Defexpo India -2014: A Backgrounder

The 8th edition of Defexpo India, a biennial exhibition on Land, Naval, Internal
Security and Defence System is being organized by Ministry of Defence, Departme
nt of Defence Production, Defence Exhibition Organisation, from Feb 06-09, 2014
at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi - 110 001. Over the past few years the exhibition h
as maintained a path of sustained growth and is now considered one of Asia`s big
gest land and maritime show. The event has received an overwhelming response fro
m national and international exhibitors.
The exposition would be showcasing India`s capabilities in Land, Nav
al and Security Systems as well as its emergence as an attractive destination fo
r investment in Defence Sector by providing a platform for forging alliances and
joint ventures in the defence industry. The event also provides an excellent op
portunity to the Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), Private Sect
or and other defence related industries to demonstrate their capability to desig
n, develop and deliver a wide range of military and civil products/services.
In all, 624 companies, both foreign and Indian will be taking part, which
is 57 more in number than the Defexpo 2012. A total number of 368 foreign compan
ies are participating this year in the show, which was 232 in Defexpo 2012. Indi
an companies participating this year are 256 as compared to 335 in Defexpo 2012.
30 countries from different continents will be taking part in the ex
hibition. These are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Fran
ce, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, South Ko
rea (RoK), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, USA.
There are 12 country pavilions from France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Nor
way, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, UK and USA.
Official delegates comprising 511 delegates from 52 countries are attending the
show. Government invited 133 delegates from 36 countries who are also attending
the Defexpo 2014, including ministers and high ranking officials.
The net area sold during this edition is 27,515 square meters and still booking
from various participants is in pipeline and expected to be more than 27,700 squ
are meters. The gross area of exhibition remains 45,000 square meters. (The net
area sold during Defexpo 2012 was 27,150 square meter while gross area was 45,00
0 square meters)
t may be recalled that the Defence Production Policy 2011 aims at achieving subs
tantial self-reliance in the design, development and production of equipment/wea
pon systems/ platforms required for defence in as early a timeframe as possible.
The policy also envisages to create conditions conducive for the private indust
ry to take an active role and enhance the potential of SMEs in indigenisation an
d to broaden the defence R&D base of the country.
In pursuance of the Defence Production Policy (DPP) 2011 and to promote indigeni
sation in Defence procurement, following major policy steps have been taken: .

In the revised Defence Procurement Procedure (issued in May 2013), `Buy (I

ndian)`, `Buy & Make (Indian)` and `Make` categories of procurement have been ma
de as preferred categories over `Buy (Global)` and `Buy & Make with ToT`.

The Procedure for `Buy & Make (Indian)` category of procurement has been s
implified in the revised DPP to make it more attractive, clear and transparent f
or the industry.

The definition of indigenous content has been revised to provide more clar
ity and to enhance the real indigenous content in the Defence equipment.

The provision has been made to make any Indian company as MTOT partner in
Buy (Global) cases. This is no longer reserved for DPSUs/ OFB, etc.

Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) has been put up in pu

blic domain to provide the industry an idea about the future requirement of the
Armed Forces.

The offset guidelines have been modified for leveraging capital acquisitio

n to create capability of Indian industry to produce defence goods and to acquir

e critical defence technologies. The steps are being taken to further strengthen
the offset guidelines.

The procedure for undertaking `Make` projects is under revision to provide

more clarity and to make it more attractive for the industry.

Raksha Mantri`s Production Committee has been constituted for initiating a

ctions for bridging technology gaps and augmenting indigenous Defence production
capabilities.
Empowered Committee for MDMS Stresses on Quality, Hygiene and Safety Aspects
The first meeting of the Empowered Committee for Mid Day Meal Scheme met in New
Delhi today. The Committee presided over by the Human Resources Development Mini
ster Dr. M. M. Pallam Raju decided to place more emphasis on quality, hygiene an
d safety aspects of the mid day meal.
The Committee noted the increasing trends in coverage of children under the Mid
Day Meal Scheme. The coverage has increased from 104.6 million children in 201011 to 106.7 million children in 2012-13. The Committee also appreciated the incr
ease in coverage in the States of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Sikkim, Tamil
Nadu and West Bengal during the same period. The Committee expressed satisfactio
n with the reduction in the number of poorly performing districts from 177 to 11
1. However, they exhorted the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, J&K and Chhattisga
rh to focus on the poorly performing districts.
The Committee thereafter reviewed the performance of the completion of kitchen-c
um-stores and while appreciating the steps taken by Bihar and Maharashtra in com
pleting the incomplete kitchen-cum-stores, asked the other States to take necess
ary steps to complete the kitchen-cum-stores to ensure safety, hygiene and quali
ty of food.
RGGVY: Evaluation Studies Show a Positive Impact on Women and Education in Rural
India
Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana(RGGVY) has made a significant differenc
e to the lives of women in rural India. Various evaluation studies of RGGVY comm
issioned by Rural Electrification Corporation reveal that the programme has empo
wered the rural women. 75% of women surveyed in Rajasthan stated that they are a
ble to work in the fields after electricity reached their homes.
In Madhya Pradesh, 85% of the villagers, in particular, women and children feel
more secure and protected against wild animals, venomous reptiles and robbers du
e to electrified households and street lights.
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many as 96% of un-electrified villages have been electrified across the count
till now and intensive electrification of 80% villages has been completed whi
free electricity connections have been provided to 77% BPL households under t
flagship programme, RGGVY of Government of India.

Most people reported that they have benefited from electricity connections since
they are now able to use bulbs, fan, TV as well as mobile phones. In UP, a sign
ificant percent of those surveyed (43%) reported to have started using mobile ph
ones after electrification since it became possible to charge the mobile sets. I
n Bihar, the most important use of electricity by the beneficiary households, as
perceived by them, is for illumination (94.9%), followed by security (89.9%), c
ommunication through cellular phones (42.1%), accessing information and entertai
nment (52.1%) and comforts by running fans (18.4%).
Another positive impact of electrification reported by people is that they are a

ble to establish small scale activities in homes like weaving, tailoring, and gr
ocery shops. Among those surveyed, people of BPL categories are very happy to ge
t electricity connection free of cost and using the benefits due to electricity.
Similarly students in all states reported to have benefited a great deal as afte
r electrification under RGGVY, they are now able to study for longer hours and a
lso save money & time which they had to spend on kerosene lamp. They also feel m
ore comfortable during summer days due to the fans in the class. In Andhra Prade
sh, 88% of beneficiaries reported positive impact on education. In UP, nearly 64
% reported using electricity for education, 56% In Madhya Pradesh and 48 % In Bi
har.
In J & K, most people feel that security & standard of life has increased after
RGGVY implementation. Villagers are able to get the treatment in the night. In s
ome of the villages, it was found that the villagers use electrical appliances f
or crop processing. Many shops were also found to be electrified in the villages
through RGGVY line.
Increase in income is reported in most states though households stated that subs
tantial increases in income depend on programmes of direct employment generation
like MNREGA among others.
Speech by The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the inauguration of t
he Asia-Africa Agri-Business Forum
1. It is my pleasure to be here today to inaugurate this important Asia-Africa A
gri-business Forum. I am sure that this platform would provide a unique business
environment to the participating business leaders, policy makers and other impo
rtant stakeholders for exchanging ideas and experiences, and for collaborating o
n agri-business.
2. It could not have been a more opportune time to organize this event as agricu
lture and agri-business are dominating the global and regional agenda on economi
c transformation and development in Asia and Africa. This forum will add another
dynamic chapter to the evolving cultural, social, educational and economic enga
gements between these two continents.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
3. Agriculture growth is the singular contributing factor for food security. It
also plays a pivotal role in creating employment opportunities and promoting soc
io-economic development. By 2030, global food production has to increase by fort
y per cent to keep pace with the world demand. One billion people, representing
fourteen per cent of the global population, is still afflicted by hunger. Asia a
nd Africa account for most of them. This cannot continue any further. Food produ
ction has to proceed in a business-unusual manner; on a war footing.
4. Enhanced crop production and productivity are key priorities in Asia and Afri
ca. Agriculture makes much more than robust business sense in these continents.
The alleviating effects of this sector on poverty are alluring. Studies have pro
jected agriculture and agri-business to be a three trillion dollar business in A
frica and almost 4.5 trillion dollar business in Asia by 2030.
5. However, the development of agri-business in these continents has remained st
unted due to inefficient utilisation of capacity and resources and for want of a
more favourable policy environment. The sector is plagued by serious constraint
s in production, demand and supply, export potential and processing capabilities
.

6. In Africa, weak agricultural performance is a major barrier in the developmen

t of the agri-business sector. The availability of land for agriculture is a cru
cial factor for food production. The continent is endowed with 733 million hecta
res of arable land of which only 183 million hectares of land is currently under
cultivation. It is disheartening to note that huge tracts of land suitable for
agriculture still remain uncultivated.
7. In Asia, land availability for agriculture is continuously decreasing due to
rising population. The shrinking and deteriorating land resources have to be jud
iciously used in order to sustain the needs of the future. Adequate policies, st
rategies, technologies and human resources have to be in place.
8. I am aware of the Report titled, Unlocking the Food Belts of Asia and Africa, w
hich has been prepared by the organizers. It is indeed a matter of introspection
as to how, despite availability of agricultural labour and sizeable arable land
, notwithstanding some decline in Asia, many Asian and African countries have wi
tnessed spiralling food prices.
9. The challenge is to translate the woes into business opportunities. There is
a need for both the continents to overcome the challenges through symbiotic asso
ciations. Partnerships must aim at developing the agri-business sector into an e
fficient business enterprise capable of competing in other international markets
. It is heartening to note that the agenda of this business forum includes forgi
ng new business partnerships, sharing best practices and new technologies, and e
xploring project finance and funding options.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
10. Strategic partnerships for adoption of best practices and to maximise benefi
ts through technology transfer have become more important today. The Acceleratin
g Green Revolution programme in Africa seeks to achieve a quantum jump in produc
tivity and production levels. India, which had witnessed a Green Revolution in t
he Sixties, is now moving towards an Evergreen Revolution, recognizing the positiv
e role that information technology can play as powerful catalyst for sustainable
agricultural development. Indias strategy centres on the Action Plan for Informa
tion and Communication Technology (ICT) for Agriculture, which has been operatio
nal since 1995.
11. The ICT for Agriculture Plan calls for strong cooperation between Asia and A
frica. There is need for ICT to facilitate the development of extension services
, value chain, production and marketing systems, and agriculture risk management
. An International Conference at Rwanda held recently has highlighted the need t
o have a South-South Cooperation Programme on ICT for Agriculture.
12. The future of agriculture depends on the adoption of scale-neutral technolog
ies. Farm mechanisation, as an efficiency inducing measure, has proved to be a g
reat success in the US, CIS countries including Russia, and several European cou
ntries. India, on her part, has launched a National Mission on Farm Mechanisation
during the Twelfth Five Year Plan period of 2012-13 to 2016-17. This programme h
as been initiated to promote customized hiring facilities for agricultural machi
nery and to also generate employment for the rural youth.
13. Increased mechanization of the farm sector in India has led to improvement i
n productivity. India is today a potential source of high-tech agricultural mach
inery. Our country can provide agricultural equipment like harvester, thresher a
nd bailer machinery, earth moving equipment, tractors and sowing machinery to Af
rican nations.
14. Time has come to look for a viable alternate farming model to promote the agri

-business sector. The experience of different countries in contract farming need

s to be shared so as to build a greater understanding of and acceptance for this
model.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
15. A shift in focus towards the development of horticultural crops and food pro
cessing industry can provide the impetus necessary for the overall growth of the
agricultural sector. Africa has tremendous scope for benefiting from the develo
pment of the food processing industry. India can provide training in post harves
t management of different crops and provide assistance in developing packaging t
echnology in line with world standards. India has requisite expertise for each l
evel of the value chain and can assist African countries in developing the same.
16. Access to agriculture markets and finance as well as greater public private
partnership in agri-business and the food processing sectors in Asia and Africa
are essential to unleash their potential. Major investment in infrastructure lik
e irrigation, water conservation, roads, markets and cold chains is also necessa
ry. I strongly recommend that the investing firms and banks forge a strategic pa
rtnership to address the credit requirements of both Asian and African countries
. This would help the agri-business and food processing sectors to meet their re
quirement for finance.
17. I am happy to note that during this international conference, you have plann
ed business to business meetings for the distinguished participants from Asia and
Africa. I am sure that the discourse and dialogue amongst businesses will bring
out several new ideas for cooperation as well as solutions to tackle the challen
ges that Asia and Africa face in the agriculture and agro-processing sectors. Wi
th these few words, I conclude. I thank you all and wish Asia-Africa Agri-busine
ss Forum in New Delhi all success. I compliment the Federation of Indian Chamber
s of Commerce and Industry for organizing this one-of-a-kind conclave. Let me al
so avail of this opportunity to welcome all the international delegates who have
come to India to take part in this inter-continental dialogue.
tamil
Vice President Presents Amazing Indians Award
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari presented an Amazing Indian Awar
d instituted by Times Now channel to Ms Arunima Sinha, a brave girl who scaled Mo
unt Everest despite being physically challenged, at a function here today. Addre
ssing on the occasion, he said that every Indian is amazing in his or her own wa
y. And yet, locating the most amazing amongst them would have been a journey of
discovery for the jury.
Applauding the awardees he said that by bestowing recognition on these achievers
, we are reinforcing our faith in the innate goodness of human beings and their
capacity to do good to others. These are remarkable men and women who overcame c
hallenges and handicaps to proceed relentlessly and make a difference to their l
ives and to the lives of people around them in a most positive manner.
The Vice President said that the Awards cover the most relevant socio-economic f
acets of our society. Progress on them adds to the effort to make our society mo
dern, progressive, and prosperous. It helps us develop and project a just and hu
mane face. People, such as our awardees today, render valuable service to nation
; they deserve to be recognized and applauded.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Depar
tment of Health Research in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the Gran

t-in-aid scheme for Inter-Sectoral Convergence and Coordination for Promotion an

d Guidance on Health Research during the 12th Plan period at an estimated cost o
f Rs.1242 crore covering about 750 projects of different duration and cost.
Revision in some financial norms of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the following revision in
some financial norms of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Programme. The revision
s are:
(i) Revision in the recurring costs of the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGB
V) component of the SSA programme which had not been revised since 2004.
(ii) The discontinuation of the National Programme for Education for Girls at El
ementary Level (NPEGEL) component of the SSA programme as the interventions of t
he programme have been incorporated in the mainstream SSA components.
(iii) Provision for reimbursement of expenditure towards 25 percent admissions t
o private unaided schools under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Fre
e and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. This is on the basis of per child co
st norms notified by the State and Union Territory (UT) Governments for Classes
I to VIII, subject to a maximum ceiling of 20 percent of the total annual work p
lan and budget for a State/UT.
The revision of these norms would provide girls studying in KGBVS with good qual
ity education along with nutritious food. Students from disadvantaged and econom
ically weaker sections of society would be able to pursue elementary education i
n private schools and promote an equitable society.
Background:
SSA is a major flagship programme of the Government of India to universalize ele
mentary education in the country, and the main vehicle for the implementation of
the RTE Act.
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has said that efforts are being made to acce
lerate the pace of indigenization in defence sector. Addressing the 8th Land, Na
val and Internal, Homeland Security Systems Exhibition here today, he said, the
Government is encouraging joint public-private participation in defence sector,
while thrust is also being given to the private sector to make a far more meanin
gful and substantive contribution.
he DefExpo was conceptualised in 1998 with an objective to promote defence expor
ts from India and exhibit the capabilities of Indian Defence R&D and production.
The first exhibition was held in 1999 and subsequently in 2002, 2004, 2006, 200
8, 2010 and 2012. While a modest 197 exhibitors participated in the first DefExp
o, the biennial event features 624 exhibitors in its 8th edition this year. Russ
ia is the biggest participating country in terms of indoor and outdoor space occ
upied. Russia is also represented with the maximum number of 37 companies

Ministry of Defence06-February, 2014 16:11 IST

The four-day DefExpo showcases Indias emergence as an attractive destination for
investment in the Defence Sector and provides a platform for alliances and joint
ventures in the Defence Industry. A total of 624 companies from 30 countries ar
e displaying weapon systems for the Army, Navy and Internal Security during the
DefExpo, billed as the largest ever Defence Exposition in Asia. Major participan

ts are from Russia, France and Israel besides Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgi
um, Bulgaria, Canada, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway
, Poland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switze
rland, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, UK and USA.
Ministry of Defence06-February, 2014 16:11 IST
There are 12 country pavilions from France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Nor
way, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, UK and USA
Quality of Drinking Water
Minister Of Drinking Water And Sanitation Shri Bharatsinh Solanki informed the L
ok Sabha members in reply to a question in New Delhi today that as reported by t
he States into the online Integrated Management Information System developed by
the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, as on 31/1/2014, there are 2,096
stationary drinking water quality testing laboratories at the State, district, b
lock and sub-divisional levels and another 63 mobile drinking water quality test
ing laboratories are also in place. Therefore, the infrastructure available in t
he country for monitoring the quality of drinking water supplied to the areas is
adequate. Yet, the States are encouraged every year, to set up more number of l
aboratories and to upgrade testing facilities in the existing laboratories for f
urther strengthening the monitoring of drinking water quality in the rural areas
of the country.
Though rural water supply is a State subject, the Ministry of Drinking Water and
Sanitation, Government of India supplements the efforts of the States including
Uttarakhand by providing them with technical and financial assistance under the
centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) for providi
ng safe and adequate drinking water facilities in rural areas of the country. Ou
t of the NRDWP funds allocated to the States, 3% funds on 100 per cent Central a
ssistance basis is exclusively earmarked for drinking water quality monitoring a
nd surveillance in the rural areas of the country, which inter alia include taki
ng up works relating to setting up of new or up-gradation of State/district/ blo
ck/sub-divisional water quality testing laboratories, providing chemicals and co
nsumables, hiring of manpower & vehicles to laboratories, providing field test k
its/ refills, bacterial vials to Gram Panchayats etc.
In Uttarakhand State, there exist 28 district water quality testing laboratories
and 13 sub-divisional water quality testing laboratories.
As a part of providing technical assistance and to streamline and guide all Stat
es including Uttarakhand, for effective monitoring of drinking water sources in
laboratories, a Uniform Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Protocol document was re
leased in February 2013 and distributed to all States including Uttarakhand.
Wherever there is no facility to test drinking water quality in any district, th
e States have already been advised to set up district water quality testing labo
ratory immediately. The State-wise number of drinking water quality testing labo
ratories existing in the country at State, district, block and sub-divisional le
vels and availability of mobile drinking water quality testing laboratories, as
reported by the States as on 31/1/2014 is as follows :
Indian-German strategic partnership based on shared values, says President
H.E. Mr. Joachim Gauck, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany called
on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (February 5, 2014) at
Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President also hosted a banquet in his honour following

the meeting.
The President said the two countries are bastions of democracy and freedom. Both
have a shared respect for the rights of individuals, rule of law and a free med
ia. The President congratulated German President for his personal commitment and
his contribution to the promotion of democracy and human rights and said he is
confident that his visit will be an important milestone in strategic partnership
between India and Germany and will set the agenda for joint endeavours in the c
oming days.
Speaking at the welcome banquet, the German President said Germany considers Ind
ia to be a key partner in the region. Germany greatly admires the path to modern
ity pursued by India in the 21st century. A successful India, which offers its c
itizens the chance to live their lives in peace and freedom, sends an important
message to Asia and indeed to the whole world. Such an India stands for the adva
ntages of an open society, for pluralism and for democracy. It is important that
India and Germany closely coordinate on global issues such as security, develop
ment, global trade and climate protection.
The President said Indian companies are increasingly venturing into investments
and acquisitions in Germany, and India, in turn, sees immense opportunities for
enhanced German investments in its physical infrastructure. India also looks for
ward to the participation of the small and medium enterprises of Germany in Indi
as growing consumer market. Today, not only does India celebrate Germany as its l
argest trading partner in Europe, but it also attaches great importance to Germa
n development assistance which has helped bring advanced technology into India a
nd enhanced Indias energy efficiency while developing alternative sources of rene
wable energy.
The President said it is matter of great satisfaction that India and Germany hav
e a strong partnership on regional and international issues. The two countries s
hould continue with efforts for a fundamental reform of the UN Security Council
and other multilateral institutions that reflects current realities.
The theme of this years conference is Innovation in Science and Technology for In
clusive Development. This is unquestionably an important challenge on our nation
al agenda. It would be a folly for a non-scientist to come to a science congress
in its concluding session and comment on all that may have happened in the prec
eding days. Faced with this predicament, I shall endeavour to confine my remarks
to what is of perennial interest to members of a society.
07-February, 2014
HEALTH OF A NATION DEPENDS, MORE AND MORE ON HEALTH OF THE STATE OF ITS SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT ADDRESSES THE VALEDICTORY FUNCTION OF 101ST SESSION OF INDIAN SCI
ENCE CONGRESS AT UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU
lastic Notes
It has been decided to introduce plastic notes in the denomination of Rs. 10. On
e billion plastic notes of the denomination of Rs. 10 will be introduced in a fi
eld trial in five cities selected for their geographical and climatic diversity.
These cities are Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Shimla and Bhubaneswar. The field trial
is expected to be launched in the latter half of 2014.
This was stated by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena, in wri
tten reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
Treatment of HIV/AIDS Patients

As per surveillance data, 20.9 lakh people are estimated to be living with HIV/A
IDS in the country. A total of 7,47,175 PLHIV are receiving free first line Anti
-Retroviral Treatment (ART) and 7,224 PLHIV are receiving free second line AntiRetroviral Treatment (ART)
The Technical Resources Group has recommended providing third line antiretrovira
l therapy for HIV/AIDS patients in 10 Centres of Excellence across the country.
The process for the same has been initiated at Department of AIDS Control. Viral
load testing is also available across the country in 9 testing laboratories
The Department under National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has prepared a PPTCT
scheme and is implementing it throughout the country from 2001-02, onwards. Und
er the PPTCT scheme counselling and testing services are provided to all ante-na
tal population detection of HIV positive pregnant women, provision of free AntiRetro Viral (ARV) prophylaxis to HIV positive pregnant women and the new born in
fant so as to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV from Mother to Child. Since
2001-02, a single dose of ARV prophylaxis (Nevirapine Tablet to pregnant women
at the onset of labour and syrup-Nevirapine syrup to new born infant) was given
to pregnant women and new born infant. Since January,2014 all HIV positive pregn
ant women would be provided triple drugs (TDF- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, 3T
C Lamivudine and Efavirenz- EFV) ARV life long, irrespective of CD4 count or WHO
clinical staging.
odalities worked out:

The National Strategic plan (NSP) for implementing the triple drug ARV for PPTCT
has been developed.

The technical guidelines have been developed based on the new regimen.

Training of Trainers(ToTs) for capacity building of field staff has been complet
ed for the state of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Maharasht
ra, Goa, Gujarat, Damanand Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Kerala and Madhya Prades
h.

ToTs for remaining states are planned across the country.

The regimen has been rolled out in the state of Karnataka (September, 2012) and
Tamil Nadu (March, 2013) in first phase.

During 2012-13 out of the 7509 pregnant women detected HIV positive 6948 (93%) w
ere provided with single dose nevirapine prophylaxis. In the states implementing
the new regimen, out of 4483 pregnant women detected HIV positive 3179 (71%) pr
ovided with triple drug ARV prophylaxis.

In thecurrent financial year (till November, 2013) out of the 6441 pregnant wome
n detected HIV positive 4551 (71%) were provided with single dose nevirapine pro
phylaxis. In the states implementing the new regimen, out of 3184 pregnant women
detected HIV positive 2614 (82%) provided with triple drug ARV prophylaxis.
The Department of AIDS Control, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has comple
ted all the necessary procedures required for introduction of Bill in Parliament
. These include vetting of the Bill by the Ministry of Law and Justice, seeking
the approval of the Cabinet and other administrative processes as outlined by th
e Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The notice of intention to introduce the Bi
ll in the Parliament has already been given.
World Bank Finance for Solar Projects

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has submitted a proposal to the Departm
ent of Economic Affairs (DEA) for posing to World Bank for loan assistance of US
D 500 million for implementation of first phase of 750 MW of an Ultra Mega Solar
Power Project of 4000 MW cumulative capacity to be set up on vacant land of Hin
dustan Salts Ltd. at Sambhar, Rajasthan at a total estimated outlay of USD 1085
million.
The project is envisaged to be set up by a Joint Venture of six PSUs: Bharat Hea
vy Electricals Limited, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Hindustan Salts Limit
ed, POWERGRID, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited and Rajasthan Electronics and Ins
truments Limited. An MoU in this regard has been signed amongst these PSUs recen
tly.
DEA is processing the case and this can be considered by the World Bank once DEA
forwards to the World Bank.
The Government has not availed any loan from the World Bank in the 11th and 12th
Plan period for the development of solar energy sector in the country.
This information was given by the Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Faroo
q Abdullah in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
The Government has initiated a comprehensive programme to augment solar radiatio
n resource assessment in the country. In Phase-I of this programme, Solar Radiat
ion Monitoring Stations have been established at various part of the country thr
ough Centre Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai. The data from various stati
ons is transmitted to a central server maintained at C-WET and is made available
to various stakeholders after carrying out quality checks.
As indicated by solar radiation data available for various parts of the country,
several states, especially the Western States viz. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharash
tra and Andhra Pradesh, and some parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh
have very good potential of setting up grid connected solar power projects in th
e country.
This information was given by the Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Faroo
q Abdullah in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Solar Thermal Power
The total capacity of solar thermal power projects allocated under batch-I of ph
ase-I of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) is 470 MW.
germanin senthen
Calibri