PM to launch Stand up India scheme tomorrow

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April 4, 2016

Prime Minister will be launching the “Stand up India scheme” and a Web portal for the scheme on 05th April, 2016 at Sector 62, NOIDA. It will be attended by Governor, UP, Union Finance Minister, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism and Union Minister of State for Finance among others.

The “Stand up India Scheme” is being launched now to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste/Schedule Tribe and Women for loans in the range of Rs. 10 Lakhs to Rs. 100 Lakhs. The Scheme is expected to benefit large number of such entrepreneurs, as it is intended to facilitate at least two such projects per bank branch (Scheduled Commercial Bank) on an average one for each category of entrepreneur.

The broad features of the scheme are as under:-

I. Composite loan between Rs. 10 lakh and upto Rs.100 lakh, inclusive of working capital component for setting up any new enterprise.

II. Debit Card (RuPay) for drawal of working capital.

III. Credit history of borrower to be developed.

IV. Refinance window through Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with an initial amount of Rs.10,000 crore.

V. Creation of a corpus of Rs. 5,000 crore for credit guarantee through NCGTC.

VI. Handholding support for borrowers with comprehensive support for pre loan training needs, facilitating loan, factoring, marketing etc.

VII. Web Portal for online registration and support services.

The overall intent of the proposal is to leverage the institutional credit structure to reach out to these underserved sectors of the population by facilitating bank loans in the non-farm sector set up by such SC, ST and Women borrowers. The initiative will also develop synergies with ongoing schemes of other Departments.

The process would be led by SIDBI with involvement of Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) and various sector – specific institutions all over the country. The offices of SIDBI and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) shall be designated Stand Up Connect Centres (SUCC).

The launch event would involve distribution of 5100 E-Rickshaws by Bhartiya Micro Credit (BMC) under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna scheme. In addition the recipients will also be covered under Pradhan Matri Jan Dhan Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana schemes and other eight significant Prime Minister schemes.

“Bhartiya Micro Credit (BMC) aims to spread awareness of the financial inclusion and social security schemes and proposes to take the benefits to poor and destitute people in the country. The idea is to facilitate the up gradation of pedal rickshaw pullers into E Rickshaw owners and help create threefold increment in their income. Credit for all these facilities are being provided under Mudra Scheme. The progression to E rickshaw from pedal rickshaw will also help contribute towards achieving the goals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Sach hua Sapna, Rickshaw hua apna!, shared Vijay Pandey, Managing Director, Bhartiya Micro Credit.

As the first step of this process the pedal rickshaw pullers are provided training post which certificate is provided by NSDC. 150 women drivers have been trained. In addition the customers will also be able to book E Rickshaw through Ola mobile apps and make online payment via Freecharge, which will be integrated under the Digital India initiative.

Under the scheme, charging and service station will also be set up, which will help the growth of emergence of small and micro enterprises along with creating many opportunities for entrepreneurs. This organically integrates Bhartiya Micro Credit (BMC) E-Rickshaws program into Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagship ‘Stand Up India’ initiative.

The Prime Minister on 15th August 2014 launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) for “Banking the Unbanked”. As is well known, it met with resounding success as more than 21.3 crore accounts have been opened. Further, Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched by the PM for “Funding the Unfunded” by facilitating loans upto Rs. 10 lakh on 8th April, 2015. As on date, over Rs. 1.22 Lakh crore have been disbursed wherein over 57.75 lakh Scheduled Castes, 15.15 lakh Scheduled Tribes and 2.52 crore women entrepreneurs have been benefited under this scheme. To intensify this inclusive growth, the PM in his address to the nation on 15th Aug, 2015 had announced the “Start up India Stand up India” initiative.

Study finds that training with unpredictability improves Memory Recall

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April 3, 2016

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Summary:Memory training with unpredictable components could be more effective in enhancing episodic memory than training with predictable elements, according to new findings.

Memory training with unpredictable components could be more effective in enhancing episodic memory than training with predictable elements, according to new findings from UT Dallas researchers published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.

Episodic memories are those associated with autobiographical events, such as a past birthday party or first trip to an amusement park. This type of memory is crucial to our ability to accurately retell stories.

Dr. Chandramallika Basak, assistant professor at UT Dallas’ Center for Vital Longevity (CVL), and graduate student Margaret O’Connell tested episodic memory in 46 adults between the ages of 60 and 86 at three different stages: before memory training, immediately after training and one and a half months after completing the training. Participants were separated into two groups — predictable training or unpredictable training — and did not differ in terms of education or cognitive abilities.

For both groups, sequences of digits in different colors were presented. Participants were asked to indicate when the color of the current digit matched an earlier one of the same color. In training that involved a predictable element, the changing colors occurred in a fixed order, whereas the color switching was random in the training that involved unpredictability.

“Completing the task when the color changes occur unpredictably requires more cognitive resources, or control,” said Basak, who directs the Lifespan Neuroscience and Cognition Laboratory at CVL. She likens the effect to what happens when you take a new, previously uncharted way home from work. The cognitive demands required to navigate new landmarks that are part of the journey increase with the new route’s unpredictability.

The two groups of participants demonstrated equivalent story recall before training, but the group given training with the unpredictable element was able to narrate a previously heard story more accurately than the other group. That benefit, however, appeared to fade when the same group was tested a month and a half later.

“Training-related improvements from our novel approach dissipated when performance was tested awhile after completion of the training,” Basak said. “This could be a case of use it or lose it — that the training must be sustained. Future research could investigate if booster training may help with retaining the long-term benefits.

“Studies such as this one shed light on the role of cognitive control in memory training. They also highlight the differences in training-related performance gains between people, and could help researchers and clinicians develop better cognitive training strategies for older adults who are at risk for dementia.”

The findings support Basak’s hypothesis — her theory of working memory adaptability — which posits that switching between items in working memory involves cognitive control, and that different types of cognitive training regimens can influence demands on cognitive control.

Working memory involves the ability to keep information in the focus of attention and to manipulate or reorder it despite distractions — the sort of mental juggling required in everyday life, she said.

“When you have multiple items to remember, you need to focus your attention on what is most relevant and up-to-date, setting aside what may be distracting,” Basak said. “Such focusing of attention is more challenging when cues appear in an unpredictable order, thus requiring more cognitive control. It seems from our study that improving the efficiency of focusing attention to the target using unpredictable training strategy led to more accurate episodic memory.”

Source:University of Texas at Dallas(science)

BHEL commissions 250 MW thermal Plant in Bihar

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April 3, 2016

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Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved one more milestone by successful commissioning a 250 MW coal-based thermal power plant (TPP) in Bihar. The 250 MW unit has been commissioned at the upcoming, greenfield 1,000 MW Nabinagar Thermal Power Project (4×250 MW), being set up by Bhartiya Rail Bijlee Company Limited (BRBCL), a joint venture of NTPC Limited and the Indian Railways. This is the first 250 MW unit to be commissioned at Nabinagar TPP, located at Nabinagar in Aurangabad district of Bihar.

Execution of the other three units is also in progress. BHEL has a long-standing partnership with NTPC and has supplied over 30,000 MW of the coal-based power plants of NTPC and its JVs that account for around 80% of NTPC’s coal-based installed capacity. Notably, the 200-270 MW rating class sets supplied by BHEL, form the backbone of the Indian power sector and have been performing much above national as well as international benchmarks.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes the very best.

Agarwal Packers & Movers sets up first international office in Singapore

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April 3, 2016

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agarwal movers group

India’s leading Logistics player Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd (APML) has opened its first international office in Singapore to facilitate relocation of homes both within the country and across the globe.

The Singapore operations would be spearheaded by Abhishek Raj Singh who has been with the group for the last seven years presiding the International Division, the company said in a statement.

FICCI welcomes innovative approach to push for indigenisation in DPP 2016

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April 3, 2016

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FICCI welcomes the announcement of Procedure (DPP) 2016 which spells out the thrust on self-reliance and greater indigenisation. FICCI fully supports the government vison to cut down the procurement cycle and install stronger and robust mechanisms to monitor for probity at various stages of procurement.

Dr. A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI congratulated Ministry of Defence for encouraging innovations by the Indian industry. He said “The categorization of Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) as the first preferred procurement category installs faith and belief on Indian industries ability towards meeting the requirement of defence forces through indigenous innovations leading to design, development and manufacturing of defence products.”

Jayant D Patil, Chairman, FICCI-Defence and Aerospace Committee and Senior Vice President, Head – Defence & Aerospace, Larsen & Toubro Ltd mentioned “The DPP 2016 is path breaking step in creation of IDDM category and bringing in merit driven acquisition these steps are going to help Indian Industry build the much needed Defence and Aerospace Industrial base in country. We are awaiting for final version of DPP 2016 which will include appendices and chapter on Strategic Partnership.”

Pierre de Bausset, Chairman, FICCI- Make in India on Defence and Aerospace, and President of Airbus Group in India said “DPP 2016, the ‘Make in India’vision and the IDDM and Buy and Make Indian categories will help Global FOEMs and Indian companies to forge partnership for co-development and co-production. The integration of Indian companies in the global supply chain will in a true sense help the establishment of Defence Manufacturing. We are convinced that the focus on speed and transparency of the new DPP will help the armed forces of the country and enhance the engagement of FOEM in campaigns in India.”

Col. H S Shankar, Chairman, FICCI Defence and Aerospace Sub Committee on MSME mentioned that “Enhancing the role of MSMEs in defence sector is one of the defining features of DPP. The focus on MSME with ‘Bottom-up’ approach will help building sustainable industry defence industrial ecosystem. DPP 2016 will help Innovations, niche product development by MSMES which in turn will lead to job creation, push to ‘Skill India and Start-up India. The R&D and Developmental Fund envisages in DPP needs to be enhanced to Rs 100 crores per project with yearly outgo of minimum Rs 500 crores on a year, which should be disbursed to MSMEs by a selection process which should be simple and transparent.”

Sudhakar Gande, Chairman – FICCI Task Force on Aerospace and Air Defence and Vice Chairman, AXISCADES Aerospace & Technologies Ltd while welcoming the thrust on indigenisation emphasized “this policy along with other appropriate measures needs to be taken simultaneously to create an enabling eco system for creating and nurturing of the aerospace industry in India. The industry is currently at a nascent stage and these steps once taken will have a force multiplier effect in job creation and skill development across the aerospace industry”.

ASSOCHAM requests to Introduce equalisation levy as part of IT Act rather than as Separate Levy

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April 3, 2016

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ASSOCHAM_IndianBureaucracy

Apex industry body ASSOCHAM suggested the government to introduce the ‘equalisation levy’ as part of Indian Income-tax Act itself and not as a separate chapter in the Finance Act.

“Introducing equalization levy separately under the Finance Act and not incorporating it as a part of the existing Income-tax Act would only increase cost of doing business for Indian companies, as foreign companies would insist that this being a domestic levy should not affect payments made to them, as such domestic companies would be required to gross up equalization levy while making payments, thereby adding to the cost,” highlighted The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in its post-budget memorandum submitted to the Centre.

Whereas, if this levy is introduced as part of the Income-tax Act itself, it would not add to the cost of business to Indian company as it would be in nature of regular withholding, it said.

Besides, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) had explicitly communicated that countries could introduce ‘equalisation levy,’ provided they respect their existing treaty obligations.

Thus, introducing ‘equalisation levy’ as a chapter in the Finance Act, could undermine treaty eligibility and it should therefore be brought within the ambit of income-tax law.

Further, ASSOCHAM has also suggested that it should be clarified that the term ‘true and fair inventor,’ would include a company that acquires patent or right to apply for patent from its employees who have developed such invention during the course of their employment.

On the issue of retiral funds, ASSOCHAM has recommended that all stipulations relating to taxability of accumulated balance/annuity for recognised provident fund and superannuation fund as well as the financial limit of Rs 1.50 lakhs for employer’s contribution to Superannuation Fund be withdrawn.

As per a recent government clarification in respect of the accumulated balance in the recognised provident fund, the taxability of stipulated 60 per cent balance will not apply in case the same is invested in an annuity.

“This is an extremely controversial suggestion since money (lump sum) is generally utilised from the provident fund for various important purposes like construction of house, wedding and others and the salaried class cannot be forced to invest in any annuity scheme for tax saving purpose when lump sum money is required post-retirement,” highlighted ASSOCHAM post-budget memorandum.

It may be noted that it is an individual’s call for deciding on utilization of the said lumpsum amount post retirement and the Government should not interfere in that area.

Further, getting a cash salary and contribution to PF becomes tax neutral, then it would be preferable to obtain cash salary rather than paying tax in current year and getting the money after a long gestation period.

Moreover, this would result in mixing up the entire retiral benefits schemes since the Provident Fund would effectively get converted into a pension scheme.

PF for Government employees continue to get a completely tax free status by virtue of section 10(11). Consequently, it would result in providing preferential treatment with regard to taxability of PF for Government sector vis-à-vis private sector employees.

In respect of commutation of pension, the same logic would equally apply because the commuted lumpsum amount is utilized for various important purposes for the salaried class and therefore historically the 100% tax incentive was provided in the Income Tax Law.

This also will result in discrimination vis-à-vis Government Employees who continue to get the commuted annuity totally tax free. As such, it is suggested that the stipulation for taxing 60% of the commuted amount is withdrawn.

Further, the taxability of Employer’s contribution in the Superannuation Fund beyond Rs 1.50 lakhs is an extremely arbitrary measure since Superannuation benefits are only given post – retirement and therefore employees would be required to pay income tax immediately for a retirement benefit which will only be available after his superannuation.

Moreover, Superannuation benefits are of a contingent nature which are available only if various conditions are complied with like certain number of years of service, the individual remaining alive at that stage etc.

In fact, in CIT vs. L W Russel [2002-TIOL-686-SC-IT-LB], the Supreme Court had held that no tax can be levied in respect of a contingent interest in future which is not certain.

Also, there is no monetary limit in the NPS scheme of the Government. As such it is recommended that the financial limit of Rs 1.50 lakhs be withdrawn.

Frontier Airlines selects Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions

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April 3, 2016

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Lockheed Martin

Frontier Airlines has awarded Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions (LMCES) an eight-year, exclusive contract to perform engine maintenance, repair and overhaul on CFM56-5 engines for their Airbus A319s and A320ceos. Under the new agreement, services will be performed at the LMCES Montreal facility with initial delivery orders beginning in the first quarter 2016 and continuing through 2023. The facility has a long track record of excellent performance on CFM56-5 engines.

“We look forward to this partnership with LMCES,” said Bill Meehan, chief operating officer, Frontier Airlines. “Their experience with CFM56-5 engines will assist in a successful future with our A320 aircraft family.”

Before selecting LMCES as their CFM56-5 MRO provider, Frontier Airlines sent several engines to the Montreal facility for repair and the performance results were among the reasons Frontier selected LMCES.

“We are pleased to provide Frontier Airlines with industry-leading operational and economic support of their engines,” said Bill Brotherton, president of LMCES. “It’s an honor to be chosen by Frontier as their long-term partner for this important program.”

Charles Bouchard, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Canada, added “I am extremely proud of the growth that Commercial Engines Solutions has experienced in Montreal over the past two years. This contract is great news for the job stability that it creates in the local aerospace industry in the Montréal Aerospace cluster and a testament to the highly skilled technicians who expertly perform such complex maintenance in this competitive market.”

The LMCES Montreal facility provides aircraft MRO and test as well as parts and component repairs for five different commercial engines that power the A318/319/320/321, 737-3/4/5/6/7/8/900, 707, DC-8, and CRJ-1/2/400.

For additional information, visit: www.LockheedMartinEngines.com.

About Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is committed to offering ‘Low Fares Done Right’ to more than 60 destinations in the United States, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica on more than 270 daily flights. Headquartered in Denver, Frontier’s hard-working aviation professionals pride themselves in delivering the company’s signature Rocky Mountain hospitality to customers. Frontier Airlines is the proud recipient of the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2015 Diamond Award for maintenance excellence and was recently named the industry’s most fuel-efficient airline by The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) as a result of superior technology and operational efficiencies.

For more information or to purchase a Frontier flight, visit FlyFrontier.com, where Frontier guarantees the best travel value for Frontier flights. Customers can sign up at FlyFrontier.com/email-alert receive special discounts and promotions only available to Frontier’s email subscribers. Special offers are also available by following Frontier on Twitter at Twitter.com/FlyFrontier or by liking Frontier on Facebook at Facebook.com/FlyFrontier.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky – employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

FICCI-KPMG projects Indian M&E industry at INR 2260 billion by 2020

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April 3, 2016

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The media and entertainment (M&E) industry in India is poised to grow at a CAGR of 14.3 per cent to INR 2260 billion by 2020, led by advertising revenue which is expected to grow to INR994 billion at a CAGR of 15.9 per cent. Digital advertising continued its strong run with 38.2 per cent growth over 2014 as a mounting Internet user base and data usage were supplemented by increased spend allocation by marketers.

These projections are part of the FICCI – KPMG Media and Entertainment industry report 2016. The report suggests that by 2020 the digital advertising market is likely to scale up to INR255 billion and contribute to 25.7 per cent of total advertising revenues. Increased share of mobile and video advertising as part of digital media is one of the things to look forward to as well. Speaking at the inaugural session of FICCI Frames 2016, Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI said, “We are going through a phase of rapid and sustained technological innovation which will permanently change the way consumers will access and consume content.

The theme of this year’s FICCI conference is ‘Change or Perish: The Year of the Digital’ aptly captures the pitfalls that Media and Entertainment (M&E) organisations face. Changing user habits will disrupt existing business models as content providers and brands will need to match consumer expectations. While this will pose multiple challenges, we believe that there are significant opportunities for M&E companies to leverage the new digital ecosystem.” Key highlights of the year 2015 include implementation of a viewership measurement system by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) with the impact on budget allocations for advertising among channels only just starting to change.The e-commerce industry is expected to continue to advertise across mediums, moving from its earlier focus on digital platforms with an increased focus on regional markets. “Print saw a slower growth in the past year but TV and digital advertising have exceeded expectations. With the wide rollout of 4G finally underway, coupled with the ‘Digital India’ initiative, the future of digital advertising is very bright. The film sector also returned to growth in 2015 but led by Hollywood and regional rather than Hindi” says Jehil Thakkar, Partner and Head of Media and Entertainment, KPMG in India

Television sector As per the report

the television sector witnessed strong advertising-led growth at 17 per cent with increase in e-commerce spends. Growth in subscription revenue was slower at 12.8 per cent due to the delay in Phase 3 digitisation and further delays in securing on-ground benefits of Phase 1 and 2. “In a year of transition, when a new ratings mechanism was rolled out, the television sector has done really well on advertising. Any growth in subscription will really add to the strength of this sector.” adds Jehil Thakkar.

Film sector

Coming off a flat year in 2014, the film industry returned to a healthy growth of 9.3 per cent in 2015. Bollywood is constrained by the slow pace of screen growth and also has been facing increased competition from Hollywood and regional content. As per the report, wider reach in distribution expansion to non-DCI compliant screens has opened up a significant portion of the audience to Hollywood content. Also, increase in the number of franchise films helped expand the market. Better performance at the box office by regional films has also resulted in increased budgets and marketing spends. Jehil Thakkar says, “A real surprise this year was the strong growth in regional, both in terms of quality and box office performance. I think audience expectations are now higher for regional films and they will continue to perform well, going forward.”

Print media

As per the report, at 7.6 per cent, the print industry witnessed a marginal slowdown in 2015 compared to 2014 – an election year. For English language publications, e-commerce stood out as a category in a year of muted growth. While the growth rate for regional print dipped from the previous year as well due to subdued advertising, some publications were able to raise cover prices to keep circulation revenue healthy. The regional market continues to have a bright future – especially with the government’s recent rural-friendly Budget and newer categories like e-commerce finally likely to help publications in tier II and tier III markets. “As was the case in 2014, Hindi and regional publications outperformed English ones in terms of growth rate in 2015 even though it was a slower year. The impact of digital in 2016 and 2017 will be interesting to watch as the use of social media and Internet spreads in these markets’, says Jehil Thakkar.

Radio

Projections with reference to the radio industry are driven by the implementation of Phase 3 of licensing. As per the report, the industry grew at 15.3 per cent in 2015, and is projected to grow at over 16 per cent for the next few years. As Phase 3 stations become operational, radio may very well become a ‘reach’ medium from a ‘coverage’ medium. However, Phase 3 auctions raise concerns over small cities not being included in the auction amid fears of high reserve prices, and weak market potential. This dilutes the interest levels on the second Phase 3 auction dates, which are yet to be announced by the government. Jehil Thakkar adds, “The implementation of Phase 3 finally began and it would be beneficial to the industry if the government concludes Stage 2 of the auctions as well as pending regulatory matters as soon as possible.”

OTT

The 4G rollout, ‘Digital India’ initiative and private initiatives for broadband Wi-Fi availability at public places is likely to be a significant catalyst for the growth of Over The Top (OTT) services – several of which were launched in 2015. These digital infrastructure improvements, coupled with the rapid expansion of smartphone penetration, are critical to the ramp up of OTT. The report says that at present there are concerns around bandwidth constraints, high cost of customer acquisition, dependence on advertisement-led models and high cost of data access. “The year 2015 saw a number of OTT services being launched, and we expect this trend to continue in 2016 as well. However, this industry is yet to find a sustainable business model in India, which is likely to emerge in the next 12 to 24 months.” says Jehil Thakkar.

Sports

The report confirms that in 2015 cricket continued to be the primary brand puller with prime properties such as IPL and World Cup witnessing an increase in ad rates and sponsorship. However, various sporting leagues such as Kabaddi, Football, and Tennis managed to create a buzz in the Indian market. It was also observed that PKL continued its successful run in particular. Brands in India are starting to invest in other sporting activities, which requires a long-term vision and strategy to attract viewers’ sustained interest. “It is tremendous that alternatives to cricket are being established in India’s sports ecosystem. The rise of the ‘second screen’ has now created a sustainable business model for a variety of sports across India.’ says Jehil Thakkar.

BHEL commissions 40 MW Hydro Power Plant in West Bengal

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April 3, 2016

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Just a month after the commissioning of the first 40 MW hydro electric generating unit at the Teesta Low Dam Hydro Electric Project (HEP) Stage-IV in West Bengal, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned the second unit of the same rating at the project. A run-of-the-river Greenfield project located in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Teesta HEP is being set up by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), on the River Teesta. The remaining two units of the project are also in advanced stages of execution. In west Bengal, BHEL is also executing the 3×40 MW Rammam Stage-III hydro-electric project of NTPC.

The estimated annual energy generation of 720 Million Units from the project will result in significant reduction of green-house gas emissions and will help in achieving a low carbon development path for the state as well as the nation. The order for Electrical & Mechanical (E&M) works of four units of 40 MW each was placed on BHEL by NHPC. BHEL’s scope of work in the project consists of design, manufacture, supply, installation and commissioning of complete E&M works including vertical shaft Kaplan Turbines.

The equipment is supplied by BHEL units at Bhopal, Jhansi, Rudrapur, Mumbai & Bengaluru and the execution of work on site is being carried out by the company’s Power Sector Eastern Region. For NHPC, BHEL is also currently executing the 4×200 MW Parbati HEP Stage-II in Himachal Pradesh and the 3×110 MW Kishanganga HEP in Jammu and Kashmir. Significantly, hydro generating sets of more than 29,000 MW of various ratings have been contracted on BHEL in India and abroad. In the country, the company has so far commissioned nearly 400 Hydro generating sets of various ratings with a cumulative capacity of around 20,000 MW.

Selection for post of CMD -Hindustan Insecticides Limited

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April 3, 2016

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The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is seeking qualified candidates for the post of CMD, HIL in schedule “C” of the CPSE.

Last Date:13th MAY 2016

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Selection for post of Director – Project & Technical, NALCO

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April 3, 2016

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The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is seeking qualified candidates for the post of Director (Project & Technical), NALCO in schedule “A” of the CPSE.

Last Date:31st MAY 2016.

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No evidence to suggest lasers pointed at cockpits damage Pilots’ Eyes

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April 3, 2016

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Summary:There is no evidence to suggest that lasers pointed at airplane cockpits damage pilots’ eyesight. But obviously if directed at critical moments, the dazzle from the beam and ensuing distraction could prove disastrous for crew and passengers, say leading eye specialists.

There is no evidence to suggest that lasers pointed at airplane cockpits damage pilots’ eyesight. But obviously if directed at critical moments, the dazzle from the beam and ensuing distraction could prove disastrous for crew and passengers, say leading eye specialists in an editorial published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

In a bid to disentangle the hype, amid the rising number of cases of laser pointers directed at aircraft–more than 1500 over the past 12 months in the UK alone–the specialists set out in which circumstances eyesight can be damaged.

There has only been one case of alleged retinal damage in a pilot as a result of laser targeting of aircraft, they say, and that is highly questionable because of the distances involved, which, crucially, would have reduced the energy entering the eye.

The nature and supply of current hand-held lasers have changed substantially in the past decade due to advances in technology and poor quality controls, so that the devices are considerably more powerful, write the authors. But they can only damage eyes at relatively short range up to several metres, they say.

Between half and one million laser pointers, pens, and key rings are thought to have been in circulation over the past decade.

But while these class 2 pointers on sale to the public predominantly used to produce red laser beams, with an upper limit of 1 milliwatt (mW) of energy–insufficient to damage the eyes–they now produce energy of up to 300 mW. These should be more appropriately classified as class 3B and prohibited from sale to the public, say the authors.

Furthermore, it is very easy to buy cheap laser pointers online with energy outputs of 1000 mW, while devices of up to 6000 mW are available for commercial use, they add.

These class 4 devices are capable of causing irreversible eye damage if directed into the eye from a distance of up to several metres. And some 150 children in the UK are thought to have lost their central field vision as a result.

But when directed to aircraft and helicopters over a long range–typically hundreds to thousands of metres–the beam has to pass through the atmosphere and the cockpit canopy or windshield.

“These are usually pitted or scratched and will serve to scatter the primary beam and may result in the generation of secondary and tertiary beams,” write the authors.

“In these situations, pilots tend to self focus on a sudden bright light in the cockpit environment and may be dazzled, resulting in an after-image and almost certainly will be distracted,” they write.

“Obviously, if such a distraction occurs at a critical time, such as during landing, the result could be devastating. Fortunately, these exposures are at irradiances that are incapable of producing irreversible retinal damage even at distances of 100 metres,” they continue.

Contrary to popular belief the current safety limits don’t need to be changed, say the authors. But the European Commission has asked the relevant European bodies to set a standard for consumer laser products.

“This should allow enforcing authorities to remove unsafe products from the market,” they write. But they warn: “However, compliance by manufacturers will remain an issue, as will direct imports by the public purchasing unsafe laser products over the internet.”

Source:BMJ(science)

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Indian Bureaucracy

PM to launch Stand up India scheme tomorrow

Study finds that training with unpredictability improves Memory Recall

BHEL commissions 250 MW thermal Plant in Bihar

Agarwal Packers & Movers sets up first international office in Singapore

FICCI welcomes innovative approach to push for indigenisation in DPP 2016

ASSOCHAM requests to Introduce equalisation levy as part of IT Act rather than as Separate Levy

Frontier Airlines selects Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions

FICCI-KPMG projects Indian M&E industry at INR 2260 billion by 2020

BHEL commissions 40 MW Hydro Power Plant in West Bengal

Selection for post of CMD -Hindustan Insecticides Limited

Selection for post of Director – Project & Technical, NALCO

No evidence to suggest lasers pointed at cockpits damage Pilots’ Eyes

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