RIL Begins Production Of Crude Oil In Krishna Godavari Basin

In a significant development India’s industrial giant Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) , the country’s biggest private sector company on the basis of turnover, started production of crude oil at KG- D 6 block of the Krishna Godavari basin on September 17,2008 . According to RIL Chairman Mr. Mukesh Ambani , the field would initially produce about 5,000 barrels of crude per day.Reliance is the biggest exploration acreage holder in the private sector in India. RIL’s exploration and production assets comprise 54 blocks across eight countries. The Company , which boasts of a success ratio of over 60 percent , has so far 42 discoveries to its name . The KG-D6 venture is a first –of its – kind hydrocarbon production from any deep water field in India. The venture is slated to account for 40 percent of India’s current indigenous hydrocarbons production in a matter of one and a half years. According to company estimates, the production from the KG_D6 facility will help the country save a yearly foreign exchange outflow of $20 billion.The KG-D 6 block (KG-DWN-98/3) was awarded to RIL under the National Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP)- I. In the venture , RIL holds 90 percent participation interest while Niko Resources Limited holds 10 percent. The block is located in the Bay of Bengal, 50 km off the Kakinada coast (Andhra Pradesh), at a depth of 8,000 feet. The company has commenced production within just over two years from the time of oil discovery , making KG-D6 one of the faster Greenfield deep water oil development projects in the world.India’s current hydrocarbon oil and gas production is 1.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). An initial flow of 5,000 barrels per day is expected to go up to 5,50,000 barrels of oil equivalent over the next six to eight quarters. 5,50,000 barrels per day of hydrocarbons can pump cooking gas to 100-200 million households. 2,000 engineers, technical and management personnel worked on the project.The vessel employed in the project , Dhirubhai-1 is the first vessel of its kind in Indian waters and has the ability to operate in water depths of greater than 1,200 metres. The vessel boasts of a number of features which can help it withstand harsh sea conditions.What makes RIL’s feat more special is the fact that production was achieved despite challenges such as harsh environment , lack of data, low seabed, severe temperature , supply-related problems and shortage of competent technicians. The company sources made it clear that the refinery would begin production in the next few months and gas production would commence from early 2009

Cabinet Approves Judges Inquiry (Amendment ) Bill

The Union Cabinet approved the Judges Inquiry (Amendment) Bill, 2008, on October 8, 2008. The new Bill makes Supreme Court and High court Judges accountable for their acts, including corruption and incapacity . With the introduction of this bill, the Judges Inquiry Bill, 2006 would be withdrawn.The Bill provides for establishing a National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate and inquire into allegations of misbehavior or incapacity on the part of a judge of the Supreme Court or of a High court as well as regulate the procedure for investigation and inquiry. Thus , the provisions of the new Bill would bring about transparency in the functioning of the judiciary by making judges more accountable and would also enhance its prestige.Any person can complain to the NJC against judges of the Supreme Court (except the CJI), and the Chief Justices and judges of the High Courts . If the complaint is against a Supreme court Judge, the NJC will consist of the CJI and four seniormost judges of the apex court . If it is against the CJI , the CJI will not take part in the proceedings and the President shall nominate the next seniormost judge.In the new Bill, there is a provision for preliminary scrutiny and verification by the NJC . if a judge is proved guilty, the NJC can recommend his or her removal through impeachment by the parliament. However, where the proved misbehavior does not warrant removal , the NJc can impose minor measures such as issuing advisory , requesting retirement, stoppage of assignment of judicial work for a limited time, and warning censure or admonition (public or private). The NJC cannot impose or recommend any minor measure in the case of a reference by the Speaker of the Lock Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on a motion for removal.

Smoking Ban Across Indian Comes Into Force

The notification issued on May 30, 2008 by the Union Health Minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss , for the ban under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 came into force on Gandhi Jayanti i.e. October 2, 2008. Smoking is banned at public place all over the country. Any violation of the ban is a punishable offence with a fine up to Rs. 200.Union Health Minister Dr. Ramadoss welcomed the Supreme Court order declining to stay the Centre’s notification prohibiting smoking . The Supreme Court , on September 29, 2008. had refused to stay ban on smoking in public places. A Bench consisting of Justice B. Agrawal and Justice G.S. Singhvi rejected the contention that enforcement of the notification would result in inspector raj and needless harassment , thus paving the way for implementation of the Centre’s notification dated May 30, 2008.Dr Ramadoss described the ban as a major step towards providing a smoke-free atmosphere and protecting non- smokers from passive smoking . He said he had personally written to Governors. Chief Ministers , Health Ministers and Members of Parliament to ensure effective implementation of the ban. According to him , Delhi , Jharkhand and Chandigarh are some States which have already begun implementing the ban. In case of Maharashtra and Bihar which expressed their inability to impose it, he said all effortr , hncltdinf litigation , would be lade to presrurise the States to implement the prohibition . Massive publicity and awareness campaigns would also be launched .Smoking will be prohibited at all places to which the public has access, including auditoriums, health institutions, government buildings , stadiums, workplace , shopping malls , restaurants, etc. However in case of large hotels and restaurants having more than 30 rooms or 30 seats , and airports, a provision for a separate smoking area is made . Further , the States might create a separate head of account in which the fine could be deposited . The department could use the money for tobacco control activities.

Smoking Ban Across Indian Comes Into Force

The notification issued on May 30, 2008 by the Union Health Minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss , for the ban under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 came into force on Gandhi Jayanti i.e. October 2, 2008. Smoking is banned at public place all over the country. Any violation of the ban is a punishable offence with a fine up to Rs. 200.
Union Health Minister Dr. Ramadoss welcomed the Supreme Court order declining to stay the Centre’s notification prohibiting smoking . The Supreme Court , on September 29, 2008. had refused to stay ban on smoking in public places. A Bench consisting of Justice B. Agrawal and Justice G.S. Singhvi rejected the contention that enforcement of the notification would result in inspector raj and needless harassment , thus paving the way for implementation of the Centre’s notification dated May 30, 2008.
Dr Ramadoss described the ban as a major step towards providing a smoke-free atmosphere and protecting non- smokers from passive smoking . He said he had personally written to Governors. Chief Ministers , Health Ministers and Members of Parliament to ensure effective implementation of the ban. According to him , Delhi , Jharkhand and Chandigarh are some States which have already begun implementing the ban. In case of Maharashtra and Bihar which expressed their inability to impose it, he said all effortr , hncltdinf litigation , wnuld be lade to presrurise the States to implement the prohibition . Massive publicity and awareness campaigns would also be launched .
Smoking will be prohibited at all places to which the public has access, including auditoriums, health institutions, government buildings , stadiums, workplace , shopping malls , restaurants, etc. However in case of large hotels and restaurants having more than 30 rooms or 30 seats , and airports, a provision for a separate smoking area is made . Further , the States might create a separate head of account in which the fine could be deposited . The department could use the money for tobacco control activities.