The Ministry of Tourism organised their latest webinar titled Hampi- Inspired by the past; Going into the future on 29th August 2020 under Dekho Apna DeshWebinar series.The webinar was focused on an integrated approach that addresses the needs of Hampi as both heritage site and tourist destination, and addresses social, economic and ecological concerns.Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme.
Presented by Ms. Shama Pawar, Founder, The Kishkinda Trust and Convenor, Intach Anegundi Hampi , the webinar showcased the austere, grandiose site of Hampi which was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hampis spectacular setting is dominated by river Tungabhadra, craggy hill ranges and open plains with widespread physical remainsa. The sophistication of the varied urban, royal and sacred systems is evident from the more than 1600 surviving remains that include forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, gateways, defence check posts, stables, water structures etc.
The presenter started with Hampis history. Its name is derived from Pampa which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River on whose banks the city is built. In 1336 CE, the Vijayanagara Empire arose from the ruins of the Kampili kingdom. It grew into one of the famed Hindu empires of South India that ruled for over 200 years.The Vijayanagara rulers fostered developments in intellectual pursuits and the arts, maintained a strong military and fought many wars with sultanates to its north and east. They invested in roads, waterworks, agriculture, religious buildings and public infrastructure. The site used to be multi-religious and multi-ethnic; it included Hindu and Jain monuments next to each other. The buildings predominantly followed South Indian Hindu arts and architecture dating to the Aihole-Pattadakal styles, but the Hampi builders also used elements of Indo-Islamic architecture in the Lotus Mahal, the public bath and the elephant stables.
Vijayanagara Empire flourished as it controlled cotton and spice trade routes of Southern India. Medival historians refer to Hampi as an important center of trade. However, the glory of Vijayanagara was short lived. With the death of Krishnadevaraya, the combined armies of the five muslim kingdoms- Bidar, Golconda, Ahmednagar and Berar destroyed this might empire in 1565.
The Kishkinda Trust was established in 1997 to work towards integration of heritage conservation with the lives of the local people, striving towards the socio economic and cultural enhancement of Anegundi village. Since its inception, the trust runs programs integrating heritage conservation with crafts, rural tourism, organic farming and other locally developed skills that benefit the community socially and financially.
The presenter while highlighting the important attractions of Hampi, spoke about the 15th Century Virupaksha temple which is one of the oldest monuments of the town. The main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva. Hemkunta Hill, south of the Virupaksha temple contains early ruins, Jain temples and a monolithic sculpture of Lord Narasimha, a form of Lord Vishnu. At the eastern end, there is the large Nandi in stone; on the southern side is the larger than life Ganesha. Large single stone carvings seem to have been the fashion of the day in Hampi, for there is a large image of Narasimha (6.7m high), the half lion half man incarnation of God, as well as a huge linga.
Hampi Bazar street also known Virupaksha Bazar begins in front of the Virupaksha temple and ends at the foothill of the Matanga hill. As Rama and Lakshman continued their search for Sita, along the way they found this Matanga Hill where Sugriva lived with his Minister Jambavan and associate Hanuman. Two kilometers east of Hampi Bazaar, one can see the Vittal temple built in the 16th Century, and now a World Heritage monument. The carvings on this temple give an insight into the architectural splendor achieved by the artisans of Vijayanagara empire. The columns of the temple are so balanced that they have a musical quality. Queens bath, Hazara Rama temple, Lotus Palace, Elephant quarters are other attractions which cannot be missed.
Hampi is a place for meditation and looks like a miniature painting. While going around Hampi one can feel the sense of timeless journeys. Hampis natural heritage comprise of bolders, scrub and marshy lands, Tungabhadra river, birds and wildlife, otter reserve and diverse flora and fauna. Some trees like sandalwood grow naturally. Irrigation system is good and assists in rice cultivation. People visit Hampi to watch birds, pristine landscape, blend of river, rock and ecology showcasing a beautiful scene.
Under Cultural heritage conservation, the Kishkinda Trust in collaboration with INTACH has worked towards the revival of folk traditions and folk arts while activities under nural conservation include avenue plantation awareness campaigns and workshops on nature conservation, documentation of the available birds species of the area, photo documentation of the landscape etc.
Anegundi village- In the year 1334, Anegundis Chief Minister Deva Raya, became the first ruler of Anegundi. It is also believed to be part of the mythical city of Kishkinda, home to the mighty Indian monkey God Hanuman. Anjunadri, Hanumans birthplace lies a few kilometers away from Anegundi. A walk around Anegundi streets will present women grinding spices, decorating their houses with rangoli, or weaving banana fiber into bags for the Kishkinda Trusts art and crafts shop.
Conservation is a progressive concept and the community is involved and proper documentation of village homes, ruined houses are maintained with suggested plans that relate to the current needs and materials. Few examples of living projects such as heritage homes as tourist accommodation, village library, Public spaces, proper sanitation plans etc have been achieved by the Kishkinda Trust. In order to develop local livelihood opportunities for women, with focus on blending locally available materials and skills, a range of banana fibre products were developed which provided employment to 150-200 women in the village.
All proceeds from product sales support these livelihood initiatives and help the women of the village to earn an independent income, creating confidence which further help to share their experiences and learn from one another as a family, and this reflects the core values of creativity, friendship and community.
Education through performing Arts has been one of the most effective programs where the children get an opportunity to learn dance, music, theatre from various specialized artists. Children also get to learn the concept of conservation, ecology etc which in the long run help them to get involved in social projects and contribute to community living.
Program under sanitation includes providing tools and training workers, regular sweeping, collection and segregation, composting of bio waste, dissemination of dry waste such as plastics etc. Regular awareness program are held for local school children, guest house owners and people of the village and cleaning drives are regularly held to ensure community participation.
Summing up the webinar Rupinder Brar , Additional Director General stressed the importance of using the mother earth in a responsible way to preserve and save for future generations. Hampi is well connected by air, rail and road. While concluding the session an announcement was made regarding 5 questions related to the webinar will be asked and the viewers can participate through mygov.in and e certificate will be issued to the successful viewers. The questions related to each webinar will also be posted on Ministry of Tourism social handles.
The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter (April-June) Q1 of 2020-21, both at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices, along with the corresponding quarterly estimates of expenditure components of the GDP.
2. GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in Q1 of 2020-21 is estimated at ` 26.90 lakh crore, as against ` 35.35 lakh crore in Q1 of 2019-20, showing a contraction of 23.9 percent as compared to 5.2 percent growth in Q1 2019-20. Quarterly GVA at Basic Price at Constant (2011-12) Prices for Q1 of 2020-21 is estimated at `25.53 lakh crore, as against ` 33.08 lakh crore in Q1 of 2019-20, showing a contraction of 22.8 percent.
3. GDP at Current Prices in the year Q1 2020-21 is estimated at ₹ 38.08 lakh crore, as against ₹ 49.18 lakh crore in Q1 2019-20, showing a contraction of 22.6 percent as compared to 8.1 percent growth in Q1 2019-20. GVA at Basic Price at Current Prices in Q1 2020-21, is estimated at `35.66 lakh crore, as against `44.89 lakh crore in Q1 2019-20, showing a contraction of 20.6 percent.
4. Estimates of GDP along with GVA at Basic Price by kind of economic activity, Expenditures on GDP at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices, as well as percentage change and rates of expenditure components of GDP for Q1 2018-19 to 2020-21, are given in Statements 1 to 4.
5. The first quarter estimates are based on agricultural production during Rabi season of 2019-20 (which ended in June 2020) obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare; estimates of production, mainly in the form of production targets for Milk, Egg, Meat and Wool for Livestock Sector from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Fish production data from the Department of Fisheries.
6. Index of Industrial Production (IIP); monthly accounts of Union Government Expenditure maintained by Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and of State Government expenditure maintained by Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for the period April-June 2020-21 have been used. Performance of key sectors like Transport including Railways, Road, Air and Water Transport etc., Communication, Banking and Insurance during the period April-June 2020-21 has been taken into account while compiling the estimates. Performance of the corporate sector during April-June 2020-21 based on data received from BSE/NSE has been taken into account.
Dr.Jitendra Singh emphasises that it is not only a Governance reform but also a socio-economic reform
National Recruitment Agency to bring paradigm shift in recruitment system and help meet the aspiration of the youth in finding the right job, opine Experts
Posted On: 31 AUG 2020 3:33PM by PIB Delhi
National Recruitment Agency to bring paradigm shift in recruitment system and help meet the aspiration of the youth in finding the right job, experts opined in a Webinar organised by Press Information Bureau, Kolkata on the topic today. Experts from Industry, Government sector along with academicians deliberated and discussed about the potential and role of National Recruitment Agency from recruitment sector and policy perspective.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State (I/C) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the decision is a Game-Changer in the recruitment sector that brings Recruitment to the villages and towns. He said that the Job opportunities to candidates is a transformational endeavour that would greatly enhance ease of living for the youth. He emphasised on better student recruitment process and on best practices in recruitment sector. Dr. Jitendra Singh said National Recruitment Agency to bring paradigm shift in recruitment system and help meet the aspiration of the youth in finding the proper job. He said that it is not only a Governance reform but also a socio-economic reform.
A Webinar on 'National Recruitment Agency and its role' organised by Press Information Bureau, Kolkata
It is not only a Governance reform but also a socio-economic reform, says Union Minister of State (I/C) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh
Shri Braj Raj Sharma, Former Chairman, SSC expressed optimism with the decision of National Recruitment Agency, as he said that job selection, recruitment and job opportunities has to seen in totality. He said it is WIN-WIN scenario for all in the value chain of recruitment, whether it is the job seekers, recruiting organisations or Human Resources personnel. He said that to begin with Common Eligibility Test would include recruitments by three agencies, viz. Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Board and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. He said it would have special emphasis on developing examination infrastructure in the 117 aspirational districts. For students advantages are many, including doing away with appearing in multiple examinations and examinations in each district to encourage more and more women candidates, Divyangsand those from rural areas to apply for government jobs.
The Labour Bureau, an attached office of the M/o Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of the retail prices of selected items collected from 289 markets spread over 78 industrially important centres in the country. The index is compiled for 78 centres and All-India and is released on the last working day of succeeding month. The index for the month of July, 2020 is being released in this press release.
The All-India CPI-IW for July, 2020 increased by 4 points and stood at 336 (three hundred and thirty six). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by (+) 1.20 per cent between June and July, 2020 compared to (+) 0.95 per cent increase between corresponding months of previous year.
The maximum upward pressure in current index came from Housing group contributing (+) 2.28 percentage points to the total change. The Food index further accentuated the overall index by (+) 1.77 percentage points. At item level, Wheat Atta, Mustard Oil, Milk (Buffalo), Green Chillies, Brinjal, Gourd, Palak, Parval, Potato, Tomato, Snack Saltish, Cooking Gas, Fire Wood, Bus Fare, Petrol, Tailoring Charges, etc. are responsible for the increase in index. However, this increase was checked by Rice, Fish Fresh, Goat Meat, Poultry (Chicken), Lemon, etc., putting downward pressure on the index.
In 1979, Dr. Saroj Ghosh turned a municipal garbage ground at Worli into the world’s first science park- Nehru Science Centre
Posted On: 31 AUG 2020 6:59PM by PIB Mumbai
-Kolkata/Mumbai, August 31, 2020
Dr. Saroj Ghose, the Father of Science Centre Movement in India turns 85 on September 1, 2020. The doyen of science popularization movement not only in India but acclaimed internationally, Dr. Ghose is known as museum maker. Way back in 1960s, he dreamt of taking science to the millions in the country through Science Museums and Science Centres and played a pivotal role in establishing National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) in 1978, which resulted in setting up of Science Centres in different parts of the country, including the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai. Science Museums and Science Centres are institutions that popularize science and technology in a non-formal way.
Dr. Ghose graduated from Jadavpur University in Electrical and Communication Engineering, and joined the upcoming Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), in Kolkata, under the aegis of CSIR, as a Technical Officer in 1958. BITM was opened in 1959 and Dr. Ghose soon became an indispensable part of it.
In 1965, Dr. Ghose took charge of BITM. In the same year, BITM launched 'Mobile Science Museum' (now called Mobile Science Exhibition) at Ramakrishna Ashram School, Narendrapur, near Kolkata. The exhibition was on the theme 'Our Familiar Electricity' which had 30 exhibits mounted on portable stands, and carried by a bus. The philosophy behind this travelling exhibition was, “If children cannot come to Science Museum, Science Museum will go to them”. NCSM now operates 48 Mobile Science Exhibition buses throughout the country. Limca Book of Records recognized this programme as the largest and the longest running Non-Formal Science Education Programme in India.
In the early 1970s, Dr. Ghose went to USA for higher studies where he earned an M.S. degree in 'Control Engineering' from Harvard University and was subsequently engaged with research in the history of science and technology at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC. After his return to India, in 1974, he submitted a thesis on 'The Introduction and Development of the Electric Telegraph in India' with Jadavpur University and earned a PhD degree in Engineering. While in the USA, he noticed how the world famous The Exploratorium, San Francisco, was changing the very concept of how children should learn science with the help of interactive exhibits to explore the rudiments of scientific principles. Dr. Ghose introduced this concept in India and Nehru Science Centre at Mumbai became the first Science Centre in India fully equipped with interactive exhibits. The centre was opened in 1985. Later on, in 1992, National Science Centre, Delhi was opened in the same format but with interactive historical perspectives.
Prior to this in 1979, the International Year of the Child, he turned a municipal garbage ground at Worli in Mumbai into the world’s first science park, where children could explore the basics of science while playing with the exhibits, set up in the lush green ambience of the park. The model was globally followed by large numbers of science centres and is considered as an original contribution by NCSM. In 1985, this became the Nehru Science Centre, considered as the largest interactive science centre in India.
In 1978, the Govt of India delinked the two existing Science Museums and one Science Centre from CSIR and National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) was formed. Dr. Ghose took over as Director of NCSM in 1979 and in 1986 as the Director General. Motivated with the zeal of popularizing science, creating a scientific awareness in the country and nurturing creativity and scientific temper in the children through science centre activities, Dr. Ghose spearheaded the Science Centre movement in India. Under his leadership, 18 Science Centres (2 National Level, 7 at Regional Level and 8 at Sub-Regional/District Level) were set up across India. These Science Centres continue to play a vital role in spreading the message of Science in the country since their inceptions. Dr. Ghose retired from NCSM’s service in 1997, but NCSM continued his good work by setting up large numbers of science centres across the country. This was possible because of the visionary outlook of Dr. Ghose, who always emphasized on building a dedicated, motivated and trained manpower of Scientific, Technical and Administrative staff who would take his legacy forward.
In the mid ‘80s, Dr Ghose masterminded the concept of international mega travelling exhibition titled “India: a Heritage of Science”. The exhibition was hugely popular in the USA, France, Soviet Union, Bulgaria, China, Bangladesh, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana etc. The exhibition earned NCSM an international recognition for its contribution to the science popularization activities.
After retirement from NCSM in 1997, Dr Ghose kept himself busy with the development of Kolkata Panorama for Kolkata Museum Society, Parliament Museum, Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum etc. He was also the Museum Advisor to the President of India. He also played a key role in the development of Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad.
The illustrious career of Dr. Saroj Ghose is studded with many national and international recognitions. He was awarded 'Indira Gandhi Prize' from the Indian National Science Academy as well as 'Hari Om Trust Award' from University Grants Commission for Popularization of Science in 1988. In 2001, NCSTC, Govt. of India, awarded him 'National Award' for the best effort in science popularization amongst children. He was conferred with ‘Padma Shri’ (1989) and 'Padma Bhushan' (2007) by the Government of India. In 1996, he received 'Primo Rovis International Prize' from the Trieste International Foundation, 'ASTC Fellow' [Association of Science and Technology Centers, USA] in 1997.
Dr. Saroj Ghose had held several important positions in the Paris based International Council of Museums (ICOM) between 1974 and 1998 and twice became its President (1992-95 and 1995-98). He was also the President, Second Science Centre World Congress, 1999.
The Office of Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is releasing Index of Eight Core Industries for the Month of July, 2020.
2. The combined Index of Eight Core Industries stood at 119.9 in July, 2020, which declined by 9.6 (provisional) per cent as compared to the Index of July, 2019.Its cumulative growth during April to July, 2020-21 was -20.5%.
3. Final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for April’2020 is revised at -37.9%.The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).Details of yearly/monthly index and growth rate is provided atAnnexure.
4.Monthly growth rates of Index of Eight Core Industries (Overall) is depicted in the graph:
5. The summary of the Index of Eight Core Industries is given below:
Coal- Coal production (weight: 10.33per cent) declinedby 5.7 per cent in July, 2020 over July,2019. Its cumulative index declined by 12.9per cent during April toJuly, 2020-21over corresponding period of the previous year.
Crude Oil-Crude Oil production (weight: 8.98per cent) declined by 4.9 per cent inJuly, 2020 over July,2019. Its cumulative index declined by 6.1 per cent during April toJuly, 2020-21over the corresponding period of previous year.
Natural Gas- The Natural Gas production (weight:6.88per cent) declinedby10.2 per cent in July, 2020 over July,2019. Its cumulative index declined by 14.7 per cent during April to July, 2020-21 over the corresponding period of previous year.
Refinery Products- Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04per cent) declined by13.9 per cent in July, 2020 over July,2019. Its cumulative index declinedby 17.1per cent during April to July, 2020-21over the corresponding period of previous year.
Fertilizers-Fertilizers production (weight: 2.63 per cent) increased by 6.9 per cent in July,2020 overJuly,2019. Its cumulative index increasedby 3.9 per cent during April toJuly, 2020-21 over the corresponding period of previous year.
Steel-Steel production (weight: 17.92per cent)declinedby 16.4 per cent inJuly, 2020 over July,2019. Its cumulative index declined by 42.0per centduring April to July, 2020-21 over the corresponding period of previous year.
Cement- Cement production (weight:5.37per cent) declinedby13.5per cent inJuly, 2020overJuly,2019. Its cumulative index declinedby32.2per centduring April to July, 2020-21over the corresponding period of previous year.
Electricity- Electricity generation (weight:19.85per cent) declinedby2.3per centin July,2020over July,2019. Its cumulative indexdeclined by 12.4per cent duringApril to July, 2020-21over the corresponding period of previous year.
Concession of 20% provided on revenue share of coal used for gasification
Coal Ministry organises webinar on Coal Gasification and Liquefaction
Posted On: 31 AUG 2020 7:26PM by PIB Delhi
India aims for 100 million tonnes (MT) coal gasification by 2030 with investments worth over Rs. 4 lakh crores, said Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Coal and Mines. Addressing a webinar on Coal Gasification and Liquefaction, Shri Joshi said that Coal Gasification and Liquefaction is no more an aspiration, but a requirement. He added that for encouraging use of clean sources of fuel, government has provided for a concession of 20% on revenue share of coal used for gasification.
He emphasized that this will boost production of synthetic natural gas, energy fuel, urea for fertilisers and production of other chemicals. The webinar was organised by Ministry of Coal (MoC) in New Delhi for discussing the road map for achieving the target. The webinar was attended by around 700 delegates from Government of India, CIL and the coal sector.
Reiterating on government’s commitments for green initiatives in the coal sector, Shri Joshi said that Coal Gasification and Liquefaction are well in the government’s agenda and various actions have been taken for development of Surface Coal Gasification in India. A Steering Committee has been constituted in this regard under the chairmanship of Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog comprising of members from the Ministry of Coal. CIL has also planned to set up at least 3 gasification plants (besides Dankuni) on BOO basis through global tendering and has signed an MOU with GAIL for marketing synthetic natural gas.
Shri Joshi urged the attendees of the session to explore more about technologies & other aspects in Coal Gasification sector, in line with our country’s SWOT analysis. He added that this will help in harnessing nation’s reserves for maximum utilisation while heading on the path to sustainability, as per global standards.