Coastal and Sea Water Pollution

The Government hasnot received any representation for prevention of pollution of coastal and sea water. However, the Integrated Coastal Marine Area Management centre of Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO-ICMAM) has been measuring parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), nutrients, pH, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), plankton, benthos and pathogenic bacteria, etc., covering different seasons at 20 coastal locations, viz., Vadinar, Veraval, Hazira, Thane (Mumbai), Worli, Ratnagiri, Malvan, Mandovi, Mangalore, Kochi, Kavaratti, Sandheads, Hooghly, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada Ennore (Chennai), Pondicherry, Tuticorin, Port Blair. Seawater quality data collected over period has indicated areas of low, moderate and intense pollution. The data further indicates that the concentration of the nutrients and population of pathogenic bacteria are confined to 0 – 1 km at these locations except in Mumbai. These details of the findings are being provided to the State Pollution Control Boards, who make use of the information to take remedial measures, if any. Besides, the data are also hosted on the website of ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad for wider utility. Climate Modeling Government has launched the National Monsoon Mission to set up a state-of-the-art climate model for a) improved prediction of monsoon rainfall on extended range to seasonal time scale (16 days to one season) and b) improved prediction of temperature, rainfall and extreme weather events on short to medium range time scale (up to 15 days). At present operational extended range to seasonal forecasts are prepared using statistical methods which have constraints and limitations. Experimental forecasts from the research version of the climate model are generated and its performance is regularly evaluated with that of the existing models since 2011 apart from building focused R & D efforts to improve the model. Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) of the Earth System Science Organization-Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (ESSO-IITM), Pune successfully incorporated Ocean Biochemistry and Ecosystem modules into the climate model, resulted in the manifestation of the first prototype of the ESSO-IITM Earth System Model. Currently test runs to evaluate the prediction of past climate in hindcast mode are being carried out. Dust/Hailstorm An appropriate system of 24X7 severe weather monitoring and very short time forecasting (3-6 hours lead time) is put in place by the Earth System Science Organization- India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD) for predicting the life cycle of Hailstorms & Dust storms. Severe weather advisoriess were issued by the ESSO-IMD in case of the recent Hailstorms in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Based on scientific assessment of the need, further augmentation of observing system network expansion has always been formulated from time to time. The upgradation of the observing system, high performance computing, communication, forecast/warning systems, product dissemination systems, etc. are part of a continuous process by which state-of-the-art science and technology tools can be made accessible to the scientists engaged in weather research and forecasting towards enhancing the service quality. Continuous efforts are made by the ESSO-IMD to optimize the level of efficiency of the forecasting systems.

Earthquake Prone Areas for ias mains

Earth System Science Organization- India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD) Earthquake - prone areas of the county have been identified on the basis of scientific inputs relating to seismicity, earthquakes occurred in the past and tectonic setup of the region. Based on these inputs, Bureau of Indian Standards [IS 1893 (Part I):2002], has grouped the country into four seismic zones, viz. Zone-II, -III, -IV and –V. Of these, Zone V is seismically the most active region, while zone II is the least. Broadly, Zone - V comprises entire northeastern India, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, part of North Bihar and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Zone - IV covers remaining parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, Sikkim, Northern Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, parts of Gujarat and small portions of Maharashtra near the west coast and Rajasthan. Zone – III comprises Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep islands, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal, Parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Zone - II covers remaining parts of country.                Earth System Science Organization- India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD)   has installed a number of Seismic and Global Positioning System (GPS) stations across major faults to monitor the seismicity and crustal movement of the Indian subcontinent. ESSO-IMD operates a national network of seismographs to monitor the earthquake activity in the country on 24 X 7 bases. Making use of earthquake records, the magnitude and other source parameters are estimated in an automated mode.           Under the Koyna Deep Borehole programme, studies have been initiated to carry out scientific investigations for deep borehole drilling in the Koyna-Warna region. The investigations include, Seismological, Geophysical (seismic, gravity, magnetic), LIDAR, geomorphology and structural geological studies, apart from a few exploratory boreholes.             ESSO of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has established a National Centre for Seismology (NCS) as an independent organization by separating of seismology activities from IMD. The broad objectives of the Center are as follows:  ·         Provide earthquake (M:3.0 and above) related information to all user agencies in shortest possible time. ·         Provide earthquake hazard and risk related products of specific region, required by various agencies for institutionalizing various preventive measures for design and construction of earthquake resistant structures, land use planning and for enacting building bye-laws towards minimizing damage to property and loss of lives due to earthquakes. ·         Carry out research in pure and applied seismology and earthquake precursory phenomena, earthquake processes and modeling.

Trade Relations with Pakistan

India and Pakistan have no formal bilateral trade agreement. India granted the MFN status to Pakistan in the year 1996. Pakistan is yet to reciprocate. The Composite Dialogue between India and Pakistan, which started in 1998, was continued through 4 rounds of talks by Commerce Secretaries of both countries on “Commercial & Economic Cooperation” during the period 2004-2007. Bilateral dialogue between the two countries resumed after the two Prime Ministers met on the sidelines of SAARC Summit in Thimphu in April 2010. Bilateral trade dialogue with Pakistan was re-initiated with the 5th round of India-Pakistan Commerce Secretary level talks on Commercial and Economic Co-operation in April 2011. This was followed by further rounds of talks held in November 2011 at Delhi and September, 2012 at Islamabad. Three Ministerial level dialogues were also held in September 2011, February 2012 and April 2012. The Commerce Ministers of India and Pakistan met on 18th January 2014 on the sidelines of the 5th SAARC Business Leaders Conclave held at New Delhi. Both Ministers reaffirmed the commitment of their Governments to expeditiously establish normal trading relations and in this context to provide Non-Discriminatory Market Access (NDMA), on a reciprocal basis. Both sides decided to intensify and accelerate the process of trade normalization, liberalization and facilitation and to implement the agreed measures. Pakistan has moved from ‘Positive List’ regime to a ‘Negative List’ regime comprising of 1209 tariff lines of import of goods not allowed from India. Both countries have Preferential Trading arrangement under South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA) process. Benefits under the SAFTA process are partially blocked by Pakistan through ‘Negative List’. In the recent meeting between Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan on 27th May 2014, it was stated that the two countries could move immediately towards full trade normalisation on the basis of the September 2012 roadmap worked out between the Commerce Secretaries of both countries.

strengthening of Indian Patent Office

The Plan Scheme for Modernization and Strengthening of Intellectual Property Offices was implemented in the 11th Five Year Plan. This plan scheme has been continued in the 12th Five Year Plan also. The Plan scheme has led to substantial improvement in the infrastructure of the Intellectual Property Office, upgradation of IT facilities and human resource augmentation. Measures taken during 11th Plan, inter-alia, include construction of an International Search Authority (ISA) / International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) building in Delhi for enabling the patent office to function as an ISA/IPEA and construction of the Trade Marks Registry Complex at Ahmedabad. Steps were taken to improve efficiency through comprehensive e-filing facility for patents and trademarks, digitization of all IP records and by obtaining access to global patent and non-patent database. Measures to bring transparency in the functioning and improve quality of examination inter-alia included introduction of dynamic utilities for patents and trademarks, issue of examination guidelines for traditional knowledge and bio-technology, setting up of specialized technology groups for examination of patent applications and providing real time status of IP application with entire file wrappers and e-registers. The Indian Patent Office has started functioning as an ISA/IPEA from 15th October, 2013. The Madrid Protocol for International Registration for Trade Marks became effective in India from 8th July, 2013. With respect to Human Resources, a total of 414 posts were created in the 11th Plan. Of this 256 posts have been filled up. As compared to 2006-07 when 14119 patent applications were examined and 7539 patents were granted, in 2013-14, 18306 patent applications were examined and 4225 patents were granted. The grant of patent, which is governed by the Patents Act, 1970 (as amended) and the Patents Rules, 2003 (as amended), is a quasi-judicial process involving a number of steps such as publication of applications, examination and pre-grant oppositions etc. The patents are granted only to those inventions, which satisfy the criteria of patentability prescribed under the said Act. Hence, the patent grant depends on many factors and is not related to modernization and strengthening of the IP Office.

Trade with Neighbouring Countries

India enjoys trade surplus with all members of SAARC comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.  Trade between India and China currently stand at USD $ 65.87 in 2013-14.  China is currently the largest trading partner in bilateral trade.  Myanmar (an ASEAN country) also enjoys a high level of bilateral trade through border trade arrangement at Moreh (Manipur). Joint Trade and Investment Agreement between India and ASEAN group of countries is expected to also boost bilateral trade with South East Asian countries. Unctad Report on FDI As per UNCTAD World Investment Report, 2014, India received FDI of US $ 28 billion in 2013 compared to US $ 24 billion in 2012. Further as per UNCTAD World Investment Report, 2014 India’s rank from the point of view of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) among top prospective host economics is 4th as against 3rd as per the UNCTAD World Investment Report, 2013. The UNCTAD Report mentions that although foreign investment continues to flow into single brand retail, no new projects have been recorded in multi brand retail. Roadmap to Boost Investment Between Japan and India India and Japan have taken several steps to boost investment between the two countries. As part of India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership, the two sides have launched a Special Economic Partnership Initiative (SEPI) which includes the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project. India and Japan have also signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February, 2011. The CEPA is a comprehensive agreement which contains, inter-alia, agreement on investment also. In the Joint Statement issued on the occasion of the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India in December, 2011, the two Prime Ministers stressed the importance of infrastructure development in the areas between Chennai and Bengaluru, where an increasing number of Japanese companies including SMEs have made direct investments to establish their manufacturing base or other forms of business presence. During the visit of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan to India on September 11, 2013, a Joint Statement was signed by the Minister of Commerce and Industry of India and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. Both sides committed to an Action Plan to promote two way investments between India and Japan. Action on various initiatives including the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor project and the Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor project is progressing ahead. Promotion of Services Sector Exports Government of India has taken a number of measures to boost export of services. The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2009-14 of Government of India aims at accelerating the growth of export of services so as to create a powerful and unique ‘Served from India’ (SFIS) brand. As per para 3.12 of the Foreign Trade Policy (2009-14), which is available on the website of Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) atwww.dgft.gov.in, incentive is available to providers of specified services in the form of duty credit scrip equivalent to 10% of free foreign exchange earned. With effect from 18.04.2013, the entitlement is on the basis of the net foreign exchange earned. In addition, financial assistance is provided by Department of Commerce to Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), Telecom Exports Promotion Council (TEPC) and Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC EPC) under Market Access Initiative (MAI) and Market Development Assistance (MDA) schemes for promotion of exports. In order to move further in this direction, Services Conclave was organized by Department of Commerce in November, 2013 to discuss issues and bottlenecks hindering export of services from India. Government has decided to make this event an annual feature.

Priority Sectors in North East

As per the details provided by Planning  Commission, the prioritized sectors and strategies devised for development of North Eastern States during the 12th Plan Period are as follows :- 1.      Faster development of Connectivity (Road, Rail, Air, Inland Waterways)             (i) Roads: Ensuring expeditious completion of ongoing and strategically important major road connectivity projects like: East West Corridor, all stretches of SARDP-NE connecting State Capitals and Districts, Trans Arunachal Highways, major bridges, etc.             (ii) Railways: Broad Gauge (line conversion) like Guwahati-Dibrughar-Tinsukia, Rangia - Murkongselek Bridge (rail cum road) across Brahmaputra at Bogibeel, Lumding - Silchar and Kumarghat – Agartala – Sabroom and New lines: Agartala - Akhura, Tetelia-Byrnihat-Shillong, Harmuti – Itanagar, Silchar-Jiribam-Imphal(Tupul).             (iii) Airways: Expeditious implementation of Airport Development works at Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Agartala, Shillong, Imphal and Dimapur. In addition development of new airports at - Itanagar, Pakyong.             (iv) Inland Water Transport: Emphasis on development in the Brahmaputra and Barak National Waterway. 2.         Special focus on Power Sector: To bring down AT&C losses of State Power Companies/Corporations, expeditious forest and environment clearance for identified major Hydro-power projects in NER, time bound implementation of transmission line projects for evacuation of generated power like Comprehensive scheme for strengthening of transmission and distribution in NER and Transmission system for evacuation of power from Palatana Gas Based Power Plant etc. 3.         Pursuing Look East Policy: Focus on strong relationship with Bangladesh to ensure effective connectivity, connecting North Eastern Region to South East Asia through Tri-lateral highway, focus on development of Land Customs Stations (LCSs) for strengthening border trade and business communication, expeditious implementation of Multi Modal transport using Kaladan River as alternate connectivity to North East. 4.         Development of Agriculture / horticulture / allied sector by focusing on increase in productivity, irrigation, farm-based economic activities, post-harvest management, marketing infrastructure etc. 5.         Encouraging private investment by creating an enabling environment for investors and rational use of local resources. 6.         Special focus on water management / flood moderation to address the recurring flood and erosion problem. 7.         Focus on education / skill development / health by improving quality of education, Investment in Teachers’ Training, reforms in vocational education, development and operationalization of Public – Private Partnership (PPP) models in education and creating more medical colleges, nursing colleges and other health & technical institutes for professionals. 8.         Focus on Asset management like maintenance of roads and bridges and other social infrastructure.               Special development packages/programmes have been granted for the area like Bodoland Territorial Council Package of Rs. 500 crores, Additional BTC Package of Rs. 250 crores, Special Economic Packages for Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC) of Rs 350 crores and Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council (DHATC) of Rs. 200 crores, Special Plan Assistance (SPA) for creation of priority infrastructure under States’ Annual Plans.             There have been significant achievements in terms of increased connectivity in the Region. Three major Railway projects completed in 2013-14 are (1) Rangiya-Rangapara-Murkongselek (Gauge Conversion), (ii) Harmati – Naharlagun (New Line) and (iii) Dhudnoi – Mehndipathar.             Measures taken to achieve targets are: – (1) Special emphasis on monitoring of the infrastructure projects for time-bound completion, (2) Priority funding for the identified projects have been tied up (3) Fast tracking of environmental and forest clearance.

GSLV Project ,SAARC Satellite ,Pricing of Satellite Transponders

GSLV Project

The GSLV project has successfully launched GSLV-D5 flight with indigenous Cryogenic engine and stage on 5th January 2014 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota and is currently preparing for the next flight GSLV namely, GSLV-D6. The GSLV-F02, GSLV-D3 and GSLV-F06 flights could not accomplish the mission objectives. Subsequently, failure analysis committees were formed to (a) carry out in-depth analysis of the flight performance and identify causes for the failure, and (b) recommend corrective measures and future course of action on the GSLV Vehicle. The failure analysis committees have submitted their recommendations. Based on the suggestions made by the failure analysis committees, ISRO has implemented the modifications and improvements in GSLV, which include independent inspection and quality checks for all critical components and sub-assemblies, change of bearing housing material, revision of tolerances and seal clearances of Fuel Booster Turbo Pump of Cryogenic Engine, redesign of the Cryogenic Stage Lower Shroud, revision of connector mounting scheme and wire tunnel configuration. SAARC Satellite India has successfully launched five foreign satellites onboard PSLV-C23 on June 30th, 2014 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. These foreign satellites are – (i) SPOT-7 (France), (ii) AISAT (Germany), (iii) NLS 7.1/CAN-X4 (Canada), (iv) NLS 7.2/CAN-X5 (Canada) and (v) VELOX-1 (Singapore). As on date, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched 40 satellites from 19 foreign countries, on commercial basis, under contract between respective foreign customer and Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO. The amount generated through the launch of these satellites is € 50.47 million and US $ 17.17 million. The future projects envisages development of advanced launch vehicle systems, thematic earth observational satellites with improved resolution, high-power, high-throughput communication satellite, microwave multi-spectral remote sensing satellites, weather and climate studies, constellation of satellites for regional navigation, development of critical technologies for human spaceflight and satellites for space science and planetary exploration purposes. The Prime Minister of India in his address at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on 30th June 2014 has asked the Indian Space community to develop a SAARC satellite that provides a full range of applications and services to all our neighbours. ISRO, through the Government of India, in consultation with the SAARC countries, needs to formulate a proposal for SAARC Satellite development programme to address the space applications and services needs of the SAARC countries. Pricing of Satellite Transponders Based on the review and approval of INSAT Co-ordination Committee (ICC) and Space Commission, a revised policy guideline for allocation and pricing of transponders has been evolved and is being processed for Government approval. It envisages a rational classification structure for users such as Strategic, Government including Societal, not-for-profit PSUs and Commercial to form a basis for allocation and pricing of transponders. At present, there are 12 INSAT/GSAT satellites in orbit, out of which 10 are communication satellites and 2 are meteorological satellites. In INSAT/GSAT satellite system there are 41 Government users and 59 non-Government users are utilizing the capacity in C band, Extended C Band and Ku band to the extent of 152 transponders (36 MHz equivalent each). At present, a uniform pricing policy is implemented for all categories of users. However, a multi-pricing policy for transponders is under the consideration of the Government as INSAT systems transponders are utilized for non-profit purposes viz. Governmental, societal, strategic as well as for commercial purposes.