Chile_Volcano_eruption

Dear all,

Welcome.

Chile says seismic activity is dropping at a volcano on the border with Argentina but officials are maintaining a red alert as a precaution.

Chile's emergency office, ONEMI, issued the highest alert Sunday in the Biobio region after it registered high seismic activity Saturday night at the Copahue volcano and an ash cloud billowing almost a mile high. The volcano began spewing ash and gas Saturday.

Mining Minister says activity at the volcano dropped to normal to low early Monday and the ash plume has descended to about 660 feet. That's a sign internal pressure has decreased inside the volcano.

The Copahue volcano, which sits in the Andes cordillera, straddling the border with Argentina's Neuquen province, started spewing ash and gas on Saturday.
 

Officials issued a yellow and orange alert at first but Chile's emergency office ONEMI raised the alert Sunday in the Biobio region after it registered seismic activity Saturday night and a cloud of ash billowed almost a mile high. 

"Authorities have overflown the volcano area and the alert is still red," Gilda Grandon of the ONEMI's BioBio unit told The Associated Press. "We have noted some drop in the ash plume but the alert level is maintained because a full eruption is not ruled out."
 

The Mining Ministry's Sernageomin geology unit has recommended careful observation of a 9-mile radius around the active crater in case of mudflows of volcanic fragments. Officials say there's no need yet to evacuate.
 

The 9,833-feet high Copahue erupted in 1991. The volcano became highly active with blasts and gases in 2001 in its worst activity in more than 20 years.
 

A volcano in the Caulle Cordon of southern Chile erupted violently last year, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the evacuation of more than 3,500 people.

With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya

UNFCCC&Manuf_sec

Dear all,
Welcome.

UN Doha Conference: The Climate change summit at Doha ended with no target setting for GHGs emission. The duration was increased by a day after witnessing no progress upon it. Qatar demanded to increase Kyoto protocol uptil 2020. It is the only law which forces industrial countries for GHGs emission reduction.
The Conference was attended by representatives of more than 200 countries. It included OPEC (Oil Producing Economic Countries) maintain resilience by developing countries uptil 2013 in regard to their demand for financial aid for tackling global warming crisis. If Kyoto protocol's tenure is not increased, it may terminate by the end of this year. It came into existence during 1997. After exclusion of Russia, Japan & Canada, it had become weak whereas EU & Australia are demanding it's increase. These are the countries which account for 15% of the GHGs emission. After termination of Kyoto protocol, there would be no treaty remaining into existence for tackling global warming. The countries would have their own laws in this regard.   

The conflict appeared amidst rich & poor countries during the summit. No consensus was made on important issues. Both groups didn't agree upon Long term cooperative action (LCA). The rich countries didn't give any assurance about providing financial assistance to poor countries. The developing countries demand for ten fold increase in financial aid was hurt by setting of time table for it. Earlier, it was assured by 2020. The aid amounts to 550 crores INR presently. As the rich countries like USA, EU & other developed countries are facing recession, they had denied for fixing of time table. This year GHG emission may rise by 2.6%, which is 50% more as compared to that during 1990s.
 

Manuf. sector: India may become second most competitive economy during the next five years. The Global research firm, Deloitte, and US Council on competitiveness stated it in a report.

China would continue to remain on top in manufacturing sector till next five years whereas India & Brazil would move to second and third position respectively. The report states that availability of skilled labour, strong domestic demand, and incomparable geographical location might render such status. India has already speciality in service sector & it could be seen in manufacturing too. But hurdles are to be removed in Education & Basic Infrastructure sector for development. If it happened, India's achievements would be apprised all over the world during the next five years. Presently in manufacturing sector, next to China is Germany & USA later. India stands at fourth position with S.Korea as fifth, Taiwan as sixth & Canada as seventh along with Brazil as eighth, Singapore as ninth & Japan as tenth position holder.

With higher interest rates, dearness & recession in EU countries, the economic growth may further slack in Q3 of this fiscal year. However, in Q4, it may improve. It is predicted by ASSOCHAM. It was 5.5% in Q1 followed by 5.3% in Q2.

 

With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya

Doha_UN_Conf&CII&Navy_day

Dear all,

Welcome.

UN Conference: The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) had called for increase in second term's committment & target setting for Carbon emission in regard to the Kyoto Protocol. It had also asked for conversion of principles(QELRO) for reduction in emission. It is to note that Kyoto Protocol is the only binding legal mechanism that seeks to ensure reduction in GHGs emission by developed countries.

UN Conference for Climate change at Doha is started from November 26 & would continue uptil December 7. The past week witnessed no progress. The clarity about the source of funding for financial aid to developing countries & Kyoto protocol may have important decisions during the meeting.

The various governments have expressed committments for development of systems for implementation of decisions regarding committments made during Durban conference 2011. It is clear that Doha conference would add impetus to a new chapter in International Climate change discussion. 

 

 

 

Navy Day: Today is Indian Navy day. The modernisation of Chinese Navy had raised alarms of neighbouring countries. The Navy chief told that India would protect it's interests in South China sea, even if it meant deployment of military. The Oil & gas exploration along with free transportation is a major cause for India's concern.

It is to note that diplomatic relations with China are tense as Indian PSU, ONGC, acquired stakes in the Vietnam's southern coast Oil & gas blocks. China claims South China sea's resources & is increasing its military's presence. Also, Phillipines, Malaysia, Vietnam & Singapore are claiming their stakes in the region.

The traffic in South China sea is less but if trade interests compel, the govt.'s approval would be needed to reach there. Upon being asked as to how Indian Navy would tackle Chinese Navy, Admiral Chief told that the retaliation would be as per the rules. If self defence is needed, there are some alternatives. China is again vying for developing Dong feng category missiles for targeting aircraft carrier for which he told that India is also acquiring similar resistive capability.

The biggest concern is the Communist country's recent media news, which states that as per new rules, effective from January 1, Chinese Henan provincial Police would have rights to control & confiscate foreign ships entering into the Chinese territorial waters.

 

With regards,

 

 

 

M.K.Pachraiya

Rainforest&flag_day

Dear all,

Welcome.

Evokarma: Noted environmentalist & Nobel laureate, R.K.Pachauri, had been annointed as chief of Evokarma International centre for Rainforest Conservation. Evokarma center had been established under an agreement amidst UN Secretariat & Guyana govt. during 1996.

Center manages higher rain area amounting 3,71,000 hectares of the said reserve. It is rich in biodiversity & works for conservation & use of vegetation & species.

The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) director stated that the area states that in the continuous development of human society, how they are important. He also told it(center) as ideal for the entire world.

 

Armed Forces Flag day: In the course of achieving victory in various wars that the nation has fought and also in combating the ongoing cross-border terrorism and insurgency, the Indian Armed Forces lose valuable lives while many suffer disability. Such men who are invalidated out of service require care and rehabilitation so that they could start a second innings in their lives.

 

Keeping this in view, the Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on December 7 every year. On this day, by displaying flags in red, deep and light blue colours which represent the three Services the citizens reinforce their solidarity with the Armed Forces. In some places, Armed Forces formations and units conduct shows to motivate people for the welfare of the men-in-uniform. This helps to boost the morale of the forces and also gives them a sense of assurance that the entire nation is behind them.

 

On this day, the community, in an effort to supplement the government's efforts to the welfare of the troops, contributes to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The contributions of public towards this fund is collected throughout the country. The fund is operated by Defence Minister at the centre and Governor at the state level. Kendriya Sainik Board is responsible for administration of Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Contributions made towards Armed Forces Flag Day Fund are exempt from income tax.

 

The three Service Headquarters collect funds through their subordinate formations. Funds collected by each state government are distributed to the Sainik Boards at the district level which in turn grant financial assistance to needy ex-servicemen and dependents of those who laid down their lives. State governments also utilise these funds to implement welfare schemes for ex-servicemen and their dependents. 

        

With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya 

Tablet_PC;Akash-2

Dear all,

Welcome.

 

The India's cheap & upgraded version of Tablet PC for providing to the students had included a new chapter in this direction. Akash-2 had been officially launched on 124th anniversary of India's first Education Minister. It is inaugrated by the President Pranab Mukherjee.
On the auspicious occasion, many teachers got connected via Video-conferencing. Akash-2 would also be demonstrated before United Nations on November 28.
As per Newyork Times Blogpost, 1 lakh students would be benefitted at subsidized rate of 1132 INR while it's market value would be 2999 INR. Akash-1 faced some technical glitches, which forced some changes leading to Akash-2.
Delta Computers director told that Akash-2 features would delight the students esp. Educational Software with 1.5 lakhs applications. It's processor capacity is more resulting in less hang over. Also, battery back up would is enhanced to around 3 hours.
Datawind's, manufacturer of Akash, CEO told that new version has 7" display with sensitive touchscreen. It would also be possible in newer version to download You Tube videos & Android applications. More than 55 lakh bookings are made. The company is manufacturing @ 2,000 Tablets per day. Also, it's memory is 2GB which could be increased upto 32 GB.

With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya

Coal Pricing&Spectrum

Dear all,
Welcome.

Coal Pricing: The procedure of Coal pricing of pool coal is likely to be renewed. Admixing of Imported coal along with domestic coal had dismayed many States & Electricity generation companies. The States cite price hike resulting in higher elect. rates. Many States had denied acceptance of such coal.
PMO had asked Coal India Ltd. (CIL) to work along with Central Elect. Authority (CEA) to decide upon coal price. A proposal involving calorific value as base for fixing of coal price had come for price pooling model. It is in initial stages.
The Planning commission had told that CIL should fix the value after mixing with the domestic coal so that it doesn't appear costly as of now. As per CIL, Fuel Supply agreement (FSA) amendment is linked with the system of price pooling. If it is sanctioned, 15% of such coal could be given.
The Planning Commission told that Price pooling should be adopted for ensuring Coal supply. Presently, 30 companies had signed for FSA with CIL.

 

2G Spectrum: The re-auctioning of 2G spectrum after cancellation of 122 licenses by Supreme Court being issued earlier was done one day prior to the Diwali festive season. Due to higher spectrum price, telecon. companies are disinterested. The government had sought tenders for 176 blocks of 22 circles. But only 98 blocks of 18 circles were bidded. No bidding for Mumbai, Delhi, Karnataka & Rajasthan was done. As per telecon. minister, only 55% of the Spectrum to be solded was bidded. The aim to curb fiscal deficit by selling of Spectrum had thus failed partially.
The 10 Circles of Western UP had been sold with 9 block sales being assured in Eastern UP circle. Gujarat & Bihar is also enthusiastically bidded with 8 blocks each nearing final stages. Assam's 7 blocks, & 6 blocks each of Haryana, J&K, MP, NE, Odisha, & WB were successfully bidded. Maharashtra's 5 blocks are nearing final stages. Himachal, Kerala, & Punjab's 3 blocks each are sold. Andhra, Tamil Nadu & Kolkata's 4 blocks each are sold too. Fore entire countrywide circle, no bid was made.
It is to note that earlier CAG had pointed that due to non-auctioning of the Spectrum, a loss of revenue worth 1.76 lakh crore rupees took place. As per new bidding, min. 14,000 crores rupees would have to be paid for 5 MHz Spectrum of 22 telecon. circles. This is approx. 7 times higher than previous paid value of 1,658 crores by telecon. companies. Also, License fees had to be paid separately.  

 

With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya

Water-Quality Monitoring Station

Dear all,
Welcome.

Real time Water Quality monitoring station: These are being installed at 10 places for measuring the amount of pollution in the Ganga & Yamuna rivers. At Delhi's Vazirabad & Okhla barrage & from Haridwar to Kolkata at 8 different places, these would be powered by solar energy. The important feature of these is that they would be installed in the rivers.
Two members from CPCB & Delhi Water Board were included in the investigation related to cleaning of the Yamuna River. CPCB Scientist stated that the monitoring station is being installed by a Singaporean company. It is expected to complete within a month. The River Yamuna is mostly polluted in Delhi, whose length is 2% of it's total length. The Panipat's drain no. 2 discharging into the river is the main source of the pollution. It falls through 22 drains & comprises of the domestic & industrial waste. Water Board had installed plant of 2300 MLD capacity whereas 3800-4800 MLD of waste water is generated in the river in Capital.
The High Carbon content pollution reduces the level of oxygen content further & along with bacteria smells foul too.

Standards: British Tames Water Authority had kept the reproduction of fish in the water as the base standard for clear water. As per CPCB scientist, it needs 4 mg of oxygen in a liter of water.

But, it is zero due to water not being released from the barrages (Okhla & Hathinikund). These are also being installed at 8 places at Ganges river, which are as follows:
----------------------
1. Haridwar
2. Kannauj
3. Kanpur
4. Allahabad
5. Varanasi
6. Patna
7. Kolkata

With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya