Food Security of India: An Overview by SC Modgal, eminent agricultural scientist and former vice-chancellor of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, was recently published by National Book Trust. It was formally launched by S Ayyappan, secretary (DARE) and director general, ICAR. Terming the book “an excellent read” and “timely”, Ayyappan congratulated the author and the trust for bringing out a book on such a vital subject for the general readers and policy makers.
In his observations on the book, Padma Bhushan RB Singh, agricultural scientist and a Padma Bhushan awardee, brought home the cultural and political aspects of food security for a billion plus population of India. He appreciated the ‘pro-poor’ approach of the book in dealing with the subject. Earlier Modgal proposed that the government should not only concentrate on Make in India campaign but should also make a determined pitch for ‘bake in India’ programme for the larger benefits of farmers and agriculturists.
Anand Sarup, ex-secretary (Education) raised fundamental questions about agriculture science education in India and appealed to scholars to do some introspection about the actual outcome of their research that benefit farmers and citizens.
Social Message
Recently, 200 timber smugglers from Sironcha surrendered in front of forest department in presence of Tribal Welfare state minister Raje Ambrishrao. A programme was organised in Asarali village of Sironcha Taluka. Smugglers from 13 villages came forward. It was due to the efforts of the government in recent years.
Sironcha is surrounded by Pranhita, Godavari and Indravati rivers on three sides and 88 per cent of the area has a forest cover. Situated at the southern tip of Gadchiroli district, it shares its border with Telangana on one side and Chhattisgarh on the other side. Particular spatial location and socio-economic factors have made area naxal affected and the issue of timber smuggling is rampant in the area. Forty two smugglers from a village named Kotapalli and 45 from Nadikuda — two most notorious villages also surrendered. One smuggler said they will not let the name of their village be spoiled in the future.
lap of luxury
Silverglades group, one of India’s leading boutique developers, specialising in golf-based leisure developments and luxury residential housing projects, hosted the Annual Family Carnival and Skinners Cup Golf Tournament at its flagship project Tarudhan Valley Golf Resort, Gurgaon. Recently, residents participated for a day of fun activities at the resort.
Spread over 65 lush green acres, Tarudhan Valley is India’s first gated golf community designed to include exotic golf homes around a nine-hole golf course. Anubhav Jain, director of Silverglades said, “We at Silverglades take great pride in creating addresses that are timeless and iconic and the Tarudhan Valley is a sterling example of this vision. The Skinners Cup Golf Tournament reflects the brilliant connect of sports, lifestyle and modern luxury at Tarudhan Valley.”
Festive spirit
The series of cultural events began on September 13 under banner of Dilli Haat Utsav, are scheduled to continue till March 31, 2015. Different institutions are showcasing their unique creations through artistic expression of dance and music. With a first of its kind unique initiative, Dilli Haat Utsav has given an organised platform to different artists for presenting their talent. Rajasthani folk dance and music was performed by Natraj creations from SKP at Dilli Haat INA while Dilli Haat Pitampura swayed to the melodious qawwali performed by artists from Urdu Academy. In contrast to the cold weather, blazing bhangra and other Punjabi folk dance performances (by SKP) enthralled people at Dilli Haat Janakpuri. In the past weekends, the event has attracted many people to their nearest Dilli Haat to witness the action unfold and the coming weekends will also be packed with colourful and vibrant presentations.
In a nutshell
Taparia has launched torque wrenches in both the standard and ratcheted types. Torque wrench is a versatile tool, which also acts as an instrument for measurement of torque to be imparted on threaded fasteners. Designers of structures, automobile and other assemblies often specify torque value for various sizes of bolted joints to achieve optimum clamping force. Hence, the need arises for an instrument which can impart correct torque value while tightening simultaneously.
The torque wrenches are made from high grade steel to withstand maximum fatigue, wear and tear. All load bearing component are heat treated and toughened for long life and durability through three way signal — touch, sight and sound. Clear accurate scales are marked through special CNC marking machines.
Taparia has also launched tools trolley with reinforced double wall frame with single piece casting enabling high strength and long life. High quality ball bearing slides enable smooth drawer opening. Rear locking system avoids opening of the drawers when the trolley is being moved. The castors are smooth, strong and chemical resistant and have a load capacity of up to almost 250 kilograms.