The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, is organizing a two-day exhibition on DAE spin-off technologies for non-power applications at New Moti Bagh recreation club, New Delhi. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Secretary, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Shri Rakesh Gupta here today. The exhibition is open to public for two days (Aug 11-12, 2019).

The exhibition is covering technologies developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Raja Ramanna Centre for Advance Technology, Indore and other Units of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which are useful for the common man in day-to-day life e.g. in the field of health, agriculture, water, food security and environment.

The details of the exhibits are as follows: Health: In health sector there are three segments i) Development of Radio Pharmaceuticals ii) Production & Distribution iii) its implementation for diagnosis and therapeutic application. The treatment of Cancer is managed by Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), a fully autonomous aided institution of DAE, provides comprehensive treatment to cancer patients. Medical devices for Tele-ECG, Bhabhatron- A Radiation tele-therapy machine, screening of TB and Cancer are on display.

Agriculture: DAE has developed 44 high yielding seed varieties by inducing mutationto suitlocal weather conditionsacross the country. DAEhas also developed technologies of fertilizer production frombio-sludge and encourages organic farming. The disease resistant, low maturity period and high yielding crops have been well accepted by the farmers. Rural technologies are also being made available to rural youth through ‘AKRUTI’ programme.

Water: DAE has developed technologies for clean waterto fulfill departmental requirements and as spin-off developed many techniques which finds applications in ultra-filtration membrane, RO membrane, multistage flash evaporation and water hydrology based on radiotracers. Low cost water filters for removal of all contamination from drinking water have been displayed.

Environment: DAE technologies are findinga lot of applications for Swatch Bharat Mission where bio-methanization& Urban Sludge Hygienization technologies are being deployed across the country. “Nisargruna” plant is a bio- Methanization plant for digesting kitchen food waste and green vegetable wastes from agriculture markets to Methane gas which can be used for cooking/generating electricity or even for running biogas vehicles. This plant can digest animal waste from slaughter house also

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports (I/C) Shri Kiren Rijiju here today conferred the National Youth Awards on individuals (aged between 15-29 years) and organizations for excellent work and contribution in different fields of development and social service, such as health, promotion of human rights, active citizenship, community service etc.

The objective of the awards given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Department of Youth Affairs is to motivate young persons to achieve excellence in the field of national development and social service, to encourage young people to develop a sense of responsibility to the community and thus to improve their own personal potential as good citizens and to give recognition to the outstanding work done by voluntary organizations working with the youth for national development including social service.

During the National Youth Awards Function, Shri Kiren Rijiju also inaugurated a Photo Exhibition on “China through Eyes of Indian Youth - 2019”. It was an exhibition of photos taken by youth delegates who participated in the recent Youth Exchange Program to China.

Institutions set up by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai become center of excellence today: Dr. K Sivan Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Centenary Celebration inaugurated in Ahmedabad today Posted On: 12 AUG 2019 4:10PM by PIB Delhi

The centenary celebration of the birth anniversary of the founding father of ISRO - Dr. Vikram Sarabhai kicked off in Ahmedabad today in the presence of dignitaries from ISRO, Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy and members of Sarabhai Family. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi addressed the gathering through a video message.

In his Video message, Shri Narendra Modi said that it will be a tribute to Dr. Sarabhai from crore of Indians in true sense when ‘Vikram’ lander will land on Moon. He also said that Vikram Sarabhai’s ideology leads India to become a powerful country in the field of science and technology. Shri Modi said Dr. Homi Bhabha’s demise had created a vacuum in the world of Indian science. At that time, Vikram Sarabhai gave a new dimension to science with his skills and leadership ability.

Describing Dr. Vikram Sarabhai as a dedicated soldier of Science, Shri Modi said that he encouraged science as well as India's culture and Sanskrit language. He always gave time for the students. Shri Modi said that Dr. Vikram Sarabhai has left a legacy for us and it is our responsibility to take this legacy to the people. He also encouraged school children to participate in the online space quiz launched by ISRO.

Dr. K Sivan, Chairman of ISRO, described Dr. Vikram Sarabhai as a great institution builder. He said that Vikram Sarabhai has made a huge contribution in the construction of Modern India by establishing institutions in the fields of Modern Science, Physical Research and Atomic Energy etc. He said that institutions set up by Vikram Sarabhai have become the Center of Excellence today. He said that in this sense, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is the true Son of India.

During the inaugural programme, an album on the life story of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a coffee table book on ISRO and commemorative coin from Department of Atomic Energy were released. ‘Space on Wheels’ an exhibition inside a bus was also inaugurated on the occasion.

The yearlong Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Centenary Programme includes exhibitions, competitions to school children, journalism awards and speeches by eminent personalities. The programme will be conducted across 100 selected cities all over India commencing today and ending on August 12, 2020 with the valedictory function at Thiruvananthapuram.

VP suggests setting up Special Tribunals to try election petitions and criminal cases against MPs and MLAs; VP calls for revisiting 10th Schedule of the Constitution to expedite defection cases and make the law more effective;

Asks Media to be a dispassionate watchdog and honest messenger; VP Calls upon political parties to evolve code of conduct for their elected representatives at all levels;

VP advocates 5 Ds—Discuss, Debate, Decide, Decentralize & Deliver; Addresses gathering at the release of book chronicling two years in office of the Vice President Posted On: 11 AUG 2019 4:28PM by PIB Delhi The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has advocated the need to set up Supreme Court benches in different regions in the country, including one at Chennai, to bring the judicial system closer to people.

Concurring with the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice to have separate benches in different regions, the Vice President said “I think it is high time we had more benches because in a country as vast as India the litigants have to travel long distances and spend a huge amount of money and energy”’.

Shri Naidu made the observations while addressing the gathering at the launch of a book chronicling his two years in office titled ‘Listening, Learning and Leading” by Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, in Chennai today. It was not only the legislature and the executive that should become more responsive to people, the judicial processes must become more people-friendly, the Vice President stressed.

Emphasising the urgency to decide election petitions and criminal cases against sitting MPs and MLAs in a time-bound manner, he said, it has been found that election petitions and criminal cases were not decided even for the entire term of the legislators defeating the very purpose of the election laws.

Calling for expeditious decisions by the Chairpersons of Legislative bodies in cases involving disqualification of members defecting to other parties, Shri Naidu observed that the anti-defection law was not being implemented in letter and spirit.

The Vice President said because of the inaction of the Speaker or Chairman the legislators not only continue in the new party but also become Ministers in a few cases. “This kind of travesty of justice should not be tolerated”, he emphasized and said that delay in such cases would erode public confidence in the judicial and legislative bodies.

Suggesting special judicial tribunals to decide such cases in a reasonable time of six months or one year, the Vice President called for revisiting the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, containing anti-defection provisions, to ensure a time bound disposal of such cases and make it more effective by plugging loopholes.

Shri Naidu also referred to the figures mentioned by the Chief Justice of India recently about heavy pendency of cases in various courts and said “apparently, there are nearly 60,000 cases pending in the Supreme Court and nearly 44 lakh cases in the High Courts. We need to take action to reduce this heavy pendency. Justice delayed, as is often said, is justice denied”, he added.

The Vice President said the law enforcement machinery and the justice dispensing structures must be accessible, credible, equitable and transparently even-handed.

Expressing his happiness over the decision of the government to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court by 10 per cent, the Vice President said that a number of civil and criminal cases have been pending for over 25 years and wanted the Supreme Court to have two divisions-- one dealing with Constitutional matters and another with appeals.

He said the proposal for two divisions merits serious consideration “because it would enable the Supreme Court to devote more time to Constitutional issues and make it more accessible to common people”.

Shri Naidu said the procedure for appointment of judges might also have to be revisited and a credible, transparent process instituted which will steer clear of avoidable controversies.

Urging Parliamentarians to refrain from dysfunctional behaviour, the Vice President urged political parties to adopt a code of conduct for legislators and other elected representatives.

Stating that media - the fourth estate, also plays an important role in shaping public discourse, enhancing accountability of the government and providing news and views on various events around the world, he said “a free and vibrant media keeps democracy alive and can enrich the quality of life of people through information, education, entertainment and insightful analysis”.

Cautioning against unauthentic media posts, he said there was a need for need media literacy to identify fake news, biased analysis and material intended to promote hatred, division and discontent.

Shri Naidu said “the media should be a dispassionate watchdog and an honest messenger. Media should be the catalyst of positive change and be the voice of the voiceless. It should question and seek answers and present even ugly truths in such a manner that social transformation occurs in positive direction. It should also help build public awareness and motivate people to join societal movements for cleanliness, health, hygiene and education.

Referring to the untapped demographic dividend and the fundamentally sound Indian economy that was growing faster than the economies of most other countries, he said the circumstances were excellent to transform our country and called for focussing on five Ds - ‘Discuss, Debate, Decide, Decentralize and Deliver. “This can transform the quality of our polity”, he added.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 5, 2019 by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Amit Shah. The Bill provides for reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh.

Reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir: The Bill reorganises the state of Jammu and Kashmir into: (i) the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and (ii) the Union Territory of Ladakh without a legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will comprise Kargil and Leh districts, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will comprise the remaining territories of the existing state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be administered by the President, through an administrator appointed by him known as the Lieutenant Governor. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by the President, through a Lieutenant Governor appointed by him.

Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir: The Bill provides for a Legislative Assembly for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The total number of seats in the Assembly will be 107. Of these, 24 seats will remain vacant on account of certain areas of Jammu and Kashmir being under the occupation of Pakistan. Further, seats will be reserved in the Assembly for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, the Lieutenant Governor may nominate two members to the Legislative Assembly to give representation to women, if they are not adequately represented.

The Assembly will have a term of five years, and the Lieutenant Governor must summon the Assembly at least once in six months. The Legislative Assembly may make laws for any part of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir related to: (i) any matters specified in the State List of the Constitution, except “Police” and “Public Order”, and (ii) any matter in the Concurrent List applicable to Union Territories. Further, Parliament will have the power to make laws in relation to any matter for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Council of Ministers: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a Council of Ministers of not more than ten percent of the total number of members in the Assembly. The Council will aide and advise the Lieutenant Governor on matters that the Assembly has powers to make laws. The Chief Minister will communicate all decisions of the Council to the Lieutenant Governor.

High Court: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir will be the common High Court for the Union Territories of Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Further, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have an Advocate General to provide legal advice to the government of the Union Territory.

Legislative Council: The Legislative Council of the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be abolished. Upon dissolution, all Bills pending in the Council will lapse.

Advisory Committees: The central government will appoint Advisory Committees, for various purposes, including: (i) distribution of assets and liabilities of corporations of the state of Jammu and Kashmir between the two Union Territories, (ii) issues related to the generation and supply of electricity and water, and (iii) issues related to the Jammu and Kashmir State Financial Corporation. These Committees must submit their reports within six months to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, who must act on these recommendations within 30 days.

Extent of laws: The Schedule lists 106 central laws that will be made applicable to Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on a date notified by the central government. These include the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Right to Education Act, 2009. Further, it repeals 153 state laws of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, 166 state laws will remain in force, and seven laws will be applicable with amendments. These amendments include lifting of prohibitions on lease of land to persons who are not permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

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