Trying out for the first time... A set of PIB releases dated December 10, 2015

1. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas 10-December, 2015 10:08 IST
Global Crude oil price of Indian Basket was US$ 36.75 per bbl on 09.12.2015
The international crude oil price of Indian Basket as computed/published today by
Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas was US$ 36.75 per barrel (bbl) on 09.12.2015. This was lower than the price of US$
37.34 per bbl on previous publishing day of 08.12.2015.
In rupee terms, the price of Indian Basket decreased to Rs 2453.22 per bbl on
09.12.2015 as compared to Rs 2493.98 per bbl on 08.12.2015. Rupee closed stronger
at Rs 66.75 per US$ on 09.12.2015 as against Rs 66.80 per US$ on 08.12.2015. The table
below gives details in this regard:
Particulars Unit Price on December 09,
2015 (Previous trading day i.e.
08.12.2015)
Pricing Fortnight for 01.12.2015
(Nov 11 to Nov 26, 2015)
Crude Oil
(Indian Basket)
($/bbl) 36.75 (37.34) 41.17
(Rs/bbl 2453.22 (2493.98) 2725.87
Exchange Rate (Rs/$) 66.75 (66.80) 66.21
YKB/Rk/Daily Crude Oil Price- 10.12.2015
Release Id :132906

2. Prime Minister's Office 10-December, 2015 11:40 IST
PM pays tribute to C Rajagopalachari on his birth anniversary
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Shri C. Rajagopalachari on his birth
anniversary.
“Shri C Rajagopalachari's contribution to India is legendary. I bow to this freedom fighter
and profound thinker on his birth anniversary,” the Prime Minister said.
***
AKT/NT
Release Id :132911

3. Prime Minister's Office 10-December, 2015 11:40 IST
PM pays tribute to C Rajagopalachari on his birth anniversary
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Shri C. Rajagopalachari on his birth
anniversary.
“Shri C Rajagopalachari's contribution to India is legendary. I bow to this freedom fighter
and profound thinker on his birth anniversary,” the Prime Minister said.
***
AKT/NT
Release Id :132911

4. Ministry of Tourism 10-December, 2015 12:43 IST
MoU Signed between ICIS and NBCC for Construction of ICIS at Tirupati and
Noida
The construction of Indian Culinary Institutes (ICIs) at Tirupati and Noida is all set to begin,
with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Culinary
Institute (ICI) Society and the National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd. (NBCC)
yesterday at the Ministry of Tourism, New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Dr. Preeti
Srivastava, Joint Secretary & Ex-officio Director, ICI on behalf of ICI Society and Sh.
Rajendra Chaudhari, Director (Commercial) on behalf of NBCC Ltd. Secretary, M/o Tourism
Shri Vinod Zutshi and Joint Secretary, M/o Tourism Shri Suman Billa also graced the
occasion.
Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) at Tirupati with its Northern Regional Chapter at Noida are
being set up by the Ministry of Tourism. Foundation Stones for both the Institutes have
already been laid. The Govt. of Andhra Pradesh has transferred land measuring 14.21 acres at
Tirupati in favour of ICI Society for construction of ICI Tirupati.
The main objective of setting up of ICI is to institutionalise a mechanism to support efforts
intended to preserve, document, promote and disseminate the Indian Cuisine, meet the
sectoral requirement of specialists specific to Indian Cuisine, as also of teachers, and promote
Cuisine as a Niche Tourism product. The ICIs are proposed as Institutes of Excellence that
will offer structured regular programmes of study specific to culinary arts leading to graduate
and post graduate level degrees, promote research and innovation, organize demand driven
certificate and diploma courses, document and create data base specific to Indian cuisine and
commission studies and survey on cuisine.
The need for ICI is felt as the formal education specific to Indian cuisine, a culinary art, with
pan-India sweep is conspicuous by its absence. There is no regular credible institutional
source at apex level for supply of cuisine specialists to the sector. Also, at present there is no
institutional mechanism to document and disseminate information related to cuisine.
In India at present, there is dearth of ideal training ground to groom chefs of international
standards. To fill this void, the ICIs would provide the appropriate training ground at par with
the culinary schools functioning in different parts of the developed world. The edifice to be
created would be exclusive and one of its kind at selecting and training the best talent through
intensive programmes of one to three years duration. This effort will facilitate building a
super-speciality food production work-force to assure positions of Chefs and beyond in the
hospitality industry.
*****
Sanjay Kumar/Tourism-1/10.12.2015
Release Id :132913

5. Ministry of Science & Technology 10-December, 2015 12:55 IST
Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan says that a New
Chapter in India’s Relationship with the United Kingdom begins
India-UK Technology Summit Knowledge Expo from 24-26 October 2016, Pragati
Maidan, New Delhi
Union Minister for Science & Technology & Earth Sciences Dr Harsh Vardhan, says
that a new chapter in India’s relationship with the United Kingdom begins. Announcing
holding of the India-UK Technology Summit Knowledge expo from 24th
to 26th
October
2016 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi along with the UK Minister of Universities & Science
Shri Jo Johnson, he said the relationship received a new fillip with the visit of our Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to the UK recently.
Both ministers during their bilateral discussions while recalling various collaborative
activities between the two countries, expressed resolve to further cement their ties in the field
of Science & Technology. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that together both the countries should
now address grand challenges through scientific understanding and technology interventions
on Public Health & Well Being; Energy-Water-Food nexus; Sustainable Infrastructure; as
well as Manufacturing Technologies and Big Data Analytics. These are all priority focus
areas of the present government under our national missions like Make in India, Digital India,
Smart Cities, Clean India and Start-up India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan added.
Shri Jo Johnson said that his country will try to continue its support to the Newton –
Bhabha Programmes with increased funding. He assured that there will be a big participation
by the British at the India-UK Technology Summit Knowledge expo in October next year.
The Prime Ministers of India and UK in a joint statement during the visit of the Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi to London last month had announced that UK will be the
partner country for the 2016 Technology Summit in Delhi.

6. The two Prime Ministers announced that 2016 would be the UK-India year of
Education, Research and Innovation. This will highlight the strengths of the bilateral
relationship, drive further collaboration, including a range of digital technology enabled
education and training initiatives, so that both countries create a new 21st century framework
as partners in education, research and innovation partners, in the global context.
They welcomed the announcement by Innovate UK, the Department of Science and
Technology (DST) and the Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA), of the
opening of a third round of collaborative industrial R&D, making up to $3.5 million available
to support novel commercial solutions in the areas of clean-tech energy, affordable healthcare
and ICT related to clean-tech energy and healthcare.
The 2016 October summit is expected to bring together the best of UK and Indian
companies talking about technology cooperation under one roof. It will showcase the success
of the Science and Technology cooperation between the two nations and will explore
partnerships for future initiatives.
The India-UK Technology Summit & Knowledge expo 2016 will focus on critical
sectors such as Manufacturing, Information & Communication Technology, Affordable
Healthcare, and Clean Technology.
The summit, like the previous editions, will provide a wide-ranging knowledge
partnership platform to industry, institutions and government agencies from India and the UK
for forging knowledge-business partnerships in manufacturing, trade & investments and also
in facilitating a comprehensive convergence of key elements of Knowledge Economy, i.e.,
Science, Technology and Research & Development; Design; Intellectual Property Rights,
Higher Education and Skills; and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Five Concurrent India-UK conferences and large India-UK exhibition will provide
stakeholders from both sides for exploring knowledge-business partnerships. The major
beneficiaries of the summit & exposition will be micro small and medium enterprises which
are the backbone of Indian manufacturing and which need access to next generation
technologies to sustain growth into the next decade.
*****
KSP/ss
Release Id :132914

7. AYUSH 10-December, 2015 13:14 IST
Shri Shripad Yesso Naik to inaugurate AROGYA Fair at Varanasi on 12th
December, 2015
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik will
inaugurate AROGYA, a comprehensive national level fair on Ayurveda, Yoga &
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
on 12th December, 2015.
This AROGYA Fair has attracted importance as it would involve participation of
international delegates. The officials of 16 foreign missions in India would be attending the
inaugural function. In addition, the AYUSH Companies of 5 countries have confirmed their
participation in the AROGYA Fair.
The Ministry of AYUSH has been organizing AROGYA Fair in the major cities in India
since 2005 to promote awareness and showcase development in the various AYUSH
Systems. In view of the huge public response for the Fair, the Ministry is organizing
AROGYA at BHU from 12/12/2015 to 15/12/2015 in association with the state government
of Uttar Pradesh, BHU and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(FICCI).
Central Research Councils/ National Institutes in the AYUSH System of medicine along with
the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), Indian Medicines Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Limited (IMPCL) and about 80 private AYUSH Industries will participate in the four day
event and showcase their strength in the realm of research, education and development of
products to promote healthcare through AYUSH Systems. AROGYA Fair provides an all-
encompassing platform to all AYUSH stake holders to come together to project all facts of
AYUSH.
The fair aims to create awareness among the members of the public about the efficiency of
the AYUSH System, their cost effectiveness and the availability of herbs and plants used for
prevention and treatment of common ailments at their door steps through various mass media
channels to achieve the objective of health for all.
*****
NB
Release Id :132915

8. Ministry of Finance 10-December, 2015 13:15 IST
New facility of pre-filling TDS data while submitting online rectification
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has simplified the process of online
rectification of incorrect TDS details filed in the Income Tax Return. Taxpayers were
required to fill-in complete details of the entire TDS schedule while applying for rectification
on the e-filing portal of the Income-tax Department (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in).
Errors due to incomplete TDS details in rectification applications were leading to delays in
processing of such applications thereby causing hardship to the taxpayers.
To avoid this inconvenience, a new facility has been provided for pre-filling of TDS
schedule while submitting online rectification request on the e-filing portal to facilitate easy
correction or up-dating of TDS details. This is expected to considerably ease the burden of
compliance on the taxpayers seeking rectification due to TDS mismatch.
********
DSM/MAM/AK
Release Id :132917

9. Ministry of Finance 10-December, 2015 13:16 IST
Clarification regarding Notices of defective returns issued to FII/FPIs
Notices of defective returns were issued under Section 139(9) of the Income-tax Act
to Foreign Institutional Investors/Foreign Portfolio Investors (FIIs/FPIs) in cases where
Balance Sheet and P&L account were not filled.
In order to overcome this difficulty, it is clarified that such returns will not be treated as
defective in cases where the FIIs/FPIs:
i) is registered with SEBI
ii) has no Permanent Establishment/ Place of Business in India
iii) has provided basic information required under section 139(9)(f) of the
Income-tax Act, if there is business income
All such cases, where the SEBI registration number has been provided by the FIIs/FPIs in
the return for AY 2015-16 are being taken-up for processing at CPC Bengaluru. For previous
assessment years where the above information is not available in the Income Tax Return,
FII/FPI may provide such details in their online response on the e-filing portal of the Income-
tax Department (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) to the previously issued notice u/s
139(9) of the Income-tax Act.
*****
DSM/MAM/AK
Release Id :132918

10. Prime Minister's Office 10-December, 2015 13:16 IST
PM addresses Jagran Forum
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the Jagran Forum, organized in
New Delhi by Jagran Prakashan Limited.
The Prime Minister used the quote “Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty,” to emphasize
the importance of awareness in democracy. He said a vibrant democracy requires Jan
Bhaagidaari – the participation of the people. The Prime Minister recalled how Mahatma
Gandhi had turned the freedom struggle into a people’s movement. He said this model of
“Jan-Andolan” should be applied to the country’s development process as well.
The Prime Minister said laws made before independence were based on the premise that
people should not be trusted. However, this approach should now change.
In this context, the Prime Minister gave examples of self-certification of documents, the
people’s participation in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and the Give-it-up campaign for LPG
subsidy.
The Prime Minister explained how the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and the “Start Up
India – Stand Up India” initiatives were creating a positive impact.
The Prime Minister also explained the approach of “Minimum Government, Maximum
Governance” and said archaic laws were being weeded out.
***
AKT/HS
Release Id :132919

11. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 10-December, 2015 13:27 IST
Shri Nadda invites private sector to contribute in health sector of the country
Sets up Special Task Force
“In spite of several challenges in the health sector in the country, our vision is to provide
universal health coverage i.e. ensure universal access to quality healthcare that they need
without financial hardship for our citizens”. This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union
Minister for Health and Family Welfare at the 12th India Health Summit, an annual flagship
event on healthcare, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), here today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister stated that today’s event gives us an
opportunity to strengthen partnerships to move towards our common goal of providing
equitable and affordable healthcare of quality to all. The Health Minister announced setting
up of a Special Task Force comprising the of Ministry and the private sector representatives
to further deliberate on the further contours of such partnership. He said, “We have been in
constant dialogue with the industry on health issues for so many years and now the time is
ripe for us to move forward. I assure the Government’s commitment to promote effective
public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience, expertise and
mutual trust. I also look forward to this Summit throwing up concrete suggestions and action
plans towards collaborating with government to achieve out health goals.”
Shri Nadda highlighted some challenges in the health sector such as like variation in health
facilities between urban and rural areas, variation between public and private health services
and issues of regulation regarding health activities. Concentration of health services in the
southern and western parts of the country don’t match in terms of health delivery system as
well as health infrastructure with the northern and central regions. The North-Eastern and the
Central tribal areas also need attention, he added. The Health Minister said generally the
focus lies on secondary and tertiary but primary healthcare also needs more attention. Paucity
of human resource in health, inadequate infrastructure, poor logistics and supply chain
arrangements to ensure essential drugs and supplies continue to be areas of concern, the
Health Minister added.
Shri Nadda said, “We need stronger partnership to achieve the target under the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all by 2030.
The country is broadly on track to achieve the three MDGs related to the health Sector.”
Enumerating the recent notable achievements of the Ministry, the Health Minister said that
with “Mission Indradhanush” (which is the world’s largest immunization programme) the full
immunization cover has increased to 65% while the aim is to extend this 90% by 2020. Shri
Nadda stated that the National Health Mission (NHM) and Mission Indradhanush have very
significantely contributed to strengthening health systems in the country. Since inception, a
total of over Rs. 1, 34,000 crores have been released under NHM. The Health Minister
further stated that the India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) aims to will bring down newborn
deaths and still births in single digit by 2030. The recently launched IPV as part of Routine
Immunization Programme will also play a major role in preventing child mortality. The
Health Ministry is planning to launch vaccines like for Adult JE, MR and Rotavirus soon, he
added.

12. The Health Minister informed that the Government has taken some major policy decision in
its fight against HIV-AIDS. He said that in view of the growing need for treatment services,
the Ministry has decided that the cut-off level for initiation of Anti Retrieval Therapy (ART)
will henceforth be a CD4 count of 500. With this decision an additional 1 lakh persons will
start getting benefit of treatment.
Shri Nadda invited suggestion from the private sector for the draft National Health Policy.
These suggestions will enable it to become holistic and truly meaningful, he said.
Also present on the occasion were, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman, CII Healthcare Council
and Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta-The Medicity, Shri Malvinder Mohan Singh,
Executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare Limited and Shri Rahul Khosla, Co-Chairman, CII
Healthcare Council and Managing Dirctor, Max India Limited.
*****
MV/BK
Release Id :132920

13. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 10-December, 2015 13:42 IST
Health Ministry inks Strategic Partnership with DD, Prasar Bharati for Enhanced
Awareness on Public Health Issues
In a significant move, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare signed a Strategic
Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Doordarshan (DD), Prasar Bharati,
here today. The MoU was signed by Shri K B Agarwal, Addl. Secretary in the Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare and Shri C Lalrosanga, Director General, DD, Prasar Bharati in the
presence of Shri B P Sharma, Secretary (HFW) and senior officers of the Health Ministry and
DD.
Highlighting the salient features of the MoU, Secretary (HFW) said that this is for the first
time that such a strategic partnership agreement has been signed between a Ministry and
Doordarshan. With this partnership, Doordarshan has agreed to provide a significantly high
amount of bonus airtime to the Ministry for its IEC activities. This presents a unique
opportunity for the Ministry to create heightened visibility on crucial public health issues
among the masses, especially in the rural and far flung areas where the reach of DD is very
high. The Secretary also stated that IEC activities form a very important component of any
health policy as the behavior change that awareness brings forth, plays a very significant role
in impacting the health outcomes. The enhanced broadcast airtime shall be fruitfully utilized
to create a health seeking environment in the country through focus on issues such as
handwashing, breastfeeding, shunning tobacco/drugs/alcohol etc., and adopting healthy
habits. Preventive and promotive healthcare have been the center of the IEC activities of the
Ministry, he added.
Also present at the MoU signing were Shri N S Kang, AS & DG (NACO); Dr. Rakesh
Kumar, JS (RCH, IEC); Smt. Dharitri Panda, JS and Shri K L Sharma, JS.
****
MV
Release Id :132921