Pib

Pib

1. Vice-President of India inaugurates the World Conference on Vedas

Underlining that the Vedas are the earliest works of ancient knowledge and philosophy in India, the Vice President said our civilization, culture, thoughts and philosophy are rooted in the Vedas. He said the Vedas are the source of knowledge and guide us to advance in economic, social, educational and political fields and also in maintaining high moral and ethical standards.

The Vedic philosophy states that truth, non-violence, patience, penance and spiritual uplift are the foundations of a human life. Vedas convey the message of religious harmony, equality and nation’s progress. Quoting the Rigveda, Verse 5.60.5, Shri Venkaiah Naidu said no individual in the society is either big or small, according to Vedas.

The Vice President said Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the builder of modern India and Founder of Arya Samaj, had given the message “Back to the Vedas” to the world. This has been endorsed by the renowned Orientalist, Max Mueller. Renowned philosopher and Nobel Laureate Maurice Maeterlinck had said the Vedas are the only and incomparable source of all knowledge.

2. Cabinet approves continuation of NLCPR scheme for North East till March 2020

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the existing Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme with funding pattern of 90:10 till March, 2020 with an outlay of Rs.5300.00 crore. It would enable completion of ongoing projects.

The Union Cabinet also approved the introduction of new Central Sector Scheme of “North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme” (NESIDS) from 2017-18 with 100% funding from the Central Government to fill up the gaps in creation of infrastructure in specified sectors till March, 2020.

3. Cabinet approves Agreement with UNESCO on establishment of International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography in Hyderabad

The establishment of UNESCO Category-2 Centre will provide an opportunity for India to emerge as a leading country in the Indian Ocean. This will also help India to forge cooperation and improve engagement among the counties of the Indian Ocean, including South Asian and African states bordering the Indian Ocean. The establishment of the centre would respond to the worldwide increasing need to build technical and management capacity to address marine and coastal sustainability issues and prepare the region for and react efficiently to marine natural hazards. The Centre could contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal-14 (SDG 14) related to building marine scientific research capacity in geographical area of the Centre responsibility which will also fulfill the commitments to support Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries.

This C2C is intended to improve skill of students and other participants which will increase the employment opportunities within and outside India. The establishment of C2C is also expected to increase ancillary development leading to employment generation in India. The centre is currently operational with the state-of-the-art facilities available at Indian Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad. So far, over 681 scientists including 576 from India and 105 from 34 other countries have been trained at this centre in various aspects of operational oceanography. The other infrastructure facilities like building and training hostel are being established. It is also envisaged to invite world class (acuities and trainees from around the world and work out a curriculum for long duration courses (of 3-9 months).

4. ‘RNI Report’ an Important Index of Print Media: Smriti Zubin Irani

RNI (Registrar of Newspapers for India ) is mandated under Section 19 (G) of the PRB Act, 1867 to submit an Annual Report to the Government every year on or before 31st December.

The Report is a compilation of the data available with RNI and the details submitted in the Annual Statements filed online by the publications across the country for the Financial year 2016-17. Press in India presents an indicative picture of facts and trends in the Indian Print Media. The report is of keen interest to print media, media analysts and research scholars.

5. PMGSY – 82% eligible habitations connected

The Department has made concerted efforts for adoption of green and innovative technology and a target of 10000 kms of such roads, is likely to be completed in the current financial year. At the time of approval, States are opting for a minimum 15% roads with green technologies like use of waste plastic, fly ash, copper and iron slag, geo textile, cold mix, paneled cement concrete, cell filled concrete. Nano Technology products are also being used for stabilization of roads, so far 3,426 kms. roads have been constructed in the current financial year, using these technologies. The Department in partnership with States is fully geared to go beyond the achievements of 2016-17 by completing 51000 kms at the rate of 140 kms per day in the current financial year.