India Vaani

Keep Smiling and helping others to make your life meaningful..an interesting story

2021-01-03T19:12:00.007+05:30

Keep Smiling and helping others to make your life meaningful..an interesting story

एक औरत बहुत महँगे कपड़े में अपने मनोचिकित्सक के पास गई और बोली

"डॉ साहब ! मुझे लगता है कि मेरा पूरा जीवन बेकार है, उसका कोई अर्थ नहीं है। क्या आप मेरी खुशियाँ ढूँढने में मदद करेंगें?"

मनोचिकित्सक ने एक बूढ़ी औरत को बुलाया जो वहाँ साफ़-सफाई का काम करती थी और उस अमीर औरत से बोला - "मैं इस बूढी औरत से तुम्हें यह बताने के लिए कहूँगा कि कैसे उसने अपने जीवन में खुशियाँ ढूँढी। मैं चाहता हूँ कि आप उसे ध्यान से सुनें।"

तब उस बूढ़ी औरत ने अपना झाड़ू नीचे रखा, कुर्सी पर बैठ गई और बताने लगी - "मेरे पति की मलेरिया से मृत्यु हो गई और उसके 3 महीने बाद ही मेरे बेटे की भी सड़क हादसे में मौत हो गई। मेरे पास कोई नहीं था। मेरे जीवन में कुछ नहीं बचा था। मैं सो नहीं पाती थी, खा नहीं पाती थी, मैंने मुस्कुराना बंद कर दिया था।"

मैं स्वयं के जीवन को समाप्त करने की तरकीबें सोचने लगी थी। तब एक दिन,एक छोटा बिल्ली का बच्चा मेरे पीछे लग गया जब मैं काम से घर आ रही थी। बाहर बहुत ठंड थी इसलिए मैंने उस बच्चे को अंदर आने दिया। उस बिल्ली के बच्चे के लिए थोड़े से दूध का इंतजाम किया और वह सारी प्लेट सफाचट कर गया। फिर वह मेरे पैरों से लिपट गया और चाटने लगा।"

"उस दिन बहुत महीनों बाद मैं मुस्कुराई। तब मैंने सोचा यदि इस बिल्ली के बच्चे की सहायता करने से मुझे ख़ुशी मिल सकती है,तो हो सकता है कि दूसरों के लिए कुछ करके मुझे और भी ख़ुशी मिले। इसलिए अगले दिन मैं अपने पड़ोसी, जो कि बीमार था,के लिए कुछ बिस्किट्स बना कर ले गई।"

"हर दिन मैं कुछ नया और कुछ ऐसा करती थी जिससे दूसरों को ख़ुशी मिले और उन्हें खुश देख कर मुझे ख़ुशी मिलती थी।"

"आज,मैंने खुशियाँ ढूँढी हैं, दूसरों को ख़ुशी देकर।"

यह सुन कर वह अमीर औरत रोने लगी। उसके पास वह सब था जो वह पैसे से खरीद सकती थी।

लेकिन उसने वह चीज खो दी थी जो पैसे से नहीं खरीदी जा सकती।

मित्रों! हमारा जीवन इस बात पर निर्भर नहीं करता कि हम कितने खुश हैं अपितु इस बात पर निर्भर करता है कि हमारी वजह से कितने लोग खुश हैं।

तो आईये आज शुभारम्भ करें इस संकल्प के साथ कि आज हम भी किसी न किसी की खुशी का कारण बनें।

मुस्कुराइए

अगर आप एक अध्यापक हैं और जब आप मुस्कुराते हुए कक्षा में प्रवेश करेंगे तो देखिये सारे बच्चों के चेहरों पर मुस्कान छा जाएगी।

मुस्कुराइए

अगर आप डॉक्टर हैं और मुस्कराते हुए मरीज का इलाज करेंगे तो मरीज का आत्मविश्वास दोगुना हो जायेगा।

मुस्कुराइए

अगर आप एक ग्रहणी है तो मुस्कुराते हुए घर का हर काम किजिये फिर देखना पूरे परिवार में खुशियों का माहौल बन जायेगा।

मुस्कुराइए

अगर आप घर के मुखिया है तो मुस्कुराते हुए शाम को घर में घुसेंगे तो देखना पूरे परिवार में खुशियों का माहौल बन जायेगा।

मुस्कुराइए

अगर आप एक बिजनेसमैन हैं और आप खुश होकर कंपनी में घुसते हैं तो देखिये सारे कर्मचारियों के मन का प्रेशर कम हो जायेगा और माहौल खुशनुमा हो जायेगा।

मुस्कुराइए

अगर आप दुकानदार हैं और मुस्कुराकर अपने ग्राहक का सम्मान करेंगे तो ग्राहक खुश होकर आपकी दुकान से ही सामान लेगा।

मुस्कुराइए

कभी सड़क पर चलते हुए अनजान आदमी को देखकर मुस्कुराएं, देखिये उसके चेहरे पर भी मुस्कान आ जाएगी।

मुस्कुराइए

क्यूंकि मुस्कराहट के पैसे नहीं लगते ये तो ख़ुशी और संपन्नता की पहचान है।

मुस्कुराइए

क्यूंकि आपकी मुस्कराहट कई चेहरों पर मुस्कान लाएगी।

मुस्कुराइए

क्यूंकि ये जीवन आपको दोबारा नहीं मिलेगा।

मुस्कुराइए

क्योंकि क्रोध में दिया गया आशीर्वाद भी बुरा लगता है और मुस्कुराकर कहे गए बुरे शब्द भी अच्छे लगते हैं।

मुस्कुराइए

क्योंकि दुनिया का हर आदमी खिले फूलों और खिले चेहरों को पसंद करता है।

मुस्कुराइए

क्योंकि आपकी हँसी किसी की ख़ुशी का कारण बन सकती है।

मुस्कुराइए

क्योंकि परिवार में रिश्ते तभी तक कायम रह पाते हैं जब तक हम एक दूसरे को देख कर मुस्कुराते रहते है

और सबसे बड़ी बात

मुस्कुराइए

📷 क्योंकि यह मनुष्य होने की पहचान है। एक पशु कभी भी मुस्कुरा नही सकता।

इसलिए स्वयं भी मुस्कुराए और औराें के चहरे पर भी मुस्कुराहट लाएं.

मुस्कुराइए क्योंकि यही जीवन है🙏

India finally approves two COVID-19 Vaccines for restricted use

2021-01-03T18:56:00.000+05:30

India finally approves two COVID-19 Vaccines for restricted use

Will be administered in two doses

The vaccine can be stored at 2-8 degree celcius.

The ongoing clinical trial of SII and BioTech to continue

Cadila gets green signal for Phase III trial.

The Drug Control General of India (DGCI) on Sunday (January3, 2020) granted permission for restricted use of two COVID-19 vaccines in an emergency situation in ‘public interest with abundant precaution’ India subject to certain regulatory conditions.

The permission is granted for a ‘clinical trial mode’, to have more options for vaccinations, especially in case of infection by mutant strains. All three vaccines have to be administered in two doses and should be stored at 2-8° C. Meanwhile, the clinical trial of two vaccines developed by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech would also continue, said a senior officer of the DGCI.

The decision for approval was taken on the basis of recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which met on January 1 and January 2, to discuss the proposal for Restricted Emergency Approval of COVID-19 virus vaccine of M/s Serum Institute of India and M/s Bharat Biotech.

The committee further granted permission for the Phase III clinical trial of another COVID-19 the vaccine developed by Cadila Healthcare. The Committee consists of domain knowledge experts from the fields of pulmonology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, paediatrics, and internal medicine.

According to the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy date prepared by the Serum Institute, the over vaccine efficacy was found to be nearly 70.42 %. The company had generated data from the 23,745 people who participated in the Covishield vaccine

SII has conducted Phase-II/III clinical trial on 1600 participants in India and also submitted the interim safety and immunogenicity data generated from this trial The result of the India trial was also found comparable with the data from the overseas clinical studies, DGCI said.

The second approval was given to Bharat Biotech that has developed a Whole Virion Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine (Covaxin) in collaboration with ICMR and NIV (Pune), from where they received the virus seed strains. “This vaccine is developed on Vero cell platform, which has a well-established track record of safety and efficacy in the country and globally,” the DGCI stated.

It has also generated safety and immunogenicity data in various animal species including mice, rats, rabbits, Syrian hamster, and also conducted challenge studies on non-human primates (Rhesus macaques) and hamsters. It has also conducted Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in approx.800 subjects and the results have demonstrated that the vaccine is safe and provides a robust immune response. The Phase III efficacy trial was initiated in India in 25,800 volunteers and so far, around 22,500 participants have been vaccinated across the country and the vaccine has been found to be safe, the Drug regulator said.

The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) reviewed the data on safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine and recommended for grant of permission for restricted use in an emergency situation in India subject to certain regulatory conditions. It further asked the two companies to carry on its ongoing clinical trial.

Meanwhile, the committee also recommended for the III rd trial of another COVID-19 vaccine developed by Cadila Healthcare using DNA platform technology. Cadila has already carried out Phase-I and Phase-II clinical trial in India in more than 1000 participants. The interim data have suggested that the vaccine is safe and immunogenic with three doses when administered intradermally. In the Phase-III clinical trial, 26000 Indian would participate as the permission given by the Cadila.

Serum Institute of India ready to roll out

Serum Institute of India claimed that it was to roll out Covishield vaccine in the country in the coming weeks. It has entered into a collaboration with the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine.

"Happy new year, everyone! All the risks @SerumInstIndia took with stockpiling the vaccine, have finally paid off. COVISHIELD, India's first COVID-19 vaccine is approved, safe, effective and ready to roll-out in the coming weeks," SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said in a tweet.

The company has already stockpiled around 50 million dosages of the vaccine and aims to produce up to 100 million dosages per month by March next year.
This paves the way for the roll-out of at least two vaccines in India in the coming days. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has already been approved by the UK government. Besides SII and Bharat Biotech, Pfizer has also applied to the DCGI seeking emergency use authorisation for their COVID-19 vaccines.

With another wave of Corona, World has learnt nothing in the past 10 months of COVID pendamic

2020-11-07T11:34:00.006+05:30

The world is reeling under another Corona wave, every day we are seeing more than six lakh new cases, and daily Corona death is touching 9,000. The situation is worsening day by day. Most of the European nations are going back to lockdown again. France, Germany, UK and Belgium have already started the move and others are likely to follow in the coming months.

Unfortunately, the world has not learnt little from the 10-month pandemic. We have forgotten it but CORONA is here to stay long. Ostrich like the attitude of state governments is not going to help anyone. High time to make SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) if we really want to fight the pandemic.

France is among the worst affected countries in Europe

France is adding nearly 60,000 new cases every day. On November 6, daily death rose to more than 800. It has already imposed lockdown but that is not the only solution. Considering the fact that its population is less than 7 crore, this figure is alarmingly high. Total

cases have reached more than 16 lakhs, which is not great but its active cases are as high as 14.65 lakhs, which means only 1.26 lakh people have recovered so far.

The Situation is bad in Europe. worst countries are France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Russia where active cases have been reported the most. Number wise so far a total of 11 495 874 cases have been reported in Europe. Five countries reporting most cases are Russia (1 712 858), France (1 601 367), Spain (1 306 316), United Kingdom (1 123 197) and Italy (824 879).\

But if we talk of new cases, more than 50 % of new cases are coming from Europe, of the new 6.27 lakh new cases on November 6, 3.15 lakh is from Europe alone. Death wise also out of nearly 9,000 daily deaths, around 4,800 is reported from Europe alone. And it shows the alarming spread in Europe.

After Europe, the USA is worst affected

We have been blaming Donald Trump for mishandling the situation. The fact is people of the USA are to be blamed for being complacent of the virus. They must remember they are not any terror group, but an invisible enemy about whom we know little despite our 10-month long research work.

Today, On November 6, it added 1.32 lakh new cases reported 1,248 new deaths. Total active cases are around 34 lakhs of the total 64 lakh cases reported so far.

USA is bussy in elections and forgets COVID-19, But CORONA has not forgotten the USA and working overnight spreading it all over the states. Let's see how new USA President deals with the pandemic.

India should learn from the bad experience of Europe, Kerala and Delhi

CPVID-19 spread in India and its recovery is much much better than Europe and USA. As against the population of 137 crores, India reported only 84 lakh cases out of which more than 78 lakhs have already recovered.

There are only 5.16 lakh active cases. With this India probably has the highest recovery rate and lowest fatality rate in the world.

Having said this, the fact remains Indian cannot sit on good performance like Germany and Hongkong and later face the wrath of complacency.

It is high time to be vigilant, and remember we can forget Corona but it would not forget us. Corona is no 20-20 match, it is here to stay long and state governments must learn to live with it

What we have learnt from 10-month long lockdown

https://statesmanvijay.blogspot.com/2020/07/10-simple-ways-to-prevent-viral.html

China had imposed its first lockdown in Wuhan and other cities of Hubei on January 23 in wake of COVID-19. It shocked the world initially, but later almost all countries in the world adopted the same practice to contain the virus spread. Some did it efficiently and some partially and some did lockdown for the sake of it.

Today it has been almost 10 months of starting the lockdown, the entire world economy is in shambles, poor countries which are already cash-starved are hit the most. It did not spare the world’s leading economies including USA, Germany, France and UK.

The decision to lockdown was taken in haste as most of the governments were confused on how to fight with this invisible enemy gifted by China. That time the step to lock down the country was obvious and required.

It is sorry to say that despite 10-month long research on the virus, most countries are still somewhat confused and going for the old practice of shutting down the country. Little they realize that the lockdown is no permanent solution. Poor people would die in any case either because of COVID-19 or due to hunger.

It is time for governments to evaluate whether to allow poor people to die of hunger or find a better workable solution. Remember third world countries would follow Developed countries footsteps. The world has apparently learnt little from COVID-19 and hardly tried to find a solution to contain the virus.

Remember COVID-19 is just a beginning, in the coming time we will see more contagious and stronger virus than this. It is time to make an SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to change our lifestyle. Japan, Korea and China is the best example, they changed their lifestyle to fight SARS and other such viruses.

I strongly recommend here old Indian style of living, where People used to practice certain rules to avoid such viral/bacterial diseases. (1) Like never cook without clean cloths and without taking bath, (2) Not let anyone enter your kitchen (3) Not touch anything after you return to form from the market, wash your face hand, change clothes and then only interact with your family especially children (4) Do gargle after every meal and always eat freshly cooked food.

Is Smart LOCKDOWN a Solution ?

To me smart lockdown and proper COVID-19 Education may be a way out to contain the virus.

1) Let economy work for first five days a week.

2) Tell people to effectively maintain social distancing and use of mask at public places.

3) Tell people not to visit relatives until or unless it is very important.

4) Do not let children playout for more than an hour that too strictly wearing masks.

5) Strictly ask people to have Hot Water (better a light Kada) every four hours. It helps build immunity and fight the seasonal virus. (I have been doing this for 20 years to fight seasonal virus stronger than COVID-19 and it worked perfectly).

6) Ask people to change their habits of taking your hands to mouth, eyes and noses.

7) Tell people going out in public places to wash their hands every two hours.

8) Change your clothes every time you return home from a public place.

9) Avoid window shopping and go where it is essential.

10) Prefer online shopping, whenever and wherever it is possible.

ENDS.

Government allows colleges and universities to open with 50 % capacity, UGC issues a detailed guidelines

2020-11-06T09:29:00.004+05:30

The government allows colleges and universities to open with 50 % capacity, UGC issues a detailed guidelines

The University Grants Commission framed and issued Guidelines for the universities and colleges for reopening their campuses.These Guidelines have been vetted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education. The Guidelines may be adopted by the institutions as per the local conditions and directives of the Government authorities.

The Universities and Colleges outside the containment zones may be opened in a graded manner after consultations with concerned State/UT Governments and subject to adherence to the guidelines/SOP for safety and health protocol prepared by UGC, as under:

For Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of the Institution should satisfy herself/himself regarding the feasibility of the opening of physical classes and decide accordingly.

For all other Higher Educational Institutions, e.g., State Universities, Private Universities, Colleges etc., opening of physical classes to be done as per the decision of the respective State/UT Governments.

Universities and colleges may plan opening the campuses in phases, with such activities where they can easily adhere to social distancing, use of face masks and other protective measures This may include administrative offices, research laboratories and libraries etc.

Thereafter, students of all research programmes and post-graduate students in science & technology programmes may join as the number of such students is comparatively less and norms of physical distancing and preventive measures canbe easily enforced.

Further, final year students may also be allowed to join for academic and placement purposes, as per the decision of the head of the institution.

However, for (iii), (iv) and (v) above, it should be ensured that not more than 50% of the total students should be present at any point of time and necessary guidelines/protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are in place.

For the programmes, other than those mentioned in paras (iv) and (v) above, online/distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.

However, if required, students may visit their respective departments in a small number for consultation with the faculty members, after seeking prior appointments to avoid crowding, while maintaining physical distancing norms and other safety protocols.

Some students may opt not to attend classes and prefer to study online while staying at home. Institutions may provide online study material and access to e-resources to such students for teaching-learning.

Institutions should have a plan ready for such international students who could not join the programme due to international travel restrictions or visa-related issues. Online teaching-learning arrangements should also be made for them.

Hostels may be opened only in such cases where it is necessary while strictly observing the safety and health preventive measures. However, the sharing of rooms may not be allowed in hostels. Symptomatic students should not be permitted to stay in the hostels under any circumstances.

Before the reopening of any campus, the Central or concerned State Government must have declared the area safe for opening of educational institutions. The directions, instructions, guidelines and orders issued by the Central and concerned State Government regarding safety and health in view of COVID-19 must be fully abided by the higher education institutions.

These Guidelines provide in detail the measures to be taken by Higher Educational Institutions before re-opening of campuses. It also describes the safety measures to be taken by HEIs at Entry/Exit Point(s), in the classrooms and other learning sites, inside the campus and in the Hostels. Guidance for counselling and mental health is also provided in this document.

Earlier, the University Grants Commission issued "Guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar for the Universities in View of COVID-I9 Pandemic and Subsequent Lockdown" on 29th April, 2020 and then, on 6th July, 2020. These Guidelines covered important dimensions related to examinations, academic calendar, admissions, online teaching-learning, and provided flexibility for adoption by the universities.

Later, “UGC Guidelines on Academic Calendar for the First Year of Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Students of the Universities for the Session 2020-21 in View of COVID-19 Pandemic” were issued on 24thSeptember, 2020.

Click here for the detailed UGC guidelines for Re-opening the Universities and Colleges Post Lockdown

Click here for the salient features of UGC guidelines for Re-opening the Universities and Colleges Post Lockdown

MALABAR-20: The naval exercise that gives sleepless night to China

2020-11-02T21:21:00.006+05:30

MALABAR-20: The naval exercise by India, US, Japan & Australia that would give sleepless night to China

The 24th edition of the MALABAR naval exercise is scheduled in two phases in November 2020.

Phase 1 of the Exercise MALABAR 20 involving participation by Indian Navy (IN), United States Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is set to commence off Visakhapatnam in Bay of Bengal from 03 to 06 November 2020.

MALABAR series of maritime exercises commenced in 1992 as a bilateral IN-USN exercise. JMSDF joined MALABAR in 2015. The 2020 edition will now witness participation of the RAN in this joint maritime exercise.

Phase-1 of MALABAR 20 will witness participation of Indian Navy units with United States Ship (USS) John S McCain (Guided-missile destroyer), Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Ballarat (long range frigates) with integral MH-60 helicopter, and Japan Maritime Self Defence Ship (JMSDF) Onami (Destroyer) with integral SH-60 helicopter.

The Indian Navy participation in Phase 1 will be led by Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. Indian Navy units participating in the exercise include destroyer Ranvijay, frigate Shivalik, Off Shore Patrol Vessel Sukanya, Fleet Support Ship Shakti and submarine Sindhuraj. In addition, Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk, long-range maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters will also be participating in the exercise.

The exercise, being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of COVID-19 pandemic, will showcase the high-levels of synergy and coordination between the friendly navies, which is based on their shared values and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.

MALABAR 20 Phase 1 would witness complex and advanced naval exercises including surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations, cross deck flying, seamanship evolutions and weapon firing exercises.

Phase 2 of MALABAR 20 is scheduled to be conducted in the Arabian Sea in mid-November 2020.

End.

Government wakes up to reduce Onion Price, reduces stock limits of Onion till December 31

2020-10-23T20:41:00.002+05:30

Government wakes up to reduce Onion Price, reduces stock limits of Onion till December 31

The Onion price, which started increasing since September this year, has forced the Consumer Affairs Ministry to wake and reduce stock limits for whole stock as well as retailers.

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 provides for the circumstances for imposition of the Stock limit under extraordinary price rise. The All India average retail price variation of onions as on 21.10.2020 when compared to last year is 22.12 % (from Rs 45.33 to Rs 55.60 per/Kg) and when compared to last 5 years average is 114.96 % (from Rs 25.87 to 55.60 per/ Kg). Therefore, the prices have increased by more than 100% when compared with an average of the last 5 years and thus the price triggers under EC Act have been reached. Thus the stock limit on the onions has been imposed with effect from today which is 25MT for Whole Sellers and 2MTfor Retailers for a period up to 31-12-2020.

In order to moderate the price rise, the government took a pre-emptive step by announcing a ban on onion export on 14.09.2020 so as to ensure availability to domestic consumers at reasonable rates, before the expected arrival of Kharif onion. Thus the retail price rise was moderated to some extent, but recent reports of heavy rainfall in the onion growing districts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have created concerns about damage to Kharif crop.

These developments on the weather front have contributed to the sharp increase in onion prices. To tide over the present situation, the government has stepped up disposal of Onionsthrough the built-up onion buffer stock from the Rabi onion -2020 of I LMT which was doubled since the quantity of last year. The release of onion from the buffer stock is being carried out swiftly but in a calibrated manner from the second half of September 2020 to major Mandis as well as to retail suppliers such as Safal, KendryaBhandar, NCCF, TANHODA & TANFED (Govt. of Tamil Nadu), and NAFED outlets in major cities and also through State Governments. Presently Govt. of Assam, and Govt. of Kerala (Horticulture Product Dev. Corp. Ltd) are being supplied from the retail disposal mechanism. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Lakshadweep have also placed their requisition for onions, which are being dispatched.

Further, Onions are also being disposed off through Open Market Sales. This will be stepped up further to bring down the price rise.

An estimated Kharif Crop of 37 LMT is also likely to start arriving in the Mandis that will add to the availability of Onions.

To additionally ensure availability of onions in the Mandis, the government has taken steps to facilitate import of onion and on 21.10.2020, the government has relaxed the conditions for fumigation and additional declaration on Phytosanitary Certificate under the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 for import up to December 15, 2020.

The Indian High Commissions in the relevant countries are already contacting the traders for ensuring greater imports of onions to the country. Such consignments of imported onions, which arrive on Indian ports, through land or sea, without fumigation and endorsement to that effect on the PSC, would be fumigated in India by the importer through an accredited treatment provider. Such consignments after fumigation would be released with no additional inspection fee and an undertaking will be obtained from the importers that the onion will be used only for consumption and not for propagation. Such consignments of onions for consumption will not be subjected to four times additional inspection fee on account of non-compliance of conditions of import under the PQ order, 2003.

Apart from facilitating the import by the private traders, it has also been decided that MMTC would start importing of red onions to meet the demand-supply gap.

Requisite action under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 would be taken to prevent any hoarding, black marketing of Onions by unscrupulous elements.

ends.

India successfully test fires the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from India's naval ship INS

2020-10-18T16:12:00.000+05:30

BrahMos, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired on October 18 from Indian Navy’s indigenously-built stealth destroyer INS Chennai, hitting a target in the Arabian Sea. The missile hit the target successfully with pin-point accuracy after performing high-level and extremely complex manoeuvres.

BrahMos as ‘prime strike weapon’ will ensure the warship’s invincibility by engaging naval surface targets at long ranges, thus making the destroyer another lethal platform of Indian Navy. The highly versatile BrahMos has been jointly designed, developed and produced by India and Russia.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, BrahMos and Indian Navy for the successful launch.

Secretary DDR&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy, congratulated the scientists and all personnel of DRDO, BrahMos, Indian Navy and industry for the successful feat. He stated that BrahMos missiles will add to the capabilities of Indian Armed Forces in many ways.

About BrahMos

The BrahMos (designated PJ-10) is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft, or land. It is the fastest anti-ship supersonic cruise missile in the world. It is a joint venture between the Russian and India, who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace. The name of BrahMos is a Portmanteau formed from the names of two rivers, Indian river Brahmaputra and Russian river Moskva.

It is said to be based on the Russian P-800 Oniks cruise missile and other similar sea-skimming Russian cruise missile technology. A hypersonic version of the missile, BrahMos-II is also presently under development with a speed of Mach 7-8 to boost aerial fast strike capability.

India and Russia are also developing BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), a mini version based on the existing BrahMos. It will have same 290 km range and Mach 3.5 speed but it will weigh around 1.5 tons, 5 metres in length and 50 cm in diameter, making BrahMos-NG 50 per cent lighter and three metres shorter than its predecessor The system is expected to be inducted in the year 2024. BrahMos-NG will have lesser RCS (radar cross-section) compared to its predecessor, making it harder for air defence systems to locate and engage the target. BrahMos-NG will have Land, Air, ship-borne and Submarine tube-launched variants. The first test flight is expected to take place in 2022–24. Initially, Brahmos-NG was referred to as Brahmos-M. Additionally, the BrahMos-NG will have an AESA radar rather than the mechanically scanned one on the PJ-10.

Ends.

Is it best time to invest in Pharma and Medical device sector in India ?

2020-10-01T22:21:00.009+05:30

Union minister For Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda claimed that it is the Best time to invest in Pharma & Medical device sector in India--which he says is likely to grow into 120 billion-dollar industry by 2030

He said that Pharma industry Should focus on R & D activities in order to remain as one of the leading global suppliers of medicines.

Posted On: 01 OCT 2020

The Minister said the Pharma sector is likely to grow into the 65-billion-dollar industry by 2024 and to 120 billion dollars by 2030 and Medical Devices industry to reach the US $ 50 Billion by 2025.

He said business-friendly reforms carried out by Government have helped India to emerge as one of the best investment destinations among emerging economies. Implementation of policies to promote financial inclusion and to check corruption and easing of compliance of labour laws & regulations has made India the best destination for investment. In 2018-19, India attracted FDI inflows of 73 billion dollars, up 18 % from the previous year. Especially mentioning the pharma and medical device sector. He said pharma this is the most opportune time to invest in this sector in India as pharma sector It is likely to grow into the 65-billion-dollar industry by 2024 to 120 billion dollars by 2030 and medical device sector has the potential to grow at 28% per annum to reach the US $ 50 Billion by 2025.

Union minister said Indian pharma and medical device sector have immense potential to contribute towards making India a 5 trillion-dollar economy in next 4-5 year. In this backdrop, the Indian Government is supporting the development of three Bulk Drug and four Medical Device Parks with State of Art Infrastructure and world-class Centres of Excellence across the country. The government will also provide Production Linked Incentives (PLI) to eligible new manufacturing units to ensure level playing field to domestic manufacturers.

Highlighting the contribution of pharma industry during this testing time of COVID-19 crisis he said that Indian pharma and medical devices industry was able to rise to the occasion. The crisis is being turned into opportunities by supporting the development of mega bulk drug and medical device park through a mix of right policies. Prime Minister is himself has been personally involved in this, right from the initial stage of conception. It is expected that these schemes of the Union Government for development of bulk drug & medical device park will attract cumulative investment of Rs 78000 crore and can generate about 2.5 lakh employment.

He said it is a matter of great pride for millions of Indians that from being a net importer, India became the second-largest producer of PPE Kits in the world with daily production capacity surpassing more than 5 lakh per day. Similarly, within a very short span of time, the indigenous production capacity of ventilators has increased to 3 lakh per annum. We have also achieved self-sufficiency in the production of N-95 masks

Shri Gowda said that there is need for the pharma industry to focus on R & D activities in order to remain as one of the leading global suppliers of medicines. The full potential of growth cannot be fully tapped unless we come up with the discovery of a new drug or repurposing in India. He expressed hope that the Indian pharma sector will be among the first one to develop and supply low-cost vaccines for COVID-19.

He appreciated the efforts of CII Life Sciences conclave for providing the necessary platform for stakeholders across the world to converge and embed their ideas to help usher in a new era of competitiveness of the Indian pharma segment in the post-COVID-19 world.

Ends

The longest 9.02 km long highway tunnel between Manali to Lahaul-Spiti becomes functional. Would prove a game changer to protect Indo-Pak-China borders

2020-10-01T21:47:00.004+05:30

Atal Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in the World built at above 10,000 feet. The 9.02 Km long tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Earlier the valley was cut off for about 6 months each year owing to heavy snowfall.

The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 Kms between Manali and Leh and the time by about 4 to 5 hours.

The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 Kms between Manali and Leh and the time by about 4 to 5 hours.

The South Portal (SP) of Atal Tunnel is located at a distance of 25 Km from Manali at an altitude of 3060 Mtrs, while the North Portal (NP) of the tunnel is located near village Teling, Sissu, in Lahaul Valley at an altitude of 3071 Mtrs.

It is horse shoe shaped, single tube double lane tunnel with a roadway of 8 Mtrs. It has an overhead clearance of 5.525 Mtrs.

It is 10.5-metre wide and has a 3.6 x 2.25 Mtrs fire proof emergency egress tunnel built into the main tunnel itself.

Atal Tunnel has been designed for traffic density of 3000 cars per day and 1500 trucks per day with max speed of 80 km/hr.

It has the state of the art electromechanical system including semi transverse ventilation system, SCADA controlled firefighting, illumination and monitoring system.

The Tunnel has ample safety features built into it. Some of the key safety features are

(a) Tunnel entry barriers at both portals.

(b) Telephone connections at every 150 Mtrs for emergency communication.

(d) Auto incident detection system with CCTV cameras at every 250 Mtrs.

(e) Air quality monitoring at every 1 Km.

(f) Evacuation lighting / exit signs at every 25 Mtrs.

(g) Broadcasting system throughout the tunnel.

(h) Fire rated Dampers at every 50 Mtrs.

(i) Cameras at every 60 Mtrs.

The historic decision to construct a strategic tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was taken on June 03, 2000 when late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. The foundation stone for the Access Road to the South Portal of the tunnel was laid on May 26, 2002.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked relentlessly to overcome major geological, terrain and weather challenges that included the most difficult stretch of the 587-metre Seri Nalah Fault Zone. The breakthrough from both ends was achieved on October 15, 2017.

The Union Cabinet met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 24th December 2019 and decided to name the Rohtang Tunnel as Atal Tunnel to honour the contribution made by the former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

After attending the inauguration function of the Atal Tunnel at South Portal, Manali, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall be participating in public functions at Sissu in Lahaul Spiti and at Solang Valley.

In the time of Covid-19, Monsoon brings cheers in the Agriculture sector, rainfall was third highest since 1994

2020-10-01T20:49:00.003+05:30

Some Salient Features of Monsoon 2020

The all India seasonal rainfall this year was third-highest, after 112% of LPA in 1994 and 110% of LPA in 2019

Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, 2 subdivisions received large excess, 13 received excess and 16 subdivisions received normal monsoon rainfall during 2020 while only 5 subdivisions received deficient rainfall

Monsoon in 2020 withdrew from western parts of northwest India on 28th Sept. 2020 against the normal date of 17th Sept 2020 with a delay of around 11-days.

The cool ENSO neutral conditions observed over the equatorial Pacific Ocean in the beginning of the year turned in to weak La Niña conditions by the end of August 2020 as predicted by IMD

Posted On: 01 OCT 2020

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the following information on India Monsoon 2020:

Ø Quantitatively, 2020 All India monsoon seasonal rainfall during 1 June to 30 September 2020 has been 95.8 cm against the long period average of 88.0 cm based on data of 1961-2010 (109% of its Long Period Average (LPA)).

Ø Considering the recent years since 1990, the all India seasonal rainfall this year was third-highest, after 112% of LPA in 1994 and 110% of LPA in 2019.

Ø Thus 2019 & 2020 are the two consecutive years with above-normal monsoon rainfall, after 1958 (110% of LPA) and 1959 (114% of LPA ) (Fig.1).

Ø Considering four broad homogenous regions of India, the monsoon seasonal rainfall during 2020 has been 106%, 84%, 115% & 129% of LPA respectively over East and North-East(NE), North- West(NW), Central and South India. Therefore, seasonal rainfall has been excess over Central and South India, normal over East and NE India and deficient over NW India. Monthly and seasonal total rainfall over different broad homogeneous regions and all India are given in Fig. 2.

Ø Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, 2 subdivisions received large excess, 13 received excess and 16 subdivisions received normal monsoon rainfall during 2020 while only 5 subdivisions received deficient rainfall (Fig. 3). These 5 Met subdivisions which got deficient rains are Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura (- 32%), West Uttar Pradesh (-37%), Uttarakhand (-20%), Himachal Pradesh (- 26%), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (-34%) (Fig. 3).

Ø Considering month to month rainfall variation over India as a whole, the season is very uniquely placed in the historical record for its distinct and contrasting month to month variation. The rainfall over the country as a whole was 118%, 90%, 127% and 104% of LPA during June, July, August and September respectively (Fig 2).

The spatial distribution of monthly rainfall over different Met- Subdivisions is shown in Fig 4.

Ø The week to week progress of monsoon rainfall over the country as a whole and cumulative rainfall in percentage departure is shown in Fig. 5

Ø It was a good beginning for the season in terms of rainfall with formation and movement of the cyclone Nisarga, over the Arabian Sea. It helped the monsoon to advance into main-land along the west coast. Subsequent features favoured timely advance and monsoon covered entire country by 26th 2 June against the normal date of 8th July (about 12 days ahead of normal date). The country as a whole experienced excess rainfall (118% of LPA) during June.

Ø In July, many unfavourable features of monsoon appeared resulting in deficient rainfall for the country (90% of LPA). The weak monsoon in July was mainly due to the absence of any major monsoon disturbance over the Bay of Bengal. Absence of such major systems in July (Table 1) also caused the monsoon trough weak. The monsoon trough lay to the north of the normal position or closed to the foothills of the Himalayas on many days. It resulted in frequent and prolonged floods over northeastern India, Bihar and adjoining areas of east Uttar Pradesh.

At the same time, major parts of central and northwest India received deficient rainfall.

Ø During August, there was back to back-formation of low-pressure systems over the north Bay of Bengal and their movement towards Gujarat and south Rajasthan (Table 1). Monsoon trough was mostly south of the normal position and remained active. The Arabian Sea was very active with stronger winds reaching up to 50-60kmph in lower levels during a few days in the month. Five low-pressure systems formed during 4-10, 9-11, 13-18, 19-26 and 24-31 August 2020 which caused higher than normal rainfall over the central and western part of India. The total number of low-pressure days was 28 against normal of about 17(Table 1). It caused 2-3 spells of riverine floods over Odisha, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, south Gujarat and south Rajasthan. It was a record rainfall in August 2020, when all India rainfall was 127% of LPA. It has been the record highest in last 44- years, after August 1976 (128.4% of LPA). It is also fourth-highest in the last 120 years. The highest ever percentage departure for the month of August during 1901-2020 had been 33% above LPA during 1926. The all India rainfall in percentage departure from LPA for the month of the August during 1901-2020 is shown in Fig.6.

Ø During August 2020, consecutively for 4 weeks, India got excess rain with 13% to 41% above LPA during the week ending 12 Aug to week ending 2 Sept 2020. Similarly, the most deficient monsoon conditions prevailed in the second fortnight of July.

Ø Month-wise locations of Very Heavy Rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm) and Extremely Heavy Rainfall (more than 204.4 mm) reported stations for June to Sept 2020 given in Fig 7.

Ø Monsoon in 2020 withdrew from western parts of northwest India on 28th Sept. 2020 against the normal date of 17th Sept 2020 with a delay of around 11-days. Withdrawal has been delayed mainly due to active monsoon trough in association with the formation of 2 low-pressure systems in Sept 2020.

Ø As on 01st October, southwest monsoon has withdrawn from Punjab, western Himalayan region,

Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and many parts for Rajasthan and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The withdrawal line of the Southwest Monsoon passes through Lat. 29°N/ Long.81°E, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjhanpur, Alwar, Nagaur and Lat. 26°N/ Long.70°E.

Verification of Long Range Forecast:

Ø The forecast for the date of monsoon Onset Over Kerala issued on 15th May 2020 was 5th June with a model error of ±4 days. The actual monsoon onset over Kerala was on 1st June and therefore the forecast was correct.

Ø The first stage forecast for the season (June-September) rainfall over the country as a whole issued in April was 100% of LPA with a model error of ± 5% of LPA. The forecast was upgraded to 102% of LPA with a model error of ± 4% of LPA in the updated forecast issued in May. IMD also predicted a probability of 65% of monsoon rainfall to be normal to above normal. However, the actual seasonal rainfall for the country as a whole was 109% of LPA, which is more than the predicted value.

Ø Considering the four broad geographical regions of India, the forecasts issued in May for the season 3 rainfall over Northwest India, Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula were 107%, 103%, 96% & 102% of the LPA respectively all with model errors of ± 8%. The actual rainfall over Northwest India, Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula was 84%, 115%, 107% and 129% of the LPA respectively. Thus, the forecasts of season rainfall over the Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula regions were underestimated to the actual rainfall, while the forecast for Northwest India was an overestimate. The forecast for the second half of the monsoon season (August – September) for the country as a whole was 104% with a model error of 8% of LPA against the actual rainfall of 118% of LPA.

Ø This year, IMD had predicted the possibility of the development of weak La Nina conditions in the second half of the season in its forecasts issued in April and May. The cool ENSO neutral conditions

observed over the equatorial Pacific Ocean at the beginning of the year turned in to weak La Niña conditions by the end of August 2020 as predicted by IMD.

MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-opening, Gives flexibility to States UTs for opening of schools, Opens up more activities outside Containment Zones

2020-10-01T08:13:00.003+05:30

MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-opening

Gives flexibility to States UTs for opening of schools

Opens up more activities outside Containment Zones

Strict enforcement of lockdown in Containment Zones till 31st October 2020

Posted On: 30 SEP 2020 7:56PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new guidelines today, for opening up of more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones. In these guidelines, which will come into effect from October 1, 2020, the process of re-opening of activities has been extended further. The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.

Salient features of the new guidelines

Activities permitted from 15th October 2020, in areas outside the Containment Zones

Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50% of their seating capacity, for which, SOP will be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions will be permitted to open, for which, SOP will be issued by the Department of Commerce.
Swimming pools being used for training of sportspersons will be permitted to open, for which the standard operating procedure (SOP) will be issued by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S).
Entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open, for which the SOP will be issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Opening of Schools, colleges, education institutions and coaching institutions

For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15th October 2020, in a graded manner. The decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/ institution management, based on their assessment of the situation, and subject to the following conditions:

Online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.
Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so.
Students may attend schools/ institutions only with the written consent of parents.
Attendance must not be enforced, and must depend entirely on parental consent.
States /UTs will prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools/ institutions based on the SOP to be issued by Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, keeping local requirements in view.
Schools, which are allowed to open, will have to mandatorily follow the SOP to be issued by Education Departments of States/ UTs.

Department of Higher Education (DHE), Ministry of Education may take a decision on the timing of the opening of Colleges/ Higher Education Institutions, in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), based on the assessment of the situation. Online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.

However, Higher Education Institutions only for research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/ experimental works will be permitted to open from 15th October, 2020, as under:
1. For Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of Institution will satisfy herself/ himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream for laboratory/experimental works.
2. For all other Higher Education Institutions e.g. State Universities, Private Universities etc., they may open only for research scholars (Ph.D) and postgraduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/experimental works as per decision to be taken by the respective State/UT Governments.

Regulation of gatherings

Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones only. Now State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones, after 15th October 2020, which will be subject to the following conditions:

In closed spaces, a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.
In open spaces, keeping the size of the ground/ space in view, and with strict observance of social distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.

To ensure that such gatherings do not spread COVID-19, State/ UT Governments will issue detailed SOPs to regulate such gathering, and strictly enforce the same.

All activities, except the following, shall be permitted outside containment zones:
1. International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.
Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 31st October, 2020.
Containment Zones shall be demarcated by the District authorities at micro level after taking into consideration the guidelines of MoHFW with the objective of effectively breaking the chain of transmission. Strict containment measures will be enforced in these containment zones and only essential activities will be allowed.
Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed.
These Containment Zones will be notified on the websites of the respective District Collectors and by the States/ UTs and information will also be shared with MOHFW.

States not to impose any local lockdown outside Containment Zones

State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/ District/ sub-division/City/ village level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central Government.

No restriction on Inter-State and intra-State movement

There shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.

National Directives for COVID-19 management

National Directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensure social distancing. Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives.

Protection for vulnerable persons

Vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.

It was like free for all in Delhi during North East riots, Neeraj Kumar, former Delhi Police Commissioner

2020-09-12T08:19:00.004+05:30

Policing is a very difficult job in India, it has to face political pressure, social pressure, and bears a stigma of colonial-era where it was considered as an oppressor. Neeraj Kumar, one of the best IPS officer we ever had, opened up on policing problems in India, whether it was policing failure during Delhi Riots, or negligence in handling Sushant death case... excerpts, it appeared in the statesman perspective page.

Neeraj Kumar, the former Delhi Police Commissioner, is probably the only Police Officer who has done an in-depth study on primitive erstwhile Criminal Tribe and at the same time exposed the working of Mumbai underworld gangs. During his posting in CBI, he unearthed UTI scam and exposed various terror groups working in India. 1976 batch UT cadre IPS officer, Neeraj Kumar retired as Delhi Police Commissioner on July 2013 and spent 37 tears in country’s elite police force and served in Delhi, Arunanchal, Mizoram, Goa and CBI. Most of his service tenure was in CBI where he probed Mumbai bomb Blasts, UTI scam, and neutralized several terror outfits.

When he was heading Goa Police he launched a sustained campaign against illegal immigrants, drug mafia and the Russian mafia indulging in land grabbing, and human trafficking. Here he also arrested Tariq Ahmed Batlo, a Pakistan trained Kashmiri terrorist, who was planning Bali (Indonesia) like the bombing in Goa

His book ‘Dial D for Don’ published in 2015 was a runaway hit in which he recounted the stories of eleven police operations that he conducted in the CBI. He has also written a book on Pardi gangs, a unique book written on how the erstwhile criminal Pardi tribe commits crime. Neeraj Kumar represented India at the UN Convention on Trans-national Organized Crime in Viena, Austria. He also represented India at Vienna during deliberations of United Nations Manual on Kidnapping & Extortion, 2014. He was handpicked to be the Conference Secretary when the World Interpol Conference took place in New Delhi in October 2007. He spoke to Vijay Thakur, Special Representative, the Statesman, on the role of Police in the present scenario. Excerpts.

Question:

Despite efforts to modernize police, Indian police hardly stand anywhere when compared to Police of the Western world. Here police at ground zero are overburdened, stressed and ill-equipped. Where do we lack?

Answer

Over the year police have changed a lot. It is more qualified and tech-savvy now. These days police officers investigate in a more professional way. Yet it needs to change its mindset. Most of the police force still has a colonial mindset and consider the public as their subject. A Police Officer must remember he is not here to rule but to maintain rule of law.

Secondly, our Public Relation Department is very poor and unprofessional. And this changes the public perception about the police. I give you an example, nearly a decade ago I went to Scotland, whose police force is considered to be one of the best in the world. It has one-tenth of Delhi Police strength.

I was shocked to see that there were 67 public relation professionals working round the clock for Scotland yard police. They were not from police but professionals who have worked in various media organizations. They keep analyzing the public perception, keep them updated of police achievements. And the result is there. Forget, how they work, they have a very good image and people like them.

Indian Police have to change their communication skills and mindset. Police officers must remember it is people’s police and is answerable to them, and Police PR department must make a bridge between people and police to change people’s perception.

Question

But changing mindset alone would not help, the force is still ill-equipped and have a corrupt image.

Answer

The are many reasons for corruption. You are right the police force is ill-equipped. Government is not meeting its minimum investigation requirement. I give you an example, if a Sub Inspector finds an unclaimed dead body in his area, it might try to throw it out of its jurisdiction, This is because the is not paid sufficient money for disposing it off. Once a body is found, it is the responsibility of the Investigating Officer to get the post mortem done, and perform its last rights. Unfortunately, most of the money he spends goes from his pocket or have to find 'other sources of income'.

Another example I would give is of a stolen vehicle in Delhi but recovered in Nagaland. No one wants to know how brings it back and how much he spends and paid for transportation. Similarly, while conducting investigations he has to spend money from his pocket to get information etcs, from where he would recover the money. The list of such problem is long and everyone knows it. Tell me, how an honest police officer pays these expenses, Answer is obvious. It is very easy you call a police officer corrupt, first, put yourself in his position and then decide.

Question

What immediate reform you suggest in Police to make it humane and efficient.

Answer

Well, the list is long. However, I would recommend two immediate changes which do not need even a single rupee. And trust me it would word and improve police image. First do not assess a police officer on the basis of crime figure in his area. If we do that it put pressure on police officers to keep crime figure under check, he would manipulate the figure, under-report it or will not report it at all. Let all crimes be reported and registered. Assess a police officer on how he handles law and order and investigate crimes, and now on the basis of reporting of crimes. Trust me half of the problem would be most. Most of the complaint against police is against non-reporting of crimes. People’s perception would automatically change against police.

Second reform which is required all over the country is that one should not fight over jurisdiction. Where ever a case is reported, it may be registered and send to the police station concerned after the preliminary process. You Know If today Asaram Bapu is in Jail it is because of this only. The victim girl, who was raped by him reported the matter to her father in UP, he registered the zero FIR in Kamala Market police station in New Delhi area. They did the medical and sent her to Jodhpur where the crime took place. Now had the victim gone straight to Jodhpur, her case would have never been registered because of his influence forget conviction. But once the FIR was registered in Delhi, local police had no option but to investigate and arrest the accused.

Question

Delhi Police earned a bad name in the Delhi riots. How do you see it?

Answer

When we analyse the Delhi riots, we find that North East Delhi riots is a culmination of mishandling of many incidents, right from Jamia to JNU and Shahin Bagh. It was a reflection of poor police leadership. Rather I would say there was hardly any leadership in Delhi Police at the top level. Then Police Commissioner, Mr Amulya Patnayak, could not give clear instructions to his subordinate officers, there was hardly any planning, Police followed no SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). I will call it was, in fact, a free for all in Delhi.

Police officers at ground level did not know what to do. Handling such incidents is no rocket science, in fact, previous Delhi Police Commissioners have handled worse situation than this earlier in a more professional and efficient way. It depends upon how the top leader behaves. Force is as good as its leader. There is an old saying in the army there is no bad army there are bad Generals. Today it applies more to police than Army. Here I have no hesitation in saying that Delhi riots were the culmination of mishandling of many incidents, failure of intelligence, and lack of proper planning.

Now when the Police chief was changed the results were visible at ground level as well. Look at the post-riot handling of Delhi riots, it was excellent, good mob management, good scientific investigations and so on. The force was the same only change was that leadership was changed from Patnaik to S N Shrivastava.

A Police Commissioner is not to enjoy ‘Lalbati car’ but to lead the force.

Question

Another Case which has damaged Police Image is Sushant death case in Mumbai. What is your take on it.?

Answer

I must accept that the Mumbai police has not acted properly. First, it did not communicate with media, which it normally does in such sensitive cases. After all, we all working for the public, it is our job to convince and clarify them if they are doubting our intentions. Unfortunately, for reasons best known to them, this time there was a huge communication gap. As a result, rumour-mongering started and the media made it a movement. Then the case was registered at Patna, which further damaged their image.

Mumbai police committed another blunder, instead of explaining its legal position to Bihar Police and media it preferred to fight it with Bihar Police. And when an IPS officer came to investigate, he was quarantined.

Had I been the Commissioner of Mumbai Police, I would have sat with Patna Police officer, helped him and explained the legal position. I could have politely told him that is not his jurisdiction. But Mumbai Police made a mockery of the entire Police Force. Mumbai Police failed in keeping the confidence of media and public.

Question

In the last what about Police-politicians nexus. Such allegations are emerging in Sushant case as well.

Answer

I must admit that situation is very bad all over the country when it comes to police politicians and bureaucrats nexus. It is now Police-politicians-bureaucrats and criminal nexus. In fact criminals these days have become politicians and common people are suffering the most. It is also an open secret that the Police is not allowed to work independently. If they do not toe the political line given to them, they are in trouble.

Though Most of my services were in Delhi Police and CBI, I had some stint in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa. There used to be a day to day interference in these states. And it would continue, politicians are public representative and we need to listen to them as well. But we are taught how not to budge to pressure and maintaining a balance. A Police officer has to follow the rule of law and always remember he is answerable to the constitution of this country, and should not compromise with any illegal act, or unlawful orders. This answers all

Ends

Moon poles are rusting: Indian scientists

2020-09-06T19:26:00.001+05:30

ISRO’s maiden mission to the Moon has sent images which showed that Moon might be rusting along the Moon poles, claimed Minister in the Prime Minister Office, Jitendra Singh here on Sunday.

In a big disclosure, the Minister in the PMO said the finding suggested that Moon’s outer surface is rusting along the poles despite the fact that the presence of water and oxygen is not known—the two elements needed to interact with iron to create rust.

Though Moon is known to have iron-rick rocks, it is surprising how it could rust without the presence of water and oxygen, the Minister said. In a press statement issued here on Sunday, the Department of space said that scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) claim that rusting could be because the Earth's own atmosphere.

The scientists claimed that earth’s atmosphere could be helping in rusting Moon Surface, indicating that Earth's atmosphere could be protecting the Moon as well. The Minister said, the scientists are also trying to decipher if the data of the Chandrayaan-1 suggested that Moon's poles are home to water.

Referring to India’s Mission Chandrayaan-3, the Minister in the PMO said the launch may now take place somewhere in early 2021. Chandrayaan-3 will be a mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2 and would include a Lander and Rover similar to that of Chandrayaan-2, but will not have an orbiter.

Meanwhile, preparations are going on for India’s first ever Human Space Mission Gaganyaan, and the training processes and other procedures are also in place, he said.

He said constraints due to COVID-19 pandemic led to some disruptions in the plan for Gaganyaan but efforts are going on to stick to the timeline of around 2022.

Chandrayaan-1 was the first Indian lunar probe under the Chandrayaan program. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation in October 2008 and operated until August 2009. The mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor. India launched the spacecraft using a PSLV-XL rocket on 22 October 2008 at 00:52  UTC from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The mission was a major boost to India's space program, as India researched and developed its own technology in order to explore the Moon. The vehicle was inserted into lunar orbit on 8 November 2008.
On 14 November 2008, the Moon Impact Probe separated from the Chandrayaan orbiter at 14:36 UTC and struck the south pole in a controlled manner, making India the fourth country to place its flag insignia on the Moon. The probe hit near the crater Shackleton at 15:01 UTC, ejecting sub-surface soil that could be analysed for the presence of lunar water ice. The location of the impact was named Jawahar Point. The estimated cost for the project was 386 crore.

Indian scientists develop an infectious secretions solidifying canister that would prevent Corona spread among Healthcare workers

2020-09-04T21:11:00.000+05:30

Indian Scientists have developed a canister bag that could solidify the highly infectious secretions from contagious diseases including COVID 19, tuberculosis (TB), which otherwise poses a serious risk for health care workers mainly corona warriors.

The Ministry of Science and Technology said their exposure to the high-risk hazard while handling the waste can soon be controlled with a canister bag that solidifies the secretions rapidly, making disposal safer.

For the safe management of infected respiratory secretions, the researchers at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India, have developed this method for safe handling and disposal of respiratory secretions in hospitals for ICU patients or those with copious respiratory secretions treated in the wards. They have developed canister bags lined with super-absorbent material containing an effective disinfectant, named “AcryloSorb”.

When the patient is admitted to the hospital, secretions are sucked into bottles or canisters using vacuum line and discarded through the waste fluid disposal system after subjecting to decontamination process. There is a high risk of contamination during the handling, and the disposal needs well-equipped sluice rooms with disinfection facilities. The safety threat and manpower issues will be manifold in less equipped hospitals or temporary isolation wards set up during pandemics.

The canister bags can absorb 500 ml of secretions and solidify them immediately. In addition to that, the whole system will be decontaminated within no time because of the presence of disinfectant. The liner structure has a patented design which allows the progressive absorbent availability upwards. Solidification and immediate disinfection that occurs inside these bags eliminate the risk of secondary infections by avoiding spilling and aerosol formation, and thereby protect healthcare workers and promote safe workplace management. Canister bags are enclosed in a customizable sealer bag which can pack it as spill-proof decontaminated biomedical waste disposable through incineration. The product has been tested as per the international standards.

The SCTIMST team that realized this technology consists of biomaterial scientists and clinicians - Dr. Manju, S., Dr. ManojKomath, Dr. Asha Kishore, Dr. Ajay Prasad Hrishi. The know-how of the AcryloSorb suction canister liner (CL Series) bags has been transferred to Romsons Scientific and Surgical Pvt. Ltd for manufacture and immediate marketing. The approximate cost will be Rs. 100/- for each canister liner bag.

Romsons Scientific & Surgical Pvt. Ltd, located at Uttar Pradesh, is a global player in medical devices with more than 200 products in market. The company has proven expertise of half a century in the area of disposable medical and surgical devices and is a prominent brand in the medical device community. The company has its distribution channel across 65 countries. Quality is a prime motto of Romsons, evidenced by the ISO and CE certifications for many of their products.

The field trials of the in-house designed suction canister liner bags are being conducted in SCTIMST.

Government Blocks 118 Mobile Apps Which are Prejudicial to Sovereignty and Integrity of India, Defence of India, Security of State and Public Order

2020-09-02T18:46:00.004+05:30

In wake of recent threat to country's sovereignty and integrity, India has decided to block 118 mobile apps (see Appendix) as they are suspected to have been engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has received many complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India. The compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures,, Ministry said in a statement issued here on Sept2.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs has also sent an exhaustive recommendation for blocking these malicious apps. Likewise, there have been similar bipartisan concerns, flagged by various public representatives, both outside and inside the Parliament of India. There has been a strong chorus in the public space to take strict action against Apps that harm India’s sovereignty as well as the privacy of our citizens.

On the basis of these and upon receiving of recent credible inputs that information posted, permissions sought, functionality embedded as well as data harvesting practices of above stated Apps raise serious concerns that these Apps collect and share data in surreptitious manner and compromise personal data and information of users that can have a severe threat to security of the State.

In the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India and security of the State. And using the sovereign powers, the Government of India has decided to block the usage of certain Apps, used in both mobile and non-mobile Internet enabled devices. These apps are listed in the attached appendix.

This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace.

Appendix

APUS Launcher Pro- Theme, Live Wallpapers, Smart
APUS Launcher -Theme, Call Show, Wallpaper, HideApps
APUS Security -Antivirus, Phone security, Cleaner
APUS Turbo Cleaner 2020- Junk Cleaner, Anti-Virus
APUS Flashlight-Free & Bright
Cut Cut – Cut Out & Photo Background Editor
Baidu
Baidu Express Edition
FaceU - Inspire your Beauty
ShareSave by Xiaomi: Latest gadgets, amazing deals
CamCard - Business Card Reader
CamCard Business
CamCard for Salesforce
CamOCR
InNote
VooV Meeting - Tencent Video Conferencing
Super Clean - Master of Cleaner, Phone Booster
WeChat reading
Government WeChat
Small Q brush
Tencent Weiyun
Pitu
WeChat Work
Cyber Hunter
Cyber Hunter Lite
Knives Out-No rules, just fight!
Super Mecha Champions
LifeAfter
Dawn of Isles
Ludo World-Ludo Superstar
Chess Rush
PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik
PUBG MOBILE LITE
Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade
Art of Conquest: Dark Horizon
Dank Tanks
Warpath
Game of Sultans
Gallery Vault - Hide Pictures And Videos
Smart AppLock (App Protect)
Message Lock (SMS Lock)-Gallery Vault Developer Team
Hide App-Hide Application Icon
AppLock
AppLock Lite
Dual Space - Multiple Accounts & App Cloner
ZAKZAK Pro - Live chat & video chat online
ZAKZAK LIVE: live-streaming & video chat app
Music - Mp3 Player
Music Player - Audio Player & 10 Bands Equalizer
HD Camera Selfie Beauty Camera
Cleaner - Phone Booster
Web Browser & Fast Explorer
Video Player All Format for Android
Photo Gallery HD & Editor
Photo Gallery & Album
Music Player - Bass Booster - Free Download
HD Camera - Beauty Cam with Filters & Panorama
HD Camera Pro & Selfie Camera
Music Player - MP3 Player & 10 Bands Equalizer
Gallery HD
Web Browser - Fast, Privacy & Light Web Explorer
Web Browser - Secure Explorer
Music player - Audio Player
Video Player - All Format HD Video Player
Lamour Love All Over The World
Amour- video chat & call all over the world.
MV Master - Make Your Status Video & Community
MV Master - Best Video Maker & Photo Video Editor
APUS Message Center-Intelligent management
LivU Meet new people & Video chat with strangers
Carrom Friends : Carrom Board & Pool Game-
Ludo All Star- Play Online Ludo Game & Board Games
Bike Racing : Moto Traffic Rider Bike Racing Games
Rangers Of Oblivion : Online Action MMO RPG Game
Z Camera - Photo Editor, Beauty Selfie, Collage
GO SMS Pro - Messenger, Free Themes, Emoji
U-Dictionary: Oxford Dictionary Free Now Translate
Ulike - Define your selfie in trendy style
Tantan - Date For Real
MICO Chat: New Friends Banaen aur Live Chat karen
Kitty Live - Live Streaming & Video Live Chat
Malay Social Dating App to Date & Meet Singles
Alipay
AlipayHK
Mobile Taobao
Youku
Road of Kings- Endless Glory
Sina News
Netease News
Penguin FM
Murderous Pursuits
Tencent Watchlist (Tencent Technology
Learn Chinese AI-Super Chinese
HUYA LIVE – Game Live Stream
Little Q Album
Fighting Landlords - Free and happy Fighting Landlords
Hi Meitu
Mobile Legends: Pocket
VPN for TikTok
VPN for TikTok
Penguin E-sports Live assistant
Buy Cars-offer everything you need, special offers and low prices
iPick
Beauty Camera Plus - Sweet Camera & Face Selfie
Parallel Space Lite - Dual App
"Chief Almighty: First Thunder BC
MARVEL Super War NetEase Games
AFK Arena
Creative Destruction NetEase Games
Crusaders of Light NetEase Games
Mafia City Yotta Games
Onmyoji NetEase Games
Ride Out Heroes NetEase Games
Yimeng Jianghu-Chu Liuxiang has been fully upgraded
Legend: Rising Empire NetEase Games
Arena of Valor: 5v5 Arena Games
Soul Hunters
Rules of Survival

India to invest Rs 1.22 lakh crore in Coal sector to increase production to 1 Billion Tonnes

2020-09-01T19:05:00.003+05:30

Targeting to increase Coal production to 1 Billion Tonnes by 2023-24, Coal India Ltd (CIL) has planned to invest Rs
1.22 lakh crore on about 500 projects pertaining to coal evacuation, infrastructure, project development, exploration and clean coal technologies

Giving details of the investment, the Minister said out of the proposed spend of over Rs 1.22 lakh crores, CIL has planned to invest Rs 32,696 crores on Coal Evacuation, Rs 25117 crores on Mine Infrastructure, Rs 29461 crores on Project Development, Rs 32,199 on diversification & clean coal technologies, Rs 1,495 crores on social infrastructure and Rs 1,893 crores on exploration works by the year 2023-24.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi government has aimed to increase its annual production to 1 BT (Billion Tonnes) to make India self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) in coal production. Addressing all the stakeholders, the Minister said engagement and involvement of all concerned stakeholders in company’s affairs would reduce and uncover the project risks

“Such two-way interactions help pave way for mutually beneficial newer ideas, improvement areas and project-related expectations.” He said. The avenues for business opportunities with Coal India are huge and the company would be investing around Rs. 14,200 Crores by the year 2023-24, in two phases for its 49 First Mile Connectivity projects, he said.

The Minister further said that the first Mile Connectivity is the transportation of coal from pitheads to dispatch points and it would improve efficiency in coal transport and undertake computer-aided loading replacing the existing road transport between the two points.

Further, in a transformative plan to increase coal output and reduce import dependency of coal in the ensuing years, Coal India has identified a total of 15 greenfield projects to operate through Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model that would entail a total investment plan of about Rs 34,600 Crores. Rs 17,000 crore would be invested by 2024, the Minister said.

Evacuation infrastructure is another major area where Coal India will be infusing large sums of money into economy. Investments in rail logistics like developing major railways (about Rs 13000 Crores) railway sidings (about Rs 3100 Crores) and procurement of own wagons (Rs 675 Crores) would total up to likely investment of over Rs 16500 Crores by FY 23-24.

The Minister said that Coal India and its subsidiaries are engaged in procurement of various types of Goods, Works and Services amounting to approximately Rs 30,000 crores per year. This is where the role and importance of stakeholder steps in. He added that Coal India in its endeavour to procure goods, works and services in fair, transparent and equitable manner has made numerous updates, changes in its Manuals and Guidelines for the benefits of vendors and stakeholders to enhance the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and adherence to principles of transparency.

Shri Anil Kumar Jain, Secretary (Coal), Pramod Agarwal, CMD CIL and other senior officials from the Ministry of Coal and CIL attended the Meet and interacted with stakeholders. In stakeholder friendly initiatives, Coal India has relaxed an array of measures and provide exemptions for greater participation of its stakeholders in its tenders. Experience criteria have been brought down from 65% to 50% for mining tenders, while work experience criteria are relaxed by 50% in turnkey contracts. Pre-Qualification requirement for participation in low value Works & Service Tenders have now been done away with. MSEs and Start-ups are exempted from having prior experience and turnover. There is no requirement of EMDs for MSEs and Start-ups. Make-in-India provisions have been fully integrated with all tenders.

Import of Coal

Presently we are importing more than 200 Million Metric Tonnes. Since India has a large number of coal reserves, yet it is not fully exploited. It has been increasing steadily for the past decade. While it was 217 MMT in 2014-15, it was increased to 248 MMMT in 2019-20. India is now Planninning to substantially cut it in the coming four years so as to make cut its import bill.

As per the present Import policy, coal can be freely imported (under Open General Licence) by the consumers themselves considering their needs based on their commercial prudence.

Coking Coal is being imported by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and other Steel manufacturing units mainly to bridge the gap between the requirement and indigenous availability and to improve the quality. Coal-based power plants, cement plants, captive power plants, sponge iron plants, industrial consumers and coal traders are importing non-coking coal. Coke is imported mainly by Pig-Iron manufacturers and Iron & Steel sector consumers using a mini-blast furnace.

ends

India designs world's largest Solar Tree that generates 14000 units of power

2020-09-01T10:53:00.002+05:30

Well can one imagine a tree in your agriculture field that would generate electricity worth Rs 60,000 to 70,000 a year, prevent Co2 emission to the tune of 10-12 tons and would not affect your agriculture yield as its little shadow would hardly impact crops growing under the tree.

See the World’s Largest Solar tree with an installed capacity of 11.5 KWatts that would cost nearly Rs 7.5 lakhs and can generate 12,000-14,000 units of Clean and Green Power. The tree is designed developed by the Indian scientists of CSIR-CMERI (CSIR, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research & Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute)

According to Director Harish Hirani of CMERI, the Solar Tree has been designed in a manner to ensure maximum exposure of each Solar PV Panel to Sunlight and also the creation of the least amount of shadow area beneath. There are a total of 35 Solar PV Panels in each tree with a capacity of 330 Watts each. The inclination of the arms holding the Solar PV Panels are flexible and can be adjusted as per requirement, this feature is not available in Roof-Mounted Solar facilities. The energy generation data can be monitored either real-time or on a daily basis.

Besides being the largest solar tree in the world, it can also be customized for application at various sites as per requirement. Professor Hirani said, “The CSIR-CMERI developed Solar Tree besides being the World’s Largest Solar Tree also has certain customizable features for application at diverse sites. The Solar Trees were designed in a manner to ensure minimum Shadow Area, thus potentially making these Solar Trees available for widespread usage in Agricultural activities such as High Capacity Pumps, e-Tractors and e-Power Tillers”.

The best part of these trees is that it can be aligned with Agriculture for substituting price-volatile fossil fuels. Each Solar Tree has the potential to save 10-12 tons of CO₂emissions being released into the atmosphere as Greenhouse Gases when compared with fossil fuel-fired energy generation. Besides, the surplus generated power can be fed into an Energy Grid.

“This Agricultural Model can provide a consistent economic return and help the farmers counter the effects of the uncertain variations in Agriculture related activities, thus, making farming an Economic and Energy Sustainable practice,” the Director said. Each Solar Tree will cost Rs 7.5 lakhs and the interested MSMEs can align their Business Model with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha even Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme for farmers, for developing a Renewable Energy based Energy Grid, he said.

He further said that the solar tree has the capability to incorporate IOT based features mainly round-the-clock CCTV surveillance in agricultural fields, real-time humidity, wind speed, rainfall prediction and soil analytics sensors. The CSIR-CMERI developed solar powered e-Suvidha Kiosks may also be connected to the Solar Trees for real-time access to the vast majority of the agricultural database as well as to the eNAM i.e. National Agricultural MarketPlace for instant and real-time access to a unified online market.

This Solar Tree is a Quantum Leap towards making an Energy Reliant and Carbon Negative India.

About CSIR-CMERI

The Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) is the apex Research and Development Institute for mechanical engineering under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It is based at Durgapur, West Bengal and was asked to develop indigenous mechanical engineering technology.

Being the only national-level research institute in this field, CMERI’s mandate is to serve the industry and develop mechanical engineering technology so that India’s dependence on foreign collaboration is substantially reduced in strategic and economy sectors. Besides, the institute is facilitating innovations and inventions for establishing the claims of Indian talent in international fields where Indian products shall ultimately compete.

In the new millennium, CMERI is poised to expand its the horizon of research activities so as to steer the country forward in cutting-edge and sunrise fields.

Ends

Supreme Court in Sushant murder case, in word format

2020-08-19T19:10:00.002+05:30

you may also download it as well from the following link

https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2020/15928/15928_2020_36_1501_23473_Judgement_19-Aug-2020.pdf

[REPORTABLE]

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL ORIGINAL JURISDICTION

Transfer Petition (Crl.) No.225 of 2020 Rhea Chakraborty Petitioner

Versus

State of Bihar & Ors. Respondent(s)

JUDGMENT

Hrishikesh Roy, J.

1. This Transfer Petition is filed under section 406 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short “CrPC”) read with Order XXXIX of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013 with prayer for transfer of the FIR No. 241 of 2020 (dated 25.7.2020) under Sections 341, 342, 380, 406, 420, 306, 506 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short “IPC”) registered at the

Rajeev Nagar Police Station, Patna and all

Signature Not Verified

INDU MARWAH

Date: 2020.08.19

Digitally scigneod bynsequential proceedings, from the jurisdiction of the

17:57:44 IST

Reason:

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate III, Patna Sadar,

to the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bandra Mumbai. The matter relates to the unnatural death of the actor Sushant Singh Rajput on 14.6.2020, at his Bandra residence at Mumbai. The deceased resided within Bandra Police Station jurisdiction and there itself, the unnatural death under section 174 of CrPC was reported.

2. The petitioner is a friend of the deceased, and she too is in the acting field since last many years. As regards the allegations against the petitioner in the FIR, the petitioner claims that she has been falsely implicated in the Patna FIR, filed by Krishan Kishor Singh (respondent no. 2) – the father of the deceased actor. The petitioner and the deceased were in a live- in relationship but on 8.6.2020, a few days prior to the death of the actor, she had shifted to her own residence at Mumbai. According to the petitioner, the Mumbai Police is competent to undertake the investigation, even for the FIR lodged at Patna.

3. Heard Mr. Shyam Divan, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner, Mr. Maninder Singh,

learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of Respondent No. 1 (State of Bihar), Mr. Vikas Singh, learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of respondent No. 2 (Complainant), Dr. A.M. Singhvi and Mr. R. Basant, learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of respondent No. 3 (State of Maharashtra) and Mr. Tushar Mehta, learned Solicitor General of India appearing on behalf of respondent No. 4 (Union of India)

4. The petitioner contends that the incidents alleged in the Complaint lodged by the father of the deceased, have taken place entirely within the jurisdiction of State of Maharashtra and therefore, the Complaint as received, should have been forwarded to the jurisdictional police station at Bandra, Mumbai for conducting the investigation. However, despite want of jurisdiction, the Complaint was registered at Patna only because of political pressure brought upon the Bihar Police authorities. Mr Shyam Divan, the learned Senior Counsel for the Petitioner argues that the courts in Bihar do not exercise lawful jurisdiction in

the subject matter of the Complaint and since the acts

alleged in the Complaint are relatable to Mumbai jurisdiction, the mere factum of Complainant being a resident of Patna, does not confer jurisdiction on the Bihar police to conduct the investigation. Adverting to the subsequent transfer of the investigation to the CBI, Mr. Divan argues that since the Bihar police lacked jurisdiction to investigate the allegations in the Complaint, the transfer of the investigation to the CBI on Bihar Government’s consent, would not amount to a lawful consent of the State government, under Section

6 of the Delhi Special Police Act, 1946 (for short “DSPE Act”). The FIR according to the petitioner is contradictory and the Complaint fails to disclose how the alleged actions of the petitioner, led to the suicidal death of the actor. The petitioner projects that she has fully co-operated with the Mumbai Police in their inquiry but will have no objection if the investigation is conducted by the CBI. Mr. Shyam Divan the learned Senior Counsel submits that justice needs to be done in this case and powers under Article 142 of the Constitution can be invoked by the Court.

5. Representing the State of Bihar, Mr. Maninder Singh, the learned Senior Counsel submits that the Complaint disclosed a cognizable offence and therefore, it was incumbent for the Patna Police to register the FIR and proceed with the investigation. Since allegations of criminal breach of trust, Cheating and defalcation of money from the account of the deceased are alleged, the consequences of the offence are projected to be within the jurisdiction of the State of Bihar. The Senior Counsel highlights that the Mumbai Police was conducting the enquiry into the unnatural death of the actor u/s 174, 175 CrPC and such proceeding being limited to ascertaining the cause of death, does not empower Mumbai Police to undertake any investigation, on the allegations in the Complaint of the Respondent No 2, without registration of an FIR at Mumbai. Referring to the non-cooperation and obstruction of the Maharashtra authorities to the SIT of Bihar Police which reached Mumbai on 27.07.2020 and the quarantined detention of the Superintendent of Police, Patna who had reached Mumbai on 02.08.2020, senior counsel argues that the Mumbai Police was trying to suppress the real

facts and were not conducting a fair and professional inquiry. Since no investigation relatable to the allegations in the complaint was being conducted and FIR was not registered by the Mumbai Police, the action of the Bihar Police in registering the Complaint, is contended to be legally justified. On that basis, the Bihar Government’s consent for entrustment of the investigation to the CBI is submitted to satisfy the requirement of Section 6 of the DSPE Act. Besides, as the petitioner herself has called for a CBI investigation and as the CBI has since registered a case and commenced their investigation, (on the request of the State of Bihar), the Senior Counsel submits that this transfer petition is infructuous.

6. Projecting the agony of the deceased’s father, Mr.

Vikas Singh, the learned Senior Counsel submits that the Complainant has lost his only son under suspicious circumstances and was naturally interested in a fair investigation to unravel the truth. The inquiry by the Mumbai Police under section 174 of the CrPC is not an investigation of the complainant’s allegations and

therefore the registration of the case and

investigation into those allegations by the Bihar Police is contended to be justified. Since only an investigation (not a case or appeal) is pending at Patna, and a legally competent investigation has commenced, invocation of Section 406 power by this Court to transfer the investigation, is projected to be not merited. When misappropriation and criminal breach of trust is alleged in respect of the assets of the deceased actor and the concerned property relatable to the alleged offence, will have to be accounted eventually to the Complainant (as a Class I legal heir of the deceased), the action of the Patna Police is contended to be within jurisdiction, under Section 179 read with Section 181(4) of the CrPC which speaks of consequences ensuing at another place, as a result of the alleged crime.

7. Representing the State of Maharashtra, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the learned Senior Counsel submits that following the unnatural death of Sushant Singh Rajput on 14.06.2020 at his Bandra residence, the Mumbai Police registered an Accidental Death Report(ADR) and

commenced inquiry under Section 174 of the CrPC to

ascertain the cause of death and also to determine whether the death was the result of some criminal act committed by some other persons. In course of the inquiry, the statements of 56 persons were recorded and other evidence such as the Post Mortem report, Forensic report etc have been collected. If the inquiry discloses commission of a cognizable offence, the Mumbai police will register a FIR. According to Dr. Singhvi, there can be no outer time limit for conclusion of Section 174 or Section 175 CrPC proceedings. The State of Maharashtra Counsel argues that every offence shall ordinarily be inquired into and tried by a Court within whose local jurisdiction, the offence was committed and on that basis, Dr Singhvi submits, that the Bihar police should have transferred the Complaint to the Mumbai Police authorities. Alternately, they could have registered a “zero FIR” and then should have transferred the case for investigation to Mumbai police. Pointing towards potential misuse, Dr. Singhvi submits that if registration of Complaint in another state is permitted, it will enable a person to choose the

investigating authority and will obstruct exercise of lawful jurisdiction by the local police. This will impact the country’s federal structure. The Senior Counsel refers to media reports to project that the Bihar Police were hesitant to register the Complaint of Respondent No 2 but they were prevailed upon by political pressure. The Maharashtra counsel submits that the father and other family members of the deceased in their statements to the Mumbai Police, never mentioned about the allegations in the Complaint and those are projected to be afterthoughts and improvements. Under the constitutional scheme, the States have exclusive power to investigate a crime and the Senior Counsel accordingly argues that crime investigation cannot be routinely transferred to the Central Agency. Referring to the reasons (a) sensitivity and (b) Inter-state ramifications, given by the Bihar Police for entrusting the investigation to the CBI, Dr. Singhvi argues that the reasons are neither germane nor bona fide. He submits that ordinarily, the local police should conduct investigation into any reported crime and entrustment

of the investigation to the CBI must be an exception to meet extraordinary exigencies, but here consent was given by Bihar government, for political exigencies.

8. Mr Tushar Mehta, the learned Solicitor General of India, appears for the Union of India and the CBI. He projects that the Maharashtra Police is yet to register any FIR but is conducting only a limited inquiry under section 174 of the CrPC, into the unnatural death of the actor. In the absence of any FIR by the Mumbai Police following the death of the actor on 14.06.2020, the FIR registered at Patna at the instance of the deceased’s father is projected to be the only one pending. He therefore contends that the present matter does not relate to two cases pending in two different states. Referring to the contradictory stand and the parallel allegation of state’s Police being influenced by external factors in both states, Mr. Mehta submits that this itself justifies entrustment of the investigation to an independent Central Agency. The learned Solicitor General then points out that by acceding to the request made by the State of Bihar, the

CBI has registered the FIR and commenced investigation.

Besides the Directorate of Enforcement, a central agency, is also acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. He therefore argues that a fair and impartial inquiry can be ensured if the police of either state are kept away from investigating the alleged crime, relating to the suspicious death of the film actor. Adverting to the affidavit of the Maharashtra Police that they have recorded the statements of 56 persons in the section 174 proceedings, the Solicitor General submits that since FIR is not yet registered and the Mumbai Police is discharging limited functions under section 174 of the CrPC, the investigation of any alleged crime following registration of FIR is yet to legally commence in Mumbai and as such, there is no case pending in the State of Maharashtra which can justify the invocation of powers under section 406 of the CrPC.

9. Under the federal design envisaged by the Constitution, Police is a state subject under List II of Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Therefore, investigation of a crime should normally be undertaken

by the concerned state’s police, where the case is

registered. There can be situations where a particular crime by virtue of its nature and ramification, is legally capable of being investigated by police from different states or even by other agencies. The entrustment of investigation to the CBI is permitted either with consent of the concerned state or on orders of the constitutional court. However, investigation of a crime by multiple authorities transgressing into the others domain, is avoidable.

10. In the instant case, the petitioner repose confidence on Mumbai police. The records of the case produced before this Court, does not prima facie suggest any wrong doing by the Mumbai Police. However, their obstruction to the Bihar police team at Mumbai could have been avoided since it gave rise to suspicion on the bonafide of their inquiry. The Police at Mumbai were conducting only a limited inquiry into the cause of unnatural death, under Section 174 CrPC and therefore, it cannot be said with certainty at this stage that they will not undertake an investigation on the other aspects of the unnatural death, by

registering a FIR.

11. Uncertain about the future contingency at Mumbai, the father of the deceased has filed the Complaint at Patna, levelling serious allegations against the petitioner following which, the FIR is registered and the Bihar Police has started their investigation. The case is now taken over by the CBI at the request of the Bihar government. The petitioner has no objection for investigation by the CBI, but is sceptical about the bonafide of the steps taken by the Bihar government and the Patna police.

12. On the other hand, the projection from the side of the Complainant and the Bihar government is that the Mumbai Police even during the limited inquiry under Section 174 CrPC, are attempting to shield the real culprits under political pressure. This is however, stoutly refuted by the State of Maharashtra whose stand is that the Bihar police has no jurisdiction to investigate the crime where, the incident and criminal acts if any, have occurred within the State of Maharashtra.

13. Transfer of investigation to the CBI cannot be a routine occurrence but should be in exceptional circumstances. One factor which however is considered relevant for induction of the Central Agency is to retain “public confidence in the impartial working of the State agencies”, as was recently reiterated for the Bench by Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, in Arnab Ranjan Goswami vs. Union of India 2020 SCC Online SC

462. It is also the consistent view of the Court that it is not for the accused to choose the investigating agency. In the instant case, political interference against both states is alleged which has the potential of discrediting the investigation. The legal process must therefore be focused upon revelation of the correct facts through credible and legally acceptable investigation. It must be determined whether the unnatural death was the result of some criminal acts. In order to lend credibility to the investigation and its conclusion, it would be desirable in my view, to specify the authority, which should conduct the investigation in this matter.

14. At this stage, having regard to the respective stand of the parties, following core issues arise for consideration in this case:

(a) Whether this Court has power to transfer investigation (not case or appeal) under Section 406 of the CrPC;

(b) Whether the proceeding under Section 174 CrPC conducted by the Mumbai Police to inquire into the unnatural death, can be termed as an investigation;

(c) Whether it was within the jurisdiction of the Patna Police to register the FIR and commence investigation of the alleged incidents which took place in Mumbai? As a corollary, what is the status of the investigation by the CBI on the consent given by the Bihar government; and

(d) What is the scope of the power of a single judge exercising jurisdiction under section 406 of the CrPC and whether this Court can issue direction for doing complete justice, in exercise of plenary power.

TRANSFER POWER UNDER SECTION 406 CRPC

15. Section 406 CrPC empowers the Supreme Court to transfer cases and appeals. The scope of exercise of

this power is for securing the ends of justice. The precedents suggest that transfer plea under Section 406 CrPC were granted in cases where the Court believed that the trial may be prejudiced and fair and impartial proceedings cannot be carried on, if the trial continues. However, transfer of investigation on the other hand was negated by this Court in the case of Ram Chander Singh Sagar and Anr. vs. State of Tamil Nadu, (1978) 2 SCC 35. Writing the judgment Justice V R Krishna Iyer, declared that:-

“The Code of Criminal Procedure clothes this Court with power under Section 406 to transfer a case or appeal from one High Court or a Court subordinate to one High Court to another High Court or to a Court subordinate thereto. But, it does not clothe this Court with the power to transfer investigations from one police station to another in the country simply because the first information or a remand report is for warded to a Court. The application before us stems from a misconception about the scope of Section 406. There is as yet no case pending before any Court as has been made clear in the counter affidavit of the State of Tamil Nadu. In the light of this counter affidavit, nothing can be done except to dismiss this petition.

“ 2. If the petitioners are being directed to appear in a far-off court during investigatory stage it is for them to move that court for appropriate orders so that they may not be tormented by long travel or otherwise teased by judicial process. If justice is denied there are other redresses, not under Section 406, though it

is unfortunate that the petitioners have not chosen to move that court to be absolved from appearance until necessitated by the circumstances or the progress of the investigation. To come to this Court directly seeking an order of transfer is travelling along the wrong street. We are sure that if the second petitioner is ailing, as is represented, and this fact is brought to the notice of the Court which has directed her appearance, just orders will be passed in case there is veracity behind the representation. We need hardly say courts should use their processes to the purpose of advancing justice, not to harass parties. Anyway, so far as the petition for transfer is concerned. there is no merit we can see and so we dismiss it.”

16. The contrary references cited by the Petitioner where transfer of investigation was allowed, do not in any manner, refer to a determination on the question of competence to transfer investigation under Section

406. In the cited cases, relief was granted without any discussion of the law, ignoring the long standing ratio laid down in Ram Chander Singh Sagar (Supra).

17. Having considered the contour of the power under section 406 CrPC, it must be concluded that only cases and appeals (not investigation) can be transferred. The ratio in Ram Chander Singh Sagar and Anr. (Supra) in my view, is clearly applicable in the present matter.

SCOPE OF SECTION 174 CRPC PROCEEDING

18. The proceeding under Section 174 CrPC is limited to the inquiry carried out by the police to find out the apparent cause of unnatural death. These are not in the nature of investigation, undertaken after filing of FIR under Section 154 CrPC. In the instant case, in Mumbai, no FIR has been registered as yet. The Mumbai Police has neither considered the matter under Section

175 (2) CrPC, suspecting commission of a cognizable offence nor proceeded for registration of FIR under Section 154 or referred the matter under Section 157 CrPC, to the nearest magistrate having jurisdiction.

19. On the above aspect, the ratio in Manoj K Sharma vs. State of Chhatisgarh (2016) 9 SCC 1 will bear scrutiny. This was a case of suicide by hanging and Justice M B Lokur, speaking for the Bench held as follows:-

“19. The proceedings under Section 174 have a very limited scope. The object of the proceedings is merely to ascertain whether a person has died under suspicious circumstances or an unnatural death and if so what is the apparent cause of the death. The question regarding the details as to how the

deceased was assaulted or who assaulted him or under what circumstances he was assaulted is foreign to the ambit and scope of the proceedings under Section 174 of the Code. Neither in practice nor in law was it necessary for the police to mention those details in the inquest report. It is, therefore, not necessary to enter all the details of the overt acts in the inquest report. The procedure under Section 174 is for the purpose of discovering the cause of death, and the evidence taken was very short……

20. …… Sections 174 and 175 of the Code afford a complete Code in itself for the purpose of “inquiries” in cases of accidental or suspicious deaths and are entirely distinct from the “investigation” under Section 157 of the Code…..

**** **** **** **** ****

22. In view of the above, we are of the opinion that the investigation on an inquiry under Section 174 of the Code is distinct from the investigation as contemplated under Section 154 of the Code relating to commission of a cognizable offence…..”

20. In the present case, the Mumbai Police has attempted to stretch the purview of Section 174 without drawing up any FIR and therefore, as it appears, no investigation pursuant to commission of a cognizable offence is being carried out by the Mumbai police.

They are yet to register a FIR. Nor they have made a suitable determination, in terms of Section 175(2) CrPC. Therefore, it is pre-emptive and premature to hold that a parallel investigation is being carried out by the Mumbai Police. In case of a future possibility of cognizance being taken by two courts in different jurisdictions, the issue could be resolved under Section 186 CrPC and other applicable laws. No opinion is therefore expressed on a future contingency and the issue is left open to be decided, if needed, in accordance with law.

21. Following the above, it is declared that the inquiry conducted under Section 174 CrPC by the Mumbai police is limited for a definite purpose but is not an investigation of a crime under Section 157 of the CrPC.

JURISDICTION OF PATNA POLICE TO REGISTER COMPLAINT

22. The Respondent no 2 in his Complaint alleged commission of a cognizable offence and therefore, it was incumbent for the police to register the FIR and commence the investigation. According to the Complainant, his attempt from Patna to talk to his son

on telephone was thwarted by the accused persons and the possibility of saving the life of his son through father son engagement, was missed out. In consequence, the Complainant lost his only son who at the appropriate time, as the learned counsel has vividly submitted, was expected to light the funeral pyre of the father.

23. Registration of FIR is mandated when information on cognizable offence is received by the police. Precedents suggest that at the stage of investigation, it cannot be said that the concerned police station does not have territorial jurisdiction to investigate the case. On this aspect the ratio in Lalita Kumari Vs. Govt. of UP (2014) 2 SCC 1 is relevant where on behalf of the Constitution Bench, Chief Justice P Sathasivam, pronounced as under:-

“120.1. The registration of FIR is mandatory under Section 154 of the Code, if the information discloses commission of a cognizable offence and no preliminary inquiry is permissible in such a situation.

120.2. If the information received does not disclose a cognizable offence but indicates the necessity for an inquiry, a preliminary inquiry may be conducted only to ascertain whether cognizable offence is disclosed or not.”

24. The interpretation of Sections 177 and 178 of the CrPC would be relevant on the issue. In Satvinder Kaur Vs. State (Govt of NCT of Delhi) (1999) 8 SCC 728 for the Division Bench, Justice M B Shah wrote as under:-

“12. A reading of the aforesaid sections would make it clear that Section 177 provides for “ordinary” place of enquiry or trial. Section 178, inter alia, provides for place of enquiry or trial when it is uncertain in which of several local areas an offence was committed or where the offence was committed partly in one local area and partly in another and where it consisted of several acts done in different local areas, it could be enquired into or tried by a court having jurisdiction over any of such local areas. Hence, at the stage of investigation, it cannot be held that the SHO does not have territorial jurisdiction to investigate the crime.”

25. Likewise, Justice Arijit Pasayat, in Y Abraham Ajith vs. Inspector of Police, Chennai & Anr. (2004) 8 SCC 100, writing for the Division Bench pronounced as follows:-

“12. The crucial question is whether any part of the cause of action arose within the jurisdiction of the court concerned. In terms of Section 177 of the Code, it is the place where the offence was committed. In essence it is the cause of action for initiation of the proceedings against the accused.

13. While in civil cases, normally the expression “cause of action” is used, in criminal cases as stated in Section 177 of the Code, reference is to the local jurisdiction where the offence is committed. These variations in etymological expression do not really make the position different. The expression “cause of action” is, therefore, not a stranger to criminal cases.

14. It is settled law that cause of action consists of a bundle of facts, which give cause to enforce the legal inquiry for redress in a court of law. In other words, it is a bundle of facts, which taken with the law applicable to them, gives the allegedly affected party a right to claim relief against the opponent. It must include some act done by the latter since in the absence of such an act no cause of action would possibly accrue or would arise.”

26. When allegation of Criminal Breach of Trust and Misappropriation is made, on the jurisdictional aspect, this Court in Asit Bhattacharjee Vs. Hanuman Prasad Ojha (2007) 5 SCC 786, in the judgment written by Justice S B Sinha, observed as under:-

“21. Section 181 provides for place of trial in case of certain offences. Sub-section (4) of Section 181 was introduced in the Code of Criminal Procedure in 1973 as there existed conflict in the decisions of various High Courts as regards commission of offence of criminal misappropriation and criminal breach of trust and with that end in view, it was provided that such an offence may be inquired into or tried by the court within whose jurisdiction the accused was bound by law or by contract to render accounts or return the entrusted property, but failed to discharge that obligation.

22. The provisions referred to hereinbefore clearly suggest that even if a part of cause of action has arisen, the police station concerned situate within the jurisdiction of the Magistrate empowered to take cognizance under Section 190(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure will have the jurisdiction to make investigation.”

27. In the later judgment of Naresh Kavarchand Khatri Vs. State of Gujarat (2008)8 SCC 300, this Court reiterated the ratio in Satvinder Kaur(supra) and Asit Bhattacharjee (Supra).

28. Once again, in Rasiklala Dalpatram Thakkar Vs.

State of Gujarat (2010) 1 SCC 1, while approving the earlier decisions in Satvinder Kaur(supra) in the judgment rendered by Justice Altamas Kabir as he was then, the Supreme Court made it very clear that a police officer cannot refrain from investigating a matter on territorial ground and the issue can be decided after conclusion of the investigation. It was thus held:-

“27. In our view, both the trial court as well as the Bombay High Court had correctly interpreted the provisions of Section 156 CrPC to hold that it was not within the jurisdiction of the investigating agency to refrain itself from holding a proper and complete investigation merely upon arriving at a conclusion that the offences had been committed beyond its territorial jurisdiction.”

29. Moreover, the allegation relating to criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of money which were to be eventually accounted for in Patna (where the Complainant resides), could prima facie indicate the lawful jurisdiction of the Patna police. This aspect was dealt succinctly by Justice J S Khehar, as a member of the Division Bench in Lee Kun Hee, President, Samsung Corporation, South Korea and Others Vs. State of Uttar Pradesh and Ors. (2012) 3 SCC 132 and it was held as under:-

“38 ******

181. Place of trial in case of certain offences.—(1)-(3)* * *

(4) Any offence of criminal misappropriation or of criminal breach of trust may be inquired into or tried by a court within whose local jurisdiction the offence was committed or any part of the property which is the subject of the offence was received or retained, or was required to be returned or accounted for, by the accused person.”

A perusal of the aforesaid provision leaves no room for any doubt, that in offences of the nature as are subject-matter of consideration in the present controversy, the court within whose local jurisdiction, the whole or a part of the consideration

“… were required to be returned or accounted for.…” would have jurisdiction in the matter.”

30. Having regard to the law enunciated by this Court as noted above, it must be held that the Patna police committed no illegality in registering the Complaint. Looking at the nature of the allegations in the Complaint which also relate to misappropriation and breach of trust, the exercise of jurisdiction by the Bihar Police appears to be in order. At the stage of investigation, they were not required to transfer the FIR to Mumbai police. For the same reason, the Bihar government was competent to give consent for entrustment of investigation to the CBI and as such the ongoing investigation by the CBI is held to be lawful.

OPTIONS BEFORE MUMBAI POLICE

31. The Patna police although found to be competent to investigate the allegation in the Complaint, the FIR suggests that most of the transactions/incidents alleged in the Complaint occurred within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Maharashtra. The Mumbai Police was inquiring into the unnatural

death of the complainant’s son under section 174 of the CrPC. So far, their inquiry has not resulted in any FIR suggesting commencement of investigation on the criminal aspects, if any. However, the incidents referred to in the Complaint does indicate that the Mumbai police also possess the jurisdiction to undertake investigation on those circumstances. Therefore, in the event of a case being registered also at Mumbai, the consent for the investigation by the CBI under Section 6 of the DSPE Act can be competently given by Maharashtra Government.

INVESTIGATION ENTRUSTMENT TO CBI

32. While the CBI cannot conduct any investigation without the consent of the concerned state as mandated under section 6, the powers of the Constitutional Courts are not fettered by the statutory restriction of the DSPE Act. For this proposition, one can usefully refer to State of West Bengal Vs. Sampat Lal (1985) 1 SCC 317 where Justice Ranganath Mishra in his judgment for the 3 judges Bench, held that:-

“13. ……….It is certainly not for this Court at the present stage to examine and come to a conclusion as to whether this was a case of suicide or murder. If as a result of investigation, evidence is

gathered and a trial takes place the Sessions Judge will decide that controversy and it may be that in due course such controversy may be canvassed before this Court in some form or the other. It would, therefore, be wholly inappropriate at this stage to enter into such a question.…………In our considered opinion, Section 6 of the Act does not apply when the Court gives a direction to the CBI to conduct an investigation and counsel for the parties rightly did not dispute this position ”

33. Similarly, the Constitution Bench in the judgment authored by Justice D K Jain in State of W B Vs. Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights (2010) 3 SCC 571 pronounced as follows:-

“68. Thus, having examined the rival contentions in the context of the constitutional scheme, we conclude as follows:

(v) Restriction on Parliament by the Constitution and restriction on the executive by Parliament under an enactment, do not amount to restriction on the power of the Judiciary under Articles 32

and 226 of the Constitution.

(vi) If in terms of Entry 2 of List II of the Seventh Schedule on the one hand and Entry 2-A and Entry 80 of List I on the other, an investigation by another agency is permissible subject to grant of consent by the State concerned, there is no reason as to why, in an exceptional situation, the Court would be precluded from exercising the same power which the Union could exercise in terms of the provisions of the statute. In our opinion, exercise of such power by the constitutional courts would not violate the doctrine of separation of powers. In fact, if in such a situation the Court fails to grant relief, it would be failing in its constitutional duty.

(vii) When the Special Police Act itself provides that subject to the consent by the State, CBI can take up investigation in relation to the crime which was otherwise within the jurisdiction of the State police, the Court can also exercise its constitutional power of judicial review and direct CBI to take up the investigation within the jurisdiction of the State. The power of the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution cannot be taken away, curtailed or diluted by Section 6 of the Special Police Act. Irrespective of there being any statutory provision acting as a restriction on the powers of the Courts, the restriction imposed by Section 6 of the Special Police Act on the powers of the Union, cannot be read as restriction on the powers of the constitutional courts. Therefore, exercise of power of judicial review by the High Court, in our opinion, would not amount to infringement of either the doctrine of separation of power or the federal structure.”

34. As noted earlier, the FIR at Patna was subsequently transferred to the CBI with consent of the Bihar government during pendency of this Transfer Petition. However, in future, if commission of cognizable offence under section 175(2) CrPC is determined, the possibility of parallel investigation by the Mumbai Police cannot be ruled out. Section 6 of the DSPE Act, 1946 read with Section 5 prescribe the requirement of consent from the State government, before entrustment of investigation to the CBI. As the CBI has already

registered a case and commenced investigation at the

instance of the Bihar government, uncertainty and confusion must be avoided in the event of Mumbai Police also deciding to simultaneously investigate the cognizable offence, based on their finding in the inquiry proceeding. Therefore, it would be appropriate to decide at this stage itself as to who should conduct the investigation on all the attending circumstances relating to the death of the actor Sushant Singh Rajput. This issue becomes relevant only if another FIR is registered on the same issue, at Mumbai. A decision by this Court on the point would confer legitimacy to the investigation.

DIRECTION ON INVESTIGATION

35. The conflict between the two State governments on, who amongst the two is competent to investigate the case, is apparent here. In K.V. Rajendran Vs. Superintendent of Police, CBCID, Chennai & Ors. (2013)

12 SCC 480, the 3 judges Bench in the judgment authored by Justice Dr B S Chauhan held that transfer of investigation must be in rare and exceptional cases in order to do complete justice between the parties and

to instil straight confidence in the public mind.

While the steps taken by the Mumbai police in the limited inquiry under Section 174 CrPC may not be faulted on the material available before this Court, considering the apprehension voiced by the stakeholders of unfair investigation, this Court must strive to ensure that search for the truth is undertaken by an independent agency, not controlled by either of the two state governments. Most importantly, the credibility of the investigation and the investigating authority, must be protected.

36. The ongoing investigation by the CBI is held to be lawful. In the event a new case is registered at Mumbai on the same issue, in the fitness of things, it would be appropriate if the latter case too gets investigated by the same agency, on the strength of this Court’s order. Such enabling order will make it possible for the CBI to investigate the new case, avoiding the rigors of Section 6 of the DSPE Act, requiring consent from the State of Maharashtra.

37. In Monica Kumar (Dr.) and Anr. Vs. State of Uttar Pradesh and Others (2008) 8 SCC 781, Justice L.S. Panta

in his judgment, referred to the inherent power conferred on this Court and stated the following:-

“45. Under Article 142 of the Constitution this Court in exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any “cause” or “matter” pending before it. The expression “cause” or “matter” would include any proceeding pending in court and it would cover almost every kind of proceeding in court including civil or criminal. ………………………..This Court's power under Article 142(1) to do “complete justice” is entirely of different level and of a different quality. What would be the need of “complete justice” in a cause or matter would depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case and while exercising that power the Court would take into consideration the express provisions of a substantive statute. Any prohibition or restriction contained in ordinary laws cannot act as a limitation on the constitutional power of this Court. Once this Court has seisin of a cause or matter before it, it has power to issue any order or direction to do “complete justice” in the matter.”

38. The above ratio makes it amply clear that the Supreme Court in a deserving case, can invoke Article

142 powers to render justice. The peculiar circumstances in this case require that complete justice is done in this matter. How this is to be

achieved must now be decided.

39. As noted earlier, as because both states are making acrimonious allegations of political interference against each other, the legitimacy of the investigation has come under a cloud. Accusing fingers are being pointed and people have taken the liberty to put out their own conjectures and theories. Such comments, responsible or otherwise, have led to speculative public discourse which have hogged media limelight. These developments unfortunately have the propensity to delay and misdirect the investigation. In such situation, there is reasonable apprehension of truth being a casualty and justice becoming a victim.

40. The actor Sushant Singh Rajput was a talented actor in the Mumbai film world and died well before his full potential could be realised. His family, friends and admirers are keenly waiting the outcome of the investigation so that all the speculations floating around can be put to rest. Therefore a fair, competent and impartial investigation is the need of the hour. The expected outcome then would be, a measure of justice for the Complainant, who lost his only son.

For the petitioner too, it will be the desired justice as she herself called for a CBI investigation. The dissemination of the real facts through unbiased investigation would certainly result in justice for the innocents, who might be the target of vilification campaign. Equally importantly, when integrity and credibility of the investigation is discernible, the trust, faith and confidence of the common man in the judicial process will resonate. When truth meets sunshine, justice will not prevail on the living alone but after Life’s fitful fever, now the departed will also sleep well. Satyameva Jayate.

41. In such backdrop, to ensure public confidence in the investigation and to do complete justice in the matter, this Court considers it appropriate to invoke the powers conferred by Article 142 of the Constitution. As a Court exercising lawful jurisdiction for the assigned roster, no impediment is seen for exercise of plenary power in the present matter. Therefore while according approval for the ongoing CBI investigation, if any other case is registered on the

death of the actor Sushant Singh Rajput and the

surrounding circumstances of his unnatural death, the CBI is directed to investigate the new case as well. It is ordered accordingly.

42. Before parting, it is made clear that the conclusion and observations in this order is only for disposal of this petition and should have no bearing for any other purpose.

43. The Transfer Petition is disposed of with the above order.

NEW DELHI AUGUST 19, 2020

…………………………………………J.

[HRISHIKESH ROY]

Good crop, but demand may suffer

2020-08-15T08:40:00.007+05:30

This is an article published on August 15 in the Perspective page of the Statesman.

Former Union Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain opined his views on the scenario in the agriculture sector.

Please click to see the printed version https://epaper.thestatesman.com/c/54237992

About Siraj Hussain, Former Union Agriculture Secretary, Government of India.

Former Union Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain was one of the main officers, who prepared a roadmap and formulated most of the agriculture schemes announced by PM Narendra Modi during the Modi 1.0. He also headed the Food Corporation of India—a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, which is mainly engaged in the procurement and distribution of main Rabi and Kharif crops in India. Prior to Union Agriculture Secretary post, he was the Union Secretary in Food Processing Ministry.

The 1979 batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer has also served in Uttar Pradesh in various capacities including the chief of UPSIDC (Uttar Pradesh States Industrial Development Corporation), Registrar of Cooperatives Societies and Secretary to UP Chief Minister.

In 2016 Siraj was awarded Honorary Doctorate by Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University in Andhra Pradesh. Since his superannuation in January 2016, he has been working with ICRIER (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations) as Visiting Senior Fellow. Besides, he has also been engaged in research on various aspects of Indian agriculture and food processing and has authored several research papers on agriculture and rural economy. Siraj spoke to Vijay Thakur, Special Representative, The Statesman, on the issues related to farmer’s problem in the country.

Question:

Lockdown had an impact on all sector in the country. How do you see Lockdown and market slump thereafter on Agriculture and its allied sectors?

Answer:

The situation was very bad during the Initial days of lockdown during March. Farmers were beaten up at some places. In some places, it was reported that they were not allowed to transport their produce to market. It caused huge loss to farmers engaged in fruits and vegetable crops.

However, the government took prompt action and exempted agriculture operations from the lockdown. As a result, we had record high procurements of wheat. Farmer’s did not suffer much in the procurement process. wheat grower got MSP but Channa and Cotton crop farmers procurement was below the MSP. In nutshell procurement, this time was better than previous years.

Question:

It means there was little impact of lockdown and subsequent market slump on agriculture and its allied sector.

Answer:

No. It had a real impact on two main sectors Poultry and milk sectors. The Producers were very badly hit. Most affected were the poultry farmers, the price of a live bird, which was around Rs 85 per Kg in February-March came down to Rs 35 a bird.

So was the situation of milk producers. The bulk producers, which contributes to nearly 25 % of the milk consumption, did not buy it to that level. According to a rough estimate, the price of bulk milk price went down by Rs 10 a litre. That is why milk producers are agitating in Maharashtra.

Question:

Will Covid-19 have an impact on Kharif production as well?

Answer:

Thankfully, this time Kharif operations have taken place in time because of good and timely Monsoon. Availability of labour has increased in the farming sector as well because of the job. Direct seeding of rice has an impressing increase in Punjab. Present scenario indicates that we would have record production of Kharif this year.

Question

It means everything is going to be fine in the Agriculture Sector?

Answer:

No, The problem is probably still there. We may have the problem of plenty this time. The Record high Kharif production is good, but the purchasing power of people have gone down due to lockdown and slump in the market. The decrease in income and increasing unemployment due to COVID 19 may not generate as much demand as we had expected. Migrant labours who had gone back home are facing a tough time. They are earning less than what they used to earn in urban areas. I think it would be very difficult for farmers to get a good price for their produce.

Question

But then we have export options?

Answer

As regards the export of our Kharif crop major exporting crop is rice and cotton. Export of Cotton we cannot predict, as most of our cotton goes to China. Considering the present scenario, it is difficult to comment on its export.

Now coming to rice, unfortunately, Indian rice export has also been declining in the international market.

In case of rice our major importer country is Iran, thankfully it would continue to import it from India. Look at the import figure, the import of non-basmati Indian rice has come from USD 3 Billion to 2 Billion—a 33 % decline. Similar is the situation of Basmati rice—it came down from USD 4.7 billion to USD 4.3 Billion.

Globally also, the purchasing power of people has gone down. And that is our worry. I still do not think the global demand for food products would go down that much. I am not sure if we will get a better price in the international market as well.

Question:

What is your hope from the Agriculture Sector? What more you think the government should do to help the farmers?

Answer:

Government has taken a few good steps. They have opened up the market. Now a farmer can sell their produce anywhere in the country through E-NAM. It has allowed movement of agriculture produce anywhere in the country. If all goes well, it would bring very good results in future. New players will enter the market, would give a better price to the farmers.

Then e-commerce companies are also coming up. They would also procure directly from the farmers. The big question still remains, the private players would come only when there is demand in the market. We also have some hope from the infrastructure AgriFunds, it may have some impact. I Think government lacks long term plans for agriculture funds.

Question:

Modi Government had announced the plan to double farmer’s income by 2022. Do you think the government would be able to meet its target in the wake of COVID-19?

Answer:

I have repeated it several times that nominally income of farmers doubles every six years without any impact. This is data from NSSO surveys. In 2002-03 the average monthly income of farmers stood at Rs 2115, grew to Rs 6426 by 2012-13—an annual increase of 11.75 %. Which means regardless of massive government efforts, the nominal income has already been growing at the target set by the Modi Government, But actually doubling of real income would take 16 years to double.

And if the government is talking about doubling real income, it needs 20 % increase every year in farmer’s income. This is a real challenge, some good steps have been taken, yet I see no major long term strategy of the Modi Government in this regards.

Ends.

Story of an Azad Hind Fauz soldier-- listen what they sacrificed for our Today and Tomorrow. Respect our Freedom & democracy

2020-08-14T22:24:00.002+05:30

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK TO LISTEN TO THE PROGRAMME TELECASTED ON the All India Radio World Service telecasted on August 21, 2019: https://t.co/0ENsAiSfks?amp=1

All India Radio World Service telecasted on August 21, 2019: http://airworldservice.org/english/archives/96299

एक आज़ाद हिन्द फौजी की कहानी (गर्व है वो मेरे नानाजी हैं) जिन्होंने हमारे आज के लिए अपना आज कुर्बान किया आज़ादी & लोकतंत्र की इज़्ज़त कीजिये आने वाली पीडियों को जरूर पढायें, आज़ादी अहिंसक आंदोलन से ही नहीं मिली थी कुछ लोगों ने भूखे रहकर भी अंग्रेंजो से लड़ाई लड़ी थी उन्होंने और उनके साथियों ने कई हफ्ते बिना राशन पानी के बर्मा के जंगलों में जंगली फल फूल खा कर, पेड़ों का गोंद और छाल खा कर अंग्रेजों से लड़ाई लड़ी थी

हार जीत मायने नहीं रखती देश के लिए अपना सब कुछ कुर्बान कर के आज के हिंदुस्तान बनाने का सपना देखना बहुत मायने रखते है

He was not only my maternal Grandfather but was a hero for all his grandchildren. He was a role model to all of us and I remember as a child we used to wear his ‘Fauzi shoes, caps and sing the Azad Hind Fauz song ‘Kadam Kadam Badai Ja’. He used to distribute ‘bhoj’ (sweets) to all of us and cautioned us that in a parade our shoe sound should always be in tune with our brain. Similarly in life, you first use your brain and then take a step.

My Nanaji, (Kunwar) Kashmir Singh Sen joined the Army not because he was looking for a job, but because he strongly believed joining the Army was the best way to help people in distress. As a descent from Suket royal family, he had acres and acres of land in the most fertile area, Bahl in Sundar Nagar. He also had a palatial house to live in the Suket princely state now called Sunder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh. As a child, he had no dearth of money yet be believed in giving part of his pocket money to his fellow poor children.

After his marriage with Krishna Devi Chandel, He was spending most of his time looking after his ‘Jamindari’ and two beautiful children. It was in late 1930es when the Second World War broke and the British Army started a recruitment drive in a princely state that he joined Dogra regiment the British army. After one year of training, he was tasked to fight in Singapore on behalf of the British Army.

His first assignment was in Singapore from where he was temporarily shifted to Miami beach after the Japanese attack on Pearl harbour attack in December 1941. He was probably carrying secret information from one post to another by crossing two dangerous rivers there, his son recalled. Nanaji used to recall how he carrying secret information of British Army with its alley US forces near Penang, which had just joined the Second World War II.

But that was for a very small period. He returned back to Singapore where his battalion had a fierce battle with Japanese forces in Raffles square area. His battalion suffered heavy casualties, more than 300 soldiers died and double of them sustained injuries. Finally, in February 1942, his battalion surrendered unconditionally to Japanese.

“The disposing off dead soldiers was a big problem for British as well as for Japanese forces… they ultimately dropped them in the ocean… among them were my friends, my juniors, my seniors and enemies from the Japanese army…I learn a hard lesson of my life that there is no enemy or friend after death… it changed my entire course of life…Suddenly I became much more mature,” He used to tell us while narrating his horrifying tales of Singapore war.

His pet dialogue was that an experienced soldier is not the one who carries maximum ammunition, but the one who carries maximum bhuna channe (fried grams) in his pocket. Nanaji always told us that “In a war, it is not the bullet that kills you… but it is hunger which demoralizes.….He had enough bullets but no water or food in the jungles of Singapore….. one by one he and his colleague used to go to jungle.. if lucky they would get some fruits or otherwise they used to eat sweet leaves, natural gums and sometimes even barks from trees and herbs..Drinking water was a big problem..He used collected water from the small stream and store it”. And that is why for the rest of his life he never tolerated wastage of food and water, says his daughter Surjeet Singh Rana. “My father used to tell us jokingly that anyone who would leave food in his plate would be sent to Singapore jungles for a month,” Surjeet recalls.

After the fall of Singapore, he along with 45,000 POWs was sent to POW Camp in Singapore mainly Bidadari. His stay as POW was brief and painful. His eldest son Shamsher Sing Sen, who retired as a revenue officer in the Himachal Government, remembers what his father told him about POW camps. “The food he was given was worse than what we used to sever our cattle. He also suspected that that Japanese probably added some chemicals in their food which caused him permanent stomach pain…After the Singapore imprisonment, he developed stomach pain.. that lasted all his life and ultimately became of the cause of his untimely death in 1985,” his son said.

In Singapore POWs camp, he became very weak due to unhygienic foods and water, many died due to dysentery, malaria, and cholera. It was finally when all POWs adopted the Bidadari resolution and set up the Indian Independence League, he got a chance to serve his motherland.

Nanaji told us his role in the Azad Hind Fauz. He recalled that his job was to distribute the copies of the resolution to soldiers, convince them to join Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauz) —an armed unit the Indian Independence League, lead by Ras Bihari Bose, and prepare them to get ready for another war… this time with the British Army for India’s independence.

Now they would be using Japanese arms to fight British Army…All the soldiers were given a brief training to use Japanese arms and canons, which slightly different from the British armoury. But then there was a lull for months as the top brass of Azad Hind Fauz could not decide its strategy. It was only after Netaji Subash Chandra Bose took rein of the Indian Independence League in 1943 that Azad Hind Fauz again reenergized itself.

Nanaji recalled the impact of Netaji on the Azad hind Fauz. “Even the local youth started joining INA and we were again busy in giving a crash course to locals to fight against British”. “Some of us were also given the training to fly fighter pilots at Japan’s Imperial Military Academy, and the stage was set for the final battle”.

He used to get emotional when he remembered his last battle “Chalo Delhi” (March to Delhi). “We all were physically weak due to month-long starvation like situation, but when we fought against the British, we ourselves were amazed at our performance…. Probably because we were fighting for the independence of our country…. Imagine some times were fighting with a ‘bottle of petrol’ (petrol bump) to defeat a British Tank…Though we lost the battle…. But now I can proudly say we did our best,” He told us. He was ultimately captured near Akaran in Burma and imprisoned in Rangoon Jail and later released after independence in 1947.

At home, life was very tough for his wife Krishna Devi. She did not see Nanaji for nine long years and after 1941 was not sure whether he was alive. His eldest son Shamser Singh Sen says there was no communication except a few letters before 1941, people had presumed that he sacrificed his life in the World War-II. He said “In 1947 we were surprised to see him back. He, along with INA jawans, was released at Ner Chowk.. 15 Kilometers from his home,” Shamsher Singh said.

“If you ask me to sum up his personality… I would say he was a great man. He never sided with wrong and told us if you do anything wrong I would be the first person to punish you… and he applied it in letter and spirit throughout his life. He never spared anyone who was wrong whether he was his senior or his child,” his daughter Surjeet Singh Rana says.

When the government asked landlords to donate the tilling land to agriculture labourer, he was the first person to do so happily. “The acres and acres of land in Bahl, which today is to the tune of several hundred crores, was donated to tilling labourers…And since he was left with little money and land, he had to work as a casual labourer to make roads. And later a Chowkidar in Bhakra Beas project in Sundar Nagar, part of which was built on his land,” said his son-in-law K R Thakur, an expert in International affairs, who worked as an editor in Soviet Information Centre.

My Nanaji never regretted that he donated his land or worked as a casual labourer… in fact, he never claimed freedom fighter pension till 1971 when his brother-in-law, Raja Virbhadra Singh, who was then Member of Parliament. Ultimately he reluctantly accepted the pension from the centre and state government as well as Tamra Patra from then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Later when Virbhadra Singh became the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh he asked him to avail several benefits but he always refused it politely. “What I have done… it was my duty and I tried to put in my best,” he used to tell his children whenever they insist on taking favours from the government.

Ends.

COVID-19 pandemic proved a boom for Indian organic farmers. India already has the highest organic farmers in the world

2020-08-14T16:52:00.002+05:30

With India having the highest organic farmers in the world, it is now planning to strengthen e-commerce platform for them to bridge a gap between the demand and supply of organic produce, which is in demand worlder particularly after COVID-19 pandemic.

Centre and state governments are already assisting clusters of nearly 40,000 organic farmer's clusters. Though organic products were already in demand worldover, the COVID-19 has boost up its demand as people have suddently become very health cautious, admitted a senior officer of the Union Agriculture Ministry on August 14.

"Thanks to COVID-19 pandemic that the demand for ‘healthy and safe food’ has started picking up the world over. Keeping this in view, Centre has started strengthening Organic e-commerce platform for directly linking farmers with retail as well as bulk buyers," he said.

He admitted that the pandemic has created new options to farmers to promote their product digitally. “Infusion of digital technology in a much bigger way has been a major takeaway during the pandemic period and is a welcome norm here to stay, saving in expenses on travel, logistics, etc while not compromising in any way on the quality of information sharing,” he said.

Centre has also organized video conferencing and webinars to outreach farmers with minimum disruption in their works. States mainly from the North East Region (NER participated in a webinar on Integrated Organic Farming models developed by ICAR, for increasing productivity, integrated nutrient and pest management and hence increase in farmers’ income, the Ministry said.

Video conferences are also being arranged to understand the issues being faced by companies engaged in procuring organic products. States and Regional Councils responsible for handholding clusters are trying to help farmers to take new initiatives for direct procurement from the farmers, farmer groups. “The growth in organic farming is showing a new path to farmers to earn more with less investment,” the officer said.

The major organic exports from India have been flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice and pulses, which were instrumental in driving an increase of nearly 50% in organic exports in 2018-19, touching Rs 5151 crore, the Ministry said. Modest commencement of exports from Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland to UK, USA, Swaziland and Italy have proved the potential by increasing volumes and expanding to new destinations as the demand for health foods increases, it stated.

Centre has been assisting to about 40,000 organic farmer’s clusters under PKVY covering an area of about 7 lakh hectares. MOVCD (Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region ) has brought in its fold 160 FPOs cultivating about 80,000 hectares. Government is promoting contract farming to make these clusters sustainable. It would help in getting a ready market for the produce and at the same time Industry would also get the desired quality and quantity when required, the Agriculture Ministry said.

The growth story of organic farming is unfolding with increasing demand not only in India but also globally. In a world battered by the COVID pandemic, the demand for healthy and safe food is already showing an upward trend and hence this is an opportune moment to be captured for a win-win situation for our farmers, consumers and the environment, the Ministry said.

India ranks first in number of organic farmers and ninth in terms of area under organic farming. Sikkim became the first State in the world to become fully organic and other States including Tripura and Uttarakhand have set similar targets. North East India has traditionally been organic and the consumption of chemicals is far less than rest of the country. Similarly the tribal and island territories are being nurtured to continue their organic story.

In a bid to assist farmers to adopt organic farming and improve remunerations due to premium prices, Centre govenrment had launched two dedicated programs namely Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in 2015 to encourage chemical free farming.

With the simultaneous thrust given by the Agri-export Policy 2018, India would now emerge as a major player in global organic markets. The major organic exports from India have been flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice and pulses, which were instrumental in driving an increase of nearly 50% in organic exports in 2018-19, touching Rs 5151 crore. Modest commencement of exports from Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland to UK, USA, Swaziland and Italy have proved the potential by increasing volumes and expanding to new destinations as the demand for health foods increases.

Certification is another important element of organic produce to instill customer confidence. Both PKVY and MOVCD are promoting certification under Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) respectively targeting domestic and exports markets. The Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 are based on the standards of NPOP and PGS. The consumer should look for the logos of FSSAI, Jaivik Bharat / PGS Organic India on the produce to establish the organic authenticity of the produce. PGS Green is given to chemical free produce under transition to ‘organic’ which takes 3 years.

About 40,000 clusters are being assisted under PKVY covering an area of about 7 lakh ha. MOVCD has brought in its fold 160 FPOs cultivating about 80,000 ha. For these clusters to become sustainable, it is important that henceforth market led production starts in a contract farming mode, so that there is a ready market for the produce and industry also gets the desired quality and quantity when required. This is being pursued in right earnest with bulk buyers including the phtyo extracts industries. The commodities with highest potential include ginger, turmeric, black rice, spices, nutri cereals, pineapples, medicinal plants, buckwheat, bamboo shoots, etc. Supplies have started from NER including for Mother Dairy from Meghalaya, Revanta Foods and Big Basket from Manipur. Number of instances of farmer groups setting up markets in RWAs and selling directly is increasingly becoming common especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka where fresh organic produce is lapped up by the urbanites and farmers get a better bargain with no intermediaries. The presence of aggregators is imperative to bring about economies of scale for the small and marginal farmers. Hence the concept of market led One district - One product is being encouraged, as also development of more clusters in the vicinity of bigger towns where the appetite for organics will be much more.

When the pandemic struck India, access to quality food was as high on priority for the country as much as health. Advisories to States on supporting direct marketing in order to decongest mandis led to number of States issuing orders and amending legislations, thereby opening up market options to farmers. Working within the constraints posed due to disruption in logistics, access to regular markets, decrease in demand, number of States and clusters innovated and converted this crisis into an opportunity. The Green Caravan of Kohima created market linkages from all villages of Nagaland to urban areas for vegetables, handicrafts and handlooms (www.instamojo.com). There was online sale of fruits and vegetables by FPOs in Maharashtra and doorstep delivery in specially designed electric vans in Punjab. Manipur Organic Agency (MoMA) mobilised all the 15 FPCs of MOVCD to collect produce and transport to two organic wholesale centers at Sanjenthong and Chingmeriong in Imphal for onward delivery to consumers.

The organic e-commerce platform www.jaivikkheti.in is being strengthened for directly linking farmers with retail as well as bulk buyers. Infusion of digital technology in a much bigger way has been a major takeaway during the pandemic period and is a welcome norm here to stay, saving in expenses on travel, logistics, etc while not compromising in any way on the quality of information sharing. In fact, video conferencing and webinars makes possible outreach with many more in the field, with minimum disruption in their works too and which was not possible in physical meetings. The NER States also participated in a webinar on Integrated Organic Farming models developed by ICAR, for increasing productivity, integrated nutrient and pest management and hence increase in farmers’ income. Video conferences are being held to understand the issues being faced by companies and strengthen the conversations with States and Regional Councils responsible for handholding clusters and in the process new partnerships are being forged for direct procurement from the farmers/farmer groups.

Natural farming is not a new concept in India, with farmers having tilled their land without the use of chemicals - largely relying on organic residues, cow dung, composts, etc since time immemorial. The philosophy underlying organic farming of integration of the elements – soil, water, microbes and ‘waste’ products, forestry and agriculture is the correct recipe for sustainable use of natural resources, which are coming under severe stress due to ever increasing requirement of food and feedstock for agri based industry. This is also in sync with the Sustainable Development Goal 2 targeting ‘end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture’.

Hence with greater awareness and capacity building of the producers on compliance with international standards, Indian organic farmers will soon be reinforcing their rightful place in global agri trade.

India initiates deliberation to prepare a roadmap for procurement, financing, storage of COVID-19 Vaccine

2020-08-13T11:46:00.004+05:30

Hoping that COVID-19 vaccine is a few months away, India initiated a process for preparing a longterm strategy for procurement of COVID-19 vaccine, availability of financial resources, its storage in Cold storage chains, guidelines for its transportation.

The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19, chaired by Dr V K Paul, Member Niti Aayog along with Secretarymet as co-chair, met for the first time on Augst 12 and deliberated on conceptualization and implementation mechanisms for the creation of digital infrastructure.

They further discussed various other issues including inventory management and delivery mechanism of the vaccine including tracking of vaccination process with particular focus on last-mile delivery.

The experts also focussed on broad parameters guiding the selection of COVID-19 vaccine candidates for the country and sought inputs from Standing Technical Sub-Committee of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

The group delved on the procurement mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccine, including both indigenous and international manufacturing along with guiding principles for prioritization of population groups for vaccination.

The expert group further discussed the financial resources required for procurement of COVID-19 vaccine and various options of financing the same. Available options in terms of delivery platforms, cold chain and associated infrastructure for the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination were also taken up.

The strategy and follow-up action on all possible scenarios to ensure equitable and transparent delivery of vaccine was deliberated upon. Issues related to vaccine safety and surveillance were taken up and strategy for community involvement through transparent information and awareness creation were discussed.

India’s support to its key neighbours and development partner countries for COVID-19 vaccines was deliberated upon. The expert group discussed that India will leverage domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity and will also engage with all international players for early delivery of vaccines not only in India but also in low and middle-income countries.

The Committee also advised all the States not to chart separate pathways of procurement.

India allows sale of electric Vehicles without batteries

2020-08-13T09:49:00.006+05:30

Electric vehicles without Batteries can be registered with RTO

In a move that would create a new ecosystem for promotion of electric vehicles, Government permitted registration of electric vehicles without pre-fitted batteries. This would bring down the investment cost of electric vehicles and help people and new companies that would offer swappable batteries--a new concept for electric vehicles.

The motive behind the change in the rule is to create an ecosystem to accelerate the uptake of electric mobility in the country. It is time to come together to work Jointly to achieve the broader national agenda to reduce vehicular pollution and oil import bill, said senior officers of the Indian Ministry of Road and Transport, which issued the new guidelines to all states and UTs. "This will not only protect the environment and reduce the oft import bill but also provide opportunities to sunrise industry," he said.

For the promotion of electrical two-wheelers and three-wheeler vehicles, there are recommendations brought to the notice of the Ministry to delink the cost of the battery (which accounts for 30-40% of the total cost) from the vehicle cost. Vehicles could then also be sold in the market without the battery. This will make the upfront cost of the electrical 2 wheeler (2W) and 3 wheelers (3W) to be lower than ICE 2 and 3W. The battery could be provided separately by the OEM or the energy service provider.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has written to Transport Secretaries of all states and Union Territories clarifying that vehicles without batteries can be sold and registered based on the type approval certificate issued by the Test Agency.

Further, there is no need to specify the Make/Type or any other details of the Battery for the purpose of Registration. However, the prototype of the electrical vehicle, and the battery (regular battery or the swappable battery) is required to be type approved by the test Agencies specified under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Centre has drawn the attention of the States/UTs to the relevant FORMS under Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Viz. FORM-21 (Sale certificate), FORM -22 (Roadworthiness certificate issued by the manufacturer) and FORM-22-A (Roadworthiness certificate issued for Motor vehicles where fabrication of the body is done separately), required for the registration of Motor Vehicles under Rule 47 (Application for registration of Motor Vehicles), clearly specify Engine number/Motor number (In case of battery-operated vehicles).

Why this Step:

Nearly 40 % cost of an electric vehicle belongs to Battery. People avoid EVs because (LED ACID) batteries need to be replaced every two years, and LION phosphate batteries are very costly. These batteries require regular maintenance which is not possible for a non-technical person, and any small mistake might lead to damage to the battery. Present experience suggests people avoid EVs because they do not want to take chance with batteries.

In Electric Vehicles, most parts require negligible services compared to petrol/diesel vehicles. If it needs regular services and examination it is batteries. If a consumer is tension-free about the batteries, he would certainly go for EVs.

What it means to a common consumer and EV industry

1) The actual cost of an electric vehicle would reduce. Batteries can be procured from an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) company.

2) The headache of maintaining battery would be with OEM. Indirectly there would be no recurring cost related to the battery.

3) Win-Win game for vehicle owners (for they have no major investment), and batter manufacturing companies (because they would get a regular business)

4) It would generate new employment opportunities all over the country.

5) The power plants whose PLF (Plant Load Factor) has gone down as low as 60 % would increase in turn bring some kind of relief to them and generate power demand in the country.

6) Reduce India's crude oil import Bill as more and more people switch on to EV (Electrical vehicles) from ICs (Internal Combustion Engines).

7) If all goes India may lead the world in EVs and Battery technologies.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to launch the platform for “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” on the 13th August 2020.

2020-08-12T10:01:00.000+05:30

Prime Minister will launch the platform for “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” via video conferencing on the 13th August 2020.

The CBDT has carried out several major tax reforms indirect taxes in recent years. Last year the Corporate Tax rates were reduced from 30 per cent to 22 per cent and for new manufacturing units, the rates were reduced to 15 per cent. Dividend distribution Tax was also abolished.

The focus of the tax reforms has been on reduction in tax rates and on simplification of direct tax laws. Several initiatives have been taken by the CBDT for bringing in efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the IT Department. This includes bringing more transparency in official communication through the newly introduced Document Identification Number (DIN) wherein every communication of the Department would carry a computer generated unique document identification number. Similarly, to increase the ease of compliance for taxpayers, the IT Department has moved forward with prefilling of income tax returns to make compliance more convenient for individual taxpayers. Compliance norms for startups have also been simplified.

With a view providing for resolution of pending tax disputes the IT Department also brought out the Direct Tax “Vivad se Vishwas Act, 2020” under which declarations for settling disputes are being filed currently. To effectively reduce taxpayer grievances/litigation, the monetary thresholds for filing of departmental appeals in various appellate Courts have been raised. Several measures have been taken to promote digital transactions and electronic modes of payment. The IT department is committed to taking the initiatives forward and has also made efforts to ease compliances for taxpayers during the COVID times by extending statutory timeliness for filing returns as also releasing refunds expeditiously to increase liquidity in the hands of taxpayers.

The upcoming launch of the platform for “ Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest “ by the Prime Minister will further carry forward the journey of direct tax reforms.

The event will be witnessed by various Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, Chartered Accountants' associations and also eminent taxpayers, apart from the officers and officials of the Income Tax Department. Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur will also present on the occasion.

India busts Chinese Hawala racket. Finds records of hawala transactions to the tune of Rs 1000 crore

2020-08-11T22:04:00.005+05:30

Income Tax Department conducts a search on- the premises of Chinese citizens involved in hawala

The detention of a Chinese person, who alleged to have managed a fake Indian passport from Manipur is the beginning of 'picking up' on Chinese citizens living in India 'unauthorisedly' and engaged in money laundering in various parts of the country.

If senior officers of the Income Tax Commissioner are to be believed there are several banks officials hand in gloves with 'such Chinese people' in association with the local businessmen or traders to convert black money into White and transfer it to foreign accounts in a legal way.

On August 11, the IT officials raided over a dozen premises in Delhi, Gurgaon and found that more than 40 bank accounts were created in various dummy entities and entered into credits of more than Rs 1000 crores over a 'certain period.

The prime accused, in association with local individuals, opened the fake bank accounts to make hawala transactions through a series of shell entities.

The search operations revealed that A subsidiary of Chinese company and its related concerns have taken over Rs. 100 crores bogus advances from shell entities for opening businesses of retail showrooms in India, the Income Tax Commissioner said.

Further investigation led to the seizure of incriminating documents in respect of hawala transactions and laundering of money with the active involvement of bank employees and Chartered accountants.

IT officials admitted that Bank employees and Charted Accountants were actively involved in the facilitation of hawala transactions. It also found pieces of evidence of foreign hawala transactions involving Hongkong and US dollars.

The raids were conducted based on credible information which indicated that a few Chinese individuals and their Indian associates were involved in money laundering and hawala transactions through a series of shell entities. On the basis of this information, it conducted a search action was mounted at various premises of these Chinese entities, their close confederates and couple of bank employees.

Why Chinese Are the Main TARGET?

August 11 raids are just the beginning but not the end. Many more Chinese people living in India 'legally or illegally' and engaged in hawala transactions would be their next target.

According to traders, engaged in trading from China, most of the import from China is heavily underpriced to cut import duties. The government figure of Chinese import is much less than what it is the actual data. "Though the underpricing varies from item to item and situation to situation, however, on an average the underpricing is almost 30 % of the invoice value. This means if we are importing USD 100 million, only USD 70 million would come on government record," said a trader dealing imported Chinese items, requesting anonymity.

Under-invoicing of 30 % is an 'open secret'. Anyone who has an iota of experience of Delhi wholesale Chinese market knows about it. Now how this 30 % invoice value is paid to Chinese exporters?

There are two modus operandie.

A: Bartering of invoice values, Chinese exporters under invoice 30 %, and then he imports goods of the same value from India under-invoicing the 30 % value of exported goods. It is very complicated methods and only big players can do this.

B: The second method is simple and very common. The Indian agent of the Chinese exporters take the under invoice money in cash or kind and transfer it to China through hawala or through these shell companies in the name of services.

How hitting Chinese individuals would help?

Chinese people normally do not trust Indians and they themselves evolve secret ways of hawala transactions. Intelligence agencies even suspect that these 'black money' might be used for anti-national activities in India and funding organisations working to disrupt India's progress. This is an Indirect war against India.

Ends

India Vaani

Keep Smiling and helping others to make your life meaningful..an interesting story

India finally approves two COVID-19 Vaccines for restricted use

Serum Institute of India ready to roll out

With another wave of Corona, World has learnt nothing in the past 10 months of COVID pendamic

France is among the worst affected countries in Europe

India should learn from the bad experience of Europe, Kerala and Delhi

What we have learnt from 10-month long lockdown

Is Smart LOCKDOWN a Solution ?

Government allows colleges and universities to open with 50 % capacity, UGC issues a detailed guidelines

MALABAR-20: The naval exercise that gives sleepless night to China

Government wakes up to reduce Onion Price, reduces stock limits of Onion till December 31

Government wakes up to reduce Onion Price, reduces stock limits of Onion till December 31

India successfully test fires the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from India's naval ship INS

About BrahMos

Is it best time to invest in Pharma and Medical device sector in India ?

The longest 9.02 km long highway tunnel between Manali to Lahaul-Spiti becomes functional. Would prove a game changer to protect Indo-Pak-China borders

In the time of Covid-19, Monsoon brings cheers in the Agriculture sector, rainfall was third highest since 1994

MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-opening, Gives flexibility to States UTs for opening of schools, Opens up more activities outside Containment Zones

MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-openingGives flexibility to States UTs for opening of schoolsOpens up more activities outside Containment ZonesStrict enforcement of lockdown in Containment Zones till 31st October 2020

It was like free for all in Delhi during North East riots, Neeraj Kumar, former Delhi Police Commissioner

Moon poles are rusting: Indian scientists

Chandrayaan-1 was the first Indian lunar probe under the Chandrayaan program. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation in October 2008 and operated until August 2009. The mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor.

Indian scientists develop an infectious secretions solidifying canister that would prevent Corona spread among Healthcare workers

Government Blocks 118 Mobile Apps Which are Prejudicial to Sovereignty and Integrity of India, Defence of India, Security of State and Public Order

India to invest Rs 1.22 lakh crore in Coal sector to increase production to 1 Billion Tonnes

Import of Coal

India designs world's largest Solar Tree that generates 14000 units of power

About CSIR-CMERI

Supreme Court in Sushant murder case, in word format

Good crop, but demand may suffer

About Siraj Hussain, Former Union Agriculture Secretary, Government of India.

Story of an Azad Hind Fauz soldier-- listen what they sacrificed for our Today and Tomorrow. Respect our Freedom & democracy

COVID-19 pandemic proved a boom for Indian organic farmers. India already has the highest organic farmers in the world

India initiates deliberation to prepare a roadmap for procurement, financing, storage of COVID-19 Vaccine

India allows sale of electric Vehicles without batteries

Electric vehicles without Batteries can be registered with RTO

Why this Step:

What it means to a common consumer and EV industry

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to launch the platform for “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” on the 13th August 2020.

Prime Minister will launch the platform for “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” via video conferencing on the 13th August 2020.

India busts Chinese Hawala racket. Finds records of hawala transactions to the tune of Rs 1000 crore

Income Tax Department conducts a search on- the premises of Chinese citizens involved in hawala

Why Chinese Are the Main TARGET?

There are two modus operandie.

How hitting Chinese individuals would help?

MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-opening

Gives flexibility to States UTs for opening of schools

Opens up more activities outside Containment Zones

Strict enforcement of lockdown in Containment Zones till 31st October 2020