Steps Taken to Ensure Adequate Foodgrains in Northeast India

New Delhi, Oct 2 : The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution today said it had taken various initiatives to ensure continuous, regular and adequate supply of foodgrains to all States in the North-East in view of their remoteness, inaccessibility, difficult terrain and special requirements.

An official press release said that, considering the requests of some of the States and the conditions prevailing in NE Region, the Government has increased the above poverty line (APL) allocation to 35 kg per family per month to Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim with effect from August this year.

At present, all the NE States are being allocated maximum foodgrains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) at the rate of 35 kg per family per month.

A total additional allocation of 2.93 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice to this area has been given so that in every state the APL allocation also becomes 35 kg/month /family . This has benefited States, especially Assam , Manipur and Meghalaya, where earlier the APL quota was only 19.9 , 13.2 and 22.1 kg per month only 43,000 tonnes had been already lifted.

Under open market sales scheme for sales by State Governments to retail consumers, a total of 3.38 lakh tonnes has been allocated, out of which 1.08 lakh tonnes has been lifted by State Governments. Now this scheme has been extended up to March 31, 2011 so that the States may take full advantage of this.

In May 2010, the Centre had given additional allocation of 1.25 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice to all card holders at a subsidized rates of Rs. 8.45 per kg and Rs 11.85 per kg, respectively. About 62,500 tonnes have been lifted by State Governments.

On September 7, below poverty lines (BPL) families were given an additional allocation of 1.08 lakh tonnes which is to be lifted in 6 months.

In addition, 49,683 tonnes of wheat have been allocated to Food Corporation of India (FCI) for sale to traders and bulk consumers so that availability in the market increases. Of this, 14,300 tonnes have been already lifted . Thus, a total of more than 9 lakh tonnes of foodgrain have been allotted to the NE region in the last few months, the release said.

According to the release, the region has inadequate storage facilities, which creates problems in ensuring regular supplies to the PDS system from time to time . The present storage capacity of FCI in NE States is 4.58 lakh tonnes, which is insufficient to meet PDS and OWS requirements.

The Ministry said it was constructing godowns in the NE States under plan funds. It has made a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the construction of godowns totalling 5.25 lakh tonnes of storage capacity at an estimated cost of Rs 568 crores, taking into consideration the specific difficulties of the region.

The Ministry urged the State Governments to identify suitable land in all the selected locations for this purpose.

Northeast India Farmers Fail to Avail Loan: Pawar

Guwahati, Oct 2 : Union Minister for Agriculture Sharad Pawar today expressed unhappiness over non-availing of agricultural loan by the farmers of the North-Eastern States in the way it was expected, which he feels has hampered investment and finally the overall agricultural production of the region.

"Though the Centre has doubled the agricultural credit amount recently and Centre has been able to disburse Rs 3, 50,000 crore this year, the North Eastern States have not been able to reap the maximum benefits from the schemes. The rate of interest of which too has been slashed from 12 per cent to six per cent," Pawar said during a press conference today.

The Union Minister has assured to introduce special measures in this regard by discussing the matter with the banks operating in the region.

"The Centre is bearing a huge subsidy burden and steps would be taken to ensure that the benefits of the subsidy reach to the poorest of the poor," Pawar stated.

Pawar was addressing the media after the two-day conference held in the city on Agriculture Strategies, Policies, and Practices for Northeast India.

Pawar also divulged that as per a demand from all the NE States, the Centre has sanctioned another regional office of the Food Corporation of India(FCI) in Itanagar.

"Moreover, three additional district offices would also be set up in Arunachal Pradesh and a total of 172 posts have also been sanctioned for the new set ups," Pawar pointed out.

He also opined that North-eastern states should increase agricultural production to ensure food security of the region, and the Union Ministry for Agriculture would be keen to extend its support to the efforts.

He referred to a sum of Rs 380 crore that has been earmarked for improving marketing infrastructure for agricultural produce in the NE region. Additional funds worth Rs 300 crore have also been allotted for creating warehouses in rural areas.

"Funds are no constraints. What we want is proper utillisation of funds and timely submission of utilisation certificates," he remarked.

Pawar mentioned that the Ministry will meet every six months to assess the agriculture scenario of the region, to initiate corrective steps and to boost crop yield. "The Northeast is endowed with enormous potential in the agri-horti and allied sectors and these have to be tapped to the optimum level to step up production in a big way," the Minister said. He added that the region could act as a catalyst towards ushering in a second green revolution in the country, an official release stated.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi mentioned that 85 per cent of farm families of Assam fall in small and marginal category with an average land holding of 0.63 ha. The overall agriculture scene will improve if strategies and policies are oriented towards them and landless farmers.

Watchdogs For Loktak Lake

Firms to ensure proper implementation of funds

Loktak lake in Manipur

Imphal, Oct 2 : The Manipur government has engaged two agencies to properly monitor the implementation and timely completion of work at Loktak lake so that the next phase of development can be taken up.

The Planning Commission has provided Rs 374 crore for the Loktak development project, work on which is in full swing.

The project covers phumdi (floating bio-mass) clearing, catchment conservation, water management, capacity-building of Keibul Lamjao National Park as well as sustainable development and alternative livelihood for people living on the phumdi and on the fringe of the lake.

The task of monitoring the development work has been entrusted to the Delhi-based firm, Development Alternatives, and the Water Institute of Karunaya University, Coimbatore. The government and the two agencies signed the terms of reference recently.

“The monitoring works is to be done in two phases. The first phase is expected to done by November or December this year and the second during the final phase of the project, which is March 2012,” the director of Loktak Development Authority (LDA), Th. Ibobi, told The Telegraph.

The LDA was constituted by the Okram Ibobi Singh government to take care of Loktak lake, which covers Bishnupur, Imphal West and Thoubal districts.

Th. Ibobi said the two agencies had already assessed the lake and the ongoing development activities.

The state government took up the project to save the Loktak environment, which has been polluted because of increasing phumdi and human interference.

This has poised a threat to the flora and fauna in and around the lake, including sangai, a threatened deer species. Keibul Lamjao, a swamp of floating phumdi located on the southeastern side of Loktak, is the only remaining natural habitat of the sangai.

To check pollution, the project will also take care of the pollutants that are brought in by the Nambul river that flows into the Loktak lake.

The Planning Commission wanted a third party to monitor the development at Loktak to ensure that funds sanctioned for the purpose were used properly.

“The Planning Commission has assured us that it will provide more funds after the ongoing project is completed, but this will depend on whether it is satisfied with its outcome. So monitoring is an important part of the project,” Th. Ibobi said.

Government spokesperson and irrigation and flood control minister N. Biren Singh said, “The chief minister, who is the chairman of the LDA, is taking a keen interest in the ongoing project because the government has ambitious plans to set up a water sports complex and an eco-tourism park at the lake.”

AFSPA Extended in Arunachal

By Nishit Dholabhai

New Delhi, Oct 2 : The Centre today extended the “disturbed areas” notification under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh for six months.

The decision was taken on basis of inputs that the NSCN (I-M) and the NSCN (Khaplang) are actively involved in anti-social activity. The two outfits have presence in the Arunachal Pradesh districts that border Myanmar. Nagaland, Manipur and parts of Assam are under the army act.

“There are also inputs that suggest the presence of the Kachin Independent Army in this area,” said a source. The outfit’s cadres were also found to be involved in the Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh late last year.

The NSCN (K) has been active in Changlang region for a long time and has steadily increased its power. The NSCN (I-M) has been a “competitor” for the Khaplang group here, too, though inter-factional clashes have reduced over the past two years.

The armed forces believe that they would need powers to keep the situation in check.

The NSCN (I-M) includes the two districts in its map of “Nagalim”, which is the integrated “Naga homeland”. Tirap is dominated by the Nocte and Wancho communities while the outfits are active in Singpho-dominated areas of Changlang district.

The Centre is in talks with the NSCN (I-M) and both sides are coming closer gradually over the past 12 years since the outfit signed a ceasefire pact.

“A delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC) called on me on September 14. Following the meeting, at my request, the economic blockade of Manipur by the UNC was lifted on September 18,” Union home minister P.Chidambaram said today.

Delhi Students See Red as House Rent Shoots, Courtesy CWG

New Delhi, Oct 1 : Make hay when the sun shines. The Commonwealth Games may not be getting that many visitors but that has not stopped rapacious landlords from significantly increasing rents and adding to woes of hundreds of students, particularly in north Delhi near the Delhi University campus.

According to Ramesh Sharma of R.K. Properties in Mukherjee Nagar, house rent in the area has gone up by as much as Rs.5,000-6,000 over the last three months - all because of the Games.

"Three months back, a two-room house on rent in Delhi was approximately Rs.7,000, but now you can't get the same set up for less than Rs.12,000 a month," Sharma told IANS.

"The only reason why this is happening is because students in the Delhi University college hostels had to vacate their hostels for three months until after the Games and had to look for alternate living arrangements. The landlords have used this to their full advantage and increased the rent," he said.

Raju Srivastava, another property dealer in Kinsway Camp, echoed saying: "Rents have shot up so much that a number of students have no choice but to scout for a flat mate so that the cost can be divided."

A one-room apartment the rent of which was about Rs.5,000 is now Rs.7,000 and the rent for a three-room place which was around Rs.12,000 is anywhere between Rs.14,000 and Rs.18,000.

With colleges closing from Oct 1 until after the Games, a number of out-station students have left for home to escape the costs instead of witnessing the event in the capital. The Games will begin Oct 3 and will culminate Oct 14.

Akhila Daniel, a student who hails from Nagaland, said: "I am going back home this weekend and will be back at the end of this month. I would have loved to stay back in Delhi to witness the Games, but I just can't afford to!"

"I have been paying Rs.12,000 for a two-room place in Mukherjee Nagar for the last three months, which is way beyond my budget. But I had no choice since we had to vacate our college hostel. Once I am back, I will shift back to the hostel," she added.

Ravi Jain, another student, said: "Landlords here are fleecing the hapless students. Left with no choice, I am sharing a single room apartment with three other boys."

However, student Shruti Sharma said she would rather give in to another month of "fleecing" to witness the historic Games in the capital.

"I am sure it will be worth it," she said enthusiastically.

World's Greenest Nations

The 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) recently ranked 163 countries on their performance in categories including environmental health, air quality, water resource management, biodiversity and habitat, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and climate change. We list the Top 10:

Produced by a team of environmental experts at Yale University and Columbia University the EPI rankings were released at the World Economic Forum Annual in Davos.

ICELAND

EPI Score: 93.5/100

Iceland leads the world in addressing pollution control and natural resource management challenges. The nation's top-notch performance derives from its high scores on environmental public health, controlling greenhouse gas emissions, and reforestation, according to a media release from Yale University.

SWITZERLAND

EPI Score: 89.1/100

Switzerland slipped from last year's numero uno position to No. 2 this year. The nation has however, made substantial investments in environmental infrastructure, pollution control, and policies designed to move toward long-term sustainability.

COSTA RICA

EPI Score: 86.4/100

Costa Rica climbed from number five in 2008 and number 15 in 2006, the first year the indicator was published. The EPI index is produced every two years. Costa Rica is an eco-tourism pioneer which is now cashing in on its pristine beaches and national parks.

Incidentally, the World Database of Happiness, compiled by a Dutch sociologist, lists Costa Rica as the 'happiest' nation out of 148 countries.

SWEDEN

EPI Score: 86/100

About 15% of Sweden lies north of the Arctic Circle. Southern Sweden is predominantly agricultural, with increasing forest coverage northward. Around 65% of Sweden's total land area is covered with forests.

The nation has been credited with making substantial investments in environmental infrastructure, pollution control, and policies designed to move toward long-term sustainability.

NORWAY

EPI Score: 81.1/100

The "Land of the Midnight Sun" slipped 4 positions from its second position in the 2008 EPI rankings. The nation however, scored well on substantial investments in environmental infrastructure, pollution control, and policies designed to move toward long-term sustainability.

Norway has a larger number of different habitats than almost any other European country. There are approximately 60,000 species in Norway and adjacent waters (excluding bacteria and virus). The Norwegian Shelf large marine ecosystem is considered highly productive.

MAURITIUS

EPI Score: 80.6/100

The island is well known for its natural beauty. Conservation work in Mauritius is carried out by the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) and by non-governmental organizations such as the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT).

The Black River Gorges National Park covers 65.74 km² of land and another 45 km² is protected by nature reserves such as Round Island and Île aux Aigrettes. Efforts to preserve native flora and fauna have included captive breeding, habitat restoration and the eradication of introduced species.

FRANCE

EPI Score: 78.2/100

The index is based on each country's performance in 10 primary areas: environmental burden of disease, water resources for human health, air quality for human health, air quality for ecosystems, water resources for ecosystems, biodiversity and habitat, forestry, fisheries, agriculture and climate change.

AUSTRIA

EPI Score: 78.1/100

Austria is one of the 12 richest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita, has a well-developed social market economy, and a high standard of living.

The nation scored well on substantial investments in environmental infrastructure, pollution control, and policies designed to move toward long-term sustainability.

CUBA

EPI Score: 78.1/100

Cuba's air quality matches or exceeds that of number one Iceland, and its management of forestry and fisheries also rank near the top.

COLOMBIA

EPI Score: 76.8/100

Colombia is home to 10% of the world's species, with a wealth of ecological diversity. While Colombia has had problems in the past concerning deforestation, the detrimental effects of the coca trade, and political strife involving their natural oil deposits, all these factors have helped to move Colombia towards energy conservation and new, less politically tumultuous resources. Colombia has also begun programs for the cultivation of natural parks that support the growth of native medicinal plants.

Who's the Hottest Rocker Wife?

Heidi Klum

Seal hit the jackpot when he landed 10-years-younger supermodel Heidi Klum, who famously insured her legs for $2 million.

Paulina Porizkova

One of the original supermodels, Paulina married somewhat unusual looking Cars singer Ric Ocasek in 1989. And she's still totally gorgeous!

Beyonce

Rapper Jay-Z (his mash-ups qualify him as a rocker) may be one of the most powerful men in the music biz -- but he doubled his sex appeal when he married the beautiful and talented Beyonce.

Gwyneth Paltrow

You wouldn't have put Brad Pitt's former fiancee in the same sentence with Coldplay's Chris Martin -- but they've been married since 2003.

Iman

In 1992, striking supermodel Iman married bisexual rocker David Bowie. He's said that he was naming their children the night they met.

Gwen Stefani

Alternative rocker Gavin Rossdale tied the knot with music-fashion mogul Gwen Stefani in 2002. He's a lucky guy ... have you seen her abs?

Penny Lancaster

Rod Stewart, 65, married English model Lancaster, now 39, in 2007, after she gave birth to his seventh child (her first).

I Love ‘Endhiran’…Rajni Saar

Rajni Saar: The Big Daddy of Entertainers!

'Endhiran', directed by Shankar, is a Rajnikanth Express that transports you to a world you can't envision.

Review

Rajnikanth's feats are legendary by now. In 'Endhiran', he goes a step further. The Robot in 'Endhiran' not only follows orders of his creator, but also cooks, fights, romances and wonder of wonders, has a lengthy conversation with a mosquito and scan loads of books/magazines and an entire telephone directory in a second. Yes, you read it right!

That's not all, this Robot is Superman + Spiderman + Terminator + Godzilla, all rolled into one. There's more to this Robot. It can replicate itself, wage a vicious battle, turn into an Anaconda or a monster ball and wipe off an entire army. Whew! Known for larger than life canvas, 'Endhiran' is Shankar's most expensive and if we may say so, his most imaginative film thus far. And who better than Rajnikanth for the pivotal role!

Final word? A Rajnikanth film is an event and this combo's [Shankar - Rajnikanth] new outing 'Endhiran' is sure to strike like Tsunami. Let us make it short-n-sweet. If you miss 'Endhiran', it's YOUR loss!

Location: Chennai 2010. Mission: Creating a robot Chitti. Purpose: To help the society. Development time: 10 years. Special Features: A human who is not born, but is created. He can dance, sing, fight, is water and fire resistant. He can do all that a human can and more. He feeds on electricity. He takes instructions literally. Where a human can lie to save himself, this robot cannot lie.

Where he has a razor sharp memory and can memorize an entire telephone directory by just running through the pages, he cannot understand human emotions. Dr. Vasi upgrades Chitti's processor and simulates human emotions without realizing the repercussions. Chitti gets transformed. He can now feel and the first feeling that he discovers is Love. Will this love come in the way of Dr. Vasi's purpose of creating Chitti? Will Dr. Vasi's own creation destroy him?

A title like 'Endhiran' automatically puts tremendous responsibility and pressure on the director's shoulders. And 'Endhiran' is not merely a display of VFX, but it also has soul, a story to tell. At first, 'Endhiran' comes across as a clash between the virtuous [Rajnikanth] and wicked [Danny Denzongpa]. But 'Endhiran' changes gears in its post-interval portions as the focus shifts to the creator [Rajnikanth] and his creation [Rajnikanth].

It's a Rajnikanth film and it would be incomplete if his loyal fans don't get to watch his stylish actions and feats. Thankfully, 'Endhiran' showcases it all. He can glide on the railway tracks, run horizontally on a moving train, transform into an Anaconda, can swallow helicopters and even fire at people with his fingers, without using a pistol. These are truly clap-trap moments!

Even otherwise, the screenplay is really well penned and absorbing. While the film is a super ride from start to end, it's the penultimate 25 minutes that leaves you awe-struck and speechless. You can't imagine a Hindi film having such an out of the world climax.

Only thing, Shankar could've controlled the length of the film. It could've been shorter by at least 10 to 15 minutes, which includes doing away with a song or two. Of course, like all Shankar movies, the songs are filmed most imaginatively on exotic locales, but what's the point of having songs if they act as speed breakers?

That Shankar ranks amongst India's best directors is well known by now and 'Endhiran' only cements the fact. His vision and execution of the difficult subject deserves the highest praise, in fact distinction marks. He not only dreams big, but the outcome is incredible too. A.R. Rahman's music doesn't compliment the content of the film, but like we pointed out earlier, every song has been filmed exquisitely. The action and chase sequences are outstanding [Yuen Woo Ping, action choreographer in the 'Matrix' and 'Kill Bill' sequels, was the stunt coordinator]. Visual effects are spectacular [Stan Winston Studio, the studio behind JURASSIC PARK, PREDATOR, TERMINATOR, IRON MAN, AVATAR, provided the animatronics technology]. Cinematography captures the grand production values with precision. The locations of Austria, Machu Picchu in Peru, U.S.A. and Brazil only enhance the visual appeal of the film. The sets are mind-blowing. Dubbing is near-perfect.

'Endhiran' is a Rajnikanth show from start to end. And no other actor, not from Bollywood at least, would be able to do what he does with such amazing ease. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks stunning and acts most convincingly. Danny Denzongpa is efficient, as always. The remaining actors enact their parts well.

On the whole, 'Endhiran' is a crowd-pleasing and hugely mass appealing tale of android revolution with a thrilling plot, rich and imaginative screenplay, super action, astounding effects and most importantly, Rajnikanth, who is the soul of the film.

Source: Bollywood Hungama