Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Exam, 2014

Union Public Service Commission will be conducting Personality Test/Interview for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2014 at Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069 w.e.f. 9th February to 13th February, 2015.  The Commission has uploaded the e-Summon letter for Interview/Personality Teston its website (http://www.upsc.gov.in).  The candidates are advised to download their e-Summon letter alongwith all its enclosures and take a printout thereof.  The candidates will have to produce the printout of their e-Summon letter at the allotted venue.  In case the photograph is not visible or available on the e-summon letter, candidates are advised to carry identical photographs for verification alongwith proof of identity such as Identity Card, Voter Identity Card, Driving License, Passport etc. to the venue of the Personality Test/Interview. No paper Summon Letter will be issued for this Personality Test/Interview by the Commission.

            In case of any discrepancy, the candidate may contact UPSC Facilitation Counter in person or on Tel. Nos. 23381125, 23098543 and 23385271. 

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PM pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi and all the Martyrs who laid their lives for the Nation, On Martyrs' Day

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and all the Martyrs who laid their lives for the Nation, On Martyrs' Day. 

"पूज्य बापू को उनकी पुण्यतिथि पर शत् शत् नमन। My tributes to Pujya Bapu. 

On Martyrs' Day I pay homage to each and every Martyr who laid his or her life for our Nation. Their bravery and courage will always inspire", the Prime Minister said. 

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University of Hyderabad wins visitor’s award for ‘Best University’

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will present Visitor’s Awards for Central Universities in the categories of ‘Best University’, ‘Innovation’ and ‘Research’ for the year 2015 at a function to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 4, 2015. This function will coincide with the third Conference of Vice Chancellors of Central Universities scheduled to be held from February 4-5, 2015. 

The Visitor’s Award for the ‘Best University’ will be awarded to University of Hyderabad. 

Visitor’s Award for ‘Innovation’ will be given to Prof. Vijay K. Chaudhary and Dr. Amita Gupta of University of Delhi who have invented ‘TB Confirm’, a rapid diagnostic test for Tuberculosis. 

The Visitor’s Award for ‘Research’ will be presented to Cosmology and Astrophysics Research Group, Centre for Theoretical Physics, Jamia Millia Islamia for path breaking research carried out in the field of Astrophysics and Cosmology. 

The ‘Best University’ will receive a Citation and Trophy while winners of Visitors’ Award for ‘Innovation’ and ‘Research’ will receive a Citation and cash award of Rs. one lakh. 

The President had announced institution of these awards at the Vice Chancellors’ Conference last year with the aim of promoting healthy competition amongst Central Universities and motivating them to adopt best practices from across the world. 

For selecting the winners, online applications were invited from all Central Universities for each category. A Selection Committee comprising of Smt. Omita Paul, Secretary to the President as Chairperson and Secretary, Department of Higher Education, MHRD; Secretary, Department of Science & Technology; Chairman, UGC; Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons of National Innovation Foundation; Director-General, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Director IIT Delhi as members chose the winners of the Awards. 

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Renowned singer, music composer, lyricist and actor Shekhar Sen appointed as Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi

Shri Shekhar Sen has been appointed as the Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA). Shri Shekhar Sen is an eminent singer, actor, theatre director, composer and lyricist. 

According to an order issued by the Union Ministry of Culture dated 28th January, Shri Shekhar Sen has been appointed as Chairman of SNA for a term of 5 years with immediate effect. 

Shri Sen has done many research oriented musical programmes and has rendered many significant Bhajan Albums since 1983 as singer, lyricist and composer. He is famous for his mono act musical plays “Tulsi”,” Kabeer”, “Vivekananda”, “Sanmanti”,”Saahab” and “Soordas” which have been highly acclaimed. 

Shri Shekhar Sen has received prestigious awards including PadamShri and state level awards. 

A brief bio-data of Shri Shekhar Sen is enclosed. 

Bio-data of Shri Shekhar Sen

Shri Shekhar Sen is an accomplished singer, music composer, lyricist and actor. He started his career as a music composer and subsequently shifted towards composing Bhajans. He has rendered many Bhajan Albums as singer, lyricist and composer. Over the years as a playwright, actor, singer, director and composer, Shri Shekhar Sen has created many one man musical plays like “Tulsi”, “Kabeer”, “Vivekananda”, “Sanmati”, “Saahab” & “Soordas” and performed many shows of his Mono act Musical Plays. He has also undertaken research oriented musical programs like “Dushyant Ne Kaha Tha”, “Madhya Yugeen Kaavya”, “Pakistan Ka Hindi Kavya”, “Meera Se Mahadevi Tak”. 

Shri Sen’s performances have been acclaimed in India and in countries such as US, UK, Belgium, Surinam, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, South Africa, UAE, Mauritius and Trinidad where he has performed. 

Shri Sen has performed in many singing concerts and also performed his mono act musical play ‘Kabeer’ in the Lok Sabha. His Mono Act Musical Plays have received great acclaim in India as well as abroad. 

Among the many honours conferred to him, Honble President of India has approved conferment of Padma Shri Award on Shri Shekhar Sen in the field of Arts. He was also awarded with Safdar Hashmi Puraskar in 2001 by the Sangeet Natak Academy of Uttar Pradesh for his contribution in the field of theatre and the V. Shantaram Samman by the Maharashtra Rajya Hindi Sahitya Academy in 2008. 

Source-PIB

Happy Birthday to Suvendu Mohan Patnaik(Pol.Science)

English Rendering of Transcript of the special episode of Mann ki Baat: PM Shri Narendra Modi and US President Shri Barack Obama share their thoughts on Radio

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi): 

Today, Shri Barack Obama, President of the United States, joins us in a special programme of Mann Ki Baat. For the last few months, I have been sharing my "Mann Ki Baat" with you. But today, people from various parts of the country have asked questions. 

But most of the questions are connected to politics, foreign policy, economic policy. However, some questions touch the heart. And I believe if we touch those questions today, we shall be able to reach out to the common man in different parts of the country. And therefore, the questions asked in press conferences, or discussed in meetings – instead of those – if we discuss what comes from the heart, and repeat it, hum it, we get a new energy. And therefore, in my opinion, those questions are more important. Some people wonder, what does "Barack" mean? I was searching for the meaning of Barack. In Swahili language, which is spoken in parts of Africa, Barack means, one who is blessed. I believe, along with a name, his family gave him a big gift. 

African countries have lived by the ancient idea of ‘Ubuntu’, which alludes to the ‘oneness in humanity’. They say – “I am, because we are”. Despite the gap in centuries and borders, there is the same spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which speak of in India. This is the great shared heritage of humanity. This unites us. When we discuss Mahatma Gandhi, we remember Henry Thoreau, from whom Mahatma Gandhi learnt disobedience. When we talk about Martin Luther King or Obama, we hear from their lips, respect for Mahatma Gandhi. These are the things that unite the world. 

Today, Barack Obama is with us. I will first request him to share his thoughts. Then, I and Barack will both answer the questions that have been addressed to us. 

I request President Barack Obama to say a few words. 

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama): 

Namaste! Thank you Prime Minister Modi for your kind words and for the incredible hospitality you have shown me and my wife Michelle on this visit and let me say to the people of India how honoured I am to be the first American President to join you for Republic Day; and I’m told that this is also the first ever Radio address by an Indian Prime Minister and an American President together, so we’re making a lot of history in a short time. Now to the people of India listening all across this great nation. It’s wonderful to be able to speak you directly. We just come from discussions in which we affirmed that India and the United States are natural partners, because we have so much in common. We are two great democracies, two innovative economies, two diverse societies dedicated to empowering individuals. We are linked together by millions of proud Indian Americans who still have family and carry on traditions from India. And I want to say to the Prime Minister how much I appreciate your strong personal commitment to strengthening the relationship between these two countries. 

People are very excited in the United States about the energy that Prime Minister Modi is bringing to efforts in this country to reduce extreme poverty and lift people up, to empower women, to provide access to electricity, and clean energy and invest in infrastructure, and the education system. And on all these issues, we want to be partners. Because many of the efforts that I am promoting inside the United States to make sure that the young people get the best education possible, to make sure that the ordinary people are properly compensated for their labour, and paid fair wages, and have job security and health care. These are the same kinds of issues that Prime Minister Modi, I know cares so deeply about here. And I think there’s a common theme in these issues. It gives us a chance to reaffirm what Gandhi ji reminded us, should be a central aim of our lives. And that is, we should endeavour to seek God through service of humanity because God is in everyone. So these shared values, these convictions, are a large part of why I am so committed to this relationship. I believe that if the United States and India join together on the world stage around these values, then not only will our peoples be better off, but I think the world will be more prosperous and more peaceful and more secure for the future. So thank you so much Mr. Prime Minister, for giving me this opportunity to be with you here today. 

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi):

Barack the first question comes from Raj from Mumbai 

His question is, the whole world knows about your love for your daughters. How will you tell your daughters about youre experience of India? Do you plan to do some shopping for them? 

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama): 

Well first of all they very much wanted to come. They are fascinated by India, Unfortunately each time that I have taken a trip here, they had school and they couldn’t leave school. And in fact, Malia, my older daughter, had exams just recently. They are fascinated by the culture, and the history of India, in part because of my influence I think, they are deeply moved by India’s movement to Independence, and the role that Gandhi played, in not only the non-violent strategies here in India, but how those ended up influencing the non-violent Civil Rights Movement in the United States. So when I go back I am going to tell them that India is as magnificent as they imagined. And I am quite sure that they are going to insist that I bring them back the next time I visit. It may not be during my Presidency, but afterwards they will definitely want to come and visit. 

And I will definitely do some shopping for them. Although I can’t go to the stores myself, so I have to have my team do the shopping for me. And I’ll get some advice from Michelle, because she probably has a better sense of what they would like. 

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi): 

Barack said he will come with his daughters. I extend an invitation to you. Whether you come as President, or thereafter, India looks forward to welcoming you and your daughters. 

Sanika Diwan from Pune, Maharashtra has asked me a question. She asks me, whether I have sought assistance from President Obama for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Mission 

Sanika you have asked a good question. There is a lot of worry because of the sex ratio in India. For every 1000 boys, the number of girls is less. And the main reason for this is that, there is a defect in our attitudes towards boys and girls. 

Whether or not I seek help from President Obama, his life is in itself an inspiration. The way he has brought up his two daughters, the way he is proud of his two daughters. 

In our country too, I meet many families who have only daughters. And they bring up their daughters with such pride, give them such respect, that is the biggest inspiration. I believe that inspiration is our strength. And in response to your question, I would like to say, to save the girl child, to educate the girl child, this is our social duty, cultural duty, and humanitarian responsibility. We should honour it. 

Barack, there is a question for you. The second question for President Obama comes through e-mail: Dr. Kamlesh Upadhyay, a Doctor based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat - Your wife is doing extensive work on tackling modern health challenges like obesity and diabetes. These are increasingly being faced in India as well. Would you and the First Lady like to return to India to work on these issues after your Presidency, just like Bill and Melinda Gates? 

(Hon’ble Barack Obama): 

Well, we very much look forward to partnering with organizations, and the government and non-governmental organizations here in India, around broader Public Health issues including the issue of obesity. I am very proud of the work that Michelle has done on this issue. We’re seeing a world-wide epidemic of obesity, in many cases starting at a very young age. And a part of it has to do with increase in processed foods, not naturally prepared. Part of it is a lack of activity for too many children. And once they are on this path, it can lead to a life time of health challenges. This is an issue that we would like to work on internationally, including here in India. And it is a part of a broader set of issues around global health that we need to address. The Prime Minister and I have discussed, for example, how we can do a better job in dealing with issues like pandemic. And making sure that we have good alert systems so that if a disease like Ebola, or a deadly flu virus, or Polio appears, it is detected quickly and then treated quickly so that it doesn’t spread. The public health infrastructure around the world needs to be improved. I think the Prime Minister is doing a great job in focusing on these issues here in India. And India has a lot to teach many other countries who may not be advancing as rapidly in improving this public health sector. But it has an impact on everything, because if children are sick they can’t concentrate in school and they fall behind. It has a huge economic impact on the countries involved and so we think that there is a lot of progress to be made here and I am very excited about the possibilities of considering this work even after I leave office. 

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi): 

Mr. Arjun asks me a question. An interesting question. He says he has seen an old photo of me as a tourist outside the White House. He asks me what touched me when I went there last September. 

It is true that when I first went to America, I was not lucky enough to visit the White House. There is an iron fence far from the White House. We stood outside the fence and took a photograph. White House is visible in the background. Now that I have become Prime Minister, that photo too has become popular. But at that time, I had never thought that sometime in my life, I would get a chance to visit the White House. But when I visited the White House, one thing touched my heart. I can never forget that. Barack gave me a book, a book that he had located after considerable effort. That book had become famous in 1894. Swami Vivekananda, the inspiration of my life, had gone to Chicago to participate in the World Religions Conference. And this book was a compilation of the speeches delivered at the World Religions Conference. That touched my heart. And not just this. He turned the pages of the book, and showed me what was written there. He had gone through the entire book! And he told me with pride, I come from the Chicago where Swami Vivekananda had come. These words touched my heart a lot. And I will treasure this throughout my life. So once, standing far from the White House and taking a photo, and then, to visit the White House, and to receive a book on someone whom I respect. You can imagine, how it would have touched my heart. 

Barack there is a question for you. Himani from Ludhiana, Punjab. Question is for you ……: 

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama): 

Well the question is “Did you both imagine you would reach the positions that you’ve reached today?” 

And it is interesting, Mr. Prime Minister, your talking about the first time you visited White House and being outside that iron fence. The same is true for me. When I first went to the White House, I stood outside that same fence, and looked in, and I certainly did not imagine that I would ever be visiting there, much less living there. You know, I think both of us have been blessed with an extraordinary opportunity, coming from relatively humble beginnings. And when I think about what’s best in America and what’s best in India, the notion that a tea seller or somebody who’s born to a single mother like me, could end up leading our countries, is an extraordinary example of the opportunities that exist within our countries. Now I think, a part of what motivates both you and I, is the belief that there are millions of children out there who have the same potential but may not have the same education, may not be getting exposed to opportunities in the same way, and so a part of our job, a part of government’s job is that young people who have talent, and who have drive and are willing to work for, are able to succeed. And that’s why we are emphasizing school, higher education. Making sure that children are healthy and making sure those opportunities are available to children of all backgrounds, girls and boys, people of all religious faiths and of all races in the United States is so important. Because you never know who might be the next Prime Minister of India, or who might be the next President of United States. They might not always look the part right off the bat. And they might just surprise you if you give them the chance. 

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi): 

Thank you Barack. 

Himani from Ludhiana has also asked me this question – did I ever imagine I would reach this high office? 

No. I never imagined it. Because, as Barack said, I come from a very ordinary family. But for a long time, I have been telling everyone, never dream of becoming something. If you wish to dream, dream of doing something. When we do something, we get satisfaction, and also get inspiration to do something new. If we only dream of becoming something, and cannot fulfil the dream, then we only get disappointed. And therefore, I never dreamt of becoming something. Even today, I have no dream of becoming something. But I do dream of doing something. Serving Mother India, serving 125 crore Indians, there can be no greater dream than this. That is what I have to do. I am thankful to Himani. 

There is a question for Barack from Omprakash. Omprakash is studying Sanskrit at JNU. He belongs to Jhunjunu, Rajasthan. Om Prakash is convener of special centre for Sanskrit Studies in JNU. 

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama): 

Well this is a very interesting question. His question is, the youth of the new generation is a global citizen. He is not limited by time or boundaries. In such a situation what should be the approach by our leadership, governments as well as societies at large. 

I think this is a very important question. When I look at this generation that is coming up, they are exposed to the world in ways that you and I could hardly imagine. They have the world at their fingertips, literally. They can, using their mobile phone, get information and images from all around the world and that’s extraordinarily powerful. And what that means, I think is that, governments and leaders cannot simply try to govern, or rule, by a top-down strategy. But rather have to reach out to people in an inclusive way, and an open way, and a transparent way. And engage in a dialogue with citizens, about the direction of their country. And one of the great things about India and the United States is that we are both open societies. And we have confidence and faith that when citizens have information, and there is a vigorous debate, that over time even though sometimes democracy is frustrating, the best decisions and the most stable societies emerge and the most prosperous societies emerge. And new ideas are constantly being exchanged. And technology today I think facilitates that, not just within countries, but across countries. And so, I have much greater faith in India and the United States, countries that are open information societies, in being able to succeed and thrive in this New Information Age; than closed societies that try to control the information that citizens receive. Because ultimately that’s no longer possible. Information will flow inevitably, one way or the other, and we want to make sure we are fostering a healthy debate and a good conversation between all peoples. 

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi): 

Omprakash wants me too, to answer the question that has been asked to Barack. 

Barack has given a very good answer. It is inspiring. I will only say, that once upon a time, there were people inspired primarily by the Communist ideology. They gave a call: Workers of the world, Unite. This slogan lasted for several decades. I believe, looking at the strength and reach of today's youth, I would say, Youth, Unite the world. I believe they have the strength and they can do it. 

The next question is from CA Pikashoo Mutha from Mumbai, and he asks me, which American leader has inspired you 

When I was young, I used to see Kennedy's pictures in Indian newspapers. His personality was very impressive. But your question is, who has inspired me. I liked reading as a child. And I got an opportunity to read the biography of Benjamin Franklin. He lived in the eighteenth century. And he was not an American President. But his biography is so inspiring – how a person can intelligently try to change his life. 

If we feel excessively sleepy, how can we reduce that? 

If we feel like eating too much, how can we work towards eating less? 

If people get upset with you that cannot meet them, because of the pressure of work, then how to solve this problem? 

He has addressed such issues in his biography. And I tell everyone, we should read Benjamin Franklin's biography. Even today, it inspires me. And Benjamin Franklin had a multi-dimensional personality. He was a politician, he was a political scientist, he was a social worker, he was a diplomat. And he came from an ordinary family. He could not even complete his education. But till today, his thoughts have an impact on American life. I find his life truly inspiring. And I tell you too, if you read his biography, you will find ways to transform your life too. And he has talked about simple things. So I feel you will be inspired as much as I have been. 

There is a question for Barack, from Monika Bhatia. 

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama): 

Well the question is “As leaders of two major economies, what inspires you and makes you smile at the end of a bad day at work?” 

And that is a very good question. I say sometimes, that the only problems that come to my desk are the ones that nobody else solves. If they were easy questions, then somebody else would have solved them before they reached me. So there are days when it’s tough and frustrating. And that’s true in Foreign Affairs. That is true in Domestic Affairs. But I tell you what inspires me, and I don’t know Mr. Prime Minister if you share this view - almost every day I meet somebody who tells me, “You made a difference in my life.” 

So they’ll say, “The Health-Care law that you passed, saved my child who didn’t have health insurance.” And they were able to get an examination from a Physician, and they caught an early tumour, and now he is doing fine. 

Or they will say “You helped me save my home during the economic crisis.” 

Or they’ll say, “I couldn’t afford college, and the program you set up has allowed me to go to the university.” 

And sometimes they are thanking you for things that you did four or five years ago. Sometimes they are thanking you for things you don’t even remember, or you’re not thinking about that day. But it is a reminder of what you said earlier, which is, if you focus on getting things done as opposed to just occupying an office or maintaining power, then the satisfaction that you get is unmatched. And the good thing about service is that anybody can do it. If you are helping somebody else, the satisfaction that you can get from that, I think, exceeds anything else that you can do. And that’s usually what makes me inspired to do more, and helps get through the challenges and difficulties that we all have. Because obviously we are not the only people with bad days at work. I think everybody knows what it is like to have a bad day at work. You just have to keep on working through it. Eventually you make a difference. 

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi): 

Indeed Barack has spoken words from the heart (Mann Ki Baat). Whatever position we may hold, we are human too. Simple things can inspire us. I also wish to narrate an experience. For many years, I was like an ascetic. I got food at other people's homes. Whoever invited me, used to feed me as well. Once a family invited me over for a meal, repeatedly. I would not go, because I felt they are too poor, and if I go to eat at their place, I will become a burden on them. But eventually, I had to bow to their request and love. And I went to eat a meal at their home. It was a small hut, where we sat down to eat. They offered me roti made of bajra (millet), and mik. Their young child was looking at the milk. I felt, the child has never even seen milk. So I gave that small bowl of milk to the child. And he drank it within seconds. His family members were angry with him. And I felt that perhaps that child has never had any milk, apart from his mother's milk. And maybe, they had bought milk so that I could have a good meal. This incident inspired me a lot. A poor person living in a hut could think so much about my well-being. So I should devote my life to their service. So these are the things that serve as inspiration. And Barack has also spoken about what can touch the heart. 

I am thankful to Barack, he has given so much time. And I am thankful to my countrymen for listening to Mann Ki Baat. I know radio reaches every home and every lane of India. And this Mann Ki Baat, this special Mann Ki Baat will echo forever. 

I have an idea. I share it with you. There should be an e-book made of the talk between Barack and me today. I hope the organizers of Mann Ki Baat will release this e-book. And to you all, who have listened to Mann Ki Baat, I also say, do participate in this. And the best hundred thoughts that emerge out of this, will also be added to this e-book. And I want you to write to us on Twitter, on Facebook, or online, using the hashtag #YesWeCan. 

• Eliminate Poverty - #YesWeCan

• Quality Healthcare to All - #YesWeCan

• Youth empowered with Education - #YesWeCan 

• Jobs for All - #YesWeCan

• End to Terrorism - #YesWeCan 

• Global Peace and Progress - #YesWeCan

I want you to send your thoughts, experiences and feelings after listening to Mann Ki Baat. From them, we will select the best hundred, and we will add them to the book containing the talk that Barack and I have had. And I believe, this will truly become, the Mann Ki Baat of us all. 

Once again, a big thank you to Barack. And to all of you. Barack's visit to India on this pious occasion of 26th January, is a matter of pride for me and for the country. 

Thank you very much. 

Source-PIB

Happy Marriage Anniversary to Dr. Manisha Nanda & Dr. Sushree Mishra on 25th Jan

Dr. Manisha Nanda Acharya & Subhransu Acharya

Dr. Sushree Mishra Vikram & Dr. Bhuvan Vikram

Kashi sends a 'kadhua' saree for Michelle Obama

VARANASI: The First lady of US Michelle Obama will get a beautiful handloom saree from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kashi during her visit to India.A piece of Banarasi 'Kadhua' saree, an exclusive product of this region that is facing the threat of extinction, has been dispatched from here for Michelle Obama, who is arriving India with US President Barrack Obama to attend the Republic Day celebration in New Delhi.

READ ALSO: UP govt disappointed over cancellation of Obama's visit to Agra

A signature handloom product of Varanasi region, one piece of 'Kadhua' saree takes 3-4 months engaging at least three persons to complete, says Abdul Matin, whose family has been in handloom weaving for three generations. "We came to know about Michelle Obama's fascination to Banarasi fabric through one of trusted men of Obama - Frank Islam, a native of Azamgarh who is also an admirer of Banarasi handloom," said Matin displaying a full range of exclusive Banarasi handloom products at his work place-cum-home in Pilikothi locality. The saree was sent to Delhi with a special messanger, he said without disclosing the identity of the messenger.

"The main objective of presenting 'Kadhua' saree to Michelle is to draw the attention of international community to the mastery of handloom weavers in producing such intricate and colourful designs on the loom," said Matin. The cream colour saree with cotton base and decorated with golden and silver zari work costs around Rs 1.25 lakh, he said adding that the art of 'kadhua' weaving today is facing a stiff challenge from the power loom sector. Besides, there is also a shortage of skilled weavers in handloom sector that is facing a tough time, he said.

READ ALSO: White House says Obama regrets Agra cancellation, will head to Riyadh to meet new king

"If the first lady of the US accepts this gist and shows her interest in Banarasi fabrics, we hope that the business of Banarasi handloom industry will flourish, said Matin, who also supplied Kimkhab to Abhishek Bachchan for his sherwani and other Bollywood celebrities.

"Kadhua is an exclusive technique of handloom weaving in Varanasi region, and it cannot be imitated on power loom," said Dr. Rajani Kant, president of Human Welfare Association who played a key role in fetching Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Banarasi brocade and saree. The cost and time in making a piece of kadhua saree depends on its design and colour, he said adding that it is a pure handloom product produced only in this region. It is different from embroidery, as all the decorative works are done on the loom only while weaving. There is two technique of weaving -'kadhua' and 'fekua', he said adding that the kadhua weaving requires 2-3 or more persons while only one person can weave a plain saree with 'fekua' technique. "The other fame handloom product of Banaras is 'Kimkhab' that costs Rs 4000 to 5000 per meter, and it takes a day in weaving 4-6 inches only," said Kant.
Source-TOI

Ramdev writes to Rajnath, refuses Padma award TNN | Jan 24, 2015, 06.18 PM IST

NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Ramdev on Saturday declined any Padma award for him reportedly being considered by Modi's government on the occasion of 66th Republic Day.

READ ALSO: Padma awards likely to have a strong saffron hue

In a letter to Union home minister Rajnath Singh, Ramdev referred to media reports that the central government was considering his name for Padma Vibushan, the second highest civilian award but felt that as an "ascetic" he should refrain from getting "rewards or honours".

Ramdev also said that he felt humbled and grateful for being nominated for the prestigious award.

Ramdev has been closely associated with the Sangh Parivar and campaigned for the BJP in the run up to 2014 polls.

Ramdev was one of many the government had named as slated to be awarded the prestigious Padma award this year. The Padma list is usually finalized by the Prime Minister's Office a day or two before they are announced on the eve of Republic Day.

Below is the statement issued by Ramdev.
Source- TOI

HAPPY VASANTA PANCHAMI TO ALL

Grant of Presidential Awards to the Officers of the Customs & Central Excise and Directorate of Enforcement on the eve of Republic Day, 2015

Every year, the officers of the Customs & Central Excise Department are considered for grant of   Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for ‘exceptionally meritorious service rendered  atthe risk oflife’ and for Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for ‘specially distinguishedrecord of service’ ontheir achieving and maintaining excellence in the  discharge of their  duties. These awards are announced onthe eve of Republic Day.

            This year, 40 officers have been selected for grant of Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificatefor ‘Specially distinguished record of service’.

These officers have been selected on the basis of their exemplary and flawless performance in their respective field of services over the years. The awardees selected this year include the officers       working as Commissioners/Directors/Additional Commissioners/Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Superintendents/Slos, Assistant, Chief Accounts Officer, Sr. Private Secretary, Inspector, Driver who have been consistently committed to the department in various fields.

The aforesaid officer’s performance in various fields includes the prevention of smuggling of contrabands and Narcotics Drugs, detection of tax evasion and trade based money laundering, detection of foreign exchange violations by booking/arresting the offenders and seizing the smuggled goods, upgradation of anti-smuggling equipments and streamlining enforcement procedures etc in the department. Besides, many awardees have shown their brilliance and given commendable performance in other fields as varied as revenue mobilization, development of software for automation at Customs, Central Excise and Service tax formations, reducing litigations, international Conventions and Protocol relating to Trade Facilitation and enforcement, dispute resolution, effective defence of cases in the Tribunals and High Courts, preparing informative web sites for revenue officers as well as deft handling of administrative work.

            The list of officers, along with their designation and their present place of posting, who have beenselected for grant of the Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for ‘Specially distinguished   record of service’, on the occasion of Republic Day, 2015 is given below:

COMMISSIONERS

    1.          Dr. Awdhesh Kumar Singh, Commissioner, Large Tax Payers Unit,Chennai.

    2.           Shri Alok Chopra, Commissioner, Central Excise, Thane-II.

DIRECTORS/ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONERS/ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS/DEPUTY DIRECTORS

3.        Shri Rajesh Nandan Srivastava, Director, Narcotics  Control, Department of Revenue,

Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi.

4.           Shri Dheeraj Rastogi, Additional Commissioner, Service Tax Audit, Commissionerate,       Delhi.

5.        Shri Shafat Ahmad Usmani, Additional Director, DRI Hyderabad Zonal Unit, Hyderabad.

6.             Shri Chalamalla Venkat Reddy, Additional Director of Systems, Directorate     General of Systems, Chennai.

7.            Smt. Sudha Koka, Additional Commissioner, Service Tax, Audit, Commissionerate, Bangalore.

8.            Shri Shailesh Kumar, Additional Director, DRI (Hqrs), New Delhi.

9.            Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Additional Commissioner, First Secretary (Economic), Embassy of India, Kathmandu, Nepal.

10.       Shri Giridhar Gopalkrishna Pai, Director, Tax Research Unit, CBEC, North Block, New Delhi.

11.        Shri V. Nagendra Rao, Joint Commissioner, Commissionerate ofCustoms  (Chennai-11),

Chennai.

12.       Shri Ravindra Singh Bhati, Deputy Director, DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit, Nhava Sheva

Regional Unit, Mumbai.

13.       Dr. Sudesh Kumar Sheoran, Deputy Director, DGCE1 (Hqrs), NewDelhi.

14.        Shri Jitendra Pal Singh, Assistant Director, Directorate of Enforcement (Hqrs), New Delhi.

15.       Shri Leo John Ilango, Assistant Commissioner, Directorate General ofVigilance,   SZU, Chennai.

16.       Shri Rajendrakumar Shantilal Raithatha, Assistant Commissioner, Commissionerate  of

Cennal Excise and Customs, Rajkot, Ahmedabad Zone.

17.       Shri Manoj Kumar, Assistant Director, Directorate of Enforcement,Eastern Region, Kolkata.

SUPERINTENDENTS/SENIOR INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS

18.        Shri Dipankar Baneijee, Superintendent, CenDal Bureau of Narcotics,Kolkata.

19.        Shri Shrikant Patankar, Senior fntelligence Officer, DGCEI, RegionalUnit, Indore.

20.        Shri A. Jagannadha Prasad, Superintendent, Central Excise & Customs (Anti-Evasion), Tirupati Commissionerate,Tirupati.

21.        Shri Rajesh Sharma, Superintendent, Customs (Preventive)Commissionerate, Delhi.

22.        Shri Rajendra Singh L Pathak, Superintendent, Commissionerate of Central Excise  & Customs (Ahmadabad-I),  Ahmedabad.

23.        Shri R. Ravichandran, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGCEI (Hqrs), NewDelhi.

24.        Shri Prcm Chand Jain, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGCEI, Zonal Unit, Ahmedabad.

25.         Shri Suman Kumar Gangopadhyay, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI, Kolkata Zonal  Unit, Kolkata.

26.        Shri Krishnakumar B. Menon, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit, Mumbai.

27.        Shri Gavin Jude D’Mello, Superintendent, Division-Ill,Commissionerate of Service  Tax, (Mumbai-I), Mumbai.

28.        Shri Mahesh Chowdhary, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGCEI, ZonalUnit, Ahmedabad.

29.        Shri Vitobh Shetty, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGCEI, Regional Unit,Goa.

30.         Shri Sunil Joshi, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGCEI (Hqrs), NewDelhi.

31.        Shri B. Shridhar, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI, Bangalore ZonalUnit, Bangalore.

32.         Shri Nagendra Kumar Jha, Superintendent (Anti-Evasion), Service Tax Commissionerate, Delhi-11.

33.        Shri N.S. Dev, Superintendent, Commissionerate of Customs, Cochin.

34.         Shri Sunil Shankar Yadav, Superintendent, Service Tax Cell, Satara Division, Kolhapur Commissionerate, Kolhapur.

35.        Shri Sandeep Thapliyal, Superintendent, Commissionerate of Central Excise & Customs, Meerut.

36.                   Shri Shailendra Rammanohar Singh, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit, Mumbai.

INSPECTOR

37.        Shri Rideep Hazarika, Inspector, Tax Recovery Cell, Customs Division, Customs (Prey.)Commissionerate, Guwahati.

ASSISTANT CHIEF ACCOUNT OFFICER/SR. PRIVATE SECRETARY

38.        Shri Kotekar Sheik Abdul Kareem, Assistant Chief Accounts Officer, Commissionerate ofCustoms, Mangalore.

39.                  Smt. K. Savithri, Senior Private Secretary to Chief Commissioner of Central Excise, Chennai Zone.

DRIVER

40.        Shri Jagbir Singh Pundir, Driver GR-I, DRI (Hqrs.), New Delhi.

President pays homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

              The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 118th birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 23, 2015). He paid floral tributes in front of a portrait of Netaji at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan were present on the occasion. 

PM pays tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on his birth anniversary

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on his birth anniversary.

"His bravery, courage and patriotic zeal inspire us. On his birth anniversary, I bow to the proud son of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Subhas Babu's organisation and leadership skills were exceptional. He was a phenomenal personality, for whom good of the Nation was paramount.
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Combined Defence Services Examination (I) – 2015

Union Public Service Commission will be conducting the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) -2015 on 15/02/2015 (Sunday) at 41 Centres all over India as per notification dated November 08, 2014.  e-Admission Certificates are available on the Union Public Service Commission web-site http://www.upsc.gov.in Candidates are advised to download and check their e-Admission Certificates carefully and bring discrepancy, if any, to the notice of the Commission immediately.  Rejection Letters citing the ground(s) for rejection have been issued through e-mails and also put on Commission’s web-site http://www.upsc.gov.in.  In case any difficulty faced by the candidates in downloading e-Admission Certificates, they may contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter on Telephone Nos.  011-23385271, 011-23381125 & 011-23098543 on any working days between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM.  The candidates can also send FAX message on FAX No. 011-23387310.  No Admission Certificate will be sent by post.

 In case the photograph is not printed clear on the e-Admission Certificates,  candidates are advised to carry three (3) photographs (one identical photograph for each session) alongwith proof of Identity such as Aadhar Card or Identity Card or Voter Identity Card or Passport or Driving License and printout of e-Admission Certificate at the venue of the Examination. 

MOBILE PHONES BANNED (a)    Mobile Phones, Pagers or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises, where UPSC Examination is being conducted.  Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examination. (b)   Candidates are advised in their own interest not to bring any of the banned items including mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as arrangements for safekeeping can not be assured.

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