Bomb threat

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IMPHAL, November 30: Unidentified persons placed a hand grenade infront of a hardware shop at Singjamei Chingamakha under Singjamei Police Station today. According to the police, the shopkeeper of the hardware shop which sells cement and iron rod has been … Continue reading

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The post Bomb threat appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, November 30: Unidentified persons placed a hand grenade infront of a hardware shop at Singjamei Chingamakha under Singjamei Police Station today.

According to the police, the shopkeeper of the hardware shop which sells cement and iron rod has been identified as Ningombam Suresh. He has been running the shop for the past only two months.  

Police suspect the bomb was placed to threaten the shopkeeper in connection with a monetary demand by an underground organization.

Meanwhile, womenfolk of the area staged a sit-in-protest against the bomb thread at Model Club campus, Chingamakha.

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Help extended to Assam riot victims

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IMPHAL, November 30: A combined team of delegates of All Manipur Intellectual Forum (AMIF) and All Manipur Democratic Women’s Front (AMDWF) visited Kokrajhar, Assam. During their visit, the team presented 12 bundles of blankets as relief package to the affected … Continue reading

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The post Help extended to Assam riot victims appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, November 30: A combined team of delegates of All Manipur Intellectual Forum (AMIF) and All Manipur Democratic Women’s Front (AMDWF) visited Kokrajhar, Assam.

During their visit, the team presented 12 bundles of blankets as relief package to the affected families, who are taking shelter in relief camps, with the help and co-operation from All Bodo Students’ Union as charity on humanitarian ground, said general secretary of AMIF, W Priyokumar at a press conference today at CPI (ML), Manipur office at RIMS Road.

The massage of their visit was “the indigenous people in the south eastern Himalayan region should emotionally be integrated and should fight together to promote and protect indigenous peoples’ rights,” he informed.   

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Youth camp on social integration held

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IMPHAL,November 30: A three days residential youth camp on social integration was organised by the Kasturba Gandhi Seva Ashram under the aegis of Gandhi Smitri and Darshan Samiti,New Delhi from 28-30 November at youth hostel, Khuman Lampak. According to its … Continue reading

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The post Youth camp on social integration held appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL,November 30: A three days residential youth camp on social integration was organised by the Kasturba Gandhi Seva Ashram under the aegis of Gandhi Smitri and Darshan Samiti,New Delhi from 28-30 November at youth hostel, Khuman Lampak.

According to its press release, Additional Register Manao Singh attended the function as the chief guest while District Youth Cordinator, S Gourakishwor Singh and Advocate S Rupachandra Singh were also present as the president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking to IFP, secretary of the Kasturba Gandhi Seva Ashram, N Medhapati Devi said, purpose of the youth camp integration was to bring social harmony, to promote peaceful coexistence and brotherhood in Manipur. She said that there was interchanging of customs amongst the youth at the camp to improve their knowledge, skills and leadership quality with moral values. The main idea of the camp was to make the youths aware of Gandhain thoughts and his ideals to bring peace and harmony, she added.

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No Alternate Voice . . .

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By Ananya S Guha The crackdown on FDI was a very good opportunity for the opposition parties to unite against the UPA on a matter which could have become a significant national debate. The Trinamool Congress as usual threw tantrums, … Continue reading

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The post No Alternate Voice . . . appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

By Ananya S Guha
The crackdown on FDI was a very good opportunity for the opposition parties to unite against the UPA on a matter which could have become a significant national debate. The Trinamool Congress as usual threw tantrums, which seems to be its usual positioning and ended matters with a whimper and a bit of a noise at the end. The BJP said it would not supprt the former in a no confidence motion, and held its parleys, only to have the Party`s Chief Whip making admonitory noises of recalcitrance. The BSP and the SP backed out in a typical Indian stance of political whimsicality. Finally it was left to the Congress and the UPA to have the last laugh and call shots.

The issue of FDI could have become an important point of national debate in Parliament. Instead of first initiating the debate in a healthy manner, the Oppostion parties threw caution to the winds by simply trying to upstage the present government, a tactic which they have been employing ever since the formation of the present government. The BJP has its own agenda, which is obfuscating to say the least, and the Left Parties can at best whimper, especially after the indignity it suffered in the last Assembly elections.

The entire question of the FDI is a conflict of interests, between the local and the global, so much so that even if we talk of the world being a global unity, the antinomy between what is indigeneous and what is global in the form of the rising market, international production of goods, the multi nationals cannot be ignored and designated as something which will be happily resolved, especially in contexts of third world countries like India, trying desperately to have rising economies of scale. The matter is one of national concern, and although many have pooh poohed Gandhi`s economic philosophy, we are now talking with bated breath of everything that is indigeneous. The local and the global in an economic context do not appear to have blended into a happy marriage. On the other hand foreign investors are more than keen to invest in foreign soil, especially in India because of the burgeoning of a middle class which has commodified everything in terms of procurement of material goods: televisions, mobile phones, fast food, junk food and what have you. The matter of concern is with the lower middle classes and the abjectly poor. The former somehow manages to eke out a living, and the latter cannot afford two square meals a day. The question is: why has this been raised now? When the left parties severed themselves from the ruling elite, it was on a similar issue. Why was the question not raised then? The Left was virtually ostrasicized and is of course now trying to desperately resusicate it self. But in fairness to them they backed out under the condition of a staunch principle, namely not allowing political brokerage to the US.

The whole issue has simply been politicized for short term gains, and not for any long standing vision. If it is the latter the same concern should have been shown when foreign investment was percolating the Indian Economy. To stir the hornet`s nest now is simply political mileage and not any show of empathy or feeling for local artisans who live on a day to day basis or local productions which goes to the small time retailer, or for that matter the indigeneous production of goods.

So, long live the politics of chimera, the politics of expediency and oblivious to ground realities, including market realities.

The opposition unites to finally disunite. This has been the history of Indian Politics, speaking purely from political perspectives; and that is why there is no alternate voice in the Indian Polity.

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Archery championship concludes

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IMPHAL, November 30: ARAC wins men’s team event of the Indian round and compound division, in the 23rd Senior State Archery Championship 2012 at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex organized by Manipur Archery Association. The ARAC team, H Bijendranath, Bimal Tete, … Continue reading

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The post Archery championship concludes appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, November 30: ARAC wins men’s team event of the Indian round and compound division, in the 23rd Senior State Archery Championship 2012 at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex organized by Manipur Archery Association.

The ARAC team, H Bijendranath, Bimal Tete, Y Bishorjit and M Chittaranjan took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round team event men’s Indian Round with a score of 212.

The ARAC team, M Anupam, G Robert, T Michael and I Ritesh took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round team event men compound division with a score of 217.

O Naobi Chanu of SICA took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round women’s Indian round. 

H Bijendranath Singh of ARAC took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round men’s Indian round.          

RK Satyapriya Devi of VAA took the first position in the 50 m Olympic round compound women.

Sh Ramakanta Sharma of SAI took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round compound men.  

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6th Loktak tourney

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IMPHAL, November 30: Host AMOFA Moirang defeated DMRAO Awang Sekmai by 2-0 in today’s match of the ongoing 6th Loktak Trophy Football Tournament organized by All Moirang football Association at Moirang Multipurpose Higher Secondary School play ground. Herojit (31st) and … Continue reading

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The post 6th Loktak tourney appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, November 30: Host AMOFA Moirang defeated DMRAO Awang Sekmai by 2-0 in today’s match of the ongoing 6th Loktak Trophy Football Tournament organized by All Moirang football Association at Moirang Multipurpose Higher Secondary School play ground.

Herojit (31st) and Johnson (42nd) scored for AMOFA.  

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The System

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Leader writer: Paojel Chaoba Adversity only makes a man stronger, they say. But who amongst us wants to face hardships. The human nature only wants the best for oneself, the materialistic needs of the modern individual encompasses a myriad of … Continue reading

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The post The System appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

Leader writer: Paojel Chaoba
Adversity only makes a man stronger, they say. But who amongst us wants to face hardships. The human nature only wants the best for oneself, the materialistic needs of the modern individual encompasses a myriad of materialistic things and none wants to be outside the comfort zone.

To work with all sincerity and with the best of interest for an own business initiation or being employed in the public or private sectors has its own rewards. But sometimes sweat and tears do not cut it in the Manipuri system. The State has its own distinctive roadmap of success and it may be said that many undeserving persons are termed as successful from the Manipuri perspective.

It other cities, when a person alights from a flashy car and when the question is asked whom the person is? The answer comes, “This person is a successful man”. But, when the same question is asked here, the reply most of the times is, “ He must be a Government official getting a lot of bribes, an unscrupulous contractor or someone close to the ministers”. The point is that the public has a preconceived mindset and that corruption has become an acceptable model in our lives. Those who stay clean are marked as gullible and not in tune with the system and are ostracized by the corrupt.

A seminar on “Corruption Issues” was held at the Manipur University recently, but it can be asked how such seminars will aid in addressing the murkiness in the system. Will a select crowd of intellectuals, students and representatives of some civil bodies deliberating on the meaning of corruption have the desired effect and will the system improve.

It may or it may not. It is not up to one to give a conclusive remark on such matters. To wish for the better and development of oneself and the society as a whole is not futile especially if one acts on it.

Mother Theresa once said that ‘The hands that serve are holier than those that pray’. To provide a service for the fellow human beings with all sincerity as the Mother did does not demand further detail in appreciation. But, how many have that selfless attitude?  One feels that it may be countable as there has not been another Mother Theresa.

There are though other unsung heroes who have not made it to the limelight or been awarded recognition, their efforts have been in similar service and with the same passion. They have faded with time and their efforts have been recognized only by a negligible section. Yet, they did their duty and worked on without want of praise and award. 

The duty of an individual differs. The social hierarchy demands diverse states of work occupation wise. The rickshaw puller has his duty so does the minister. The employer to the employees and vice- versa.  It is felt that adherence to one’s occupation and to work in that particular expertise with sincerity serves best. However, to augment one’s skill and look for greener pastures is just the normal flow. To achieve more is another basic human trait.

The present scenario of the State, the corruption, may have arisen due the individual not sticking to work with a disciplined stance. The proprietor may not have been fair to the employees. The officials or ministers who have the main responsibility of working out the administrative cruxes may not be discharging their work properly while trying to maintain the bank balances . The filling of the accounts also are based on a give and take objectivity as filling up of purses also require doling out  certain amounts to the concerned superiors. Manipur has a system of also having to be in good with politicians and ‘other forces’ for the making of a successful individual.

This trend flows presently unabated and the much needed change is awaited. However, it is not a false hope that the winds of change will blow in the favour of our society and the present appalling state will one day come down to an acceptable level in the future. Till then, let us all bring down our egos and work on heartedly and believe that work is indeed worship.

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Mangboi Memorial Cup

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KANGPOKPI, Nov 30: FC. Sahei cruised HEAT, National Game Village 5-3 while KYU and SMT, Sapormeina were locked by 1-1 draw in their first and second match of 5th Mangboi Memorial Cup Open Football Tournament 2012 respectively at Thomas Ground, … Continue reading

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KANGPOKPI, Nov 30: FC. Sahei cruised HEAT, National Game Village 5-3 while KYU and SMT, Sapormeina were locked by 1-1 draw in their first and second match of 5th Mangboi Memorial Cup Open Football Tournament 2012 respectively at Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi.

Boipu (10th, 18th, 24th, 59th) and Mang (36th) scored for FC. Sahei while Boilen (16th, 70th) and Thangtinlen (30th) scored for HEAT, NGV in the first match while Seiminlal (13th) scored for KYU and Hahao (69th) scored SMT, Sapormeina side in the second match.

At LS Lunneh playground, Chikim FC, Langol routed LAYO 2-1 in the first match while Molsang YC defeated FC. Ninou 3-1 in the second match.

Themreisang (43th, 60th) scored for Chikim FC while the consolation goal of LAYO was scored by Paocha in 7th min. in the first match.

In the second match, Lamkholen (4th,36th) and Lengoulal (69th) scored for Molsang side while Lenjamang (26th) scored the solitary goal of FC.Ninou.

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Manipur Sangai Festival, 2012 concludes – KanglaOnline

Manipur Sangai Festival, 2012 concludesKanglaOnlineSpeaking on the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said Manipur is known more for its law and order problem rather than its beauty and the tremendous human resources and added that it is a fact of life…

Manipur Sangai Festival, 2012 concludes
KanglaOnline
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said Manipur is known more for its law and order problem rather than its beauty and the tremendous human resources and added that it is a fact of life that negative reports travel much faster than
Sangai fest ends in Manipur with governor's regretE-Pao.net

all 6 news articles »

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Student bodies recommend appointment of Dir Edu (U) – KanglaOnline

Student bodies recommend appointment of Dir Edu (U)KanglaOnlineIMPHAL, November 30: Representatives of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur and Co-ordination Committee of Colleges' Students' Union of Manipur came out in full strength this af…

Student bodies recommend appointment of Dir Edu (U)
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, November 30: Representatives of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur and Co-ordination Committee of Colleges' Students' Union of Manipur came out in full strength this afternoon to resubmit a memorandum on the issue of quality Higher

and more »

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Blockade not an option yet in pursuance of Alternative Arrangement, says UNC – E-Pao.net

Blockade not an option yet in pursuance of Alternative Arrangement, says UNCE-Pao.netImphal, November 30 2012: As of now highway blockade is not an option in pursuit of the demand for an Alternative Arrangement for Nagas of Manipur outside the purview …

Blockade not an option yet in pursuance of Alternative Arrangement, says UNC
E-Pao.net
Imphal, November 30 2012: As of now highway blockade is not an option in pursuit of the demand for an Alternative Arrangement for Nagas of Manipur outside the purview of the Government of Manipur. Talking over telephone with The Sangai Express,
`Centre planning on pan Naga council`KanglaOnline
NPF urges negotiating parties to bring an end to Naga conflictBusiness Standard

all 9 news articles »

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AIDS cases on the rise in Manipur – Times of India

AIDS cases on the rise in ManipurTimes of IndiaManipur is one of the six high AIDS prevalence states in the county and it does not encompass as a mere health issue as it covers all aspects of life economically, socially and politically. As per the epid…

AIDS cases on the rise in Manipur
Times of India
Manipur is one of the six high AIDS prevalence states in the county and it does not encompass as a mere health issue as it covers all aspects of life economically, socially and politically. As per the epidemiological report published by the Manipur

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One-handed cricketer to lead team for disabled at Manipur – Daily Pioneer

One-handed cricketer to lead team for disabled at ManipurDaily PioneerHe is known for his fast bowling and swashbuckling batting, but what makes him completely different from others is he has only one hand and now with his exceptional talent and comman…

One-handed cricketer to lead team for disabled at Manipur
Daily Pioneer
He is known for his fast bowling and swashbuckling batting, but what makes him completely different from others is he has only one hand and now with his exceptional talent and command in Cricket Govind will lead Jharkhand Cricket Team for disabled as

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Cabinet condoles the passing away of Gujral

MNS: The Cabinet met today to condole the passing away of former Prime Minister Shri Inder Kumar Gujral. Inder Kumar Gujral will be given State Funeral. The Cabinet also declared State mourning of seven days as mark of respect to the departed leader and passed the following resolution: “The Cabinet expresses profound sorrow at the […]

MNS: The Cabinet met today to condole the passing away of former Prime Minister Shri Inder Kumar Gujral.
Inder Kumar Gujral will be given State Funeral. The Cabinet also declared State mourning of seven days as mark of respect to the departed leader and passed the following resolution:
“The Cabinet expresses profound sorrow at the sad demise of Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, the former Prime Minister of India, on 30th November, 2012. In his death, India has lost a great patriot, a visionary leader and a freedom fighter. Shri Gujral actively participated in the freedom struggle and was imprisoned during the Quit India Movement. As a distinguished diplomat, he served as Ambassador of India to the erstwhile U.S.S.R. and Special Envoy of India to a number of countries. Shri Gujral was an esteemed Member of Parliament in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Before assuming the office of the Prime Minister of India on the 21st April, 1997, Shri Gujral held various Ministerial positions as Minister of External Affairs; Minister of Water Resources; Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Communications and Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Communications.
Born on 4th December, 1919, at Jhelum in undivided Punjab into a family of freedom fighters, Shri Gujral was an erudite scholar, an eminent intellectual and a well respected commentator on national and international affairs.
The Cabinet places on record its deep sense of grief at the passing away of Shri Inder Kumar Gujral and extends its sincere condolences on behalf of the entire nation to the bereaved family.”
The Vice President of India   M. Hamid Ansari has deeply condoled the passing away of of Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, former Prime Minister of India. In his condolence message, he has said that Shri Gujral was a distinguished leader and an outstanding public figure who served our country in various capacities, including as External Affairs Minister and Ambassador to the USSR, with dedication, honesty and patriotism, in a long and illustrious career spanning over many decades. He is fondly remembered by all who knew him as a warm, compassionate and friendly human being.
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has offered his condolences at the passing away of   Gujral here today.
He said, “Shri IK Gujral was a seasoned and astute politician who dedicated his entire life for the cause of the nation spanning over a period of over seventy years. He not only took part in the country’s freedom struggle but also contributed significantly to nation building. Never afraid of speaking his mind he was instrumental in coming out with bold ideas for conflict resolution in our immediate and extended neighbourhood.

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HIV Estimations 2012 Report

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare released HIV Estimations 2012 at New Delhi today. The main features of the estimations are as follows: (1)  57% REDUCTION IN NEW HIV INFECTIONS DURING LAST DECADE (2)  1.5 LAKH LIVES SAVED DUE TO SCALE UP OF FREE ART SERVICES SINCE 2004 (3)  SUSTAINING THE […]

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare released HIV Estimations 2012 at New Delhi today.
The main features of the estimations are as follows:
(1)  57% REDUCTION IN NEW HIV INFECTIONS DURING LAST DECADE
(2)  1.5 LAKH LIVES SAVED DUE TO SCALE UP OF FREE ART SERVICES SINCE 2004
(3)  SUSTAINING THE INTENSITY OF INTERVENTIONS TO CONSOLIDATE GAINS
(4)  EMERGING EPIDEMICS GIVEN THE HIGHEST PRIORITY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
(5)  BALANCING PREVENTION AND TREATMENT IS A KEY CHALLENGE
National AIDS Control Programme in India has been recognised globally as a success story. This programme rests on two key pillars – prevention for those who are not infected and care, support & treatment for those who have been infected. Since large proportion of the population are not infected with HIV, prevention remains the cornerstone of the programme. The strategies for prevention include targeted interventions for high risk groups, condom promotion and strong IEC campaigns for general population. Care, support and treatment aim at increasing access to testing and treatment services.
In order to refine these strategies and to evaluate the impacts of the interventions, National AIDS Control Organisation conducts HIV Sentinel Surveillance and HIV Estimations at regular intervals. The latest round of HIV Sentinel Surveillance was completed in 2011. The data generated there has been used for estimation of HIV burden and projection of HIV epidemic trends in the country. The HIV estimations 2012 indicate an overall continuing reduction in adult HIV prevalence, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in India.
Improved methodology & customised models to generate HIV estimates
The India HIV estimates 2012 utilised improved methodology and updated epidemiological data from the latest round of HIV Sentinel Surveillance, Census 2011 and other information on High Risk Groups for more accurate understanding of the Indian epidemic. Spectrum model has been customised with Indian data to allow robust projections for each state. The entire process is supported by national and international experts, epidemiologists and demographers from National Institute of Medical Statistics, UNAIDS, WHO, CDC and other public health institutes of India.
Adult HIV Prevalence
India is estimated to have an adult (15-49 years) HIV prevalence of 0.27% in 2011. Adult HIV prevalence among males and females is estimated at 0.32% and 0.22% respectively.
In 2011, among the states, Manipur has shown the highest estimated adult HIV prevalence of 1.22%, followed by Andhra Pradesh (0.75%), Mizoram (0.74%), Nagaland (0.73%), Karnataka (0.52%), Goa (0.43%) and Maharashtra (0.42%). Besides these, Odisha, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Chandigarh have shown estimated adult HIV prevalence greater than national prevalence (0.27%).
Trends of Adult HIV Prevalence
The adult HIV prevalence at national level has continued its steady decline from estimated level of 0.41% in 2001 through 0.35% in 2006 to 0.27% in 2011. Similar consistent declines are noted among both males and females at national level. Declining trends in adult HIV prevalence are sustained in all the high prevalence states (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur & Nagaland).
Annual New HIV Infections
It is estimated that around 1.16 lakh new HIV infections among adults and around 14,500 new infections among children occurred during 2011. Of the 1.16 lakh estimated new infections in 2011 among adults, the six high prevalence states account for 31% of new infections.
Trends of HIV Incidence (New Infections)
India has demonstrated an overall reduction of 57% in estimated annual new HIV infections (among adult population) during the last decade from 2.74 lakhs in 2000 to 1.16 lakhs in 2011. This is one of the most important evidence on the impact of the various interventions under National AIDS Control Programme and scaled-up prevention strategies. Major contribution to this reduction comes from the high prevalence states where a reduction of 76% has been noted during the same period. However, rising trends of new infections are noted in the some of the low prevalence states. Programme has evolved focused prevention strategies to address these emerging vulnerabilities.
Vulnerabilities due to high risk groups and bridge population
Considerable declines in HIV prevalence have been recorded among Female Sex Workers at national level (5.06% in 2007 to 2.67%) and in most of the states, where long-standing targeted interventions have focussed on behaviour change and increasing condom use. Declines have been achieved among Men who have sex with Men (7.41% in 2007 to 4.43% in 2011) also, though several pockets in the country show higher HIV prevalence among them with mixed trends.
Stable trends have been recorded among Injecting Drug Users at national level (7.23% in 2007 to 7.14% in 2011). Besides North Eastern states where declines have been achieved, newer pockets of high HIV prevalence among IDU have emerged over the last few years, in the states of Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, Odisha, MP, Uttar Pradesh & Bihar. Prevention strategies for IDU in the newer areas have been initiated recently and are prioritised for further scale up during the next five years.(contd next col)
from previous col
HIV Estimations 2012 Report
In certain North Indian states, evidence indicates the possible role of migration in fueling HIV epidemics. Besides high risk migrants, long distance truckers also show high levels of vulnerability and form an important part of bridge population.
People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV)
The total number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in India is estimated at 21 lakh in 2011. Children (<15 yrs) account for 7% of all infections, while 86% are in the age –group of 15-49 years. Of all HIV infections, 39% (8.16 lakh) are among women.
AIDS-related Deaths
Using globally accepted methodologies and updated evidence on survival to HIV with and without treatment, it is estimated that about 1.48 lakh people died of AIDS related causes in 2011 in India. Deaths among HIV infected children account for 7% of all AIDS-related deaths. Wider access to ART has led to 29% reduction in estimated annual AIDS-related deaths during NACP-III period (2007-2011). Greater declines in estimated annual deaths are noted in states where significant scale up of ART services has been achieved.
Lives Saved Due to ART
It is estimated that the scale up of free ART since 2004 has saved over 1.5 lakh lives in the country till 2011 by averting deaths due to AIDS-related causes. At the current pace of scale up of ART services, it is estimated to avert around 50,000 – 60,000 deaths annually in the next five years.
Sustained action needed for ‘Getting to Zero’
Above evidence shows that India is on track to achieve the global targets of ‘Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS-related deaths & Zero discrimination’. However, sustaining prevention focus and intensity in the areas where significant declines have been achieved, is highly critical to consolidate the gains, while effectively addressing the emerging epidemics. With increasing coverage of treatment & decreasing AIDS-related mortality, a significant number of people are likely to require first and second line ART treatment in the coming years. Major challenge for the programme will be to ensure that the treatment requirements are fully met without sacrificing the needs of prevention.
NACO has taken cognisance of these emerging challenges and have focussed on region specific prevention strategies and evidence-based scale up.
1. Scale up of Opioid Substitution Therapy and other harm reduction strategies are given focus in the North Western states where injecting drug use is identified as the major driver of the epidemic.
2. On the other hand, in the eight states of North India, where migration is increasingly being identified as playing role in HIV transmission, revised migrant strategy is being implemented with focus at source, transit as well as destination points.
3. In certain pockets of high prevalence states where HIV prevalence among FSW and MSM continues to be high, emphasis is given to sustain the higher coverage of targeted interventions and improve the quality of outreach.
4. Interventions to provide HIV prevention services to long distance truckers are being scaled up at the trans-shipment locations and truck halt points across the country.
5. More efficacious PPTCT regimen has been rolled out in high prevalence areas where number of HIV positive pregnancies is higher and where the impact on reducing new child infections will be maximum.
6. In the states that account for a larger share of HIV burden, treatment services are being scaled up through expansion of ART and Link ART centres. Second line ART and paediatric ART are being provided at greater number of centres across the country.
7. IEC campaigns have been strengthened through multi-media approach involving TV, Radio and innovative strategies such as Red Ribbon Express, National folk media campaign and North East campaign involving music and sports.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hiv-estimations-2012-report/

CSE slams reported efforts by industry to dilute car fuel economy standards

New Delhi, November 30, 2012: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has criticised a reported bid by the Indian car industry to reopen and dilute the proposed fuel economy standards. The standards have already been approved by the Prime Minister’s Office. The approved Corporate Average Fuel Consumption standards have laid down a target of 18.15 […]

New Delhi, November 30, 2012: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has criticised a reported bid by the Indian car industry to reopen and dilute the proposed fuel economy standards. The standards have already been approved by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The approved Corporate Average Fuel Consumption standards have laid down a target of 18.15 km/litre (or 129.8 gm of CO2/km) in 2015 and 20.79 km/litre (or 113 gm of CO2/km) in 2020, after adjusting for increase in the average weight of the car fleet.
However, according to sources, the car industry – which is said to be unhappy with these standards — is trying to push the timeline of their implementation to 2018 and 2023. It is also making an effort to have the standards watered down. While the approved targets are aiming at 20 per cent CO2 reduction over 2010 levels in 2020, the  car industry is proposing just 16 per cent reduction as late as 2023.
The industry is also against adjusting the targets to account for the increase in average weight of the car fleet. It wants to keep lax margins for bigger cars. The average weight of the Indian car fleet is expected to increase in coming years. Bigger cars burn more fuel — standards must account for this, says CSE.
Says Anumita Roychowdhury, CSE’s executive director-research and advocacy and head of its air pollution team: “If these reported efforts by the industry are true, then they violate the sanctity of the decision-making process and make a mockery of the system. The approved proposal has been finalized after due diligence, inter-departmental deliberations, public consultations and the Prime Minister’s approval. This cannot be compromised and reopened through backdoor negotiations unilaterally.”
India will lose face in the ongoing climate talks if its targets slide behind other major vehicle producing countries by 2020. Says Roychowdhury: “India must not, by an act of public policy, aim to finish as the worst in the world despite starting from one of the best baselines in 2010 — 141 gm of CO2/km. The European CO2 standard for cars for 2012 is 140 gm CO2/km. But Europe will leapfrog to 95 gm/km in 2020.”
Even the US, the climate renegade, will bring down its levels from 187 gm/km in 2010 to 121 gm/km in 2020. How can the Indian car industry aim for worse targets for passenger cars, asks CSE.The approved standards will enable fuel savings of close to 103 million tonnes of oil equivalent. Any dilution will significantly reduce these savings.
With the explosive increase in car numbers and gradual increase in average weight of the new car fleet, the energy penalty will be enormous.  This has serious implications given India’s dependence on imported crude oil and vulnerability of India’s economy to oil price vagaries. According to the International Energy Agency, future energy demand in India’s transport sector will be largely driven by cars, after the heavy duty segment. It is not fair to incur enormous energy costs and suffer climate risk from the use of personal vehicles.
The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell of the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas has, in its Sales Review Report September 2012, said that there has been a 48.4 per cent growth in utility vehicles nationally, along with a 16.7 per cent jump in multipurpose vehicles – these cars are largely diesel-driven.
Clearly, the economic slow-down has not affected the SUV and utility segment. This trend will increase the average weight of the fleet and worsen fuel efficiency performance.
CSE says
The government must uphold and notify the proposal that has been already approved. Even those targets could have been more effective. It should uphold the sanctity of the regulatory processes. The standards cannot be reopened and renegotiated unilaterally with the car industry; this is a conflict of interest.
Says Roychowdhury: “Enough time has been lost – more than five years. India cannot waste more time to get these crucial fuel saving measures.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cse-slams-reported-efforts-by-industry-to-dilute-car-fuel-economy-standards/

Security Threat from Chinese Telecom Equipments

MNS:- The Government is aware about the Report of Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of US Government titled “Investigative Report on US National security issues posed by Chinese Telecommunications Companies Huawei & ZTE”. It is a known fact that in the modern age, telecom equipment and networks used for provisioning of telecom services are prone […]

MNS:- The Government is aware about the Report of Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of US Government titled “Investigative Report on US National security issues posed by Chinese Telecommunications Companies Huawei & ZTE”. It is a known fact that in the modern age, telecom equipment and networks used for provisioning of telecom services are prone to spyware/malwares etc, emanating from the equipment itself or embedded software contained in it or from antisocial or anti national individuals or agencies. Such potential threats exist in the network, irrespective of the sources like telecom gear manufactured in China or supplied by some other vendors.
To address the security concerns related to telecom & telecom Network, comprehensive guidelines in the form of license Amendments have been issued to Telecom service providers on 31.05.2011 in Access Service licenses and on 3rd June’ 2011 for other licenses, in consultation with MHA and after due deliberations with Industry.
Vide these amendments, it is mandated that Telecom Service Providers are responsible for the security of their network. It is also mandated that only those network elements shall be inducted into their Telecom Network, which have been tested as per relevant contemporary Indian or International Security Standards e.g. IT and IT related elements against ISO/IEC 15408 standards, for Information Security Management System against ISO 27000 series Standards, Telecom and Telecom related elements against 3GP, 3GPP2 security standards etc from any international agency/ labs of the standards e.g. Common Criteria Labs in case of ISO/IEC 15408 standards until 31st March 2013. From 1st April 2013 the certification shall be got done only from authorized and certified agencies/labs in India. The copies of test results and test certificates shall be kept by the licensee for a period of 10 years from the date of procurement of equipment, which can be audited / demanded any time during this span, by the licensor.
Thus, a framework has already been mandated to deal with potential threats by the induction of Chinese Telecom Equipment or from any other source. So far, no specific issue has arisen due to equipment originating from any specific country. However, as and when any specific issue arises or a report is received, the regime can be further tightened for the equipments coming from a specific country or source or group of countries or companies.
Government continues to examine all new developments related to Telecom Security and regularly reviews the security arrangement in this regard in the light of such developments.
In order to increase the share of telecom equipment manufactured in the country, based on Notification of Department of Electronics & IT vide No. 8(78)/2010-IPHW dated 10th February, 2012, Department of Telecommunications has already issued the Notification vide No. 18-0712010 dated 5th October’2012 regarding domestic telecom equipment for Government procurement and Government projects.
This information was given by Shri Milind Deora, Minister of State for C&IT in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/security-threat-from-chinese-telecom-equipments/

Radiation from Mobile Towers

MNS:- World Health Organization (WHO) in its Fact Sheet No. 304, May 2006 on Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health (Base Stations and Wireless Technologies) has concluded that “considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF Signals from base stations and wireless […]

MNS:- World Health Organization (WHO) in its Fact Sheet No. 304, May 2006 on Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health (Base Stations and Wireless Technologies) has concluded that “considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF Signals from base stations and wireless networks caused adverse health effects. From all evidence accumulated so far, no adverse short or long term health effects have been shown to occur from the RF Signals produced by based stations.
WHO has recommended that ‘National authorities should adopt international standards to protect their citizens against adverse levels of RF fields. They should restrict access to areas where exposure limits may be exceeded.’ WHO has referred to the International Exposure Guidelines developed by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/radiation-from-mobile-towers/

PMO directs concerned ministries and departments for immediate operationalisation of Direct Cash Transfers

MNS:- The Prime Minister’s Office has written to various ministries and departments to take up immediate tasks in operationalising on priority the Direct Cash Transfers for delivery of services to beneficiaries of social entitlements. This move follows the first meeting of the National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers (DCT) chaired by the Prime Minister on […]

MNS:- The Prime Minister’s Office has written to various ministries and departments to take up immediate tasks in operationalising on priority the Direct Cash Transfers for delivery of services to beneficiaries of social entitlements. This move follows the first meeting of the National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers (DCT) chaired by the Prime Minister on November 26th, 2012.
In a letter addressed to nine secretaries of the Union Government, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister has underlined the importance of the programme and augmenting the Government’s implementation capacity to undertake this task. He wrote:
“I would request you to get down to the immediate task of operationalising Direct Cash Transfers in the identified schemes in your Department. The emphasis should be on having a seamless and trouble free rollout of the programme, first in 51 districts and subsequently as per the agreed rollout plan. Concerns relating to availability of banking infrastructure for making this work and the financial and accounting procedures required would be addressed by the Financial Inclusion and Technology Committees. The main issue which you need to focus on is ensuring that you have a complete list of beneficiaries in digitized form seeded with Aadhaar numbers for your schemes. Digitisation of beneficiaries’ database is critical for rolling out Direct Cash Transfers and maximum effort on this needs to be put in at the state and district levels. You will be provided necessary assistance for this by Unique Identification Authority of India and the Department of Information Technology.” The implementation Committees in each ministry have been directed to meet on a weekly basis to complete the task of digitization.
In a separate letter to the UIDAI Chairman, the PMO has asked the Technology Committee, headed by the UIDAI chairman, to consider providing dedicated individuals to each of the nine implementing ministries to assist them in their work on digitizing databases. The Technology Committee is addressing the issues of rapid penetration of Aadhaar numbers to beneficiaries, ensuring that the Aadhaar Payment Bridge is made operational and complete convergence of banking system with Aadhaar.
In another letter to the Department of Financial Services, whose Secretary heads the Financial Inclusion Committee, the PMO has requested to hold a meeting immediately to oversee opening of bank accounts by the beneficiaries with ease, seeding of bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers and ensuring that the Business Correspondents’ operations are made suitably flexible so they are easily accessible to beneficiaries wherever necessary. The Department has been also asked to design an incentive package for the Business Correspondents who will dispense cash directly to beneficiaries. The Department will also need to resolve issues of utilizing the existing Post Offices network to undertake Direct Cash Transfers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pmo-directs-concerned-ministries-and-departments-for-immediate-operationalisation-of-direct-cash-transfers/

Manipur lawyers’ stir enters Day 20 – E-Pao.net

Manipur lawyers' stir enters Day 20E-Pao.netManipur lawyers' stir enters Day 20. Seven Sisters Post | Yumnam Rupachandra, Imphal (Nov 29): With over 2,000 cases unattended in the past 20 days, the impasse of the Guwahati High Court lawyers stri…

Manipur lawyers' stir enters Day 20
E-Pao.net
Manipur lawyers' stir enters Day 20. Seven Sisters Post | Yumnam Rupachandra, Imphal (Nov 29): With over 2,000 cases unattended in the past 20 days, the impasse of the Guwahati High Court lawyers strike continued even on Thursday with no concrete

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEwtWwSCGzgE6RndJhJSuWD0U8V5w&url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageSelector.asp?src=Manipur_lawyers_stir_enters_Day_20_20121130&ch=news_section&sub1=News_Links&sub2=News_Links_2012