Chennai: MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) & MARG Karaikal Port have announced the success of their joint initiative, “Knowledge Connectivity Program,” which has led to enhanced livelihood opportunities for fishermen, farmers & Self Help Groups (SHGs), in Karaikal & Nagapattinam regions. The phase II of the project has been launched as MARG Karaikal Port plans to further scale up its social initiatives.

The project was conceived as a pilot phase for one year in 2011-12. The ultimate objective of the project was to deliver information at the doorstep of rural community that is critical to their livelihood using variety of communication channels. Most of the govt. research institutions have considerable wealth of useful data. However, the mechanism to reach data to the needy poor has been weak. The pilot project has filled missing link between Lab and Land and has been successful in promoting the livelihood opportunities among 20,000 target audience in 34 villages of Karaikal & Nagapattinam districts.

The project followed a five pronged strategy of need assessment, mobile phone audio-advisories, help line, phone-in-programme and awareness & trainings to reach the target group and their neighborhood besides reinforcing them through the fortnightly community news paper titled, “Namma Ooru Seithi”. The project predominantly built on a technology platform has tapped the penetration of mobile phones in rural areas and effectively used it as medium for exchange of information and knowledge.

In the present scenario of dwindling fishing & subsistence farming, this project has breathed a fresh lease of life among the fishermen & farming community and has been a ray of hope in reviving the two major economic activities of rural development i.e. fishing & farming.

A stakeholder of the project, “Kalaiselvi” who hails from Akkaraipettai village said “I have undergone series of trainings at MSSRF on preparation of sambrani powder, soap oil, phenol, and flower wash. The training not only focused on products but also gave me the courage to start a part-time small scale business. Today I prepare and sell phenol, soap oil and blue liquid that are better in quality than those available in the market. I earn a profit of up to Rs. 6000 a month.”

MSSRF has documented the entire process & progress of the project through a web based knowledge management system on a continuous basis. The occasion also witnessed the release of 3 booklets on Knowledge and Skill Building on Integrated Agriculture, Fisheries and Microenterprises: Case Studies of Rural Women and Men in the Districts of Karaikal and Nagapattinam and Compendium of Thematic focused Knowledge generated out of Expert and Community Interaction. The insights & knowledge gained out of this initiative was systematically documented in Q&A format.

The next phase of the project would leverage the usage of FM media for greater coverage of the audience and would further focus on cluster approach method for creating master trainers among farmers & Special focus on SHGs to pursue economic activities with bank linkages.

Related Newss:

1. Drishti Powers Rural Voice BPO Initiative for Rural Shores
2. Rural Development minstry releases grant-in-aid to west Bengal and Rajasthan for SGSY
3. Roughly 68.85% of the population lives in rural India

Patna: Nitish Kumar let JD(U) today passed the trust vote in Bihar Assembly with 126 MLA’s voting for it. Congress Party’s 4 MLA’s abstained from voting. There were only 24 MLA against the motion as BJP had already walked out of the house.

“We know you have mustered majority in the House to ensure passage of trust vote…therefore we are walking out,” BJP legislature party leader Nandkishore Yadav said in the House. After Yadav’s announcement, BJP MLAs immediately walked out of the legislative assembly while the debate on the trust vote moved by the Nitish Kumar government was going on.

BJP had earlier issued a whip to its 91 MLA’s to oppose the motion, but changed their mind later.

JD (U) enlisted the support of the independents.

The ruling JD(U), has 118 MLAs in the 243 member assembly, and required support of four more MLAs to prove majority. Lalu Prasad led RJD had already announced that its 22 legislators will vote against the confidence motion.

Related Newss:

1. West Bengal Assembly passes Singur bill 2011, Left Front walks out
2. JD (U) and BJP part ways in Bihar, alliance over
3. Yeddyurappa gets second trust vote right too

Hindan: The first of 10 Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III’s ordered from Boeing has landed at the Hindan Air Force base. The IAF crew received the training from the United States Air Force (USAF) to fly and maintain the aircraft.

The aircraft had departed US on 12th June (1st C-17 Globemaster III for Indian Air Force departs US.

First Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III arrives at Hindan Base

The aircraft will enhance the operational potential of the IAF with its payload carriage and performance capability and would augment the strategic reach of the Nation during disaster relief or any similar mission.

Related Newss:

1. 1st C-17 Globemaster III for Indian Air Force departs US
2. P-8I LRMRASW arrives at Indian Naval base INS Rajali at Arakkonam
3. Indian Air Force’s vintage Tiger Moth Aircraft arrives at NDA Khadakwasla

New Delhi: Indian mobile telecom customers will now have to pay less for national roaming calls and SMS from 1st July. The directive from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has also issued mandate for two types of free national roaming plans.

The new TRAI ceiling tariffs are Rs 1 per minute for outgoing local calls and Rs 1.50 per minute for out going STD calls. Earlier the charges were Rs 1.40 and Rs 2.40 respectively. Similarly, the ceiling tariffs for incoming calls while on national roaming have been reduced from 1 rupees 75 paise per minute to 75 paise per minute. Incoming SMS is free as before. Outgoing SMS to local is Rs 1 and SMS to STD is Rs 1.5.

TRAI has initiated the steps to bring down the roaming charges as per the New Telecom Policy 2012 which has an objective of one nation free roaming throughout India. However, TRAI felt that free roaming is impracticable at this stage as there is a cost incurred by the operators.

For telecom operators, TRAI has offered the flexibility in customized tariffs for roaming. Providers can now create Special tariff Vouchers (STV) and Combo Vouchers. Earlier it was permitted only for home tariff. Providers can charge fixed rates for partially or totally free roaming. TRAI said that the reduction in tariff should not impact non roaming customer.

Related Newss:

1. Sops for telecom users, Govt tries to blunt 2G scam
2. Subscribers can now choose the TV channels they wish to see
3. Kapil Sibal gets a temporary charge of Telecom Ministry

New Delhi: Indian Railways ticketing is set to get a boost as a pilot non internet based mobile ticketing has been announced through Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Traveler’s with simple mobiles can access Railway ticketing services through SMS/IVRS/USSD. Print outs are nit required.

The procedure involves user sending an SMS to a dedicated number. The user has to register the mobile number with IRCTC as well as his bank. The Bank’s one time password is required for authorization of payment. The user has to type the train number, destination, journey date, class and passenger details like name, age and gender on the SMS box. The sender will receive transaction ID and then make payment through sending another SMS by typing PAY followed by the transaction ID, MMID as received from the bank and password.

On successful booking of ticket, message will be sent to the user by IRCTC which will suffice as valid authority to travel along with photo ID card in original. Cancellation of tickets can also be done through the cancellation option available.

The scheme will be on pilot basis and will not be available during the 8 am – 12 pm for booking ARP, Tatkal, or General tickets.

Related Newss:

1. IRCTC Website will be now Common Users friendly, Agents barred from 8 A.M. to 9 A.M
2. Railways to Accept Two More Proofs of Identity for Travelling on E-Tickets
3. Railways developing Single Window Commercial Portal for better Passenger Convenience

Paris: Three Indian Army gunners test fired 3 Javelin anti-tank missiles during the annual joint India – US Exercise Yudh Abhyas. “Five Javelin missiles fired from the command launch unit achieved five direct-hits. The Javelins were fired by two U.S. Army gunners from the 82nd Airborne Division and three Indian Army gunners,” stated Raytheon release from Paris.

US has already pitched to sell the shoulder launched, fire-and-forget missile system to the Indian Army. “We are prepared to comply with India’s requirement for major defense procurements,” said Barry James, vice president of the Javelin Joint Venture and Javelin program director at Lockheed Martin.

The deal said to be facing political implication as US State department allegedly reduced the quantities required by India citing destabilisation of current military balance in the region. At the same time, Washington has cleared the transfer of technology for FGM-148 Javelin to India.

Spike, built by Israeli company, Rafael is competing in the Indian Army tender.

Related Newss:

1. USARAK, and Indian Army conduct Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2010
2. UK Awards Javelin Joint Venture $176 Million for Javelin Missile Rounds
3. Nag anti-Tank Missile demonstrated to Indian Army

Srinagar: Indian Army’s Northern Command celebrated its 42nd anniversary on Sunday. The command was raised after the India – Pakistan 1971 war. Northern Command is also known as Dhruva Command, faces 1896 KM border with both Pakistan and China, in addition to countering the proxy war unleashed by Pakistan since 1990s. Soldiers from the command are deployed in extremely inhospitable and hazardous environs which includes Siachen.

The Raising Day celebrations included a solemn ceremony at the Dhruva War Memorial, where Lt Gen KT Parnaik, General Officer Commanding in Chief Northern Command paid homage by laying a wreath at the memorial as a mark of respect to the martyrs. An IT enabled smart class rooms in the Army Public School, Udhampur was inaugurated. Other functions which marked the celebrations on 16 Jun 2013 included a skydiving display by paratroopers, a performance by the Tornadoes Army Motorcycle team, a horse show and an Army Band performance. The celebrations will culminate with a Barakhana with the troops at Bikram Park along with a colorful cultural program today evening.

Udhampur is the location of Northern Command headquarters. it commands three major formations including viz the Leh based XIV Corps responsible for the Ladakh region including Kargil- Dras and Siachen Glacier, the Srinagar based XV Corps looking after the borders of the Kashmir region and XVI Corps located in Nagrota for defence of Jammu region.

Before Udhampur, the Norther command headquarter was located in Simla. The command was at the forefront during 1999 Operation Vijay.

Related Newss:

1. Indian Army – Air Force Interactive Conference on jointness
2. General Bikram Singh visits Indian Army Eastern command
3. Indian Army exercise “Vajra Prahar” to trim mobilisation time to 48 hours

Patna: In an inevitable outcome after Narendra Modi’s elevation as key person for Bharitya Janta Party’s 2014 election campaign, the Janta Dal United (JD (U)) and the BJP have parted ways in Bihar. States Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met the Governor DY Patil in Patna and has sought fresh vote of confidence in a special sitting of the State Assembly on the 19th of this month.

Earlier in the day, Nitish Kumar had called for a futile emergency cabinet meeting with all BJP ministers abstaining. BJP ministers had already tendered their resignations and had stopped attending the office.

Both BJP and JD (U) have conducted separate meetings to decide the future of BJP – JD (U) alliance. JD(U) has now stated that the 17 year alliance is over.

Meanwhile, the lame duck Congress led central government has said that the JD(U) is a like-minded party and it has faith in secularism. Congress party spokesman Bhakta Charan Das spoke to press in New Delhi and stated that like-minded secular parties have come together in the past and can come together even in future.

Nitish Kumar needs 122 votes to win the non confidence motion and his party has 118 state legislators. JD (U) has the options of inducting independents or take Congress support from outside.

BJP is popular with Upper caste in Bihar.

Related Newss:

1. JD(U) meets to ases political situation
2. Lalu, Rabri violate model code, Nitish says Lalu is habitual lawbreaker
3. Bihar election 2010 results, JD (U) BJP combine win

Mumbai: Mumbai Police reported recovering letters recovered from Suraj Pancholi’s house which were allegedly written by Jiah Khan also known as Nafisa Khan. Below are the two letters.

Letter 1: Dear Sooraj,

I know I have hurt you and hurt myself. I am deeply sorry from the depths of my heart. I promise myself, my family and my god that this side of me will and has completely disappeared. being with you has been a blessing, it has opened my eyes to love, devotion and the real world. You have changed me and I thank you for that. You have been my saviour, losing you has forced me into becoming happy, stable and secure. I finally see the light. You need to understand I am not the girl you saw that night. This night now is me. Loving, nurturing, and understanding. I felt so insecure with you, but the love you showed me those two days has enlightened me. I might not get the opportunity to show you this but if I can I will . I start by this simple gesture to all 3 of you.

Jiah Nafisa Khan’s letter to Suraj Pancholi – Letter 1 – front-side

Jiah Nafisa Khan’s letter to Suraj Pancholi – Letter 1 – back-side

Thank you for being the most beautiful human being to me. I promise to only help you to get where you want to be and make your father and mother proud. You have helped me so much. I want to give you all in return. I know you are the only one for me. Whether as a husband, boyfriend, friend or plain acquaintance. I will always be yours. I have so much love to give. No more tears or sadness or pity or anger. The words you said to me after made sense. You’ve been my angel. Once again I apologise. I would like to open up to you about my past so you can understand me better. I finally feel like I am over my past demons.
Thank you
Yours Truly,

Letter 2:

I am writing this to you because I don’t know how else to communicate with you. I care for you deeply, and it hurts me to know you don’t trust me. I know you are yound and I am very sensitive. I am sorry, I can’t help it. When I love and care for someone I get very emorional. I never thought I would meet someone like you and feel the way I feel. You’ve given me so much excitement and happiness. At times though I feel like I am being taken for granted. I know you don’t mean it, but I wish you would show me more respect, love and appreciation. Its not much to ask. I am all or nothing kind of girl. When I give my heart, I give myself totally. I wish you would do the same. I woud take care of you, and love you like noone ever has! I am deeply romantic and a genuine yet complex person.

Jiah Nafisa Khan’s letter to Suraj Pancholi – Letter 2 – front-side

Jiah Nafisa Khan’s letter to Suraj Pancholi – Letter 2 -back-side

I will never hurt you or betray you. Please learn to trust me and give into me completely. All I ask of you is to make more of an effort ! Like how you were when we first met, caring,sweet,emotional and addictive. I will never believe rumours about you, I will learn to trust you as well. don’t try and make me jelous or cry. All I want is to love you and have beautiful days with you filled with happiness and excitement. The minute I feel insecure I close myself up. Take care of me, love me, I’m just a lost girl, but I feel safe with you. I am yours and hope to be for a long time. Open up to me baby, be my prince charming and sweep me off my feet. Thats all I can sayto you.I’m sorry if you can’t read my writing. I miss you already!

Related Newss:

1. Jiah Khan’s alleged suicide by hanging has Nafisa Joseph and Viveka Babajee pattern?
2. Big Boss 4 : Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s revenge on Salman Khan?
3. Deepika Padukone wishes to work with Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan

New Delhi: India and UK have agreed to form a framework for strategic and technical cooperation on evidence informed healthcare policy and practice. The two sides signed a MoU which follows an overarching health MoU between UK and India at the World Health Assembly, Geneva, last month.

Department of Health Research (DHR), India and National Institute for Health and Care excellence (NICE), UK, will work on three point agenda as per the MoU. it includes bring modern health technology to people by encouraging innovations related to diagnostics, treatment methods and prevention; translate the innovations into products/ processes by facilitating evaluation in synergy with other departments of MoHFW as well as other science departments; and introduce these innovations into public health service through health systems research.

UK had set up NICE to reduce variation in the availability and quality of the UK’s National Health Service’s treatments and care, to generate evidence-based guidance and help resolve uncertainty about which medicines, treatments, procedures and devices represent the best quality care. Its International division, NICE International provides technical support to countries around the world to help them strengthen their capacity and decisions in these areas.

The MoU mentions activities like collaborative projects between the scientists from the two countries, strengthening of existing institutions responsible for turning evidence to policy, setting-up of technical pilots to develop technical and institutional capacities, engagement with the health service providers as a key stakeholder, and joint awareness raising and policy advocacy through global donors.

The countries will now set up a Joint Steering Committee in order to translate the commitments of the MoU.

Related Newss:

1. India to spend 6% of GNP on healthcare, bright career prospects says SR Dugal, Chairman, ICRI
2. Fortis Completes Ten Years in Healthcare
3. US-India Security Alliance Policy Conference in DC