Indian Economy-News & Updates

[RISING SUN]

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/f...aster-development-indias-new-freight-corridor
Green Signal for Faster Development: India’s New Freight Corridor


Across the world, moving freight by rail is cheaper and greener than sending it by road. But in India, it is slow and unpredictable. And costs are amongst the highest in the world.

Indian Railways has been losing market share to road transportation because of inadequate infrastructure and poor services, exacerbated by the need to fit freight trains into busy passenger service schedules. As a result, most of India’s passengers and the bulk of its freight goes by road. Today, 90 percent of India’s passenger traffic and 65 percent of its freight uses road transportation. And these shares are growing.

Now, the Indian Railways is building two world-class freight corridors that will transform the way goods are transported along India’s busiest routes. Given India’s energy security issues and escalating concerns about traffic accidents, congestion and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with road transport, these efforts will help increase the share of rail transportation in the country.

The dedicated freight-only lines are being built along the four key transportation routes – known as the Golden Quadrilateral – which connect Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. These corridors carry the country's heaviest rail traffic and are highly congested.

The first dedicated freight corridors (DFC) to be built are the Western (Delhi-Mumbai), and the Eastern Corridors (Ludhiana to Kolkata).

World Bank support

About 2000 km long Eastern Corridor will pass through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, bringing jobs and much-needed development to some of India’s poorest regions. The World Bank is financing about 1,200 km of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (Ludhiana - Kolkata) through a series of three projects: Khurja – Kanpur (EDFC I, 390 km); Kanpur – Mughal Sarai (EDFC II, 402 km); and Ludhiana – Khurja (EDFC III, 401 km). At completion, the program is expected to more than double the Indian Railways’ freight carrying capacity along the corridor.

The new electrified freight-only railway lines will allow trains to haul higher loads faster, cheaper, and more reliably than before, enabling the railways to make a quantum leap in their operational performance.

The Railways are using state-of-the-art technology and modern management and procurement approaches on a scale that is unprecedented in independent India. Construction is proceeding in accordance with internationally tendered ‘design and build’ contracts that put greater stress on compliance with schedules and budget than the traditional time and materials contracts used in the sector. For the first time in the country, rails of a quarter kilometer long are being laid using the latest automatic track laying machines.

The DFC lines are being built for maximum speeds of up to100km/h compared to current average commercial freight speed of about 25 km/h. The lines will also have a carrying capacity of 6,000 to 12,000 gross ton of freight trains at 25-ton axle load at opening, but designed to enable migration to 32.5 ton axle load later on. Apart from a reliable service, which is critical for freight customers, the DFCs will allow much shorter transit times from freight source to destination. And in some cases reduce the delivery time to more than 50 per cent.
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" By freeing the freight from the main lines, it will help boost passenger rail service, which will contribute to efficient urbanization within this big corridor, which is really important because we know that urbanization drives poverty alleviation in India "
Benedict L.J. Eijbergen, Program Leader, Economic Integration and Atul Agarwal, Senior Transport Specialist and Task Team Leaders
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World Bank

Current Status

All three World Bank projects under the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), amounting to US$2.72 billion are at different stages of implementation. Most of the major procurement contracts under EDFC 1 and 2 have already been awarded.

In addition to construction of the freight corridor, the project is also supporting the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) to strengthen its institutions. This includes research and development, long term commercial and marketing plan, approach to non-discriminatory access, safety on the tracks, locomotives and wagon specifications, pilot projects on energy optimization and freight logistics, and skill enhancement among others.

Economic Gains

The economic gains being envisaged are also huge. These innovative freight-only corridors will make it much cheaper, faster, and more reliable to move goods between the industrial heartland in the north and ports on the eastern and western coasts.

At present nearly 90 percent of Indian Railway’s freight is dominated by ten bulk commodities. With increase in DFC capacity and a faster and more reliable transit, Indian Railway will have the potential to attract new markets to rail in higher value freight sectors greatly underrepresented in railway freight at the moment. This will catalyze economic development in Uttar Pradesh by driving the establishment of industrial corridors and logistics parks along the route. It is expected that the corridor will make industries more competitive, manufactures will be able to meet the tight delivery schedules demanded by export markets on time, and the Make in India initiative will receive a boost.

The project will benefit the critical power and heavy manufacturing industries in the northern and eastern states through which the corridor passes. These industries rely heavily on the railways to carry their raw materials and take part of their finished and semi-finished goods to both domestic markets as well as to seaports on the eastern seaboard.

By transferring freight to dedicated freight-only lines, congestion on existing railway tracks in the lower Ganges basin will ease, improving passenger rail services. The region is one of India's poorest and most densely populated and its citizens rely heavily on rail transport for affordable travel.

“By freeing the freight from the main lines, it will help boost passenger rail service, which will contribute to efficient urbanization within this big corridor, which is really important because we know that urbanization drives poverty alleviation in India", said Benedict L.J. Eijbergen, Program Leader, Economic Integration, and Atul Agarwal, Senior Transport Specialist and Task Team Leaders for the projects.

A Green Project

The DFC is a green project as by shifting freight from road to rail it will reduce fossil fuel usage and energy consumption in India's transport sector. The corridor will operate entirely through electric locomotives, reducing carbon emissions significantly.

In fact, a carbon footprint analysis conducted by the Indian Railways finds that the DFC will generate 2.25 times less greenhouse gas emissions over a 30-year period compared to business as usual.

The experience gained in implementing a project of such magnitude and complexity will enable the Indian Railways to create one of the largest freight operations in the world.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
09-February, 2017 16:05 IST
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare delivers the 55th convocation address of IARI

Students trained in agriculture to come to forefront for bringing Second Green Revolution,: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

11 varieties of rice, wheat, mustard and pulses released during the year 2016: Union Agriculture Minister

The Union Minster of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Sri Radha Mohan Singh has said that for bringing the second Green Revolution in the country, students trained in agriculture will have to come to forefront and devote their knowledge and skills to agriculture and farmers’ welfare. Shri Radha Mohan Singh stated this on the occasion of 55th Convocation of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, today.

Shri Singh said that due to the presence of Pusa Institute in Delhi, there has been continuous development of agriculture in the adjoining states like Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh and due to this reason, two more Indian Agricultural Research Institutes (Assam and Jharkhand) have been opened, through which holistic development of agriculture is taking place in the entire country. Shri Singh said that due to adoption of crop varieties developed by Pusa Institute, meaningful and multiple changes have been observed. Earlier, we were dependent on other countries for food grains, but now we are helping other countries by providing food security. Agriculture Minister applauded the agricultural scientists of the country, particularly the scientists of the institute, for this achievement.

Shri Singh said that with cultivation of wheat varieties developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute in 10 million hectares, 50 million tonnes of wheat were being produced. The contribution of Basmati rice contributes about 22 thousand crore in agricultural export exchequer of about 1 lakh crore rupees and in this, the contribution of Basmati varieties developed by Pusa Institute is about 90%.

During 2016, IARI has released 11 varieties of different field crops such as rice, wheat, mustard and pulses. Pusa Double Zero Mustard 31, a canola quality mustard, developed by the institute, is the first variety of high quality in the country having less than 2% Erucic acid and less than 30ppm glucosinolates found in oil-cake, which is conducive for human and animal health. He raised the hope that a state-of-art automated phenomics facility established by IARI would be useful to study the environmental stress. He said that this facility would be used in developing plants from which higher yield could be secured with less use of water and fertilizers.

Shri Singh said that ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa has developed an innovative, eco-friendly and cost-effective wastewater treatment technology through which waste water can be easily made pollution free and useful for irrigation purpose with less than 1% energy and less than 50-60 % investment and operational cost. The Minister expressed that this technology would be effective in checking the shortage of water and pollution of soil, ground water and food due to wastewater in future.

Agriculture Minister said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minster Sri Narendra Modi, a number of agricultural and farmers’ welfare schemes had been stated to strengthen rural livelihood security besides promotion of food production. Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme, Prime Minister Agricultural Irrigation Scheme, Farm Mechanization Mission, National Agricultural Marketing, Rural Storage Scheme and Soil Health Card Scheme, are a few to mention. These schemes would be prove helpful in doubling the income of farmers. At the end, Shri Radha Mohan Singh extended greetings and congratulated the students, parents, teachers and all the people associated with the convocation program.

The Secretary, ICAR, Shri Trilohcan Mohapatra, dignitaries, scientists, students & innovative farmers were present on the occasion.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Electronics & IT 10-February, 2017 16:24 IST
“A Digital Friendly Budget aimed at accelerating India’s Transformation into a Digitally Empowered Society”: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Digital India initiative of the government of India has transformed the digital profile of India significantly. Some of the key indicators of this are:

· Phone Users: From 95 Crore phone users in June 2014, India today has 108 Crore mobile phone users.


· Aadhaar Holders: From 63 Crore Aadhaar holders in 2014, India today has 111 Crore Aadhaar holders.


· Investments in Electronic Manufacturing: Investments in electronic manufacturing which was just Rs. 11,000 Crore in June 2014, has increased to Rs. 1,27,880.

· Mobile Phone Manufacturing Hub: From 6 Crore mobile handsets in 2014-15, India’s mobile manufacturing capacity has increased to 11 Crore mobile handsets in 2015-16. With 72 new mobile handset and component manufacturing units set up in last two years, India has emerged as a mobile manufacturing hub.

· Growth in other areas of Electronic Manufacturing:


Item-Production 2014-15-Production 2015-16-Production Growth

LCD/LED TVs-0.87 crore units-1.2 crore units-38%

Mobile handsets (Nos.)-6 crore units-11 crore units-83%

Mobile handsets-(Value terms)-Rs.18,900 crore-Rs.54,000 crore-185%

LED products-Rs.2,172 crore-Rs.3,590 crore-65%

· Common Service Centers: To provide digital services to common people in villages the Common Services Centers were created. In June 2014, only 83,000 such centers were active across the country, which has now increased to 2.05 lakh centers.

· Bharat Net: Optical Fibre Network to connect villages of India has seen rapid growth. In June, 2014 only 358 kms of optical fibre was laid. In January, 2017 1.72 lakh kms of optical fiber has been laid across more than 76, 000 Gram Panchayats.

· MyGov: A new platform created for participative governance now has over 40 lakh registered users.

· Jeevan Pramaan Portal: A new initiative to provide convenience to pension holders was created which now has 56 lakh registered pensioners.

· Digi Locker: A new initiative to provide safe online document storage to citizen now has more 42 lakh users. More than 165 Crore digital documents have been issued by the Government in these lockers.

· Scholarship Portal: Online scholarship was easily made available to the students. 1.4 Crore students have registered under this.

· Online Hospital Appointment: Online appointment services in 60 major hospitals have been started. Total 47 lakh appointments have been taken online.

· eNAM: Online National Agriculture Market was created so that farmers can get the best price for their produce. Today more than 8.5 lakh farmers have registered on this portal.

· Growth in Digital Transactions: eTaal portal which measures the digital transactions of various eGovernance services has seen a rapid growth:

· In 2013- 66.25 lakh transactions per day

· In 2014- 96.9 lakh transactions per day

· In 2015- 1.85 crore transactions per day

· In 2016- 3 crore transactions per day

· Computerization of Land Records: Land records have been computerized in 31 states and Union Territories. Record of Rights (RORs) made online for 22 States/UTs. Bhu-Naksha/ Map digitization done for 15 States/UTs.

· Digi Dhan Abhiyaan: To promote digital payments across the country, Digi Dhan Abhiyaan was launched in December, 2016. Under this effort of the Ministry, more than 2 Crore people and 7.18 lakh shopkeepers were trained in digital payments across 5636 blocks of 640 districts.


Taking this pace of digital development the Union Budget 2017 has not only given an impetus to the existing efforts but has clearly outline the roadmap for future of digital development of India. It categorically focused on strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting cashless transactions in the country.


Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, GoI said, “The budget of Modi government for 2017-18 is historic and unprecedented. This is a budget for bold India, clean India, eager to tap its potential. Based on the pillars of efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness, this is budget for Digital India. Enthused by the historic decisions of the government like transparency in political funding, demonitisation of Rupee and the resultant curb on black economy, the budget for the year 2017-18 is all about Clean India, Energised India and Transformed India.”


Speaking on the relevance of the Union Budget 2017-18 to Electronics and IT sector, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, said, “As India is now on the cusp of a massive digital revolution, promotion of a digital economy is an integral part of Government’s strategy to clean the system and weed out corruption and black money. It has a transformative impact in terms of greater formalisation of the economy and mainstreaming of financial savings into the banking system. This, in turn, is expected to energise private investment in the country through lower cost of credit.”



“Digital Economy aims for speed, accountability and transparency. We are also creating an eco-system to make India a global hub for electronics manufacturing. Over 250 investment proposals for electronics manufacturing have been received in the last 2 years, totalling an investment of Rs 1.26 lakh crores. A number of global leaders and mobile manufacturers have set up production facilities in India. A shift to digital payments has huge benefits for the common man. The earlier initiative of our Government to promote financial inclusion and the JAM trinity were important precursors to our current push for digital transactions”, added Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad.



The recently launched BHIM App by the Government of India will unleash the power of mobile phones for digital payments and financial inclusion. So far, over 140 lakh people have adopted the BHIM app. The Government will launch two new schemes to promote the usage of BHIM; viz., Referral Bonus Scheme for individuals and a Cashback Scheme for merchants


Aadhar Pay, a merchant version of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System, will also be launched shortly. This will be specifically beneficial for those who do not have debit cards, mobile wallets and mobile phones. A Mission will be set up with a target of 2,500 crore digital transactions for 2017-18 through UPI, USSD, Aadhaar Pay, IMPS and debit cards. Banks have targeted to introduce additional 10 lakh new PoS terminals by March 2017. They will be encouraged to introduce 20 lakh Aadhaar based PoS by September 2017.


Keeping in view the need to promote cashless transactions, exemption from BCD, Excise/CV duty and SAD on miniaturized POS card reader for m-POS, micro ATM standards version 1.5.1, Finger Print Readers/Scanners and Iris Scanners been brought down to nil. Simultaneously, exemption is also extended to parts and components for manufacture of such devices, so as to encourage domestic manufacturing of these devices. I am sure you will notice that there are a number of other measures that are aimed at improving the ease of doing business and also for encouraging start ups.


The focus would be on rural and semi urban areas through Post Offices, Fair Price Shops and Banking Correspondents and cooperative sector. Support has been provided for NABARD for computerisation and integration of all 63,000 functional PACS with the Core Banking System of District Central Cooperative Banks. This will be done in 3 years at an estimated cost of Rs 1,900 crores, with financial participation from State Governments. This will ensure seamless flow of credit to small and marginal farmers. The coverage of National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) will be expanded from the current 250 markets to 585 APMCs. Steps would be taken to promote digital payments in petrol pumps, fertilizer depots, municipalities, Block offices, road transport offices, universities, colleges, hospitals and other institutions, such as using the recently launched BHIM App. A proposal to mandate all Government receipts through digital means, beyond a prescribed limit, is under consideration. Further, steps will be taken for linking of individual demat accounts with Aadhaar.


Digital Inclusion remains of central concern to this Government. In order that people in rural areas are able to access quality services, the Government has announced that a DigiGaon initiative will be launched in order to provide tele-medicine, education and skills through use of digital technologies. For senior citizens an Aadhar based Smart Card containing health details will be introduced initially on a pilot basis in 15 districts in 2017-18. This week the Cabinet has approved a scheme for digital literacy for 6 crore rural households– Prime Minister Gram Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan PMGDISHA which will be strengthened through the network of the Common Service Centre. We expect that this will further open up opportunities for livelihood in digital arena in rural areas. It is to be noted that CSCs have generated employment opportunities for over 5 lakh youth in rural areas.


Government is all set to launch the SWAYAM platform with at least 350 online courses will leverage information technology and enable students to virtually attend the courses taught by the best of the faculties present in the country, access high quality reading resources, participate in discussion forums, take tests and earn academic grades. Access to SWAYAM will further be widened by linkage with DTH channels, dedicated to education.

The Government of India is planning to introduce a new and restructured Central scheme, namely, Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) will be launched in 2017-18. The allocation for incentive schemes like M-SIPS and EDF exponentially increased to an all time high of Rs 745 crores in 2017-18. Duties have been rationalized which will provide boost to manufacturing of LED lights and solar cells and modules.


Commenting on the tax proposals, Hon’ble minister said, “The thrust of my tax proposals in this Budget is stimulating growth, relief to middle class, affordable housing, curbing black money, promoting digital economy, transparency of political funding and simplification of tax administration. Besides, reduction in income tax for smaller companies with annual turnover upto Rs 50 crore to 25% will make our MSME sector more competitive as compared to large companies”.



Cyber Security being very critical for safeguarding the integrity and stability of the financial sector and one of the major factors behind the Digital drive, the government is setting up a Computer Emergency Response Team for the Financial Sector (CERT-Fin). This entity will work in close coordination with all financial sector regulators and other stakeholders.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Railways
10-February, 2017 18:21 IST
World’s Oldest Working Steam Engine ‘Fairy Queen’ Ready to Haul Heritage Train Once Again

The ‘Fairy Queen’, the oldest surviving functional steam engine in the world is once again ready in this season to haul a heritage train from National Capital Delhi to Rewari, Haryana after a gap of 5 years. This train, which is a great attraction among steam engine lovers across the globe, will run between Delhi Cantt. Station and Rewari from tomorrow i.e. 11th February 2017 for a single day trip.

Fairy Queen locomotive

Fairy Queen Time Table to be run tomorrow i.e. 11 Feb 2017

Fairy Queen locomotive


The locomotive was constructed by Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson at Leeds, in England, in 1855, and reached Kolkata, then known as Calcutta, in the same year. On arrival, it was given fleet number "22" by its owner, the East Indian Railway Company, not receiving a name until 1895. Initially, the 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) gauge locomotive was used to haul light mail trains in West Bengal, operating between Howrah and Raniganj, and during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 hauled troop trains. It was later consigned to line construction duty in Bihar, where it served until 1909.

Fairy Queen locomotive


It was restored and given a special spot in the newly built National Rail Museum at Chanakyapuri, in New Delhi which was opened to public 40 years back on 1st February, 1977. The locomotive was restored to full working order in 1997, in preparation for its first mainline journey in 88 years and its return to commercial service on 18 July. It was certified by the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 as the world's oldest steam locomotive in regular operation. The following year, the train received a National Tourism Award for the most innovative and unique tourism project from Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Let down: A chilli farmer with his stock at Enumamula agriculture market in Warangal on Friday. | Photo Credit: ; - M_Murali


The chilli that commanded ₹11,000 per quintal last month is now getting only ₹6,000

The State government discouraged farmers from cultivating cotton stating that pulses would command a good price. But dal and other pulses, which earned ₹7,500 per quintal last year, were being bought at ₹4,300 per quintal now. Instead of guiding the farmers, the government misled them.

 

[kadamba-warrior]

Let down: A chilli farmer with his stock at Enumamula agriculture market in Warangal on Friday. | Photo Credit: ; - M_Murali


The chilli that commanded ₹11,000 per quintal last month is now getting only ₹6,000

The State government discouraged farmers from cultivating cotton stating that pulses would command a good price. But dal and other pulses, which earned ₹7,500 per quintal last year, were being bought at ₹4,300 per quintal now. Instead of guiding the farmers, the government misled them.

Mate, I really love your contributions, but don't you think you are sometimes simply flooding an important thread for India's economic new update thread with some really trivial stuff like this? How critical is this piece of news for India's economy?

I know I can ignore you and carry on but I know you are an active contributor and some of your updates are really informative/interesting.

 

[Hindustani78]

Mate, I really love your contributions, but don't you think you are sometimes simply flooding an important thread for India's economic new update thread with some really trivial stuff like this? How critical is this piece of news for India's economy?

I know I can ignore you and carry on but I know you are an active contributor and some of your updates are really informative/interesting.

This is very important to know regarding the International price , how much Indian farmers are getting ? Dont you think ?

''
Bleak outlook: Mounds of turmeric put up for sale at the marketyard in Nizamabad. | Photo Credit: K_V_ RAMANA


The price varies between ₹7,500 and ₹8,200 per quintal, depending on the quality and national market situation as it is traded through the e-National Agriculture Marketing system.

However, farmers who are bringing the crop to the market yard are of the opinion that it would be profitable for them only if the price is not less than ₹15,000 per quintal.

“This year turmeric has been planted in a little over 30,000 acres in the district, which is one of the important crop growing areas in the country. We expect at least 80,000 metric tonne crop will come to the market. Because of want of water in the previous two years farmers did not plant the crop,” said Deputy Director of Horticulture Sunanda.

 

[kadamba-warrior]

Mate, I really love your contributions, but don't you think you are sometimes simply flooding an important thread for India's economic new update thread with some really trivial stuff like this? How critical is this piece of news for India's economy?

I know I can ignore you and carry on but I know you are an active contributor and some of your updates are really informative/interesting.

This is very important to know regarding the International price , how much Indian farmers are getting ? Dont you think ?

Please do carry on, Sir.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
13-February, 2017 17:20 IST
Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurates Indian Seed Congress – 2017 in Kolkata



Availability of certified/quality seeds increased in the country due to the policy initiatives of the government: Agriculture Minister

Besides vegetables, there is great potentiality to export hybrid maize, paddy, pearl millet and cotton seeds to SEI & African countries: Shri Singh

Indian seed industry has the potential to become a major industry to supply quality seeds in global markets: Shri Singh


The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh today spoke about National Farmer Policy of the Union Government and said that the objective of this policy is to accelerate agricultural output, develop infrastructural facilities in the villages, promote value addition, expedite the growth of agro-business, create employment in the rural areas, ensuring better livelihood status of the farmers and agriculture workers and their families, discourage migration to urban areas and face the challenges emerging out of economic liberalization and globalization. Shri Radha Mohan Singh stated this on the inaugural function of Indian Seed Congress – 2017, in Kolkata today. The theme of Seed Congress is “Seed of Joy” which is very much in line with vision of this government to bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of farmers by doubling their farm income by 2022.

Speaking on this occasion, Shri Singh said that on account of the strategic measures of this government, there has been enhancement in the availability of certified/quality seeds. The availability of certified / quality seeds in the country has increased from less than 40 lakh quintal during decade of 60 to 370 lakh quintal in 2015-16. Shri Singh further said that the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare has asked the State Governments to prepare variety wise seed rolling plants to meet year wise, season wise requirements of quality seeds. This seed rolling plant will fulfil the double purpose of improving the Seed replacement rate along with Variety replacement rate so that sustainable agricultural production and productivity could be ensured.

Agriculture Minister further said that Indian Seed Market is growing fast and during the recent past, hybrid seed market of vegetables and cereals has shown remarkable growth. Shri Singh was of the view that Indian Seed Industry can emerge as a prominent industry for supplying seeds in international markets. India has great potentiality to produce hybrid seeds specially costly vegetable seeds on cheap rates as compared to the seeds of the other countries. Apart from vegetables, the hybrid seeds of maize, paddy, pearl millet and cotton may be exported to SEI and African countries in magnitude.

Shri Singh further added that the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is continuously attempting to streamline the regulatory framework in order to make it transparent, substantial and progressive. The Minister assured the representatives present that Central Government is making all out efforts to help them to grow even more, both domestically and in the international arena.

Shri Singh on this juncture said that under the able guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, a number of schemes have been initiated. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Vikas Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Soil Health Scheme, Neem Coated Urea and E-National Agriculture Mandi Scheme’s aim at to bring improvement in crop productivity as well as income of the farmers.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the opportunities of employment have been created for the skilled men and women and the girls in the field of agriware housing, cold chain, supply chain, dairy, poultry, meat, fisheries, horticulture, agriculture mechanization as well as micro irrigation. Skill India Mission is being implemented for imparting opportunities as well as skills to the rural youth in rural areas.

Agriculture Minister placed emphasis on 7 points programmes laid down by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to make the income of the farmers double. The details thereof are as follow:

• Big focus on irrigation with large budgets, with the aim of “per drop-more crop”

• Provision of quality seeds and nutrients based on soil health of each field

• Large investments in warehousing and cold chains to prevent post-harvest crop losses

• Promotion of value addition through food processing

• Creation of a national farm market, removing distortions and e-platform across 585 stations

• Introduction of a new crop insurance scheme to mitigate risks at affordable cost

• Promotion of ancillary activities like poultry, beekeeping and fisheries.



*****

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh visiting after inaugurating the Indian Seed Congress – 2017, in Kolkata on February 13, 2017.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh laying the foundation stone of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, at Barrackpore, Kolkata on February 13, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
15-February, 2017 19:58 IST
Cabinet approves Establishment of Food Legumes Research Platform (FLRP) at Amlaha, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh with Satellite Hubs in West Bengal and Rajasthan by International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA)



The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved:

(i) the Establishment of Food Legumes Research Platform (FLRP) at Amlaha, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh with Satellite Hubs in West Bengal (for pulses) and Rajasthan (for Natural Resource Management) by ICARDA in the second phase; by International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA);



(ii) Signing of lease deed with State Government of Madhya Pradesh for the land provided by them (70.99 hectares, 175.42 acre) at Amlaha Farm, Sehore on land rent of Rs. 1 per acre per year for 30 years on lease and to further lease it to ICARDA to establish the FLRP at Madhya Pradesh;


(iii) ‘In principle’ approval of the Cabinet for conferring on the Food Legume Research Platform of ICARDA an international status as contemplated in Clause 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.



(iv) Authorizing the Department of Agricultural Research (DARE) on behalf of Government of India in all matters regarding establishment of the Platform.


(v) Authorizing the Ministry of Agriculture to carry out technical modifications in the Supplementary Agreement signed between ICAR and ICARDA relating to establishment of FLRP, if required.



The establishment of FLRP in India will enable India to harness the best of international science in meeting the emerging food security challenges. India would be able to rapidly and effectively absorb the research output achieved in the country by FLRP. A major international R&D institution will make India an even bigger center for agricultural research in the world and this in turn, will attract further research & development investment in the country.

This is a research set up by an international organization. ICARDA has a good track record of innovation, as in climate resilient technologies including suitable food legume varieties for dry-land production systems. ICARDA will carry out research through a multi-disciplinary team of scientists for enhancing productivity of crops range-land and livestock. This platform will contribute significantly towards reducing poverty, improving food security, improving nutrition and health, and sustaining the natural resource base.

The research output would benefit farmers of all regions, whether big, small or marginal; and as technologies developed would be eligible for use by all farmers, the project is equitable and inclusive.



*****

Ministry of Agriculture
15-February, 2017 17:23 IST
Total foodgrains production in the country is estimated at record 271.98 MT

Total production of Rice is estimated at record 108.86 mt

Production of Wheat, estimated at 96.64 million tonnes is also a record



Production of Coarse Cereals estimated at a new record level of 44.34 million tonnes



Total production of pulses during 2016-17 is estimated at record 22.14 million tonnes



Total Oilseeds production in the country is estimated at record level of 33.60 million tonnes



2nd Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2016-17 released



The 2nd Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2016-17 have been released by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare on 15th February, 2017. The assessment of production of different crops is based on the feedback received from States and validated with information available from other sources.


2. As per 2nd Advance Estimates, the estimated production of major crops during 2016-17 is as under:


Ø Foodgrains – 271.98 million tonnes (record)

· Rice – 108.86 million tonnes (record)

· Wheat – 96.64 million tonnes (record)

· Coarse Cereals – 44.34 million tonnes (record)

· Maize – 26.15 million tonnes (record)

· Pulses – 22.14 million tonnes (record)

· Gram – 9.12 million tonnes

· Tur – 4.23 million tonnes (record)

· Urad – 2.89 million tonnes (record)

Ø Oilseeds – 33.60 million tonnes (record)

· Soyabean – 14.13 million tonnes

· Groundnut – 8.47 million tonnes

· Castorseed – 1.74 million tonnes

Ø Cotton – 32.51 million bales (of 170 kg each)

Ø Sugarcane – 309.98 million tonnes

3. As a result of very good rainfall during monsoon 2016 and various policy initiatives taken by the Government, the country has witnessed record foodgrain production in the current year. As per Second Advance Estimates for 2016-17, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at 271.98 million tonnes which is higher by 6.94 million tonnes than the previous record production of Foodgrain of 265.04 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14. The current year’s production is also higher by 14.97 million tonnes than the previous five years’ (2011-12 to 2015-16) average production of Foodgrains. The current year’s production is significantly higher by 20.41 million tonnes than the last year’s foodgrain production.

4. Total production of Rice is estimated at record 108.86 million tonnes which is also a new record. This year’s Rice production is higher by 2.21 million tonnes than previous record production of 106.65 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14. It is also higher by 3.44 million tonnes than the five years’ average Rice production of 105.42 million tonnes. Production of rice has increased significantly by 4.45 million tonnes than the production of 104.41 million tonnes during 2015-16.

5. Production of Wheat, estimated at 96.64 million tonnes is also a record. This year’s wheat production is higher than the previous record production of 95.85 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14. Production of Wheat during 2016-17 is also higher by 4.03 million tonnes than the average wheat production. The current year’s production is higher by 4.36 million tonnes as compared to Wheat production of 92.29 million tonnes achieved during 2015-16.

6. Production of Coarse Cereals estimated at a new record level of 44.34 million tonnes is higher than the average production by 3.00 million tonnes. It is higher than the previous record production of 43.40 million tonnes achieved during 2010-11 by 0.94 million tonnes. Current year’s production it is also higher by 5.82 million tonnes as compared to their production of 38.52 million tonnes achieved during 2015-16.

7. As a result of significant increase in the area coverage and productivity of all major Pulses, total production of pulses during 2016-17 is estimated at 22.14 million tonnes which is higher by 2.89 million tonnes than the previous record production of 19.25 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14. Production of Pulses during 2016-17 is also higher by 4.50 million tonnes than their Five years’ average production. Current year’s production is higher by 5.79 million tonnes than the previous year’s production of 16.35 million tonnes.

8. With an increase of 8.35 million tonnes over the previous year, total Oilseeds production in the country is estimated at record level of 33.60 million tonnes. It is higher by 0.85 million tonnes than the previous record production of 32.75 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14. The production of Oilseeds during 2016-17 is also higher by 4.34 million tonnes than the five year’s average Oilseeds production. The current year’s production is significantly higher than the production of 25.25 million tonnes during 2015-16.


9. Production of Sugarcane is estimated at 309.98 million tonnes which is lower by 38.46 million tonnes than the last year’s production of 348.45 million tonnes.

10. Despite lower area coverage during 2016-17, higher productivity of Cotton has resulted into higher production of 32.51 million bales (of 170 kg each) as compared to 30.01 million bales during 2015-16.

11. Production of Jute & Mesta estimated at 10.06 million bales (of 180 kg each) is marginally lower than their production of 10.52 million bales during the last year.

****

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
15-February, 2017 16:04 IST
330 lakh MT of wheat to be procured during Rabi Marketing Season 2017-18

In the conference of the Food Secretaries of the States held here under the Chairpersonship of Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary, the Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, the prospects of production of wheat and procurement estimate for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2017-18 were discussed.

In consultation with the States, it was decided to procure 330.00 lakh MT of wheat during RMS 2017-18, which is considerably more in comparison with the last season actual procurement of 229.61 lakh MT.

In the Conference, the estimate for procurement of paddy grown in Rabi/ Winter/ Summer crop of Kharif Marketing Season 2016-17 for various States were also done in terms of rice. The estimate is 50 lakh MT with State-wise break-up given below. This estimate is over and above the estimate of 330 lakh MT set for Kharif crop of paddy for KMS 2016-17, for which the procurement operations are going on and the paddy procurement in KMS 2016-17 in terms of rice has already reached to the level of 292.31 lakh MT as reported on 15.02.2017, which is nearly 28 lakh MT higher than the procurement of 264.53lakh MT by the corresponding date in previous year, i.e., KMS 2015-16.

**********

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
15-February, 2017 17:49 IST
INDIA’S FOREIGN TRADE: January, 2017



I. MERCHANDISE TRADE

EXPORTS (including re-exports)

In consonance with the revival exhibited by exports in the last four months, during January,2017 exports continue to show a positive growth of 4.32 per cent in dollar terms (valued at US$ 22115.03 million) and 5.61 per cent in Rupee terms (valued at Rs. 150559.98 crore) as compared to US$ 21199.02 million (Rs. 142568.31 crore) during January,2016.

Cumulative value of exports for the period April-January 2016-17 was US$ 220922.78 million (Rs. 1484473.55 crore) as against US$ 218532.64 million (Rs. 1420572.68 crore) registering a positive growth of 1.09 per cent in Dollar terms and positive growth of 4.50 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.

Non-petroleum exports in January 2017 were valued at US$ 19422.86 million against US$ 19111.38 million in January 2016, an increase of 1.6 %. Non-petroleum exports during April - January 2016-17 were valued at US$ 196254.10 million as compared to US$ 192071.50 million for the corresponding period in 2016, an increase of 2.2%.

The growth in exports is positive for USA (2.63%),EU(5.47%) and Japan(13.43%) but China has exhibited negative growth of (-1.51%) for November 2016 over the corresponding period of previous year as per latest WTO statistics.

IMPORTS

Imports during January 2017 were valued at US$ 31955.94 million (Rs. 217557.32 crore) which was 10.70 per cent higher in Dollar terms and 12.07 per cent higher in Rupee terms over the level of imports valued at US$ 28866.53 million (Rs. 194134.02 crore) in January, 2016. Cumulative value of imports for the period April-January 2016-17 was US$ 307311.86 million (Rs. 2065656.42 crore) as against US$ 326277.38 million (Rs. 2120158.57 crore) registering a negative growth of 5.81 per cent in Dollar terms and 2.57 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.

CRUDE OIL AND NON-OIL IMPORTS:

Oil imports during January, 2017 were valued at US$ 8140.83 million which was 61.07 percent higher than oil imports valued at US$ 5054.29 million in January 2016. Oil imports during April-January, 2016-17 were valued at US$ 69062.66 million which was 5.81 per cent lower than the oil imports of US$ 73321.66 million in the corresponding period last year.

Non-oil imports during January, 2017 were estimated at US$ 23815.11 million which was 0.01 per cent higher than non-oil imports of US$ 23812.24 million in January, 2016. Non-oil imports during April-January 2016-17 were valued at US$ 238249.20 million which was 5.81 per cent lower than the level of such imports valued at US$ 252955.72 million in April-January, 2015-16.

II. TRADE IN SERVICES (for December, 2016, as per the RBI Press Release dated 15th February 2017)

EXPORTS (Receipts)

Exports during December 2016 were valued at US$ 13804 Million (Rs. 93729.71 Crore) registering a positive growth of 3.49 per cent in dollar terms as compared to positive growth of 1.72 per cent during November 2016 (as per RBI’s Press Release for the respective months).

IMPORTS (Payments)

Imports during December 2016 were valued at US$ 8294 Million (Rs. 56316.59 Crore) registering a negative growth of 0.35 per cent in dollar terms as compared to positive growth of 8.37 per cent during November 2016 (as per RBI’s Press Release for the respective months).

III.TRADE BALANCE

MERCHANDISE: The trade deficit for April-January, 2016-17 was estimated at US$ 86389.08 million which was 19.82% lower than the deficit of US$ 107744.74 million during April-January, 2015-16.

SERVICES: As per RBI’s Press Release dated 15th February 2017, the trade balance in Services (i.e. net export of Services) for December, 2016 was estimated at US$ 5510 million. The net export of services for April- December, 2016-17 was estimated at US$ 48316 million which is lower than net export of services of US$ 53557 million during April- December, 2015-16. (The data for April-December 2015-16 and 2016-17 has been derived by adding April-December month wise QE data of RBI Press Release).

OVERALL TRADE BALANCE: Overall the trade balance has improved. Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade deficit for April- January 2016-17 is estimated at US$ 38073.08 million which is 29.7 percent lower in Dollar terms than the level of US$ 54187.74 million during April-January 2015-16. (Services data pertains to April-December 2016-17 as December 2016 is the latest data available as per RBI’s Press Release dated 15th February 2017)

…

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
16-February, 2017 16:01 IST
Estimated production of major livestock products based on Integrated sample survey 2016-17 rainy season (July-October 2016)

The Integrated Sample Survey is a regular sample survey under taken on a general principle of 15% sample basis across the country. The sample Villages/Urban wards are selected from the entire rural and urban areas of States/UTs and the survey is conduct by the States/UTs in three seasons. The list of latest Livestock Census villages constitutes the sampling frame. As per general principle, for the estimation of livestock numbers, 15% (5% for each season) of the villages/urban wards will be selected in the form of two independent sub-samples in a State for complete enumeration of livestock and poultry population by using Simple Random Sampling Without Replacement (SRSWOR). Subsequently, 5 samples will be selected from each of the sub-sample to carry out detailed survey for the estimation of yield rates. The number of sample will increase or decrease according to the number of villages in each district.

2. Period of Survey: The Survey period for rainy season was 1st July, 2016 to 31st October, 2016.

3. Key Findings: The key finding of the survey is summarised as under:

3.1 Milk Production: The total milk production has increased from 52.21 Million Tonnes during 2015-16 (Rainy) to 54.50 Million Tonnes during 2016-17 (Rainy) registering a growth 4.38%. As against the targeted production of 163.74 Million Tonnes during 2016-17, the total estimated production in two seasons, summer and rainy, is 105.42 Million Tonnes showing an achievement of 64.38%. Further, as compared to previous year’s (2015-16) rainy estimates, the average milk yield per day has marginally improved for indigenous category of cows and buffaloes. The average yield rates of exotic and crossbred cows are estimated to be as 10.85Kgs and 7.40Kgs per animal per day respectively and the average yield rates of indigenous and non-descript cows are estimated to be as 3.56 Kgs and 2.29 Kgs per animals per day. The average yield rates of indigenous and non-descript buffaloes are estimated to be as 5.86Kgs and 4.04Kgs per animals per day respectively.


The first five highest milk producing States are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh during the Rainy Season.



3.2 Egg Production: The total egg production has increased from 27.33 Billion during 2015-16 (Rainy) to 29.09 Billion during 2016-17 (Rainy) registering a growth 6.42%. As against the targeted production of 87.05 Billions of eggs during 2016-17, the total estimated production in two seasons, summer and rainy, is 55.11 Billion showing an achievement of 63.31%. The production of egg is largely contributed by commercial poultry farms with nearly 75.75% and remaining production is from household/backyard poultry. The first five highest eggs producing States are Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana , West Bengal & Haryana during the Rainy Season.

3.3 Meat Production: The total meat production has increased from 2.24 Million Tonnes during 2015-16 (Rainy) to 2.43 Million Tonnes during 2016-17 (Rainy) registering a growth 8.74%. As against the targeted production of 7.37 Million Tonnes during 2016-17, the total estimated production in two seasons, summer and rainy, is 4.67 Million Tonnes showing an achievement of 63.28%. Nearly, 47.86% of the meat production is contributed by poultry and 20.11% is from buffaloes. The first five highest Meat producing States are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, & Telangana during the Rainy Season.


3.4 Wool Production: The total wool production has decreased from 5.91 Million Kgs during 2015-16 (Rainy) to 5.78 Million Kgs during 2016-17 (Rainy), a decline of 2.16%. As against the targeted production of 44.07 Million Kgs during 2016-17, the total estimated production in two seasons, summer and rainy, is 20.66 Million Kgs showing an achievement of 46.89%. The first five highest Wool producing States are Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, & Jammu & Kashmir during the Rainy Season.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Steel17-February, 2017 15:52 IST
Steel Industry Need to Meet Entire Domestic Demand of High-Grade Automotive Steel, Electrical Steel and Special Steels from Domestic Production, Says Chaudhary Birender Singh Addressing ‘Make In Steel’ Conference



Following is the text of the address by Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh at the ‘Make in Steel’ Conference in New Delhi today:



“Dr. Aruna Sharma, Secretary, Steel

Shri P.K.Singh, Chairman, SAIL

Shri Prashant Ruia, MD, Essar

Madam Rita Singh, CMD, MESCO Steel

Distinguished delegates

Friends from the Media

Ladies & Gentlemen;


I am glad to be here at this conference on a very relevant theme- ‘Make in Steel’. My compliments to the organisers for choosing this topic for the conference.


It has been over six months since I took over as Steel Minister. I have met different stakeholders and visited steel plants and mines. I have come to the conclusion that steel industry is a vibrant and dynamic industry where employees work hard round the clock to produce steel which is the building block for a strong economy.



International linkages for raw materials and markets make the industry dependent on changing trends in world steel market.


Steel industry is important for the country because it has one of the highest economic linkages in overall GDP. Steel has an output-multiplier effect of around 1.4 times on GDP, so if steel industry grows by 1 per cent, its proportionate impact on GDP would be 1.4 %.



Employment-multiplier effect of steel is around 7 times, that is, with increase in output, steel industry has the potential to create 7 times the job opportunities, in upward and downward industries.



In 2016, India retained its position as the fastest growing major steel economy in the world. We are all proud of it, and we are confident that India would continue to lead the growth trend in world steel industry. All of us will have to work together for it.



In my view, there are five important thrust areas we need to focus on and to make it easy to remember, we have coined an acronym ‘PRIDE’ that aptly sums up the way forward for the steel industry.


P stands for production & productivity


R for Research & Development


I for Indian-made steel


D for Demand of Steel


E for excellence in quality


Each of these areas is important from the perspective of ‘Make in Steel’, which I understand as maximising usage of steel in different segments of industry.


I would go one step further and add another element to the theme, which is ‘Why Steel’. We need to ask this question to ourselves and then convince the potential customers about the advantages of using steel. Our message will be clear when we are ourselves clear about what we want to achieve.


Steel industry needs to join the drive to demonstrate benefits of steel. Through Life Cycle Analysis, we need to showcase that steel structures are highly cost-effective and have shorter lead time for erection. Steel has greater durability with high design comfort.


At Ministry level, we have directed all concerned to utilize every possible opportunity to showcase prototypes and exhibits of steel for this purpose.


We must use all marketing, branding avenues to push this message. That is the only way to meet the challenge of product substitution by aluminium, concrete, plastic, glass etc.


As far as the first letter P in PRIDE is concerned, India is on its way to become world’s second largest steel producer.


The gap between India and Japan was 16 million tonnes in 2015, which has come down to 9 million tonnes in 2016.


India’s share in global steel production was 5.5 % in 2015, which has increased to 5.9 % in 2016. So as far as production of steel is concerned, we are on the right path.


In draft National Steel Policy that was put up in public domain recently, we aim to more than double the capacity to 300 million tonnes. That means an investment to the tune of Rs. 10 lakh crore.


We definitely need to create demand in line with the planned increase in capacities. Our target is to increase per capita steel consumption to 160 kilogram.


We should work towards meeting the entire domestic demand of high-grade automotive steel, electrical steel and special steels from domestic production. These products constitute a major portion of the steel imports in India.


We are examining the feasibility of setting up scrap-based steel plants in India. These will be on the lines of ‘Melt & Manufacture’ steel technology in USA.


Scrap-based steel plants are environment-friendly, energy-efficient and cost-effective. These will have the capability to produce special high-quality steels, a pre-requisite for Make in Steel.


I would like you to deliberate on the cost-benefit analysis of setting up scrap based steel plants in North and West India.


These regions are important from the perspective of scrap-availability and steel import hubs.


MSTC-Mahindra Intertrade state-of-the-art Auto Shredding Plant is likely to be functional in 2018.



Indian market has huge potential for auto-shredding. As per reports, there are more than 7 lakh cars and over 4 lakh trucks and buses which have reached end-of-life stage. By 2025, around 28 lakh cars and 12 lakh trucks and buses will reach their end-of-life stage.


India imports around 6 million tonnes of scrap steel every year and is the second largest importer of scrap after Turkey. By 2025, we will be able to generate 7.5 million tonnes of scrap every year.


So far as productivity is concerned, we are lagging behind the international benchmarks of performance. At country level, PSUs need to catch up with the productivity and efficiency levels achieved by Private steel companies.


At international level, all Indian steel companies need to aim high and work towards achieving international levels.


Research & Development in Indian Steel industry is dismal. Whatever little R&D is being done is scattered and isolated. At one hand, there is overlapping & duplication of research efforts, at the other, no research is being done on future requirements of the industry. We are happy and contented with token R&D here and there.


I went to Luxembourg last year and was apprised that they are trying to explore for mineral resources in space.


If a small country like Luxembourg can dream that big, what stops us from aiming high and working on out-of-the-box solutions and technologies for steel making using indigenous resources.


We are still dependent on imported raw material and high-end steel products. We have the potential to enhance usage of domestic coking coal by setting up more coal washeries,


we are capable of producing auto-grade, defence-grade and other special steels in India. What we need to do is to push ourselves and to come out of our comfort zones. Then and then only can we be self-sufficient and strong.


We are trying to bring together all R&D efforts under one umbrella of SRTMI (Steel Research & Technology Mission of India) with public-private partnership.


Ministry of Steel is in constant touch with different user ministries to ensure that steel-intensive structures are promoted through regulatory, advisory and other measures. We are in the process of talking to hill states to increase use of crash barriers to minimize fatalities due to road accidents on hills. Rural Development Ministry has already recommended use of steel-intensive structures in rural housing.


We are trying that “Indian Made Steel” can be defined in the light of existing Public Procurement Bill.


This will provide for mandatory procurement from domestic bidders on the grounds of promoting domestic industry. Basically the aim is to emphasize lower life cycle costing while evaluating projects, rather than just looking at the upfront cost alone.


Demand of steel is most important factor from the Make in Steel angle. I am happy that you have devoted most part of the conference to this aspect. There is no dearth of potential for steel demand. You name a core sector and steel is an integral part of it. The need of the hour is to channelize our resources in harnessing this demand.


At Ministry level, we are constantly working to think of and work on ways for increasing steel demand in India.


We had the meeting of newly constituted Steel Consumer Council last month, in which concrete feedback has come from different stakeholders. We invited suggestions on increasing steel consumption in India on MyGov platform and Ministry is working on implementable suggestions.


We have constituted four task forces and committees of experts and users of steel to formulate strategies to increase steel consumption in India.


The importance that we are giving to this area can be gauged from the fact that we discussed ways and means to increase steel demand in Parliamentary Consultative Committee and urged the members to use their good offices to propagate the message.


We all know that a record allocation of around Rs. 4 lakh crore has been made for infrastructure sector in the recent budget.


Focus on areas such as ports, roads, affordable housing, physical infrastructure should provide the steel sector necessary impetus to meet its growth targets.


The budget has given infrastructure status to housing and enhanced budget for housing, which is expected to revive domestic steel demand as it will push up demand for construction grade steel particularly those for roofing purposes.


At present around 40 % steel consumption is from construction and infrastructure sectors, and we want to take it to 60 percent in long-term.


In the budget, the Government has waived basic custom duty on nickel and reduced custom duty on specific-use grades of hot-rolled and cold rolled steel coils. The decision to cut down customs duty to on LNG (liquefied natural gas) will boost domestic steel companies that rely on imports to run gas-based steel plants.


All these decisions will go a long way in ensuring that Make in Steel drive is successful in India.


Lastly, all these efforts will mean nothing, if we are not able to produce steel of high quality. If we want to compete at international level, we will have to perform as per international benchmarks of efficiency and quality.


It is my firm belief that Indian steel industry needs to move to a 100 % quality regime, for health and safety of end users. That is why we are going ahead with making BIS certification essential for most of the products.


All the measures we discussed will have to be taken as a part of comprehensive strategy to generate steel demand in the country.


I am sure you will all use PRIDE as your guiding principle for Make in Steel Roadmap for the industry.


My best wishes for the Conference.”


YSK/Uma

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ision-to-tap-solar-energy/article17314566.ece

The plan is to install solar panels along the length of the platform roof
As part of the Indian Railways current drive to tap alternative form of energy to go green, the Mysuru division of the South Western Railway (SWR) will soon have about 20 railway stations fuelled by solar energy. The plan is to install solar panels along the length of the platform roof at these stations which are in the process of being identified and this will help reduce dependence on the local electricity supply companies. The move will entail considerable savings on power bills besides taking giant strides in being eco-friendly.

Atul Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager, told The Hindu that Mysuru division shells out nearly ₹90 lakh per annum towards power bill and with the installation of the roof top solar panels on platforms at least 25% per cent of the power charges could be saved. “Besides cost savings, it will reduce dependence on local power supply companies who can divert power thus saved to industries or domestic consumption. Once we are self-sufficient in power, we will be off the grid to a large extent resulting in reduction of load on them,” Mr. Gupta said.

The work on installation of solar panels on platform roofs at Mysuru and Hassan will be taken up in due course but the remaining stations are in the process of being identified depending on their geographical locations, solar energy potential, and requirements. This is part of the ongoing drive across Indian Railways to tap alternative forms of power and reduce dependence on conventional power generated from coal and hydro, Mr. Gupta added.

Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer Vishwanathan explained that an MoU has been signed with private companies to install, maintain and operate the solar panels at Mysuru and Hassan stations and will be completed by 2017-18. “The remaining stations are in the process of being identified but the project will be completed within the next two years,” he added.

As per the plans, solar panels of 100 kV capacity each will be installed at Mysuru and Hassan and each station is expected to generate about 800 units to 1,000 units of electricity per day on a clear day with bright sunshine. In case of Mysuru, the requirement is 3,000 units per day and will result in an average saving of 25% in power cost.

The solar panels will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at stations during day time for at least six to eight hours and can power reservation counters, waiting hall, platforms, and so on.

These are in addition to the 15kV solar hybrid plant at Birur station while 60 level crossing gates are also energised by solar power.

 

[Soumitra]

HAL AIRPORT CAN STILL BE BENGALURU’S SECOND

Bangalore Mirror Bureau | Feb 16, 2017, 04.00 AM IST






Top brass have urged the civil aviation ministry to include HAL airport in its regional connectivity plan, which hopes to add 55 airports across India to the existing 70

Bengaluru can still look ahead with hope to have a second airport – its original HAL Airport, which is today being referred to as the “Old Airport”.

HAL has appealed to the civil aviation ministry for its airport to be included in the regional airports connectivity plan of the civil aviation ministry, HAL chairman and managing director T Suvarna Raju said.

Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has said there is a plan – under the regional connectivity plan – to add 55 airports across India to the existing 70 to facilitate short distance flights which would see smaller aircraft being put to wider use while offering short-haul passengers an option to fly. The HAL airport is one of them. “We hope that our airport gets the clearance to be included in the regional connectivity plan,” Suvarna Raju said.

Not an option now

At present, HAL cannot be an airport of option for Bengalureans because of a 25-year agreement between the state government and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) not to allow an additional airport within a radius of 150 Kilometres of the Kempegowda International Airport, promoted by the BIAL, at Devanahalli.
Considering that, HAL scouted options of returning its airport to commercial flight operations by approaching the civil aviation ministry, using the regional connectivity plan.

In July 2015, HAL in an affidavit had informed the Karnataka High Court that it would be able to provide adequate infrastructure to operate domestic as well as international flights if given the opportunity to do so. The affidavit was filed by the head of HAL’s Airport Service Centre of its Bangalore Complex before a division bench. It was in connection with a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Airports Authority of India Employees’ Union which demanded reopening HAL airport for commercial operations. In May 2008, all commercial flight operations were moved to KIA (then known as Bangalore International Airport) in Devanahalli. The stoppage of all commercial flight/cargo operations from the HAL airport led to the defence public sector undertaking incurring losses to the tune of about 1,480 crore, the affidavit had said.

The HAL airport is now mainly being used for defence test flights, especially by the National Flight Test Centre, which conducts test flights on new or upgraded defence aircraft. The airport is also being used for VVIP landing/take-offs as well as chartered flight operations, which helps HAL rake in some revenue from the airport.

WHY HAL AIRPORT?

Reopening of the HAL airport would provide south and south-east Bengalureans a more convenient option of reaching an airport. Presently, a Bengalurean who intends to fly, say, to Chennai – which takes about hours by road – takes almost the same time to reach there by flight, if the road distance from south Bengaluru to KIA and the congested traffic on the way are taken into consideration.

For example, a Jayanagar resident would take about 90 minutes to reach the KIA, covering a distance of 41 Km. Given that the passenger has to report about 90 minutes before the flight’s departure time, the resident would have to leave his place at least three hours ahead – and still will not have left Bengaluru.

Easy access

Alternatively, that time would be drastically cut if the flight were to take off from HAL Airport instead. The airport is also easier accessible to the several south and south-east located IT hubs of Bengaluru.

 

[MKC]

South Korea likely to develop New Delhi railway station as world class
Besides the multi-storey station building with separate sections for departures and arrivals, there is a provision for three skyscrapers for commercial use at the Ajmeri Gate side of the station.
By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:February 19, 2017 1:25 pm
South Korea has come forward to redevelop the New Delhi railway station, one of the busiest terminals in the country, as a world-class facility. Catering to more than five lakh passengers in a day, the station will be converted into a swanky complex at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore, offering best facilities and shopping experience to travellers, according to an ambitious plan unveiled by the railways. Besides the multi-storey station building with separate sections for departures and arrivals, there is a provision for three skyscrapers for commercial use at the Ajmeri Gate side of the station which handles 361 trains a day. South Korean Railways has shown keenness for the redevelopment of New Delhi station, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

The railways has explored the possibility of redeveloping the station leveraging commercial development of vacant land and air space in and around the station and has submitted a detailed plan with a possible layout to South Korean Railways.
The architectural plan was elaborately drawn up with approach and exit routes, keeping the heavy traffic movement near the station at Connaught Place, the official said.
While passengers waiting for trains will have adequate space on the first floor of the station, those disembarking will go out of the station through platforms on the ground level. The second floor will house offices, as per the plan.
If everything goes accordingly, there will be a joint inspection of New Delhi station with South Korean team soon.
These redeveloped station would have digital signage, escalators and elevators, automatic self-ticketing counters, executive lounges and many other facilities for passengers.
The redevelopment of New Delhi station is part of Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu’s emphasis on attracting substantial revenue through redevelopment of 400 stations with private participation.
The railways has recently launched the first phase of the ambitious station redevelopment project for 23 junctions.
http://indianexpress.com/article/ci...lop-new-delhi-railway-station-as-world-class/