PM calls for strict action on grievances related to customs, excise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took strong exception at complaints and grievances from people related to the customs and excise sector and asked for strict action against concerned officials.

Modi, who chaired his ninth interaction through PRAGATI – Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation – urged all secretaries whose departments have extensive public dealing, to set up a system for top-level monitoring of grievances immediately.

Later in the day, Modi held a meeting of his council of ministers to review progress on schemes related to some ministries and laid thrust on faster delivery of government initiatives..................................

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/pm-calls-for-strict-action-on-grievances-related-to-customs-excise/

Central Govt. announces list of first 20 smart cities under ‘Smart Cities Mission’

The list of 20 smart cities out of the 98 shortlisted for the ‘Smart Cities Mission’ was released on Thursday. These 20 cities will be the first to receive funds, thus kickstarting the process of developing them into ‘smart cities’. The next two years will see the inclusion of 40 and 38 cities, respectively.

A ‘smart city’ is an urban region that is highly advanced in terms of overall infrastructure, sustainable real estate, communications and market viability. ................................. 

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/central-govt-announces-list-of-first-20-smart-cities-under-smart-cities-mission/

India’s ranking improves in global corruption index

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/indias-ranking-improves-in-global-corruption-index/

Muslim women now seek entry into Haji Ali dargah

After women activists intensify their protests seeking entry into Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra, Muslim women groups on Thursday staged a protest demanding entry into Haji Ali dargah in Mumbai.

Professor of Islamic studies Zeenat Shaukat Ali, who was one of the protestors, said that it was ‘male patriarchy’, not religion, which was imposing restrictions on women..................................................

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/muslim-women-now-seek-entry-into-haji-ali-dargah/

France joins Modi’s solar mission

One of the major outcomes of French President Francois Hollande’s visit to India is the financial commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concept of International Solar Alliance (ISA). While inaugurating the interim secretariat of ISA in Gurgaon on Monday, Hollande announced a whopping 300 million Euros assistance, hailing the concept as a “new chapter”.

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/france-joins-modis-solar-mission/

Pressure on Pakistan to crack down on terror has to be kept up: US envoy

HIGHLIGHTS

• Barack Obama appreciates PM Narendra Modi’s Lahore outreach.
• US is not negotiating India-like nuclear deal with Pakistan.
• Democracy needs to be strengthened in Pakistan.

he pressure on Pakistan to crack down on terrorism has to be kept up and the US remains strongly engaged with India to tackle the menace which is affecting regional peace, US ambassador Richard Verma said on Thursday.
Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lahore outreach, Verma said there was a need to work with the moderates in Pakistan and that the US was working with Islamabad on the issue of terror................................................................. Read More 

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/pressure-on-pakistan-to-crack-down-on-terror-has-to-be-kept-up-us-envoy/

Poll strategist Prashant Kishor made advisor to Nitish Kumar in Bihar

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/poll-strategist-prashant-kishor-made-advisor-to-nitish-kumar-in-bihar/

Significant Reduction in Industrial Pollution in Ganga: Environment Ministry

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/significant-reduction-in-industrial-pollution-in-ganga-environment-ministry/

Defence Minister urges NCC to Work for Swachh Bharat

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/defence-minister-urges-ncc-to-work-for-swachh-bharat/

Public Release of Declassified Files Pertaining to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose by the Prime Minister of India

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/public-release-of-declassified-files-pertaining-to-netaji-subhas-chandra-bose-by-the-prime-minister-of-india/

PM distributes aids & assistive devices at Samajik Adhikarita Shivir in Varanasi; Flags off Mahamana Express

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/pm-distributes-aids-flags-off-mahamana-express/

Country-wide terror raids: NIA picks up 10 suspects

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/country-wide-terror-raids-nia-picks-up-10-suspects/

CPI (M) and Congress sending alliance feelers, strange situation in WB: BJP

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/cpi-m-and-congress-sending-alliance-feelers-strange-situation-in-wb-bjp/

Game changer MUDRA Yojana aims at benefiting 7 crore entrepreneurs: H Raja

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/game-changer-mudra-yojana-aims-at-benefiting-7-crore-entrepreneurs-h-raja/

Noted dancer and wife of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Mrinalini Sarabhai passes away

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/noted-dancer-and-wife-of-dr-vikram-sarabhai-mrinalini-sarabhai-passes-away/

Amit Shah likely to become BJP National President again

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/amit-shah-likely-to-become-bjp-national-president-again/

Soon, you may choose ‘diabetic diet’ on trains

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/soon-you-may-choose-diabetic-diet-on-trains/

Humanity is going to use science and technology to wipe itself out: Stephen Hawking

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/humanity-is-going-to-use-science-and-technology-to-wipe-itself-out-stephen-hawking/



HIGHLIGHTS

• Nuclear war, global warming and genetically-engineered viruses could wipe out humanity.
• We can save ourselves if we manage to escape the Earth.

35 seconds compulsory wait to book tickets in IRCTC

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/35-seconds-compulsory-wait-to-book-tickets-in-irctc/

IMF retains India’s GDP forecast for 2017 at 7.5 %

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/imf-retains-indias-gdp-forecast-for-2017-at-7-5/

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today kept India’s growth projection unchanged at 7.3 per cent in the current fiscal and 7.5 per cent in the next, even as it cut world economic outlook to 3.4 per cent for 2016.

In its update on World Economic Outlook (WEO), IMF said China’s growth would slow to 6.3 per cent in 2016 and further to 6 per cent in 2017, but India would continue to grow at a “robust pace“.

“India and the rest of emerging Asia are generally projected to continue growing at a robust pace, with some countries facing strong headwinds from China’s economic rebalancing and global manufacturing weakness,” IMF said.......................................................................................................

Modi blames 15-year Congress rule for Assam’s problems

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/modi-blames-15-year-congress-rule-for-assams-problems/

FIR filed against owners of Raj Kapoor’s former haveli in Pak

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/fir-filed-against-owners-of-raj-kapoors-former-haveli-in-pak/

Air passenger traffic higher by 20 percent in 2015

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/air-passenger-traffic-higher-by-20-percent-in-2015/

Govt to work for all round development of Northeast: PM

Ahead of his visit to the Northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his government is working for all round development of the region and leaving no stone unturned.................................................................

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/govt-to-work-for-all-round-development-of-northeast-pm/

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India attaches top priority to ties with Israel: Swaraj

Netanyahu said that there has been a great flowering of relationship and friendship between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said India attaches the highest importance to its ties with Israel as she called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the entire spectrum of the relationship......................................

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/india-attaches-top-priority-to-ties-with-israel-swaraj/

National meet ‘INVEST IN YOUNG CHILDREN’ concludes in Berhampur

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/national-meet-invest-in-young-children-concludes-in-berhampur/

India, China share remarkable complementarities: Xi Jinping

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/india-china-share-remarkable-complementarities-xi-jinping/

For first time in 10 years, Haryana’s sex ratio crosses 900-mark

For the first time in 10 years, sex ratio in Haryana has shown an upward trend, crossing the 900-mark.

“For the first time in 10 years, the sex ratio at birth for December 2015 has crossed the 900 mark with 903 girls per 1,000 boys,” Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar told media here...........................

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/for-first-time-in-10-years-haryanas-sex-ratio-crosses/

International coordination must to destroy ISIS: Obama

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/international-coordination-must-to-destroy-isis-obama/

Netaji died of injuries sustained in plane crash: UK website

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/netaji-died-of-injuries-sustained-in-plane-crash-uk-website/

Congress ready to give ‘conditional’ support to GST

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said his party was ready to support the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill in parliament once the government accepts the opposition party’s conditions...............................

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/congress-ready-to-give-conditional-support-to-gst/

India remains global growth champ with 7.8 percent economy expansion in 2016

India remains the global growth champion with its economy set to increase by 7.8 percent in the new year although a World Bank report released Thursday cut it from the 7.9 projected last June.

Overall the bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report painted a gloomy global outlook cutting the global growth by almost a half percent to 2.9 percent in 2016 from the 3.3 percent forecast last June.

In the growth race among the major economies, China remains the runner-up with its economy projected to grow by 6.7 percent this year and 6.5 percent next year. The growth projections for U.S. economy are 2.7 this year, 2.4 next year and 2.2 in 2018.

It kept India’s economic growth as measured by increase in gross domestic product at 7.9 percent for 2017, “although the pace of reforms has slowed somewhat.” For 2018, it cut the projection from 8 percent made last June to 7.9 percent.

The report recognised India’s resilience saying, “Compared to most other major developing countries, India is well positioned to withstand near-term headwinds and volatility in global financial markets due to reduced external vulnerabilities, a strengthening domestic business cycle, and a supportive policy environment.”.......................................   Read more

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/india-remains-global-growth-champ-with-7-8-percent-economy-expansion-in-2016/

US wants Pak to conduct thorough probe into Pathankot attack

The US has pressed Pakistan to conduct a “thorough, fair and transparent” probe into the deadly terror attack on the IAF base in Pathankot and wants to see the outcome of the investigation.

“We certainly look forward to and expect a thorough, complete, fair and transparent investigative process. We are going to have to let it work through,” State Department spokesperson John Kirby said yesterday.

“We look forward to seeing the results of their investigation. We would all like them to be done as quickly as possible and transparently discussed when it’s complete. But this is for the government of Pakistan to sort out how long this investigation is going to take,” Kirby said.

“They (Pakistan) said they’re going to investigate it. They said they’re not going to discriminate between terrorist groups when they conduct counter-terrorism operations,” the official said.

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/us-wants-pak-to-conduct-thorough-probe-into-pathankot-attack/

Railway Budget’s 110 commitments fulfilled: Suresh Prabhu

Harping on the railways’ commitment towards better passenger services, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday said that 110 Railway Budget commitments have been fulfilled by the ministry.

Prabhu, who flagged off several new trains from the Howrah station, also said the much delayed East-West Metro Railway project would be completed in the next two and a half years.

“As a part of offering better customer service, we have been working on a few initiatives. There were many initiatives taken and I am very happy to say that at least 110 of Budget commitments have been fulfilled,” Prabhu told the media persons.

The minister said one of the areas where the railways made progress was ticketing by improving the website of the IRCTC for online bookings, including for daily and monthly tickets.

 

He also also stressed on the..................................................... Read More

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/railway-budgets-110-commitments-fulfilled-suresh-prabhu/

‘Mein Kampf’ published in Germany for first time since WWII

A German historical institute is launching an annotated edition of Adolf Hitler’s notorious manifesto.

A German historical institute is launching an annotated edition of “Mein Kampf,” the first version of Adolf Hitler’s notorious manifesto to be published in Germany since the end of World War II.

Bavaria’s state Finance Ministry had previously prevented the book’s publication, .........................Read More

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/mein-kampf-published-in-germany-for-first-time-since-wwii/

Modi Govt planning several programmes to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar

Ambedkar’s 125th anniversary

Modi Govt planning several programmes to commemorate 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar

The Narendra Modi government at the Centre is planning several programmes to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of the Dalit icon Dr. B R Ambedkar. On the agenda are ideas such as appointing scheduled caste and scheduled tribe officers as chairpersons and managing directors of various state-run banks, organizing a national conference of entrepreneurs to disseminate Ambedkar’s ideas on industrialization besides launching a digital museum and even an app.

Ambedkar was the architect of India’s...................................Read More

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/modi-govt-planning-several-programmes-to-commemorate-the-125th-birth-anniversary-of-dr-ambedkar/

Congress mouthpiece blames Nehru for Kashmir anarchy

The 131th foundation day of the Congress had a major embarrassment in store for its leadership as the party’s mouthpiece ‘Congress Darshan’ in its articles not only held India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru squarely responsible for the present anarchic situation in Kashmir, but also tried to connect party president Sonia Gandhi’s family to the Fascist dispensation of the 1930s in Italy.

The content editor of the magazine Sudhir Joshi has been sacked after the controversy that has broken out. The Mumbai-based magazine apparently scored a self-goal similar to the magazine Panchajanya when the latter had published an interview of its chief Mohan Bhagwat that created a controversy on reservation ahead of the Bihar assembly polls. That interview had quoted Bhagwat pitching for a review of the reservation policy.

Interestingly, in the cases of the ‘Congress Darshan’ and ‘Panchjanya’ goof-ups, there’s a common factor –Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who is also the editor-in-chief of the Congress mouth-piece. The Indian Express reports on the fierce infighting within the Mumbai Congress unit.....................................Read more

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/congress-mouthpiece-blames-nehru-for-kashmir-anarchy/

Congress mouthpiece blames Nehru for Kashmir anarchy

The 131th foundation day of the Congress had a major embarrassment in store for its leadership as the party’s mouthpiece ‘Congress Darshan’ in its articles not only held India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru squarely responsible for the present anarchic situation in Kashmir, but also tried to connect party president Sonia Gandhi’s family to the Fascist dispensation of the 1930s in Italy.

The content editor of the magazine Sudhir Joshi has been sacked after the controversy that has broken out. The Mumbai-based magazine apparently scored a self-goal similar to the magazine Panchajanya when the latter had published an interview of its chief Mohan Bhagwat that created a controversy on reservation ahead of the Bihar assembly polls. That interview had quoted Bhagwat pitching for a review of the reservation policy.

Interestingly, in the cases of the ‘Congress Darshan’ and ‘Panchjanya’ goof-ups, there’s a common factor –Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who is also the editor-in-chief of the Congress mouth-piece. The Indian Express reports on the fierce infighting within the Mumbai Congress unit......................................... Read More..

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/congress-mouthpiece-blames-nehru-for-kashmir-anarchy/

Congress Darshan exposed the Congress, for a change!

What will be your reaction when you stumble upon the following lines in an article titled “Congress ki kushal saarthi Sonia Gandhi (Sonia Gandhi, The able charioteer of Congress”)?

• Had Nehru taken the views of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Kashmir into consideration, the situation would have been different.
• Nehru is to blamed for the state of affairs in Kashmir, China and Tibet
• Despite Patel getting the post of Deputy Prime Minister and first Home Minister of Independent India, the relations between Nehru and Patel remained strained
• Both Nehru and Patel had threatened to resign time and again
• Patel tried to caution Nehru against China’s policy towards Tibet, in which Patel described China as “unfaithful, and a future enemy of India.”
• Vallabh bhai Patel opposed Nehru’s move of taking the Kashmir issue to the UN. ............................................................Read More......

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/congress-darshan-exposed-the-congress-for-a-change/

Mass sexual attack in Cologne, Germany

An internal report by German police describes how women in the western city of Cologne had to run through mobs of drunken men who attacked them during New Year’s celebrations, an experience likened to “running the gauntlet.”

The report, details of which were widely published by German media Thursday, added to witness accounts describing a string of sexual assaults that have sparked a heated debate about migration and the police’s failure to prevent the mayhem.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany must examine whether it has done enough to deport foreigners who commit crimes, after police said the perpetrators of the attack were of “Arab or North African origin.”

While officials have cautioned against casting suspicion on migrants in general, the attacks have been seized on by some opponents of Germany’s welcoming stance toward those fleeing conflict after the country registered nearly 1.1 million asylum-seekers last year.

“We must examine again and again whether we have already done what is necessary in terms of … deportations from Germany in order to send clear signals to those who are not prepared to abide by our legal order,” Merkel said.........................................................................................................

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/mass-sexual-attack-in-cologne-germany/

Olive Ridley turtles arriving at Rushikulya rookery in Odisha

Mating of Olive Ridleys is continuing in the sea near Rushikulya rookery coast in Ganjam district of Odisha, although due to some reasons it was delayed this year.

At present mating couples are seen in sea too close to the coastline. Hundreds of these reptile pairs are being seen at a distance of just one km from the Rushikulya rookery coast. According to local fishermen these pairs as well as single turtles are being seen in thousands in sea till 10 km from coastline.

Although the large number of Olive Ridleys have gathered at this coast and mating has been delayed by almost 15 days this season, said Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Ashis Behera.

Usually mating season of Olive Ridleys at this coast ends by January and the males return, while the females stay back for nesting at Rushikulya rookery coast. But this year the mating is still continuing in January.........

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/olive-ridley-turtles-arriving-at-rushikulya-rookery-in-odisha/

India identifies JeM as handlers behind Pathankot attack

India has identified the four handlers of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), who were in touch with the six terrorists who stormed the Pathankot airbase early on January 1. India has shared the telephone numbers and the identity of the handlers with Pakistan and has asked it to act on these individuals, a senior government official said.

Those identified by the Indian agencies are JeM founder Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Abdul Rauf Asghar, Ashfaq Ahmed and Kashim Jaan, the official said. While Azhar oversaw the operations, his brother Asghar and two others were in touch with the terrorists.

India has also given the details of two types of Pakistan-made drugs — Neuro Bedoxine and Dicloran — found on the bodies as evidence.

Panel to study gaps

A senior official said the government also decided to constitute ..........................

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/india-identifies-jem-as-handlers-behind-pathankot-attack/

GST logjam: Naidu meets Sonia; seeks help to get bills passed

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and sought cooperation for the early passage of the crucial GST bill and the Real Estate bill even as he said the government was ready for an early Budget session if the parties agree.

Naidu drove down to the residence of Gandhi at 10, Janpath here early today and held discussions with her for about 20 minutes during which the Congress President is learnt to have asked him about the government’s view on the three main suggestions given by the Congress on GST.

Sources said Naidu told Gandhi that issues raised by the Congress in respect of GST bill were considered by the government and the government’s position was communicated to Congress leaders earlier.........................

http://www.microstat.in/index.php/gst-logjam-naidu-meets-sonia-seeks-help-to-get-bills-passed/

Amit Shah set for another term, BJP readies for a revamp

Near-consensus within party, RSS that Shah should be re-elected to the top post; formal announcement on 23 January

Amit Shah is all set to be re-elected as president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). To be sure, a formal announcement is expected only on 23 January, by which time the formal election process will be concluded.

If elected, he will have a three-year term at the helm, a period in which the BJP will be contesting key assembly elections, including Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

There is near-consensus within the party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that Shah should be re-elected to the top post, the BJP’s humiliating electoral defeats in Bihar and Delhi notwithstanding...................................... 

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/amit-shah-set-for-another-term-bjp-readies-for-a-revamp/

Centre approves IISER location in Berhampur

The Centre has approved Laoudigaon near Gopalpur for the permanent campus of the proposed Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), it was reliably learnt.

Around 200-acre land in Laoudigaon was one of the two sites identified by the Ganjam district administration for the premier institute. The other site was 160-acre land on Palur Hill.

On the basis of an assessment by a central team, the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) approved Laoudigaon, an officer of MHRD said. The team visited the two sites on November 17.

-http://www.microstat.in/index.php/centre-approves-iiser-location-in-berhampur/

Mumbai teen makes 1,009 ‘record’ runs

Fifteen-year-old Pranav Dhanawade, son of an auto-rickshaw driver, created cricketing history on Tuesday when he scored a mind-boggling unbeaten 1,009 runs in an inter-school under-16 tournament, thus surpassing the earlier international record of 628 runs set by AEJ Collins in UK in 1899.

Pranav’s feat earned him kudos from India’s cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh and the promise of free education and coaching by the Maharashtra Government.

- http://www.microstat.in/index.php/mumbai-teen-makes-1009-record-runs/

Lok Sabha Speaker initiates action over Rahul’s UK citizenship

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Tuesday referred complaint on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s British citizenship issue to the Ethics Committee of Parliament. The Speaker has acted on BJP MP Maheish Girri’s complaint based on party’s senior leader Subramanian Swamy’s expose of Rahul declaring himself a British citizen in a company floated by  him in the UK.

“One MP had sent a complaint to me regarding this. Whenever an MP sends a complaint to the Speaker, it is referred to the committee as per rules. That particular complaint has been referred to the Ethics Committee,” Mahajan told PTI over phone when asked about the issue.

The Ethics Committee, consisting of 15 MPs from various parties, is headed by BJP’s veteran leader LK Advani.

- http://www.microstat.in/index.php/lok-sabha-speaker-initiates-action-over-rahuls-uk-citizenship/