new Tourism Policy 2015 to be launched on 15th of May this year

new Tourism Policy 2015 to be launched on 15th of May this year: Tourism Minister New Tourism Policy to have a clearcut action plan with timelines: Dr. Mahesh Sharma

The Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation has said that the new Tourism Policy, 2015 will be launched on the 15th of May this year. He was addressing the participants at a workshop held on the formulation of National Tourism Policy 2015. The representatives from various organizations like Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), FICCI, NASSCOM, FAITH, Travel Agency Corporation of India, Indian Tourist Transporters Authority (ITTA), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), All India Resort Developers Association (AIRDA) and Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) were present among others at the meeting. The Minister thanked the participants for bringing and sharing their wisdom on a common platform. Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi is working as the greatest Ambassador of Tourism for the country and his efforts will be taken forward rapidly by the Ministry of Tourism. Dr. Mahesh Sharma also said that from now on, a new work culture will be implemented in which a task will be identified and a person assigned for the task. The timeline will also be fixed and the implementation will be closely monitored, he said. Acknowledging the need for synergy between various Ministries of the government, the Minister appreciated the idea of National Tourism Board which is proposed as a part of the new Tourism Policy to speed up and promote tourism in the country. The Tourism Minister explained that potential of existing policy of 2002 has not been used fully and the new policy will use the framework of existing National Tourism Policy of 2002 to make it dynamic to meet the challenges that have emerged in today’s world including technological and global competitiveness. He appreciated the idea of a ‘single window portal system’ for making information available to tourists. The aim of the workshop was to receive inputs and suggestions from various stakeholders associated with tourism and hospitality sector so as to formulate a dynamic and pragmatic tourism policy to attain the target of “responsible and sustainable” tourism. Various issues ranging from infrastructure, need for connectivity in remote areas, e-ticketing and safety and security were discussed during the workshop. The stakeholders related to hotel industry and transport business demanded tax incentives from the government specially in the off season. They also emphasized upon the need to have a data base research and training for skill development in order to boost tourism. The stakeholders also raised their concerns and gave various suggestions to Government to be incorporated into the Tourism Policy 2015. The initiatives taken by government like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Visa on Arrival, E-visas were also discussed at the meeting. Secretary, Tourism, Dr. Lalit Panwar said that the new policy will contain a definite action plan with a clear-cut road map and timelines. On the issue of E-Ticketing Dr. Lalit Panwar, said that E-Ticketing was started on a pilot basis for Taj Mahal and Humayun Tomb and Government is in the process of E-Ticketing for top 25 monuments of India. The stake holders welcomed the move by Ministry of Tourism to make the new National Tourism Policy, 2015 to be based on fixed timeframes. They said that the ‘S’s used in previous policy i.e., Swagat (welcome), Soochna (Information), Suvidha (Facilitation), Suraksha (Security), Sahyog (Cooperation), Samrachana (Infrastructure Development) and Safai (Cleanliness) are relevant even today. So the new policy should aim at value addition over the previous one and should give a serious thought to the causes of non-implementation of various schemes under 2002 policy. Keeping in view the technological changes, the speakers suggested that different mobile applications for various sectors of tourism can be launched in order to disseminate information to the interested tourists. The setting up of ‘Digital Museum’ was also proposed in order to promote the rich and unique local cultures and their heritage. Demand for establishing a ‘Hospitality University’ was also raised during the meeting. Various other issues like soft adventures tourism, wildlife tourism, desert tourism and nature tourism were also discussed. The stakeholders also said that Yoga, Ayurveda and hospitality should be given due importance in the upcoming new tourism policy.

Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is the most economical interplanetary mission in the world

paved way for cost-effective access to deep space

The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) has various achievements to its credit after it was inserted into Mars orbit on September 24, 2014. The details of significant achievements of MOM include – i. First interplanetary mission realized by India and first Indian spacecraft to incorporate full scale on-board autonomy to overcome the long distances and the communication gaps due to non-visibility periods. ii. First Indian spacecraft to successfully survive Van Allen belt crossing 39 times. iii. First mission to use Ship Borne Terminals to track the launch vehicle and satellite over Pacific Ocean by ISRO. iv. First Indian spacecraft to escape the Sphere Of Influence of Earth and orbit Sun. v. First Mars mission in the world to succeed Mars Orbit Insertion in first attempt. vi. Most economical interplanetary mission in the world and paved way for cost-effective access to deep space. The launch vehicle, Spacecraft and Ground Segment have been realised with a budget of Rs 450 Cr. The planned life span of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) after its insertion into Mars orbit on September 24, 2014 is 6 months. The planned life span (6 months) of MOM is completing on March 24, 2015. One of the life limiting parameters of a spacecraft, under nominal orbital conditions, is the availability of propellant to maintain its orbit and orientation. In case of MOM, a reserve of 37 kg of propellant is available in the satellite. Since the health parameters of all critical systems of the satellite are very satisfactory, it is expected that MOM willoutlive its planned life span of 6 months. The increased duration of observation of Mars by five scientific payloads will enhance the planetary science data. It would also enable coverage of Mars in different seasons. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) - Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) has been awarded “Space Pioneer Award” for science and engineering category for the year 2015 by the US based National Space Society. The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to ISRO in recognition of its path-breaking achievement, culminating in Mars Orbiter Mission, its significant contribution in strengthening international cooperation in peaceful use of outer space.

Development of Agricultural Markets

Following the declaration by the Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi on 2.9.2014 deregulating fruits and vegetables beyond the markets/market yards/sub-yards of three important Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) including Azadpur, the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) launched the Delhi Kisan Mandi at Alipur, North Delhi to provide a direct trading platform for farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). The Delhi Kisan Mandi is to be developed into a physical as well as an online platform to enable trading in agricultural commodities directly between producers and bulk/retail consumers. Meanwhile, soft launch of the physical transactions through the Mandi started in October, 2014. The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC) has also advised all other State Governments to utilize SFAC’s technical support in initiating such Kisan Mandis in their States with suitable amendments to their respective APMC Acts. The Department has recently approved, a Central Sector Scheme on “Promotion of National Agricultural Market through Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund (ATIF)” for Rs.200 crores to be implemented during 2014-15 to 2016-17. It is proposed to utilise the ATIF for migrating towards a National Market through implementation of an appropriate common e-market platform that would be deployable in 642 regulated wholesale markets across States and Union Territories (UTs) in the first phase. The timeline for operationalization is till 2016-17, however, actual implementation will depend largely on the initiatives and proposals from States/UTs. As agri marketing is administered by the States, the onus for opening of new mandis is with them. Further, as informed by Government of Rajasthan, at present opening of cumin seed mandi in Barmer area of Rajasthan is not under consideration of Rajasthan Government. To strengthen the marketing system in the country, the department has taken many measures which, inter-alia, include implementation of Central Sector of Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM). Under the scheme, assistance is provided towards creation of market infrastructure including storage; Venture Capital Assistance is provided to projects that provide market linkages to farmers; assistance for capacity building of farmers and other stake holders; and support for strengthening Agmarknet portal which provides information on prices and arrivals of agri commodities in wholesale regulated markets, etc. Moreover, the Department is pursuing the States to reform their agri marketing sector to provide more alternatives other than the regulated wholesale markets/APMCs for sale of farmer produce so that the farmer can opt for most remunerative option. These channels are contract farming, private markets, e-markets, direct marketing, farmer-consumer markets. So far, 17 States have reformed their APMC Acts in respect of contract farming, direct marketing and private markets. Further, in addition to the ATIF scheme mentioned above, the Government has also recently approved the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) Scheme for Procurement and Distribution of perishable agri-horticultural Commodities to control price volatility of these commodities.

India ranks 28 on UN's Disaster Risk and Age Index

A Disaster Risk and Age Index launched at the United Nations' third world conference on disaster risk reduction here has ranked India 28th among 190 countries that are worse on most parameters of providing their elderly a secure environment.

Somalia has ranked first, followed by Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Sudan and Iraq among others. All these countries are affected by civil war and ongoing conflict.

However, in countries like India, it has been other factors like lack of social security to its aging population, their vulnerability to natural disasters and absence of a resilient network that has majorly weighed against it and has lowered its ranking among 190 UN member countries.

When it comes to taking care of its elderly, India is worse than even Nepal, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Guatemala and even Papua Guinea ? all of them ranking better than India.

The Index has been developed by HelpAge with support from UN's Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) as a pilot. It was launched a day before Home minister Rajnath Singh presented his country statement at the UN's conference at the disaster risk reduction (DRR) here.

Home minister is attending the UN's third world conference to sign a new framework for action post 2015 that will replace the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) which was signed in 2005 by UN member countries, post-2004 India Ocean Tsunami. HFA commit nations to legislate DRR laws to work towards building a resilient society and charting out strategies to mitigate economic and human losses.

"It demonstrates clearly how leaving out older people in approaches to development, including disaster risk management planning, can lead to bad outcomes for them. Such planning must take into account the vulnerabilities as well as the capacities of the older generation," Margareta Wahlstrom, head of UNISDR, said.

The UNISDR has urged governments to commit to Charter 14, a 14-point declaration by UN members pledging to include older people in disaster risk reduction efforts. This may be reemphasized and likely to be included in the post-2015 framework for DRR which will be adopted at the world conference in Sendai.

The risk age index is a country-by-country analysis of the disaster risks faced by older people, based on three dimensions: hazard and exposure, vulnerability and lack of coping capacity.

Pakistan has been ranked 16th on this index while Bangladesh has been at 25th. But that should not be any solace to India. European Union nations and US are among some of the best rated countries.

Malta has been ranked the best at 190, followed by Finland, Sao Tome e Principe, Singapore, Norway, Sweden, Luxembourg, Denmark and Netherlands. Japan ranked 133, US at 142, Italy-146, Australia 150 and France 163 among some of the major countries.

These countries have managed to limit the impact of natural hazards to their elderly population despite being highly exposed to natural hazards. They rank high also for the reason that they spend high on healthcare of elderly, have wide coverage of pension benefits and building resilient infrastructure around its elderly.

A UNISDR press note highlighted the need for policy shift for those countries which are ranked lower on this index as 66% of the world's over 60s live in less developed regions. By 2050, this is projected to rise to 79%. The world's population of older people is expected to rise to 2.02 billion by 2050.

Disaster Risk & Age Index:

Worst 10     Ranking
Somalia     1
Central African Republic     2
Afghanistan     3
Sudan     4
Yemen     5
South Sudan     6
Myanmar     7
Congo DR     8
Syria     9
Iraq     10
India     28

Best 10     Ranking
Malta     190
Finland     189
Sao Tome e Principe     188
Singapore     187
Norway     186
Sweden     185
Luxembourg     184
Denmark     183
Netherlands     182
Estonia     181

India world's largest importer of weapons

India has yet again emerged as the world’s largest importer of weapons and military equipment, accounting for 15 per cent of global imports, with Russia being its majority supplier, a Stockholm-based think tank today said.

Between 2005 – 2009 and 2010 – 14, India’s imports increased by 140 per cent. In 2010 – 14, India’s imports were three times larger than those of either of its regional rivals China and Pakistan, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said.

This is in contrast with the 2005 – 2009 period when India’s imports were 23 per cent below China’s and just over double of those of Pakistan.

Of the top 10 largest importers of major weapons during the five-year period (2010 – 14), five are in Asia — India (15 per cent of global arms imports), China (5 per cent), Pakistan (4 per cent), South Korea (3 per cent) and Singapore (3 per cent), according to the report, titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers’.

These five countries accounted for 30 per cent of the total volume of arms imports worldwide.

India accounted for 34 per cent of the volume of arms imported to Asia, more than three times as much as China. China’s arms imports actually decreased by 42 per cent between 2005 – 2009 and 2010 – 14.

In 2010 – 14, Russia supplied 70 per cent of India’s arms imports, the US 12 per cent and Israel 7 per cent. The acquisitions from the US are a break with the recent past.

Prior to 2005 –  2009, India barely received any major weapons from the US. However, there now appears to be an upward trend in arms imports from the US.

Imports in 2010 –  14 were 15 times higher than in 2005 – 2009 and included advanced weapons such as anti-submarine warfare aircraft. In 2014, additional deals with the US were agreed, including that for 22 combat helicopters.

India was the world’s largest importer of weapons and military equipment in 2013 and 2014.

Healthcare Programmes for Women and Children

The Government of India, under National Health Mission, has taken several steps in all the States and UTs with regard to health issues related to women and children. Programmes/strategy being carried out by the Ministry in this regard is given below: 1.                  Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) The Government of India is implementing Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) which is a safe motherhood scheme throughout the country. The objective of the JSY is to reduce maternal and infant mortality by promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women by providing conditional cash assistance. Important Features of JSY Financial assistance under JSY is available to all pregnant women in those States that have low institutional delivery rates, namely, the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir are categorized as Low Performing States (LPS). However, in remaining States where the levels of institutional delivery are satisfactory, pregnant women from BPL/SC/ST households only are entitled for JSY benefit. These states are categorized as High Performing States (HPS) under JSY. Eligibility for Cash Assistance The eligibility for cash assistance under the JSY is as shown below: LPS All pregnant women delivering in government health centers, such as Sub Centers (SCs)/Primary Health Centers (PHCs)/Community Health Centers (CHCs)/First Referral Units (FRUs)/general wards of district or state hospitals HPS All BPL/Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) women delivering in a government health centre, such as SC/PHC/CHC/FRU/general wards of district or state hospital LPS & HPS All BPL/Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) women delivering in accredited private institutions Cash Assistance for Institutional Delivery (in Rs.) The cash entitlement for different categories of mothers is as follows: Category     Rural area Total     Urban area Total Mother’s package ASHA’s package* Mother’s package ASHA’s package** LPS 1400  600 2000 1000 400 1400 HPS   700  600 1300 600 400  1000 *ASHA package of Rs. 600 in rural areas include Rs. 300 for ANC component and Rs. 300 for facilitating institutional delivery. **ASHA package of Rs. 400 in urban areas include Rs. 200 for ANC component and Rs. 200 for facilitating institutional delivery. 2.                  Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) The programme has been launched on 1st June, 2011, which entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and no expense delivery including Caesarean section.  The initiative stipulates free drugs, diagnostics, blood and diet, besides free transport from home to institution, between facilities in case of a referral and drop back home.  Similar entitlements have been put in place for all sick infants accessing public health institutions for treatment. Key steps which contribute to improving health of women and children ·         Capacity building of health care providers in basic and comprehensive obstetric care    including essential newborn care, early diagnosis and case management of common ailments of children. These trainings are on Navjaat Shishu, Suraksha Karyakram (NSSK), Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI), Facility Based Newborn Care (FBNC), Infant and Young Child Feeding practices (IYCF), etc. ·         Operationalization of sub-centers, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals for providing 24x7 basic and comprehensive obstetric care services. ·         Emphasis on facility based newborn care at different levels to reduce child morbidity and mortality: Setting up of facilities for care of sick newborn such as Special New Born Care Units (SNCUs), Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs) and Newborn Care Corners (NBCCs) at different levels is a thrust area under NHM. ·          Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS): A name based Mother and Child Tracking System has been put in place which is web based to ensure registration and tracking of all pregnant women and new born babies so that provision of regular and complete services to them can be ensured. ·         Mother and Child Protection Card in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to monitor service delivery for mothers and children. ·         Antenatal, Intranatal and Postnatal care including Iron and Folic Acid supplementation to pregnant & lactating women for prevention and treatment of anemia. ·         India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) has been launched with an aim to reduce neonatal mortality and stillbirths. ·         Newer interventions to reduce newborn mortality- Vitamin K injection at birth, Antenatal corticosteroids for preterm labour, kangaroo mother care and injection gentamicin to young infants in cases of suspected sepsis. ·         Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight was observed in August 2014 focusing on ORS and Zinc distribution for management of diarrhoea and feeding practices. ·         Integrated Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (IAPPD) launched in four states with highest infant mortality (UP, MP, Bihar and Rajasthan). ·         Management of Malnutrition: Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) have been established for management of severe acute malnutrition in children. ·         Appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding practices are being promoted in convergence with Ministry of Woman and Child Development. ·         Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Vaccination protects children against many life threatening diseases such as Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Measles. Infants are thus immunized against seven vaccine preventable diseases every year. The Government of India supports the vaccine programme by supply of vaccines and syringes, cold chain equipment and provision of operational costs. ·         Engagement of more than 8.9 lakhs Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to generate demand and facilitate accessing of health care services by the community. ·         Home Based New Born Care (HBNC): Home based newborn care through ASHAs has been initiated to improve new born practices at the community level and early detection and referral of sick new born babies. ·         Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) for health screening and early intervention services has been launched to provide comprehensive care to all the children in the age group of 0-18 years in the community. The purpose of these services is to improve the overall quality of life of children through early detection of birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays including disability. ·         Village Health and Nutrition Days in rural areas as an outreach activity, for provision of maternal and child health services. ·         Health and nutrition education to promote dietary diversification, inclusion of iron and folate rich food as well as food items that promote iron absorption.  ·         Under National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI), through life cycle approach, age and dose specific IFA supplementation programme is being implemented for the prevention of anaemia among the vulnerable age groups like under-5 children, children of 6 – 10 years of age group, adolescents, pregnant & lactating women and women in reproductive age along with treatment of anaemic children and pregnant mothers at health facilities.

Meeting MDG Target on Infant Mortality

Under the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4, target is to reduce Child Mortality by two-third between 1990 and 2015. In case of India, it translates into a goal of reducing Infant mortality rate from 88 per thousand live births in 1990 to 29 in 2015. As per Sample Registration System (SRS), 2013 reports published by Registrar General of India the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of India is 40 per 1000 live births. It may reach 35 by 2015 if the current trend of annual decline of 5.6 per cent continues. Under National Health Mission, the following interventions are being implemented to reduce infant mortality rate and maternal mortality ratio in the Country: 1.      Promotion of institutional deliveries through Janani Suraksha Yojana. 2.      Operationalization of sub-centres, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals for providing 24x7 basic and comprehensive obstetric care services. 3.      Name Based Web enabled Tracking of Pregnant Women to ensure antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care. 4.      Mother and Child Protection Card in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to monitor service delivery for mothers and children. 5.      Antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care including Iron and Folic Acid supplementation to pregnant & lactating women for prevention and treatment of anaemia. 6.      Engagement of more than 8.9 lakhs Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to generate demand and facilitate accessing of health care services by the community. 7.      Village Health and Nutrition Days in rural areas as an outreach activity, for provision of maternal and child health services. 8.      Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health Programme (ARSH) – Especially for adolescents to have better access to family planning, prevention of sexually transmitted Infections, Provision of counselling and peer education. 9.      Health and nutrition education to promote dietary diversification, inclusion of iron and folate rich food as well as food items that promote iron absorption.   10.    Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and no expense delivery including Caesarean section.  The initiative stipulates free drugs, diagnostics, blood and diet, besides free transport from home to institution, between facilities in case of a referral and drop back home.  Similar entitlements have been put in place for all sick infants accessing public health institutions for treatment. 11.         Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Vaccination protects children against many life threatening diseases such as Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Measles. Infants are thus immunized against seven vaccine preventable diseases every year. The Government of India supports the vaccine programme by supply of vaccines and syringes, cold chain equipment and provision of operational costs. 12.         Strengthening Facility based newborn care: Newborn care corners (NBCC) are being set up at all health facilities where deliveries take place; Special New Born Care Units (SNCUs) and New Born Stabilization Units (NBSUs) are also being set up at appropriate facilities for the care of sick newborn including preterm babies. 13.         Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC):  Home based newborn care through ASHA has been initiated to improve new born practices at the community level and early detection and referral of sick new born babies 14.          Capacity building of health care providers: Various trainings are being conducted under National Health Mission (NHM) to build and upgrade the skills of health care providers in basic and comprehensive obstetric care of mother during pregnancy, delivery and essential newborn care. 15.          Management of Malnutrition: Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) have been established for management of severe acute malnutrition in children. 16.         India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) has been launched to reduce neonatal mortality and stillbirths. 17.            Newer interventions to reduce newborn mortality- Vitamin K injection at birth, Antenatal corticosteroids for preterm labour, kangaroo mother care and injection gentamicin for possible serious bacillary infection. 18.               Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight was observed in August 2014 focusing on ORS and Zinc distribution for management of diarrhoea and feeding practices. 19.           Integrated Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (IAPPD) launched in four states with highest infant mortality (UP, MP, Bihar and Rajasthan). The prominent causes of death among infants as per RGI-SRS (2001-03) are perinatal conditions (46%), respiratory infections (22%), diarrhoeal disease (10%), other infectious and parasitic diseases (8%), and congenital anomalies (3.1%). Besides this, Illiteracy, low socio-economic status, early age of marriage, high parity, women’s empowerment, poor sanitation, hygiene and nutrition, poor access to health facilities are also contributing factors of Infant and Child mortality