envisages an investment of over Rupees one lakh crore, including private investment, on identified projects in the port and shipping sectors. The Indian Maritime University has now become fully functional with campuses in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Kochi.

49. The Indian Railways knit this vast country together. My government is committed to fulfilling a substantial expansion in capacity and modernisation of railway technology and to increasing the speed of both passenger and freight trains, while improving safety.

50. Train services have commenced in the entire Kashmir Valley, from Qazigund to Baramulla, demonstrating the commitment of my government to the development of all corners of our country. A special North East Rail Development Fund has been created, to provide assured financing for nine major national projects in the North Eastern region.

51. The Indian Railways have also commenced work on the ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridors on the Eastern and Western trunk routes. This project would help drive India's growth.

52. Government, in partnership with the Government of Japan, has moved ahead on implementing the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project. This challenging initiative, embracing six States, will provide impetus to industrial development in an environmentally sustainable manner, by providing quality infrastructure, efficient transportation, reliable energy supplies and efficient logistics.

53. My government is committed to the goal of extending the benefits of modern communication facilities to rural areas. Financial support is provided from Universal Service Obligation Fund to provide infrastructure for rural connectivity. My government has already initiated action to set up 10 thousand towers in 2010-11 for connecting remote areas across the country. As against the target of 60 crore telephone connections by 2012, the achievement already exceeds 57 crore, with an unprecedented addition of nearly 2 crore connections in the month of December 2009 itself.

54. Mission Clean Ganga, under the aegis of the National Ganga River Basin Authority is expected to ensure that by the year 2020, no untreated municipal sewage and industrial effluents flow into the Ganga. This task, to ensure both nirmal dhara and aviral dhara, would involve collective and coordinated efforts of the Centre and the States concerned.

Honourable Members,

55. In the inclusive society that we aspire for, people must have confidence and access to a fair system of justice. Government has decided to set up a National Mission for the Delivery of Justice and Legal Reforms aimed at transforming the government into a responsible and cautious litigant, introducing judicial management, leveraging information and communication technology to improve court administration and case management and reducing pendency of arrears.

56. Our quest for good health for all remains a national challenge. The National Rural Health Mission has stimulated creation of public healthcare infrastructure. To correspondingly augment the availability of human resources, many measures like establishment of more medical, nursing and para-medical institutions in under-served areas, creation of additional seats for specialists and super-specialists, and incentivising service by doctors in rural areas, have been initiated. Early indications reflect the positive impact of this mission.

57. My government responded with alacrity to the Influenza A H1N1 pandemic. More than one crore inbound passengers were screened at international airports. New H1N1 testing laboratories were set-up, two crore doses of drugs were distributed to States free of cost, and 15 lakh doses of vaccines have been imported for health workers. For the first time in our country an indigenous Influenza A H1N1 vaccine is being developed which will be available this year.

Black money

My government has undertaken a number of steps to unearth unaccounted money parked outside India. These include amendment of the Income-tax Act, 1961 to enable the Central Government to enter into tax agreements with non-sovereign jurisdictions. Steps have already been initiated for negotiations for entering into Agreements for the Exchange of Information with major jurisdictions. Renegotiation of the Tax Treaty with Switzerland is in process. India is an active part of the global efforts to facilitate exchange of tax information, and to take action against tax evasion.

59. Access to news and entertainment must be made affordable and universal. To this end, in addition to notifying guidelines for providing Headend in the Sky services, the digitalization of both All India Radio and Doordarshan is on the anvil. The Commonwealth Games 2010 will be covered in High Definition format by Doordarshan for the first time. We also take pride that Indian films and music compositions have got international acclaim and recognition for our artists.

60. The Unique Identification Authority of India has been established with a mandate to issue unique identity numbers based on biometrics to all residents of India. This mammoth and unprecedented exercise will serve as a great enabler to improve targeting and delivery of major government welfare programmes and public services, especially to those who are poor and marginalized. The first set of unique identity numbers is expected to be issued in the early part of 2011.

61. A Delivery Monitoring Unit (DMU) has been established in the Prime Minister's Office to review a select number of flagship programmes and other initiatives. The nodal ministries concerned have begun publishing DMU reports on their websites on a quarterly basis, to keep the nation informed of their progress.

62. Government is committed to creating an innovation strategy for government, industry, entrepreneurs, technologists and academicians with a focus on inclusive growth and appropriate eco-system necessary to bring about generational change in our approach to development.

63. The country is hosting the prestigious 19th Commonwealth Games in October, 2010. Preparations for the event are at an advanced stage. Every effort will be made to ensure a befitting and successful conduct of the Games.

Honourable Members,

64. We have played our role in global affairs with responsibility and in the pursuit of peace, stability and progress in our region and beyond. Government will continue its active engagement with the world based upon the principles laid down by our founding fathers, and with the objective of furthering our goals of rapid and inclusive economic development and poverty alleviation in an increasingly interdependent world.

65. The visits to India by the King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the President of Maldives, and the President and the Prime Minister of Nepal have given new content to our traditional ties of friendship with neighbouring countries. Following the elections in Sri Lanka, we will continue to work with the Government to enhance our partnership. India will contribute to the humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts for the Tamil minority and long term re-construction in conflict-affected areas. India's assistance to the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan witnessed important milestones and we will continue to partner Afghanistan in its development efforts. India is ready to explore a meaningful relationship with Pakistan if Pakistan seriously addresses the threat of terrorism and takes effective steps to prevent terrorist activities against India.

66. Our relations with the major powers have been further consolidated. The Prime Minister's visit to the USA laid the framework for the further expansion of the India-US partnership at the bilateral, regional and global level. My visit to Russia and the visit by the Prime Minister have renewed our time-tested friendship and opened new areas of cooperation. The 10th India - European Union Summit held in New Delhi was a milestone in our widening partnership with Europe. Our Strategic and Cooperative Partnership with China progressively acquired greater regional and global content. The visit of the Prime Minister of Japan underlined our mutual desire to accelerate our cooperation in all areas. The Prime Minister attended the first ever stand-alone summit of the BRIC countries.

67. My government pursued its 'Look East' policy with vigour. The President of the Republic of Korea was our honoured Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Government hosted the President of Mongolia, and the Prime Ministers of Australia and Malaysia. The signing of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and the launching of several new initiatives within the India-ASEAN framework and the East Asia Summit process will further integrate India into the Asia-Pacific region.

68. My visit to Tajikistan, and the Prime Minister's presence for the first time at the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation were a reflection of government's policy to strengthen the bridges of friendship and understanding with Central Asia. Relations with Turkey were strengthened following the visit of the President of Turkey.

69. The Prime Minister's participation in the Non-aligned Summit in Egypt further consolidated our relations with the developing world. We will continue to accord special attention to the countries of the Gulf and West Asia. India's steadfast support to the Palestinian cause was reiterated during the visit of the President of the Palestinian National Authority. The visit of the President of Namibia, and the visit by our Vice President to Botswana, Malawi, and Zambia carried forward our deepening engagement with the continent of Africa. We will build upon our steadily expanding cooperation with Latin America.

70. India's views on global challenges such as terrorism, energy and food security, climate change and the international financial and economic crisis were unambiguously articulated at the appropriate fora. The issue of reform of institutions of global governance was brought to the fore of the international agenda. India's voice was heard with respect in the G-20 process, the G-8 plus G-5 Summit, and the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

71. We can take justifiable pride in the contributions made by the overseas Indian community in all walks of life across the globe which have earned them high respect. The first meeting of the Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council of Overseas Indians was held this year. Government will work towards giving Indian citizens living abroad the opportunity to vote by the time of the next regular general elections. We are committed to the security and welfare of the Indian diaspora. An Indian Community Welfare Fund has been established.

72. As part of the ambitious expansion of the country's nuclear energy programme, approval was accorded for the construction of additional Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors and sites for setting up Light Water Reactors. Following the availability of imported fuel as a result of the opening of international civil nuclear cooperation, commercial production has commenced in two units of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, and one more unit is expected to begin commercial production soon. New agreements for cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy were concluded with Russia, Mongolia, Namibia, Argentina and the United Kingdom, while others are under negotiation.

73. The space programme continued to provide societal services to the Nation in the areas of tele-medicine, tele-education and village resource centres. The Oceansat-2 satellite was successfully launched onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. The flight test of the GSLV-D3 launch vehicle with indigenous cryogenic stage, and the launch of the Cartosat-2B, INSAT-3D and Resourcesat-2 satellites are planned in the near future. The GSLV-Mark III launch vehicle will be further developed and activities towards the Chandrayaan-2 Mission will be initiated.

Honourable Members,

74. Our country stands at a historic turning point. Never before were we so close as we are today to realizing our national aspirations as envisioned by our founding fathers and spelt out by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in this very hall on the midnight of 14th August 1947:

"The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means ending poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity."

We have taken decisive strides towards reaching these goals. Still, much remains to be done. The road is long, but our journey is in progress. Let us march together with confidence to a new, bright future.

Jai Hind.

INTERVIEW

2010-03-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Uttar_Pradesh-related_lists

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_districts_of_Uttar_Pradesh

views of all sections

Short for Web log, a blog is a Web page that serves as a publicly accessible personal journal for an individual. Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author.

Name the tribal communities and tell about their culture?supp Q: how r these tribes diff from mainstream?supp Q: what is EDP programme for tribals?

B.E/B.Tech difference

I energy policy

who is ur ideal person for u?

if u were the administrator of mangalore, how would u have managed the PUB INCIDENCE/ SHRI RAM SENE ATTACK ON WOMEN?.... what proactive steps will u take to stop such incidences? role of media in such cases? etc..

problems of agriculture in UTTAR PRADESH (bcoz it is my native place)

17)how our economy is performing now a days? what was the growth rate for last 4 years?

18)what is the condition of food grain production now? why there was a shortage last year?

19)what is food security?

20)what r the problems of BULAND SHAHAR ( bcoz my village is there)

Why did you select two totally unrelated subjects for the main examination? Don’t you like your engineering subjects?

an you tell me any country in the world where there is clear seperation of powers?

Member 5: what do you understand by 2G and 3G phones?

Member 5: why was it(3G) news?

What is IIPA..Where is it located..What r its functions..(replied)..Do u read its journal..( replied NO)..Name famous personality frm thr..( Sorry Sir, i don't knw..)..Tell me some thinkers frm 50's and 60's( I went blank n then said Herbert Simon)..he told me tht he was in 40's n told me name of few which i have never heard of..

Then he switched to my job..whn was Bhel Bhopal established(replied)..what's its old name(replied)..when it became BHEL(replied wrong..he told me correct answer)..with which country collabration it was set up(I replied right but he said No and gave me his wrong answer)..Product profile..Quality concerns abt product..Bhel is giving profit and bonus since which yr..
then he switched to ERP..discussed abt it benefit..diff ways to implement it.How v r implementing it..what is standard practice 4 it..(replied all)..finally he asked me the share price of BHEL..(replied)...He looked satisfied to me..

cyber security
IPO fPO

What Do u think u can rise in Hierarchy of civil services.....?...
Me: Cabinet Scrtary!
C:(Chairman raised his eybros ) Tell me about Cabinet secrtary.
Me: i told him 3 points

WTO
tell me the parts of UNO?

BUNDELKHAND

M2: What is india's largest source of electricity production?

SUB: Coal based thermal power plants.

M2: is this method eco friendly?

SUB:Sir no

M2: is there any latest technological improvement?

SUB: Yes sir there is use of supercritical boiler technology.

M2: what is its pressure?

SUB: Sir around 220 bar

M2: what are its advantages?

SUB: Overall plant efficiency is higher.

M2: Why???

SUB: Steam is at high pressure hence it has high energy content. Also there is effective combustion of coal.

M2: good!!

M1 woke up and asked abrupt question: What is the maiximum efficiency of mechanical device?(May be he had a dream of mechanical devices)

SUB:Sir about 80-90%

M4: How as planning commission Dy. chairman you would ensure effetive implementation of MDM schme.

SUB: Sir I would go for decentralisation of funds

M4: what if sarpanch irregularies these funds?Suggest other method

SUB: Sir SHG's can be promoted in implementation .

M4: what if sarpanch and SHG's collude?

SUB: sir there has to be a third party audit in form of social audit.

M4 was not giving up and he persisted with his if's and but's

M4: what if all three of them :sarpanch, SHG and third party auditors collude? what u will do as district collector?

SUB: Sir here I have to step in as district collector and look to it that the funds are not siphoned off and culprits are booked.

M4: No..No..tell as a budding IAS officer what you would do ? suggest some technological solution.......

SUB: at this stage I could not think of any better solution ....I kept my smile and politely said that At this point of time I cannot come up with any other solution.

CM: tell us history of pune?

SUB: Sir,...( cut)

CM: tell us how much time Peshwas ruled?

SUB: About 80-90 years

CM: What is the period?

SUB:1731-1818

CM: How peshwas were defeated?

questions

2010-03-01T11:14:00.001-08:00

Self Awareness

1. How would you describe yourself ?
2. Tell me about yourself ?
3. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you would describe you?
4. What motivates you to put forth your best effort ?
5. How do you determine or evaluate success ?
6. What academic subjects did you like best ? Least ?
7. What led you to choose the career for which you are preparing ?
8. What personal characteristics are necessary for succeeding in the career that you are interested in ?
9. What is your philosophy of life ?
10. Why have you switched career fields ?

Weaknesses / Negatives

1. What major problems have you encountered and how have you dealt with them ?
2. What have you learnt form your mistakes ?
3. What do you consider to be your greatest weakness ?
4. Did you ever have problems with your supervisor ?

Skills / Abilities / Qualifications

1. What do you consider to be your greatest strength ?
2. Are you creative ? Give an example.
3. What qualifications do you have that makes you think you will be successful ?
4. In what way do you think you can make a contribution to society?
5. Why should we take you ?
6. What are your own special abilities ?
7. Why should we take you over another candidate ?
8. What is your managing style ?
9. Why do you want to join this institute ?
10. What do you know about our institute ?

Values

1. What is your attitude towards working hard ?
2. What part does your family play in your life ?
3. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career ?
4. What is more important to you : money offered, or the type of job ?
5. Do you enjoy independent research ?
6. In what kind of a work environment are you most comfortable ?
7. How would you describe the ideal job for you ?
8. What two or three things are most important to you in your job ?
9. Do you prefer working with others or all by yourself ?
10. How do you like to work ?
11. Under what conditions do you work best ?
12. What is the highest form of praise ?

Experience

1. In what part-time or summer job have you been most interested ?
2. Tell me about your experience.
3. What jobs have you held ?
4. How did your previous employer treat you ?
5. What have you learnt from some of the jobs that you have held ?
6. What jobs have you enjoyed most ? Least ? Why ?
7. What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work ?
8. Describe your current job.
9. What did you like least about your last job ?
10. What did you like most about your last job ?

Goals / Objectives

1. What are your short-term and long-term goals and objectives ?
2. What specific goals other than those related to your occupation have you chosen for yourself for the next 10 years ?
3. What do you see yourself doing 5 years from now ?
4. What do you really want to do in life ?
5. How do you plan to achieve your career goals ?

Education

1. How has your education prepared you for a career ?
2. Describe your most rewarding college experience.
3. Why did you select your college or university ?
4. If you could, would you plan your academic study differently ?
5. Do you think grades are a good indication of your academic achievement ?
6. What have you learnt from participation in extracurricular activities ?
7. Do you have plans for continuing your studies ?
8. Why did you pick your programme ?
9. What courses did you like best and why ?
10. What courses did you like least and why ?
11. How has your college experience prepared you for this job ?
12. How did you pick your dissertation ?
13. Describe your dissertation process.

Salary

1. What do you expect to earn in 5 years ?
2. What did you earn in your last job ?

Interests

1. What are your outside interests ?
2. What do you do with your free time ?
3. What are your hobbies ?
4. What types of books do you read ?
5. How interested are you in sports ?
6. How did you spend your vacations in school ?

General

1. What qualities should a successful manager possess ?
2. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and a subordinate.
3. What 3 accomplishments have given you the greatest satisfaction ?
4. If you were taking a graduate for this institute, what qualities would you look for ?
5. What can I do for you ?
6. Tell me a story.
7. Define cooperation.

Stress Questions

1. What causes you to lose your temper ?
2. How often have you been absent from school, work or training ?
3. Have you ever had trouble with other people on the job ?
4. Can you take instructions without getting upset ?
5. Don't you feel you are a little to old/young for this job ?
6. How does your family like you being away on business trips ?
7. With your background, we believe that you are overqualified to join this institute.
8. You haven't had sufficient experience in this field.
9. Our experience with women on this job has not been good.
10. What would irritate you most if I as a manager did it ?

Influencing Others

1. Tell me about the time you were most persuasive in overcoming resistance to your ideas or point of view.
2. Tell me about the last time someone made an unreasonable request of you.
3. Describe the most disappointing and frustrating experience in gaining the support of others for an idea or proposal.

Interpersonal Skills

1. Describe a situation where it was most important for you to display tact and diplomacy.
2. Tell me about the last time you had a clash or disagreement with someone at school/college/workplace.
3. Tell me about a time when you felt most frustrated and disappointed at a person with whom you had worked.

Personal Adaptability

1. Tell me about the last time you were criticized by a supervisor or a professor.
2. Tell me about the time when you felt most pressured or stressed at work/ school/internship.
3. Tell me about the time when you felt most frustrated at your school/workplace.
4. In what aspects of your work/internship do you have the most confidence in your abilities.

Communication Skills

1. Tell me about the time when you felt best about your ability to draw out or solicit information from another person.
2. Tell me about the time when you had to work your hardest in order to fully understand what another person was saying to you.
3. Describe the last time when someone at school/work misunderstood what you were trying to communicate.

Motivation

1. Tell me about the most long term, sustained extra hours of effort that you put into your work/college/internship.
2. Describe a time when you felt most frustrated or discouraged in reaching your goals or objectives.
3. What do you feel has been your most significant work/school/internship related achievement within the past year or so ?
4. Describe the last time you did something well which went beyond the expectations in your work/internship.

Administrative Skills

1. Tell me how you go about organizing your work and scheduling your own time.
2. What do you do to ensure that your goals and objectives are met in a timely way ?
3. Describe the most extensive planning that you have ever done.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

1.Tell me about the most difficult problem that you faced in your work/school/internship ?
2.Tell me about the last time you made a decision that backfired.
3.Tell me about the time when you regretted most not getting advice before you went ahead ?

Conflict Management Skills

1. Tell me about the last significant crisis situation that you faced in your work.
2. Tell me about a time when you were most persuasive in overcoming resistance to your ideas.
3. Tell me about the time when you had a disagreement with someone at work.

Nobody believes the official spokesman... but everybody trusts an unidentified source.

Raghava KK: Five lives of an artist | Video on TED.com

2010-03-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Raghava KK: Five lives of an artist | Video on TED.com

I love Bharat

Quotations

Cooliris » Channels » Lifestyle » March: From Panama's beaches to the shores of Tripoli

GS2

GS

CIP Processing.png (721�548)

PIB Press Release

writing

writing

http://grammar.about.com

Coherence Strategies: Transitional Words and Phrases

Filed In:

Sponsored Links

Why I Don't Make My Bed

1. Addition Transitions

2. Cause-Effect Transitions

3. Comparison Transitions

4. Contrast Transitions

5. Conclusion and Summary Transitions

6. Example Transitions

7. Insistence Transitions

8. Place Transitions

9. Restatement Transitions

10. Time Transitions

Cash coupons

STRAIGHT DRIVE

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO REPLACE ITS SUBSIDY MECHANISM WITH COUPONS/CASH DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO POOR HOUSEHOLDS.

EDUCATION

Attitude

PDS

Mains2

Mains

India -Saudi Arabia

Demographic dividend

P E R S P E CT I V E S

Old is gold even in today’s world

NRHM

eco

job creation

NATGRID

prez sppech

INTERVIEW

questions

Raghava KK: Five lives of an artist | Video on TED.com