TWO-DAY INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON ‘WORKSHOP MODERNIZATION & NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN MACHINES TOOLS’ CONCLUDES

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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TWO-DAY INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON ‘WORKSHOP MODERNIZATION & NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN MACHINES TOOLS’ CONCLUDES

New Delhi : March 28, 2008

The two day International seminar on Workshop, Modernization and New Technologies in machine tools organized by Institute of Rolling Stock Engineers, COFMOW Chapter concluded successfully here today. The seminar was attended by 200 delegates from Indian Railways as well as leading International and Indian organizations. Twenty nine technical papers were presented by 11 overseas speakers and 18 Indian speakers. All the speakers shared the latest technical knowledge and advancement that are taking place in their respective fields, especially wheel machining automation, metal forming and metal cutting, compressed air solutions, simulators and welding technologies. The presentations made by M/s Safop (Italy), M/s. Fooke (Germany), M/s LVD (Belgium), M/s Kemppi (Finland), M/s Wheelabrator (Canada) and M/s Ingersoll (Rand) were highly appreciated by the delegates. The seminar has been immensely successful in achieving its objectives and the two days time has been gainfully utilized by all the participants in updating their knowledge and skill levels.

The two-day seminar was inaugurated by Shri R.K. Rao, Member Mechanical, Railway Board here yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rao said that the Indian Railways is expected to invest approximately 23.5 million US dollars for procurement of machines and approximately 140 million US dollars for modernization of workshops over the next one year. Shri Rao said that now the concept of ‘workshop modernization’ itself has undergone a sea change The rapidly growing Indian economy is making huge demands on the infrastructure and logistics and the sprawling rail network of the Indian Railways has a definite edge in providing the most critical input to the economy namely transportation. To retain this edge improve further, the Indian Railways have a massive investment plant of Rs. 2,50,000 crore for the 11th Five Year Plan i.e. Rs. 50,000 crore a year, Shri Rao said.

A separate organization by the name of COFMOW (the Central Organization for Modernization of Workshops) dedicated to modernizing age-old workshops, was set up with a World Bank loan in 1979. The initial task was to replace individual machines of pre-independence vintage on the condition basis. When this did not suffice, phased replacement of machines was resorted to an later machines were procured in batches as manufacturing lines for production of specific products with a predefined cycle.

Indian Railways is one of the single biggest units under one umbrella in the world. It has more than 50 independent Mechanical Engineering Workshops and Production Units which undertake manufacturing, overhaul and repair activities for locomotives, coaches, wagons and other railway assets. Institute of Rolling Stock Engineers has been actively engaged in dissemination of Railway Engineering knowledge among its members, industry and users through a large pool of distinguished technical experts. It provides an opportunity to its member industries to gain from larger context and knowledge pool.

AKS/HK/LK /:/....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel1_28Mar)






Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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ALTERNATIVE FUEL FOR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

10% BLENDING OF ETHANOL MANDATORY FROM THIS YEAR

New Delhi : March 28, 2008

Under alternative fuel for transportation systems, 10% Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) becomes mandatory from coming October. Earlier 5% blending of Ethanol with petrol was made mandatory by the Government since 9th October 2007 in the Country and 10% blending was made optional. During the last three years the Government has taken various steps to develop and promote use of alternative fuels like ethanol, bio-diesel and hydrogen for transport applications.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) has mandated the use of 5% Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP), subject to commercial viability in the entire country with effect from 1st November 2006. Though North-Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshdweep have been exempted. As a result, release of 5% EBP has commenced at all locations in 15 States and 4 Union Territories.

The modalities for implementation are being worked out by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in consultation with stakeholders. A broad based programme for research & development, production and utilization of bio-diesel is under implementation by different Ministries.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has also prepared a Draft National Policy on Bio-fuels. Under its ongoing Research, Development and Demonstration Programmes, MNRE has supported field trials of different blends of bio-diesel in diesel cars, use of hydrogen as fuel in motorcycles and three-wheelers and introduction of hydrogen - compressed natural gas (CNG) blends in different vehicles. In addition, support is also being provided for development & promotion of battery operated vehicles.

KP/Hb /:/....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel1_28Mar)


Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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BIO-DIESEL PLANTATIONS IN ANDHRA PRADESH

New Delhi : March 28, 2008

Andhra Pradesh will raise Bio-diesel Plantations over 8,800 hectares spreading over 16 districts of state. The plants which are being raised are pongamia. The total cost for this plantation has been estimated at Rs.2341.49 lakh. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) XIII Bio-diesel project for Andhra Pradesh.

Out of the total outlay of bio-diesel project of Rs.2341.49 lakh, Rs.2224.46 lakh is loan component from NABARD and Rs.117.03 lakh is Government share. The Government of Andhra Pradesh is yet to grant Administrative Approval. However, Rs.20.00 crore has been released during the year 2007-08 under the previous RIDF bio-diesel project and an expenditure of Rs.13.28 crores has been incurred for raising bio-diesel plantations.

The tree borne oilseeds have promising potential to supplement vegetables oil supply in the country. These oilseeds grow in poor soils under low rainfall conditions without competing with annual food crops thus filling gaps in ecological niche. Promotion and development of such crops also help societal needs of eco-conservation, expansion of rural industries, rural employment generation and also supplement the supply of alternate fuel to petro-diesel thus conserving the forex reserves.

KP/Hb /:/....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel1_28Mar)


Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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INSTALLATION OF 9 SOLAR ENERGY PLANTS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY DURING LAST YEAR

New Delhi : March 28, 2008

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy promoted deployment of 9 Solar Energy Plants during 2007-08 in 6 States of the Country. Out of this, Maharashtra tops the list with 3 Plants where as, Jammu & Kashmir got two such plants. Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Orissa and West Bengal each got one power plant during this period. The total capacity sanctioned for these plants is less than 2000 kWp. The capacity under implementation is more than 800 kWp.

Out of different Plant Projects, all the 6 states have received one Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant Project. The state of West Bengal has been sanctioned highest capacity of 945.0 kWp followed by Chhattisgarh with 646.8 kWp. Besides these, Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra, each have been sanctioned Building Integrated Photovoltaic Power Plants (BIPV) with total sanctioned capacity of 18 kWp and one each SPV Power Pack of total sanctioned capacity of 8 kWp.

The Ministry is promoting deployment of solar photovoltaic power packs/plants in different parts of the country under various programmes including remote village electrification programme by providing partial financial support. These projects are implemented through the state implementing agencies in their respective states. The total funds released to the state agencies are to the tune of Rs. 40 crores which includes funds for four ongoing projects also. These projects are likely to be completed during 2008-09.

The projects for installation of solar photovoltaic power packs/plants are considered by the Ministry on the basis of proposals submitted by the States, as per provisions of the scheme, and availability of funds.

KP/Hb /:/....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel1_28Mar)



PIB Kolkata

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Vice President's Secretariat

VICE PRESIDENT RELEASES POSTAGE STAMP ON ASRAR-UL-HAQ 'MAJAAZ'

New Delhi: Friday, March 28, 2008



The Vice President of India Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari released a commemorative postage stamp and the first day cover on noted Urdu poet Asrar-Ul-Haq 'Majaaz' at a function here today. He presented one set each of these to Mrs. Hamida Saleem, sister of Majaaz and to the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University respectively.



Addressing on the occasion the Vice President said that every youth of his age might have surely read and recited the lyrics of Majaaz and people in the every part of the world do recite his lyrics. He was a revolutionary poet and his writings have influence of Saaz and revolution. He had an impact on an entire generation of people and his lyrics were full of romance and revolution. The Vice President lauded the effort of Department of Posts to honour Majaaz by bringing out a commemorative postage stamp as well as the first day cover on him.



In his address, the Minister of State for Communication and IT Dr. Shakeel Ahmed said that it is the fundamental responsibility of Department of Posts to honor illustrious personalities of the country and very soon more such commemorative postage stamps will be released.



Mrs. Hamida Saleem, sister of Majaaz in her speech threw light on some interesting aspects of Majaaz personality. Noted film lyricist Shri Javed Akhter, who is nephew of Majaaz, also shared his experiences.



Smt. Gursharan Kaur, wife of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Smt. Mohsina Kidwai, MP and former Union Minister, Smt. Shabana Azmi, former MP, Mr. I.M.G. Khan, Secretary (Posts), Mrs. K. Noorjeharn, Member (Operations & Marketing), Postal Services Board graced the occasion. A good gathering of eminent literary personalities, academicians, poets and other dignitaries is expected during the stamp release function.



sk/bs/dk-s.pandey/kol/15:54 hrs.



Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Commerce & Industry

TEA QUALITY UPGRADATION AND PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION SCHEME APPROVED

New Delhi: Friday, March 28, 2008



Government has approved Tea Quality Upgradation and Product Diversification Scheme for implementation by Tea Board during the XI Five Year Plan with an outlay of Rs. 230 crore. The scheme envisages payment of subsidy @ 25% of the actual cost of machinery for modernization of the processing factories by replacement of old & worn out machinery and for value addition by way of creating additional infrastructure for cleaning, blending, colour sorting, packaging etc. In the case of machinery for orthodox tea in 100% CTC factories and new factories set up by Self Help Groups the subsidy @ 40% would be provided. Besides subsidy @ 50% of the certification fee would be provided for ISO/HACCP and organic tea certification. The production of orthodox tea will have a subsidy @ Rs. 3/kg of annual production of leaf grade and Rs. 2/kg for dust grades and an additional incentive @ Rs. 2/kg of the incremental volume over the previous year.



The scheme of "Export Development and Promotion of Spices" has been approved for implementation during XI plan period by the Spices Board with an outlay of Rs. 192.691 crore. Financial assistance would be provided for development of infrastructure for adoption of high tech in spice processing, technology and process upgradation, setting up of in-house labs and quality certification/accreditation. Financial assistance would also be provided for product development and research, spices processing in North Eastern Region, trade promotion, promotion of Indian spices abroad, infrastructure for common cleaning/grading/packing/storing & processing facilities (spices parks) and setting up of Sterilization Units. Spices Board would undertake market study abroad under the scheme.



The Government has approved the scheme of "Development Support for Coffee" for implementation during the XI Five Year Plan by Coffee Board with an outlay of Rs. 310 crore. The scheme is aimed to provide support to coffee growers to improve farm productivity by way of replanting senile blocks; to support water augmentation, quality improvement of the product to augment growers realizations and pollution abatement; to support coffee development in North East Region and in non-traditional areas. During the XI plan the total plantation targeted for replantation is 40,000 hectares where subsidy will be provided @ 25%, 30% and 40% to the coffee growers having holdings of more than 10 hectares, 2-10 hectares and upto 2 hectares respectively. Out of Rs. 310 crore, Rs. 100 crore will be spent for replantation programme.



Government has also approved the Rubber Plantation Development Scheme and Scheme for Rubber Development in North East Region for implementation during XI Five Year Plan for an outlay of Rs. 413.44 crore. The schemes envisages carrying out replantation/new planting in an area of 26750 hectares in North East Region. Besides, replantation would be carried out with subsidy in an area of 31750 hectares of which 30,000 hectares would be in traditional region and 1750 hectares in the non-traditional region. An area of 10000 hectares is proposed to be brought under new planting of which 7500 hectares will be in traditional region and 2500 hectares in non-traditional region.



Necessary financial sanction has been issued for implementation of all these schemes from the year 2007-08 onwards.



rj/dk-s.pandey/kol/15:54 hrs.



Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Defence

INDIA-SINGAPORE MARITIME BITATERAL EXERCISES (SIMBEX - 2008)

New Delhi: Friday, March 28, 2008



SIMBEX is an acronym that stands for 'Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercises' and is an institutionalised and regular series of annual exercises conducted between the Indian Navy and the navy of the Republic of Singapore (RSN). The Indian Navy's operational interaction with the RSN, which commenced with modesty – pitched anti-submarine training exercises in 1994, has grown steadily and impressively over the past 14 years. 'SIMBEX 2008', currently being conducted on India's Eastern seaboard between the 16th and 30th of this month.



For SIMBEX-2008, Singapore fielded one 'Endurance class' landing platform dock (RSS Persistence), one 'Formidable class' frigate (RSS Formidable), two 'Victory Class' guided- missile corvettes (RSS Vigilance and Valour), and one 'Fokker-50' maritime patrol aircraft. Indian participation in the exercise included one guided missile destroyer (INS Rajput), one guided-missile frigate (INS Gomati), two guided-missile corvettes (Kirch & Kuthar), two missile vessels (Vinash Vibhut), one fast attack craft (INS Trinkat), one submarine(INS VAGLI) shore-based fighter aircraft(IN Kiran & IAF MIG-27s) medium-range maritime patrol aircraft (Dornier) and shipborne helicopters. Bilateral interaction was progressed at sea as well as in harbour. Whilst the harbour phase focussed on sharing operational experiences through professional interaction, the sea phase concentrated upon the conduct of a plethora of exercises ranging from surface firings and anti aircraft engagements to anti submarine warfare exercises and serials involving the deployment and coordination of maritime patrol aircraft as well as shore based fighters.



The Indian Navy lays great stress on enhancing and sustaining bilateral ties, as also on improving mutual understanding with regional navies, through exercises such as those of the SIMBEX series. These exercises not only provide immense training value to our sea going personnel but also help in fostering mutual trust and friendship between our respective nations, adding strength to our commitment and resolve to tackle common challenges with the maritime domain.



vg/ak/dk-s.pandey/kol/15:54 hrs.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Water Resources

PROF. SOZ CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF RAJASTHAN FOR FLOW OF NARMADA RIVER WATER TO BARMER AND JALORE

New Delhi: Friday, March 28, 2008



Prof. Saifuddin Soz, the Union Minister for Water Resources has expressed his satisfaction over the flow of Narmada river waters to the drought-prone districts of Barmer and Jalore in Rajasthan through the Narmada Canal project. Prof. Soz has congratulated the people of Rajasthan and expressed the hope that this will be of immense benefit to the people of the State.



Sardar Sarovar Project, it may be mentioned, envisages construction of 458 km. long main canal in Gujarat to deliver 2500 cusec of water at the Gujarat and Rajasthan border near village Silu, Tehsil Sanchore, District Barmer (Rajasthan). There is a 74 km. main canal in the Jalore and Barmer districts in Rajasthan for utilizing allocated share of 0.5 million acre feet of Narmada water in Rajasthan.



Prof. Soz said, the Union Ministry of Water Resources has been providing 90% assistance to the Government of Rajasthan for construction of the project. Similarly, the Government of India has also provided assistance under AIBP to the Government of Gujarat for the construction of main canal in Gujarat.



The Central AIBP assistance provided to Gujarat and Rajasthan is Rs. 4887 crore and Rs.625 crore respectively for the Sardar Sarovar Project and the Canal System. Prof. Soz said that this was the highest allocation for any single project.



Referring to the overall policy of the Union Government, Prof. Soz said that the assistance was also being provided to the Government of Rajasthan in project planning and in water management planning like the use of drip and sprinkler irrigation, etc. As a result of this, the command area of the project has increased from 75000 hectare to 2.46 lakh hectare to serve 233 villages besides providing drinking water to a population of about 3.7 lakh in 1107 villages and two towns along the irrigation canal.



About the delay caused in the construction of the 4 major structures on the Narmada Main Canal, the Union Minister for Water Resources said that the problem was overcome by construction of a by-pass arrangement for ensuring early delivery of water to Rajasthan.



It may be mentioned that the Sardar Sarovar Project has started releasing 50 cusec of water from the main canal w.e.f. 5th February, 2008 and the Narmada water physically reached Rajasthan on 18th March, 2008.



sk/bs/dk-s.pandey/kol/15:54 hrs.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Election Commission

BIENNIAL ELECTIONS TO THE STATE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS OF BIHAR & UTTAR PRADESH FROM GRADUATES' AND TEACHERS' CONSTITUENCIES.

New Delhi: Friday, March 28, 2008



The term of office of 19 members of the State Legislative Councils of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh from Graduates' and Teachers' Constituencies is going to expire on 6th May, 2008 due to the retirement of the sitting members. A statement showing the details of the abovementioned seats is given in Appendix `A`.



2. Therefore, for the purpose of filling up the aforementioned seats, the Election Commission has decided to hold biennial elections to the State Legislative Councils of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh from Graduates' and Teachers' Constituencies, in accordance with the following programme :-



i) Issue of Notification : 02.04.2008 (Wednesday)

ii) Last date for making nominations : 09.04.2008 (Wednesday)

iii) Scrutiny of nominations : 10.04.2008 (Thursday)

iv) Last date for the withdrawal

of candidature : 12.04.2008 (Saturday)

v) Date of Poll : 28.04.2008 (Monday)

vi) Hours of poll : 08.00 A.M. to 04.00 P.M.

vii) Counting of votes : 30.04.2008 (Wednesday)

at 8.00 A.M.

viii) Date before which election shall

be completed : 05.05.2008 (Monday)

Appendix - A

Bihar Legislative Council
S. No. Name of the Member Name of Constituency Date of Retirement

Graduates Constituencies:-

1. Sh. Dilip Kumar Choudhary Darbhanga Graduates' 06.05.2008
2. Sh. Azad Gandhi Patna Graduates' 06.05.2008
3. Sh. Devesh Chandra Thakur Tirhut Graduates' 06.05.2008
4. Sh. Birkeshwar Prasad Singh Kosi Graduates' 06.05.2008

Teachers' Constituencies:-

1. Sh. Kedar Pande Saran Teachers' 06.05.2008
2. Sh. Narendra Prasad Singh Tirhut Teachers' 06.05.2008
3. Sh. Basudeo Singh Darbhanga Teachers' 06.05.2008
4. Sh. Nabal Kishore Yadav Patna Teachers' 06.05.2008

Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council
Graduates Constituencies:-

1. Shri Shiv Pal Singh Lucknow Division Graduates' 06.05.2008
2. Shri Kedar Nath Singh Varanasi Division Graduates' 06.05.2008
3. Dr. Yagya Dutta Sharma Allahabad-Jhansi Division Graduates' 06.05.2008
4. Shri Harnath Singh Yadav Agra Division Graduates' 06.05.2008
5. Shri Hem Singh Pundir Meerut Division Graduates' 06.05.2008

Teachers' Constituencies:-

1. Shri Subash Chandra Sharma Bareilly-Moradabad Division Teachers' 06.05.2008
2. Shri Devi Dayal Shashtri Lucknow Division Teachers' 06.05.2008
3. Vacant due to the death of Shri Panchanan Rai Gorakhpur-Faizabad Division Teachers' 06.05.2008
4. Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra Varanasi Division Teachers' 06.05.2008
5. Shri Om Prakash Sharma Meerut Division Teachers' 06.05.2008
6. Shri Jagvir Kishore Jain Agra Division Teachers' 06.05.2008



rm/as-280308/dk-s.pandey/kol/15:54 hrs.