Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Finance
Tariff value of edible oils, brass scrap and poppy seeds notified
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), Department of Revenue has issued Notification No.131/2009-Customs (N.T.) dated August 31, 2009 notifying tariff values of edible oils, brass scrap (all grades) and Poppy seeds as shown in the table below.
"T A B L E"
| S.No. | Chapter heading/ sub-heading/tariff item | Description of goods | Tariff value US $ (Per Metric Tonne) |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
| 1 | 1511 10 00 | Crude Palm Oil | 447 (i.e. no change) |
| 2 | 1511 90 10 | RBD Palm Oil | 476 (i.e.no change) |
| 3 | 1511 90 90 | Others – Palm Oil | 462 (i.e. no change) |
| 4 | 1511 10 00 | Crude Palmolein | 481 (i.e. no change) |
| 5 | 1511 90 20 | RBD Palmolein | 484 (i.e. no change) |
| 6 | 1511 90 90 | Others – Palmolein | 483 (i.e. no change) |
| 7 | 1507 10 00 | Crude Soyabean Oil | 580(i.e. no change) |
| 8 | 7404 00 22 | Brass Scrap (all grades) | 3235 |
| 9 | 1207 91 00 | Poppy seeds | 3011 |
bsc/by/gn-316/09/dk/kol/17:26 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India's Foreign Trade data: July, 2009
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
India's exports during July, 2009 were valued at US $ 13623 million (Rs 66041 crore) which was 28.4 per cent lower in dollar terms (minus 19.0 per cent in Rupee terms) than the level of US$ 19036 million (Rs. 81548 crore) during July, 2008. Cumulative value of exports for the period April- July, 2009 was US $ 49651 million (Rs. 241735 crore) as against US $ 75289 million (Rs. 315978 crore) registering a negative growth of 34.1 per cent in Dollar terms and 23.5 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.
India's imports during July, 2009 were valued at US $ 19621 million (Rs. 95118crore) representing a decrease of 37.1 per cent in dollar terms (minus 28.8 per cent in Rupee terms) over the level of imports valued at US $ 31189 million ( Rs. 133609 crore) in July,2008. Cumulative value of imports for the period April- July 2009 was US$ 78564 million (Rs. 382422 crore) as against US$ 116382 million (Rs. 488668 crore) registering a negative growth of 32.5 per cent in Dollar terms and 21.7 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.
Oil imports during July, 2009 were valued at US $ 5638 million which was 55.5 per cent lower than oil imports valued at US $ 12675 million in the corresponding period last year. Oil imports during April- July, 2009 were valued at US$ 21964 million which was 48.0 per cent lower than the oil imports of US $ 42217 million in the corresponding period of last year.
Non-oil imports during July, 2009 were estimated at US $ 13983 million which was 24.5 per cent lower than non-oil imports of US $ 18514 million in July, 2008. Non-oil imports during April- July, 2009 were valued at US$ 56600 million which was 23.7 per cent lower than the level of such imports valued at US$ 74165 million in April- July, 2008.
The trade deficit for April-July, 2009 was estimated at US $ 28913 million which was lower than the deficit of US $ 41093 million during April-July, 2008
EXPORTS & IMPORTS : (US $ Million)
| (PROVISIONAL) | | |
| | JULY | APRIL-JULY |
| EXPORTS(including re-exports) | | |
| 2008-2009 | 19036 | 75289 |
| 2009-2010 | 13623 | 49651 |
| %Growth 2009-2010/ 2008-2009 | -28.4 | -34.1 |
| IMPORTS | | |
| 2008-2009 | 31189 | 116382 |
| 2009-2010 | 19621 | 78564 |
| %Growth 2009-2010/ 2008-2009 | -37.1 | -32.5 |
| TRADE BALANCE | | |
| 2008-2009 | -12153 | -41093 |
| 2009-2010 | -5998 | -28913 |
| | | |
EXPORTS & IMPORTS : (Rs. Crore)
| (PROVISIONAL) | JULY | APRIL-JULY |
| | | |
| EXPORTS(including re-exports) | | |
| 2008-2009 | 81548 | 315978 |
| 2009-2010 | 66041 | 241735 |
| %Growth 2009-2010/ 2008-2009 | -19.0 | -23.5 |
| IMPORTS | | |
| 2008-2009 | 133609 | 488668 |
| 2009-2010 | 95118 | 382422 |
| %Growth 2009-2010/ 2008-2009 | -28.8 | -21.7 |
| TRADE BALANCE | | |
| 2008-2009 | -52061 | -172690 |
| 2009-2010 | -29077 | -140687 |
| Figures for 2008-09 are the latest revised whereas figures for 2009-10 are provisional | ||
rj/mrs/dk/kol/17:27 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Urban Development
Mysore gets first Intelligent Transport System and Innovative Environment Project under JNNURM
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) under Ministry of Urban Development for sanctioning of projects under Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), submission on Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) has sanctioned first Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and Innovative Environment Project for Mysore, Karnataka .
This project is as per sustainable Urban Transport Policy. It will consist of design, development, testing, installation, training, operation and management of traffic systems. It is divided into eight components, such as vehicle tracking system, Central control station, passenger information management system, Communication sub-system, travel demand management system, incident and emergency management system and operation and maintenance specification, fleet management system.
According to be State Government ITS project has been designed in consultation with Global Environment Facility (GEF)/ World bank/UNDP. ITS components in 9 cities of the state has been funded under Urban Transport Project, India funded by GEF. Against the estimated cost of Rs.22.70 cr., Rs.11.76 crore is proposed to be funded under JNNURM and the rest will be funded under GEF, contribution of State and parastatal/ ULB share.
Once the project gets underway, it will facilitate the modern fleet management system, automatic Vehicle location; Computer Aided dispatch for route optimization and reduction in waiting time for passengers. It will also allow in vehicle self diagnosis with sensors, auto alert for maintenance, 3 tier computer information system at Bus Q shelters, onboard display and bus terminals, peak hour management system, Incident management system for breakdown and dispatch of SOS team, Emergency management systems. This will be available at the Central Control and display system for real time decision making in operation of buses.
The pro ject will be completed in 24 months. The details of the project are as under.
Rs. in lakhs
| S.No. | Name of City and State | Name of projects | Approved cost | Central share(ACA) | Installment of ACA to be released |
| 1. | Mysore, Karnataka | Intelligent Transport System and Innovative Environment Project for Mysore | 2270.00 (800.00 will be met under GEF) | 1176.00 | 294.00(1st instt) |
CSMC also approved the release of 2nd and 3rd installments in respect of 11 on-going projects for the State of Karnataka as under:
Rs. in lakhs
| S.No. | Name of City and state | Name of Projects | Approved cost | Central share (ACA) | Installment of ACA to be released |
| 2. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Development to TTMC at Jayanagar, Bangalore | 889.58 | 311.35 | 77.83 (3rd instt.) |
| 3. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Development of TTMC at Shantinagar, Bangalore | 8467.96 | 2963.79 | 740.95 (2nd instt.) |
| 4. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Development of TTMC at Yashwantpur, Bangalore | 6131.93 | 2146.17 | 536.54 (2nd instt.) |
| 5. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Development of TTMC at Kengeri, Bangalore | 2112.66 | 739.43 | 369.72 (2nd and 3rd instt.) |
| 6. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Development of TTMC at Vijayanagar, Bangalore | 3812.42 | 1334.35 | 333.58 as (2nd instt. |
| 7. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Remodeling of Primary and Secondary Storm water Drains in Hebbal Valley, Bangalore | 18474.00 | 6465.90 | 1616.47(3rd instt.) |
| 8. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Construction of Underpass at Hennur Banaswadi Ring Road junction,Bangalore | 2543.79 | 890.33 | 222.58(2nd instt.) |
| 9. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Development of TTMS at ITPL (White Field), Bangalore | 2655.63 | 929.47 | 232.36(2nd instt.) |
| 10. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Development of TTMS at Koramangala, Bangalore | 5058.06 | 1770.32 | 442.58 lakh (2nd instt.) |
| 11. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Remodeling of Primary and Secondary Storm Water Drainage in Bangalore city, Koramangala Valley,Bangalore | 11149.00 | 3902.15 | 975.53(3rd instt.) |
| 12. | Bangalore, Karnataka, | Construction of Grade Separator at Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple Circle, Bangalore | 3193.24 | 1117.63 | 279.40(2nd instt.) |
tfk/ks/dk/kol/17:28 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Prime Minister's Office
Concluding remarks of PM at Planning Commission meeting
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, chaired the Full Planning Commission meeting in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister's concluding remarks on the occasion:-
"We have had a very useful discussion on the state of the economy and the pending issues in energy policy. I thank my Cabinet colleagues for their remarks. The Planning Commission will take these into account in finalising the Mid Term Appraisal.
I am happy to note that Minister Members have broadly endorsed the assessment of the current economic situation presented by the Planning Commission. The economic picture at present can be characterized by a combination of strengths built up over several years, the lingering effect of the global slowdown and the temporary effect of the drought in the current year, particularly on agricultural output and food inflation. We must build on the strengths and tackle the new challenges. We have to pay careful attention to the management of the food economy and the overall macro economy.
This meeting was not meant to focus in detail on the drought but I agree with the general approach that while we must do everything necessary to tackle the drought, we should not be over-pessimistic. We are in a very strong position to manage the consequences of the drought. Our food stocks in particular are very high. The government is giving focussed attention to all aspects of drought management including both relief measures and efforts to protect the Kharif crop as much as possible and to ensure a normal Rabi season. The NREG gives us a very important instrument for supporting incomes of those most in need. We must make all efforts to converge NREG and other agricultural and rural schemes to minimise the impact of drought in 2009-10.
The underlying strength of the economy, which has been brought out in the paper by the Planning Commission and endorsed in the discussion, will stand us in good stead as we seek to return to our high growth target over the next two years.
The discussion has highlighted some important policy issues. It has drawn attention to the need to revive investment, especially in infrastructure and containing fiscal deficit within limits of prudence. It has also established the challenge of resource mobilisation for the last two years of the 11th Plan. We will have to give careful thought to the various suggestions made for raising additional resources and try to ensure that the momentum of planned development is maintained in the next two years and that our flagship programmes are adequately funded.
The discussion has emphasised that while expanding resources is important, achieving efficiency in use of resources is equally important. I hope the Planning Commission will use the Mid Term Appraisal to give concrete suggestions for improving both the design of the system and the efficiency of implementation.
One consequence of scarce resources is that we should fully explore the scope for Private Public Partnership. This has been attempted in the infrastructure sectors where we have had some success, although progress has been less than what we would have wanted. We are taking steps to streamline the process so that PPP projects can move faster.
The integrated energy policy was approved by the Cabinet in December last year and presents a very large policy agenda. It is clear from the discussion that there has been some progress in important areas, but the pending policy agenda is very large. Pursuit of these issues is the responsibility of different ministries. There was a suggestion to convene a meeting of the NDC to discuss issues related to climate change and energy management.
I direct the Planning Commission to pursue these issues with the Ministries concerned and present a detailed assessment of progress on these areas at the time of the Mid Term Appraisal so that the record of achievement is much better. Difficult areas should be brought back to my attention.
A rational energy policy, with appropriate policies for renewable and non-conventional energy sources, is also important for climate change. We need to dovetail our strategy for energy with our national action plan for climate change.
I have asked the Deputy Chairman to arrange meetings of the full Planning Commission more frequently so that we get an opportunity to discuss these issues in a more holistic manner."
akt/hs/sh/lv/dk/kol/17:28 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Financial assistance to widows of members of Indian Football Team that took part in Melbourne Olympics, 1956
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports has approved financial assistance to widows of members of the Indian Football Team that took part in Melbourne Olympics, 1956 and reached up to semi-finals. Out of the nine members of the Football team, who are no longer alive, the Ministry could locate widows of four members only, viz., Mrs. Sophia Rahman, widow of Late Shri T.A. Rahman, Mrs. Alphoncia Thangaraj w/o Late Shri P.R. Thangaraj, Mrs. Baby Kittoo w/o Late Shri K.S. Kittu and Mrs. Nanjamma w/o Late Shri M.K. Kempiah. They will receive assistance of Rs. 1.50 lakh each from National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons. The Fund provides for giving assistance to sportspersons of yesteryears and their families, who brought glory for the country but are now living in indigent circumstances.
Nine surviving members of the team, namely Shri Samar Banerjee, Shri S.S. Narayan, Shri A.S. Salam, Shri A. Hussain, Shri N.K. Nandi, Shri P.K. Banerjee, Shri M.Z. Zulfikar, Shri Tulsidas Balaram and Shri Keshto Pal have already been given assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakh each in February 2009.
rm/as/dk/kol/17:28 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
India the best implementor of Clean Development Mechanism- Shri Jairam Ramesh
CDM TO CURB THE PROBLEM OF CLIMATE CHANGE
SAARC COUNTRIES TO DEVELOP A COMBINE MECHANISM TO MITIGATE THE PROBLEMS OF GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSION
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Environment and Forests has urged the SAARC countries to develop a combined mechanism to mitigate the problems of green house gas emission leading to climate change. Addressing SAARC Clean Development Mechanism Conference here today, the Minister said, environment has trans-border implications and hence the issue has to be dealt with in the same manner. He said India is ready to share its experiences with SAARC countries on the issue. The Minister said that India has taken credible action on the issue by creating carbon syncs and taking clean and green energy initiatives. Shri Ramesh said, according to an international survey, India is the best implementor of Clean Development Mechanism, CDM, to curb the problem of climate change. The Minister also urged the SAARC countries to stand united on the issue of CDM so that carbon emission leading to reduced substantially in the south Asian region.
Speaking on the occasion Secretary General of SAARC Dr. Sheel Kant Sharma said that in the endeavour to reduce carbon footprints, the CDM can contribute a lot. He said that though the development can not be compromised, the SAARC countries have to look forward to explore clean regional energy initiatives alternate resources like new and renewable energy. The development of CDM projects in energy initiatives bring about considerable benefits in terms of energy initiatives, employment generation, emissions reduction and transfer of environmentally friendly technology among others. This would also generate income and create economic opportunities for our people and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
The delegations from member countries Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal are participating in the deliberations.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/17:29 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Defence
Hot Air Ballooning by Signal Group of Indian Army
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
21 Signal Group of the Corps of Signals is celebrated its 25th Raising Day today in new Delhi. 21 Signal Group was raised in Sep 1984 by merging and reorganising two Signal units. Reorganisation of the Group was completed in Jun 1984 and it was christened 21 Signal Group on 21 Aug 1984. Maj Gen (Retd) DN Verma (then Colonel) assumed command of the Group as its first Commander on 08 Aug 1984. He addressed all ranks on 01 Sep 1984, the date which has been celebrated as the Raising Day of this Group every year since.
The Group has since grown from strength to strength. The Group has participated in Op PAWAN, Op VIJAY, Op PARAKRAM, Ex Brass Tracks (1986-1987), Ex Shatrunash (2007), Ex Brazen Chariot (2008) and Dakshin Shakti(2008). In its very short history since inception, the Group has accredited itself with a considerable number of awards. It is the only unit to be awarded the Silver Trophy by the Army Chief for commendable work done towards ICTisation. On its silver jubilee day the Group looks back on the years gone by with immense satisfaction and pride and extends its gratitude to its predecessors for having set the pace and the high standards achieved.
As part of the Raising Day celebrations, the 21 Signal Group presented an exciting Hot Air Ballooning demonstration. The audiences were introduced to the finer nuances and difficulties which goes in to make this complicated flight successful.
veerendra/rajendra/daleep/dk/kol/17:29 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Defence
Dr Saraswat takes over as DRDO Chief
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
Eminent missile scientist Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat today took over the charge of Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri (SA to RM) and Director General, Defence Research and Development Organisation from Shri M Natarajan, who superannuated after an illustrious career of 39 years in DRDO. Dr Saraswat had been "Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller Research and Development (Missiles and Strategic Systems)" since November 2005 before taking over as the new head of Defence R&D. In his capacity as CCR&D (MSS) he spearheaded the development of country's strategic and tactical missile systems including the AGNI series of strategic missiles covering a range up to 3000 kms as well as Air Defence system against hostile ballistic missiles, making India self-reliant in Missile Technologies.
Dr. Saraswat, a Ph.D in Combustion Engineering, started his career in DRDO in 1972 at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and was responsible for the development of country's first Liquid Propulsion Engine. As Project Director 'Prithvi'', he steered the design, development, production and induction of the first indigenous Surface-to-Surface missile system into the armed forces. The successful testing of 'Dhanush' missile on board a moving ship with high terminal accuracy brought a new dimension in the national defence capability. As Program Director AD (Air Defence), Dr. Saraswat pioneered the concept of theatre defence system and integration of national Air Defence elements. He was Director, Research Centre Imarat (RCI) before taking over as CCR&D(MSS) in November, 2005. He was conferred Padmashree in 1998.
dm / raj/dk/kol/17:30 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Defence
Joint IAF-Army motorcycle expedition flagged off at Zero Road today
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
Indian Air Force and Indian Army have been operating in Siachen Glacier known to be the highest battlefield in the world since the year 1984. The year 2009 marks twenty five successful years of jointmanship in operation of Air Force and Army, guarding the borders, battling the enemy, braving severe climatic conditions of the region.
To commemorate this spirit of jointmanship of Air Force and Army, a motorcycle expedition has been organized aptly named 'Mission Kshitij' or 'Mission Horizon'. The name of expedition is symbolic of the place where the land the sky meet, signifying the convergence of pupose of Army and Air Force.
The expedition was flagged off today at Zero Road, Turtuk and would be flagged in at India Gate, New Delhi on 10 Sep 09. The distance to be covered by the team per day has been so planned that the team members have adequate opportunity to interact with the army units enroute. The expedition will cover all passes of Ladakh region, six states and two Union Territories before reaching India gate.
pj/bps/dk/kol/17:30 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Defence
Honorary Rank of Brigadier for Dr Arvind Lal
New Delhi: September 1, 2009
The Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Lal Path Labs, Dr Arvind Lal has been accorded the honorary rank of Brigadier in the Armed Forces Medical Services by the President. The rank has been granted to Dr Lal with effect from July 9, 2009.
Dr Arvind Lal is a pioneer in bringing Laboratory services in India at par with the Western world. Born on August 22, 1949, Dr Lal is an alumni of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, having received his graduate and post-graduate medical degrees from the prestigious institute. Later he worked as a Demonstrator (Lecturer) in the Department of Pathology in AFMC. In 1977 Dr Lal took charge of the Pathology Laboratory founded in 1949 by his late father. Under his expert guidance and leadership, Dr Lal PathLabs has become one of the most reputed laboratories in Asia.
Dr Lal has revolutionized laboratory medicine in the country by introducing new tests, instruments and ICT systems i.e. Information, Communications-Technology systems. His R & D unit is recognized by the Department of Science and Technology. A member of many expert and advisory bodies set up by the central and state governments and on the panel of several professional bodies and institutes, Dr Lal has served as a pathologist to many present and past Prime Ministers of India.
Conferred with the Padma Shri award by the President this year, Dr Lal is a recipient of the Indira Gandhi Solidarity Award in 1994, Delhi Ratan Award in 2005, Lifetime Achievement Award in Medicine in 2003 and the International Business Council Award 1994.
pk/dk/kol/17:30 hrs.
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