PIB 14

1. in the Global Hunger Index 2015, which combines the three indicators of under-nourishment, child under-weight and child mortality, India is ranked 80th out of 104 countries. This is totally unacceptable. The President said time is ripe for new measures for sustainable intensification of agriculture. These include irrigation and continuous seed and breed improvement. Research needed to ascertain the dynamics of toxic elements in the soil-crop system and to develop appropriate mechanisms for bio-remediation for safe use of water. Steps to enhance water harvesting, water-use efficiency and conjunctive use of water are necessary. These would result in net increase in irrigation potential. Our policies must address water productivity in totality.

2. CCI Imposes Penalties Upon Airlines for Concerted Action in Fixing Fuel Surcharge (FSC) on Cargo Transport. resulted in indirectly determining the rates of air cargo transport. such conduct in the air cargo industry undermines economic development of the country and ultimately acts to the detriment of end-consumers.

3. the joint military exercise between India and Russia, INDRA-2015 is presently underway

4. Under Atal Mission, construction of storm water drains(considering water logging problem during floods) has been prioritized after provision of basic infrastructure relating to water supply and sewerage connections. Central assistance to the extent of 50% of project costs will be extended to cities with a population of below 10 lakhs each and one-third of project cost if the population is above ten lakhs.

5. Studies have indicated that one percentage growth in agriculture sector is two to three times more effective in reducing poverty than one percentage growth in other sectors. higher growth rate in agriculture through sustainable development. soil health card scheme, ‘Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana’, through ‘Pradhanmantri Gram Sinchai Yojana’; enhanced water efficiency through ‘Per Drop More Crop’ and continued support to employment guarantee schemes, creation of a unified national agriculture market to boost the incomes of farmers.

6. Confiscation of property of offenders not only serves as punishment but also discourages commission of crime. In fact, Kautilya in his ‘Artha Shastra,’ had suggested confiscation of illegitimate income as one of the punishments for corrupt public servants.

7. with diverse resource base, high literacy rates, huge hydel power potential, vast potential for promoting horticulture, flori-culture, organic crops, cross border trade, North-East could be enabled to rise to its potential through necessary reforms and by promoting private investments

8. Ken-Betwa river link project to impact Panna Tiger Reserve: EAC . The Environment Ministry gives green nod to 'A' category projects based on the recommendations of its Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).

9. India needs innovation to tackle various challenges in the fields of Education, Health care, Financial Inclusion and Service delivery. We face the challenge of scalability and mass applicability of solutions to the problems of public concern. The solution lies in harnessing the digital revolution backed by innovations. The digital revolution has in a way decentralized governance.

10. the full potential of SAARC is yet to be realized. As I have often said, we can change our friends but not our neighbours. It is for us to decide if we want to live in a state of perpetual tension or develop together in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. We must look at a shared future leaving behind the divisions of the past.

11. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was one of the greatest saints of the Bhakti movement. He was responsible for the popularity of Vaishnavism in Bengal through his Kirtans, which were unparalleled in lyricism and beauty.

12. The Ministry for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has partnered with World Bank to strengthen States implementing skill training schemes through financial support

13. The Interlinking of Rivers Programme is critical for enhancing water and food security of the country especially in the water short, drought prone and rainfed farming areas. The Supreme Court in its judgment of February 27, 2012 has held the ILR programme to be in national interest and has directed for its early implementation. The Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of Ken – Betwa Link Project, Damanganga – Pinjal Link Project and Par-Tapi-Narmada link project have been completed. The various clearances in respect of Ken-Betwa link project, Phase-I are in the advanced stage of processing.