DGTR initiates 34 anti-dumping, 6 safeguard investigations in 2019-20

Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated 34 anti-dumping (AD) investigations (both fresh and review), 4 countervailing duty investigations, and 6 safeguard investigations during the period from 01.04.2019 to 31.12.2019. Final Findings in 14 anti-dumping investigations, 4 countervailing duty investigations and Provisional Findings in 5 investigations were issued during this period.

 

Time taken in issue of final findings from the date of initiation, has come down to 234 days in 2019 – 2020 from 478 days in 2014-15.

 

Year Average number of days taken to issue Finding (excluding NSR and CVD cases)
2012-13 410
2013-14 432
2014-15 478
2015-16 434
2016-17 395
2017-18 407
2018-19 281
2019-20* (upto 31.12.2019) 234

 

Average time taken to initiate an Anti-Dumping investigation has also come down to 33 days in 2019-20 as compared to 43 days in 2018-19.

DGTR has also started using all available options for providing relief against unfair trade practices like the first ever Safeguard Quantitative Restrictions investigation on imports of Iso-propyl Alcohol initiated under the FTDR Act, 2002 on 04.11.2019; three Bilateral Safeguard Investigations initiated (Refined Bleached Deodrized Palmolien against Malaysia; Phthalic Anhydride and Polybutadiene Rubber against Korea); two global Safeguard investigations initiated under the Custom Tariff Act, 1997 (Phenol and Single Mode Optical Fibre) and nine Countervailing Duty investigations completed and five are underway.

Anti-circumvention provision was introduced in Customs Tariff Act, 1975 for Counter-vailing Duty (CVD) investigations. Rules of circumvention for AD and CVD are being simplified for providing relief to the domestic industry so that increased instances of circumvention in AD/CVD can be addressed. Six cases of anti-circumvention have been completed so far.

DGTR has initiated outreach programmes to sensitize stakeholders about the available trade remedy measures. The outreach programmes were conducted by officers of DGTR in Gurugram on 25.06.2019, Mumbai from 26.09.2019 to 27.09.2019 and Ahmedabad on 13.12.2019.

Training programmes were held during August-September, 2019 to sensitize the officers of Indian Trade Service, Indian Cost Accounts Service and officers from select Administrative Ministries regarding the available trade remedial measures.

Commerce and Industry Minister held a stakeholder meeting on Regulatory Instruments for formulation and implementation of an effective Trade Policy and Development Strategy on 11.09.2019. A help desk and Facilitation Centre were established on 23.09.2019 to facilitate optimal utilization by different stakeholders of available trade remedial measures aimed at curbing unfair trade. A total of 62 different issues have been dealt by the Centre since its setting up in September, 2019.

DGTR has launched an online portal – ARTIS (Application for Remedies in Trade for Indian industry and other Stakeholders) on 30.09.2019 to enhance transparency, efficiency and provide expedited relief to the domestic producers for different trade remedies like anti-dumping duty, safeguard duty and countervailing duty. Applicants can also monitor the current status of their applications through this portal. The portal will be further improvised so that it can in real terms bring about transformative change in the process of filing, tracking and monitoring the Trade Remedy applications.

 

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A Team consisting of Mr. Ruud De Mooij, Division Chief, Mr. Arbind Modi, Senior Economist and Ms. Li Lui, Economist from the Tax Policy Division of theInternational Monetary Fund (IMF), Fiscal Affairs Department,gave a presentation to the 15th Finance Commission on “resource mobilization over the next five years”, today. Some members of the Finance Commission’s Economic Advisory Council also participated in the discussions, which was chaired by Sh. N.K. Singh, Chairman,Finance Commission. The discussions were centered around options for improving the tax resources of the general government, with special focus on improving the revenue realization from the GST. It was presented that the current collections are significantly below an estimated revenue frontier for the country, arrived at using robust panel data analysis of comparator countries. It was further discussed that rationalization of the rate structure as well as improvements in compliance and collection efficiency of GST and other taxes can move India much closer to the frontier. Policy options to achieve this improvement were also discussed. **** MC (Release ID: 1599734) Visitor Counter : 494 Read this release in: Hindi

The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda launched the “APNA UREA – SonaUgle” brand of Hindustan Urvarak&Rasayan Limited (HURL) at a function here today. On the occasion, he also unveiled the Company’s logo.

HURL is Joint Venture Company promoted by the three Maharatna Companies i.e. Coal India Limited (CIL), NTPC Limited (NTPC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) as the lead promoters with FCIL and HFCL as other two partners.

With the objective of making the country self-reliant in Urea, the Governmentapproved in 2016 the revival of three sick Urea plants located at Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni. The task of the revival of these three Units has been undertaken by HURL. “The Prime Minister has directed for the revival of five major sick/shutdown fertilizer plants, three of which have been undertaken by HURL. The other two plants at Ramagundam and Talcherwill also commence production soon,” said Shri Gowda. “We are importing 70-80 LMT fertilizer every year. After the commissioning of these five units, the total production of Urea will increase by 63.5 Lakh Metric Tonne Per Annum (LMTPA),” he added.

Lauding HURL for setting in place the delivery system and supply chain ahead of schedule, the Minister encouraged the Company’s Board to continue the momentum and hoped the commissioning of the three plants will also be advanced.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, Department of Fertilizers, Shri ChhabilendraRoul stressed on the balanced use of fertilizers including organic ingredients and micro-nutrients.

The HURL is being looked as a major emerging player in Urea market due to revival of the three closed units in 2021 having total installed production capacity of 38.1 LMT of Neem Coated Urea per annum. The Company will establish and operate state-of-the-art environment friendly and energy efficient Natural Gas based new Fertilizer Complexes with the annual installed capacity of 1.27 MMTPA neem coated Urea at each of the three locations which are expected to be commissioned in February 2021 (Gorakhpur, UP) and May 2021 (Barauni and Sindri). The feedstock to the plants i.e. Natural Gas will be supplied by GAIL under the Pooled Price Mechanism.

The commissioning of the HURL’s three Units in the states of UP, Bihar and Jharkhand will open forward and backward linkages for business activity in the Eastern part of India. It will be instrumental in opening new avenues for generation of income and employment in the Eastern part of our country.

The other two Urea Units being revived are Ramagundam unit by M/s. Ramagundam Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (RFCL), a Joint Venture of National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), EIL & FCIL, and Talcher unit by M/s. Talcher Fertilizers Limited (TFL), a Joint Venture of Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (RCF), CIL, GAIL & FCIL.

The details of the expected commissioning dates of the above units are as follows:

 

Units Expected commissioning

Date

Barauni (Bihar) May, 2021

 

Ramagundam (Telangana) December, 2019

 

Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) February, 2021

 

Sindri (Jharkhand) May, 2021

 

Talcher (Odisha) September, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India’s average urea import is to the tune 63.12 LMT while the average total production of urea in the country is around 241 LMT and the total consumption (Sales) is 305.48 LMT approximately. The gap is fulfilled through imports.

 

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RCJ/PK

(Release ID: 1599732) Visitor Counter : 595

Finance Commission gets presentation from IMF on Resource Mobilisation for the Next Five Years

A Team consisting of Mr. Ruud De Mooij, Division Chief, Mr. Arbind Modi, Senior Economist and Ms. Li Lui, Economist from the Tax Policy Division of theInternational Monetary Fund (IMF), Fiscal Affairs Department,gave a presentation to the 15th Finance Commission on “resource mobilization over the next five years”, today. Some members of the Finance Commission’s Economic Advisory Council also participated in the discussions, which was chaired by Sh. N.K. Singh, Chairman,Finance Commission.

The discussions were centered around options for improving the tax resources of the general government, with special focus on improving the revenue realization from the GST. It was presented that the current collections are significantly below an estimated revenue frontier for the country, arrived at using robust panel data analysis of comparator countries. It was further discussed that rationalization of the rate structure as well as improvements in compliance and collection efficiency of GST and other taxes can move India much closer to the frontier. Policy options to achieve this improvement were also discussed.

****

MC

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Read this release in: Hindi

India’s communication satellite GSAT-30 launched successfully

India’s  latest  communication  satellite  GSAT-30  was  successfully  launched  from the  Spaceport  in  French  Guiana  during  the  early  hours  today. The  launch  vehicle  Ariane  5  VA-251  lifted  off  from  Kourou  Launch  Base,  French Guiana  at  2:35  am  IST  carrying  India’s  GSAT-30  and  EUTELSAT  KONNECT  for Eutelsat,  as  scheduled.

After  a  flight  lasting  38  minutes  25  seconds,  GSAT-30  separated  from  the Ariane  5  upper  stage  in  an  elliptical  Geosynchronous  Transfer  Orbit.

With  a  lift-off  mass  of  3357  kg,  GSAT-30  will  provide  continuity  to  operational services  on  some  of  the  in-orbit  satellites.  GSAT-30  derives  its  heritage  from ISRO’s  earlier INSAT/GSAT  satellite  series  and  will  replace  INSAT-4A  in  orbit.

“GSAT-30  has  a  unique  configuration  of  providing  flexible  frequency  segments and  flexible  coverage.    The  satellite  will  provide  communication  services  to Indian  mainland  and  islands  through  Ku-band  and  wide  coverage  covering  Gulf countries,  a  large  number  of  Asian  countries  and  Australia  through  C-band” ISRO Chairman  Dr K Sivan  said. Dr.  Sivan  also  said  that  “GSAT-30  will  provide  DTH  Television  Services, connectivity  to  VSATs  for  ATM,  Stock-exchange,  Television  uplinking  and Teleport  Services,  Digital  Satellite  News  Gathering  (DSNG)  and  e-governance applications.  The  satellite  will  also  be  used  for  bulk  data  transfer  for  a  host  of emerging  telecommunication  applications.”

ISRO’s  Master  Control  Facility  (MCF)  at  Hassan  in  Karnataka  took  over  the command  and  control  of  GSAT-30  immediately  after  its  separation  from  the launch  vehicle.  Preliminary  health  checks  of  the  satellite  revealed  its  normal health.

In  the  days  ahead,  orbit-raising  manoeuvres  will  be  performed  to  place  the satellite  in  Geostationary  Orbit  (36,000  km  above  the  equator)  by  using  its  onboard  propulsion  system.   During  the  final  stages  of  its  orbit  raising  operations,  the  two  solar  arrays  and  the antenna  reflectors  of  GSAT-30  will  be  deployed.    Following  this,  the  satellite  will be  put  in  its  final  orbital  configuration.    The  satellite  will  be  operational  after  the successful  completion  of  all  in-orbit  tests.

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RCJ/PK

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Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Marathi , Bengali , Malayalam

European High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra ModiEuropean High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles Calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles, European High Representative/ Vice President (HRVP) called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. Mr. Borrell is on a visit to India from Jan 16-18 to attend Raisina Dialogue 2020 where he delivered Valedictory Address yesterday. This is his first visit outside the EU after he took over as HRVP on 01 December 2019.

The Prime Minister extended a warm welcome to HRVP Borrell, congratulated him on assuming the charge of HRVP and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure. The Prime Minister also appreciated HRVP’s regular participation in the Raisina Dialogue.

The Prime Minister conveyed that India and the European Union were natural partners and that he was looking forward to a productive India-EU Summit in March 2020.  The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to deepen the engagement with the EU particularly in the fields of climate  change, and trade and economic relations.  The Prime Minister also recalled his earlier interactions with leadership of European Commission and European Council.
HRVP Borrell conveyed that the leadership of the European Union keenly looked forward to hosting the next India-EU Summit in Brussels in the near future. He also dwelt on the shared priorities and commitment of EU and India, which include democracy, multilateralism and rules-based international order.

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VRRK/AK

Vice President calls for inclusion of life stories of Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters in textbooks

The Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today suggested the inclusion of the life stories of Veer Savarkar and other heroes of the freedom struggle from different parts of the country, in school textbooks.

Participating in a Civic Reception hosted in his honor by the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC), he said that the historical role of the Cellular Jail in Andaman in the freedom movement should also form part of History textbooks.

He also urged all Members of Parliament, MLAs and MLCs from across the country to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Cellular Jail.

Recalling his visit to the Cellular Jail the previous day, Shri Naidu described it as a pilgrimage to a sacred temple.

Decrying the attempts to create divisive tendencies among the people, he said that unity is the need of the hour. Pointing out that our freedom was hard won, he urged all citizens to draw inspiration from the story of India’s struggle for independence and from the countless sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and strive to reinforce the unity and integrity of this nation.

Earlier in the day, the Vice President inaugurated the Nature Park and Interpretation Centre at Haddo in Port Blair. He released butterflies and went around the butterfly conservatory at the Park. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have around 300 species of butterflies out of which 207 are endemic to the region.  Water bodies with inter-connecting channels have been added in the conservatory to provide the much required moist and airy micro climate for the butterflies to thrive.

Shri Naidu also visited the orchid and fern house at the Nature Park and Interpretation Centre which showcases the habitat of the tropical orchids. So far about 140 species of orchids and an equal number of ferns have been reported from the Andaman Islands. They include tree-ferns whose origin can be traced back to the Jurassic era. Vanilla, used in confectionaries is also sourced from an orchid species found in these islands.

At the Nature Park, the Vice President also appreciated a wooden sculpture of a mother and child, made out of the trunk of a single Andaman Padauk tree. The sculpture represents nature as a mother who lovingly nurtures all her creation. A tribal woman has been depicted as the mother, as a mark of deep respect to the tribal people of Andaman who are revered as the protectors of the Islands.

He also flagged off AC buses and electric vehicles. The Vice President complimented the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for the initiative and said that it would provide sustainable mobility solutions and help in keeping the islands clean and green. He said the electric vehicles would bring down emissions considerably and curb pollution.

Praising the administration for banning the use of single-use-plastics and for implementing the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in letter and spirit, Shri Naidu said that these initiatives including the increase in renewable energy capacity would promote sustainable development in the Islands.

Expressing his concern about the vulnerability of the islands to climate change, the Vice President said that India was playing a leadership role in promoting renewable energy, especially solar energy through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance.

Highlighting the role of connectivity in development, the Vice President expressed confidence that submarine Optical Fibre cable connectivity that is set to be operational by June 2020 would transform the development of the Islands. Four routes in the Islands have been included in UDAN for regional connectivity and International air travel is expected to be operational from Port Blair this year”, he added.

Launching the project for the replacement of traditional electricity meters with smart meters, Shri Naidu termed it as a pro-poor move.

The Vice President said that Smart meters will increase the ease of bill payment and eliminate the possibility of incorrect billing. He added that paperless billing with smart meters would also help the environment by saving the trees.

He visited a photo gallery and exhibition put up by the Port Blair Municipal Council on ‘Sanitation and Solid waste management’. The gallery showcased the best practices of the PBMC in the arena of sanitation and solid waste management, such as the use of 10 percent plastic in road construction and the restoration of traditional Japanese wells under the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan. The exhibition also displayed several pragmatic and aesthetic ‘waste to wealth’ products.

Shri Naidu also laid the foundation stone for three projects under the Smart Cities Mission — the Marine Esplanade, Neighborhood Parks and Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant.

The Lieutenant Governor, Admiral DK Joshi, the Chief Secretary, Shri Chetan B. Sanghi and others were present on the occasion.

 

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Denmark Foreign Minister Mr. Jeppe Kofod visited Barapullah DESMI Waste Water Management Project Site in Delhi

Foreign Minister of Denmark, Mr. Jeppe Kofod, visited the Barapullah DESMI Project Site here yesterday to understand the challenges in the area of waste water management and to discuss the scope of Danish technologies and collaboration with research institutions which may be engaged in this area. He was accompanied by Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Foreign Minister made commitment with Secretary, DBT to have Indo-Danish partnership which would be a strong underpinning for strengthening the collaboration in area of waste water management and green transition.

The Barapullah drain is one of the main water transport ways in New Delhi that collects water from various smaller water drains from all over the city. It is mainly used for waste water and sewage transport. Because of the high population density, water scarcity and size of the waste water flow, the Barapullah drain is an excellent location for research in the area of waste water management.

Considering sewage/ sludge management as an important issue, DBT, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India initiated a novel holistic clean-up project in collaboration with DESMI EnviRO-CLEAN A/S, Denmark in January, 2019 at Sun Dial Park in Sarai Kale Khan area.

The aim of the project is to trap the floating debris from the drain and convert it into value added products. The purpose of this project is to prove the sustainability of the process with suitable gasification/ carbonisation technology to mitigate waste of mixed feedstock, collected from rivers or lakes besides reducing the damage to the local environment.

Key Features:

• Percentage of floating debris will reduce in Barapullah drain

• Sustainable source of energy can be produced on site

• Benefitting local environment and community

• Local employment

• Clean Indian Rivers

• Project leads and Research befits to water, energy and waste sector of India

• Supporting local manufacturing Industry – Make in India

 

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Mega-science exhibition Vigyan Samagam in New Delhi from 21st January

In order to highlight the value and impact of fundamental research to a broad cross-section of

audience including students, academician and industry, and to further strengthen India’s participationin mega-science Projects, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science andTechnology (DST) have jointly organised a multi-venue mega-science exhibition, VigyanSamagam.

The exhibition will be held in New Delhi from 21stJanuary to 20thMarch, 2020 at the National Science Centre (NSC), PragatiMaidan.The inaugural function will be attended by Shri KN Vyas, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, DAE; Prof.Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST; and Shri YogendraTripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Dr Paul Ho, Director General, East Asian Observatory, Hawaii, USA will deliver the keynote address during the inaugural function.

VigyanSamagam exhibition is showcasing India’s contribution to international collaborations on fundamental science and research, and providing a common interactive platform for mega-science Projects, industry, academia and institutions. “It is a science communication platform for policymakers, representatives of print and electronic media along with members of civil society”, said Shri Arun Srivastava, Secretary, AEC and Head, Institutional Collaboration & Programs Division (ICPD), Nuclear Control and Planning Wing (NCPW), DAE, addressing a curtain raiser press conference here today. “The exhibition is also ushering fundamental science and research as a strong career option for the youngsters. Such a spectrum of audience is expected to pave the way for a greater interaction between all stakeholders resulting in cross-fertilisation of ideas”, he added.

Mega-science collaborations proposed to be showcased in VigyanSamagam include:

1. European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

2. Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR)

3. India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)

4. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

5. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)

6. Square Kilometre Array (SKA)

7. Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

A first-of-its-kind exhibition, the VigyanSamagam is being hosted in a caravan mode at four cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi – from May 2019 to March 2020with around two months at each venue. The previous schedule is as given below:

1. Mumbai – From 8thMay to 7thJuly, 2019

2. Bengaluru – From 29thJuly to 28thSeptember, 2019

3. Kolkata – From 4thNovember to 31stDecember, 2019

In the preceding editions, VigyanSamagam witnessed enormous response at Mumbai and Bengaluru as evident from the footfall of about 1.3 lakh at both the venues. The footfall doubled at Kolkata to approximately 3 lakh visitors, garnering a cumulative total of 5.5 lakh visitors from the three previous editions.

School activities like quizzes, essay-writing / drawing contests, andpopular outdoor programmes like science awareness cyclothon etc. are carried out ateach venue during VigyanSamagam.

Newspaper and magazine articles showcasing India’s contribution inmega-science are published in print media during the exhibition. Interviews with eminentpersonalities visiting the exhibition are being carried out for publication in print and electronic media.

Exclusive website http://www.vigyansamagam.in and mobile application VigyanSamagam have been launched in addition of digital campaign / communications using social mediaplatforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Popular talks/lectures/events are live streamed onsocial media.

The exhibition at NSC, New Delhi will be open on all days from 21stJanuary to 20thMarch, 2020 including Weekend and Holidays from 10 AM to 6 PM.

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, as a venue partner is providing the required venues at selected cities, exhibition stalls and necessary infrastructural and logistic support to conduct the exhibition.

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Mega-science exhibition Vigyan Samagam in New Delhi from 21st January

In order to highlight the value and impact of fundamental research to a broad cross-section of

audience including students, academician and industry, and to further strengthen India’s participationin mega-science Projects, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science andTechnology (DST) have jointly organised a multi-venue mega-science exhibition, VigyanSamagam.

The exhibition will be held in New Delhi from 21stJanuary to 20thMarch, 2020 at the National Science Centre (NSC), PragatiMaidan.The inaugural function will be attended by Shri KN Vyas, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, DAE; Prof.Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST; and Shri YogendraTripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Dr Paul Ho, Director General, East Asian Observatory, Hawaii, USA will deliver the keynote address during the inaugural function.

VigyanSamagam exhibition is showcasing India’s contribution to international collaborations on fundamental science and research, and providing a common interactive platform for mega-science Projects, industry, academia and institutions. “It is a science communication platform for policymakers, representatives of print and electronic media along with members of civil society”, said Shri Arun Srivastava, Secretary, AEC and Head, Institutional Collaboration & Programs Division (ICPD), Nuclear Control and Planning Wing (NCPW), DAE, addressing a curtain raiser press conference here today. “The exhibition is also ushering fundamental science and research as a strong career option for the youngsters. Such a spectrum of audience is expected to pave the way for a greater interaction between all stakeholders resulting in cross-fertilisation of ideas”, he added.

Mega-science collaborations proposed to be showcased in VigyanSamagam include:

1. European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

2. Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR)

3. India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)

4. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

5. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)

6. Square Kilometre Array (SKA)

7. Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

A first-of-its-kind exhibition, the VigyanSamagam is being hosted in a caravan mode at four cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi – from May 2019 to March 2020with around two months at each venue. The previous schedule is as given below:

1. Mumbai – From 8thMay to 7thJuly, 2019

2. Bengaluru – From 29thJuly to 28thSeptember, 2019

3. Kolkata – From 4thNovember to 31stDecember, 2019

In the preceding editions, VigyanSamagam witnessed enormous response at Mumbai and Bengaluru as evident from the footfall of about 1.3 lakh at both the venues. The footfall doubled at Kolkata to approximately 3 lakh visitors, garnering a cumulative total of 5.5 lakh visitors from the three previous editions.

School activities like quizzes, essay-writing / drawing contests, andpopular outdoor programmes like science awareness cyclothon etc. are carried out ateach venue during VigyanSamagam.

Newspaper and magazine articles showcasing India’s contribution inmega-science are published in print media during the exhibition. Interviews with eminentpersonalities visiting the exhibition are being carried out for publication in print and electronic media.

Exclusive website http://www.vigyansamagam.in and mobile application VigyanSamagam have been launched in addition of digital campaign / communications using social mediaplatforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Popular talks/lectures/events are live streamed onsocial media.

The exhibition at NSC, New Delhi will be open on all days from 21stJanuary to 20thMarch, 2020 including Weekend and Holidays from 10 AM to 6 PM.

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, as a venue partner is providing the required venues at selected cities, exhibition stalls and necessary infrastructural and logistic support to conduct the exhibition.

*****

RCJ/PK

Prevention of road accidents is National priority especially under Phase-III of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana:Shri Narendra Singh Tomar

Prevention of road accidents is National priority especially under PMGSY (Phase-III) :Shri Narendra Singh Tomar

Department of Rural Development holds workshop on ‘Road Safety’ with State Governments to share best practices and increase awareness among masses

The Union Government along with the State Governments have been implementing various measures to make Indian roads safer. Given the magnitude and gravity of the problem, there is a need for the society at large to take cognizance of the issue and to join hands to make road safety a social movement. To give stakeholders an opportunity to take part in concerted action the “National Road Safety Week” is observed throughout the country every year. In line with this objective, the Road Safety Week is being observed from 11th January to 17th January 2020 with the theme “Bringing Change Through Youth”.

The Department of Rural Development is a key player in ensuring road safety as 70.23% of total roads in India are passing through and connecting rural India. To ensure that rural roads become safer, the Department held a workshop on ‘Road Safety’ with State Governments and other stakeholders in order to ensure that the best practices that emerge from States can be adopted by other States and more awareness can be generated among rural India on how to improve road safety. The workshop was held to disseminate information among States and increase awareness so as to propel the economy forward and reduce the loss of lives andproperty which has a substantial impact on the GDP.

The main topics which were discussed and deliberated upon during the conference includes:

  1. Better quality roads so as to improve mobility and reduce damage
  2. Better visibility by ensuring lesser serpentine S-shaped roads and more straight ones including ideal road geometrics
  3. Road furniture such as walls on both sides of the roads, fences, road studs, speed bumps & reflectors on sides of the roads and many more safety devices.
  4. Better Signage to effectively inform the drivers as well as pedestriansabout the road and its contours such as reflective sheeting sign boards, thermoplastic road markings-beam crash barriers, over-head boards etc.

A short video clip was also shown at the workshop on Road Safety with a special message from the Union Minister for Rural Development, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar wherein he said thatroad accidents are of grave concern and the nation is losing lakhs of people every year in these accidents, mostly youth. Shri Tomar emphasized that prevention of road accidents is national priority and under third phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Union Government shall make continuous efforts in this direction and expect contribution of Engineers also towards achieving this objective.

The Union Minister addedthat roads should be constructed with an understanding that their users are human beings who may commit mistakes. Therefore, roads should be capable of preventing small mistakes converting into big accidents. Shri Tomar said that these days, there is a concept of “Forgiving Roads” all over the world and for this purpose emphasis will be given on capacity building of Engineers and contractors.

Accident Prevention is a national Priority, especially under PMGSY-III.  Involvement of community in all the States through advocacy, meeting and awareness campaigns is critical in accident prevention.There is also an intrinsic need to conduct road safety audit of some of the critical roads for which a training programme to train engineers as Road Safety Auditors is also needed whichwill beundertaken in coordination with AITD and IAHE.

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Missed Call Alert Facility for NHAI prepaid Wallet FASTag balance enquiry

To provide hassle-free and convenient services to FASTag users linked to NHAI prepaid wallet, Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. (IHMCL), a company promoted by NHAI, has announced introduction of Missed Call Alert Facility for NHAI Prepaid Wallet balance enquiry. FASTag customers who have registered their mobile number can now get the balance of their NHAI prepaid wallet by giving a missed call from their registered mobile number to: +91-8884333331.

 

Main features of this facility are as under:

  • This is free of cost facility available 24X7.
  • Compatible on all mobile devices and operators.
  • No Internet required.
  • If there are more than one vehicle linked to a unique NHAI prepaid wallet, then the SMS would show the cumulative balance of all tags assigned to each vehicle. Thereafter, if any of the vehicle has got a low balance, a separate SMS shall be sent at the registered mobile number, showing low balance.
  • This facility is available only to NHAI FASTag users linked to NHAI prepaid wallet.  As of now, balance of other NHAI FASTag which are linked to various bank accounts can’t be fetched through this facility.

Since the launch of NHAI Prepaid Wallet, more than 2.25 Lakh NHAI FASTag users have opted for its Prepaid Wallet using My FASTag App. Being a bank-neutral tag, NHAI FASTag can be linked either to savings bank account or NHAI Prepaid Wallet using My FASTag App. There are now 13 banks whose bank account can be linked to NHAI FASTag.  In addition, My FASTag App is now available on both Android and iOS platforms.

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Gadkari Calls For Preparing A Roadmap on Road Safety

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari has emphasised upon combined efforts to curb accidents on roads. He said, the Ministry is working upon reducing deaths on the roads by half in the coming days.

Addressing the 18th Meeting of National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and 39th Meeting of Transport Development Council (TDC) in New Delhi today, Shri Gadkari called upon the transport ministers from all the States to prepare a roadmap in this direction without bothering for the expenses. He said, there is no dearth of resources for infrastructure development in the country, the need is only for a coherent approach to serve the larger public.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Nitin Gadkari lighting the lamp at the 18th Meeting of National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and 39th Meeting of Transport Development Council (TDC), in New Delhi on January 16, 2020.The Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, General (Retd.) V.K. Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari lighting the traditional lamps at the 18th Meeting of National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and 39th Meeting of Transport Development Council (TDC) in New Delhi today.

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Pointing out towards 36 per cent improvement on national highways and 26 per cent on State highways, the Minister informed that black spots are being identified and repaired at a fast pace. He underlined the need to include NGOs and engineering students in conducting road audits. Shri Gadkari informed that district level committees have been formed to examine and suggest such spots which need immediate attention. He said, work on improving road engineering will be undertaken with available resources worth Rs 14,000 crore.

Addressing the participants, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways Gen (Retd) Dr V K Singh stressed upon the need to bring about behavioural change towards road safety. He said, road discipline should begin from family, school, and society level. Dr Singh said, he is discussing with States the steps required for improving the thought process of the society towards accidents, and victims, who’s life can be saved within the first ‘golden hour.’

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Nitin Gadkari at the 18th Meeting of National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and 39th Meeting of Transport Development Council (TDC), in New Delhi on January 16, 2020.	The Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, General (Retd.) V.K. Singh, the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan and other dignitaries are also seen.

Participants at the 18th Meeting of National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and 39th Meeting of Transport Development Council (TDC) in New Delhi today.

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Transport Ministers and senior officers from various States participated in the meeting and discussed different road safety aspects, including the MV (Amendment) Act 2019; tourist vehicles authorisation and permit rules 2019; bus port guidelines; digitisation of transport and abolition of border check posts; inter-state transfer of vehicle registration and driving licenses; harmonisation of road tax across States – One Nation One Tax; vehicle scrapping policy; guidelines for setting up, authorisation and operation of vehicle scrapping facility; and implementation of vehicle tracking platform under Nirbhaya framework.

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Fuel conservation mega campaign of PCRA Saksham 2020 launched

Saksham’, an annual one-month long fuel conservation mega campaign of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, was launched today by Dr. M.M Kutty, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum& Natural Gas in a function held in Delhi.

Dr. M.M Kutty, during his address, emphasized the importance of petroleum products for our country and the dire need for actions leading towards fuel conservation.  He stressed upon the importance of programs like Saksham wherein general public is involved in various activities. He said “Prosperity and higher living standards are driving energy demand in India.  By mid 2020s India will be the world’s largest growth market accounting for 25% of global energy demand growth.Today 83% of India’s crude oil requirement is met through import. The earnest efforts for petroleum conservation can help us to reduce the huge import burden.  Every drop of oil saved will contribute to saving of foreign exchange.  We also require to address the issues of climate change.  Through SAKSHAM we intend to deliver a strong message that sustainable future demands conservation of natural resources. “

 

 

The Secretary gave away the prizes to the winners of Essay, Quiz and Painting competitions for the National Level Competition-2019 which has seen a phenomenal record participation of more than 1.48 Crore students from school of all education boards of the country. The winners get Japan Study tour, Laptops, Tablets &Cash prizes and the win may help in motivating the youth of our country towards understanding their critical role in spreading the awareness about fuel conservation. The awards were also given away to the oil companies and their state level coordinators for their contribution in the fields of fuel conservation. The winning entries of the painting competition displayed in the gallery on the occasion amazed the dignitaries for the wonderful ideas and creativities depicted in the paintings.

 

On this occasion, the secretary also flagged-off the publicity vans of PCRA which shall visit different states covering the rural side as well, spreading messages about fuel conservation awareness through interactive audio, video creatives and print displays.

 

During Saksham-2020, various interactive programs and activities are being planned by PCRA. Public Sector upstream/downstream Oil & Gas companies under the able guidance of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are conducting various activities like ‘Saksham’ Cycle Day, Cyclothons, Workshops for drivers of commercial vehicles, Seminars for housewives/cooks on adopting simple fuel saving measure, Nationwide campaign through Radio, TV, Digital Cinemas, Outdoor etc. with a focus on reaching out to various segments of fuel users. PCRA is effectively utilizing the social media platforms for various customized campaigns through Facebook, Twitter, MyGov platform an endeavour to spread its reach amongst the masses.

‘Saksham’ a flagship program of PCRA and Oil PSUs under the guidance of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is an initiative for adding values to the various efforts being made in the country for saving fuel.

 

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