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Delhi air quality “very poor”

air pollution in asia pacific region
File Photo

New Delhi (NVI): For the fourth consecutive day today, the overall air quality in Delhi remained in the “very poor” category and in some parts of the city it deteriorate to the “severe” category.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 393, which will deteriorate marginally by late evening today.

SAFAR has predicted that the AQI will remain at the border of very poor to the severe category till December 8 due to low ventilation condition.

The SAFAR forecast suggests calm surface winds and a decrease in ventilation coefficient for the coming days and the condition was conducive for the pollutant accumulation.

The affected areas in national capital with “severe” category are Chandini Chowk with PM2.5 of 445, Dhirpur with PM2.5 of 401, Delhi University recorded PM2.5 of 401 at IGI Airport T3 the PM2.5 was 403.

The AQI in the neighbouring Noida, too remained in the “severe” category with PM2.5 of 438, SAFAR added.

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GST on natural gas is not too far: Pradhan

fici
Dharmendra Pradhan at the India Gas Infrastructure Conference 2019

New Delhi (NVI): “Natural gas along with aviation turbine fuel (ATF) may soon be included in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) fold,” said Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel.

Speaking at the second edition of India Gas Infrastructure Conference 2019 organised by FICCI, Pradhan said that the GST (on natural gas) is not too far. Both ATF and natural gas have long been desired under GST.

“The country needs 600 MMSCMD gas to achieve the target of 15 per cent share in India’s total energy consumption by 2030.The government is also giving priority to city gas distribution (CGD), compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG), ” Pradhan said.

“We are investing $60 billion in building gas pipeline and terminal infrastructure,” Minister said.

“Innovation is the key to growth in the energy sector and all must focus on promoting and adopting natural gas, bioenergy, renewable and other clean, sustainable sources of energy,” he added.

“Just like natural gas, bioenergy also possesses huge potential, especially in addressing the rising environmental concerns and providing a solution to the menace of air pollution. For this, 500 LOIs have already been issued to set up compressed bio gas (CBG) plants across India by the government,” he further added.

Speaking on the occasion FICCI President Sandip Somany said that the country’s policies towards greening the energy mix is taking place in the past couple of years with coal and oil usage reducing, giving way to renewables, gas and electric mobility.

While, speaking former CMD of GAIL (India) Ltd and Chairman of FICCI Hydrocarbons Committee BC Tripathi said that the retail sector will play the anchor role for natural gas 4-5 years down the line. Natural gas has to play a critical part when we are striving to become a $5 trillion economy.

“The recent reforms will bring in almost $90 billion investment along the gas value chain with almost $40 billion alone in the infrastructure,” he added.

During the event FICCI also released a joint report with Ceresta on India gas infrastructure titled ‘Indian Gas Sector – Ushering in an era of Growth’.

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Measles outbreaks continue unabated

New York/New Delhi (NVI): Even as India successfully carried out the vaccination of over 324 million children between 9 months and 15 years the unprecedented global measles crisis set to enter third year. According to WHO report released today 4,13,000 measles cases were reported by mid-November in 2019 as against 3,53,236 reported cases in 2018. Measles cases more than doubled in 2018 compared to 2017.

India initiated one of the world’s largest Measles-Rubella campaign to eliminate Measles and control Rubella in the country. As of November 5, this year more than 324 million children and adolescent have been vaccinated with one dose of MR vaccine in 34 states.

However, reported measles cases continue to rise for the third straight year globally. Five countries — Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Somalia and Ukraine — accounted for nearly half of all measles cases in 2018.

Children continue to be the worst affected. WHO reports that the Samoa children  are the latest victims of 2019 outbreaks.

According to new estimates released today by the WHO and the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) on behalf of the Measles and Rubella Initiative children under the age of five accounted for most of the 1,40,000 people who died from measles in 2018.

“The unacceptable number of children killed last year by a wholly preventable disease is proof that measles anywhere is a threat to children everywhere,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF’s Executive Director.

Fore added that when children go unvaccinated in significant numbers, entire communities are at risk. “We see that even today in remote places like in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where measles have killed more than 4,500 children under the age of five so far this year; or in Samoa, where a rapidly spreading measles outbreak has left many children ill and unable to go to school,” said Fore.

The MR vaccine being used in the campaign is Made in India and is exported for use world over.

 

CCTV surveillance system being installed on Vaishno Devi track

Jammu (NVI): The track leading to Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir is being placed under CCTV surveillance system with an aim of improving the overall security of the holy area which has been on the target of terror groups.

Installation of CCTV Surveillance System is being undertaken on the entire track from Darshani Deodi to the Bhawan in Trikuta Hills of Jammu on turnkey basis, a meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) held here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu was told today.

Once in place, this system will not only help in monitoring the movement of the pilgrims and strengthening overall security measures, it will also be of immense support in case of any emergent situations to provide real time assistance to Shrine and local administration, the meeting was told.

The Vaishno Devi Shrine, which is visited by lakhs of people every year, has been on the target of terrorists, who have made at least two failed attempts so far to carry out a strike there.

The Board also reviewed the status of the implementation of the Bhawan Master Plan which involves construction of the mega Durga Bhawan for accommodating nearly 4000 pilgrims at Bhawan area, Inlet Queue management system at Bhawan, Exit Track at Bhawan, and Queue Management system at Bhairon Ji.

The estimated cost of the implementation of the first phase of Bhawan Master Plan is likely to be Rs. 90 crore, according to an official statement.

The Board also reviewed the status of the underground cabling project, from Katra to Bhawan and the surrounding areas.

The meeting was apprised that the work has begun on the project from Tarakote Marg, and it will take 24 months for the work to be completed.

Estimated to cost Rs. 78 crore, the project will be partly funded under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and partly by the Shrine Board.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Annual Green Plan of the Board for the current year and also approved the Annual Green Plan for the year 2020-21.

The Lt. Governor directed the CEO of the Shrine Board to ensure that all the projects be completed as per the envisaged timelines for largely facilitating the pilgrims.

The Board reviewed the Yatra statistics of the year and discussed various measures which may be taken to further increase the number of pilgrims visiting the Shrine.

While reviewing various pilgrim-centric infrastructural facilities put in place by the Board, the Chairman emphasised the need for ensuring that the yatris are provided increasingly best possible arrangements in sync with the emerging requirements. A brief appraisal of the University, Hospital, Nursing College, Gurukul and Sports Complex was also given in the meeting.

The Board also took several significant decisions towards employee welfare.

Gas is driving our energy transition: Dharmendra Pradhan

dharmendra pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan at the India Gas Infrastructure Conference 2019

New Delhi (NVI): “Gas has now become an important and essential part of our energy basket and is driving our energy transition,” said Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel at the India Gas Infrastructure Conference 2019 organised by FICCI here today.

Speaking about reforms in energy sector Pradhan said that during the last 5 years, various reforms have been introduced to promote the growth of the gas sector in India, including, pricing and marketing freedom, diversification of fuel sourcing, etc.

While talking about India’s transition towards gas based economy Pradhan said we are moving towards a gas based economy. Domestic production of gas in India is set to grow.

“We are investing $60 billion in gas based infrastructure. The speed and scale at which City Gas Distribution ecosystem in the country has grown in recent times is remarkable,” he added.

Speaking about the Bio energy the Minister said that just like Natural Gas, Bio energy also possesses huge potential, especially in addressing the rising environmental concerns and providing a solution to the menace of air pollution. Bio energy will contribute significantly to the nation’s ambitious target of producing 450 GW of renewables.

Pradhan also spoke about the current market scenario in which he admitted that shift has happened in the market and focus has shifted from producer to consumer. We are working with the industry closely to create value for consumers.

“We must intensify our efforts to reach out to our people in the industrial clusters and give them a comparative analysis of the benefits of gas over conventional fuel, this will further improve people’s awareness about gas and promote usage of gas, especially by our industries,” he said.

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DC reviews bunker construction projects in Jammu

Representative picture.

Jammu (NVI): In view of regular ceasefire violations along the border districts, Sanjeev Verma Divisional Commissioner, Jammu division, reviewed the progress of the ongoing construction of bunkers along the bordering areas and other related issues.

So far 5,229 bunkers — 473 community bunkers and 4,786 individual bunkers — have been built along the LoC and IB in the five border districts of Jammu division.

A total of 1,164 bunkers have been constructed in Samba district, 908 in Jammu, 1,168 in Kathua, 1,622 in Rajouri and 397 in Poonch district have been completed, an official statement said.

Notably, to safeguard the lives of the people residing along the LoC, the government had approved construction of 14,460 bunkers at a cost of Rs 415.73 cr, in the five border districts of Jammu division.

Remaining bunkers are under different stages of construction such as foundation level, superstructure level and slab level.

Yesterday, Verma chaired a meeting, attended by Owais Ahmed CEO JAKEDA, Pankaj Magotra Commissioner JMC alongwith other concerned officials to review the progress on installation of solar lights in the districts.

He directed the DCs to identify public places, locations for installation of solar lights in their respective districts.

RBI keeps repo rate unchanged  

Reserve Dank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das at the fifth bi-monthly Monetary Policy statement on December 5.

New Delhi (NVI): The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) led by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das, today decided to keep the policy repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) at 5.15 per cent and reverse repo rate at 4.90 per cent unchanged.

The RBI also maintained status quo on marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 5.40 per cent.

The country’s central bank today released its fifth bi-monthly monetary policy statement for 2019-20.

On the growth outlook, the RBI has lowered its real GDP growth forecast for 2019-20 from 6.1 per cent in the October policy to 5 per cent.

The RBI revised the CPI inflation projection upwards to 5.1-4.7 per cent for H2:2019-20 and 4.0-3.8 per cent for H1:2020-21, with risks broadly balanced.

While keeping the repo rate unchanged the RBI said, “The MPC recognises that there is monetary policy space for future action. However, given the evolving growth-inflation dynamics, the MPC felt it appropriate to take a pause at this juncture. Accordingly, the MPC decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged and continue with the accommodative stance as long as it is necessary to revive growth, while ensuring that inflation remains within the target.”

The MPC noted that economic activity has weakened further and the output gap remained negative. However, several measures already initiated by the Government and the monetary easing undertaken by the Reserve Bank since February 2019 are gradually expected to further feed into the real economy.

The RBI Governor said that rise in vegetable prices was most likely to continue in the immediate months. However, a pick-up in arrivals from the late kharif season along with measures taken by the Government to augment supply through imports, should help bring down the prices by early February 2020.

CSIR, BHEL ink pact to commercialise technologies

New Delhi (NVI): In an effort to boost the ambitious “Make in India” initiative, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has inked a pact with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The MoU, to cooperate, collaborate and pursue industrial application oriented research programmes and its commercialisation on a large scale, will remain in force for five years.

The first joint project to be taken up under this collaboration for commercialisation by BHEL will be various water purification and sewage disposal related technologies developed by CSIR.

The MoU between CSIR and BHEL was signed by Dr Shekhar C Mande, Secretary, Department for Scientific & Industrial Research and Director General, CSIR and Dr Nalin Shinghal, Chairman & Managing Director, BHEL here today.

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‘ThinkBig!’ event in Mumbai tomorrow to encourage women entrepreneurs
The event is being organised by WEConnect International which identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women's business enterprises that are at least 51 percent owned, managed and controlled by one or more women.

Mumbai (NVI):Around 180 women entrepreneurs and representatives of global corporations will converge here tomorrow for a day-long programme to connect women-controlled businesses with the international firms for better opportunities and returns.

The ‘ThinkBig!’ event is being organised by WEConnect International which identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women’s business enterprises that are at least 51 percent owned, managed and controlled by one or more women,  Angela Walker, Vice President of Communications and Marketing of WEConnect International, told NVI today.

Women account for over $20 trillion in spending per year and are involved in over 80 percent of consumer purchasing decisions worldwide.

“The real drivers of the economy are women—as business leaders, employees, consumers, and entrepreneurs. And yet, globally women-owned businesses earn less than 1 percent of the money spent on vendors by large corporations and governments,” said Walker, who has earlier worked with the World Bank.

“We bring large corporations of the world like IBM, Johnson and Johnson and Procter and Gamble. We connect women entrepreneurs with such major corporations across the regions to create opportunities, competition and market access,” she added while giving an insight of the event and the activities of WEConnect.

She said although ‘ThinkBig!’ is a day-long event, WEConnect has round-the-year activities in India to help women-owned businesses associate with multi-national corporates.

Globally, there are approximately 224 million women entrepreneurs worldwide who participate in the ownership of nearly 35 percent of privately-owned firms in the formal economy, she said.

WEConnect brings together some of the largest corporations in the world and female business owners from across the region, creating opportunities for greater market access for women-owned businesses.

ThinkBig! serves as a platform for women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment as well as corporate engagement around inclusive and impactful sourcing and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

WEConnect is a platform for women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment as well as corporate engagement around inclusive and impactful sourcing and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Walker said self-registration for women entrepreneurs is free of cost and even those in informal sector can participate and get certificates. There is no minimum capital required.

Delhi air quality “very poor”; to get “severe” tomorrow

Delhi air quality
File Photo

New Delhi (NVI): For the third consecutive day today, the overall air quality in Delhi remained in the “very poor” category, which will get “severe” by tomorrow.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 350, which will deteriorate marginally by late evening today.

It added that by tomorrow, the AQI will touch the “severe” category at some places of the national capital. However, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) will still be “very poor”.

The SAFAR forecast suggests a decrease in wind speed and ventilation coefficient for the next three days.

The AQI in Chandini Chowk was in the “severe” category with PM2.5 of 425, at Mathura Road the PM2.5 was 394 while the neighbouring Noida recorded a PM2.5 of 418 which falls in the “severe” category.

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