By the end of year 2012, Government to set up 10 spice parks across the most strategic locations in India. The decision to this effect was taken by the Spice Board of India, the nodal organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Spice parks consists of units like processing, packaging and certification. Spice Board of India, the nodal organization of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has taken a decision to this effect.

Objective: To promote export of spices. The projects on Spices Park are primarily intended to benefit the growing community through quality improvement, grading, packing, warehousing, etc for value addition which would lead to better price realization of their produce.

Some of the centres where the Spices Parks are proposed:-

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State-owned ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) inked an MoU with the US oil major ConocoPhillips.

Objective: To conduct a joint study of shale gas potential in all domestic basins, as well as some global ones owned by ConocoPhillips. The companies intend to initiate the cooperation in shale gas exploration through joint studies of opportunities in India, North America, and elsewhere.In addition, both companies also aim to explore possible cooperation in deepwater areas in eastern offshore fields of India.

ConocoPhillips: A major player in shale gas as well as deep-water exploration. 3rd largest US integrated energy company, based on market capitalization, as well as proven reserves and production of oil and natural gas, and the largest refiner in the US. 7th largest holder of proven reserves and the 4th largest refiner worldwide, among private companies.

What it means for INDIA?

• The MoU will increase the co-operation b/w the two companies in the areas of gas exploration in India, USA and at other places in the world.
• The cooperation b/w the two majors is expected to accelerate the learnings in shale gas for India.
• It will assist towards India in achieving energy security for sustaining its booming economy.
• The US firm ConocoPhillips rich experience in the field of shale gas exploration and holds large acreage position, while ONGC’s endeavour in shale gas is at a nascent stage.

What is “Bheem”?

• It is a newly-designed 5500 horse power (HP) diesel locomotive equipped with all modern features including 100 km per hour running speed.
• Manufactured at Diesel Locomotive Works at Varanasi.
• Designed jointly by the Railways and EMD, a US-based company.
• Has a provision of toilet for crew, a first in railways.
• Has huge fuel capacity of 7500 litres to provide long runs without refuelling.

" Bheem" is currently undergoing safety trials. Its prototype has cost about Rs 17 Crore to the railways.

What is the objective of Indian Railways behind this move?

At present, Indian Railways has 4500 HP diesel locos for freight operation and with the induction of "Bheem", the carrying capacity will increase substantially. Railways will manufacture 15 such locomotives in the current fiscal.

Delhi High Court removed the accusations filed against U.S. based internet giant Yahoo Inc. The company clarified the court that there was no defamatory material posted on its website and that no case was filed against it. Yahoo India has already been discharged by the court for lack of any case against the company.

Against whom & why the suit was filed against websites?

The complaint was filed by Mufti Aijas Arshad Quasmi, against websites allegedly for propagating objectionable material. Mufti Aijas Arshad Quasmi had moved the court against Yahoo, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Orkut, Youtube, Blogspot, Zombie Time, Exboii, Boardreader, IMC India, My Lot, Shyni Blog and Topix and others allegedly for hosting defamatory content.

Govt has trashed the subsidy given to fertilizer companies on ‘Secondary Movement’ of Phosphatic and Potassic fertilisers (P&K) from April 1, 2012.

• The government provides subsidy to fertilizers companies for transportation of these crop nutrients, as per 3 components.
• But, the government will be providing freight subsidy on direct road movement of P&K fertilizers from plant or port to the district headquarters (except single super phosphate) as per the actual distance subject to a maximum distance of 500 km.
• The government to also provide additional freight subsidy for Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar and the 7 North-Eastern states.

Why the distance of 500 km fixed for the direct road movement by the Govt?

In order to ensure no loss of business to railways in terms of fertilizer movement.

What is ‘Primary Movement’ of fertilizers?

The movement of fertilizers from port or plant by rail to various rake points is called 'primary movement' and the cost involved is reimbursed on the basis of railway receipts.

What is ‘Secondary Movement’ of fertilizers?

'Secondary movement' is the transportation of fertilizers from the railway rake points to the district headquarters, which was around Rs 300 per tonne.

Why Govt aims at providing additional subsidy to North East and other hilly states?

The government aims to provide additional subsidy to North East and other hilly states owing to the difficult terrain and high transportation cost as companies are reluctant to move fertilizers there citing under recovery on account of freight and consequential losses.