"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

July 2016

India to Double Tiger Population by 2022- Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave

To mark the International Tiger Day, Environment minister Anil Dave reaffirmed his commitment to double the number of tigers by 2022. Currently, India is home to 70 percent of the world's tiger population. The number of tigers in India is 2226. Through the “Project Tiger” and various other conservation efforts, India is well on its way to more than meet the global wildlife conservation goal 'TX2”. The heads of governments of Tiger Range Countries (TRCs) have all resolved to double the number of tigers (TX2) by the year 2022 under the St Petersburg Resolution on Tiger Conservation. 

30 Jul 2016
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Hybrid Vehicles at Reduced Price

The Government has told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that electric and hybrid vehicles will be available at a reduced, subsidized price to the buyers. The Government is expecting that by reducing the price, under its FAME-India scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India), the demand for energy-efficient hybrid vehicles will increase, resulting in cleaner environment. The government estimates the sale of hybrid and electric vehicles to be around 6-7 million by 2020. If this target is met, it will save 9,500 million liters of fossil fuels and reduce 2 million tonnes of GHG (Greenhouse Gas emission). The government is also looking at introducing hybrid technology in public transportation. For this, it is considering giving grants to hybrid technology related research and development projects. 

30 Jul 2016
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AR Rahman to Perform At United Nations on Independence Day

Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman has been invited to perform at the UN General Assembly on 15th August – India’s Independence Day. Rahman will be paying homage to the veteran vocalist and Bharat Ratna awardee MS Subbulakshmi, who incidentally performed at the same venue, fifty years back, on Independence Day. The concert will also commemorate the birth centenary of the legendary singer. MS Subbulakshmi was the first Indian artist to perform at the United Nations iconic hall where many global leaders have given speeches. 

30 Jul 2016
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Mahasveta Devi : A Life Well Lived

A passionate writer and a social activist, Mahasveta Devi was an inspiration to all Indians. Winner of prestigious awards, such as Ramon Magsaysay, Padma Vibhushan, Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith, Mahasveta Devi used her creativity as a tool to improve the lives of the oppressed. Her famous works, including 'Aranyer Adhikar' (Right to the Forest, 'Jhansir Rani' (The Queen of Jhansi), 'Agnigarbha' 'Hajar Churashir Ma' (Mother of 1084), (The Fire Within) and 'Rudali', 'Sidhu Kanhur Daakey', brought to light the lives of the marginalized. Many of her famous works have been adapted on the celluloid. Mahasveta Devi passed away yesterday in Kolkata, at the age of 91. Throughout her life, she served as the voice of the oppressed. She herself founded various grassroots-level societies for the welfare of the rural dispossessed and the tribals. Although, she is no more, her spirit will always be kept alive through her selfless work and acclaimed writings. 

29 Jul 2016
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Rajya Sabha Passes Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Bill

The much awaited Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Bill, which will unlock 42000 crore fund for forest and wildlife protection, has been approved by the Rajya Sabha. The pending bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in May 2016. After the President’s nod, the funds unlocked by the passage of the bill will be utilized for increasing forest cover, forest regeneration as well as all related allied activities to protect the green cover. At present, any user agency which diverts forest land for non-forest use, deposits a certain amount to Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). The accumulated fund is then utilized to off-set any damages caused by forest land diversion. CAMPA is in custody of the accumulated 42000 crore fund. With the passage of this bill, a national authority at the Centre as well as one in each of the participating states will be set-up, to ensure proper utilization of these funds. The authorities will also monitor an additional 6000 crore fund annually (over and above this 42000 crore) which would be collected in future for diversion of forest land. The government has assured that rights of tribals/forest dwellers will not be compromised while undertaking any of the forest related activities.

29 Jul 2016
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Once a Year Free Individual Credit Report for Indian Citizens

The Credit Information Bureau of India (CIBIL) has declared that from December onwards, Individuals will be able to get a free copy of their credit history, once a year. At present, people have to shell out 550/- to CIBIL to obtain the same. The credit report has in the recent years gained immense importance as a lot of things are dependent on it. Banks verify them before giving loans to an individual. Telecom companies access them to allocate limits for post-paid customers. Certain Insurance companies too look at them before allotting a policy. CIBIL will have an online system in place by December which will enable the individuals to download their free report. The free credit report however, will not include the credit score. Still, individuals will be able to access their credit history, submitted to the bureau by banks and other lenders. They can raise a dispute if there is any incorrect information submitted to the bureau.

29 Jul 2016
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Sakal Times features Food Dosti Application Suite

Sakal Times carried out an article on Food Dosti Application Suite - a platform to connect Restaurants, its customers and Non-profits, with the aim of achieving Zero Food wastage. In the article, founder of SamvadSocial Technologies Private Limited, Mr. Sanjeev Neve, talks about his motivation behind starting a food revolution with this Zero Food Wastage App. 

28 Jul 2016
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IRCTC Introduces Travel Insurance Cover of 10 Lakhs at a Premium of Re 1

There is good news for the travelers booking online tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website. Come September, they can buy a travel Insurance cover of up to 10 lakhs for themselves as well as their families, all at a premium of Re 1. This insurance cover will be over and above the compensation valid ticket holders get in case of accidents. Shriram General, Royal Sundaram and ICICI Lombard have been selected by the Indian Railways to offer the Insurance services to the travelers. 10 lakh compensation is valid in case of death and permanent total disability, 7.5 lakhs for permanent partial disability, up to 2 lakhs for hospitalization expenses and Rs.10,000 for transportation of mortal remains. The insurance cover facility is voluntary. In case of cancellation of ticket, the premium amount will be automatically transferred to the booker’s account. 

28 Jul 2016
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India-US sign $1 billion deal for four Poseidon-8I Aircrafts

United States will supply India with four additional Poseidon-8I Aircrafts. The deal worth $ 1 billion is a follow-up order to the eight P-81 planes bought by India for $2.1 billion in 2009. The acquisition of additional P-8I long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft will help the Indian Navy keep a watch over the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean has in the past witnessed forays by Chinese submarines, including the docking of a Chinese nuclear submarine in Sri Lanka. The Poseidon-8I Aircrafts support the Indian Navy in building up and growing its naval surveillance capabilities. 

28 Jul 2016
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