Brain size and behavior

A Whole New Meaning for Thinking on Your Feet 

Nephila clavipes, a big tropical spider, has plenty of
room in its body for its brain. Credit: Pamela Belding.

Smithsonian researchers report that the brains of tiny spiders are so large that they fill their 
body cavities and overflow into their legs. As part of ongoing research to understand how 
miniaturization affects brain size and behavior, researchers measured the central nervous systems of nine species of spiders, from rainforest giants to spiders smaller than the head of a pin. As the spiders get smaller, their brains get proportionally bigger, filling up more and more of their body cavities. 
“The smaller the animal, the more it has to invest in its brain, which means even very tiny 
spiders are able to weave a web and perform other fairly complex behaviors,” said William Wcislo, 
staff scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. “We discovered that the 
central nervous systems of the smallest spiders fill up almost 80 percent of their total body cavity, including about 25 percent of their legs.” 
Some of the tiniest, immature spiderlings even have deformed, bulging bodies. The bulge 
contains excess brain. Adults of the same species do not bulge. Brain cells can only be so small 
because most cells have a nucleus that contains all of the spider’s genes, and that takes up space. The diameter of the nerve fibers or axons also cannot be made smaller because if they are too thin, the flow of ions that carry nerve signals is disrupted, and the signals are not transferred properly. One option is to devote more space to the nervous system.  
“We suspected that the spiderlings might be mostly brain because there is a general rule for all 
animals, called Haller’s rule, that says that as body size goes down, the proportion of the body taken up by the brain increases,” said Wcislo. “Human brains only represent about 2-3 percent of our body mass. Some of the tiniest ant brains that we’ve measured represent about 15 percent of their biomass, and some of these spiders are much smaller.” 
Brain cells use a lot of energy, so these small spiders also probably convert much of the food 
they consume into brain power. 
The enormous biodiversity of spiders in Panama and Costa Rica made it possible for 
researchers to measure brain extension in spiders with a huge range of body sizes. Nephila clavipes, a Smithsonian Institution   News Dec. 12, 2011 SI-528-2011 2 rainforest giant weighs 400,000 times more than the smallest spiders in the study, nymphs of spiders in the genus Mysmena.  
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a unit 
of the Smithsonian Institution. The Institute furthers the understanding of tropical nature and its 
importance to human welfare, trains students to conduct research in the tropics and promotes 
conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems. 

Website: www.stri.si.edu 

Spiders carefully move their legs
The web-weaving behavior 
A research on brains and spiders

Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief

12/06/2012 03:00 PM CST

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, currently the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced today. President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III [pictured], who's currently serving as the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command. U.S. Army photo  Austin is "one of the military's most seasoned combat leaders," the secretary said, and will "bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department." Austin was the final commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, holding that position from Sept. 1, 2010, until the command was disestablished Dec. 18, 2011. "During his final deployment to Iraq, Gen. Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves," Panetta said. Austin's previous commands include the 3rd Infantry Division, with whom he earned a Silver Star for valor for actions in the early months of the war in Iraq. He also served as commander of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, and as commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq from February 2008 through April 2009. Mattis has commanded Centcom since Aug. 11, 2010, having previously served as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command. "[Mattis] will go down as one of the most celebrated battlefield leaders and strategic military thinkers of our time," Panetta said. Austin's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

Biographies: Leon E. Panetta Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III Related Sites: U.S. Central Command DOD News Release

National Anthem

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and newly commissioned Marine Corps 2nd lieutenants stand for the national anthem at the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School commissioning ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., Aug. 10, 2012.

Carter:

U.S. to Work with Japan on Osprey Analysis

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

TOKYO, July 21, 2012 - Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter answered a barrage of questions on the V-22 Osprey during a press conference with Japanese media representatives here today.

U.S. defense leaders plan to introduce the Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft, into service supporting Japan-based Marine Corps operations later this year. Full operational capability is currently set for October, but several Japanese leaders have notified the central government of their reservations about the aircraft's safety.

Reporters cited two recent crashes -- one in Morocco in April, which killed two people, and another in June that happened in Florida and injured five people -- as cause to delay operating the aircraft in Japan.

The first 12 Ospreys intended for use in Japan are now loaded on cargo ships and heading for Iwakuni, a Japanese port city that is also the site of a U.S. Marine station.

Reporters' questions today focused on whether the United States will stick to the October timeline, despite the concerns of several Japanese leaders and some residents of Iwakuni and Okinawa.

"The Osprey is an important capability; it's going to make an important new contribution to deterrence and to the deterrent capabilities of the alliance," Carter said. "And it's an aircraft that we are flying ... the world over."

The deputy secretary added that as DOD's chief management officer, "The safety of aircraft is a great concern to me, and a great responsibility of mine."

He said he understands that aircraft safety is also extremely important to the government and people of Japan.

"I think that's entirely appropriate," Carter said. "And we are committed to providing your airworthiness experts with all of the data and all of the information about the entire flight history of the V-22, including the two recent incidents, and allowing them to analyze that data and take every step they need to make to reconfirm the airworthiness of that airplane."

The U.S. and Japanese governments have agreed that flight operations will not begin until that reconfirmation has taken place, Carter said.

"This is a process, a technical process of assessing airworthiness," he said. "I think you have to let the experts do their work, have their access to their data, and so forth."

The two governments routinely work together to address airworthiness issues, the deputy secretary noted.

"It's a normal part of the process of confirming flight safety of aircraft of all types," Carter said. "So it's something that is totally understood by Japanese experts as it is by our experts."

Carter said addressing Japanese concerns over the Osprey's safety is an issue the two governments will solve together.

"That's what longstanding, trusting allies that are democracies -- this is how they work things through," the deputy secretary said. He added, "And, you know, we're going to resolve it. That's the whole point.

 

Biographies: Ashton B. Carter Related Sites: Special Report: Travels With Carter

U.S. Deputy Defense Secy addresses Japanese media

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, right, addresses Japanese media in Tokyo, July 21, 2012. Japan is Carter's third stop during a 10-day Asia Pacific trip to meet with partners in Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, India and South Korea

India launches New Generation Strategic Missile

AGNI-V (A-5) successfully flight tested today

India successfully flight-tested the Long Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) Agni-V (A-5) 
from wheeler’s island, in Odisha on April 19, 2012.   (PIB photo)   19-April-2012

Setting a new milestone in the country’s Integrated Missile Development Programme, India’s maiden Long Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) AGNI-V (A-5) was successfully flight tested today. 

The flawless auto-launch of the missile started at 08:04 hours. Piercing the thin cloud cover, the missile took off from the launch pad at Wheeler’s Island in Odisha at 08:07 hours and started rising exactly the way it was designed for. The missile, with a range of more than 5000 kms, followed the entire trajectory in copybook style perfection as the three stages of Propulsion dropped and fell at appropriate intervals into the Bay of Bengal. The three propulsion stages, developed completely indigenously by DRDO, performed exactly the way they were intended to. The indigenously developed Composite Rocket Motors performed well, signifying the country’s stride and complete self-reliance in this complex propulsion technology. 

Ships located in midrange and at the target point tracked the Vehicle and witnessed the final event. Radars and electro-optical systems along the path monitored in real time all the parameters of the Missile. 

A number of new technologies developed indigenously were successfully tested in this A-5 Mission. The redundant Navigation systems, very high accuracy Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and the most modern and accurate Micro Navigation System (MINS) ensured the Missile reach the target point within few meters of accuracy. The high speed onboard computer and fault tolerant software along with robust and reliable bus guided the Missile flawlessly. 

The Vice-President Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister Shri AK Antony and National Security Advisor (NSA) Shri Shiv Shankar Menon have hailed the launch of the Agni-V. Dr Singh and Shri Antony spoke to DRDO chief Dr VK Saraswat and Programme Director Shri Avinash Chander and greeted the DRDO Scientists on the A-5 success. Air Marshal K.J. Mathews, Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command (C-in-C, SFC), who witnessed the launch, said that the success of Agni-V is a historic event for India. Dr V.G. Sekaran, Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Dr S.K. Chaudhari, Director, Research Centre IMARAT (RCI), Shri A.K. Chakrabarti, Director, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Shri S.P. Dash, Director, Interim Test Range (ITR), Shri Guruprasad, Director, Research & Development Engineers (R&DE Engineers, Pune) were present during the launch operations. Shri R.K. Gupta, Project Director guided the team of Scientists and employees of DRDO during the launch activities. (PIB) 19-April-2012 16:15 IST

On the President's address

PM's reply in the Lok Sabha debate 
Madam Speaker, I rise to join all Members of this august House in conveying our sincere thanks to the Honourable President for her enlightened address. The debate on the President’s Address has been very wide-ranging and Shri Jaswant Singhji has made his contribution as well. I thank all the Hon. Members from all sides who have contributed to this debate.

        The President’s Address lays down the objectives and the roadmap that our Government is following and will pursue with greater vigour to deal with the challenges that are mentioned in the President’s Address. The President’s Address in paragraph 10 refers to five important challenges that our country faces today. They are :-

1) to strive for livelihood security for the vast majority of our population and contribute to work for removal of poverty, hunger and illiteracy from our land;
2) to achieve economic security through rapid and broad-based development and creation of productive jobs for our people;
3) to ensure energy security for our rapid growth;
4) to realise our developmental goals without jeopardizing our ecological and environmental security; and
5) to guarantee our internal and external security within the framework of a just, plural, secular and inclusive growth.

Madam, these five challenges sum up the task that lies ahead of our Government in the two-and-a-half years that remain.

        As far as the economy is concerned, my colleague, the hon. Minister of Finance has placed the Economic Survey on the Table of the House and the Economic Survey gives an exhaustive account of the state of the economy. The Finance Minister has also referred to challenges facing us, in his Budget Speech. Madam, all these issues will be thoroughly debated during the general debate on the Budget next week. Therefore, I will be brief while dealing with the economy of the country.


I am sure, hon. Members are aware that we are charting our course through waters that are choppy for all countries today. The year 2011-12 has been a difficult year for all countries. Global growth decelerated everywhere. The Industrialised countries grew at the rate of only 1.6 per cent in 2011, which is half the rate in the previous years. The international economic environment that we face is highly uncertain.

The developments in North Africa and West Asia have led to a steep increase in the prices of hydrocarbons adversely affecting among others prices of fertilisers, food grains and have also put pressure on our balance of payment.

Madam, in this background, our own economic performance of about seven per cent growth- though slower than what we had hoped- must be regarded as commendable. Of course, we cannot view this as acceptable. We must strive to improve upon this in the next year and return as quickly as possible to a higher growth path and we must do this while also ensuring that we will progress towards our objective of achieving inclusive growth with reasonable price stability. Madam, for all this, we need a broad-based national consensus covering all sections of political opinion represented in this august House. This is an occasion when we must rise above narrow partisan ends and stand united as a nation.

Madam, we grew at 9 per cent for five years before 2008, and I do believe that we can get back to that kind of growth rate provided we can agree on a number of difficult decisions. If we succeed in that objective, we will ensure that India continues its rise as an economic power and acquires the economic capability of reducing persistent poverty from which we have suffered and filling the gaps, which are all too evident in critical areas such as health, education, skill-development, and provision of clean drinking water and sanitation. Shri Jaswant Singh referred to the problem of drinking water supply. I assure him that our Government attaches high priority to ensuring that all our citizens have access to clean drinking water. … (Interruptions)
Madam, several Members have referred to the problems faced by weaker sections of our society and I do agree with them that we need to focus, in particular, on the developmental gaps affecting the weaker sections of our population such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, the Other Backward Classes, the Minorities and other disadvantaged groups. I would like to assure the Hon. Members that we will rise to this important task. … (Interruptions)

Madam, the Twelfth Five-Year Plan, which will be presented to the National Development Council (NDC) sometime in the middle of the year, will lay out the credible plan of action for faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth. I do not wish to go into details, but only wish to remind the hon. Members that our path is not easy.
I am sure that the hon. Members also realize that the difficult decisions that we have to take are made more difficult by the fact that we are a coalition Government and we have to evolve policy keeping in mind the need to maintain a consensus. The challenges that this poses have been sharply brought out in the developments following the presentation of the Railway Budget. I would like to use this opportunity to inform the hon. Members of the latest development. Madam, I received late last night an e-mail message followed by a formal letter from Shri Dinesh Trivedi tendering his resignation as the Railway Minister.

I propose to forward this letter to the President with the recommendation to accept Shri Trivedi’s letter of resignation. I regret the departure of Shri Trivedi. He had presented the Railway Budget which promised to carry out the Vision 2020 that was outlined by his predecessor. A new Railway Minister will be sworn in shortly. He will have the onerous duty of carrying forward the challenging task of modernizing our railway system.

Madam Speaker, in a country as large and as complex as ours, and where the farmers of our country constitute 65 per cent of the labour force, it is inevitable that Parliament and the Government should be worried about the state of India’s agriculture. I share the agony of the hon. Members, when they refer to the suicides of our farmers.

        The House has my assurance that we will work with the renewed vigour to ensure that no farmer in our country is forced to go to the extreme level of committing suicide.

Our Government has attached high priority to the development of agriculture, to increase public investment in agriculture, to ensure that there is more attention, technologically, paid to the development of agriculture and as a result, the growth rate of agricultural production within the last five years has been as high as three per cent or 3.5 per cent per annum. This year we are likely to achieve a record production of food grains of 250 million tonnes.

Last year, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the National Horticulture Mission, and the Food Security Mission have all contributed to create a more favourable environment for the growth of agriculture. But I will be the last one to say that more cannot be done. We will, in the Twelfth Five-Year Plan, focus more sharply on the development of our agriculture because the interest of farmers is uppermost in the minds of our Government. That will be the priority we will follow with due diligence.

Madam, there were references to the price situation in the country. I do admit that in the last two years, the prices have become a problem. Fortunately, there are indications that prices are coming under control, but we have to be vigilant. It was in this context that the Finance Minister’s effort to control the fiscal deficit is very relevant. Our fiscal deficit did increase in the year 2008-09 because of the developments in the international economic environment, and it was our hope that we will be able to get back to a more reasonable level of fiscal deficit in the year 2011-12.The Finance Minister had projected a fiscal deficit of 4.8 per cent for that year. It turns out that the fiscal deficit will be as high as 5.9 per cent. The Finance Minister has committed our Government to work towards a reduction in the fiscal deficit to 5.1 per cent in the next year. It is very important that the Finance Minister succeeds in the control of fiscal deficit, in the control over the balance of payments deficit to a more reasonable level as it is essential for us to achieve our objectives of growth with reasonable price stability.

Since these matters will be debated at length during the debate on the Budget, I do not propose to spend more time in dealing with these issues. However, there are certain matters which I would like to refer to and one of these relates to the establishment of National Counter Terrorism Centre. While discussing issue relating to the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Shri Rajnath Singh Ji questioned the sincerity of our Government while dealing with problems of the terrorism. 

        Madam, dealing with terrorism and dealing effectively as well as the control of left wing extremism constitute two big challenges before our country and for all the growth objectives that we have, particularly,  the developments of the Central Indian regions.  The States of Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand are infested with left wing extremism.  Control over the left wing extremism and control over terrorism are absolute necessities if we are to achieve our growth objectives.
 
        Madam, let me assure the House that our Government is committed to providing fully secured living conditions to its citizens and it will take every possible step to deal with the menace of terrorism.  In fact, setting up the NCTC is an important step in that direction. Concern has been raised that the Central Government is trying to encroach upon the jurisdiction of the State Government and it has been suggested that they should be taken into confidence before the National Counter Terrorism Centre becomes operational.  The question of setting up of National Counter Terrorism Centre has been discussed at various fora since the report of the Group of Ministers appointed by the previous Government and the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission were submitted. Multi-agency Centre that was established in 2001 was a pre-cursor to the NCTC and the need for a single and effective point of consideration for coordination for counter terrorism has been discussed in meetings on internal security of Chief Ministers. As has been pointed out by some Members that a number of Chief Ministers have expressed their concern after the order was issued and I have replied to them that there will be consultations before the next steps are taken.  The consultation was held on 12th March, 2012 with the Chief Secretaries and DGPs from different State Governments.  The meeting of the Chief Ministers on Internal Security has been called which was originally scheduled for 15th February, 2012 but because of elections, it had to be postponed.  It is now scheduled on 16th April, 2012.  Therefore, adequate and full consultations will take place before the next steps are taken. 

Madam, I think that the idea of NCTC and the manner in which the NCTC will function are two separate issues. The idea of NCTC, you have all agreed is unexceptional. And the manner in which the NCTC will function, there may be differences about tingle but I am confident that through discussions and dialogues, these differences could be narrowed down and a consensus can be arrived and that will be our sincere efforts. 

Madam, another issue which was raised during the debate relates to the state of Sri Lankan Tamils. Some Members have raised concern regarding the situation in Sri Lanka. The Central Government fully shares the concerns and sentiments raised by hon. Members regarding the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils. Since the end of conflict in Sri Lanka, our focus has been on the welfare and well being of the Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka. Their resettlement and rehabilitation has been of the highest and most immediate priority for our Government. The steps taken by the Central Government in this regard has been outlined in the suo motu statement made by the External Affairs Minister on 14th March, 2012. As a result of our constructive engagement with the Government of Sri Lanka and our considerable assistance programme, the modicum of normalcy is beginning to return to the Tamil areas in Sri Lanka. There has also been progress, given the withdrawal of emergency regulations by the Government of Sri Lanka and the conduct of elections to local bodies in the Northern provinces of Sri Lanka.

Members have also raised the issue of human rights violations during the protracted conflict in Sri Lanka and on the US initiated draft resolution on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka at the on-going 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Government of India has emphasised to the Government of Sri Lanka the importance of a genuine process of reconciliation to address the grievances of the Tamil community. In this connection, we have called for implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Commission appointed by Sri Lankan Government that has been tabled before the Sri Lankan Parliament. These include various constructive measures of healing the wounds of the conflict and fostering the process of lasting peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

We have asked the Government of Sri Lanka to stand by its commitment towards pursuit of a political process through a broader dialogue with all parties including the Tamil National Alliance leading to the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution so as to achieve meaningful devolution of power and genuine national reconciliation. We hope that the Government of Sri Lanka recognises the critical importance of this issue, act decisively and with vision in this regard. We will remain engaged with them through this process and encourage them to take forward the dialogue with the elected representatives of Sri Lankan Tamils.

As regards the issue of a draft resolution initiated by the United States at the on-going 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, we do not yet have the final text of the Resolution. However, I may assure the House that we are inclined to vote in favour of a Resolution. That, we hope, will advance our objective, namely, the achievement of the future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is marked by equality, dignity, justice and self-respect.

Madam, Shri Jaswant Singhji has raised the issue of Gorkhaland Darjeeling Hill Council. I wish to assure this House that we have worked with sincerity to find an amicable solution to this difficult problem. We recognise the contribution made by the Government of West Bengal in facilitating this outcome. Whatever issues are outstanding, the House has my assurance, we will work with the same constructive spirit to find a pragmatic, practical and viable solution.

Madam, I would not like to take more of the time of this House. I once again join all Members in thanking hon. President for her enlightened address which I hope we can adopt with acclamation.

Thank you.

***** PIB (19-March-2012 18:05 IST)

Ms. Amena Afzali signing an MoU

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik and the Cabinet Minister for Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD), Ms. Amena Afzali signing an MoU between the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled, Government of Afghanistan and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in New Delhi on March 06, 2012.  (PIB photo)   06-March-2012

Conclusion of the polling in the five states election

CEC addressing a press conference

The Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. S.Y Quraishi addressing a press conference on the conclusion of the polling in the five states election, in New Delhi on March 03, 2012. The Election Commissioners, Shri V.S. Sampath and Shri H.S. Brahma are also seen. (PIB photo)  03-March-2012

Ludhiana went on strike

Workers marched with flags and banners in all corners

Various sections of workers and employees of industries, Khet Mazdoors, Construction workers, Hosiery workers, Banks, LIC, BSNL, Transport, Power Sector, Anagnwadi, Asha workers and workers working in other government and semi government sectors in Ludhiana went on strike today on a call given by the All Central Trade Unions  and several National Federations of Employees for a nationwide strike on 28thFebruary 2012 against the anti people, anti workers and anti employees policies of the central and state governments. 

After stopping work in their respective organizations in all the corners of Ludhiana the workers marched with flags and banners and raising slogans of their demands and gathered outside the office of Deputy Commissioner at Mini Secretariat in a big number. 

Addressing the massive rally state leaders Com Inderjit Singh Grewal-President CTU, S. Swaran Singh–Central Committee member INTUC and Com Om Parkash Mehta-Senior Vice President AITUC said that  the call for the strike has been given to demand revision of minimum wages for the workers as Rs. 10,000-00 per month, filling up of all vacant posts on regular basis and not on contract basis, revised provident fund and bonus to all workers without any pre conditions, increase in gratuity rates, pension to all workers/employees, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days of filing registration papers, creation of social security fund for the workers in un organized sector as per recommendations of the permanent Parliamentary committee and implementation of labour laws as per ILO convention 87 and 98.
The speakers decried that as a result of neo liberal economic policies pursued at the diktat of World Bank, IMF and WTO our country has witnessed jobless growth as a result of which the condition of toiling masses in India has become miserable. Unprecedented rise in prices of essential commodities has led to rampant malnutrition. This has been made worse due to rise in unemployment. There is total denial of even present stipulated minimum wages not only by the private but also by the public sector units. 
Others who addressed the rally include  Comrades Dharm Paul Maur, Vijay Kumar, Kewal Krishan and  Gurnam Sidhu of AITUC, Shri Nageshwar, Gurbax Rai, Jia Lal Gautam and Bhagirath Paliwal of BMS, Comrades Jatinder Pal and Jagdish Chand, Com Tarsem Jodhan, Com Subhash Rani from CITU, Comrades Paramjit Singh, Daljeet Singh, Mohan Lal Paswan and Raja Ram of CTU, Shri Gujit Singh Jagpal, S K Tiwari, Kaur Chand and Jagmel Singh Khera of INTUC, Com Naresh Gaur- Secretary Bank Employees Federation, Com Gulzar Goria-Gen Secretary Khet Mazdoor Sabha Punjab, Com Kewal Singh Banwait and Com.Ramesh Rattan.
In their address they took a serious note of the fact that despite raising these demands by the workers for a long time, the government under the pressure of corporate sector is ignoring the demands of the workers which has led to flouting of labour laws with impunity not only by the private but also by the public sector. There is no provision for social security to the unorganized workers. Govt. has failed to curb the rising prices and solve the problem of unemployment causing serious effect on the lives of toiling masses.
Rally expressed satisfaction that it is for the first time that all trade unions have united on one platform on these demands. The leaders warned that if even now the government does not pay heed to the demands and condition of workers, they would be forced to launch more militant struggle in future.  

BKU(Ekta) Bharti Kisan Union Ekta also staged a dharna opposite Mini Secretariat Ludhiana. Speakers raised the issues like Gobindpura and explained the anti farmer policies of Punjab Govt. Rural villages labourer Daarshan Koohli, Hardev Singh Sandhu, Mohinder Singh Seeno, Nirmal Singh Bhamaal, Baldev Singh Rasoolpur, Comrade Kuldeep Singh, Avtar Singh  Taari, Sudagar Singh Ghudani, Tarlochan Singh, Gurcharan Singh, Harbans Singh Lohat Badhi also addressed the BKU rally.   
Other unions:Harjinder Singh from Molder and Steel Workers Union, Romesh Kumar from Hosiery workers union, Malkeet singh from Mazdoor unions Khanna, Samrala area also participated with their supporters.

Signing a MoU between India and USA

The Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and the US Labour Secretary, Ms. Hilda Solis signed a MoU on labour & employment between India and USA, at Washington DC on February 02, 2012.     PIB photo........04-February-2012

Greeting a guest

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta greets a guest at a Martin Luther King Jr. observance in the Pentagon auditorium Jan. 26, 2012. Keynote speaker the Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles, a civil rights activist, knew King and witnessed his assassination. (Department of Defense photo By Glenn Fawcett/Released)

The Vice President witnessing the Ghoomer

The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari witnessing the Ghoomer dance performed by the Rajasthan Tableaux Artistes, who participated in Republic-Day Parade-2012, in New Delhi on January 27, 2012.   (PIB)

Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, at the ‘At Home` reception

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and his wife Smt. Gursharan Kaur with the Chief Guest of Republic Day the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, at the ‘At Home` reception, hosted by the President, on the occasion of the 63rd Republic Day celebrations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 26, 2012.  (PIB photo)

Address to the Nation on the eve of Republic Day

President of India,Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Republic Day

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing the Nation on the eve of the 63rd Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 25, 2012.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, addressed the Nation on the eve of the 63rd Republic Day. Following is the text of the President’s address on the occasion: 
Dear Citizens, 

On the eve of our 63rd Republic Day, I convey my warmest greetings to all of you across the country, from every walk of life and in different parts of the world. I convey my special greetings to the Armed Forces and the Para-Military Forces who guard our frontiers with great vigil and valour, in high mountainous terrains, deserts and the plains, on the coasts and the seas. I also convey my best wishes to our internal security forces and to our civil services. I compliment all citizens for their contribution to the process of nation-building. 

We are living in a world that is complex and challenging. Forces of globalization have created an interlinked and interdependent world. No country exists in isolation; it is continuously being influenced by external developments. All nations, developed and developing, are facing the impact of global economic instability, as well as problems of unemployment and inflation, in varying degrees. Indeed, the 21st Century has brought in its trail a host of issues at a breath-taking pace. There are growing aspirations of the people, coupled with their expectations of immediate solutions. We are observing, an information explosion and ever-newer technological inventions. These have altered lifestyles and there is also a growing quest for materialism. There are persistent questions about how growth and resources will be shared in a more equitable manner. There are worries about the direction in which the human community is heading in this age of globalization, knowledge and technology. 

For us in India, the discourse is about how an ancient civilization and a young nation, will move ahead to take India to its destiny. Our vision and our goals are clear. We look at building our country, as one whose economy demonstrates a robustness to grow, so that we can become a developed nation. For us, however, economic prosperity alone is not enough. We look towards an India, where there is equity and justice. We look at democracy, rule of law and human values, as being essential for making our country strong. We want a scientific and technological outlook in our people. We also look towards India as a country which will continue to bring moral force on to the global stage. I believe that there is a unity behind this vision of India. But, yet, sometimes one gets distracted by discordant pulls and pressures. How should we proceed to build our nation and its people? I believe that the answer lies in our age old values; the ideals of our freedom movement; the principles of our Constitution, as also in our unity, a positive attitude and our aspiration to grow. 

It is often said, but not fully realized, that we are very fortunate to have a rich legacy of values, traditions and teachings. The ageless spirit of India, the eternal voice of India, has been resonating through millennia. What are those intrinsic qualities which have seen India prosper through centuries and eras? What is the message that should light our path, as we chart our future course? Our civilizational ethos contains the lessons of duty and truth. It tells us to be humane in all our thoughts and deeds. It highlights the qualities of compassion, care and of respect for others. It teaches that human beings and nature must exist in harmony with each other. All issues should be viewed in the context of humanity as a whole. Concepts, like ‘समन्वय’, ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः’ ‘वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम’, are the very essence of Indian thought. This philosophy has given succeeding generations the inherent strength to grow, embracing in their fold a vast diversity of cultures, languages, religions and communities. So, when the question is asked, as to what ideals should be placed before the new generation, to take the country forward, should then there be any dithering or doubt in a country like India? As the inheritors of thousands of years of history and culture, we should follow the high ideals of our age-old civilization. More particularly, the youth should understand this, as they are the architects of the future as well. Our past becomes the essential guide for the future as well. In this context, I recall the lines of Gurudev Tagore, “Every great people holds its history so valuable because… it contains not mere memories, but hope, and therefore the image of the future.” The past of India has been glorious and so must be its future. 

We can also draw inspiration from our independence movement. It was a unique struggle, as it involved non-violent methods and required extraordinary mass discipline, steadfastness and patience. We followed this course, under the leadership of Gandhiji, because we had faith in ourselves and in our strength. Surely, we can demonstrate the same discipline in nation building. But, how do we do this? It is, only when we resolve to make the goal of nation building more important, than anything else and, show strong belief in it. It is then that courage, confidence and determination, shall be our companions in this task, which has to be carefully piloted in a constitutionally acceptable order. 

In fact, during various times of difficulties or when searching for an answer, the Constitution has provided us our moorings. It was framed by those who had participated in the freedom struggle, and had a deep understanding of the aspirations of the people, and of our culture. The Constitution has been and should be our compass, guiding us in nation-building. It is the charter of our democracy. It is the document guaranteeing individual freedoms to its citizens. It is the basis on which institutions of the State have been created and have derived their powers and functions. Our Constitution is a living and dynamic instrument, which has demonstrated its ability to be flexible enough to meet the demands of changing times, while retaining its basic features. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar in his closing speech at the Constituent Assembly said, “The first thing in my judgment we must do is to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives.” Unquote. 

Dear Citizens, 

There is tremendous work to be done to move forward on our social and economic agenda, if we are to achieve fast, inclusive and sustainable growth. Our foremost priority is the removal of poverty, hunger and malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. All social welfare programmes must be implemented efficiently. Agencies involved in the delivery of services should have a strong sense of duty and work in a transparent, corruption-free, time-bound and accountable manner. 

We have a population which is predominantly young. With education and training, they can become skilled and, thus, capable of finding their livelihoods, starting their own businesses and thus, becoming productive assets. Reinforcing our health and education sectors is fundamental for developing our human resources. Primary education is now a fundamental right for children. There is a commitment to universalize secondary education. Expansion of school education will also require increase in the number of higher education institutions. This process has to be structured with great thoughtfulness, to ensure quality and excellence. Moreover, education must reach every section of our society, as must access to health reach all. We need to expand health services, particularly in rural areas. We need quality medical facilities for our population, which are affordable. In today's era of ICT, technology can be very useful in our mission of health and education. In fact, science and technology is a critical input for the growth of the nation and for all sectors of the economy. Focus on research and development is an investment in our future. Our agriculture, industry and service sectors need to be working more efficiently, with greater scientific inputs and more inter-linkages with each other. Agriculture, however, is one sector whose integration with other sectors of the economy remains inadequate. We need to look at models of partnership, of farmers with industry and with R&D institutions in various activities, so that, not only does agricultural productivity increase, but farmers benefit as well. Special focus is necessary on dryland farming, given its enormous potential and, the fact that, a large proportion of farm labour and poor farmers are dependent on it. At the same time, it is very important to build our physical infrastructure – such as roads, ports and airports, to overcome constraints to rapid growth. 

I strongly believe that women need to be drawn fully into the national mainstream. Empowerment of women will have a very big impact on creating social structures that are stable. The National Mission on Empowerment of Women set up in 2010, should help in the co-coordinated delivery of women-centric and women-related programmes. An important component of women’s development is their economic and social security. Social prejudices prevalent in our society which have led to gender discrimination need to be corrected. Social evils like female foeticide, child marriage and dowry must be eradicated. Status of women is an important indicator of progress in a society. 

Dear Citizens, 

India can take pride in its democratic record, but as in any functional democracy, it faces pressures and challenges. An important feature of a democracy is the constant expression of opinions. This process of incessant dialogue should flow in such a manner, that we are willing to listen to each other. Those who believe in democracy must try to see whether there is rationale in the others’ point of view. Gandhiji once said, “Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side. We shut the doors of reason when we refuse to listen.” The purpose of discussions and deliberations is to find solutions. Often, we are quick to find blame with others; but, yet are unable to give constructive responses. There seems to be a tendency to doubt almost everything. Do we not have faith in our own people’s strengths and in our institutions? Can we afford distrust amongst ourselves? Nations are built through great patience and sacrifices. Concord and not discord is the way forward for a country as large as India. All issues, therefore, must be resolved through dialogue and there can be no place for violence. Negativity and rejection cannot be the path for a vibrant country that is moving to seek its destiny. Our work, our values and our approach, must be based on the vast capability and capacity that India and its people have. 

Our institutions may not be flawless, but they have coped with many challenges. Our Parliament has enacted path-breaking laws. Our Government has put together schemes for the progress and welfare of the people. Our judiciary has a reputable standing. Our media too has played an important role. With all institutions working together for the same national purpose it will create a stream of positive energy. Our effort to improve is an on-going process. While bringing about reforms and improving institutions, we have to be cautious that while shaking the tree to remove the bad fruit, we do not bring down the tree itself. There will be short term pressures, but in this process we must not lose sight of the long term goals, and must work together on our core national agenda. I do hope in the spirit of national interest, matters of national importance, are discussed and solutions are found between different stakeholders. This will strengthen the roots of our democracy and the foundations of our nation. We have a shared future, and we should not forget that it can be achieved if we demonstrate a sense of responsibility and a show of unity. I think India could set an example before the democratic world of progress and growth. 

Dear Citizens, 

India’s foreign policy is aimed at the promotion of an environment that is conducive to its socio-economic transformation. We seek to build bridges of cooperation and friendship with all countries of the world. We constructively engage with the international community to find responses to global challenges. The role and stature of India, has been growing and our nation has been scaling up in the ladder of the comity of nations. India seeks an architecture for global institutions that is more reflective of contemporary realities. We are also proud of the contributions of the Indian Diaspora, spread over many countries and across continents, to the economic, professional and political fields of the countries where they live.

Dear Citizens, 

In conclusion, I would like to say that we must build a strong, prosperous nation, based upon a firm system of values. As we remove poverty, let us also enrich our thoughts. As we remove disease, let us all remove ill-will towards others. As our youth study more and acquire more knowledge, let them also learn to be more involved in activities for the progress of the nation, other than only self advancement. As we legislate, let us also understand that the most effective law is the conscience of citizens. As we advance in science and technology, let us realize and understand that it is more for human welfare. As we use the Earth’s resources, let us not forget to replenish and renew its vitality. On the eve of our Republic Day, let me once again convey my greetings, to all fellow citizens and end with the following lines which describe an India we should work for: 

बहें जहां सदभाव की नदियां। 
उगें जहां नैतिकता की फ़सलें। 
सब मन एकता का गीत सुनाएं। 
पग-पग देश का विकास बढ़ाएं। 
मिलकर ऐसा देश बनाएं। 
JAI HIND!
******
                                                                                                                PIB

25th Anniversary of the Mizo Peace Accord

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar at the inauguration of the Centre for North Eastern Culture and exhibition on the 25th Anniversary of the Mizo Peace Accord, organised by North-Eastern Council and Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, in New Delhi on January 24, 2012. The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Culture, Kum. Selja and the Minister of State for Water Resources and Minority Affairs, Shri Vincent Pala are also seen.

Amarinder forced to adopt PPP agenda – Dr. Johal

PPP is happy that it is the agenda setting party of Punjab

Courtesy photo: The Tribune

Chandigarh : Capt. Amarinder Singh has been shamelessly trying to copy the campaign agenda of the People's Part of Punjab (PPP). While he had tried to dismiss the PPP agenda initially, now he is trying to ape it in a desperate attempt to save himself from oblivion. Copy cats like Amarinder will no doubt be rejected by the people of Punjab because of their inability to present anything new and worthwhile. 
Dr. Sardara Singh Johal, Patron of PPP stated that it was PPP which was the first party to announce doing away with the VIP culture and stopping all beacon lights and security paraphernalia. Amarinder, who being a feudal lord, is himself trapped in the false aura of servants, orderlies and hanger-ons; is now desperately trying to salvage his piteous situation by claiming that the Congress part would do away with these.

Punjabis know how Amarinder has misused the apparatus of the state when he was the Chief Minister. And now when people are revolting against this system, he has been forced to present a different view of himself.

Similarly, it was the People's Party of Punjab which announced the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Rozgar Yojana. Capt. Amarinder who failed to come up with a policy program blindly copied it in the Congress manifesto. Not only that the Congress has also copied the Bebe Nanki Shagun scheme. The list goes on, but it only shows the intellectual bankruptcy of the Congress party.

While the PPP is happy that it is the agenda setting party of Punjab, it is with regret that the other parties are mere copy cats who are unable to formulate their own independent agenda. However, it is glad that the voice of the people which is manifest thought the PPP is increasingly becoming the agenda of all political parties in the state.    ***

Prime Minister releases the book

“The Tribune 130 Years: a witness to history” 

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing at the release of the book titled “The Tribune 130 years: a witness to history”, at a function, in New Delhi on January 19, 2012.(PIB)

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh releasing the book titled “The Tribune 130 years: a witness to history”, at a function, in New Delhi on January 19, 2012. (PIB photo)  

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has released the book titled “The Tribune 130 years: a witness to history” in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion: 

“I am delighted to be in the midst of The Tribune family once again. The last time I was involved in your celebrations, I had the pleasure of releasing an anthology of selected writings to commemorate 125 years of this magnificent paper.

Today marks the release of a comprehensive history of The Tribune, on completion of 130 years of its publication. It is truly pleasant to go down the memory lane with the newspaper of my choice which has been my staple reading every morning for decades.

‘A Witness to History’ is an apt title of a book that records the 130 year old history of The Tribune. Indeed, this history stands closely intertwined with the story of our country’s journey during this turbulent period.

Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, the newspaper’s founder was a man of rare foresight and a great reformist. He was inspired by high ideals and wanted The Tribune to be free of any sectarian or commercial bias, and unaligned to any dogma or political party. I am happy that the newspaper has by and large lived up to its founder’s vision. While being an effective watchdog of the interests of the people it has practiced responsible and credible journalism.

The Tribune has also been a wonderful example of good what trusteeship is about. Its Trustees have been men and women who have distinguished themselves in their respective professions and who embody the spirit of The Tribune very aptly.

The newspaper is one of the very few in the country where the editor is insulated – as much as is possible - from managerial demands and proprietorial interests. But even more importantly, the newspaper has always been blessed with Editors of impeccable credentials. My friend Raj is one of them, with many very illustrious names before him and some of them are present on this happy occasion.

I compliment all those who have helped shape The Tribune into the newspaper it is today—the generations before us and the current torch-bearers of this fine institution.

I congratulate the author of ‘A Witness to History’ Professor V.N. Datta for writing such a fine book. Prof Datta recounts how in the early years of the 20th century The Tribune became passionate as a patriotic and nationalist newspaper. He elaborates how from 1920 onwards, as events began moving at a fast pace and as communal tensions began building up, the newspaper’s sober and reasoned approach attempted to bridge the divide between the Hindus and the Sikhs on the one hand and the Muslims on the other. The Tribune was opposed to the dismemberment of India and made sincere efforts to prevent it, but in vain.

Glancing through the pages of ‘A Witness to History’ I was struck by the words of an avid Tribune reader who wrote to the newspaper on September the 25, 1947, the day The Tribune resumed publication from Shimla, after Partition had forced it to move out of Lahore. And he wrote: “The heart of Punjab has begun to beat again, though the pulse is yet faint.”

On May 13, 1948, to mark the Tribune’s shift to Ambala, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wrote in a special message to the newspaper in his inimitable style: “You have passed through many difficulties and have stood many tests. I trust you will not be carried away by momentary passions but will function with a vision of the future before you.”

We have come a long way from the early years of The Tribune. Today, while India sits at the high table of nations and is looked upon and heard with respect, a vibrant media is crucial to our needs—a media that informs and educates, a media that is inspired by public interest and not guided by sectarian or commercial considerations.

The Indian media of today has its inevitable highs and lows. Every day we see examples of journalism of a very high calibre. There are instances of fair and accurate reporting, free of biases. There are stories with painstaking research to back them up. Journalists often expose wrongdoings even at considerable risk to themselves. There are efforts to report constructively on subjects that are of vital national importance.

But we also see sensationalism, driven by a desire to sell a story at any cost. There are stories without a clear understanding of the underlined issues. There is reporting which is prejudiced. There is trivialisation of important matters. There is corruption. The prevalence of the practice of ‘paid news’ exposed recently has come as a shock to all right-thinking people.

It has been our government’s avowed belief that the Fourth Estate is an essential pillar of our democracy. We believe in complete independence of the media from external control. It is true that sometimes irresponsible journalism can have serious consequences for social harmony and public order, which the public authorities have an obligation to maintain, but censorship is no answer. It is for the members of the Fourth Estate themselves to collectively ensure that objectivity is promoted and sensationalism is curbed. It is for them to introspect how best they can serve our country and society and advance their well-being, and how best they can earn the respect of our common citizens. Those in the media should come together to exercise a degree of self-regulation to combat perversions like paid news.

It is an important responsibility of the media to expose corruption and other ills in our polity and society. It should also advise the government and even reprimand it when it goes wrong. But let me also suggest that it should not be all gloom and doom all the time. The world is looking up to us today and it would be but fair that positive news is also given its due share. The Indian development story is an exciting one and should be told through the print and visual mediums.

I believe that good journalism is very serious business and a very difficult work. The responsibilities that journalists carry are onerous - to inform and educate the public, to keep a watch on the government’s work and to highlight issues of critical importance. It is hard to be a good journalist - ever willing to learn, ever alert to new developments, objective, fair, sensitive, balanced and constructive in approach.

However, I also believe that collectively the country’s journalists have acquitted themselves reasonably well. I am convinced that the Indian media is on the balance responsible and attuned to serving national interest. I am also sure that the coming years will see even higher standards from our media.

I thank you for inviting me for this fine occasion. Let me end by saying that I look forward to many more milestones in this newspaper’s onward march. Sardar Dyal Singh Majitha had charged the future generations of Tribune’s editors and other journalists with the mandate to “act for the public weal”. I am sure that advice will remain the guiding principle for The Tribune in the years to come. May God bless its path.”  (PIB)   * * *