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April 9, 2014, 5:56 am

Today at 6:17 AM

Hi,

On average, full-time working women earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men.

Worse still? Many women don’t even know they’re underpaid. And because 51% of women report they are discouraged or forbidden from discussing their wages, they can’t take steps that would ensure they’re earning fair pay at work.

That’s why today, on Equal Pay Day, President Obama is taking action.

See what President Obama is doing to address the gap — then share the news.

Women deserve fair pay at work. Check out this graphic, and pass it on.

Thanks,

Cecilia

Cecilia Muñoz
Director, Domestic Policy Council
The White House
@Cecilia44

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9042014

K Prabagaran claims maiden title with playoff win against Om Prakash Chouhan

Coimbatore, April 5, 2014: Sri Lankan K Prabagaran claimed his maiden professional title with a playoff win against Om Prakash Chouhan of Mhow at the PGTI Players Championship at Coimbatore Golf Club. Prabagaran sealed it with a par on the second playoff hole even as Chouhan missed an eight feet par putt. Both Prabagaran and Chouhan had earlier ended the regulations 72 holes with matching scores of nine-under-279.

K Prabagaran (70-70-71-68), who was in tied sixth after round three, fired his best score of the week on Saturday. His four-under-68 featured five birdies and a lone bogey. Prabagaran was off to a good start as he sank birdie putts from 18 feet and eight feet on the second and third holes respectively. The 33-year-old from Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka then produced a splendid chip from 50 yards on the ninth that left him a tap-in for birdie. Prabagaran became the outright leader after converting seven-footers for birdies on the 10^th and 15^th. However, he fell back into the joint lead after a bogey on the 17^th.

Om Prakash Chouhan (68-68-74-69) had four birdies and a bogey in his final round of 69. Chouhan, a two-time winner on the PGTI, missed an eight-feet birdie putt for victory on the 18^th. The two players then headed into their first ever playoff.

The first playoff hole was all square as Chouhan recovered from the bunker for a par while Prabagaran also made par with an up and down from 60 yards. Prabagaran bagged the title after rolling in a one-foot par putt on the second playoff hole even as Chouhan couldn’t salvage a par from the bunker. Prabagaran has now moved up from seventh to third in the 2014 Rolex Rankings.

Prabagaran said, “I’m really thrilled to win my first title. I was very consistent through the week. My chipping was excellent today. I was a little nervous after taking the sole lead on the 15^th. However, I didn’t really feel the pressure during the playoff. I have done well on this course in the past having won the All India Championship here in 2007. I was therefore, familiar with the course conditions and the layout and that gave me an edge. I received a lot of support today especially from my fellow Sri Lankan professionals Mithun Perera and N Thangaraja. I would like to thank my home course Nuwara Eliya Golf Club in Sri Lanka for supporting me all these years. I would also like to thank the Coimbatore Golf Club for having sponsored me while I was an amateur.”

Delhi’s Rashid Khan (69-71-73-67) and Mukesh Kumar (69-71-71-69) of Mhow were tied third at eight-under-280. While Mukesh was in the lead for a brief period on the final day, Rashid was also in the joint lead at one stage. Rashid’s 67 was the best score of round four.

Third round leader Amardip Sinh Malik (70-68-69-74) of Noida slipped to tied fifth after a 74 on Saturday. Kolkata’s Feroz Ali Mollah (72-66-71-72) joined Malik in tied fifth place at seven-under-281.

Leading Scores:

279 – K Prabagaran (70-70-71-68), Om Prakash Chouhan (68-68-74-69)

280 – Rashid Khan (69-71-73-67), Mukesh Kumar (69-71-71-69)

281 – Feroz Ali Mollah (72-66-71-72), Amardip Sinh Malik (70-68-69-74)

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9042014

देश, धर्म और संस्कृति की रक्षार्थ मतदान अवश्य करें: विहिप

मतदाताओं की सहायतार्थ जुटेंगे विहिप और बजरंग दल कार्यकर्ता

नई दिल्ली अप्रैल 9, 2014। सोलहवीं लोक सभा के लिए राष्ट्रवादी मतदाताओं के शत-प्रतिशत मतदान को सुनिश्चित करने हेतु विश्व हिन्दू परिषद व बजरंग दल ने कमर कस ली है। विहिप दिल्ली के महा मंत्री श्री राम कृष्ण श्रीवास्तव ने आज एक बैठक के बाद कहा कि प्रत्येक राष्ट्र भक्त को न सिर्फ़ स्वयं को बल्कि अपने सभी मित्रों, परिजनों व परिचितों के साथ अनिवार्य मतदान कर इस परम पावन राष्ट्रीय यज्ञ में अपनी आहुति सुनिश्चित करनी चाहिए। दिल्ली के मतदाताओं से उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि ईवीएम की बटन दबाने से पूर्व यह अवश्य तय करलें कि जिस पार्टी या प्रत्याशी को वोट दे रहे हैं वह हमारे चहु-मुखी विकास के साथ देश, धर्म व संस्कृति की रक्षा भी कर पाएगा कि नहीं।

बैठक की विस्तृत जानकारी देते हुए विहिप दिल्ली के मीडिया प्रमुख श्री विनोद बंसल ने बताया कि प्रान्त अध्यक्ष श्री स्वदेशपाल गुप्ता की अध्यक्षता में हुई इस बैठक में राजधानी के मतदाताओं से यह अपील की गई कि वे इस बात की पहचान करें कि विकास की अन्य भौतिक बातों के अलावा आखिर कौनसा दल हमारी निम्न आवश्यकताओं को पूरा करने में सक्षम है:

1 नारी की सुरक्षा, बुजुर्गों की रक्षा और बच्चों का समुचित विकास;

2 नग्नता, अश्लीलता, अभद्रता, विवाहेत्तर संबन्ध व समलैंगिकता पर अंकुश;

3 देश की धुरी गऊ, गंगा, योग, आयुर्वेद, अध्यात्म, हिन्दी, संस्कृत, संस्कृति, स्वदेशी व वेदों का प्रसार तथा संवर्धन;

4 सरकारी सम्पत्ति, पुरातन धर्म स्थलों व ऐतिहासिक स्मारकों के साथ राम सेतु जैसी सांस्कृतिक धरोहरों की रक्षा;

5 धर्मांतरण व गऊ हत्या पर पूर्ण प्रतिबन्ध;

6 श्री राम जन्म भूमि पर भव्य मन्दिर का निर्माण, कश्मीरी पंडितों की घर वापसी, पाकिस्तान व बांग्लादेश पीडित हिन्दुओं का भारत में पुनर्वास;

7 देशद्रोहियों, आतंकियों व घुसपैठियों पर बज्रपात कर भारत को विश्व शक्ति के रूप में पुन:स्थापित करने में सक्षम व समर्थ नेतृत्व प्रदान कर सके।

बैठक में यह भी तय किया गया कि शत-प्रतिशत मतदान के लिए मतदाताओं के जागरण व उनकी सहायतार्थ विहिप व बजरंग दल के कार्यकर्ता जुटेंगे उन्हें हर प्रकार की सहायता करेंगे।

बैठक में विहिप दिल्ली के उपाध्यक्ष श्री महावीर प्रसाद, श्री गुरदीन प्रसाद रुस्तगी, मंत्री श्री राम पाल सिंह, हिन्दू हेल्प लाइन के श्री दीपक कुमार, बजरंग दल के प्रान्त संयोजक श्री शिव कुमार, मातृ शक्ति की प्रान्त संयोजिका श्रीमती सिम्मी आहूजा, दुर्गा वाहिनी की प्रान्त संयोजिका श्रीमती संजना चौधरी, सहित राजधानी के अनेक धार्मिक, सामाजिक व सांस्कृतिक संगठनों के प्रतिनिधियों ने भाग लिया।

भवदीय

विनोद बंसल,

मीडिया प्रमुख,

इंद्रप्रस्थ विश्व हिंदू परिषद, दिल्ली

मो - 9810949109

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9042014

AAP is filing a writ petition with the Nagpur HC today

A writ petition with the Nagpur HC will be filed today to either demand the installation of VVPAT system in Gondhia-Bandhara LS constituency OR postpone the election date. Our candidate from Gondia-Bhandara, Prashant Mishra, in whose constituency volunteers identified several manipulated machines, will seek time from the HC to hear the case today itself considering the extreme gravity of the situation.

The Loksabha election 2014 is riddled with instances of malpractice and violation of the code of conduct. AAP, true to its stand against corruption at all places, has filed complaints with the concerned election authorities asking for appropriate action. To quote examples from Maharashtra:

Complaint to EC re Mr. SharadPawar encouraging voters to vote twice
Complaint to EC against Mr. Munde for bogus voting in last election
Complaint to Nanded RO by Mr. Granthi’s team re. a billboard put up in Nanded offering 1,00,000 loan to every woman by Congress Party
Complaint to Bandra RO by Mr. Gandhi’s Team regarding laminated voter slips with candidate info:
Nandurbar candidate, Mr. Valvi, raised an objection against an opposition candidate holding an ‘office of profit’ in government organisation at thetime of his scrutiny. The opposition has been given time until tomorrow to explain.

And of course the Complaint to the Bhandara RO by Mr. Prashant Mishra against EVM tampering.

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9042014

Inaugural issue of US$ 1 billion dual-tranche USD unsecured bonds by Oil India Limited

New Delhi, 9^th April’14: Oil India Limited (OIL) announced that it has made an inaugural US$ 1 billion dual-tranche USD unsecured bond issue in the international capital markets. The RegS Bonds were issued in two tranches of US$500 million each 5-year and 10-year tenor. The Bonds are rated Baa2 by Moody’s and BBB- by Fitch.

The Bond issue was oversubscribed by 9.2 times approximately which is one of the largest order book for a USD issuance out of India. This was the debut foreign currency bond issuance by OIL and is the largest ever issuance from an Indian Quasi-sovereign corporate. It is also the largest ever Reg S issuance by any Indian company.

OIL conducted an extensive series of investor meetings across UK (London) and Asia (Hong Kong & Singapore) beginning from 3 April 2014. The deal road show was highly successful with over 60 high quality investor meetings. Over 600 investors participated in the landmark two tranche Bond issue.

The 10-year Bonds were priced at T+272.5 bps bearing a fixed coupon of 5.375% per annum and the 5-year Bonds were priced at T+222.5 bps bearing a fixed coupon of 3.875% per annum. OIL intends to use the Bond proceeds to refinance its bridge loan availed for the recently concluded acquisition of stake in Rovuma block in Mozambique.

In terms of geographic distribution, 67% of the Bonds were distributed in Asia, 31% in Europe and 2% in off shore US accounts. In terms of Investor accounts, about 74% of the Bonds were distributed to fund managers, 11% private banks, 10% to banks and 5% to insurance and corporates.

Mr. S K Srivastava, Chairman and Managing Director of OIL said, “We are pleased with the strong interest shown by top investors in OIL’s debut bond issue. The transaction was very well executed in the backdrop of Indian elections and volatile global environment. High participation and superior quality of the order book demonstrates the confidence of global investors in the fundamentals of the Company”

OIL is a premier India oil and gas company with Government of India as the majority owner, holding a stake of 67.6%. OIL is a Navratna company engaged in the business of exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. OIL is also the second largest national oil and gas E&P company in India.

Citigroup, DB, HSBC, RBS and Standard Chartered acted as joint book runners and lead managers for this issue.

Media Contacts:

Mansi Gupta

Adfactors PR

Mansi.gupta@adfactorspr.com

+91 9999975490

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Czech Culinary Feast at West View Restaurant

9042014

Czech Culinary Feast at West View Restaurant - ITC Maurya Hotel from April 16-26, 2014 from 7 p.m

From: “Czech Embassy – Culture & PR” <czechembassydelhi.culturepr@gmail.com>

Dear All,

It is an immense pleasure to invite you to the Czech Culinary Feast that will take place at the West View Restaurant – ITC Maurya Hotel from April 16 – 26, 2014, every evening from 7 p.m.

Join us for the unique dining experience served to you right from the “Heart of Europe” by the Vice-president of the Association of Cooks and Confectioners of the Czech Republic Mr. Marek Svoboda. Savour his delicious meat variations, taste the traditional Czech dumplings or just sample the famous Czech beer, bittersweet digestive Becherovka or aromatic spirit Fernet Stock made from numerous herbs & spices.

Enjoy the great combination of the Czech rich flavours this April at ITC Maurya Hotel – West View Restaurant!

The invitation to the Czech Culinary Feast is enclosed in the attachment.

Wishing you all the best and enjoy your meal!

Andrea Kučerová
Deputy Chief of Mission / Political Affairs
Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi
Tel: +91-11-24155200
Fax: +91-11-24155270
Address:
50-M, Niti Marg
Chanakayapuri, New Delhi – 110 021
India

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April 13, 2014, 5:53 am

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International headlines

13042014

April 13, 2014 by sagarmedia

Japan, Germany: G7 to work on Ukraine issue

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has agreed with the visiting German foreign minister that the Group of 7 countries will work together toward a peaceful solution to the situation in Ukraine.

Abe met Frank-Walter Steinmeire in Tokyo on Friday. The German diplomat is in Japan to attend a meeting for the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative in Hiroshima on Saturday.

Abe said the crisis in Ukraine is a problem not only for the European region but also for the entire international community, including Asia.

He said his government will further collaborate with Germany to tackle the issue.

Steinmeire said he agrees with Abe on increased bilateral cooperation on the problem.

He said G7 countries need to work together for a peaceful settlement of the turmoil in Ukraine.

G 20 Express support for Ukraine

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 nations have agreed that financial assistance should be provided to Ukraine.

The leaders concluded a 2-day meeting in Washington and issued a joint statement on Friday. The talks came as Western nations and Russia remain deeply divided over Russia’s handling of the crisis in Ukraine.

The statement says the G20 framework will be mindful of any risks to Ukraine’s economic and financial stability.

It says G20 leaders acknowledge that the International Monetary Fund is best suited to help Ukraine meet its economic challenges. They also welcome the IMF’s recent engagement with Ukraine to undertake meaningful reforms.
IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the IMF’s executive board is expected to approve an up to 18-billion-dollar bailout program for Ukraine by early May.

US: Russia troops behind Ukraine unrest

US Secretary of State John Kerry has criticized Russia, saying its troops were involved in the attacks on police stations by armed groups in eastern Ukraine.

Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by telephone on Saturday.

A senior State Department official said Kerry expressed strong concern that the attacks were similar to previous attacks in eastern Ukraine and Crimea.

The official said Kerry noted that militants involved in the unrest were equipped with specialized Russian weapons and the same uniforms as those worn by the Russian forces that invaded Crimea.

Ukrainian unrest continue

Armed groups have occupied police stations in eastern Ukraine in the latest development in that country’s unrest.

With ethnic Russian protesters continue to occupy government buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk, demanding greater autonomy.

On Saturday, an armed group broke into a police station in Slaviansk, about 100 kilometers north of Donetsk. They occupied the station and seized hundreds of weapons stored there.

A police station in a city nearby was also occupied by an armed group following a shootout with police.

On Saturday evening, Ukraine’s acting President Oleksandr Turchynov called an emergency meeting to discuss how to respond to the situation.

PM visits restive Donetsk

Interim Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk says he is ready to accept some requests by pro-Russian demonstrators.

Yatsenyuk visited the eastern city of Donetsk with the deputy prime minister and the interior minister on Friday for talks with local politicians.

He said both sides want to find a balance between central and local governments, hinting at the possibility of amending the constitution to hand over more power to regional authorities.

Yatsenyuk also indicated that the law on national referendums would be revised to enable local authorities to hold plebiscites on their own. That’s seen as a concession to the protesters.

Yatsenyuk said the government does not plan to scrap a law that designates Russian as an official language in some eastern parts of Ukraine.

He called on protesters to hold dialogue with the government.

Pro-Russian residents are occupying public buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk to demand more autonomy.

The government has warned that it may start using force to remove them as early as Friday.

Some police and security service personnel in eastern Ukraine have apparently let armed groups occupy government offices without resistance

Modi questions Sonia’s silence on Baru’s memoir

BJP leader Narendra Modi referred to the book penned by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s former media advisor Sanjaya Baru and sought answers from Congress president Sonia Gandhi on allegation that “she handled the government files before the PMO”.

“One of the biggest revelations was made yesterday in a book. It claims that Sonia used to clear the Central government’s files before the PMO.

The government appointments, ministerial portfolios, transfers etc. were being decided by her and then cleared by the PM mechanically without applying mind,” Modi said alluding to Baru’s memoir “The Accidental PM” which has crated an uproar in political circles.

Modi was addressing an election in Pune rally in support of party candidate Anil Shirole. “The institution of Prime Minister had been degraded. Sonia has kept mum even 24 hours after the revelations in the book. She should answer the charges as people want to know,” Modi said.

“We had heard about the remote control but in this case the remote itself was running the government,” Modi said.

If the institution of PM was devalued like this, no country in the world would accept its constitutional authority, he said.

“The revelations in the book have also explained the intemperate action on part of ‘shehzada’ (Rahul Gandhi), daring to tear off the ordinance (on conviction of elected representatives) which was approved by the cabinet and PM.

These are serious charges made in the book written by an insider,” the BJP’s PM nominee said.

Citing instances of institutional degradation, the BJP leader said, “the PM’s authority as the Planning Commission (chairman) too was eroded with the setting up of the National Advisory Council (NAC) which kept him in the dark while taking decisions”.

For the first time, the country saw frictions between the government and the Army as well as the CVC, he added.

Taking a dig at Congress, Modi said the Congress-led UPA excelled in promoting those people who have messed up in their jobs.

Criticising various schemes and acts implemented by the UPA government, Modi said, “The MNREGA hardly served the purpose for which it was started, with the number of beneficiaries remaining negligible and much below its target.”

“If a train or a plane meets with an accident, a few persons are killed but an ‘accidental PM’ as described in Baru’s book has broken the whole country,” the BJP leader said.

In a veiled reference to the criticism by his opponents that he has a ‘dictatorial’ mindset, Modi said, “A democratic country as big as India cannot be run by one individual. Prime Ministers and governments come and go but the country goes ahead. Democracy draws its strength from preservation of constitutional institutions.”

Modi said the black money stashed away in foreign bank accounts by powerful people in the country should be brought back and utilised for development.

No clues about missing plane flight MH 370

Searchers fail to find any confirmed clues about missing plane

Searchers hunting for the missing Malaysian plane in the Indian Ocean on Sunday failed to find any confirmed clues about the black boxes of the aircraft, as no new signals have been detected over the past 48 hours.

“Up to 11 military aircraft, one civil aircraft and 14 ships will assist in today’s search,” the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) said in a statement, adding the centre of the search areas was set approximately 2,200 km north west of Perth.

It said the Australian Maritime Safety Authority had planned a visual search area, totalling 57,506 sq km compared to 41,393 sq km Saturday.

No new signals have been detected over the past 48 hours, as the search for the missing jet entered into 37th day on Sunday. The last of the four other signals was detected on Tuesday night.

In an effort to narrow the underwater search area in which the autonomous underwater vehicle is deployed, JACC said the Australian defence vessel, Ocean Shield, continued more focused sweeps with the towed pinger locator to try and locate further signals related to the black box.

Last Wednesday, JACC chief coordinator Angus Houston said the autonomous underwater vehicle would be deployed once signals could no longer be detected.

Finding the black box is crucial to know what happened on 8th March before the Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines jet with 239 people, including five Indians, an Indo-Canadian and 154 Chinese nationals, mysteriously vanished after taking off from Kuala Lumpur.

The batteries powering the black box are certified to be working for 30 days, but can still provide weak signals for some more days.

Stored in a plane’s tail, they are designed to begin sending off distinct, high-pitched signals as soon as they come in contact with water.

China’s vessels have been searching in an area of about 25,000 square kilometers, which is in the western part of the search region designated by the Australian authorities, said Zhuo Li, an official with the China Maritime Search and Rescue Center.

In the eastern region of about 15,000 square kilometers, vessels from other countries, including Australia, the UK, the US and Malaysia, have been in search, Zhuo added.

By midday Sunday, the center had mobilized 63 merchant ships for assistance in the search, covering about 167,135 square kilometers in total, he said.

The mystery of the missing plane continued to baffle aviation and security authorities who have so far not succeeded in tracking the aircraft despite deploying hi-tech radar and other gadgets even after searching for 37 days.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Saturday said signals possibly from the black box of the ill-fated Malaysian jet were “rapidly fading” and the ongoing massive search for the plane was likely to continue “for a long time”.

N. Korea blasts reunification offer as ‘psychopath’s daydream’

North Korea on Saturday blasted South Korean President Park Geun-Hye’s proposal on laying the groundwork for reunification through economic exchanges and humanitarian aid as the “daydream of a psychopath”.

The blistering attack from the North’s powerful National Defence Commission (NDC) was the first official reaction from Pyongyang to a proposal Park made in a speech last month in Dresden in the former East Germany.

She urged the North to expand reunions of families separated by the division of Korea and increase cross-border economic and cultural exchanges, starting with the South bolstering humanitarian aid.

“Germany’s unity is for us an example and model for a peaceful reunification,” she had said.

An NDC spokesman noted that German reunification came about with the West absorbing the East and accused Park of begging foreign countries to help a reunification in which South Korea absorbed the North.

“This is merely a daydream of psychopath”, he said, denouncing Park’s proposal, billed as the “Dresden Declaration” by Seoul, as “nonsense” full of “hypocrisy and deception”.

“The fact that in that particular place, Park Geun-Hye lashed her tongue about reunification gave away her sinister mind”, he said in a statement carried out by Pyongyang’s state media.

Reunification is however enshrined as a national priority in both the South and North Korean constitutions, but pro-merger sentiment in the prosperous South has waned considerably in recent years.

The North Korean spokesman urged Seoul to abide by earlier agreements including a landmark agreement signed in 2000, stressing all these previous accords gave priority to addressing the issue of easing military confrontation.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula remain high since the South launched annual military exercises with the United States in February, described by Pyongyang as a rehearsal for an invasion against the North.

In a pointed protest at the exercises, Pyongyang carried out a series of rocket and missile launches, capped by its first mid-range missile test since 2009 on 26th March.

India leads global remittances with USD 70 bn in 2013

India lead global remittances in the year 2013 with a whopping USD 70 billion in its kitty, of which USD 65 billion were earned from the country’s flagship software services exports, the World Bank reported.

India’s neighbour China follows second with USD 60 billion, said the World Bank report on Friday, according to which international migrants from developing countries are expected to send USD 436 billion in remittances to their home countries this year, despite more deportations from some host countries.

In its latest issue of the Migration and Development Brief, the World Bank said this year’s remittance flows to developing countries will be an increase of 7.8 percent over the 2013 volume of USD 404 billion, rising to USD 516 billion in 2016.

Global remittances, including those to high-income countries, are estimated at USD 581 billion this year, from USD 542 billion in 2013, rising to USD 681 billion in 2016, the report said.

“Remittances have become a major component of the balance of payments of nations. India led the chart of remittance flows, receiving USD 70 billion last year, followed by China with USD 60 billion and the Philippines with USD 25 billion,” said Kaushik Basu, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank.

“There is no doubt that these flows act as an antidote to poverty and promote prosperity. Remittances and migration data are also barometers of global peace and turmoil and this is what makes World Bank’s KNOMAD initiative to organise, analyse, and make available these data so important,” he said.

The depreciation of the Indian rupee during 2013 appears to have attracted inflows through a surge in the deposits of non-resident Indians rather than remittances, the World Bank said.

The bank said growth in remittances to the South Asia region has slowed, rising by a modest 2.3 percent to USD 111 billion in 2013, compared with an average annual increase of more than 13 percent during the previous three years.

The slowdown was driven by a marginal increase in India of 1.7 percent in 2013, and a decline in Bangladesh of 2.4 percent, the bank said.

Ukraine’s Slavyansk under siege as Kiev orders crackdown on protests

Gunfire has broken out in the city of Slavyansk in eastern Ukraine, where anti-government protesters seized several buildings. The city is under siege after Kiev announced an “anti-terrorist operation” against the protesters.

China seizes 10,000 illegal firearms in biggest operation yet

China has seized more than 10,000 guns in a police operation in the southwestern province of Guizhou, local media reported on Sunday. This is the largest operation to capture illegal firearms in Chinese history, as the country battles violent and gang-related crime, Reuters reports.

Deadly Mid-East virus spreads to Yemen

A deadly strain of the MERS coronavirus has popped up in Yemen for the first time on Sunday, as it spreads further through the Middle East after originally appearing in Saudi Arabia, Reuters reports. “Medical personnel have recorded one case of the coronavirus in Sanaa and the victim is a Yemeni man who works as an aeronautics engineer,” the public health minister was quoted by local newspaper, al-Thawra. “The ministry is working in effective cooperation with the World Health Organisation to confront this virus and is in direct and constant communication with all hospitals to receive information on any other suspected cases,” he added. The first outbreak had occurred in 2012; it was ruled the virus belonged to the same family as the deadly SARS, and caused symptoms of coughing, fever and pneumonia.

Foreign donors fail to honor obligations to Syrian refugees – UN aid chief

Of the $6.5 billion requested by the UN from international donors to help Syrian refugees, only one-fifth has been delivered, Amin Awad, the head of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Middle East told Britain’s Independent newspaper. The UN requested funds on January, but donors pledged to pay $2.3 billion. And even of that, only $1.29 billion has been received to date. Awad said he is concerned that the international attention to the perils of the refugees is dwindling and warned that the problem “will show up in different shapes and will haunt us as a community for a generation.”

French FM visits Cuba for the first time in 30 years

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has arrived in Havana for a brief visit aimed at strengthening ties with Cuba. “This is the first time in 31 years that the head of French diplomacy is on an official trip to Cuba,” Fabius told reporters. “France wants to strengthen its ties with all of South America and, in this context, we wanted relations to be strengthened in particular with Cuba.” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez pledged his“willingness to continue to work on common goals” with France, AFP reports. “Today we note a favorable development — and great potential – in our bilateral relations.”

Taliban kidnap 100 in Pakistan

Around 100 villagers were kidnapped by gunmen in northwestern Pakistan Saturday, government officials said. Authorities suspect Taliban involvement as the attacked men from Orakzai and Khyber tribal areas supported the government. Three local government officials told Reuters that insurgents later released around 40 of them. Authorities launched a search operation in the area for the safe recovery of the villagers.

NATO accuses Russia of aggression against Ukraine

NATO has accused Russia of aggression against Ukraine which led to Russia’s international isolation, including NATO’s suspension of all practical cooperation with Russia, said the organization in its April fact sheet. The organization also addressed Russia’s statements on NATO including concerns of NATO’s expansion to the east. NATO’s relations with Russia deteriorated amid a major split between Russia and Western powers over the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. NATO said it suspended all cooperation to show disagreement with Moscow’s acceptance of Crimea as a new part of Russia.

Woman who threw shoe at Hillary Clinton freed

The woman accused of throwing a shoe at Hillary Clinton during her speech on Thursday at the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino, Las Vegas, was released from jail but faces possible charges of disorderly conduct. Alison Michelle Ernst, 36, has been booked at the Clark County jail, according to the police arrest report. She was aware of what she had done despite her agitated state. Ernst was not authorized to be in the hall, security said. The former Secretary of State ducked and was not hit, joking about the incident.
There are reports that the activists in Slavyansk have taken up weapons. However, one of the members of the Donbas people’s militia told media that no one was hurt during the storm of the police HQ, adding that the government building will be under their control until a referendum is held.

Syrian govt blames rebels for gas attack in Kfar Zeita

Syrian government has blamed the rebel forces of using poisonous gas in an attack on the village of Kfar Zeita in the central province of Hama on Friday. State-run Syrian television blamed members of the Al-Qaeda linked Nusra Front for using chlorine gas, killing two people and injuring more than 100. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that dozens were injured, while people suffered from suffocation and breathing problems as heavy smoke rose in the area after the attack.

Germany: NSA spy scandal should not thwart the EU-US free trade deal

The NSA spying scandal should not undermine plans to create a transatlantic free trade zone between the EU and the US, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told Nordwest-Zeitung. He said that “it would be absurd to consider any sanctions against our most important partner”, adding that Germany is interested in the deal between Brussels and Washington. But, at the same time, Germany wants a “solid and effective” deal between Europe and the US on data protection.

Turkish PM threatens to ‘go after’ Twitter on tax evasion grounds

Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Twitter and other social networks of tax evasion. “Twitter, YouTube and Facebook are international companies established for profit,” Erdogan said in televised remarks.“Twitter is at the same time a tax evader. We will go after it,” he stated. On March 20 Erdogan’s government blocked access to the micro-blogging site, igniting international outrage. International human rights groups condemned the move as a setback for democracy. Last week the Turkish government also confirmed that it would be keeping to its YouTube bans despite court orders for it to be lifted.

Maoist rebels kill 13 in India blasts

Thirteen people have been killed in two bomb blasts which took place in the central Indian state of Chattisgarh. Most of the casualties were paramilitary soldiers and officials participating in elections, Reuters reported. The two explosions were approximately half an hour apart. Seven were killed in the first blast, which struck a bus carrying election officials back from Bijapur, some 1,000 kilometers to the southwest, while the second struck an ambulance in the Chhattisgarh’s southern Bastar region killing five members of the Central Reserve Police Force and their driver. Government officials occasionally travel by ambulance to avoid being targeted by Maoists. The rebels are aiming for the overthrow of the Indian state, which it accuses of plundering the mineral wealth of land seized from peasants. The movement has increased in strength in regions where poor villagers live in close quarters with mining companies.

Time running out to locate MH370′s black box recorder

Rescuers are trying to narrow down the search area for the missing MH370 jetliner. They believe it to be somewhere in the ocean west of the Australian city of Perth, where four acoustic signals were detected, which could have been produced by the plane’s flight recorder. However no new “pings” were heard in the past 24 hours, and the device’s battery is only designed to run for 30 days after any crash, which means it is already five days overdue. The jet went missing shortly after taking off March 8 from Kuala Lumpur, bound for Beijing with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board. The search operation for the plane is the most extensive in the history of aviation.

Pakistan drops attempted murder charge against 9-month-old infant

A Pakistani judge has thrown out charges of attempted murder against a nine-month-old infant, Mohammad Musa, lawyers said. The boy, along with his father and other family members, were charged with allegedly attacking police and gas company officials with rocks and wooden rods in a working-class neighborhood of Lahore on February 1. The baby boy’s grandfather, Muhammad Yasin, and his three sons still face the charges.

Japanese minister pays visit to controversial war shrine

Yoshitaka Shindo, Japan’s minister for internal affairs and communications, have visited the Yasukuni shrine, Japanese Jiji Press service and the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said. The temple honors Japan’s war dead, including several high-level officials executed for war crimes after World War II. Chinese and South Korean authorities see the shrine as a reminder of Tokyo’s imperialist past and wartime aggression as over 1,000 war criminals from World War II are also buried there. Japan is undergoing a period of distancing itself from its post-war pacifist policies. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made his first visit to the Yasukuni shrine in his present capacity in December over protests from some other Asian nations.

Suspected Boko Haram militants kill 19 in Nigeria

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed at least 19 people in three attacks that took place in the country’s Dikwa and Kala-Balge towns and near Dalwa village in Borno State, which is considered the bastion of the Islamist terror group. Among the victims were six college teachers and two security guards killed in Dikwa in a Thursday night raid on a college, residents said. The attackers also abducted an unspecified number of women. Three people have been killed in Kala-Balge town, some local officials said on condition of anonymity. Also the insurgents blocked the highway near Dalwa village and shot dead eight passengers, according to a local passer-by.

Spacewalk may be needed to fix broken ISS computer

Crewmembers of the International Space Station are considering options to bring back online the backup Multiplexer-Demultiplexer (MDM) computer, which stopped responding to commands Friday. Unless they are able to get it working again, they will have to replace it, which would require a spacewalk, since the computer is mounted onto the hull of the ISS. The main MDM computer is working fine, so the situation does not pose any immediate risk to the station, but the backup computer would be needed by Wednesday, when it will be required for the scheduled docking of the Space X Dragon supply spacecraft. MDM computers are involved in controlling some robotic functions of the ISS.

news agencies

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Mayawati on election campaign to Andhra

April 13, 2014, 5:59 am

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April 14, 2014, 5:37 am

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AAP list of candidates for Lok sabha elections 2014

14042014

AAP list of candidates for Lok sabha elections 2014From: mediacellaap <mediacellaap@gmail.com> Mon, 14 Apr ’14 3:08pTo: undisclosed-recipients:;Show full HeadersDear all here is the next list of candidates of the Aam Aadmi Party for Lok sabha elections – 2014

State	LS Constituency	Our candidate
UP	Bhahraich	Jagat Ram Sonker
Andhara Pradesh	Visakhapatnam	Kuna Ramam
Andhara Pradesh	Araku	Burja Bariki Dhanaraju
Andhara Pradesh	Kakinada	Srinivas Dangeti
Andhara Pradesh	Tirupati	Nageswara Neerugutta

Regards
AAP Media Cell

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14042014

Tusshar Kapoor is committed!!

Yes you heard it right! Tusshar Kapoor is committed! But wait, we are not talking about Tushar’s relationship status instead his commitment to work. Recently during the shoot of STAR Plus’ ‘Mad in India – 100% Desi Show’, Tusshar proved that commitment is an act and not a word when the actor landed to shoot for an upcoming episode on the evening of his dad Jeetendra’s birthday.

So, on Jeetuji’s b’day eve, when many people from the film fraternity were gathering for the veteran actor’s birthday bash, beta Tushki was busy shooting for Mad in India. A little birdie informed us that despite the fact that Tusshar is very close to his father and it was his birthday, the actor patiently waited till the shoot ended and was spent time chatting up with the stars. In fact, he waited till he finished his bit completely with utmost dedication and only after finishing the shoot rushed home to spend some time with his daddy dearest!.

As they say work comes first… hats off to Tushar for his commitment!

Watch all the fun in the upcoming episode every Sunday at 9:00 pm only on Star Plus.

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Caricatures, String Quartet with Piano, Music Lectures…

14042014

Caricatures, String Quartet with Piano, Music Lectures…

From: Hungarian Newsletter <hicc.delhi@yahoo.in> Mon, 14 Apr ’14 3:54p

To: You

Hicc

Having trouble viewing this e-mail? Click here to view the hosted version!

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre!

In April and May, we will exhibit caricatures by ÉDUA SZŰCS from Hungary for our art lovers.

We are pleased to announce for our music lovers that this April we will have the concert series by the KODÁLY STRING QUARTET along with pianist BALÁZS FÜLEI across India. We will also conclude the final cycle of the lecture series by eminent musicologist PUNITA SINGH titled INTRODUCTION TO WESTERN CLASSICAL MUSIC. The CAPITAL CITY MINSTRELS present the Summer Concert in the month of May.

For the film lovers in India, we are happy to share that the Hungarian film, FRESH AIR will travel now to Goa, Mumbai and Jodhpur, in April and May as part of the ongoing EUFF 2014. We will also screen a film by Zoltán Fábri as part of our Film Club in mid – April. In the month of January, famous Hungarian Director, MIKLÓS JANCSÓ passed away and as a tribute to this legendary Director, we will organise a Retrospective of his films in May.

Please keep yourself updated about the events for our upcoming issues of the monthly e-Newsletterby subscribing to it. You may send your details and email id to hicc.delhi@gmail.com. Please visit ourwebsite at www.delhi.balassiintezet.hu for more information.

So don’t miss our extravagant events for the coming months!

Tibor Kovács
Director and Cultural Counsellor

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Details of our upcoming events can be seen below by clicking on the date in the table.

Dates	Type of programme	Venue	Event
April 15 – May 30 Opening: Tues 6:00 pm	Exhibition	HICC	“LIFE IS LIKE THAT” caricatures by Édua Szűcs
April 17, Thurs 6:00 pm	Fábri Film Club	HICC	“TWO HALF TIMES IN THE HELL” Hungarian film by Zoltán Fábri
April 17, Thurs 6:30 pm	Piano Recital	The Doon School, Dehradun	Recital by BALÁZS FÜLEI
April 18, Fri 6:30 pm	Piano Recital	The Welhams’ Boys School, Dehradun	Recital by BALÁZS FÜLEI
April 20, Sun 7:30 pm	Live Concert	Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi	Concert by “KODÁLY STRING QUARTET and BALÁZS FÜLEI” on piano
April 22 – 23 7:00 pm	Live Concert	Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai	Concert by “KODÁLY STRING QUARTET and BALÁZS FÜLEI” on piano
April 24, Thurs 6:00 pm	Music Lecture	HICC	“HIGH AND LATE BAROQUE INTO EARLY CLASSICAL” by Dr. Punita Singh, musicologist
April 25 – 26 7:00 pm	Live Concert	Mazda Hall, Pune	Concert by “KODÁLY STRING QUARTET and BALÁZS FÜLEI” on piano
April 26, Sat 5:00 pm	Film Screening	Maquinez Palace Complex, Panaji, Goa	Hungarian film “FRESH AIR” directed by Ágnes Kocsis screened as part of EUFF 2014
April 28, Mon 6:00 pm	Music Lecture	HICC	“LATE CLASSICAL INTO ROMANTIC” by Dr. Punita Singh, musicologist
April 28, Mon 7:00 pm	Live Concert	Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium, Chennai	Concert by “KODÁLY STRING QUARTET”
May 1, Thurs 7:00 pm	Live Concert	HICC	“SUMMER CONCERT 2014″ by the Capital City Minstrels
May 5, Mon 6:00 pm	Music Lecture	HICC	“LATE ROMANTIC INTO MODERN AND POST-MODERN/ CONCLUSION” by Dr. Punita Singh, musicologist
May 6, Tues 6:00 pm	Introduction and Film Screening	HICC	Introduction of life works of “MIKLÓS JANCSÓ” by Anandana Kapur and Gautam Kaul followed by screening of the film “THE ROUND-UP”
May 7, Wed 6:00 pm	Film Screening	HICC	“THE RED AND THE WHITE” by Miklós Jancsó
May 8, Thurs 6:00 pm	Film Screening	HICC	“AGNUS DEI” by Miklós Jancsó
May 13, Tues 5:00 pm	Film Screening	Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai	Hungarian film “FRESH AIR” directed by Ágnes Kocsis screened as part of EUFF 2014
May 13, Tues 6:00 pm	Film Screening	HICC	“RED PSALM” by Miklós Jancsó
May 15, Thurs 6:00 pm	Film Screening	HICC	“ELEKTRA” by Miklós Jancsó
May 30, Fri 7:00 pm	Film Screening	Art Gallery, Jain Narain Vyas Town Hall, Jodhpur	Hungarian film “FRESH AIR” directed by Ágnes Kocsis screened as part of EUFF 2014

Balassi Institute
Hungarian Information & Cultural Centre New Delhi

Programmes for Mid April – Mid May 2014

Exhibition
at HICC

April 15 – May 30

Inauguration onApril 15 Tuesday 6:30 pm

LIFE IS LIKE THAT

Caricatures by Édua Szűcs

In the contemporary art, Édua Szűcs belongs to those mature graphic artists who practice their expertise based on their brief and proficiency. Her drawing skills are amazing, her aspects of creating situations are brilliant, her knowledge of humanity can sensibly react to such resonance that makes it possible for everyone to have the same personal reaction.

Mr. Ajit Ninan, eminent cartoonist and Chief Graphics Consultant, The Times of India has kindly consented to inaugurate the exhibition.

(On view till 30th May on weekdays only from 10 am – 4 pm)

Fábri Film Club
at HICC

April 17,
Thursday

6:00 pm

TWO HALF TIMES IN THE HELL (KÉT FÉLIDŐ Á POKOLBAN)

Hungarian film, directed by Zoltán Fábri (1962), b&w, 140 minutes

Spring 1944. Nazi officers want to organize a football match for Hitler’s birthday, in which Germans would play against Hungarian labour servicemen of war. They call for the famous Hungarian footballer, Ónódi, and order him to organize a team. Ónódi accepts, but in turn demands extra food, a ball with which he and his team can train before the match, and asks that they be allowed to concentrate on training before the match and not work. The Germans accept all the demands…

Piano Recital
in Dehradun

April 17 – 18

PIANO RECITAL BY BALÁZS FÜLEI

In cooperation with SPIC MACAY

Balázs Fülei (pianist) learnt music at the age of eight and made his diploma with honours at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest. He is characterized by a high degree of musical professionalism and his delicate and profound performance reveals the very substance of music.

He will give two concerts in Dehradun as per the following schedule:

Thursday, 17th April at 6:30 pm in The Doon School
Friday, 18th April at 6:30 pm at The Welhams’ Boys School

Concert series

in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Chennai

April 20 – 28

KODÁLY STRING QUARTET AND BALÁZS FÜLEI (PIANO)

In cooperation with Delhi Music Society, Poona Music Society, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai, Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi and India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre is pleased to present a concert series by the world famous Kodály String Quartet and the young and charismatic pianist Balázs Fülei from Hungary. The concert tour schedule is as under:

20th April, Sunday at 7:00 pm at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi22nd April, Tuesday at 7:00 pm at Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai
23rd April, Wednesday at 7:00 pm at Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai
25th April, Friday at 7:00 pm at Mazda Hall, Pune
26th April, Saturday at 7:00 pm at Mazda Hall, Pune
28th April, Monday at 7:00 pm at Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium, Chennai

Supporting Hungarian organisations:

Ministry of Human Resources, Hungary
NKA – National Cultural Fund, Hungary (www.nka.hu)

Lecture series
at HICC

April 24, Thursday April 28, Monday May 5, Monday

6:00 pm

AN INTRODUCTION TO EUROPEAN CLASSICAL MUSIC

Lecture series by Dr. Punita Singh

Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre in cooperation with The Neemrana Music Foundation continues the lecture series by eminent musicologist Dr. Punita Singh as per the following schedule:

24th April, Thursday – “High and late Baroque into early Classical”
28th April, Monday – “Late Classical into Romantic”
5th May, Monday – “Late Romantic into Modern and post-Modern / conclusion”

Film festival
at Goa, Mumbai and Jodhpur

April – May

19th EUROPEAN UNION FILM FESTIVAL (EUFF 2014)

Hungarian film Fresh Air (Friss levegő)

As part of the 19^th edition of the EUFF 2014 with the theme VOICES OF YOUTH, Hungary will participate with the film Fresh Air by Ágnes Kocsis (2006), colour, duration: 109 minutes.

Viola is still a beautiful woman. Angéla is ashamed of her mother. Communication between them has become almost impossible. Probably, in secret, they both are in love with the protagonist. Viola works where no one else wants to. She is looking for a real man whom she could love. Angéla would like to design nice dresses. She desires something different. Another life. Fresh air.

The screening in the three cities will take place as per the following schedule:

26 April, Saturday at 5:00 pm at Maquinez Palace Complex, Panaji, Goa

13 May, Tuesday at 5:00 pm at Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai

30 May, Friday at 7:00 pmat Art Gallery, Jain Narain Vyas Town Hall, Jodhpur

(Please check our website for dates and timings of the film screening in other cities for the upcoming months.)

Live concert
at HICC

May 1
Thursday

7:00 pm

SUMMER CONCERT 2014

Presented by the Capital City Minstrels

The Capital City Minstrels (CCM), Delhi’s best known choir, comprises of people from all walks of life, all with one thing in common – their love of music. This season they will present folk songs from Hungary, Africa, Germany, Korea and many others countries.

Film series
at HICC

May 6 – 7 – 8
May 13 and 15

6:00 pm

RETROSPECTIVE OF THE FILMS BY MIKLÓS JANCSÓ (1921-2014)

in cooperation with the Federation of Film Societies of India Northern Region

The retrospective pays tribute to Miklós Jancsó, widely acclaimed, iconic Hungarian film director who became world famous with his early films on the relationship of the ordinary men and those in power. His five films were nominated for Best Director Award at the Cannes Festival in the 60-ies and 70-ies. The screenings will take place as per the following schedule:

6th May, Tuesday: Inauguration of the Retrospective Session and introduction on Jancsó’s life-work by Ms. Anandana Kapur, film maker and critique followed by a short talk by Mr. Gautam Kaul, Vice President, Federation of Film Societies of India and Film Critic Screening of the film The Round-Up (1965) (Szegénylegények)

7th May, Wednesday: The Red and the White (1967) (Csillagosok, katonák)

8th May, Thursday: Agnus Dei (1970) (Égi bárány)

13th May, Tuesday: Red Psalm (1972) (Még kér a nép)

15th May, Thursday: Elektreia (1974) (Szerelmem, Elektra)

Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre reserves the right to change the programs and the dates.

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CAIT reveal its economic agenda for next Government

14042014

CAIT reveal its economic agenda for next Government
Instead of Corporate Sector, focus on domestic trade alone will improve the economy

Having an eye on the incumbent Government at the Centre, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), apex body of the trading community of the Country has began the exercise of bringing core issues of the trading community at the centre stage in its bid to find place on priorities of the next Government irrespective of the party who gets peoples mandate. The CAIT has already released its Traders National Charter on 27th Februrary, 2014 at New Delhi at its national convention which was inaugurated by BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Mr. Narendra Modi and was also participated by leaders of different political parties including Union Law Minister Mr. Kapil Sibal.

At a press conference held today at Nagpur, the CAIT National President Mr. B. C. Bhartia and Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal outlined CAIT’s agenda for next Government. ” The economy of the Country is in a very dilapidated condition and needs highest priority of the next Government and having focus on exploitation of domestic resources is need of the hour. Therefore, the retail trade of India which contributes nearly 15% to National GDP requires more focus than corporate sector in order to make economy vibrant and resurgent”-said both trade leaders.

Mr. Bhartia and Mr. Khandelwal said that the CAIT has decided to embark upon the next Government to formulate a National Trade Policy and a separate Ministry of Internal Trade. Till the time the separate Ministry is formed, it will demand a State Minister for Internal Trade in Ministry of Commerce with a full fledged Directorate of Internal Trade in the Ministry to draw policies and to monitor structured growth of retail trade of India comprising of more than six crore business enterprises which is providing employment to twenty five crore people in the Country. Further neglect of this important sector of Indian economy will not be tolerated any more and if need be, the CAIT will not hesitate to launch a nationwide movement.

Both trade leaders said that creation of an alternate financial mechanism for small traders will be on top of the agenda of the CAIT. The core banking sector has failed to serve the small traders which has also been asserted by a recent report of Dr. Nachiket Mor Committee formed by RBI Governor Mr. Raghuram Rajan. The CAIT will urge upon the new Government to strengthen the Cooperative Banks and Non Banking Finance Companies which are already providing financial assistance to small traders and low income group. It will demand a classification in Non Banking Finance Companies and will call for categorization of Small Banking Finance Companies in NBFCs with a clear mandate to serve the small traders and low income group.

Allowing FDI in Retail is a burning issue for the trading community and as such the traders are committed to oppose tooth and nail any move to bring FDI in Retail and instead the CAIT will give more focus on upgradation and modernisation of existing retail trade structure in the Country. On the one hand both Central and State Governments are largely implementing e-governance in Government Departments. The traders are being made subject to e-compliance in taxation and other Departments whereas the Government have not taken initiative to empower the traders with computerisation and as such there is a wide gap and traders are finding difficult to make e compliance. Therefore, the CAIT will call upon the Government to design a nationwide campaign for education and awareness among the trading community for need of upgradation, modernisation and computerisation and also to ensure financial assistance to traders for computerising the existing business format. However, the CAIT has already working on this issue and recently it has signed a MOU with global major in e commerce eBay for the above issue and to promote online business among the traders. Both CAIT and eBay are scheduled to make formal announcement at a Press Conference at New Delhi on forthcoming 17th April, 2014.

The CAIT will also laid greater emphasis on formation of a Review Commission to review Laws, Acts, Rules and Regulation governing retail trade and all such obsolete laws should be dispensed with whereas necessary amendments must be made in rest of the laws. The BJP has already committed for such review in its poll manifesto. The amendments in Food Safety and Standards Act, Uniform taxation structure in the Country and early implementation of GST but in prior consultation with stakeholders, ban on commodity exchanges, review of APMC Act, are some of the other core issues which CAIT will be raising for the consideration of the next Government-said both Mr. Bhartia and Mr. Khandelwal.

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Round Table on Right to Education

14042014

Round Table on Right to Education- Amaltas, India Habitat Centre tomorrow 15th April at 11 am – Amaltas Media Round Table on RTE

From: Sonia Sarkar <ssarkar@unicef.org> Mon, 14 Apr ’14 1:24pRound Table on

Progress and Challenges of Right to Education

When: Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Where: Amaltas Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Programme Overview:

Considerable progress has been made since the historic Right to Free & Compulsory Education (RTE) Act was enacted by the Government of India on April 1, 2010 to universalize access to elementary education. The Act has been successful in bringing more children to school and improving the infrastructure. There still needs to be a continuous focus on the quality of education and hence improvement in learning outcomes.

This roundtable is an opportunity to highlight significant initiatives undertaken by various states and reflect on ways to address challenges as well as identify innovative solutions that show us the way forward.

Who: Mr Louis Georges Arsenault, Representative, UNICEF India
Ms Urmila Sarkar, Chief of Education, UNICEF India
Ms Kushal Singh, Chairperson, NCPCR
Ms Caroline Den Dulk, Chief Advocacy and Communication, UNICEF IndiaDr Dhir Jhingran, Senior Advisor, Education, UNICEF India
Dr Geeta Menon, Education Expert
Dr Indu Khetarpal, Principal, Salwan Public School,

For further information contact (UNICEF):

Ms. Caroline den Dulk, Chief of Communication and Advocacy,
UNICEF India, Mobile: +91 981 810 6093

Ms. Geetanjali Master, Communication Specialist,
UNICEF India, Mobile: + 91 981 810 5861

Ms. Sonia Sarkar, Communication Officer,
UNICEF India: Mobile: +91 981 017 0289

Sonia Sarkar
Communication Officer (Media) , UNICEF India
Tel (+91) 9810170289,9891861445;
Email: ssarikar@unicef.org

United Nations Children’s Fund
UNICEF House, 73 Lodi Estate, New Delhi,
Follow us on Facebook Twitter and at www.unicef.in

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Shri Ram-Hanuman Jayanti Procession on 15th at 2.30 Pm

14042014

Press Invite:

Shri Ram-Hanuman Jayanti Procession on 15^th at 2.30 Pm

A large Shobha Yatra(procession) on the occasion of Hanumaan Jayanti being organized by Hindu Parv samanvay samitee is scheduled to start at 2.30Pm on 15/04/2014(Tuesday) from Ram Leela Maidan.

The Int’l Secretary General VHP shri Dinesh Chandra will be the chief guest & the National secretary-VHP Dr. Surendra Jain will be the main speaker of the inauguration ceremony of the Yatra presided by shri Gopal Mani ji maharaj.

Kindly grace us on this auspicious occasion by your personal presence. We also request you to send your representative / correspondents / photo journalist / video journalist to cover the event.

Regards

Vinod Bansal

Media Incharge

Vishwa Hindu Parishad-Delhi

9810949109

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Syria troops seize Christian town near Lebanon border

14042014

Syrian soldiers backed by Hezbollah fighters recaptured on Monday the town of Maaloula, north of Damascus, Media reported. “Units from the army and armed forces restores security and stability in the town of Maaloula,” state news agency SANA said. The operation closed off more of the rebel supply route through the Qalamoun mountains near Lebanon. Islamist fighters, including from the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front, took over a quarter of the ancient Christian town in December and held several nuns captive, who were released in March in an exchange deal. In recent months, government forces have recaptured several rebel-held areas and border towns, securing the main highway leading north from Damascus towards central Syria, Homs and the Mediterranean.

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Quake of M7.5 – SOLOMON ISLANDS

14042014

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude	7.5
Date-Time	13 Apr 2014 12:36:18 UTC 13 Apr 2014 23:36:19 near epicenter 13 Apr 2014 16:36:18 standard time in your timezone
Location	11.455S 162.063E
Depth	35 km
Distances	111 km (68 mi) S of Kirakira, Solomon Islands 321 km (199 mi) SE of Honiara, Solomon Islands 713 km (442 mi) NW of Luganville, Vanuatu 922 km (571 mi) SE of Arawa, Papua New Guinea 967 km (599 mi) NW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu

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71 killed, 124 wounded in blasts n Nigeria

14042014

: 71 killed, 124 wounded in blasts at crowded bus station in Nigeria’s capital – police; details to follow

A blast at a bus depot on the outskirts of the Nigerian capital, Abuja, killed at least 70 people on Monday morning, media reported, citing witnesses no immediate claim of responsibility but authorities are likely to blame Islamist militant group Boko Haram that have been waging an insurgency in the northeast.

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Kiev is preparing to contain provocations in Eastern Ukraine

14042014

Kiev is preparing to contain provocations in Eastern Ukraine on the border.

“Ukraine provocations are being planned near the border in order to discredit the military personnel of the Russian Federation,” Vitaly Zakharchenko said in Rostov on Don during a press conference with ousted President Victor Yanukovich.

He called on the security forces in Ukraine not to obey orders from Kiev, reminding them that such actions would be illegal, and condemned Kiev’s coup-imposed leadership for giving such orders.

“From the legal point of view illegal orders are given out the illegitimately appointed Turchinov, Avakov, Nalivaychenko, Makhnitsky,” Zakharchenko said.

The information of a planned staged attack and provocations by Kiev are also being confirmed by sources in the Ukrainian Interior Ministry on condition of anonymity.

“Kiev authorities are preparing a big provocation, with a purpose to discredit the people of Donetsk and Lugansk regions who are committed to holding a referendum and federalization of the country,” the source told Ria Novosti.

“An order arrived at the management of divisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the armed forces of Ukraine deployed in Donetsk region, to use fighters from the Right Sector to simulate armed attacks on the these divisions,” source added.Ukrainian authorities have already tried to launch what they called an “anti-terrorist operation” in the eastern city of Slavyansk, Donetsk region. Gunfire broke out there on Sunday, after troops in black uniforms supported by armored vehicles and several helicopters approached the roadblock set up by the locals.

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Collection of unique paintings and sparkling hand painted jewelry

14042014

Rashmi Singh

Cordially invites you

To her exhibition

“Aiyati”

Collection of unique paintings and sparkling hand painted jewelry

Inauguration by Shahnaz Husain

15^th April 2014

at Galerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Francaise de Delhi, 72, KK Birla Marg, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi – 110 003

6 PM onwards

Guest List

Niren Sen Gupta

Padamshri Ram V. Sutar

Ms. Anjolie Ela Menon

Ms. Arpana Caur

Sh. Jatin Das

Sh. Rameshwar Broota

Ms. Saroj Pal Gogi

Sh. Paramjit Singh

Col. Karamjit Singh

Nishi Singh

Sh. Arvind Singh Ji Mewar

Princess Diya Kumari Ji

Padamshri Ashok Chakradhar Ji

Padamshri Dr. K.K. Agarwal

Padamvibhushan Dr. P. Lal

Padambhushan G.D. Neeraj Ji

Sh. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore + Gayatri Rathore

Ms. Archana Dalmia

Ms. Neelima + Amitabh Adhar

Dr. Karan Singh Ji

Media RSVP

Rashi Rohatgi Khan

For further details, please contact:

Vishal Bhalla

+91 8826456567

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President Ma Ying-jeou sheen fades

14042014

Media reports of recent protests, student occupation of parliament to a mass rally outside the presidential office, point to Mr Ma losing public support as well as influence within his own ruling Kuomintang party. Taiwan prestigious survey research labels his latest approval ratings at 19 per cent, a far cry from the 52 per cent he garnered when he was re-elected in 2012.

President Mr Ma’s authority is under threat, even from his own Kuomintang (KMT) party. Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng made concessions to students without President Ma’s knowledge or consent. Furthermore “As far as President Ma is concerned, his power within the KMT has been openly challenged,” said Liu Bih Rong, political science professor at Soochow University.“So even if he is not yet a lame duck, he is pretty close to being one. Now we’re worried how he is going to push through his policies in the next two years.”

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Paradis, the film of Montalvo and Hervieu eponym choreography

14042014

Jean-Philippe Bottin

To Jean-Philippe BottinMe

Today at 11:28 AM

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to remind you of two interesting events:

- today (Monday), at 7pm, the screening of Paradis, the film of Montalvo and Hervieu eponym choreography. A fantastic experience.

- tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7pm at Kamani auditorium, Stranger in Indian Paradise, a Franco-Indian production by French artistic director and choreographer David Rolland with participation of Indian guest choreographers Padmini Chettur and Preethi Athreya.

I see you all today and tomorrow for those two new events of the second edition of our contemporary dance biennale DanSe DialogueS.

Warmest regards,

Jean-Philippe.

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The floral tributes Babasaheb B R Ambedkar on 123rd Birth Anniversary.

14042014

‏@airnewsalerts

PM Dr Manmohan Singh pays floral tributes at portrait of Babasaheb B R#Ambedkar on his 123rd Birth Anniversary. pic.twitter.com/hqSmumsyCC

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Berlusconi to do community service

15042014

Berlusconi to do community service for tax fraud conviction

An Italian court ruled that former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi should serve a one-year sentence for tax fraud by doing community service, Media reports a legal source as saying on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear what kind of community service he has been ordered to do. The Milan court also set travel restrictions on the former prime minister. Berlusconi’s lawyers described the ruling as satisfactory given his political activity needs.

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Afghan deputy minister kidnapped in Kabul

15042014

A senior Afghan government official was kidnapped along with his driver on his way to work in Kabul on Tuesday, according to an Interior Ministry official. Ahmad Shah Waheed, deputy minister for public works, was taken by gunmen at around 7am (02:30 GMT) from the Khairkhana neighborhood of the capital, AFP reported. Kabul police spokesman Hashmatullah Stanikzai confirmed the incident, adding that Afghan police forces have launched a search to secure his release. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for Taliban militants, said they had no knowledge of Waheed’s kidnapping.

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Robotic submarine stops hunting

15042014

Robotic submarine stops hunting for missing Malaysian jet in deep area

A robotic submarine hunting for the missing Malaysian jet aborted its first mission after only six hours, AP reported. It surfaced with no new clues when it exceeded its maximum depth along the floor of the Indian Ocean, officials said on Tuesday. Search crews sent the US Navy’s Bluefin 21 into the depths on Monday to begin scouring the seabed for the missing Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777. The previous six-day search failed to detect any new signals thought to coming from its black boxes. The 16-hour mission was cut short when the unmanned sub entered a patch that was deeper than its maximum depth of 4,500 meters.

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Latvia suspends broadcasting of Russia’s Rossiya RTR TV

15042014

Latvia has suspended broadcasting Russia’s Rossiya RTR television channel for three months, the BBC said. An “administration process” was reportedly launched against the First Baltic Channel, and Rossiya 24 TV channel was labeled as “creating problems” over their coverage of the events in Ukraine. Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian public broadcasters are considering a plan to set up a new Russian-language TV channel. Chairman of the Russian Presidential Human Rights Council Mikhail Fedotov had said the ban on Russian TV channels in Latvia and Lithuania would violate the rights of television audience.

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Rajnath Singh: BJP Karyakartas in Chandauli met me on the highway

15042014

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Rajnath Singh ‏@BJPRajnathSingh 21m
BJP Karyakartas in Chandauli met me on the highway and requested me to visit the local election office. pic.twitter.com/SfBb8NbOrb

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Categories : Entertainment

India and the World – an Update

15042014

The emergence of India as a strong economic power is receiving widespread recognition in the region and beyond. Today, it has expanded its footprints and engagement in multiple fields across all continents. Accordingly, India’s foreign policy and international conducts should reflect upon its new global stature. In this backdrop, Ananta Aspen Centre is pleased to launch a new initiative — a bi-weekly digest of all the major news related to India’s Foreign Policy. Our sincere effort is to keep you informed and updated on all the major international developments that have implications on India’s foreign policy. Hope you will benefit from the initiative. We value your feedback, comments and recommendations.

India and the World – an Update

A bi-weekly News Digest on India’s Foreign Policy
(Volume – 7)

April 1st – April 14th, 2014

Neighbourhood

South Asia

Pakistan

To re-engage with India as soon as new govt is formed: Pak FM
PTI / Zee News | April 9^th, 2014″The non-discriminatory market access (NDMA) is a new term we have coined for mutual expansion of the trade. We wish to minimise the negative list of both the countries,” Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said.

Afghanistan

Wary Afghanistan goes to polls today under shadow of Taliban threat
Times of India | April 5^th, 2014
A joint task force report by two Indian think tanks, Ananta-Aspen Centre and Delhi Policy Group, which was released by PM’s special envoy on Af-Pak S K Lambah on Friday to coincide with the elections, makes a strong case for India to equip Afghans militarily.

India hopes new Afghan administration will be inclusive
Live Mint | April 5^th, 2014
Speaking after the launch of a report titled Afghanistan Task Force Report: What India Can Doby two Delhi-based think-tanks, the Ananta Aspen Centre and the Delhi Policy Group, Satinder K. Lambah, the Prime Minister’s special envoy on Afghanistan, also called on the international community to “remain committed” to supporting the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), which is playing the central role in tackling the resurgent Taliban insurgency in the country.

India has no exit strategy in Afghanistan: Foreign Secretary
PTI / Business Standard | April 9^th, 2014
Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said India would like to see a strong and stable Afghanistan and exhuded confidence that the country will manage its transition in 2014 and beyond.

PM congratulates Hamid Karzai for successful conduct of polls
PTI / Zee News | April 7^th, 2014
The polls in Afghanistan will end 13 years of rule by Karzai, who has held power since 2001. Preliminary election results are expected on April 24.

Bangladesh

Likely govt change in India unlikely to hit ties with Bangladesh
PTI / Business Standard | April 7^th, 2014
The Indian High Commissioner said as long as the fundamental principles of relations stayed, India’s Bangladesh policy would continue to remain unchanged as it would be led by same interests.

Sri Lanka

Govt: Decision on Lanka was political
Asian Age | April 5^th, 2014
Speaking to a news agency, foreign secretary Sujatha Singh said: “Any decision relating to foreign policy is a political decision, is it not? And no official will take a decision without taking a political sign off.”

Bhutan

Bhutan to hire Indian students for hydel project
PTI / The Economic Times | April 10^th, 2014
Bhutan’s Minister for commerce and foreign affairs Liyonopo Narbo Wangchuk, who is currently leading a Bhutanese delegation here, said Bhutan has tremendous hydro power potential and wants to harness the Indian expertise in the field to tap it to the maximum.

Asia Pacific

China

India, China to hold strategic dialogue on April 14
PTI / Zee News | April 9^th, 2014
China is in touch with India to explore way forward in Afghanistan to deal with the war-ravaged country after the draw-dawn of the US-led NATO troops by the end of this year.

India, China to discuss border pinpricks
DNA | April 12^th, 2014
After the two countries signed the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA), they had agreed to have a hotline between their DGMO-rank officers to resolve issues cropping up on the LAC during face-offs between the soldiers of the two sides, defence sources said.

Foreign secretary Sujatha Singh to test Beijing waters before new government checks in
The Economic Times | April 14^th, 2014
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said last week that the two sides will have deep exchanges on bilateral ties, high-level exchanges, and practical cooperation, international and regional issues of mutual concern.

The United States

US faces trade barriers from India, China in telecom
PTI / India TV News | April 5^th, 2014
The report among other things mentions ongoing restrictions on the provision of voice-over the Internet (VOIP) services in China and India. It expresses concerns about undue restrictions on the ability of US satellite service suppliers to provide satellite transmission capacity to customers in both China and India.

Time to get past tensions and move on: US on ties with India
PTI / NDTV | April 5^th, 2014
“We have said we want to get past some of the tensions that have been there over the past several months and move on,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters.

Space Cooperation: A Vital New Front for India-U.S. Relations
Space News | April 7^th, 2014
India’s Megha-Tropiques, a satellite mission to study the water cycle in the tropical region in the context of climate change, will now form part of the Global Precipitation Measurement mission being led by the U.S. and Japan.

India refuses to consider Khobragade episode as closed
The Hindu | April 7^th, 2014
Though the first indictment against her was rejected by a U.S. court, prosecutors last month re-indicted her on visa fraud charges and accused her of “illegally” underpaying and “exploiting” her domestic maid.

US lawmakers look forward to new government in India after general elections
PTI / The Economic Times | April 8^th, 2014
Congressman Eliot Engel said he is pleased by the transformation that has occurred in the US-India relationship over the past couple of decades and noted that this transformation could not have happened without the strong leadership of both major political parties in India and the United States.

Americans facing competition from India, China: Obama
PTI / The Hindu | April 8^th, 2014
“Young people in India and China, they’re all interested in trying to figure out how they get a foothold in this world economy,” Mr. Obama said while addressing students in Maryland.

Europe

Russia

India, Russia sign Rs 2,600 crore deal for anti-tank ammunition
PTI / DNA | March 31^st, 2014
The two sides signed the deal on March 27 for the supply of anti-tank shells to the Army and agreement in this regard was inked by Defence Ministry officials from India and Rosoboronexport officials from the Russia side, the Defence Ministry said in New Delhi.

Middle East

3 Israel diplomats sent home
Asian Age | April 9^th, 2014
According to reports, one of the three diplomats had even slapped the immigration official while the other too also roughed him up. All three were headed for work to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Miscellaneous

FS engages envoys in ‘interactive sessions’
The Asian Age | April 7^th, 2014
These sessions have evoked a huge response amongst the diplomatic corps with large numbers — some 80 to 100 — including high commissioners and ambassadors turning up to brainstorm with the FS on issues that might be of concern or interest.

***

If you do not want to receive this News Digest, please let us know at this e-mail id:admin@anantacentre.in

About Ananta Aspen Centre
Ananta Aspen Centre is an independent and not-for-profit organisation that seeks to foster positive change in society through dissemination of knowledge. The Centre facilitates discussions on issues of international significance, values-based leadership and cross-sector outreach by engaging the civil society, government, private sector, and other key stakeholders.

To know more, Please log on to
http://www.anantaaspencentre.in

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WEC India Energy Portal

15042014

WEC India Energy Portal

One Stop Energy Resource Center

Energy Portal

The menu for Global Scenarios has been enabled. Comparison of Scenarios of IEA, EIA and WEC is presented for Primary Energy Consumption, Electricity Generation and Co₂ Emissions.

Energy News Menu

Google buys solar-powered drone maker Titan Aerospace
Acquisition of solar-powered drone maker to help boost Internet access in remote areas
Growth goes beyond a strong coalition
Weakest coalition since 1989, the United Front govt from 1996-98 delivered faster GDP growth than much stronger govts
Ajai Shukla: Come out of the nuclear closet
While the ‘no first use’ pledge must quickly be scrapped, the ill-conceived commitment to ‘massive retaliation’ is even more damaging to our nuclear credibility
Rays Power commissions 14 solar power projects in FY’14
Rays Power is now starting two new parks in Rajasthan for 100 MW of capacity and its solar power capacity is now 85 MW with 56 projects.
Climate change: UN panel’s latest tocsin
Planned action just not enough, it pleads; new target cuts in emissions and deal to allocate these needed by 2015
Punjab State Power Corporation petitions APTEL about CERC’s compensatory tariff order
Punjab State Power Corp has petitioned APTEL challenging CERC’s order about compensatory tariff to two Mundra projects of Tata Power and Adani Power.
Parakh set to reignite coal fire
Former coal secretary Prakash Chandra Parakh is gearing up to put up a strong fight against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s allegations of criminal conspiracy in the coal block allocation scam, with the launch of his book, Crusaders or …
Finance ministry steps in to rescue Dabhol power project
The project, which was built by Enron Corp, has been in trouble since last year, when dwindling gas supply from Reliance Industries’ KG-D6 block forced it to shut down.
Govt receives 36 applications for three coal mines
Applicants include JSPL and Tata Steel
Solar energy sector sees $7 billion corporate funding in first quarter of 2014
Besides the number of merger and acquisition deals in the solar sector jumped to 38 in the 2014 first quarter compared to 25 transactions seen in the year-ago period.
NTPC pays dues, ends conflict with Coal India
NTPC has settled the dues of two Coal India subsidiaries, bringing to a close a protracted tussle over quality of fuel the state-run miner was providing.
Suzlon Energy sells 240 mw Illinois-based wind farm to EverPower
Suzlon did not disclose the consideration for the sale of the wind farm. The sale may have happened at 50% discount to the original price.
Boiler light-up achieved for fourth unit of Reliance Power’s Sasan UMPP
Boiler lightup achieved for fourth 660 mw unit of Reliance Power’s 3,960 mw Sasan Ultra Mega Power Plant.
GVK coal mine gets conditional clearance from Australia court
GVK’s Alpha Coal Mine is located in the Galilee Basin, Australia with the first coal expected to be extracted by 2016
Coal India signs 160 fuel supply deals with power plants
The company is likely to sign more fuel supply agreements
BLP aims at 1GW power generation capacity in 5 years
The firm is raising capital and building power plants across the country to augment capacity, says founder Tejpreet Singh Chopra
Adani Power commissions 4th unit of Tiroda power plant in Gujarat
With that, Adani Power has overtaken Tata Power in total installed power generation capacity
India to award 1 gigawatt solar permits by 2015, boosting plan
The planned new capacity is about 30% more than originally targeted and is about half of what has been built so far
A clarification on why CERC’s compensation to Tata, Adani for high coal prices sets dangerous precedents
This is with reference to inaccuracies in “Why CERC’s compensation to Tata, Adani for high coal prices sets dangerous precedents and dents competition’” published in ET Magazine, dated March 2, 2014.

For more information Contact – WEC India Secretariat, C/o NTPC Limited, 7th Floor, Core-6, SCOPE Complex, New Delhi-110 003, India
Email: info@wecindia.in, Phone: 011-2436 3719, Fax: 011-2436 9530, Website: http://www.wecindia.in

–

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Special Invitation for LED Lighting Workshop at Jaipur on 30th May 2014

15042014

Sub:Special Invitation for LED Lighting Workshop at Jaipur on 30^thMay 2014

Dear Sir/Madam

Greetings!!!

We are please to inform you that ELCOMA, an apex body of Lighting Manufacturers in India, in consultation with bureau of energy efficiency (BEE) and Ministry of Power we are organizing LED Lighting workshops in all state capitals to aware municipalities about street lighting, LED Standards, and architects to indoor and industrial lighting. You being an important stakeholder in adopting the national program on energy efficient lighting and play an important role in energy conservation and renewable energy are cordially invited to attend the workshop and also depute other officials in your organization.

Please note there is no fee for the workshop. Just fill the registration form and send us back for confirmation. Due to restricted seating, the registration will be done on priority basis.

During the workshop, you will listen to presentations from global experts on new developments in technology and applications in LED and Off-grid lighting. There will be special focus on LED Street Lighting, tools to understand on planning for street Lighting, pay-back period, various government support and schemes and other LED products like down lights for retails outlets and retrofit LED Bulb for domestic use.

Special arrangement has been made to give ”on the spot” training on use of special street light tool for designing street light on road, prepared by DOE, USA which will be undertaken by CLASP. If you are interested in attending this program can also mention in the registration form so that necessary arrangements can be made.

We shall appreciate an early response and confirmation on list of delegates from your organization.You may write to us for any query or details or Visit our website www.elcomaindia.com

A confirmation will be highly appreciated. Looking forward to meeting you also at the workshop.

SHYAM SUJAN

Secretary General

Encl: Copy of Registration form

ELCOMA

202, DLF TOWER-A, JASOLA VIHAR

NEW DELHI-25

TEL: 011 41556644, 46604947

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ITC Maurya presents cuisine from the “Heart of Europe – The Czech Republic

16042014

Roof to dinning at West View gets more exciting as guests are going to experience cuisine from the Czech Republic – ” Heart of Europe “

on April 16 -26, 2014.Inspired by its natural beauty, majestic spires, graceful castles and architecture, the Czech cuisine is truly an amalgamation of history and various cultural influences.

Countless kinds of soup with ingredients that warm the body are must in the Czech menu, if Czech cuisine has a something exclusive and unique, it is definitely dumplings and one of the most distinct facets of Czech cuisine is the focus on sauces thick,probably creamy and spicy, sauces are a must. Be it with dumpling or pasta, potatoes, couscous or simply with bread !

Meat usage is high in Czech Cuisine, be it grilled, smoked or minced, various legumes and vegetables are also popular.

Beer snacks such as marinated cheese,soused herrings,fish filets pickled in sour brine etc are some of loved cold dishes in Czech Republic.

many of the Cakes and pastries like buns, rolls, fruits dumplings etc that are popular in Central Europe have originated within Czech lands.

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April 17, 2014, 7:00 am

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

The cost of inaction

One year ago today, the Senate introduced S.744, a bipartisan bill that would fix our broken immigration system, grow our economy, and shrink the deficit. Last June, they passed that bill. The House has still failed to act.

Take a look at how inaction has hurt our economy — and pass it on:

Learn more about the cost of inaction. Click here to see the full infographic.

Stay Connected

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WEC India Energy Portal

17042014

WEC India Energy Portal

One Stop Energy Resource Center

Energy Portal

The menu for Global Scenarios has been enabled. Comparison of Scenarios of IEA, EIA and WEC is presented for Primary Energy Consumption, Electricity Generation and Co₂ Emissions.

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Toyota to launch hydrogen-powered car
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Tata Power plans to add 646.7 MW from clean energy sources
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Over 14,000 MW of hydro power capacity is under execution in the country and would be commissioned in the next 4 years, according to CEA.
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Punjab State Power Corporation petitions APTEL about CERC’s compensatory tariff order
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Parakh set to reignite coal fire
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Finance ministry steps in to rescue Dabhol power project
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Applicants include JSPL and Tata Steel
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Coal India signs 160 fuel supply deals with power plants
The company is likely to sign more fuel supply agreements

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Biggest Lie of Helicopter PM

17042014

Biggest Lie of Helicopter PM – Its 3%-4% MSME Jobs not 80%
April16, 2014

Helicopter PM in election interview broadcast just hours ago Claimed
80% MSME jobs created in Gujarat. MSMEs contribution is just 5% of
India.

But I down loaded latest Annual Report of MSME ministry.

Gujarat 1st in Fixed Assets, 7th in Enterprises, 7th in Jobs, 9th in
Production Value.
Sl.
No.    State/UT    Enterprises
(lakh)    Employment
(lakh    Market Value of Fixed Assets (Rs. Crore)    Gross Output
(Rs. Crore)
3    Punjab    10.14    18.31    37126    81625
24    Gujarat    15.32    34.42    166753    55306
    INDIA    214.38    501.93    689954    1077212

Gujarat 24% Fixed Assets, 5.5% Production Value, 6.9% Jobs, 7.5% Enterprises

http://msme.gov.in/WriteReadData/DocumentFile/ANNUALREPORT-MSME-2012-13P.pdf
Statement 2.3: State – wise Distribution of Principal Characteristics
of MSME Sector * Based on 2005 MSME Census

This table on page 32 is most damaging – Gujarat has 15.32 lakh
Enterprises out 214380 or 7.5% approx, 34.44 lakh employees out of
501.93 lakh or 6.9%, Rs.166753 crores out of Rs.689954 crores or 24%
Fixed Assets, But value of output is Rs.55,301 crores out of 1077212
crores or 4.76% only.

The ten leading States, in terms of enterprises, are Uttar Pradesh
(44.03 lakh), West Bengal (36.64 lakh), Tamil Nadu (33.13 lakh),
Maharashtra (30.63 lakh), Andhra Pradesh (25.96 lakh), Kerala (22.13
lakh), Gujarat (21.78 lakh), Karnataka (20.19 lakh), Madhya Pradesh
(19.33 lakh) and Rajasthan (16.64 lakh).

The ten leading States, in terms of employment, are Uttar Pradesh
(92.36 lakh), West Bengal (85.78 lakh), Tamil Nadu (80.98 lakh),
Andhra Pradesh (70.69 lakh), Maharashtra (70.04 lakh), Kerala (49.62
lakh), Gujarat (47.73 lakh), Karnataka (46.72 lakh), Madhya Pradesh
(33.66 lakh) and Odisha (33.24 lakh).

STATE-WISE DETAILS: UNITS ASSISTED, MARGIN MONEY UTILISED AND ESTIMATED
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION DURING 2012-13(UPTO 31 DECEMBER 2012) UNDER PMEGP

P-251 - Number of Assisted Units 595 out of 18160, Margin Money
Subsidy Rs.2301 crores out of Rs.36146 and jobs 6937 out of 155418.
JUST 4%.
A year earlier it was 8058 jobs out of 325359 or not even 3% Page 240.

http://msme.gov.in/WriteReadData/DocumentFile/ANNUALREPORT-MSME-2012-13P.pdf
http://msme.gov.in/WriteReadData/DocumentFile/MSME-Annual-Report-2011-12-English.pdf

http://finmin.nic.in/stats_data/monthly_economic_report/2013/indoct13.pdf
CNG Gas Price in USA $3.4 per mmBTU – Gujarat State Petroleum
Corporation demanded $15 to $18 Per mmbtu – Table-16

Ravinder Singh, National General Secretary.
Sabka Bharat Mission 2019
Y-77, Hauz Khas, New Delhi -110016
Ph: 9650421857, 9718280435
Sabkabharatmission2019@gmail.com

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17042014

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

cordially invites you to a Public Lecture

(in the ‘Cities in History’ series)

at 3.00 pm on Thursday, 17 April, 2014

in the Seminar Room, First Floor, Library Building

‘Women and the City:

The case of Ahmedabad’

Ms. Madhavi Desai,

Centre for Environmental Planning

and Technology University,

Ahmedabad.

Abstract:

Asian cities are multi-layered environments. Natural and man-made, historical and modern, public and private create a complex structure of the city, deeply influencing its citizens. The built environment constitutes the image of the city and has a high cultural value as a collective memory. The city of Ahmedabad, which did not have colonial roots like Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, dates back to 1411 AD when Sultan Ahmed Shah established his capital on the eastern banks of the Sabarmati River. The 7th largest metropolis in India, Ahmedabad still contains a medieval core. In the first half of the 20th century, it was called the ‘Manchester of India’, owing to its large textile industry. Today, it is being hailed for its contemporary urban development. On the one hand, physical planning, mostly in the hands of the government, is limited to macro level Development Plans or Master Plans. In these abstract processes, the neutrality of the user is taken-for-granted and the element of people’s participation is minimal. On the other hand, with growing impact of globalization, rapid urbanization and projects of modernization, Ahmedabad, like other Indian cities, has increasingly become less accessible to the marginalized and less mobile population, women being one of them. In addition, the discourse and critical scholarship about gender and the city has remained rather peripheral in India, creating a major lacuna in theory and praxis, severely limiting inputs to design, policy and implementation. Spatial arrangements in an urban context help to reproduce structures of gender and also to articulate identities. At various levels, from the city to the neighbourhood and from institutions to the dwelling, the relationship between men and women is expressed in the built form. Focusing on middle class women, this presentation will examine their relationship to inside and outside spaces in the city, particularly in the public sphere, referring to traditional as well as modern markets, streets, parks and gardens, public toilets and urban transportation systems. Based on empirical research, this work-in-progress will attempt to read of the city as a gendered entity.

Speaker:

Ms. Madhavi Desai is an architect, researcher and a teacher. She has an M. Arch from the University of Texas at Austin, USA. She is a partner in ARCHICRAFTS since 1981 and an adjunct faculty at Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad since 1986. She has had Research Fellowships from Indian Council for Social Science Research, the Aga Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture in MIT, USA, Sarai, New Delhi and the Getty Foundation, USA. She is a founder member of Women Architects Forum. She is the co-author of Architecture and Independence: The Search for Identity: India 1880 to 1980, New Delhi (1997), Architectural Heritage of Gujarat: Interpretation, Appreciation, Values, the Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, (2012) and The Bungalow in Twentieth Century India: The Cultural Expression of Changing Ways of Life and Aspirations in the Domestic Architecture of Colonial and Post-Colonial Society, UK (2012). She is also the author of Traditional Architecture: House Form of the Islamic Community of the Bohras in Gujarat,Pune (2007) and the editor of Women and the Built Environment in India, New Delhi (2007). Currently she has a manuscript ready for a book on Women in Architecture in India. She is also a member of the nominating committee of the Berkeley-Rupp Professorship and Prize at the University of California at Berkeley, USA (2012-2014). She has made presentations at many international conferences and has been widely published.

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CONGRESS & BJP JUSTIFY BEFORE SUPREME COURT

17042014

NON-DISSOLUTION OF DELHI ASSEMBLY AND PROLONGED PRESIDENT’S RULE

In the petition filed by the AamAadmi Party in the Supreme Court challenging the non-dissolution of the Delhi Legislative Assembly &non-holding of fresh elections, both the Congress and the BJP have filed their affidavits justifying the non-dissolution and prolonged imposition of President’s Rule.

Despite the fact that Supreme Court had specifically asked both the parties to make their stand clear as to whether they are willing to form the Government by joining hands, both the parties have not indicated any willingness to form the Government.

This shows that both the Congress and BJP have joined hands to thwart the democratic rights of the people of Delhi to have a popularly elected Government. This is because they feel that in the event of fresh elections, AAP would get a majority and form the government in Delhi, and both parties would instead have a prolonged Centre’s Rule irrespective of the political party in power at the Centre.

Regards
AAP media Cell

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Pawar takes a dig on Narendra Modi and BJP’;s campaign.

17042014

Bharatiya Janata Party’;s (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has brought down Gujarat’;s development, Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at a rally at Bhandup, arranged for the poll campaign of Sanjay Dina Patil, the Nationalist Congress Party’;s candidate for the Mumbai North-East Lok Sabha constituency. The rally saw Pawar portraying Modi as cruel referring to Modi’;s puppy remark and the massacre during 2002 Gujarat riots.

Pawar claimed that Gujarat’;s development was a continuous effort of its erstwhile Congress chief ministers and alleged that Modi is trying to steal the credit by making consistent false statements.

During the chief ministerial period of Madhav Singh Solanki, Amarsinh Chaudhary and Chimanbhai Patel, Gujarat was developing at the rate of 16% to 17.5%. However, during the period of Modi’;s rule in the last 12 years, the growth has come down to 9% or 8%. Modi has brought down the growth of Gujarat, said the NCP supremo.

Pawar took a dig at Modi and BJP’;s campaign – ‘;Ab ki Baar Modi Sarkar’;- stating that it is for the first in the history of independent India that a politician has come up and started portraying himself as the next Prime Minister, and going down to the streets asking people to vote for him.

“In democracy people choose the Prime Minister, and not vice versa,” said Pawar commenting on Modi.

“The elections haven’;t concluded, the counting of ballot has not started, the results has not been announced and neither has the majority been proven in the Parliament. But here is one man who has been harping of himself as the Prime Minister,” said Pawar.

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High voter turnout witnessed in 121 constituencies

18042014

High turnout was witnessed in 121 constituencies which went to polls across 12 states in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday in which the political fate of leaders like Nandan Nilekani, Maneka Gandhi, M Veerappa Moily and Jaswant Singh is at stake.

There were a few incidents of violence, including blasts, in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh in which four people, including three security personnel, were injured. Four constituencies of West Bengal, which went to polls, recorded the highest turnout among the 12 states.

The voter turnout was recorded at 78.89 per cent but was likely to go up as final figures were still being computed. The figure as of now was lower than previous Lok Sabha election turnout of 80.85 per cent.

In Manipur Inner constituency, the turnout was an impressive 74 per cent and it was likely to go up further. In the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the turnout was much higher at 77 per cent.

In Bihar’s seven constituencies, the turnout was 56 per cent as compared to 39.3 per cent recorded in the last general elections. The three constituencies of Chhattisgarh which wernt to poll in the fifth phase, the turnout was an impressive 63.44 per cent.

In the last Lok Sabha elections, the turnout in these constituencies was 57.60 per cent. An electorate of 16.61 crore was eligible to exercise their franchise today in 28 seats of Karnataka, 20 of Rajasthan, 19 of Maharashtra, 11 each of Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, 10 of Madhya Pradesh, 7 of Bihar, 6 of Jharkhand, four of West Bengal, three of Chhattisgarh and one each of Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur.

Of the total seats, Congress has 36 seats while its main challenger BJP has 40 seats.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur constituency recorded a turnout of 69.08 per cent which was 24 per cent higher than the 45.15 per cent recorded in the previous LS polls.

Karnataka, which went for a single-phased poll today, also recorded a high turnout of 68 per cent, nearly 10 per cent higher than last elections’ 58.88 per cent. In 10 constituencies of Madhya Pradesh, though the turnout was not impressive as compared to other states, it was higher than the last general elections.

It recorded a turnout of 54.41 per cent, while in the last polls, it was 46.2 per cent. The 19 constituencies of Maharashtra, which went to polls today, witnessed a turnout of 54.67 per cent. It was 54.14 per cent in the last polls.

Odisha went for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections today. A total of 11 Lok Sabha seats went to polls in Odisha and recorded voter turnout of 70 per cent. It was 66.28 per cent in the 2009 general elections.

Rajasthan’s 20 constituencies also recorded an impressive turnout of 63.25 per cent as compared to 48.09 per cent in the last polls. Voters turned out in large numbers in Uttar Pradesh’s 11 constituencies which recorded a turnout of 62.52 per cent as compared to 55.09 per cent in the last LS polls.

In Jharkhand’s 6 constituencies, 62 per cent of voters came out to exercise their franchise. While in the last LS elections, the turnout was 58 per cent. A landmine blast on a CRPF patrol and subsequent ambush by Maoists left four people, including three securitymen injured.

Elsewhere, in Bihar an FIR has been registered against RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s daughter Misa Bharti for entering a polling compartment in a Patlipura constituency polling booth though she is not a voter there. She is pitted there against Lalu’s former close confidante Ram Kripal Yadav who is contesting on a BJP ticket.

Later some 50 persons entered the polling booth and created a ruckus and damaging a voting machine. A separate FIR was lodged against them.

Some polling staff was caught casting votes in connivance with a candidate in Patna district, the EC said. While they have been suspended, a case was registered against them. Defective EVMs forced authorities to order suspend polling in nine places in Bihar, the EC said.

In Odisha’s Cuttack, miscreants damaged an EVM, while in other case, a member of the flying squad was caught doing “wrong thing” inside a polling station. He was suspended and a case lodged, Deputy EC Alok Shukla told reporters here without elaborating.

In UP’s Shahjahanpur and Pilibhit districts, people decided to boycott polling in a total of six polling stations over issued related to development and missing names in electoral rolls, Deputy EC Vinod Zutshi said. In Rampur constituency of UP, some 60 people entered a booth and cast 40 votes. A repoll is likely in the polling booth, he said.

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Russia, West reach deal on Ukraine crisis

18042014

Russia, West reach surprise deal on Ukraine crisis

Updated on : 18-04-2014 09:14 AM

Russia, Ukraine, the US and EU reached a surprise deal on Thursday on de-escalating the worsening Ukrainian crisis, in a ray of hope for the former Soviet republic that has plunged into chaos.

The agreement reached in Geneva comes as a strong contrast to earlier hawkish comments made by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who left the door open for intervention in Ukraine.

A ban by Kiev on all Russian males aged 16 to 60 from entering Ukrainian territory had also ratcheted up the tensions, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov calling the measure “disgusting”.

But after half a day of talks, the four parties agreed on steps to “restore security for all citizens”, including a call to disband armed groups that have taken over buildings in Ukraine “illegally”.

While not spelt out in the agreement, these groups could refer to pro-Kremlin separatists who have seized control of government buildings and taken over parts of Ukraine’s southeast, destabilising the country.

“All illegal armed groups must be disarmed, illegally seized buildings returned to their rightful owners,” Lavrov said as he briefed reporters about the deal reached with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Ukraine’s Andriy Deshchytsya and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

Washington and Kiev have accused Russia of supporting the militants who have occupied buildings such as police stations and government bases, but Moscow has always categorically denied this.

Lavrov also said Russia had “no desire” to send troops into Ukraine, toning down earlier comments by Putin.

Warning that Ukraine was plunging into the “abyss” just hours after three separatists were killed in a gunbattle with troops in eastern Ukraine, Putin had stressed he hoped not to have to use his “right” to send Russian troops into its western neighbour.

“I very much hope that I am not obliged to use this right and that through political and diplomatic means we can solve all the acute problems in Ukraine,” he said in his annual televised phone-in with the nation, in a signal the option was on the table.

The upper house of parliament on 1st March authorised the Russian leader to send troops into Ukraine after pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted, and Moscow later went on to annex Ukraine’s Russian-speaking Crimean peninsula.

Russia has now massed tens of thousands of troops at the border and has warned Kiev’s untested new leaders — whom it does not recognise as legitimate — not to unleash force in Ukraine.

Accordingly, Kerry warned Russia that if there was no progress on de-escalating the crisis in Ukraine, “there will be additional sanctions, additional costs.”

The United States and European Union have already imposed punitive sanctions on key Russian and Ukrainian political and business officials, including members of Putin’s inner circle.

And the European Parliament on Thursday said the European Union should act “against Russian firms and their subsidiaries, especially in the energy sector, and Russia’s EU assets”. So far, though, any further sanctions appear to have been put on hold.

Russia’s annexation of the Crimea peninsula last month escalated a crisis that has shaped up to be the worst East-West standoff since the Cold War.

On Thursday, Kerry said the West is “not giving up” on peninsula, “but we did not come (to Geneva) to talk about Crimea.”

Each side came to the Geneva talks armed with a very specific set of demands, and the West and Kiev had aimed to persuade Moscow to demobilise the militias.

Ukraine’s Security Service said it was detaining 10 “Russian spies” arrested over the past six weeks on suspected missions to stir up unrest in the country, further implying Russia’s role in the destabilisation of the country.

But Russia has blamed Kiev’s interim leaders — installed by Ukraine’s parliament in February after the overthrow of Yanukovych following months of protests — for pushing the country dangerously close to a civil war.

The agreement also called on all sides to refrain from violence, intimidation and provocation, as well as to reject extremism in all shapes.

Kerry told reporters that notices were sent to Jews in a Ukrainian city believed to be in the east, asking them to identify themselves as Jews — a move he condemned as “grotesque”.

“In the year 2014, after all of the miles travelled and all of the journey of history, this is not just intolerable, it’s grotesque. It is beyond unacceptable,” he said.

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Categories : Business, Uncategorized, world News

TDP-BJP alliance intact

18042014

TDP-BJP alliance intact; talks on seat sharing hit brickwall

The electoral alliance between the Telugu Desam and the Bharatiya Janata Party in Andhra Pradesh will continue though talks over sharing of seats still remained inconclusive today.

“The alliance is intact,” BJP national spokesman Prakash Javadekar said after a two-hour discussion with TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Hyderabad on Friday afternoon.

“The alliance will continue,” TDP spokesman also confirmed.

However, both did not divulge any more details as Javadekar and TDP MP Y S Chowdary and other leaders left for Venkaiah Naidu’s residence for further talks.

Though the TDP wanted the BJP to part with 7 out of the 14 Assembly seats, the latter reportedly agreed to give away only the Ichchapuram seat.

“Talks are going on over other seats,” a TDP leader said after the meeting.

The BJP also agreed to change its nominees in some seats where the TDP raised objection over fielding of “weak” candidates.

Clarity on seat sharing between the two parties is expected late this evening.

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Categories : Politics, Uncategorized

CAIT & EBAY BEGAN THEIR NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

18042014

CAIT & EBAY BEGAN THEIR NATIONAL CAMPAIGN BY HOLDING WORKSHOP IN DELHI

TRADE COORDINATORS TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE

As a first step after signing of the MOU, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and eBay India, India’s leading e-Commerce marketplace hosted a Workshop at New Delhi yesterday evening at NDMC Convention Centre for imparting education and awareness among the trading community for up-gradation and modernization of their respective business formats and use of e-Commerce marketplace for availing multiple opportunities about growing their business nationally and globally. The workshop was attended by nearly 100 traders of Delhi dealing in different kinds of products.

CAIT National President Mr. B.C.Bhartia, Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, Mr. Latif Nathani, Managing Director, eBay India beside leaders of different trade associations of Delhi also attended the workshop.

As a part of their MOU, both CAIT and eBay have begun their joint nationwide campaign yesterday with holding a workshop at New Delhi among the business community as to why and how their current business format needs a radical change in terms of modernization and how such up-gradation will be accomplished. After holding workshop at New Delhi now they are planning to hold about 20 such workshops in different cities of the Country in various States in next three months.

While addressing the traders at the workshop, the technical team of eBay focused its educational program to impress upon the traders to adopt modern business techniques and tools to ensure better growth of their business and to encourage them to avail benefits of e-commerce market place as an additional business growing tool and for this purpose both CAIT and eBay have instituted a pillar of “trade coordinator” in their strategy who will assist the traders in their process of up gradation. Even a trader who is not familiar with online business can use e Commerce marketplace for generating more business additionally.

While inaugurating workshop Mr. Latif Nathani said that online selling is growing at a faster speed and in accordance to keep pace with the growth, the small traders needs to equip themselves with computers and avail the e commerce marketplace to keep their customer base intact. CAIT National President Mr. B.C.Bhartia said that e-commerce is a platform for doing direct business with consumes facilitating small artisans, women entrepreneurs and persons with limited working capital to enhance their domestic and even export business. It will also help in wide spreading Indian traditional and cultural products and will fetch domestic and global market for them.

CAIT Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal said that on the one hand the Government is emphasizing implementation of e-governance in Government Departments whereas no effort has been made to empower the traders who are under obligation to comply the e governance, with computerization resulting into a wide gap. Therefore, the joint campaign of CAIT & eBay will set the ball rolling for upgradation and modernization of trading community across the Country.

__________________________________________________________________________

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Home Expo India 2014 Concludes

18042014

Home Expo India 2014 Concludes With 1456 Buyers and

Expected Business Worth Rs 586 Crore : EPCH

Greater Noida — April 18, 2014 — The third-edition of Home Expo India 2014, a confluence of three integral sectors Home-Textiles, Houseware and Furniture into one and an estimated business is likely to be generated to the tune of Rs. 586 crore

during the four-day expo which concluded here today.

The premium expo, organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), registered more than 1456overseas buyers as well as their representatives and buying agents and retail buyers to source their focused requirements from a diverse range of international quality products under one-roof showcased by more than 1250 exhibitors including mart owners and manufacturers from all across India.

The prominent buying groups across the world who visited the Home Expo India 2014 included ASHLEY FURNITURE (USA), WISTERIA (FRANCE), PIER1 IMPORT (USA), COST PLUS WORLD MARKET (USA), GIBSON IMPORTING CO (AUSTRALIA), WORLDWIDE HOME FURNISHING INC. (CANADA), TLAS GMBH (GERMANY), HALENZA KG (GERMANY, LIVINS CO LTD 9JAPAN), GLOBUS AG (SWITZERLAND) AND EDELMAN BV (THE NETHERLANDS).

A highly specialized and product-segmented triple show– Home Expo India– was the culmination of Indian Houseware and Decoratives Show (IHDS), Indian Furnishings, Floorings and Textiles Show (IFFTEX) and Indian Furniture and Accessories Shows (IFAS) offered three opportunities to the visitors to source their requirements under one

Mainly foreign buyers came from USA, UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, South Africa, China, Japan, Australia, Canada, Spain, Latin America particularly Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico, Middle East.

The export performance of these sectors during the last years has been very impressive and that the growth in furniture and accessories exports has been: 47.56%, in furnishing, floorings and textiles 27.45%, houseware and decorative 21.42%, said Mr V.S. Goel, President of the Home Expo India 2014.

One of the distinct features of the show was display of eco-friendly new product lines by select companies who over the years have done detailed market research and product development taking into account consumer comfort and utilities particularly for items like Furniture and Household requirement, Mr. Goel added.

“With the development taking place in the international market, the thrust is now on product-segmented specialized trade shows rather than trade shows covering all product categories. Hence, there was need for Home Expo India. The emphasis laid by the Council is on making this show a wholesome with a ‘Home Total’ tag’ attached to it with the intention of making it a benchmark event for premium merchandise for a target market/buyers segment,” said Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Executive Directtor of EPCH.

The EPCH has been successfully organizing for the past 15 years Asia’s largest Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (IHGF) twice a year viz. Spring and Autumn to promote exports of Handicrafts from India to various destinations. Over the years, IHGF has acquired the reputation of “One Stop Sourcing Event” amongst the overseas buying community and ‘most effective marketing medium’ amongst the Indian exporting community.

EPCH is the nodal export promotion body for handicrafts in India and plays an important role of a catalyst between the exporters, buyers and the Government with the main objective of boosting trade in Handicrafts and also projects India’s image in the global market as a reliable supplier.

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Analyses of Candidates of Phase 6: Lok Sabha Elections 2014

18042014

Analysis of Criminal Background, Financial, Education, Gender and other details of Candidates

National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 2071 candidates out of 2077 candidates who are contesting in the Phase 6 of Lok Sabha 2014 Elections. The rest of the candidates were not analysed due to unclear/incomplete affidavits uploaded on the ECI website at the time of making of this report.

Please find the following detailed reports in English:

Analysis of Criminal, Financial and Other Background Details of Candidates Contesting in the 6th Phase for Lok Sabha 2014
Consolidated Analysis of Criminal, Financial and Other Background Details of Candidates from the 1st Phase to the 6th Phase for Lok Sabha 2014

Phase 6
S.No.	State	No. of Candidates Constesting	No. of Candidates analysed	Constituencies	No. of Candidates with Criminal Cases	% of Candidates with Criminal Cases	No. of Crorepati Candidates	% of Crorepati Candidates	Date of Poll
1	Tamil Nadu	845	844	39	103	12%	178	21%	24^thApril, 2014
2	Maharashtra	338	337	19	68	20%	111	33%
3	Uttar Pradesh	168	168	12	27	16%	58	35%
4	Bihar	108	108	7	38	35%	26	24%
5	Madhya Pradesh	118	117	10	21	18%	23	20%
6	Chhattisgarh	153	150	7	12	8%	22	15%
7	Assam	74	74	6	8	11%	22	30%
8	Rajasthan	81	81	5	7	9%	21	26%
9	West Bengal	78	78	6	11	14%	16	21%
10	Jharkhand	72	72	4	19	26%	15	21%
11	Puducherry	30	30	1	6	20%	6	20%
12	Jammu & Kashmir	12	12	1	1	8%	6	50%
Total		2077	2071	117	321	15%	504	24%

Criminal Background

Candidates with Criminal Cases: Out of the 2071 candidates analysed, 321 (15%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves
Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: 204 candidates have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, robbery etc.
Candidates with most number of declared Criminal Cases: Udayakumar S.P. of AAP from Kanniyakumari constituency, Tamil Nadu has declared 382 criminal cases against himself followed by M.Pushparayan of AAP from Thoothukkudi constituency with 380 criminal cases and Mu.Anbhalagan of DMK from Tiruchirappalli constituency with 10 criminal cases.
Candidates with cases related to murder: 11 candidates have declared cases related to murder.
Candidates with cases related to Attempt to Murder: 40 candidates have declared cases of attempt to murder.
Candidates with cases related to Communal Disharmony: 13 candidates have declared cases related to Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony (IPC section-153A). 4 candidates have declared cases related to Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs (IPC section-295A) and 1 candidate has declared a case related to Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class (IPC section-295).
Candidates with cases related to Prevention of Corruption Act:

8 candidates have declared cases related to Prevention of Corruption Act.
Candidates with cases related to Electoral Violations:

17 candidates* have declared cases related to electoral violations. 2 candidates have declared cases related to Bribery (IPC section-171B), 8 candidates have declared cases related to undue influence or personation at an election (IPC section-171F), 8 candidates have declared cases related Illegal payments in connection with an election(IPC section-171H). *A candidate may have declared more than one IPC related to Electoral Offences.
Candidates with cases related to Crimes against Women: 12 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women. Pankaj Kumar Singh an CPI(ML)(L) candidate from Purnia constituency, Bihar has declared a case related buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc. (IPC Section-373).

Party wise Candidates with Criminal Cases: 30 (32%) out of 94 candidates from INC, 20 (26%) out of 77 candidates from BJP, 13 (14%)out of 91 candidates from AAP, 27 (24%)out of 111 candidates fielded by BSP and 76 (8%) out of 972 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
Party wise Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: 15(16%) out of 94 candidates from INC, 12 (16%) out of 77 candidates from BJP, 9 (10%) out of 91 candidates from AAP, 17 (15%) out of 111 candidates fielded by BSP and 43 (4%) out of 972 Independent candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Red Alert Constituencies: 55 constituencies have at least 3 candidates with declared criminal cases. Raver constituency, Maharashtrahas the highest number of contesting candidates i.e. 10 with criminal cases against them.

Financial Background

Crorepati Candidates: Out of the 2071 candidates analysed, 504 (24%) are crorepatis.
Party-wise Crorepati Candidates: 77 (82%) out of 94 candidates in INC, 58 (75%) out of 77 candidates in BJP, 41 (45%) out of 91 candidates in AAP and 30 (27%) out of 111 candidates in BSP and 71 (7%) out of 972 Independent candidates have declared assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore.

Average Assets: The average assets per candidate contesting in the 6th phase of Lok Sabha 2014 elections is Rs.2.76 crores.
Party-wise Average Assets:Among major parties, the average assets per candidate for 94 INC candidates is Rs 13.62 crores, 77 BJPcandidates have average assets of Rs.14.37 crores,91 AAP candidates have average assets worth of Rs.2.60 crores and 111 BSPcandidates have average assets of Rs. 2.32 crores.
Party-wise Asset Rank: 66 (70%) out of 94 INC candidates occupy the top three highest assets positions amongst all the contesting candidates in their respective constituencies. Similarly, 54 (70%) out of 77 BJP candidates, 20 (18%) out of 111 BSP candidates and 20 (22%) out of 91 AAP candidates occupy the top three highest assets positions in their constituency.
High Asset Candidates:29 candidates have declared more than Rs.50 crores worth of assets.*Total Assets includes income of self, spouse and dependents.

S.No.	Name	State	Constituency	Party Name	Total Assets (Rs)	PAN Given
1	Vasantha Kumar H.	Tamil Nadu	Kanniyakumari	INC	2,85,77,86,803 285 Crore+	Y
2	Deol Hema Malini Dharmendra	Uttar Pradesh	Mathura	BJP	1,78,20,15,620 178 Crore+	Y
3	Jain Manish Ishwarlal	Maharashtra	Raver	NCP	1,51,51,46,765 151 Crore+	Y

Candidates with High Liabilities: A total of 100 candidates have declared liabilities of more than Rs. 1 crore.Out of these 100 candidates, 14 have declared liabilities of Rs. 10 crore and above.
Crorepati Candidates with no PAN: 18 candidates with total assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore have declared no PAN details.
Candidates with High Income*: 24 candidates have declared total annual income of more than Rs. 1 crore. *Total income includes income of self, spouse and dependents

S.No.	Name	Party Name	State	Constituency	Total Assets	The financial year for which the last income tax return has been filed by candidate	Total income shown by candidate in ITR (Self+Spouse+Dependent)	Self income shown by candidate in ITR
1	Vasantha Kumar H.	INC	Tamil Nadu	Kanniyakumari	2,85,77,86,803 285 Crore+	2012-2013	16,72,04,340 16 Crore+	16,71,11,750 16 Crore+
2	Thambidurai.M	AIADMK	Tamil Nadu	Karur	13,24,57,262 13 Crore+	2012-2013	10,68,54,272 10 Crore+	17,05,970 17 Lacs+
3	Meera Ashish Sanyal	AAP	Maharashtra	Mumbai South	50,94,61,553 50 Crore+	2012-2013	6,94,58,900 6 Crore+	6,86,23,673 6 Crore+

Candidates who have not declared Income Tax Details*: 1174 (57%) candidates out of 2071 analyzed have not declared income tax details.*Some candidates may be exempted from filing Income Tax Returns
Candidates with High Assets who have not declared Income Tax Details: 54 candidates with assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore, have not declared Income Tax Details.

Consolidated Analysis of Criminal Background, Financial, Education, Gender and other details of Candidates

Phase 1 to Phase 6

National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 5380 candidates out of 5432 candidates who have contested/contesting in Phase 1 to Phase 6 of Lok Sabha 2014 Elections. The rest of the candidates were not analysed due to unclear/incomplete affidavits available on the ECI website at the making of this report. The following is a consolidated summary of the same.

Phase	No. of contesting candidates	No. of Candidates analysed	No. of Constituencies	No. of Candidates with Criminal Cases	% of Candidates with Criminal Cases	No. of Crorepati Candidates	% of Crorepati Candidates	Average Assets	Date of Poll (2014)
1	64

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Phiroze Palkhivala’s press conference

18042014

AAP Mumbai North Central candidate, Phiroze Palkhivala’s press conference for a Q&A session to answer questions raised by the media in the last few days.

Celebrities like Raj Zutshi and Vishal Dhadlani will be present (tentative) to express their support for Mr. Palkhivala.

Date: 19th April, 2014

Time:

pm.

Location: M.I.G Club, Bandra East

Contact: Shilpika|9920389955

Thanks,

AAP Media Cell

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DataWind rolls out an affordable bridge to education

18042014

Tech pioneer joins the Business Call to Action (BCtA)

New Delhi, 18 April 2014: DataWind, a leading developer of wireless web access and products, and the manufacturer of the world’s lowest cost android tablet PC, announced that it has joined the Business Call to Action (BCtA).

DataWind plans to bridge the digital divide by providing an affordable tablet thus enabling internet access for millions of consumers in India. The company aims to harness the potential of ICT Technologies for a positive developmental impact on quality of education through its range of UbiSlate/Akash Tablets.

To meet the educational challenges in India, DataWind has worked to address the key demands of a large population, whose poor communities often face disproportionally high illiteracy rates. The company is focused on expanding the roll-out of the Aakash tablet, which is designed to be affordable, deliver high quality content, and provide access at the lowest cost or for free, where possible.

By 2017, DataWind has a target to distribute five million tablets in India and expects that more than 80% will reach individuals who live at the base of the pyramid– living on less than $8 dollars a day.

“We are greatly encouraged to have DataWind join the BCtA with their unique technological approach to help reach new communities and improve access to education and technology. The impact of affordable and connected devices cannot be underestimated,” said Sahba Sobhani, Acting Programme Manager, Business Call to Action.

The company recently scaled-up its tablet launch to better ensure market-based solutions meet the needs of low-income communities in India. Working to help low-income communities readily adopt the new technology, and in an effort to provide continued quality education and internet access to help empower students and teachers, the Indian government has subsidized the costs and the planned expansion of the mobile tablet..

Recognizing that while a growing number of consumers have access to mobile phones, DataWind is also working with service providers and network operators to provide much needed access to the internet through these web access devices. The company has patented a unique delivery system to provide low-income consumers valuable data services at the lowest cost possible.

Initial results are promising and the company is continuing to create applications that are versatile and relevant to its varied partners, which include schools, libraries, government and other public and private institutions.

“DataWind is pleased to be in the company of like-minded organizations and initiatives such as the Business Call to Action that are working towards a common goal of social development by providing tools and empowering individuals and communities globally.” said Suneet Singh, CEO, DataWind

DataWind is working with several governments and not-for-profit organizations to help them achieve their goals of elevating the quality of education and bridging the digital divide. The company is looking to expand in Thailand and a number of other regions.

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Withdrawal and its Implications: The future of Afghanistan

18042014

Invite you to a session on
Withdrawal and its Implications:
The future of Afghanistan

EVENT DETAILS

DATE

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

TIME

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Tea & Registration: 4:30 pm)

LOCATION

Burdwan and Cooch Behar Room, The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

SPEAKERS

Professor Anatol Lieven, International Relations Chair at the War Studies Department, King’s College London
Dr Rudra Chaudhuri, Senior Lecturer at the War Studies Department and the India Institute, King’s College London

MODERATOR

Mr. Scott Furssedonn-Wood, British Deputy High Commissioner for Eastern India

ABOUT THE EVENT
Uncertainties permeate the security, political and economic transitions in Afghanistan as the withdrawal of American and International Security Assistance Forces (SAF) approaches in the course of 2014. Will the decline in international military presence throw greater responsibility on regional actors to take the lead in initiatives for peace and stabilization in Afghanistan ? What about India’s stake in ensuring stability in Afghanistan and avoiding spillover of tensions and terrorist activity? The challenges of sustaining an evolving democratic state structure, social-cultural transformation and Afghanistan as a regional transit hub for economic progress are immense and need to be addressed.

SPEAKERS

	Professor Anatol Lieven - International Relations Chair at the War Studies Department, King’s College LondonProf Lieven is the Chair of International Relations in the War Studies Department of King’s College London, and a senior fellow of the New America Foundation in Washington DC. His recent book, Pakistan: A Hard Country, was published in April 2011 by Penguin and was selected by the Daily Telegraph as one of the ’2011 Books of Year’. A new edition of America Right or Wrong: An Anatomy of American Nationalism, was published in 2012.
He spent most of his career as a British journalist in South Asia and the former Soviet Union, and author of several books on the latter region, including Chechnya: Tombstone of Russian Power? (Yale University Press 1998) and Ukraine and Russia: A Fraternal Rivalry (USIP, 1999); and The Baltic Revolution: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Path to Independence (Yale University Press 1993). He has a BA in history and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cambridge. From 2000-2005 he was a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington DC. In 2005 he became a senior research fellow of the New America Foundation, a position he continues to hold. He writes a monthly column for the Financial Times, and is published frequently in other newspapers and journals.

	Dr Rudra Chaudhuri- Senior Lecturer at the War Studies Department and the India Institute, King’s College London Dr Chaudhuri joined the department in September 2009 having previously taught at the UK Joint Services and Command and Staff College. In September 2012, his position as a Lecturer was divided between War Studies and the India Institute at King’s. Currently, he is the Program Director for the MA South Asia and Global Security course. He completed his BA at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, MA at Exeter and PhD in the Department of War Studies, King’s College London.
Together with colleagues in the department, he has served as a consultant to British Commanders in Afghanistan. He has also worked closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as a Program Director for confidential stakeholder conferences and workshops focussing on the economic and political future of Afghanistan, India-Pakistan relations, and the thorny issue of reconciliation with the Taliban.

MODERATOR
	Mr. Scott Furssedonn-Wood, British Deputy High Commissioner for Eastern India Scott Furssedonn-Wood is a career diplomat and assumed charge as the British Deputy High Commissioner for Eastern India in October 2013. Before being posted to Kolkata , Scott was based in the US. From 2008 until 2013 he served at the British Embassy in Washington DC, first as Head of Strategic Threats, working on counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation issues; and then as Head of the Political Section, where he was responsible for coverage of the 2012 Presidential election, a role which took him to 47 of the 50 states.
Prior to Washington, he spent two years at the Foreign Office in London as Private Secretary to the Minister of State for the Middle East & South Asia, during which time he travelled to over fifty countries, including to India and its neighbours on many occasions. Mr Furssedonn-Wood is a MA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Merton College, Oxford University and has a MBA from Open University.

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India as World Capital of Liver Disease

18042014

You are cordially invited to a

Press Meet

India as World Capital of Liver Disease

Day & Date: Sat, 19th April, 2014

Time: 12:30pm (followed by Lunch)

Venue: Hotel Shangri-LA, New Delhi

The gathering would be held in room no 1, 1st floor of the hotel

‘Non-Alcoholic Steato-Hepatitis (NASH)’, a condition more common among women and persons with morbid obesity, diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome is acquiring epidemic situation

Press Meet to be addressed by

International Speaker:

Prof, Abhinav Humar, MD, Chief Division of Transplant Surgery, Starzyl Institue, Pittsburgh, USA

National Speakers:

Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Senior Consultant Surgeon, Department Of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, Consultant Surgeon, Department Of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

Dr. Sunil Taneja, Asst Professor, Department of Hepatology, PGI, Chandigarh

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WEC India Energy Portal

18042014

One Stop Energy Resource Center

Energy Portal

The menu for Global Scenarios has been enabled. Comparison of Scenarios of IEA, EIA and WEC is presented for Primary Energy Consumption, Electricity Generation and Co₂ Emissions.

Energy News Menu

Power Outages may fall as coal stocks improve at plants
Apart from Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and to some extent Tamil Nadu, power demand during peak hours has been mostly met and there is a only a shortfall ranging between 1 mw and 300 mw.
Tightening fuel emission norms: Government plans to impose extra 30% environment compensation on diesel vehicles
Govt is also considering tightening the emission norms by mandating fuels compliant with Euro-IV norms by next year and Euro-V norms by 2016 while it is targeting Euro-VI norms by 2021.
Players from Gulf nations plan to invest in Indian solar sector
Plan to form joint ventures with Indian manufacturers based on their engineering capabilities
MSERC approves 15% hike in power tariff in Meghalaya
The approved increase in power tariff will be effective from April 1, 2014 till March 31, 2015
Toyota to launch hydrogen-powered car
The firm will launch the hydrogen-powered car in the United States, Japan and Europe in 2015
Hydro power output goes up to 1,400 Mw to match rising peak demand
Production at hydro power stations in the state has gone up by more than 200 Mw to 1,400 Mw during peak hours in comparison to March daily average output, as peak power demand in the state has been rising matching with soaring mercury levels. The …
Tata Power plans to add 646.7 MegaWatt from clean energy sources
Tata Power plans to increase its renewable energy capacity by about 71 per cent to cut carbon emissions and reduce risks from fluctuating fuel prices.
Indian companies to benefit from Nepal’s new hydropower initiative
The initiative of International Finance Corporation (IFC) can pull up Nepal’s power profile to a much brighter scale and also boost Indian power companies business.
Clarify on undecided environment approvals: Assocham to EC
EC has been examining projects awaiting clearances to ensure their approval by the government violate poll code
Tarapur Atomic Power Station generated 28 pct of India’s atomic power in 2013-14
The total nuclear power generated in the country in the year under review was 35,333 MUs.
Over 14,000 MW hydro power capacity is under execution: Central Electricity Authority
Over 14,000 MW of hydro power capacity is under execution in the country and would be commissioned in the next 4 years, according to CEA.
Growth goes beyond a strong coalition
Weakest coalition since 1989, the United Front govt from 1996-98 delivered faster GDP growth than much stronger govts
Ajai Shukla: Come out of the nuclear closet
While the ‘no first use’ pledge must quickly be scrapped, the ill-conceived commitment to ‘massive retaliation’ is even more damaging to our nuclear credibility
Rays Power commissions 14 solar power projects in FY’14
Rays Power is now starting two new parks in Rajasthan for 100 MW of capacity and its solar power capacity is now 85 MW with 56 projects.
Climate change: UN panel’s latest tocsin
Planned action just not enough, it pleads; new target cuts in emissions and deal to allocate these needed by 2015

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digital learning

18042014

digitalLEARNING Weekly Newsletter: April 17, 2014 Volume 11, Issue 16

COVER STORY: Reintroducing Teaching in Classrooms

As Interactive White Boards (IWB) change the education paradigm in India and make it more interactive…

Schools ask weak students to leave

To secure 100 percent results in the board examination and to maintain a reputation, some of the schools of Chennai…

New post graduate programme in IIM- Trichy

IIM-Trichy has launched a post graduate programme in human resource management (PGPHRM) for the working ..

Inspection of RTE infrastructural norms compliance by schools to begin soon

The primary education department of the Kolhapur zilla parishad (ZP) has formed 12 inspection squads in the district…

Second career option for defence retired personnel

The directorate general of resettlement (DGR) has started new courses management programmes to…

Doon School to offer leadership course

The Doom School will be conducting a two week leadership course from June 1 for the young boys and girls…

A mobile app to inform students about timetable

A mobile application named as “NexClass” has been created by two second-year IIT-Gandhinagar student…

UPCOMING EVENT

8 – 9 August

LATEST ISSUE

UPCOMING (MAY) ISSUE

Quality Education: A must for Minorities

In south India, the Muslim community has established centres of excellence.

Justice MSA Siddiqui,
Chairman, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions,Government of India

Fostering Faculty Members for Excellence

When I joined IMI, there were around 31 faculty members and now, we have 65 members.

Padma Shri Dr Pritam Singh,
Director General, International Management Institute

More than Money, Sincere Efforts Needed in Education System

Today, money is not a constraint in our country but we need to have sincere teachers, sincere efforts, right approaches and it does.

Piyush Trivedi,
Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya

Vandana Lulla,
Director & Principal,Podar International School, Mumbai

Soma Debnath,
Principal, The Heritage School, Pune

If you can’t see the mailer, please click here
This message is brought to you by Elets Technomedia Pvt Ltd.

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PRESS INVITATION Mukta Arts Invites

18042014

PRESS INVITATION

Mukta Arts cordially Invites

You to attend the cover of Press conference

To share with you the uniqueness of their latest Hindi Film

Kaanchi

The Unbreakable

To be addressed by:

Subhash Ghai (Director)

Kartik Tiwari (Film “Pyaar Ka Panchnama” fame)

Mishti

Venue : Spice Mall, sec. 25, Noida

Time : 1:30 pm

Date : 18th April, 2014

You are requested to send correspondents/photographers/camera crew for thePress Conference

R.S.V.P

Shailesh Giri

9811222325(M)

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Delhi’s Salwan Boys School Continues Winning Spree

18042014

Delhi’s Salwan Boys School Continues Winning Spree

Mumbai, 17 April 2014: Strong batting performance by Mukulit Bhatt and Rishabh Drall helped Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School, Delhi beat St. Jones Jr. College, Hyderabad by 56 runs in the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup Inter-State leg, played at HPCL ground.

Salwan Boys School won the toss and opted to bat first. Mukulit Bhatt played a captain’s innings by scoring an inspiring knock of 75 runs. His teammate Rishabh Drall contributed valuable 70 runs to achieve a respectable score of 206.

For St.. Jones Jr. College, C.H. Rithwik and Traneeth Raj claimed four and two wickets respectively.

In reply, Hyderabad’s St. Jones Jr. College team batting line-up collapsed at 150 runs. Salwan Boys School’s Sahil Sharma and Bharat Shankar claimed three and two wickets respectively to bowl-out the opponents in 41.1 overs. Abhishek Singh was the top scorer for St. Jones.

Mukulit Bhatt was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his brilliant knock.

In another match, Sports Campus College, Lucknow won the match against DAV Sr. Secondary School, Punjab by huge margin of 120 runs.. While, Don Bosco M Higher Secondary School, Tamil beat AVR E-Techno School, Vijayawada by 66 runs.

In the final match of the day, Dehinagar K.C.R. Vidya Pith, West Bengal won the match by two runs against Shreyas Samarpan Vidyalay – Baroda.

Brief Score:

Salwan Boys Senior Sec. School, Delhi: 206 All out in 44.1 overs (Mukulit Bhatt 75 runs (76b 13X4), Rishabh Drall 70 runs (90b 7X4); Rithwik 4 for 33 in 7 overs, Traneeth Raj 2 for 15 in 8 overs) beat St. Jones Jr. College, Hyderabad: 150 All out in 41.1 overs (Abhishek Singh 35 runs (60b 2X4), Mickil Jaiswal 27 runs (54b 4X4); Sahil Sharma 3 for 21 in 9 overs, Bharat Shankar 2 for 24 in 6 overs)

Sports Campus College, Lucknow (UP) : 258 for all out in 45 Over’s (Nitin Singh 68 Runs (87b, 1X6, 6X4), Govind Yadav 48 Runs (33b, 3X6, 3X4), Mohsin Ali 46 Runs (53b, 7X4); Vikas Bamel 3 for 57 in 8 Over’s, Aman 2 for 30 in 6 Over’s, Vijay Deswas 1 for 36 in 6 Over’s beat DAV Sr.Secondary School,Punjab: 138 All out in 32.2 Overs (Ankit Laller 34 Runs (54b, 4X4), Sagar Saharan 26 Runs (47b, 2X4); Vijay Yadav 3 for 10 in 4.4 Over’s, Ankit Singh 3 for 30 in 7 Overs with 3 maiden, Prashant Srivastav 2 for 13 in 3 Overs’s

Don Bosco M Higher Secondary School (Tamil Nadu): 278 for 8 in 43 overs (Taryn Ferrario 157 Runs in 108 Balls 19X4, 4X6, Tausif Mirza 33 Runs in 38 Balls 5X4; Mohd. Rafi 3 for 55 in 8 overs, Sirinath 2 for 50 runs in 9 overs beat AVR E-Techno School, Vijayawada (Andra Pradesh): 212 All Out in 42.3 overs (T. Vamsi Krishna 57 Runs in 68 balls 4X4, 1X6, T. Surya Charan 37 Runs in 30 Balls 3X4; Y. Sreekanth 5 for 28 runs in 9 overs, G. Karthik Shanmugan 3 for 40 runs in 8.3 overs.

Dehinagar K.C.R. Vidya Pith, West Bengal: 134 for All out in 41.4 Over’s (Amit Chanda 42 Runs (63b, 6X4), Sowradiv Shah 14 Runs (20b 1X6); Karan Pawar 4 for 22 in 7.4 Over, Sourine Thakar 3 for 18 in 9 Over’s beat Shreyas Samarpan Vidyalay – Baroda: 132 for All out in 44.3 Over’s (Karan Pawar 34 Runs (58b, 5X4), Abhimanyu Singh 33 Runs (50b, 5X4); Tanmoy Aditya 2 for 20 in 9 Over’s, Rahul Chanda 2 for 23 in 9 Over’s.

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Hindi Film Revolver Rani

18042014

PRESS INVITATION

Wave Cinemas cordially invites

You to attend the cover of Press conference

To share with you the uniqueness of their latest Hindi Film

Revolver Rani

To be addressed by:

Kangana Ranaut

Vir Das

Sai Kabir Shrivastav (Director)

Venue : Wave Cinemas, Sec. 18, Noida

Time : 5 pm

Date : 18th April, 2014(Friday)

You are requested to send correspondents/photographers/camera crew for thePress Conference

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April 19, 2014, 4:41 am

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M6.9 - BOUGAINVILLE REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude	6.9
Date-Time	19 Apr 2014 01:04:06 UTC 19 Apr 2014 11:04:06 near epicenter 19 Apr 2014 05:04:06 standard time in your timezone
Location	6.701S 155.069E
Depth	45 km
Distances	62 km (38 mi) SW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea 74 km (45 mi) SW of Arawa, Papua New Guinea 405 km (251 mi) SE of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea 559 km (346 mi) ESE of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea 616 km (381 mi) WNW of Honiara, Solomon Islands

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April 19, 2014, 4:42 am

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India is about to become Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease capital

19042014

India is about to become Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease capital

By bringing healthy changes in lifestyle and identifying the diseases linked with fatty liver timely, patients could be saved from diseases like cancer

New Delhi, April 19, 2014: Consultant surgeon of surgical gastrology and liver transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr. Abhideep Choudhary told that urbanization and changes linked with it, like sedentary lifestyle, fatty foods, uncontrolled blood sugar level in diabetics, obesity, smoking and high alcohol intake is leading Indians towards higher incidence of fatty liver disease, that is Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. This also increases the risk factor for Non Alcoholic Stato Hepatitis (NASH).

NASH disease could lead to cancer if patients are not treated timely. According to the studies of epidemic science, the prevalence of NADLF among common Indian public is between 9 percent to 32 percent, and this is more commonly found in obese and pre-diabetics.

According to Dr. Choudhary, “Fatty liver and NASH have been found in all age groups, including children, however it is more common between the age group of 40 to 49 years.”

This makes timely diagnosis of disease even more important, otherwise it could develop into cancers, like those of stomach and colorectal.

Elaborating further upon this, in detail, Dr. Abhideep Choudhary says, “If the diseases linked with fatty liver are timely diagnosed then they can be treated with laparoscopy, minimal invasion surgery or robotic surgery. In these surgeries, a small cut is mad on patient’s body, and this is the reason of fast recovery. As compared to conventional surgeries, which are very painful for patients, modern techniques are very easy for them. All which is required is timely detection of disease.”

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April 19, 2014, 4:43 am

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Centre for Policy Research is delighted to invite you to a talk by

Dr. Anne Hammerstad

Lecturer in International Relations

School of Politics and International Relations

University of Kent

The Rise and Decline of a Global Security Actor: UNHCR, Refugee Protection and Security

On the occasion of the launch of her new book, published by Oxford University Press

Discussant: Dominik Bartsch,

Chief of Mission, UNHCR New Delhi, India

Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Time: 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Venue: Conference Room, Centre for Policy Research, DharamMarg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021

Abstract:

Dr Hammerstad presents her new book, which investigates the rise of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a global security actor, following the refugee agency through some of the past two decades’ major conflict-induced humanitarian crises, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo and eastern Zaire/Congo. She analyses UNHCR’s momentous transformation from a small, timid legal protection agency to the world’s foremost humanitarian actor playing a central role in the international response to the many wars of the tumultuous last decade of the 20th century. Then, as the 21^st century set in, the agency’s political prominence waned. It remains a major humanitarian actor, but the polarised post-9/11 period and a worsening protection climate for refugees and asylum seekers spurred UNHCR to abandon its claim to be a global security actor and return to a more modest, quietly diplomatic role.

The rise of UNHCR as a global security actor is placed within the context of the dramatic shift in perceptions of national and international security after the end of the Cold War. Prominent among ‘new’ security issues were the perceived threats posed by refugees and asylum seekers to international security, state stability, and societal cohesion. ‘The Rise and Decline of a Global Security Actor’ investigates UNHCR’s response to this new international environment; adopting, adapting and finally abandoning a security discourse on the refugee problem.

In this seminar Dr Hammerstad will draw lines from the findings of her book to discuss some key questions on the future of international humanitarian action in the polarized and dangerous environments of countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia. How can UN agencies and NGOs avoid the stamp of being part of ‘western agendas’? Is principled, neutral, needs-based humanitarian aid in conflict zones possible? How can it best be achieved – or at least approximated?

Speaker’s Biography:

Dr Anne Hammerstad is a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Kent, research associate of the South African Institute of International Affairs, and recent Global Uncertainties Fellow with the British Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). She received her DPhil from Oxford University, MSc from the London School of Economics, and BA from the University of Oslo. Her doctoral thesis won the 2003 thesis prize from the British International Studies Association.

In addition to the book 'The Rise and Decline of a Global Security Actor: UNHCR, Refugee Protection and Security’ (OUP, 2014), Anne has published on migration, refugees, conflict and security in, among others, Security Dialogue,Review of International Studies, and Conflict, Security and Development, and is a contributing author to the Oxford Handbook on Refugee and Forced Migration Studies (OUP, 2014 forthcoming).

Anne has previously worked as a Senior Researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs in Johannesburg, a Research and Teaching Fellow at Royal Holloway, University of London, and journalist with the Norwegian newspaper, Dagbladet.

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A line of confirmation will be highly appreciated.

With regards,

Navroz Dubash

Officiating President

↧

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April 20, 2014, 6:04 am

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Pope makes call to spread faith on Easter

20042014

Pope Francis called on Catholics to bring the message of God “to the very ends of the earth” during an Easter vigil mass in St Peter’s Basilica.

Francis said the core of the Easter message was about returning to the basics of faith and asking: “Have I gone off on roads and paths which made me forget it?”He said there was a need to recover “the fire which Jesus has kindled in the world and to bring that fire to all people, to the very ends of the earth”. The message reiterates his previous calls for a Roman Catholic Church that is closer to ordinary people, more international and less “Vatican-centric”.

The mass wrapped up a series of Vatican ceremonies leading up to Easter Sunday the holiest day in the Christian calendar, which celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Tens of thousands of people are expected at mass on Easter today in St Peter’s Square where the pope will deliver a blessing from the same balcony of the basilica where he first appeared on the night of his election last year.

The Vatican then hosts a historic event on April 27 the first double papal canonisation, with popes John Paul II and John XXIII being declared saints.

Hundreds of thousands are expected for the celebration, including many pilgrims from John Paul II’s homeland, Poland. On Good Friday, Francis attended a traditional torch-lit ceremony at the Colosseum in Rome where he called for help to “abandoned people” and railed against “the monstruosity of humankind”.

Prayers read out during the ceremony touched on pressing social issues including drug addiction, unemployment, prison overcrowding and domestic abuse. Francis also instructed the Vatican almoner to give out charity to homeless people around Termini railway station, with each receiving a 50-euro ($69) note and an Easter greeting from the pope.

On Holy Thursday, Francis washed the feet of 12 disabled people at a centre in Rome. Last year, he had performed the traditional pre-Easter ritual on 12 inmates at a youth detention centre, including two young Muslims. Popes performing the ceremony — which commemorates the gesture of humility believed to have been carried out by Jesus for his 12 disciples — have usually washed the feet of priests.

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Nawaz Sharif orders judicial inquiry of attack on Hamid Mir

20042014

Nawaz Sharif has ordered a judicial inquiry of the attack on Geo News senior anchor and renowned Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir.

A three member judicial commission will be formed to conduct the probe. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting summoned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss the attack on Hamid Mir.

The federal government has also announced Rs10 million award for information leading to the arrest of Hamid Mir’s attackers. The identity of the person providing the information will not be disclosed.

Hamid Mir was attacked shortly after arriving in Karachi on Saturday evening. The Geo News senior anchor’s car was targeted as he left the airport. He was shot six times and is recovering after surgery.

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20042014

Modi to file nomination from Varanasi on 24th April

BJP Prime Ministerial Candidate Narendra Modi will file his nomination papers for Varanasi Lok Sabha seat on 24th April.

Talking to reporters in Lucknow on Saturday, Amit Shah, the close aide of Modi said, the BJP wave would turn into a tsunami, after Modi files his nomination.

Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi’s claim for bringing up overall development, he targeted UPA government for failing miserably in eradicating corruption and other evils in the country, despite being in power for a decade.

BJP leader Amit Shah has demanded an inquiry into allegations linking Congress candidate Ajay Rai, who is pitted against BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Varanasi, to illegal gun trade.

Talking to reporters in Lucknow on Saturday, Amit Shah said, both the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President, Rahul Gandhi are silent on the issue.

He said, they should react and clarify Congress’ stand on this issue.

Senior Congress leader and Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma on Saturday alleged that BJP is indulging in “political plagiarism”.

Addressing a press conference, Sharma said that BJP simply “copy-pasted” the Congress manifesto in its vision document.

He also said that voters would keep “the personality cult and authoritarianism” out of power.

BJP PM Candidate Narendra Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi held election rallies in Assam on Saturday.

Both the leaders hit out at each other in a war of words. Narendra Modi, questioned the Congress on its silence with regard to inflation.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi responded terming the BJP politics as divisive.

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Lucknow’s Sports College – New Champion of Coca-Cola Cricket Cup

20042014

Lucknow’s Sports College – New Champion of
Coca-Cola Cricket Cup

Stun Al Barkat Malik School of Mumbai in Final Match

Mumbai, 20^th April 2014: Sports College, Lucknow defeated Al Barkat Malik M. I. English School, Mumbai by 24 runs in the final match and become champion of the 3^rd edition of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup under-16 school tournament, played at HPCL Ground in Mumbai on Sunday.

Sports College won the toss and opted to bat first. However, Al Barkat Malik School bowlers Jahangir Ansari and Shubham Singh’s three-wicket hauls rattled top order batsmen and clinched four wickets in initial overs. It was middle-order batsmen Vijay Yadav and Nitin singh, who stabilised the situation and scored runs patiently. Their 50-run partnership in 70 balls for fifth wicket took their team’s score to respectable 188 runs.

In reply, Al Barkat Malik failed to keep their winning spree and were bowled-out at 164 runs. All credit goes to Sports College’s acute fielding as they managed to run-out the openers Rayjan Khan (duck) and Pushkar Sharma (1). Bowlers Shahid (3/22) and Ankit (2/21) did rest of the job and helped their team to bundle-out the opponents in 42.2 overs.

Captain Shoeb Khan held one end with his inspiring knock of 61 runs. He received commendable support from Jahangir Ansari (25) but rest of the batsmen failed to build stable partnerships with them.

Shoeb, skipper of the losing team, was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his all-round performance (61 runs & 2 wkts).

Brief Score

SC-L: 188 all out in 43.5overs [Vijay Yadav 38 (41 b 3x4), Nitin Singh 29 (46 b 4x4), Ashutosh Maurya 23 (35 b 3x4), Govind Yadav 22 (26 b 1x6, 3x4), Mohsin Ali 21 (31 b 4x4); Jahangir Ansari 3/46 (7.5 ovrs), Shubham Singh 3/25 (8 ovrs), Shoeb Khan 2/45 (9 ovrs), Arslan Khan 2/35 (9 ovrs)].

ABMMIES-M: 164 all out in 42.2 overs [Shoeb Khan 61 (103 b 2x4), Mohd Aman 23 (32 b 4x4), Pratik Mhatre 24 (32 b 4x4), Jahangir Ansari 25 (30 b 1x6, 3x4); Mohd Shahid 3/22 (5.2 ovrs), Ankit Singh 2/21 (9 ovrs), Ankur Baliyan 1/30 (5 ovrs), Vijay Yadav 1/25 (7 ovrs)].

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Modi : Cong ruled States no security for women; Rahul hits back

20042014

Modi alleges Cong ruled States failed in ensuring security for women; Rahul hits back

BJP PM’s candidate Narendra Modi alleges that Congress ruled States have failed in ensuring security for women while Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi hits back at BJP saying that that only a few industrialists are benefited by BJP’s policies.

Addressing an election rally at Vishrampur in Chhattisgarh, BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Sunday alleged that Congress ruled States have failed in ensuring security for women.Accusing Rahul of misleading the country on issues of women’s safety, he said seven of the top 10 states in terms of crimes against women were ruled by Congress.

Sharpening his attack on Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the BJP leader would have “ousted” even Atal Bihari Vajpayee like party veterans Jaswant Singh and L K Advani had the former PM continued being in public life.

The Congress Vice President took a dig at Modi for his statement at rallies asking voters to make him the “chowkidar” (watchman) of the country, saying the BJP PM candidate was a “chowkidar” only to businessmen and had ousted senior leaders and “brought in Adani”.

“He (Modi) boasts of development in Gujarat but it was not a single man who changed Gujarat. It was the hard work of labourers and farmers who made Gujarat. “He wants to get the keys (control) of the country in his hands but what happened in Gujarat? People gave him keys but he brought in (businessman) Adani,” Gandhi said at a public meeting in Karauli, Rajasthan.

“A group of Sikh farmers from Gujarat told me that their forefathers migrated from Pakistan to Gujarat and they put in their hard work and efforts to make the land allotted to them fertile. Now, Gujarat government officials have asked them to leave the state saying they were outsiders, he said, adding the same treatment was meted out to senior leaders in BJP.

Meanwhile, Arwind Kejriwal on Sunday reached Congress bastion Amethi to campaign for AAP’s Lok Sabha candidate Kumar Vishwas, and said both Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi must be “defeated” in the country’s interest.

The former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief began his roadshow and corner meetings here backing Vishwas, who has been pitted against incumbent MP and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in the May 7 Lok Sabha polls.

Attacking Rahul and BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for their development claims, Kejriwal said their defeat would be in the interest of the nation and the people must end the tradition of dynasty politics.

He alleged that Gandhi family took the votes of Amethi people on sentimental ground, but never thought about the district’s development.

Comparing his 49-day reign in Delhi with Rahul ten year rule here, Kejriwal said that he solved more problems in a short span than the Gandhi scion did in a decade.

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BJP moves EC to ask govt to stop making key appointments

20042014

BJP on Saturday moved the Election Commission seeking directions from it to ask the government to stop making key appointments during poll and sought action against the Prime Minister’s media adviser for allegedly violating the election model code by listing achievements of the government.

“The government must be instructed that it doesn’t make any appointment to important posts as it is in violation of the model code of conduct,” BJP general secretary J P Nadda said after leading a party delegation to Deputy Election Commissioner Sudhir Tripathi and handed over a memorandum to him.

BJP also moved the poll body seeking action on deletion of names of over one lakh voters in Pune Lok Sabha constituency and asked the EC to allow all such voters to exercise their franchise at a later date.

The memorandum demanded an immediate stop to appointment of teachers being made in Kendriya Vidayalayas across the country despite the model code being in force.

In its complaint, BJP has alleged the PM’s media adviser Pankaj Pachouri made a very brief mention on the issue on which the press conference was held and talked at length about the achievements of the Prime Minister.

“The media adviser is also a government employee and he is violating the model code of conduct by speaking about the government’s achievements.

We have demanded a thorough inquiry into it and apropriate action in this regard,” he said.

“The Prime Minister also has landed himself in the collateral responsibility of explaining this indiscretion,” the memorandum states.

The BJP memorandum alleges the PM’s media adviser has “frontally violated” the provisions of section VII of the model code of conduct that states that the party in power shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its official position for the purpose of election campaign.

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International news updates

20042014

Iran says nuclear experts to hold talks in New York

Iran and world powers will resume technical talks next month in New York ahead of further negotiations on a lasting nuclear deal, a senior Iranian official said on Saturday.

The talks will take place from 5th to 9th May on the sidelines of a Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference that is to be held at the United Nations, deputy foreign minister Abbas Araqchi told the state broadcaster IRIB.

He said the Iranian delegation will be led by Hamid Baeedinejad, like previous rounds, without providing further details.

The meeting will come a few days before a new round of talks between Iran and the so-called P5+1 group of world powers, set to begin May 13, that seeks a comprehensive agreement over Tehran’s disputed nuclear activities.

The sides met in Vienna last week, with negotiators from Iran and the five permanent UN Security Council members – the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France – plus Germany agreeing to “move to the next phase” of their talks.

They will now move to draft the final accord, after clinching an interim deal in November under which Iran froze some nuclear activities in return for minor relief from painful Western sanctions.

A lasting deal may involve Iran slashing its number of centrifuges – used to enrich uranium – changing the design of a new reactor at Arak and giving UN inspectors more oversight.

Tehran has said in recent weeks it would need further, more powerful centrifuges to feed nuclear plants it says it hopes to build in the future.

Western nations and Israel have long suspected Iran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons alongside its civilian programme, charges adamantly denied by Tehran.

Pak journo Hamid Mir shot at in Karachi

Senior Pakistani TV journalist Hamid Mir, who faced threats from Taliban and other terror groups, was today shot at in Karachi by four unidentified motorcycle-borne gunmen near a bridge on way to his office.

Mir, 47, sustained bullet injuries after he was shot at near Natha Khan bridge soon after he left the Karachi airport for his office, initial reports in Karachi said.

GeoTV reported that Mir, who has security guards with him, called up office to inform them of the attack on him.

He was rushed to a hospital in a private car. Four gunmen riding two motorcycles opened fire on Mir’s car about six kilometers from the airport, GeoTV said.

Dawn reported that the gunmen opened fire at the vehicle at 5:30 pm and Mir was admitted to hospital in a state of unconsciousness.

Geo News Islamabad bureau chief, Rana Jawad said Mir told him after being attacked that the gunmen were following him and continued to fire at the car.

A popular news anchor, terrorism expert, and security analyst, Mir currently hosts political talk show Capital Talk on Geo TV.

In November 2012, a bomb was recovered from under his car which was believed to have been planted by the Pakistani Taliban.

Russia warns US, declares military near Ukraine as deal stalls

Russia declared on Saturday that its military is massed on Ukraine’s doorstep and warned against further US sanctions as a deal it had struck with Washington appeared to stall because of intransigence by rebels it backs in the former Soviet republic.

A threat by US President Barack Obama that more sanctions would befall Moscow if the agreement, reached on Friday with Ukraine and the EU, failed was “absolutely unacceptable,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian television.

“Our Western colleagues are trying to push responsibility towards our side.

But it must be underlined: it is a collective responsibility,” he said.

He pointedly declared that “there are troops close to the Ukrainian border”.

“Some are based there, others have been sent as reinforcements due to the situation in Ukraine,” he added.

The comments appeared to be a warning shot to Washington that the situation could quickly degrade if Moscow were punished for a failed implementation of the accord.

The White House reiterated that it was watching Moscow to see if it is holding up its end of the deal. “We expect and we will be watching whether Russia does or does not uphold its responsibility to use its very considerable influence to restrain and withdraw those irregular militia from the buildings and spaces that they’ve occupied,” said National Security Advisory Susan Rice.

US tracing Putin’s secret accounts is “absurd” – presidential spokesman

The report in The Times on potential sanctions targeting President Vladimir Putin’s alleged secret personal wealth, is “apparently a hoax” presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Ekho Moskvy radio.

The British newspaper reported that American financial investigators, who previously traced Al-Qaeda funding, would find the secret $40 billion of Putin’s money in numbered Swiss bank accounts, so that it can fall under US sanctions.

“Why would anyone be scared of sanctions, especially as absurd as these?” Peskov commented. “This can only be joked about.”

US drone strike kills 10 Al-Qaeda suspects and three civilians in Yemen

A US drone attack in central Yemen killed 10 Al-Qaeda suspected militants on Saturday as they were traveling by car. However, three civilians were also killed and five wounded in a nearby vehicle. The attack followed on the heels of an intelligence report that pointed to planned attacks on civil and military targets in al-Bayda province, the state news agency Saba said. A source in the High Security Committee said the attack targeted some of the most “dangerous and leading elements of Al-Qaeda.”

09:13

Militants ambush Algerian Soldiers, killing 11 – reports

Islamic militants ambushed Algerian troops during a routine mountain patrol near the capital Algiers, killing 11 soldiers, a security source told Reuters on Sunday. The attack, which occurred in Tizi Ouzou, 120 kms (74.5 miles) east of Algiers, marked the deadliest in years against Algeria’s security forces. Al-Qaeda’s north African branch, ‘Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’ (AQIM), is reportedly operating in Algeria.

Eight killed in Mexico plane crash

A small Hawker 800 flying from the Mexican Caribbean island of Cozumel to Ramos Arizpe crashed in the municipality of Ramos Arizpe in the North of the country, the government of the state of Coahuila said. All eight people on board were killed. The cause of the crash was not immediately apparent.

01:20

6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes off Papua New Guinea, no tsunami warning issued

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake has been registered 96 km (60 mi) southwest of the town of Panguna, Papua New Guinea, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 00:15 GMT. The epicenter was located at a depth of 18 kilometers. Currently there is no information on possible casualties or damage. This comes just hours after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off Papua New Guinea’s eastern coast, prompting a tsunami warning which was later canceled. Last week, a tsunami warning was issued for Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanatu, after two earthquakes hit the Solomon Islands within hours.

Death toll in S. Korean ferry disaster rises to 46 as divers find 10 more bodies

The official death toll in the South Korean ferry disaster has risen to 46 after divers retrieved 10 more bodies from the inside of the sunken boat overnight, AP reports. Earlier, the South Korean government stated that 36 were confirmed dead after three additional bodies were recovered. A rescue team reportedly broke a glass window and successfully entered the vessel. They are now looking to retrieve more than 200 bodies – many of them children – from the wreckage of the ferry that capsized on Wednesday. Of the 476 people believed to have been on board the ferry, over 250 are still unaccounted for.

Oldest nuclear plant in France shuts down after incident, no threat posed

France’s oldest nuclear plant, Fessenheim, was shut down on Saturday following an incident away from the reactor, a spokeswoman from French electric utility company EDF told Reuters. The incident occurred when a valve in control of the steam supply to the turbine generator accidentally closed. Fessenheim’s reactor 2 automatically shut down following the malfunction. No danger was posed. Experts are working on fixing the problem, but it is still not known when the reactor will restart. Reactor 1 of the plant has been out of operation since April 9, following a leak in a water supply pipe. “These are two incidents that have no bearing on the security of the plants nor for the environment,” the spokeswoman said.

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood leader jailed for insults

Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed El-Beltagy has been sentenced to one year in prison for insulting the judiciary, a local court announced on Saturday. Ousted President Mohamed Morsi and 13 other Muslim Brotherhood leaders also face charges of encouraging the killing of protesters during demonstrations outside the presidential palace in 2012. “The court has decided to imprison the accused, Mohamed El-Beltagy, for one year on charges of insulting the judiciary,” Reuters quoted a senior court official as saying. Security and judicial sources stated that this is the first sentence to be handed down to a leader of the organization since it was outlawed last year.

Two killed, three kidnapped as armed militants attack Sudan oil field

Armed militants have killed two security officers and kidnapped three workers in an attack on an oil field in Sudan’s main oil-producing state of West Kordofan, Reuters reported, citing army spokesman Al-Sawarmi Khalid Sa’ad. The abducted workers include two foreigners – citizens of China and Algeria – and one Sudanese citizen. Security forces are still tracing the perpetrators, the source said. West Kordofan has been the target of a number of attacks by armed militants attempting to disrupt oil production.

Heartbleed bug could infect Healthcare.gov website

US citizens who used the healthcare.gov website to enroll in insurance plans under the government’s healthcare reform law are being told to change their passwords to protect against the notorious Heartbleed internet security error. The Heartbleed bug is an encryption bug that silently puts the passwords, personal information, and credit card data of millions at risk. However, a post on the website says there is no indication that any personal information is at risk.

Boko Haram claims responsibility for explosion that killed 75 in Nigeria

Islamist Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Nigeria’s Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility for a bombing at Nyanya bus terminal in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, which killed at least 75 people. In a 28-minute video message acquired by AFP news agency, Shekau not only admitted Boko Haram’s responsibility for Nigeria’s most deadly attack to date, but added that the group has fighters in the capital. Boko Haram has also been blamed for the kidnapping of 129 students from a girls’ school. Fourty-four girls have so far managed to escape, according to the government. The remaining 85 students are still missing.

Tsunami warning issued as 7.5 quake strikes off Papua New Guinea coast

A strong earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale has struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was at a depth of 30.9 km and a tsunami warning was subsequently issued for Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. “This event is the latest in an ongoing sequence of seismicity in the same region over the past week, which began with M 7.1 and 6.5 earthquakes on April 11, just to the northeast and southeast of the April-19 earthquake, respectively,” stated USGS.

Bahrain car explosion leaves 2 killed and a third wounded

The explosion was in the mostly Shiite village of al-Maqshaa, outside the capital Manama, according to the Interior Ministry’s Twitter account, as Reuters reports. It added that the car had signs of explosive substances inside. The explosion killed two people and wounded a third. In recent weeks Shiite villages in Bahrain have seen several explosions, with a bomb attack in March leaving three policemen killed. The US ally is still struggling to control the restive Shiite population in Bahrain.

16 die in Yemen drone strike

Thirteen suspected Al-Qaeda fighters and three civilians have been killed in a drone strike in Yemen. “An air strike targeted cars suspected Al-Qaeda militants were in and killed 13 of them in the Sawma’a area of [central Yemeni province] al-Bayda,” a security source told Reuters. The drone targeted two cars early on Saturday morning. While the Yemen government did not state who undertook the attack, the Yemeni government said that it was aimed against senior Al-Qaeda fighters. The US has stated that it uses drones in the country. However, it generally declines to comment on its activities.

Northern Ireland police arrest man for Belfast shooting

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in Northern Ireland after the shooting of a prominent republican hardliner. Tommy Crossan, a senior member of the Continuity IRA, was fatally shot on Friday afternoon in west Belfast. Crossan had been strongly opposed to the 1998 peace deal. Northern Ireland has been predominantly peaceful since the signing of the Good Friday agreement. However, there have been occasional outbreaks of sectarian violence, which have intensified over the past 18 months. More than 3,600 have died in sectarian troubles between Catholic Irish nationalists and union protestants who wish to remain part of the UK since the ‘troubles’ began in the 1960s.

Holy Fire lit in Jerusalem ahead of Orthodox Easter

The Holy Fire, described by Orthodox Christians as an annual miracle, was lit at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Great Saturday, or Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter. The Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, has passed the Holy Fire to the pilgrims, including the Russian delegation, which will deliver it to Moscow. The Holy Fire, which symbolizes the miraculous light of the Resurrection, has been brought to Russia from Israel every year since 2003. This year it will be taken for the first time to Crimea, a former Ukrainian region that became part of Russia in March.

10:25

3 more bodies found at Korean ferry wreck site

The official death toll in the South Korean ferry disaster has risen to 32 after divers lifted three more bodies from the wreck. More than 300 are missing or have been confirmed dead following Wednesday’s sinking of the ship. Prosecutors are carrying out a criminal negligence investigation on the ferry’s captain, 68-year-old Lee Joon-seok and 55-year-old helmsman Cho Joon-ki, who entrusted control of the ship to the inexperienced third mate, a 25-year-old woman identified only by her surname, Park. All three were arrested.

Four kidnapped journalists freed in Syria

Four French journalists, who were captured by Syrian rebels from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria in June 2013, are now free and in good health, says French President Francois Hollande, according to AFP. The journalists were found by Turkish soldiers on the border with Syria. They were immediately taken to hospital.

Car bomber kills 6 in western Syria

A suicide bomber has blown himself in a car up at a checkpoint near Salamiya in western Syria, killing at least six people, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Meanwhile, a Syrian government official who spoke on condition of anonymity said four people were killed and nine injured. The city, located 33km southwest of the Hama province, has witnessed fierce fighting in recent months.

Search resumes for four missing Nepali guides after Everest avalanche

Nepali climbers have resumed the search for four missing Sherpa guides after an avalanche swept down a slope on Mount Everest on Friday, killing 12 Nepali mountaineering guides. Helicopters will be involved in the search. “I sat and counted 13 helicopter lifts – 12 were dead bodies, flying overhead suspended by a long line from a helicopter,” Tim Rippel of Peak Freaks Expeditions wrote in a blog. The avalanche hit the most popular Mount Everest route as hundreds of foreign and Nepali climbers were trying to climb Everest’s 8,848 meter peak.

NASA’s SpaceX launches supplies to ISS

The SpaceX Dragon supply ship blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Friday, carrying two tons of cargo for the International Space Station. The supply vehicle will reach the orbiting space module on Sunday. SpaceX is carrying an external backup computer, which is crucial in case the main one fails. Storms cleared out of Cape Canaveral just in time for the mid-afternoon launch.

Algeria’s Boutefika wins fourth term

Algeria’s ailing president who has chronic health problems has taken more than 81 percent of the vote, according to the interior minister. The 77-year old who suffered a stroke last year beat five other opponents without doing any personal campaigning. A coalition of Islamist and secular parties had called for a boycott of the vote calling it a sham and three other presidential candidates pulled out of the race saying the result would be a foregone conclusion. Violence marred the election process, particularly in Kabylie, a restive Berber region east of Algiers, with 70 people wounded in protests.

Storms threaten NASA’s 2nd launch attempt to space station

Stormy weather threatens to interfere with Friday’s attempt to launch SpaceX, NASA’s commercial space supplier. The unmanned Dragon cargo ship contains two and half tons of supplies for the space station, including materials needed for urgent spacewalking repairs. On Monday NASA’s first attempt to launch Dragon was thwarted by a leaky rocket valve.

Magnitude 7.5 earthquake strikes Mexico

A magnitude 7.5 quake hit Mexico on Friday, shaking buildings in the capital and sending people running out into the street, Reuters said. The powerful earthquake was centered in the western state of Guerrero, north of the beach resort of Acapulco, according to the US Geological Survey. There were no reports of major damage.

Obama adviser Axelrod to help UK Labor election campaign

Britain’s Labor Party has recruited a top adviser to US President Barack Obama’s campaigns to help with its leader’s election bid next year, AP reported. The UK opposition party said David Axelrod will join its election campaign team as senior strategic adviser. Axelrod, a key figure behind Obama’s two presidential victories, will take part in regular strategic discussions with party leader Ed Miliband. Axelrod said on Thursday that both Miliband and Obama had the vision to focus on the “experience of everyday people.”

14 killed in car bombing in Homs – Syria TV

A car bomb that exploded outside a mosque in a pro-government district of the central city of Homs killed 14 people, Syrian state TV reported. The bombing occurred as worshippers were leaving the Bilal al-Habshi mosque on the edge of Akrama after attending Friday prayers. Opposition activists confirmed the bomb attack in the predominantly Alawite district but had no immediate details on casualties, AP said.

Japan to hunt fewer whales this season

Japan will target fewer whales when its Pacific hunt begins next week and will observe them in the Antarctic next season with the aim of resuming full-fledged commercial whaling, AP reported. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Friday the Pacific catch target was being slashed by nearly half – to about 210 from the current 380. “We will continue our research hunts aimed at collecting scientific data and seek to resume commercial whaling,” Hayashi said. Last month, the International Court of Justice ordered Japan to suspend its Antarctic program because it was basically commercial and not scientific.

Russia urges Libya to facilitate release of kidnapped foreign diplomats

Moscow has urged the Libyan authorities to facilitate the release of kidnapped foreign diplomats. The government should do its best to find the diplomats as soon as possible and free them, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. The authorities should also punish those responsible for the kidnapping and take measures to defend diplomatic missions in Libya, the statement said. Laaroussi Kontassi, an adviser at the Tunisia’s embassy in Tripoli, disappeared Thursday morning in “unclear circumstances,” days after gunmen kidnapped the Jordanian ambassador

S. Korea school vice principal commits suicide after ferry accident

The vice principal of a high school whose pupils died or are missing in a South Korean ferry accident has committed suicide by hanging himself, Reuters reported. Kang Min-gyu, 52, had been missing since Thursday and appeared to have hung himself with his belt from a tree outside a gym where families of the victims were staying. Out of 475 passengers and crew on the ship, about 340 were students and teachers from the Danwon High School in Ansan, a town near Seoul. They account for about 250 of those missing.

Rouhani parade speech: Iran will deter any attacks

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday during a military parade to mark the country’s National Army Day that Tehran had the might to deter any attacks as its military displayed a range of drones and missiles, Reuters reported. Unlike predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Rouhani did not use his speech to lash out at the US and Israel. “We don’t support any aggression… We support dialogue,” Rouhani said in the live broadcast. He touted Iran’s diplomatic outreach, and AP quoted him as saying that Iran announced to the world: “We are not after war, we are after logic, we are after talks.”

At least 12 Nepali guides killed in Everest avalanche

An avalanche swept down a slope of Mount Everest on Friday, killing 12 Nepali mountaineering guides, a Tourism Ministry official said. The first major avalanche this climbing season hit the most popular route as hundreds of foreign and Nepali climbers flock to the mountain to attempt to climb its 8,850 meter peak. Three Nepali guides were injured and some people may be missing, Reuters quoted Tilak Ram Pandey, an official at the ministry’s mountaineering department, as saying. The avalanche hit the Sherpa guides between base camp and camp 1 early on Friday.

06:22

Japan sends soldiers, radar to remote island, risking China tension

Japan is sending 100 soldiers and radar to its westernmost outpost, a tropical island off Taiwan, Reuters said. The deployment could risk angering China amid a dispute over nearby islands that both countries claim. Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera will break ground on Saturday for a military lookout station on Yonaguni. The island is home to 1,500 people and just 150km from the disputed Japanese-held islands claimed by China. Yonaguni is now defended by two police officers, and the move is part of a plan to improve defense and surveillance in Japan’s far-flung frontier.

Media agencies

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AirAsia X Adds Xi’an on its Network

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AirAsia X Adds Xi’an on its Network – Home of the Terracotta Warriors & the 8^th Wonder of the world

Opening fares from as low as MYR199* to XiÁn from Kuala Lumpur

SEPANG, 20 April 2014- Be ready to fly into the home of the Terracotta warriors and explore the rich cultural heritage of Xi’an as AirAsia X, the leading long-haul low fare affiliate of the AirAsia Group will soon commence flights into XiÁn, Xianyang International Airport beginning July 2, 2014 onwards.

Xi’an is the airline’s 5^th destination in China after Hangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai. AirAsia X will commence 4 weekly flights into Xi’an, China from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and will be the only airline servicing direct flights between the two cities.

In conjunction with the launch of our new destinations, AirAsia X will be offering hot deals from as low as MYR199* on Economy and MYR599* on our Premium Flatbed to XiÁn one way. Bookings are available online between 21 April 2014 and 27 April 2014 for travel between 2 July 2014 and 30 April 2015.

Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said, “Adding XiÁn into our ever growing network in China proves our commitment in our growth strategies in the Asia Pacific region. The airline has in total carried 2.7 million passengers to date into/from China from Kuala Lumpur with an average passenger load of 82%. With Xian added on our network, we expect to see our total revenue increase to over 17% with more than 1 million guests flying into/from our China routes from Kuala Lumpur this year. With the addition of the 8^th Wonder of the World; Xian to the AirAsia X family, guests may now discover more exotic and exciting destinations in China and similarly guests from Xian and its surrounding region may tap onto our strong group network to discover South East Asia and beyond.”

Xián has always been a global destination and attract visitors from all over the world and thou more famous as the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta warriors of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has a lot more historical culture to offer. Attractions include the discovery site of The Lantian Man, and the Great Wild Goose Pagoda which was built to store the translations of Buddhist sutras obtained from India. Xian also has a famous Muslim Quarter where guest can experience the Chinese Muslim food, learn about Chinese Islamic culture and visit China’s biggest and oldest mosque a. Nature lovers can also opt for a hiking tour up the Green Dragon Ridge, to take in breath taking views of the surrounding areas.

AirAsia X was the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Premium Flatbed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60” pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position.

The Premium flatbeds feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. Premium seat guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, 25kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal and Pillow & Duvet.

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FIREFOX BIKES SUPPORTS ROAD SAFETY

20042014

FIREFOX BIKES SUPPORTS ROAD SAFETY WITH MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

Road Safety Cyclothon highlights the importance of using cycle reflectors

New Delhi, 20th April 2014: In an initiative to create awareness about road safety and to highlight the importance of using cycle reflectors, India’s leading leisure biking company Firefox Bikes supported the Road Safety Cyclothon with International Road Federation and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in association with Delhi Police on Sunday. Over hundreds of environment cautious riders participated in the Cyclothon from Vinay Marg, Chankyapuri.

Road accident deaths in India number the highest in the world. Many of these deaths are attributable to poor road visibility of cyclists. The Road Safety Cyclothon was flagged off by Olympian Wrestler Sushil Kumar.

Shiv Inder Singh, Managing Director, Firefox Bikes said, “It’s a great opportunity to be associated Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and International Road Federation. We aim to support this campaign for the importance of using cycle reflectors on bicycles, as it will help to make bicycles a safer mode of transportation on various busy roads, particularly during late hours. It is imperative for every citizen to know about safety guidelines and use of cycle reflectors which will protect them.”

The Cyclothon was initiated to highlight the importance of reflective tapes, on bicycles to enhance their visibility in particular during low light / night time. While cycling the rider needs to keep safety measures i.e. to wear helmets, wear protective pads on elbows and knees, ride on the left side of the road, ride at a safe speed, always keep an eye for traffic signals, road signs and road marking and use of reflectors is most important.

Road Safety Cyclothon was organized with an endeavor to inculcate the awareness about the positive effects of cycling as a mode of transport and benefits that will accrue to both, the cyclists and the city keeping in mind the safety measures and to save the environment from pollution.

About Firefox Bikes Pvt. Ltd.

Firefox Bikes was incorporated in 2004, presently has more than 150 outlets across India. Having associate offices in Taiwan and Shanghai, Firefox Bikes is exclusive distributor of TREK USA, Shimano, Finish Line, Saris, Kryptonite, Super B, Slime, Tern and Bontrager etc. in India. Firefox has a range of bikes in different categories with special feature like light weight, multi speed, dual suspension, disk brake etc.

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Car exports from India remained flat

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Car exports from India remained flat in FY14 at 5.5 lakh units

Reflecting the woes of the Indian automobile industry, the country’s car exports remained flat at 5,50,466 units in 2013-14, during which domestic sales fell for the second consecutive year.

Car exports stood at 5,47,222 units in 2012-13, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) and Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), two of the biggest car exporters, posted a decline in shipments, while overseas sales by Nissan Motor India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Volkswagen India increased.

HMIL, India’s largest car exporter, recorded a 10.21 percent drop to 2,33,260 cars from 2,59,811 units in 2012-13.

Exports by MSIL, the country’s largest car maker, fell 16 percent to 99,832 units from 1,18,857 units.

Europe, the biggest market for compact cars from India, is still recovering from a slump, while regulatory issues in countries including Algeria and Sri Lanka also affected shipments.

Japanese car maker Nissan’s exports rose 17.32 percent to 1,16,113 units in 2013-14 from 98,971 units earlier.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s exports of passenger cars rose 16.31 percent to 27,266 units, while Volkswagen posted an almost four-fold increase in shipments to 32,588 cars.

Domestic car sales in FY14 fell to 17,86,899 units from 18,74,055 units in 2012-13, according to SIAM.

On the positive side, two-wheeler exports from India grew 6.52 percent to 20,83,938 units in 2013-14 from 19,56,378 units in 2012-13.

Motorcycle exports rose 6.48 percent to 19,82,755 units, while scooter shipments were up 3.15 percent to 93,931 units.

Bajaj Auto exported 13,23,173 motorcycles, an increase of 2.31 percent, while Hero MotoCorp’s overseas sales declined 17.05 percent to 1,13,238 units in 2013-14.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) exported 1,11,710 units, up 7.65 percent from the previous financial year.

India Yamaha’s exports stood at 1,93,129 units, up 45.8 percent.

In the scooter segment, HMSI exported 51,932 units, up 20.85 percent, while Hero MotoCorp’s exports declined 28.55 percent to 17,525 units.

Chennai-based TVS Motor Company dispatched 18,693 units to foreign locations an increase of 7.62 percent.

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schedule of AAP leaders Yogendra Yadav, Shazia Ilmi

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schedule of AAP leaders Yogendra Yadav, Shazia Ilmi and others campaigning in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra on 21st April.

Constituency	Candidate	Event Details	Contact Person	Notes
Nashik	Vijay Pandhare	Yogendra Yadav Road Show Patjardi phata\|Aurangabad Naka Time: 900-1200 Press conference Mahatma Nagar AAP Office Time: 1015-1100	Prabhakar -7718812221
Bhiwandi	Jalaludddin Ansari	Shazia Ilmi Road Show V.P. Naka to Mamata Hospital Time: 900 to 1100	Sarfaraz -9324603242
Aurangabad	Subhash Lomte	Anjali Damania & Yogendra Yadav Road show Central Naka\|TV centre Time: 1600-2100	Anna –9422706967
Mumbai North Central	Pheroze Palkhivala	Shazia Ilmi Road Show Sonapur Lane \|LIG, MIG –Kurla station \| Taximen colony \| Kapadianagar Time: 1300 -1500	Feroze Sheikh -9892198673
Mumbai South	Meera Sanyal	Shazia Ilmi Meeting First time Voters club at Old Musafir Khana Time: 1545 Roadshow Old Musafir Khana Time: 1630	Ashish Sanyal -9967707788
Jalna	Deelip Mhaske	Anjali Damania Road Show Bidkin (Paithan) Time: 0930-1130 Jansabha Bidkin (Paithan) Time : 1130-1300	Vikram -9702963939
Mumbai North East	Medha Patkar	Shazia Ilmi, Maruti Bhapkar and Manav Kamble Jansabha Suryanagar, Vikhroli Time: 7.30 Parkside, Vikhroli Time : 8.30	Seela Mahapatra– 7709867728
Dhule		Pratibha Shinde Raghunath Dada Patil Lalit Babar Roadshow & corner meetings Parola Road\|Dhule bus station\|Sakri Road\|Fish market Time – 900 to 1300 Press conference (with Subhash Lomte & Sangram Patil) TV centre Time- 1800 Jansabha TV centre, CIDCO Time- 2000-2200	Aleem –9371239892
Mumbai North West	Mayank Gandhi	Maruti Bhapkar and Manav Kamble Roadshow and Chowk Sabhas Jogeshwari East Vidhansabha (JVLR- Pratapnagar-Bandrekarwad -Bandra plot and Poonam nagar) Time : 1600-1800	Shrey –9664608213
Kalyan	Naresh Thakur	Nandu Madhav Jansabha Opposite Morwika Showroom, Near Dombivali Station, Dombivali East Time: 1800-2200	Ketul –9820618976

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Hope EC lifts ban on Azam as well: Akhilesh

21042014

After the Election Commission revoked ban on Amit Shah’s participation in poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav hoped the restriction on SP leader Mohd Azam Khan too would be lifted.

“The EC has imposed ban on Azam without going through his reply…I hope, the Commission will soon lift his ban too (as it has done in case of Narendra Modi’s close aide),” Yadav told reporters in reply to a question.

“We will put our legal view on the issue at the opportune time,” he said.

On being asked about party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav’s statement that a number of BJP leaders, who are against Modi, are in touch with him, Yadav said Modi was made PM candidate under RSS pressure.

“He has been made PM candidate under pressure of RSS, A number of BJP leaders did not want this… It’s known to everyone,” he said.

Asked specifically whether they were in touch with BJP leaders, Yadav said “miltey rahtey hain” (they keep meeting) but did not elaborate.

On claims by BJP leaders Uma Bharti and Kalyan Singh that SP legislators were touch with them, Yadav said they were spreading rumours and EC should take cognisance. Yadav later flagged off SP’s “video-on-wheels” vehicle for poll campaign.

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Bismillah’s family turns down BJP’s offer

21042014

Bismillah’s family turns down BJP’s offer to be Modi’s proposer

Late shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan’s family on Monday refused to be drawn into the election battleground from Varanasi and turned down to become a proposer for Bharatiya Janata Party Prime Ministerial nominee Narendra Modi in Varanasi.

Bismillah Khan’s son Zamin Hussain Bismillah has said that he wants to keep the family away from politics.

He said that some BJP functionaries had suggested that they should be a proposer for Modi when he files the nomination from Varanasi on April 24. He said that he consulted the family and everyone agreed that they should not back one or the other candidate.

Modi is expected to visit the Kal Bharati and Kasi Vishwanath temples before he leads a roadshow to the collectorate to file his nomination.

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AAP strongly condemns the hate speech given by Pravin Togadia in Bhavnagar

21042014

Aam Aadmi Party strongly condemns the hate speech given by Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) president Pravin Togadia in Bhavnagar, Gujarat on Saturday evening targeting Muslims for buying properties in certain areas.

This is an extremely shocking and a shameful act and goes against the constitution of India which provides equality and freedom for every citizen.

There is no place for such violent and communal acts in our democracy which has a potential to destabilize our secular foundation. AAP demands that Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi should publicly repudiate this act, take strict action against Togadia and the mob that gathered on that night and assure no such incidents will be allowed in future. If no action is taken against Togadia and his followers, Modi’s complicity in such actions will become clear.

As per media reports, Togadia gave a provocative speech in which he gave the Muslim family 48 hours to vacate their houses, failing which he asked his group of followers to take forcible possession of the house and fight a legal battle later which will go on for years.

Togadia also threatened them with violence and asked his followers to “go with stones, tyres and tomatoes” and that there is nothing to fear. Finally he confessed to similar crimes committed by him in past and the affected Muslims had lost both property and money.

Coming as it does on the heels of the BJP candidate from Navada Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar, Giriraj Singh’s statement that those who oppose Modi will be sent to Pakistan, it shows that the BJP and its associated organisations like the VHP are trying to inflame communal feelings and communalise the situation in the country for votes.

The communallly provocative statements of BJP incharge for Uttar Presdesh, Amit Shah are also designed to do the same, as are the statements of some leaders of the Samajwadi party like Azam Khan.

The AAP also demands that the Election Commission of India should direct immediate registration of an FIR against Togadia and the Commisssion should take strict action against him, so that he is not allowed to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere during elections.

Regards

AAP Media Cell

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President says ferry crew’s actions ‘tantamount to murder”

21042014

The actions of the captain and crew of a capsized South Korean ferry were “tantamount to murder,” President Park Guen-Hye said on Monday, condemning their “unimaginable” decision to escape while hundreds were still trapped in the sinking vessel.

Park’s denunciation, in which she vowed to hold all those responsible for the disaster “criminally accountable,” followed the release of a transcript showing the panic and indecision that paralysed decision-making on the bridge as the 6,825-tonne Sewol listed and capsized Wednesday morning.

The confirmed death toll stood at 64 but was expected to rise dramatically with 238 people still unaccounted for.

“The actions of the captain and some crew members were utterly incomprehensible, unacceptable and tantamount to murder,” the presidential Blue House quoted Park as saying in a meeting with senior aides.

“Not only my heart, but the hearts of all South Koreans have been broken and filled with shock and anger,” said Park, who had been heckled Thursday when she met relatives of the hundreds of passengers still missing — most of them schoolchildren.

The families have criticised the official response to the disaster, saying the initial rescue effort was inadequate and mismanaged. The president said it was increasingly clear that Captain Lee Joon-Seok had unnecessarily delayed the evacuation of passengers as the ferry started sinking, and then “deserted them” by escaping with most of his crew members.

“This is utterly unimaginable, legally and ethically,” she said. Lee was arrested on Saturday along with a helmsman and the ship’s relatively inexperienced third officer, who was in charge of the bridge when the ship first ran into trouble.

A transcript released yesterday of the final radio communications between the Sewol and marine transport control underlined the confusion that reined as the vessel listed sharply to one side after making a distress call.

Marine control ordered the crew to ensure all passengers were wearing life jackets, while the ship repeatedly questioned whether vessels were on hand to rescue people once they started to abandon ship. “Make them wear a life ring at least and let them float.

Now!” the control official insisted. In the end, the evacuation order was only given around 40 minutes after the ship ran into trouble, by which time it was listing so heavily that escape was almost impossible. “Precious minutes just wasted,” was the front page verdict of the Dong-A Ilbo daily today.

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Delhi gets first woman Chief Justice

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Delhi has got its first woman chief Justice with Justice G Rohini taking oath as the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court on Monday.

With this the number of women judges in Delhi High Court has now gone up to 10. Justice Rohini who was earlier a Judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court and will have a four year tenure as Chief Justice Delhi HIgh Court.

The 58-year-old judge was elevated as additional judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court and became permanent judge of the High court in 2001.

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Discovery Channel , Alpine Ascents , Guides, climbers cancel Everest expeditions

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Distraught Nepalese guides and climbers cancelled expeditions on Mount Everest Monday after at least 13 colleagues died in an avalanche, as anger mounted at poor payments for sherpas who take huge risks on the world´s highest peak.

Sherpas already grief-stricken at the loss of colleagues have told they are considering whether to halt climbs to protest at pay and poor welfare provisions.The bodies of 13 local sherpa guides have been pulled from the snow and another three are thought to be still buried in the avalanche which hit Friday morning, the worst single accident in the mountain´s history. Another nine were rescued alive from the avalanche, which struck the group of sherpas as they hauled gear up the mountain for international climbers who were waiting at Everest base camp below.

Seattle-based Alpine Ascents International, which lost four sherpas in the accident with another still missing, has decided to cancel its expedition, according to its sirdar (sherpa captain).”We have lost five members of our team. To respect them, we will not be going ahead with our expedition,” said Lakpa Rita Sherpa, who has summited Everest 17 times.

“This was one of the worst days on the mountain and all those who died are sherpas, so many of those left don´t want to go ahead,” Sherpa told from base camp.

US-based Discovery Channel also cancelled an expedition after losing its team of sherpas in the accident, it said in a statement. The channel was planning a live broadcast of the first winged jumpsuit flight off the summit.

Other teams still at base camp are weighing up whether to go ahead with their expeditions, with many too distraught to climb. Ang Tshering Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, said sherpas want the government to set up a welfare fund for guides and their families, using part of the fees paid by clients.

“It´s not about stopping expeditions, but they have demands that need to be fulfilled,” Sherpa, whose national body represents tourism promoters told.

Some of the sherpas and their families are angry about the Nepali government´s offer of 40,000 rupees (about $400) to pay for the funeral expenses of those killed, calling it a disrespectful gesture.

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Hamid Mir regains consciousness

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Geo News senior anchor and renowned Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir has regained consciousness.

Mr. Mir is expected to be shifted to a private room at the hospital he is being treated at later today (Monday).

According to the medical report, Hamid Mir was shot six times. One bullet hit Mr. Mir in the ribs under the arm, one in the stomach, one grazed his hand while two pierced his thigh on the front and one on the back of the thigh which doctors have not been able to remove as it is lodged in the bone.

Doctors will take a decision regarding removing the lodged bullet after further examinations.

According to initial reports the renowned Pakistani journalist was shot thrice and underwent a successful operation at a private hospital.Hamid Mir was attacked in Karachi on Saturday evening while his car was leaving the airport. The Geo News senior anchor was shot multiple times and rushed to Aga Khan for treatment. He underwent a successful operation and is recovering.

The attack took place when a single gunman wearing shalwar kameez stopped Hamid Mir’s car right outside the airport and opened fire. The driver of the car sped away but the gunman and his accomplices in two motorcycles and a car followed Hamid Mir and continued firing.

The attackers followed Hamid Mir’s car till Karsaz and disbursed. While being chased Hamid Mir spoke to his colleagues over the phone and informed them of the attack. Media agencies

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Holy Fire’ ritual in Jerusalem

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Ethiopian Orthodox worshippers hold candles during the Holy Fire ceremony at the Ethiopian section of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City, April 19, 2014. Israeli police reportedly blocked a top UN diplomat, alongside other diplomats and Palestinians, entrance to a pre-Easter Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which Israeli authorities called a ‘micro-incident.’

Robert Serry, the UN special envoy for Middle East peace, said he and Palestinian Christians were making their way to attend the ‘Holy Fire’ ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried before rising from the dead.

Inspite of free access order Israeli police refused to let the group of worshipers pass, saying they had orders to that effect.
Serry said he, along with Italian, Norwegian and Dutch diplomats, was forced to wait for up to 30 minutes, crushed by the excited crowd against a barricade, while Israeli officers ignored his request to speak with a superior, according to Reuters.

“A precarious standoff ensued ending in an angry crowd pushing their way through,” Serry said, lashing out at “unacceptable behavior from the Israeli security authorities.”

“It became really dangerous because there was a big crowd and I was pushed against a metal fence the police put up there, the crowd tried to push really hard,” the diplomat said, adding they might have been trampled had police not finally let them pass.

Serry in a statement called on “all parties to respect the right of religious freedom, granting access to holy sites for worshipers of all faiths and refraining from provocations, not least during religious holidays.”

The incident comes as the Holy City, which is of religious importance to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, prepares Pope Francis’s Holy Land visit next month.

Israel dismissed the UN diplomat’s complaint, calling it an attempt to exaggerate a “micro-incident”while crediting police with maintaining order as crowds of worshipers descended on the city.

Later on Saturday, Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry dismissed Serry’s account as “an odd communique on a non-event.”

“Christian dignitaries of the highest level have this evening thanked the Jerusalem Police Department for its efficient service, which has enabled the Holy Day’s celebrations to take place without any hindrance,”the ministry said.

“Had any harm come to the pilgrims due to uncontrolled crowd movements, Mr. Serry would have been prompt to cast responsibility on the same police which he now condemns for doing its job properly,” the Israeli statement added.

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Jerusalem in May, an event that may be overshadowed by a breakdown in US-brokered peace talks between Israeli and Palestinians, who face an April-29 deadline to resolve their differences. media agencies News

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‘Scenarios of Kannada Activism in Bengaluru’ by Prof. Chandan Gowda,

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Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

cordially invites you to a Public Lecture

(in the ‘India in Transition’ series)

at 3.00 pm on Wednesday, 23rdApril, 2014

in the Seminar Room, First Floor, Library Building

‘Scenarios of Kannada Activism in Bengaluru’

Prof. Chandan Gowda,

Azim Premji University,

Bengaluru.

Abstract:

Bengaluru has seen a proliferation of pro-Kannada organizations since the early years of this century. The perceived decline in significance of Kannada and its speakers in the state’s capital appears a paramount concern for them. Many of these groups have found support from major institutional forces, including political parties, the local film industry, and the heads of Hindu religious establishments. How do they conceive the Kannada cause and the strategies necessary for securing it? What are the continuities and discontinuities between their activist concerns and those of their predecessor outfits? Mapping the shifting contours of Bengaluru-centred Kannada activism over the last few decades helps grasp the changing political and cultural milieu in the city.

Speaker:

Prof. Chandan Gowda is Professor of Social Science at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. His research interests include social theory, Indian normative traditions, and Kannada literature and cinema. In addition to his academic publications, he has written extensively for newspapers and published translations of Kannada fiction and non-fiction in English. He completed his dissertation research at the Department of Sociology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2007. He is presently completing a book on the cultural politics of development in old Mysore state.

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INDIA SPORTS 2014 6-8 Nov, 2014

21042014

INDIA SPORTS 2014

6-8 Nov, 2014

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi

We are pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports along with FICCI would be organizing the first edition of INDIA SPORTS from 6-8 Nov, 2014 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. India Sports 2014 would be organized as a Sports Festival in New Delhi and will have the following activities under the India Sports 2014 banner:

1. INDIA SPORTS EXPO 2014: An International exhibition on Sports goods, Fitness equipment’s, Sports apparels & Shoes etc

2. INDIA SPORTS TURF: An International Conference on the Sports sector

3. BUYER SELLER MEET: Organized by Sports Goods Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Commerce.

4. INDIA SPORTS CUP 2014: A Sports Tournament to be organized

5. INDIA SPORTS Fashion Show: A Fashion Show to be organized for the Sports Apparel. To be organized either at exhibition venue or at the Networking Dinner in the evening for exhibitors, buyers.

6. Product Launch Forum- Exhibitors can Launch their products at the Product Launch Forum at the exhibition

The event is shaping up really well with respect to keen interest shown by the Indian and International Sports equipment manufacturers. We are hopeful that the event would create a benchmark and would be established as an event of world class level. India Sports 2014 would be one of its kind event in India which would not only help in uplifting the Indian Sports goods manufacturers who can showcase their products to the Indian & International Buyers but also would be a platform where the Sportsperson will get to see the best Sports & Fitness equipment’s & apparel, best International practices, with which the level of performance can be enhanced.

We look forward to your participation at this mega event and block the prime exhibition spaces available at the earliest.

with warm regards,

Ravi Verma | Research Associate

Industry’s Voice for Policy Change

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi – 110 001
M: +91-9873522631| F: +91-11-23487462 | F: +91-11-23487226

E: ravi.verma@ficci.com | W: www.ficci.com | Skype: rv.ficci

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Akali Dal protests Amarinder’s ‘clean chit’ to Tytler for 1984 riots:

21042014

Akali Dal today launch a massive protest outside Congress headquarters in Delhi, on Captain Amrinder Singh during an interview on NDTV to Gr Editor Barakha Dutt gave clean chit to Jagdish Tytler, Akali Dal the Sikh Groups thus fume over Captain Amarinder’s clean chit to Jagdish Tytler is raising slogans against the Congress leaders for 1984 riots:

Captain Amrinder Singh Congress candidate from Amritsar had on Saturday said in a TV interview that the riot victims in Delhi had initially not accused Tytler of leading the mobs that went on a rampage in 1984. He had come under attack from the leaders of BJP and SAD, including Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

It was followed by the issuance a separate statement by Amarinder, criticising Badal for “misinterpreting” his statement about Tytler. “I have neither given any clean chit to anyone nor do I like to blame someone just because Badal blames him,” he said.

Amarinder, who is contesting against senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley, said in the statement that no court has held Tytler guilty so far. Reports claimed that police had to use water canons to disperse the agitating Akali protesters as they tried to break the barricades placed outside the head quarters.Media agencies

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Categories : Politics, Uncategorized

Armed man and accomplices take hostages in southwestern Russian bank

21042014

HOSTAGE SCENE: Photo from outside #Belgorod ‘Zapadny bank’ where guman & accomplices hold 4 http://on.rt.com/1oiyr6 pic.twitter.com/ht8QgGx7Vo

HOSTAGE SCENE outside of ‘Zapadny bank’ Belgorod

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VHP training camp end at Haridwar

21042014

प्रशिक्षण प्राप्त कर विहिप पदाधिकारी हरिद्वार से दिल्ली लौटे

नई दिल्ली। अप्रेल 20, 2014। विश्व हिन्दू परिषद दिल्ली के लगभग सवा सौ पदाधिकारी द्वि-दिवसीय प्रशिक्षण शिविर के समापन के पश्चात आज हरिद्वार से दिल्ली लौट आए हैं। हरिद्वार के भूपतवाला स्थित बसन्त लाल अग्रवाल सेवा सदन में रविवार सायं चार बजे शिविर का समापन करते हुए विहिप के अंतराष्ट्रीय संगठन महामंत्री श्री दिनेश चंद ने कहा कि एक अच्छे कार्यकर्ता के लिए यह आवश्यक है कि वह विविध मत-पंथ-संप्रदायों वाले हिन्दू समाज के हर वर्ग को साथ लेकर प्रत्येक क्षेत्र में कार्य को निरन्तर गति देता रहे। उन्होंने कहा कि वर्ष 2014 में प्रारम्भ होने वाले विहिप के स्वर्ण जयन्ति वर्ष की तैयारियों में हमें जुटना होगा और विश्व के हर कोने में रहने वाले हिन्दू की चिन्ता हमें करनी होगी। विहिप दिल्ली के महा मंत्री श्री राम कृष्ण श्रीवास्तव ने इस अवसर पर कहा कि स्वर्ण जयन्ति वर्ष में हम राजधानी की प्रत्येक बस्ती (कालोनी) में अपनी समितियां व सत्संग खडे कर समाज की प्रत्येक समस्या का समाधान करने में सक्षम होंगे।

इस अवसर पर बोलते हुए विहिप के अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संयुक्त महामंत्री श्री विनायक राव देशपाण्डे ने कहा कि देश के महान संतों और समाज के प्रतिष्ठित प्रबुद्ध जनों द्वारा 1964 में स्थापित विहिप रूपी पौधा अब एक वट बृक्ष का रूप तो धारण कर चुका है किन्तु समाज के लिए अभी बहुत कुछ करना बाकी है। विपरीत परिस्थियों में भी हम सभी को संतों के मार्ग दर्शन को ध्यान में रख आगे बढना होगा।

बैठक की विस्तृत जानकारी देते हुए विहिप दिल्ली के मीडिया प्रमुख श्री विनोद बंसल ने बताया कि दिल्ली की भागम-भाग की जिन्दगी से अलग गंगा के शांत तट पर आयोजित इस दो दिवसीय शिविर में हिन्दू संस्कृति, कार्यकर्ता की भूमिका, सत्संगों का महत्व तथा विहिप का स्वर्ण जयन्ति वर्ष इत्यादि विषयों पर गंभीर चिन्तन मनन किया गया। इस शिविर में विहिप के केन्द्रीय मंत्री श्री महावीर प्रसाद, क्षेत्रीय संगठन मंत्री श्री करुणा प्रकाश व दिल्ली के प्रान्त अध्यक्ष श्री स्वदेश पाल गुप्ता ने विविध विषयों पर प्रकाश डालते हुए कार्यकर्ताओं का मार्ग दर्शन किया और रविवार सायं चार बजे शिविर का समापन किया गया।

उन्होंने बताया कि बैठक में हिन्दू समाज तथा हिन्दू मान-बिन्दुओं पर हो रहे चहुँ मुखी हमलों से निपटने की रण नीति, गऊ, गंगा, वेद व संस्कृति की रक्षा तथा संवर्धन, दिल्ली की हर बस्ती में विहिप की समितियों का गठन के साथ-साथ विहिप के स्वर्ण जयंती वर्ष की कार्य योजना पर विस्तृत चर्चा की गई।

बैठक में विहिप दिल्ली के प्रान्त उपाध्यक्ष श्री गुरदीन प्रसाद रुस्तगी, श्री नन्द किशोर शर्मा, मंत्री श्री राम पाल सिंह व श्री विजय गुप्ता, संगठन मंत्री श्री अनिल, मीडिया टोली के सदस्य श्री राकेश पाण्डे, बजरंग दल के प्रान्त पूर्णकालिक श्री नीरज दोनेरिया, मातृ शक्ति सह-संयोजिका श्रीमती संध्या शर्मा तथा दुर्गा वाहिनी संयोजिका श्रीमती संजना चौधरी सहित दिल्ली के कोने-कोने से पधारे लगभग सवा सौ पदाधिकारियों ने भाग लिया। सभी पदाधिकारियों ने गंगा मईया का पावन जल अपने अपने हाथों में लिए देश की राजधानी के कल्याण की प्रार्थना करते हुए देर सायं हरिद्वार से दिल्ली को प्रस्थान किया।

भवदीय

विनोद बंसल,

मीडिया प्रमुख,

इंद्र्प्रस्थ विश्व हिंदू परिषद, दिल्ली।

मो 9810949109

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April 27, 2014, 4:19 am

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ELECTIONS IN AROUND THE WORLD AS PER NDI 2014 AND 2015

27042014

List of Elections around the WORLD as per NDI 2014 and 2015

1/5/2014	Bangladesh	General
1/14/2014 – 1/15/2014	Egypt	Constitutional Referendum
January	Somalia (Puntland)	Presidential
2/2/2014	Costa Rica	General
2/2/2014	El Salvador	Presidential
2/2/2014	Thailand	General
2/20/2014	Libya	Constituent Assembly
3/9/2014	Colombia	Legislative
3/9/2014	El Salvador	Presidential Runoff
3/15/2014	Slovakia	Presidential
3/16/2014	Guinea-Bissau	General
3/16/2014	Serbia	Parliamentary
3/22/2014	Maldives	Legislative
4/5/2014	Afghanistan	Presidential
4/6/2014	Hungary	Parliamentary
April 7 – May 12	India	General
4/9/2014	Indonesia	Parliamentary
4/13/2014	Macedonia	Presidential
4/17/2014	Algeria	Presidential
4/27/2014	Macedonia	Presidential Runoff
4/27/2014	Macedonia	Parliamentary
4/30/2014	Iraq	General
5/4/2014	Panama	Presidential
5/7/2014	South Africa	General
5/16/2014	Dominican Republic	Legislative
5/18/2014	Guinea-Bissau	Presidential
5/20/2014	Malawi	General
5/25/2014	Colombia	Presidential (1st Round)
5/25/2014	Ukraine	Presidential
5/26/2014 – 5/27/2014	Egypt	Presidential
6/3/2014	Syria	Presidential
6/15/2014	Colombia	Presidential (2nd Round)
6/15/2014	Georgia	Municipal
6/15/2014	Ukraine	Presidential Runoff
7/9/2014	Indonesia	Presidential
8/10/2014	Turkey	Presidential
8/24/2014	Turkey	Presidential (2nd Round)
9/17/2014	Fiji	Parliamentary
10/5/2014	Bolivia	General
10/5/2014	Bosnia-Herzegovina	General
10/5/2014	Brazil	Presidential
10/15/2014	Mozambique	General
10/26/2014	Brazil	Presidential runoff
10/26/2014	Uruguay	General
October	Botswana	Presidential
11/30/2014	Uruguay	Presidential (2nd Round)
November	Lebanon	Parliamentary
November	Namibia	Parliamentary
2014	Botswana	Parliamentary
2014	Egypt	Parliamentary
2014	Moldova	Parliamentary
2014	Namibia	General
2014	Niger	Parliamentary
2014	Tunisia	Presidential and Legislative

2015

2/14/2015	Nigeria	General
February	Chad	Parliamentary
February	Tajikistan	Parliamentary
March	Uzbekistan	Presidential
May	Ethiopia	General
May	Mauritius	Parliamentary
June	Burundi	General
July	Mexico	Parliamentary
July	Togo	Presidential
9/13/2015	Guatemala	General
September	Afghanistan	Legislative
September	Venezuela	Parliamentary
10/18/2015	Argentina	Presidential
October	Cote d’Ivoire	Presidential
October	Kyrgyzstan	Parliamentary
October	Oman	Parliamentary
October	Tanzania	Presidential and Parliamentary
11/20/2015	Belarus	Presidential
November	Azerbaijan	Parliamentary
November	Burkina Faso	Presidential
November	Burma	General
2015	Iran	Parliamentary
2015	Saudi Arabia	Municipal
2015	Sri Lanka	Presidential
2015	Turkey	Parliamentary
2015	Yemen	Referendum
2015	Yemen	Parliamentary

https://www.ndi.org/electionscalendar

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Palestinian president says still interested in peace talks with Israel

27042014

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says that he is still interested in continuing peace talks with Israel. They were suspended by Israel, after Abbas’s Fatah faction and the militant group Hamas signed a unity pact this week.

Abbas was speaking at a meeting of top leaders within the Palestine Liberation Organization, who were gathering for a two-day conference. They were looking to assess the strategy needed for Palestine to achieve statehood, after US-backed talks began to fall apart earlier this month.

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Abdullah Abdullah leading Afghan presidential poll

27042014

Afghan election heads for Abdullah-Ghani run-off

Afghanistan’s presidential election is set for a second-round vote, preliminary results showed, as former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah and ex-World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani both failed to secure a decisive victory.

The head-to-head election will choose a successor to outgoing President Hamid Karzai in Afghanistan’s first democratic transfer of power.Whoever wins will have to oversee the fight against a resilient Taliban insurgency as 51,000 US-led troops depart this year, as well as strengthen an economy that relies on declining aid money.

“Based on our results, it appears that the election goes to the second round,” Ahmad Yusuf Nuristani, head of the Independent Election Commission, told a press conference in Kabul.

Abdullah secured 44.9 per cent of the 5th April vote, with his main rival Ghani on 31.5 per cent, according to the preliminary results.

The 2009 election, when Karzai retained power, was marred by fraud in a chaotic process that shook confidence in the multinational effort to develop the country and also marked a sharp decline in relations with the United States.

The final official result is set to be announced on 14th May after a period for adjudication of hundreds of complaints over alleged fraud.

As no candidate gained more than 50 per cent, a run-off between the two leading names is required under the Afghan constitution.

Eight men ran in the election, with polling day hailed a success by Afghan officials and foreign allies as the Taliban failed to launch a major attack despite threats to disrupt the vote.

“The election went pretty good, we are satisfied with it and I think we are prepared if it goes to the second round,” Nuristani said.

Another expensive, and potentially violent, election could be avoided by negotiations between the candidates in the coming weeks, but Abdullah has dismissed talks of a possible power-sharing deal.

Ghani has also vowed to fight on in the run-off, which is tentatively scheduled for 7th June.

According to preliminary results, for Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, of the National Coalition of Afghanistan party, is leading the April 5 presidential election with 44.9 percent of the votes, AP reports. However, a runoff is likely, as Abdullah is probably not going to reach the 50 percent required on the first ballot to avoid a second round. The chairman of the Independent Election Commission, Ahmad Yousuf Nouristani, said Saturday that ex-Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai is in second with 31.5 percent. The preliminary results are expected to be finalized on May 14, after investigations into fraud complaints. Under the law, a runoff will be held within 15 days after final results are announced.

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Categories : election, Media, Uncategorized

5 recruits killed in ethnic clashes in S. Sudan

27042014

Five trainees have been killed in South Sudan in clashes between troops and local residents, said South Sudan’s military spokesman, Colonel Philip Aguer. He said the clashes resulted from a “misunderstanding”between the military and the civilians. All the victims were the members of the Nuer ethnic minority. Members of the same ethnic group are responsible for killing hundreds of people in the town of Bentiu in April. Rebels, many of whom are Nuer, claim hundreds of Nuer troops have been killed in South Sudan, although the allegations could not be independently verified.

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Anti-govt protesters march in Venezuela

27042014

Several thousand people have flooded the streets of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and other cities in the country to voice their protest against education reform plans and restrictions on the right to demonstrate. At least 3,000 people gathered for a march in Caracas, carrying signs that read, “Education is not indoctrination,”and “Fight for education that teaches us to think and not obey.” Some activists were holding banners reading,“Protesting is my right,” in response to recent restrictions on protests issued by the country’s authorities. Venezuela has been gripped with anti-government protests since mid-February amid an economic slowdown.

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Macedonia votes in snap presidential election

27042014

Macedonians are electing their president and MPs Sunday, in what is being seen as a test for the ruling conservative party and its ambition to join the EU and NATO. The vote is being held a year ahead of schedule after the ruling conservative VMRO-DPMNE party failed to agree with its Albanian coalition partner, the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), on a joint presidential candidate. The incumbent president, Gjorge Ivanov (VMRO-DPMNE), and Stevo Pendarovski from Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) will compete for the presidency. About 1.7 million voters will also elect new 123 MPs, choosing between 14 parties and coalitions.

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South Korean PM resigns over ferry disaster

27042014

South Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-won tendered his resignation on Sunday over the sinking of a passenger ferry that left more than 300 people dead or missing.

The resignation has to be approved by President Park Geun-hye.

The South Korean government has come in for fierce criticism over the disaster, and the handing of the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, all 15 people involved in navigating the South Korean ferry are now in custody.

A prosecutor said that authorities have detained four more crew members after warrants were issued.

Eleven other crew members, including the captain, had been formally arrested earlier.

All are accused of negligence and of failing to help passengers in need as the ferry Sewol sank on 16th April.

Meanwhile, bad weather prevented the recovery of any of the more-than 100 bodies still missing.

The confirmed death toll from the tragedy stood at 187, with 115 unaccounted for many bodies are believed trapped in the ferry that capsized on 16th April on a routine voyage to the southern resort island of Jeju with 476 people on board.

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Justice Lodha sworn in as 41st CJI

27042014

‏@punjabkesari

http://bit.ly/1khKHN3 #RajendraMalLodha #PranabMukherjeepic.twitter.com/eAJAyn2DgP

Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha, the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court, was on Sunday sworn in as the 41st Chief Justice of India by President Pranab Mukherjee.

64-year-old Justice Lodha took over from Justice (retd) P Sathasivam who demitted office on Saturday after nine months as the head of the judiciary.The brief ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan’s Durbar Hall attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, some Union ministers, retired and serving judges, members of the Bar, besides Justice Sathasivam. No opposition leader was present at the function.

Justice Lodha, who took oath in the name of god, will have a brief tenure of five months as CJI and is due to retire on 27th September, this year.

He is heading the bench which is monitoring CBI’s probe into coal blocks allocation scam.

He was also instrumental in passing orders making CBI free from any political interference.

A bench headed by him had said that CBI does not require sanction from the government to prosecute senior officials in cases being monitored by courts.

It was Justice Lodha’s bench which had ordered that CBI will not share information with the political executive on coalgate probe.

The judgement had led to the resignation of Ashwani Kumar as the Law Minister in May last year.

He also is part of a Constitution Bench looking into the mode of education of minority schools.

Last month, a bench headed by him had allowed defence personnel in “peace stations” to vote in constituencies where they are posted, saying “compulsions of their job” shouldn’t come in the way of a basic right.

Another bench headed by him had stopped clinical trials in the country, saying the interests of the people were more important than those of pharmaceutical companies.

Later, the government framed rules for monitoring of clinical trials and for paying compensation to people affected in the process.

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Obama visit to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines

27042014

Obama reached Tokyo on Wednesday, he will be the first sitting U.S. president to visit Malaysia since Lyndon Johnson in 1966, allies South Korea and the Philippines, the two other stops on his agenda, are also keen to take up security ties.The president landed in Tokyo in the evening, he was the first U.S. leader to visit Japan in nearly two decades>Mr. Obama was greeted by U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, who joined him for a sushi dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Tokyo is the first stop on a four-nation Asian tour,made Tokyo his first stop on tour of Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines. US secures larger military presence in Philippines.

Obama has warned North Korea against conducting another nuclear test, and he has reconfirmed the US commitment to the security of South Korea.
Obama spoke to US troops stationed at a US base in South Korea’s capital Seoul on Saturday morning.
Obama said “the 38th Parallel now exists as much as a contrast between worlds as it does a border between nations.” He called South Korea “a democracy that is growing” and described North Korea as “a pariah state that would rather starve its people than feed their hopes and dreams.” Obama said the situation is not the result of a war but the path North Korea has chosen. He described it as a path of confrontation, provocation and pursuing the world’s most dangerous weapons.
Obama warned that North Korea “would go down a lonely road of isolation” if it pursues nuclear weapons.
He reiterated America’s commitment to the security and defense of South Korea and said it has not wavered once in more than 60 years. The president warned that the United States will not hesitate to use its military to defend South Korea.US President Barack Obama and South Korean President Park Geun-hye have agreed to boost deterrence in regard to North Korea. This comes amid growing concern about a nuclear test by the North. North Korea is apparently preparing for its fourth nuclear test.Obama met Park in Seoul after arriving in South Korea on Friday afternoon, following his 3-day state visit to Japan.
At the start of the summit, Obama commented on the recent ferry accident that left more than 300 people dead or missing. He expressed condolences from the American people for the incredible loss. He said that as allies and friends, Americans join South Koreans in mourning the victims. The two leaders then observed a moment of silence. At a joint news conference after the meeting, Park said that South Korea believes the North is preparing its 4th nuclear test and is ready to conduct it at any time. She added that President Obama’s visit to her country is a strong message to the North that its provocations are not acceptable. Park said that South Korea and the United States will do everything they can do to deter North Korean from further provocations. President Obama said the two countries have agreed to strengthen their alliance, including their missile defense systems. He stressed that US involvement in South Korea’s security is unshakable and that the North will gain nothing but isolation from provocations.

Obama later left South Korea for Malaysia

Obama, looking dapper in his dark blue suit and rested despite his hectic trips to Tokyo and Seoul, hurried down the airstairs.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman was the first to greet the President, followed by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who is the minister-in-attendance.

Arriving in style: Obama walking with the King, followed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Najib Tun Razak and Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, during a welcoming ceremony at Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur. — EPA

Among the others standing in line were Wisma Putra secretary-general Datuk Othman Hashim, US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Yun and Special Envoy to the United States Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis. Together with them were also Americas Division Undersecre-tary Datuk Syed Sultan Mohd Idris and Ambasador-designate to the United States Datuk Awang Adek Hussin.

The president was seen exchanging words with those who greeted him, smiling and giving each a pat too. Obama acknowledged scores of others who waited for him, some for as long as four hours, including a large number of media personnel.He smiled and waved at them before being accompanied to The Beast by Khairy.

US National Security Adviser Susan Rice joined him on the ride to Parliament House for the official welcoming ceremony.The security protocol was extremely tight for the president’s arrival, with journalists having to undergo three levels of identity checks. The president’s arrival was telecast live by the local TV networks. Lyndon B. Johnson was the first US president to visit Malaysia way back in 1966.

Obama said the MaGIC initiative was a direct result of the entrepreneurship summit that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hosted last year.

“Around the world, we are helping young entrepreneurs connect, collaborate and start their own businesses, serve their communities, tackle global challenges like expanding education and combating climate change,” he said.

He said the centre served as a “one-stop” shop, so young entrepreneurs can get help to file their patents for their ideas, access to loans and venture capital investments.

“We just had a chance to see some of the innovations… this is the type of entrepreneurship that me and Najib wanted to encourage,” he said.

At the event, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also announced, in honour of Obama’s visit, the field in front the MaGIC headquarters, in Cyberjaya, would be renamed as the “Obama Oval”.

CYBERJAYA: Malaysia and the United States have pledged to continue their shared commitment to foster more young entrepreneurs, as they will form the bedrock of both countries’ economies in the future.

US President Barack Obama said this was important to provide a chance for youth, so they would be able to create things and start their own businesses.

“The dreams and the talents of these young people help to fuel our economies, create jobs, and bring our countries closer together,” he said in his opening remarks at the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) headquarters, here Sunday.

Among MaGIC’S objectives include monitoring the performance and to house an integrated database of entrepreneurs, provide them with incubators, facilities to help them guard their intellectual property and access to funding, guidance and training.

US and Philippines reached a 10-year agreement that will allow a larger American military presence in the country, Filipino officials told media on condition of anonymity. The deal allows US troops access to Philippines’ military facilities, where they can base their fighter jets and warships. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement will be signed Monday, two Filipino officials said.US forces will be able to use military facilities in the Philippines near the area in the South China Sea where Chinese vessels have been increasing their activities.This will be included in a new US-Philippine framework agreement that the two countries have been working on in time for President Barack Obama’s visit to Manila soon. Two countries agreed last year to seek to sign the new agreement to enhance military cooperation. Officials have been negotiating for regular dispatch of US forces and joint use of military bases in the Philippines. A Philippine government source says the new agreement will include three areas for joint military use with the US. They are the Philippines’ largest military base Fort Magsaysay, the Subic Bay area which used to host a US Navy base, and the Ulugan Bay Naval station on the island of Palawan.

RT news writes -Obama hits the South China Sea things will get even choppier. The South China Sea is the heart of Eurasia’s naval hinterland– through which flows a third of the global naval action and of course all those millions of tons of oil being transported from the Indian Ocean across the mega-strategic Malacca strait and then the South China Sea towards East Asia (including, crucially, 80 percent of China’s oil imports.)

The hidden agenda here is for the US Navy to forever remain as the hyperpower in the South China Sea – without allowing Beijing as much as a possibility of reaching parity with it. Thus the Pentagon’s carefully orchestrated propaganda selling the myth that the South China Sea without the hegemonic US would be a hellish chaos.

Obama is visiting Malaysia and the Philippines, two Southeast Asian at opposing poles. Malaysia, for starters, sits between the Middle East and China, at the heart of complex global trade networks. In many aspects, Malaysia may be seen as the heart of Asia.

U.S. President Barack Obama inspects an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at Parliament Square in Kuala Lumpur April 26, 2014. (Reuters)

Unlike Vietnam – which is hyper-nationalist – Malaysia, crucially, does not want trouble with China. US warships already “visit” Malaysia at least 50 times a year – and that includes nuclear submarines hanging out in ports in Borneo.

Two French-Spanish submarines bought by Malaysia are stationed at a base in Sabah, near the Spratly islands – where Malaysia claims 12 islands or rocks.

The global war on terror (GWOT) was the perfect pretext for the Pentagon to extend to Malaysia some state of the art radar equipment. So, in a nutshell, after Singapore – which could easily be described as a corporate-friendly US aircraft carrier positioned near the Malacca strait – Malaysia is in fact a very reliable US ally in the South China Sea.

Media agencies

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Robert Vadra companies gist by Anti-AAP Binny

27042014

‏@AAPkaBinny

#DamaadGate Vadra & Mrs Vadra looted nation to the core #HDLpic.twitter.com/YGtWCFHEG7”

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Important Press conference Snapshots

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Fire at SupremeCourt Delhi

27042014

‏@punjabkesari

सुप्रीम कोर्ट में आग लगी http://bit.ly/1hAIiNk #SupremeCourt #Delhipic.twitter.com/t56kNdBSnQ

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AAP demands disqualification of candidates over the violation of election commission rules

27042014

AAP demands disqualification of candidates over the violation of election commission rules laid out under chapter VII clause 14 and its sub-clauses.

In what is considered as gross violation of the law and the specific directions issued by the Election Commission of India, the Congress Party, Bhartiya Janta Party, ShivSena, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Samajwadi Party issued voter slips bearing their party names, symbols and photographs of their Candidates and leaders. This is despite having it outlined clearly in the handbook handed out by the Election Commission of India falling under violation of chapter VII Clause 14 and its sub‐clauses.

Under Clause 14.2 the identity slips are required to be on white paper and should not contain the name of the candidate and/or the name of the party and/or the election symbol of the candidate/party or any exhortation to vote for the party or for the candidate. It is specified therein that such slips, if they contain such disallowed information, would amount to canvassing within the polling station, which is not permissible.

Additionally, several such voter slips are printed on costly paper and forwarded to the voters, resulting in the expenses of such candidates necessarily exceeding the maximum limit allowable to each candidate.

Mr. Sundar Balakrishnan, party’s Candidate from Mumbai South Central Constituency, during his visits to the polling booths, had also found such slips being used at the Assembly Constituency / Polling Station nos. 180/129, 172/84, 172/88, 181/146, 181/148, 181/165, 181/163, 181/189, 181/188, 181/169 and 181/166. He has specifically lodged his protest in this regard in the visit sheet maintained at the aforesaid polling stations. The other candidates of the party have also noticed similar slips being used at the polling stations and have also brought it to the notice of the Presiding Officers.

AAP demands disqualification of the candidates that indulged in the aforementioned malpractices which is a serious violation of rules outlined by the Election Commission of India.

Letter to the Election Commission of India is enclosed herewith.

Thanks,

AAP Media Cell

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AAP sets up helpline for disenfranchised voters, demands supplementary elections

27042014

AAP sets up helpline for disenfranchised voters and demands supplementary elections

Aam Aadmi Party has complained to the Chief Election Commissioner about the glaring deletions from the Maharashtra State electoral rolls. Lakhs of citizens were shocked to find that despite having what they thought was a valid voter id card their names did not figure in the electoral rolls. Many new voters were deprived of their right to vote because despite making an application in due time, their names were not included in the final rolls.

We say the Election Commission cannot get away by saying that onus is on the citizen to verify his/her name on the electoral rolls. It is natural for a citizen to assume that once enrolled they will not be deleted unless they have requested a change of address, change of citizenry or if they are deceased. The names were deleted either because the election commission failed to verify their existence or due to malicious intent – in either case it takes away the citizens fundamental right to vote and makes a farce of democracy.

We demand that the Election Commission should forthwith verify all the deleted names and allow all valid voters to exercise their votes in a supplementary poll. We will await the Election Commission’s response, failing which we will move to the courts for justice.

We request all citizens who had to face the outrage of being unable to vote to please send your details and we will pursue each case for inclusion.

To register on AAP Right to Vote List

SMS: SMS your <Assembly Constituency No. of Maharashtra> <space> <Voter ID No.> <space> <Name & Surname> at07666496953

Eg: 185 ISD15018161 Meera Sanyal

EMAIL: Email your below details at NoVote@AAPMaharashtra.org

Assembly Constituency Number:
Voter ID No.:
Name:
Mobile No.

MISS CALL: Give Miss Call at 07666496953

Aam Aadmi Party has strong views on electoral reforms as the only way to safeguard our fundamental rights is to have an honest representative through inclusive, free and fair elections.

Our letter to the Election Commission is attached.

Thanks,

AAP Media Cell

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Chikkarangappa lifts Surya Nepal Masters trophy

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Surya_Nepal_Masters_2014_-_Prize_Presentation_picture

Chikkarangappa lifts Surya Nepal Masters trophy after playoff win over Shankar Das

Kathmandu, Nepal, April 26, 2014: Chikkarangappa S (69-65-67-72) of Bangalore lifted the Surya Nepal Masters 2014 trophy after defeating Kolkata’s Shankar Das (67-70-68-68) in a playoff at the Gokarna Forest Golf Resort in Kathmandu. Chikkarangappa and Das went into the playoff after both players ended up with the tournament’s best total scores of 15-under-273 from the regulation 72 holes. Abhijit Singh Chadha of Chandigarh and Faridabad golfer Abhinav Lohan were in tied third at 14-under-274.

Chikkarangappa and Shankar made pars on the first playoff hole but the second hole proved to be decisive as Chikkarangappa landed it within seven feet and sank the all-important putt for birdie even as Shankar missed his birdie putt from 15 feet. The 20-year-old Chikka thus bagged his second title and walked away with the winner’s cheque worth INR 4,84,950.

Earlier in the day, Chikkarangappa, the overnight leader by three shots, turned in a card of even-par-72 with three birdies and three bogeys. He started well with a birdie on the third but bogeys on the seventh, eighth and 14^th seemed to have almost dashed his title hopes. However, the 2013 PGTI Emerging Player of the Year rallied with long birdie putts on the 16^th and 18^th to take the match into a playoff.

Chikkarangappa said, “It’s been a fabulous week. My good scores in the second and third rounds set up the win. I made some crucial putts today and didn’t let pressure get the better of me. I recovered well during regulation play despite finding the water on the seventh and hitting it out of bounds on the 14^th. There were several contenders in towards the late stages of the final round but I just concentrated on taking the opportunities that came my way. I made a few changes to my game after my first win last year. The main alteration in my game was related to the position of my left hand on the club. The changes have helped me play better.”

Shankar Das, looking for his fifth win, posted five birdies and a bogey in his round of 68. Das, who was overnight tied third, was the leader on Saturday till the 17^th hole before Chikka made a birdie on the 18^th.

Former champion Abhijit Singh Chadha shared third position with Abhinav Lohan at 14-under. Chadha, who was the leader at one stage on the final day, fired a 68 on day four with six birdies and a double-bogey. Lohan shot a 70 on Saturday.

Local favourite Shivaram Shrestha produced the day’s joint best score, a five-under-67, to secure tied fifth at 13-under-275 and finish as the highest-placed Nepalese golfer. Panchkula’s Angad Cheema joined Shrestha in tied fifth after shooting a 68 in round four.

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AAP files Complaint against Narendra Modi to EC

27042014

Aam Aadmi Party has filed a complaint with the EC against BJP’;s candidate from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat Shri Narendra Modi. The party has furnished video/photo evidence along with the gift pack carrying Modi’;s photo and address of the supplier in Surat. The party has demanded registration of an FIR under sections 171 B/E of the India Penal Code (IPC) against Shri Modi for trying to bribe voters (all relevant docs and photos attached with this release)

The AAP in a separate complaint to the EC has drawn its attention towards the fact that on April 24th the nomination procession/ rally of BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Varanasi Shri Narendra Modi incurred an expenditure of around Rs 6 crore. The party’;s complaint is based on the fact that Shri Modi used a helicopter to arrive at the starting point of the rally and also to leave the city. The party has informed the EC that helicopter rental, hoardings and cutouts bearing Modi’;s photographs will have to be included in its election expenditure.

The cost of transportation of bringing and taking back people, the distribution of caps T-Shirts, sarees, masks, flags and scarfs – which were distributed in lakhs. according to BJP estimates need to be accounted for.

(Please find attached the copy of the complaint and other related documents)

Regards

AAP Media Cell

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Call for Seed Sovereignty: Protect Farmers’ Rights

27042014

Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch (India Seed Sovereignty Alliance) – a nationwide network for conserving and regenerating seed diversity and self-reliance – celebrates the International Seed Day on 26^th April. Newly formed, with about 100 present members from 17 states, including many outstanding seed-savers and farmer-breeders of thousands of crop varieties, it urges the great need to embrace, adopt, conserve, promote and exchange traditional seeds. Such seeds, evolved over millennia, offer immense possibilities to adapt to climate change without compromising farmers’ rights and seed sovereignty.

Seed is integral to agricultural progress and the survival and well-being of humanity. Our amazing heritage of seed diversity, adapted to diverse conditions and needs, has the boundless potential to sustain farming and allied rural communities in independence, health and dignity for generations to come! Founded on unique region-specific landraces bred by farmers, these seeds can meet local nutritional needs and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

As an indication of India’s enormous agro-diversity, the National Gene Bank of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) boasts that its base collections total 4,02,894 accessions of 1,586 crop species! These include 1,59,569 cereals, 57,523 millets, 58,756 pulses/grain legumes, 58,477 oilseeds, 25,330 vegetables, 6,872 medicinal and aromatic plants, and 3,847 spices and condiments. Many of these varieties have disappeared from farmers’ fields under the onslaught of the so-called ‘Green Revolution’.

It was reported in the Wall Steet Journal that the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) is offering Multinational Corporations (MNCs) these thousands of rare varieties of crop germplasm for “a small share of the profit!” The Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch condemns all such naked abetment of bio-piracy, and calls upon all national/international agencies to desist from transfers of genetic material that will end up in private/corporate IPR claims over seed varieties that rightfully belong to the farming communities of India. It further urges all institutions and farmers/communities to keep away from involvement in privatizing community/collective genetic resources and knowledge that are an integral part of our biological, cultural and intellectual commons.

India’s rich heritage of traditional seed varieties in national and international germplasm collections are a vital resource collected from Indian farmers that must be returned to them to safeguard their livelihoods and the people they feed. This is now urgently needed in a scenario of rapidly depleting and increasingly expensive fossil fuels and chemical inputs, together with soil degradation, climate change, water scarcity and erratic weather conditions.

We thus demand the return of our traditional seeds to our farming communities; and we call upon our government to facilitate and simplify such access to our heritage varieties from national and international germplasm collections; and to support their decentralized conservation in the croplands/regions of origin. Unless our farmers can adopt bio-diverse ecological agriculture with their own locally adapted seeds, severe food scarcity looms ahead.

Two emerging great threats to Indian agriculture and crop diversity are: (i) the granting of private/commercial Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) over our heritage seed/plant varieties; and (ii) the release or field trials of Genetically Modified (GM) crops that can widely contaminate our traditional varieties; and such damage would be unstoppable and irreversible. We thus call for an urgent halt to any such releases or field trials of GM crops. Our priority must be to have in place a cautionary National Bio-safety Law and an effective implementation mechanism to comprehensively guard against the hazards that GM crops pose to human, animal, soil and eco-system health.

The attached ‘India Seed Sovereignty Declaration’ of the national seed savers’ alliance calls for the wide support of all for the urgent demands contained therein! It concludes with a united pledge to protect Mother Earth, the source and sustenance of humanity and myriad species; and it urges all to integrate stewardship and compassion in our education, culture and lifestyle.

We earnestly request all, including media friends and opinion makers, to endorse, publicize and encourage this collective initiative.

- Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch (India Seed Sovereignty Alliance)

Contact:

G. Krishna Prasad, Convener, Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch, Ph: 9880862058;

Soumik Banerjee, Co-convener, Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch, Ph: 8294062742;

Sanjay Patil, Co-convener, Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch, Ph: 9623931855

INDIA SEED SOVEREIGNTY DECLARATION

We, the undersigned, associated with Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch (India Seed Sovereignty Alliance), united to achieve self-reliance and revival of diversity with regard to Seed, hereby declare:

1. Like the earth and the sky, the immense biodiversity of seeds, plants and life forms is our collective heritage. Gifted by Nature, and evolved through the cumulative innovations, adaptations and selections of many generations of indigenous farming communities, these seeds and life forms are sacred. They belong to all as an inviolable birthright, essential for survival and well-being; and it is our duty to preserve them for future generations. They cannot be seen as mere commodities or ‘proprietary intellectual resources’ for corporate profiteering.

2. We refuse to let our genetic commons and bio-cultural heritage be privatized and monopolized by a few; and we assert our sovereign rights to freely plant, use, reproduce, select, improve, adapt, save, share, exchange or sell our seeds – without restriction or hindrance – as we have done for past millennia.

3. India has an enormous wealth of crop diversity. It is a global centre of origin and diversity of rice, with over 90,000 distinct rice varieties collected by Indian agricultural research and germplasm centres. (Some estimates mention over 150,000 varieties!) These grew in farmers’ fields, adapted to diverse conditions. About 19,000 rice varieties were collected by Dr Richharia from just two states, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, of which 1600 varieties were found to be high-yielding. Each variety had distinct nutritional, medicinal, taste/flavour, fragrance, color, shape, size, stress tolerance, productivity-related or other qualities, as well as socio-cultural significance.

4. We have a rich diversity too of wheat, millets, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, tubers, fruits, spices, medicinal plants; and thousands of uncultivated forest foods. Over 25,000 Indian varieties of dry-land crops are held by ICRISAT alone. India’s ‘National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources’ states that the base collections in its ‘National Gene Bank’ total 4,02,894 accessions of 1,586 crop species! These include 1,59,569 cereals, 57,523 millets, 58,756 pulses/grain legumes, 58,477 oilseeds, 25,330 vegetables, 6,872 medicinal and aromatic plants, and 3,847 spices and condiments. Many of these varieties have disappeared from farmers’ fields under the onslaught of the so-called ‘Green Revolution’.

5. In 2012, the Wall Street Journal broke news on what may be called ‘The Great Gene Bazaar’. It reported that the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) is offering Multinational Corporations (MNCs) 400,000 seed varieties for “a small share of the profit!” The ICAR Deputy Director General, Mr. Swapan Datta, is quoted saying, “We have crops that are being grown and adapted very naturally to different geographies. So we have drought tolerant rice, terminal-heat tolerant wheat and salinity-tolerant crop varieties.”

It is well known that MNCs are eager to establish exclusive patent/proprietary rights over our heritage seed varieties handed down over millennia. We condemn all such naked abetment of bio-piracy, as reported in the Wall Street Journal or elsewhere, and we call upon all national/international agencies to desist from transfers of genetic material that will end up in private/corporate IPR claims over seed varieties that rightfully belong to the farming communities of India. We further urge all institutions and farmers/communities to keep away from involvement in privatizing community/collective genetic resources and knowledge that are an integral part of our biological, cultural and intellectual commons.

6. We unitedly resolve to work for the decentralized in situ conservation, regeneration and unhindered use and sharing of biodiversity by farmers, gardeners, indigenous communities, and people at large; and we urge the support of all, including our governments, for such work.

7. Many thousands of our crop seeds have ended up in distant gene banks like the IRRI in Philippines, CIMMYT in Mexico, or Fort Collins in the USA. These seeds represent the collective bio-cultural heritage – including biodiversity, food culture, ecological knowledge and value systems – of local communities that freely shared and passed them down from generation to generation. Such seeds are a vital resource that must be reclaimed to safeguard farm livelihoods and the people they feed, especially in a scenario of rapidly depleting and increasingly expensive fossil fuels and chemical inputs, together with soil degradation, climate change, water scarcity and erratic weather conditions. Unless farmers can adopt bio-diverse ecological agriculture with their own locally adapted seeds, severe food scarcity looms ahead.

8. Today, the danger to our heritage of agro-biodiversity – from commercial, proprietary hybrid seeds and GM (genetically modified) crops – is graver than ever. GM crops pose a severe threat of unstoppable and irreversible contamination of our local crop varieties through cross-pollination, as witnessed extensively in the case of corn (maize) in Mexico. The aggressive marketing of GM crops also drives local varieties out of circulation, as seen in the near total erosion of cotton varieties in India. The serious hazards posed by GM crops to human, animal, soil and eco-system health are widely recognized.

We thus demand a ban on GM seeds and species, and strict enforcement of liability for any contamination of seeds/plants, and any damage to the health of farmers, consumers, animals, croplands and eco-systems from the use, release or field trials of GM seeds and species. A National Bio-safety law and implementation mechanism must be immediately put in place to comprehensively guard against the hazards of GMOs.

9. We reject the existing patent and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime on life forms, including plant varieties, seeds, and related traditional knowledge; and we demand that all information and material in gene banks be declared as ‘prior art’ to prevent bio-piracy. Such information and material must remain as our collective, open-source heritage, which the governments – as trustees of/for the people – must safeguard from privatization, IPRs, or any kind of exclusive proprietary control/rights.

10. We call upon the Central and State Governments to promote and support diversity-based, holistic ecological agriculture, forestry and related livelihoods – to meet our basic, priority needs in a sustainable manner. Bio-diverse ecological agriculture/gardening should be integrated in the curriculum of schools and educational institutions, which should utilize a part of their premises for such purpose. We call for phasing out agro-chemicals which destroy biodiversity directly and in various pathways. We further call for the promotion of ecologically appropriate and nutritive food crops for local needs over cash crops for distant markets.

11. We are alarmed that the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – a promising international treaty for the conservation, sustainable use and fair and equitable sharing of biodiversity –has not only failed to meet its objectives, but seems to have degenerated into an international arrangement to facilitate corporate control of our biodiversity. We decry such abdication of original purpose and responsibility; and we reject the narrow definition of “access and benefit”, as a commodity to be traded via monetary payment. We uphold the world-view of Adivasis and local communities, who see “access and benefit” as the unhindered and continuous right over their territories, lands, forests, waters, air, livelihoods, knowledge systems, spirituality, culture and biodiversity. In any event, all ‘Access and Benefit Sharing’ agreements under the CBD must categorically debar the creation of any exclusive rights of ownership, use or control of any biological resources and related knowledge.

12. Biological diversity is intrinsically linked to the rights of Adivasis, farmers, pastoralists, fisher-folk, craftspeople and others to their land and natural resources, and is embedded in the ecological and cultural habitats of communities. We deplore the plunder of such habitats by short-sighted economic expansionism, fuelled by the commoditization and privatization of our biological diversity, natural wealth and ecological commons. Big dams, hazardous nuclear and thermal plants, all kinds of mining, SEZs, mono-culture plantations, land-grabbing, the rise of real-estate speculators, and reckless urban-industrial-consumerist expansion are a massive assault on our biological diversity, trampling the fundamental rights of local inhabitants to a healthy life and sustainable livelihood. We call for an urgent halt to all anti-people, anti-nature, destructive development based on unsound science that also endangers future generations, and the survival of other species.

We pledge to protect Mother Earth, the source and sustenance of humanity and myriad species, and we urge all to integrate stewardship and compassion in our education, culture and lifestyle.

[Note: The above India Seed Sovereignty Declaration (New Delhi, 2014) has been created by Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch (India Seed Sovereignty Alliance), consisting of seed savers, breeders, farmers, gardeners and biodiversity/organic farming activists from all over India. Suggestions for further improvement remain welcome, and will be considered before the national seed alliance adopts a finalized ‘statement of vision’ in its next meeting. Such suggestions may please be sent with copies marked to: 1) Kavitha Kuruganti, Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA): kavitha.kuruganti@gmail.com; 2) Shamika Mone, Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI): myofai@gmail.com; 3) Krishna Prasad (Sahaja Samruddha): prasadgk12@gmail.com; 4) Jacob Nellithanam: farmersrights@gmail.com; and 5) Bharat Mansata: bharatmansata@yahoo.com. ]

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NEXUS BETWEEN AAM ADMI PARTY AND “BREAK INDIA FORCES”

28042014

THE DEADLY NEXUS BETWEEN AAM ADMI PARTY AND “BREAK INDIA FORCES”

RAJIV MALHOTRA IN DISCUSSIONS WITH SOME EX AAM ADMI PARTY MEMBERS AND JOURNALISTS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhrPOQR9OH8

Narain Kataria

(718) 478-5735

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Coca-Cola XI squad of young cricketing talent to play against foreign team

28042014

Coca-Cola XI squad of young cricketing talent announced

Muklit Bhatt, Rajesh Tangri, Rishab Drall and Prashanth Vashishta from Delhi selected to play against foreign team

· 15 player squad announced for three-match series against foreign team

· The talented Muklit Bhatt from Delhi to lead Coca-Cola XI team; Daryl Ferrario from Tamil Nadu is appointed as Vice-Captain

· Four from Delhi find place in Coca-Cola XI

· 12,500 young players from across 820 schools in 66 districts participated in 3^rd edition of Coca-Cola Cricket Cup

New Delhi, April 27^th2014: Following an intensive training week with the best of cricketing talent at the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup U16 Coaching Camp, the final Coca-Cola XI squad was announced in Mumbai at Air India Ground on Sunday. The announcement was made by Saba Karim, Former Test cricketer and Chief Mentor of the initiative along with Anthony Adams (Head Coach, Cricket India Academy), Sanjay Bhardwaj, Coach of Coca-Cola Cricket Cup and Chetan Sharma, Former Player and P.N. Sankaran, Procam International.

Of the 27 young cricketers who were a part of the Coaching Camp, the best 15 are picked up for the final squad. The Coca-Cola XI will play against the foreign Team a three match series, scheduled in the month of May.

The team will be lead by Muklit Bhatt from Delhi thanks to an impressive display of cricket and technical skills during the Inter State Tournament and the training camp. The Coca-Cola XI are Captain, Muklit Bhatt, Rajesh Tangri, Rishab Drall, Prashanth Vashishta (Salwan Boys Senior Sec. School, Delhi), Shoeb Khan, Jahangir Ansari ( Al. Barkat Malik M. I. English School, Mumbai), Daryl Ferrario, Joy Kenny (Don Bosco M Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu), Mohsin Ali (Sports Campus College, Lucknow , UP), Amrit Lubana (DAV Sr.Secondary School,Punjab), Karan Pawar, Saurin Thakar (Shreyas Samarpan Vidyalay, Baroda), M.Rafi – AP (AVR E-Techno School, Vijayawada), Praneet Raj (St. Jones Jr. College, Hyderabad) and Atul Kushwa (Kiddy’s Corner Higher Secondary School, Gwalior (MP).

Three players who perform exceedingly well during the series will meet the criteria to travel to the United Kingdom in the next few month to further carve a bright cricketing future for themselves. Procam International will nurture these boys both on and off the field, enabling them to make the best use of their talent and be given opportunities to succeed in the sport of cricket. Players from the previous edition who were provided with an opportunity to hone their skills in the UK were Shivam Chauhan, Delhi, Vikas Dixit, Delhi and Pranjul Puri, Indore.

The 15-player squad was selected based on their technique, talent and passion for the game. The coaching clinic was conducted by renowned cricketers and coaches that included Anthony Adams (Head Coach, Cricket India Academy), Sanjay Bhardwaj, Coach of Coca-Cola Cricket Cup and Chetan Sharma, Former Player.

More About the Coca-Cola U-16 Cricket Cup

The Coca-Cola Intra-State Challenge will be played in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (all 13 districts), Punjab (eight districts), Baroda, Tamil Nadu (Chennai + 8 districts), West Bengal (Kolkata + 18 districts), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Kanpur & Allahabad), and Madhya Pradesh (4 districts). The format of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup has been structured to begin with the Intra-State Challenge. The centers that have more than one city or district will play their own inter-district before one winner emerges from each center. The winners from the ten centers will feature in the Inter-State Challenge.

Coca-Cola Cricket Cup’s Vision

BCCI over the past several years has done a tremendous job of enhancing the growth of cricket in India. They have done so by adopting a result oriented approach of organising age group tournaments all over the country through their state associations.

This has helped immensely in carving out talented individuals on a regular basis. Most of these cricketers have moved ahead and have brought laurels for their states and the country.

Seeing the vast potential and growing popularity of this game, Coca-Cola India has a vision of facilitating BCCI in their quest to tap talent. We believe that the future of Indian cricket lies in these young talented budding cricketers. We intend to provide a perfect opportunity and platform to all the youngsters across the country to showcase their talent, skill and equally important, pride and loyalty to their school. It gives BCCI and their affiliated state units a brilliant arena to scout for potential match winners.

We hope that this initiative will serve as an ideal platform to identify and nurture young talented cricketers for them to be able to get noticed by the state associations and BCCI to represent the country on an International level.

About Coca-Cola India

Coca-Cola in India refreshes millions of consumers throughout the country with an exciting range of beverages including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Maaza Milky Delite, Minute Maid Pulpy Orange, Minute Maid Nimbu Fresh, Minute Maid Mixed Fruit, Minute Maid Apple, Georgia, Georgia Gold, Kinley, Kinley Club Soda, Burn and Nestea through a network of more than one million outlets. The company has invested more than US$ 1 billion in its Indian operations, emerging as one of the country’s top international investors. The Coca-Cola system in India employs more than 25,000 people directly. For more information and details on the company’s Indian operations please visit: www.coca-colaindia.com

About Procam International

In 1988, with a vision to provide a more holistic spend to the advertising rupee and a burning desire to ameliorate the prevailing professional standards for sportsmen, Anil and Vivek B. Singh created Procam International.

Procam International is today a full-fledged sports management company, involved in the promotion of national and international sporting events, sports consultancy and live television programming.

Procam International has based its corporate philosophy on an open culture, with an emphasis on values and integrity. Procam International has promoted and conducted over 45 world events, which have elicited player participation of the highest caliber, as well as huge public interest

The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and the TCS World 10K in Bangalore are three of the most prestigious distance running events in the world. This has established Procam International as the leading sports events creator in India. Its professionalism, attention to detail and dedication has won it the faith of its sponsors and partners.

Incase of any queries, please contact:

Procam International

Neha Parab Kandalgaonkar

+91 9892194965; neha@procam.in

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AirAsia X and GE Signs MOU for CF6 Engines for its Airbus A330 Fleet

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Photo Caption: (Top L-R) Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and U.S. President Barack Obama witnessing the singing ceremony between Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO and John G Rice Vice, Chairman of General Electric (GE).

KUALA LUMPUR – April 28, 2014 –AirAsia X, the long haul, low fare airline affiliate of the AirAsia Group and GE Aviation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the selection of CF6-80E1 engines to power AirAsia X’s 25 new firm Airbus A330-300 aircraft, with options for an additional three A330 aircraft. These engines will be covered by a multi-year OnPoint^SM solution service agreement for engine maintenance, repair and overhaul. The list price for the engines and the service agreement is valued at more than $1.5 billion (USD) over the life of the agreement.

At the signing ceremony witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, U.S. President Barack Obama, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO said, “To power our new order of 25 additional Airbus A330-300 aircraft, we are pleased to select GE CF6-80E1 engines. GE was selected based on technical reliability and fuel efficiency performance with combined competitive pricing that will ensure AirAsia X maintains our competitive advantage as the world’s lowest unit cost airline operator, with industry-leading reliability performance. We firmly intend to be the undisputed global market leader in the long-haul low-cost carrier space.

Tan Sri’ Tony Fernandes adds, “With this order, GE will become AirAsia X’s second core engine supplier. Our fleet size has reached sufficient scale to support two engine types, with sufficient spare engine coverage, specialist engineers and technicians, and strong on-site service commitment from both engine providers. GE’s long -standing relationship and track record with the AirAsia Group, gave us confidence to make this selection.”

“GE is proud of its long association with AirAsia Group and are honored to be selected to power AirAsia X’s A330 fleet for this large and important order,” said Kevin McAllister, Vice President and General Manager of Global Sales & Marketing for GE Aviation. “AirAsia Group is a leading low-cost carrier with domestic, regional and international operations, and CF6 engines will support its competitive international cost position.”

GE’s CF6 engines have been among the most utilized and reliable in the industry. Powering more than 10 models of wide-body aircraft, the engine family has established an unparalleled record of reliability for more than 40 years with more than 395 million flight-hours in service with more than 200 operators worldwide.

GE Aviation has continuously reinvested in the CF6 platform and is refining component efficiencies across the CF6-80E1 engine to provide improvements in fuel efficiency for Airbus’s enhanced A330 aircraft. More than 560 CF6-80E1 engines have been delivered for the Airbus A330 aircraft.

OnPoint solutions are customized service agreements tailored to the operational and financial needs of each customer for any size fleet. These agreements are designed to help lower the customers’ cost of ownership and maximize the use of their assets. Backed by GE’s global support network, OnPoint services may include overhaul, on wing support, new and used-serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and integrated systems.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.

AirAsia X is the low-cost, long-haul affiliate carrier of the AirAsia Group that currently flies to destinations in China, Australia, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Middle East. The airline currently serves 19 destinations across Asia (Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xian, Colombo and Kathmandu), Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Gold Coast) and the Middle East (Jeddah). AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of 16 Airbus A330-300s, each with a seat configuration of 12 Premium Flatbeds and 365 Economy seats. The airline has carried over 12 million guests since it commenced long-haul in 2007. Our vision is to further solidify our position as the global leader in low-cost, long-haul aviation and create the first global multi-hub low-cost carrier network along with other carriers of the AirAsia Group.

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India to invite bids for another 1,500 MW of solar PV

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The April edition of the INDIA SOLAR COMPASS has been launched!

INDIA SOLAR WEEKLY MARKET UPDATE April 28^th, 2014	India to invite bids for another 1,500 MW of solar PV under the NSM this year BRIDGE TO INDIA understands that Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) plans to allocate 1,500 MW of solar PV projects under the National Solar Mission (NSM) towards the end of this year. These new projects are likely to follow the bundling mechanism, similar to phase one of the NSM and unlike the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism used for the recent 750 MW of NSM projects, where Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have already been signed for 700 MW and another 50 MW PPAs should be signed soon with the waitlisted bidders. Apart from that, another 1,000 MW allocation is planned under the VGF mechanism for the next year. As per the guidelines for phase two of the NSM (2012-2017), 2,320 MW of PV and 1,080 MW of CSP projects were to be allocated through the central agencies by March 2015 (refer). The remaining 5,600 MW of capacity out of the 9,000 MW target was expected to come up through state government initiatives and the Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) mechanism. However, with only 150 MW of CSP projects implemented to date, PV allocations for central agencies would need to go up to 3,250 MW. Now, with 750 MW of allocations already under way, 1,500 MW of new allocation by March 2015 and another 1,000 MW by March 2016, the capacity allocation plan by central agencies under the NSM will be back on track for phase two of the NSM. Apart from these initiatives, there are plans to develop one 1,000 MW power project by public sector entities, four power projects of 500 MW each to be allocated to private developers and another 1,000 MW of projects on defense land. State allocations in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan,	Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are expected to contribute significantly to new installed capacity in 2014-15. With 2.5 GW already installed, if the states are able to continue providing new capacity, the target of 10 GW by 2017 for the NSM will most likely be achieved with ease despite failure of the RPO mechanism. Further, BRIDGE TO INDIA understands that the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has suggested necessary changes in the Electricity Act to ensure enforcement of RPOs. MNRE and CERC have revived their efforts to boost the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) market but there is no clarity on how and when any new measures will be announced. OUR BLOG Why is India’s renewable sector underachieving? India is an ideal market for renewable energy. The country is immensely energy hungry but has a supply shortage: It has coal, but of low quality. [Read more] Why utilities need to wake up to the distributed solar boom Utilities across the world have so far overlooked or ignored the wave of distributed generation, based on cheap solar power. This, however, represents nothing short of a revolution. [Read more] THROUGH OUR LINKEDIN GROUP ‘INDIA SOLAR FUTURE’ If BJP forms a government in May 2014, will it curb imports of solar equipment?
OUR LATEST REPORT INDIA SOLAR COMPASS – April 2014
For any queries, write to us at contact@bridgetoindia.com © BRIDGE TO INDIA 2014

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Data Center Technologies Expert from India to address global meet in the US

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New Delhi April 28, 2014

Data center technologies expert and entrepreneur from India Mr Shekhar Dasgupta has been invited to address a global data center meet in the US this month.

Mr Dasgupta, whose expertise lies in creating next generation data centre technologies, for cloud infrastructures to mitigate risks of Data Centre failures, while helping control capital costs and reduce operating expenses, will make a thought provoking presentation and present a New Management Scorecard with financial and operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for achieving high availability in leaner and greener Data Center.

To be kicked off in Las Vegas April 28, Data Center World, the premier global meet for data center managers, will draw upon the knowledge and experience of global experts to offer real solutions for data centers.

Data Centers are home to mission critical applications and data. They are designed to be fail-safe with multi level back up in power, computers, networks and air-conditioning virtually turning them to be energy guzzlers, consuming over 2 per cent of utility-produced electrical power in the United States and European Union and growing at over 15 per cent per annum.

Shekhar Dasgupta

While a few measures on Data Center energy efficiency have become de facto standards, Mr. Dasgupta will be proposing a wider range of KPIs that mirror the daily objectives of Data Center Managers, IT and Infrastructure and Operations staff.

Just as Balanced Scorecards had a profound impact on driving overall economic value of enterprises that use them, Mr. Dasgupta suggests that Data Centers can be better aligned with business goals through Scorecard-based Data Center Infrastructure Management software. It is now well established that absence or lack of proper measurements are the main causes of wasted capital expenditure, higher operating costs, increased space use and even Data Center outages.

The conference that will feature over 65 sessions, led by well known industry leaders will share best practices and practical solutions to some of the biggest data center and facilities management challenges, including Data Center Infrastructure Management, power and cooling, data center builds and design, disaster recovery, and cloud.

According to Bureau of Energy Efficiency-Confederation of Indian Industry study on Data Center Energy Efficiency, the minimum energy saving potential of adopting the latest Data Center technologies is between 25 to 30 per cent. Of the savings, while nearly 60 per cent comes from server-related efficiencies like virtualization, there’s another 7 per cent that may be derived from more efficient cooling technologies, adds Mr Dasgupta.

Rising power consumption compounded with escalating energy prices, makes it important to measure and manage power use through Building Management Systems and DCIM software.

Greenfield Software logo

About GreenField Software
GreenField Software, best known for GFS Crane DCIM Software, an ERP for Data Centres, also offers DCIM-enabled advisory services to data centres.

The GFS Crane software tracks and analyzes entire power chain from DG Sets to Power Distribution Units, right up to virtual servers hosting the applications through a single console. GFS Crane is a complete ERP for the Data Center: allocating and optimizing the key resources of a Data Center – power, space, cooling and networks.

GreenField Software counts amongst its customers an Oil and Gas major; a large private sector bank; a respected print, online and television media house; an integrated power generation and distribution utility and an infrastructure finance player. GreenField Software has created a new delivery model using cloud infrastructure for managed DCIM services.

For more details log on to: http://www.greenfieldsoft.com

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Categories : Business, Education, Uncategorized, world News

Pocketsurfer range of Smartphones from Datawind

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After creating the affordable tablet market in India, DATAWIND offers PocketSurfer smartphones at breakthrough pricing, intending to disrupt the mobile phone starting at Rs.3,499. PocketSurfer5, a range of three smartphones that not only deliver great voice quality, but also feature a large 5 inch touchscreen for anytime/anywhere rich internet experience using DATAWIND’s breakthrough web delivery platform. The company aims to make it real, by offering them the delight of smartphone ownership with the world’s least expensive 5” screen smartphone starting at just Rs3,499.DATAWIND’s PocketSurfer5 range can be purchased or explored on www.pocketsurfer.com

DataWind’sPocketSurfer – the fastest internet device operating through a GSM SIM beating all other internet devises at that time in speed are amazing devices at unbelievably low prices. Intended to again create benchmarks in the smart phone category, DataWind’s new products break the affordability barriers of smartphones and bandwidth constraints of cellular networks to deliver calling facility and internet access to anybody who can afford a simple mobile phone.

Incorporating DataWind’s breakthrough web delivery platform, that compresses and accelerates web content by factors of 10x to 30x, the new PocketSurfer devices deliver the fastest and richest mobile web experience, that they originally became famous for. Even on traditional GPRS/EDGE 2.5G mobile networks, web pages are delivered in 3 to 5 seconds at a fraction of the cost.

The entry-level device is the PocketSurfer 5X at Rs.3,499 for a dual-SIM smartphone with a 5” touch-screen. The second in the range is PocketSurfer5 and is priced at Rs 4,999. PocketSurfer5 offers the best of features on an Android Jelly Bean platform offering connectivity to internet through Wi-Fi and EDGE networks. This model also sports a 5 inch capacitive touch screen that gives the user a widescreen entertainment experience as also a large enough screen to attend to office work on the move.

The third and the final model in the range is the PocketSurfer3G5 priced at Rs 6,499. As the name suggests, this is model sports the highest specs within the PocketSurfer5 range offering users the ability to enjoy 3G mobile broadband high speed internet, HD Quality Video and mobile gaming experience.

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Sikhs Helping Sikhs: Please watch these truth inspiring videos below

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Sikhs Helping Sikhs

To Me

Today at 1:33 PM

It has been a very turbulent past for the sikhs.

If a twist of fate a light has become visible in the darkness.

Please walk towards the light.

Please watch these truth inspiring

videos below

http://youtu.be/YV6e8J_XPZ4	http://youtu.be/sjzvZ-6L7Gs	http://youtu.be/lBY613eQlMQ
http://youtu.be/yVqIrLN0V9w	http://youtu.be/DCNE7fu73p4	http://youtu.be/3bxaBeG1QcE
http://youtu.be/1fbqVpYxyuA	http://youtu.be/VtNa8GhFpJI	http://youtu.be/AgGDSq6nYnY

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Hungarian Information & Cultural Centre New Delhi

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Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre!

I am pleased to welcome, Dr. Pál Hatos, Director General, Balassi Institute, Budapest who will be on an official visit to New Delhi in the end of April. He will be delivering a lecture for the students of Amity School during his visit.

We will continue to exhibit caricatures by ÉDUA SZŰCS from Hungary for our art lover till the end of May.

For our music lovers we conclude the final cycle of the lecture series by eminent musicologist PUNITA SINGH titled INTRODUCTION TO WESTERN CLASSICAL MUSIC. The CAPITAL CITY MINSTRELS present the Summer Concert on the 1st of May.

For the film lovers in India, we are happy to share that the Hungarian film, FRESH AIR will travel to Mumbai and Jodhpur, as part of the ongoing EUFF 2014. In the month of January, famous Hungarian Director, MIKLÓS JANCSÓ passed away and as a tribute to this legendary Director, we will organise a Retrospective of his films in 5 sessions.

So don’t miss our extravagant events for the coming months!

Tibor Kovács
Director and Cultural Counsellor

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Details of our upcoming events can be seen below by clicking on the date in the table.

Dates	Type of programme	Venue	Event
Till May 30 Fri	Exhibition	HICC	“LIFE IS LIKE THAT” caricatures by Édua Szűcs
April 28, Mon 6:00 pm	Music Lecture	HICC	“LATE CLASSICAL INTO ROMANTIC” by Dr. Punita Singh, musicologist
May 1, Thurs 7:00 pm	Live Concert	HICC	“SUMMER CONCERT 2014″ by the Capital City Minstrels
May 5, Mon 6:00 pm	Music Lecture	HICC	“LATE ROMANTIC INTO MODERN AND POST-MODERN/ CONCLUSION” by Dr. Punita Singh, musicologist
May 6, Tues 6:00 pm	Introduction and Film Screening	HICC	Inauguration of the Retrospective Session on “MIKLÓS JANCSÓ” with a talk by Prof. Diwaker Balakrishnan, introduction by Anandana Kapur and closing remarks by Gautam Kaul followed by screening of the film “THE ROUND – UP”
May 7, Wed 6:00 pm	Film Screening	HICC	“THE RED AND THE WHITE” by Miklós Jancsó
May 8, Thurs 6:00 pm	Film Screening	HICC	“AGNUS DEI” by Miklós Jancsó
May 13, Tues 5:00 pm	Film Screening	Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai	Hungarian film “FRESH AIR” directed by Ágnes Kocsis screened as part of EUFF 2014
May 13, Tues 6:00 pm	Film Screening	HICC	“RED PSALM” by Miklós Jancsó
May 15, Thurs 6:00 pm	Film Screening	HICC	“ELEKTREIA” by Miklós Jancsó
May 30, Fri 7:00 pm	Film Screening	Jodhpur	Hungarian film “FRESH AIR” directed by Ágnes Kocsis screened as part of EUFF 2014 at Art Gallery Jain Narian Vyas Town Hall

Balassi Institute
Hungarian Information & Cultural Centre New Delhi

Programmes for End April – End May 2014

Exhibition
at HICC

Till May 30
Friday

LIFE IS LIKE THAT

Caricatures by Édua Szűcs

You can read an article by about the exhibition by clicking here >>

(On view on weekdays only from 10 am – 4 pm)

Lecture series
at HICC

April 28, Monday May 5, Monday

6:00 pm

AN INTRODUCTION TO EUROPEAN CLASSICAL MUSIC

Lecture series by Dr. Punita Singh

Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre in cooperation with The Neemrana Music Foundation continues the lecture series by eminent musicologist Dr. Punita Singh as per the following schedule:

28th April, Monday – “Late Classical into Romantic”

5th May, Monday – “Late Romantic into Modern and post-Modern / conclusion”

Live concert
at HICC

May 1
Thursday

7:00 pm

SUMMER CONCERT 2014

Presented by the Capital City Minstrels

Film series
at HICC

May 6 – 7 – 8
May 13 and 15

6:00 pm

RETROSPECTIVE OF THE FILMS BY MIKLÓS JANCSÓ (1921-2014)

In cooperation with the Federation of Film Societies of India Northern Region

6th May, Tuesday:

– Inauguration of the Retrospective Session with a talk on Miklós Jancsó by Prof. Diwaker Balakrishnan

– followed by an introduction on Jancsó’s life-work by Ms. Anandana Kapur, film maker and critique

– and closing remarks by Mr. Gautam Kaul, Vice President, Federation of Film Societies of India

– Screening of the film The Round-Up (1965) (Szegénylegények)

7th May, Wednesday 6:00 pm: The Red and the White (1967) (Csillagosok, katonák)

8th May, Thursday 6:00 pm: Agnus Dei (1970) (Égi bárány)

13th May, Tuesday 6:00 pm: Red Psalm (1972) (Még kér a nép)

15th May, Thursday 6:00 pm: Elektreia (1974) (Szerelmem, Elektra)

Film festival
at Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai

May 13, Tues

5:00 pm

at Art Gallery, Jain Narain Vyas Town Hall, Jodhpur

May 30, Fri

7:00 pm

19th EUROPEAN UNION FILM FESTIVAL (EUFF 2014)

Hungarian film Fresh Air (Friss levegő)

As part of the 19^th edition of the EUFF 2014 with the theme VOICES OF YOUTH, Hungary will participate with the film Fresh Air by Ágnes Kocsis (2006), colour, duration: 109 minutes.

The screening in the two cities will take place as per the following schedule:

13 May, Tuesday at 5:00 pm at Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai

30 May, Friday at 7:00 pm at Art Gallery, Jain Narain Vyas Town Hall, Jodhpur

(Please check our website for dates and timings of the film screening in other cities for the upcoming months.)

Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre reserves the right to change the programs and the dates.

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Lahiri’s incredible win catapults him to career-high 67 in world rankings

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Anirban Lahiri’s incredible victory at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014 catapulted him from 102 to a career-high of 67 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Lahiri, who is now also the Asian Tour no. 1, had achieved his previous best ranking of 99, in March this year.

Anirban, the highest ranked Indian in the world at the moment, has also become the second-highest ranked Asian player after Thongchai Jaidee who is at 49.

Besides Jeev Milkha Singh no other Indian golfer has been ranked higher than 67. Jeev had achieved his career-best ranking of 29 back in 2009. Among the other two Indians who had previously broken into the top-100, Jyoti Randhawa went as high as 70 while Gaganjeet Bhullar reached a career-high of 85.

At present, Shiv Kapur at 154 is next best ranked Indian in the world followed by Gaganjeet Bhullar at 173.

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$10,000b PSU On Sale – MILKED Gujarat Want India Meat too

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$10,000b PSU On Sale, MILKED Gujarat Want India Meat too
April27, 2014

Even as Corporate supporting MADY election campaign are hoping their
Rs.10,000 crore ($2b) investment is about to bear fruit on May16, 2014
are already dreaming of Acquiring PSU with $10,000b worth of Natural
Resources that come with it and also through PSU Banks take full
control Indian Banking and Finance System nurtured by post
Nationalization in 1969 by Indira Gandhi with deposits exceeding today
Rs.80,00,000 crores that could exceed Rs.1,60,00,000 crores by 2019.

What is amazing is that CPSU revenue increased 23% when Corporate
India was near stagnant than why do MADY & BJP want to KILL PSUs.
[Total turnover/gross revenue from operation of all CPSEs during
2011-12 stood at Rs.18, 41,927crore compared to Rs.14, 98,018crore in
the previous year showing an increase of 22.96%.]

One Can Well Imagine The Detail and Depth of Grand Conspiracy to
Completely Loot India. There is not even a line of SHARING NATIONAL
WEALTH among 1.25b Indians – just few Adani, Ambani and few more shall
GRAB everything in the scheme of Loot Conspiracy.

We also heard how Even The ‘Reservation Policy Shall Be Scrapped After
Polls’, Corporate Have Contributed Few Jobs, and Wages & Tax, Allowed
No Equity to Retail Investors and BJP to wants throw away anyone not
subscribing to BJP Conspiracy and send all dissenters to Pakistan –
nothing for 99.999% Indians in BJP Program.

I was reading TOI stories of how BJP Mady has taken over Amul
Cooperative Movement and followed by how Mady is blackmailing Meat
Exporters and obviously extorting Non BJP businessmen to surrender
their business to BJP approved Corporate like Adani.

Just then IBN7 was broadcasting $1000b Sovereign Wealth Fund program
to fund FAILED Corporate.

CPSU Gross Contribution to GOI Rs.4,41,406 cr VS Corporate Rs.2,26,051 cr

Central PSU Contibute Twice More To GOI & People of India Than
Corporate as Taxes, Wages, Dividend etc, this doesn’t include Indian
Railways, PSU Banks and State PSUs. [Table 1.10 - CPSEs as National
Champions, 2011-12 – Lists the Market Share- Natural Resources]

http://dpe.nic.in/sites/upload_files/dpe/files/survey1112/survey01/vol1ch1.pdf
Table- 1.11 Components of Net Value Addition in CPSEs FY 2011-12
1. Profit before Tax (PBT) Rs.145,221 Crores
2. Interest Rs.41,060 Crores
3. Indirect Taxes & Duties (Net of subsidies) Rs.123,999 Crores
4. Salaries & Wages Rs.105,407Crores
5. Rent, royalty and cess Rs.25,719 Crores
Total: Rs. 4,41,406 Crores

Ravinder Singh, National General Secretary.
Sabka Bharat Mission 2019
Y-77, Hauz Khas, New Delhi -110016
Ph: 9650421857, 9718280435
Sabkabharatmission2019@gmail.com

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AAP Press Release on Varanasi PC

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APRIL 28, 2014 BY SAGARMEDIA

Press Release on Varanasi PC

From: AAP Media Cell <mediacellaap9@gmail.com> Sun, 27 Apr ’14 7:43p

To: undisclosed-recipients:;

Show full Headers

Sunday, April 27

Aam Aadmi Party leaders and former Delhi ministers Rakhi Birla and Girish Soni, along with party MLAs Vishesh Ravi and Ashok Chauhan on Sunday (April 27) asked the BJP to make its stand clear on Baba Ramdev’s recent anti-Dalit and anti-women statement.

At a press conference held at the party’s election office at Varanasi, these leaders strongly condemned Baba Ramdev’s comments and termed these as malicious.

Party leader Birla asked the BJP’s Prime Ministerial nominee and candidate from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, Mr Narendra Modi whether he agreed with the yog guru’s statement and why he was silent on the issue so far.

She said the Baba’s links with the BJP are well known to the world and in recent months top BJP leadership, including Mr Modi have shared stage with him on numerous occasions and have bowed their heads before him.

The AAP leader said both Baba and Modi have described their relationship as that of a guru-chela, and the BJP’s silence so far means it is hesitant to speak anything on the issue.

The Aam Aadmi Party demands that Narendra Modi should break his silence on such a sensitive issue which has hurt the sentiments of the Dalit community and women of the country.

It is shocking that Baba Ramdev, who fled the Ramlila Ground at midnight wearing women clothes has used such condemnable language about the women and the BJP has chosen to look the other way as if nothing has happened.

Is it not a fact that the BJP has given tickets to some candidates recommended by the Baba and he is actively campaigning for the party ?

The AAP condemns the Baba and his thinking and also outrightly rejects the so-called Gujarat model being propagated across the country by his disciple.

It is shameful that the guru has used derogatory language against women and dailts and his disciple had misused the state machinery to illegally spy on an innocent woman in Gujarat.

Ramdev incident raises the important question of whether – is it the BJP way of treating women and Dalits ?

The AAP demands that before Mr Modi comes to the historic city of Varanasi to seek votes, he should apologise for Baba Ramdev’s remarks and if he does not do so by then, the Dalits and women will oppose hm.

The AAP also makes it clear that in case Baba Ramdev comes to Varanasi, the party will protest against him peacefully and in a democratic manner.

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Categories : Business, CSR, culture, Education, Politics, Uncategorized

Will BJP respond on Vadra?

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From: mediacellaap1 <mediacellaap1@gmail.com> Sun, 27 Apr ’14 6:33p

To: undisclosed-recipients:;

Show full Headers

The Aam Aadmi Party challenges the BJP to make clear its stand on whether its Rajasthan state government will initiate a probe into the illegal land deals of Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

The BJP is trying to mislead the nation by superficially raking up the Vadra issue during the elections, but is silent on whether anything will be done to find out the extent of the scam in its own ruled state of Rajasthan.

The BJP had chosen to remain mysteriously silent when the Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had exposed Vadra’s land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan in October 2012. Its leadership had then maintained that the BJP does not believe in raising issues about the relatives of leaders of other parties.

The BJP had also desisted from raising the Vadra issue in Parliament, despite some of its MPs saying that they had the relevant papers with them since March 2011.

Though the BJP spokespersons are now trying to raise the Vadra issue for mere political gains, but their Prime Ministerial candidate Mr Narendra Modi’s contradictory statements on the issue clearly point towards a hidden deal between him and the Gandhi family.

Mr Modi’s quickly changing statements on the Vadra issue appear to be clearly linked to the decision of the Congress-led UPA government to bury the probe into the illegal snooping of a young woman architect by the Gujarat government in 2009.

Are the Congress and BJP hoping that the people will accept Mr Modi’s statement on Robert Vadra and the UPA’s decision to let him off in the snoopgate as a mere coincidence ?

No leader of the Congress party is coming forward to answer the question on why the union cabinet’s December 26, 2013, decision to set-up a commission of inquiry to probe the snoopgate, in which Modi’s close aide Amit Shah was directly involved, was brought to an abrupt end.

The ongoing election campaign has proved that the Congress and BJP are hand in glove in suppressing issues related to corruption and misuse of office and the AAP will continue to expose their unholy alliance aimed at misleading the public.

Regards

AAP Media Cell

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‘Environmentalisms in an Era of Global Political Crisis, 1914-1950’

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Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

cordially invites you to a Seminar

at 3.00 pm on Monday, 28^th April, 2014

in the Seminar Room, First Floor, Library Building

‘Environmentalisms in an Era of Global Political Crisis, 1914-1950’

Prof. Daniel Klingensmith,

Maryville College,

USA.

Abstract:

Historians have in the last two decades paid substantial attention to the history of different forms of environmentalism, linking it both to evolving ecological conditions and also to economic and political structures operating globally. But while they have fruitfully explored the history of environmentalism during the “long nineteenth century” from circa 1789 to 1914, and in some instances during the postwar and post-imperial decades beginning in 1945, they have paid less explicit attention to its development during the intervening period. The period from the beginning of the first World War to the aftermath of the second deserves more attention in this regard, however: it constitutes the relevant “pre-history” of the post-independence developmentalist state in India and elsewhere, and of the postwar growth and consumption-oriented societies of North America and Western Europe. This was a period in which important state-oriented models for managing nature on a large-scale took shape, but also a period in which significant critiques of the impact of modern states, markets and technologies on the natural world were articulated for the first time or substantially refined. Arguably, this was also the era in which popular bourgeois knowledge of environmental crises, via mass media, first became politically significant, in the West, India and elsewhere. The idea that the natural world was out of balance was connected to the perception of political and civilizational crisis, which was widespread in the era of the world wars, the Great Depression, anti-colonial nationalism in Asia and the Russian revolution. This paper presents a reconnaissance of the global history of environmentalism during the interrelated crises that began in 1914. In particular it addresses connections of environmentalisms to political and cultural anxieties, and suggests that one way of conceptualizing thinking about ecological crisis could revolve around how different observers understood the value of the modern state and modern technologies. It also considers why certain kinds of intervention in the natural world (for example, large dams) were widely embraced in later years, while others (e.g. “overflow irrigation”) came to be considered irrelevant or at best oppositional in post-1945 thinking. It closes with a consideration of the Indian history of these issues.

Speaker:

Prof. Daniel Klingensmith is Professor of History at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, United States. He received his bachelor’s degree in History from Harvard University, and his Ph.D., also in History, from the University of Chicago in 1998. He is the author of ‘One Valley and a Thousand’: Dams, Nationalism and Development (Oxford University Press, 2007), a study of the transnational political and cultural contexts informing post-independence India’s emulation of the large dams of the New Deal era in the United States. His essay “Nature and Politics at the End of the Raj: Environmental Management and Political Legitimacy in Late Colonial India,” is forthcoming in the volume Shifting Ground: Mobility and Animals in India’s Environmental Histories, edited by Mahesh Rangarajan and K. Sivaramakrishnan.

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Press Meet Oriental Bank of Commerce,

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Shri S. L. Bansal

Chairman & Managing Director

Oriental Bank of Commerce

Cordially invite you to a

PRESS MEET

on the occasion of the announcement of

Annual Financial Results 2013-14

on Wednesday, 30th April, 2014

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Russia assures America, not to invade Ukraine

29042014

Apr 29, 11:07 AM

Russia has assured America that it will not invade Ukraine, with the US warning that continued aggression would isolate the country further and result in more diplomatic and economic pressure.

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, who made a call to his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu yesterday, also emphasised that any diplomatic engagement must include the government of Ukraine.

Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby said, Hagel repeated his call for an end to Russia’s destabilising influence inside Ukraine and warned that continued aggression would further isolate Russia and result in more diplomatic and economic pressure .

According to Kirby, Shoygu reiterated his assurance that Russian forces would not invade Ukraine to Hagel.

Earlier in the day, Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said the Obama Administration’s latest round of sanctions is days late and dollars short.

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Categories : Business, Media, Politics, Uncategorized

Five rail ticketing solutions of the future

29042014

DearN.K,

What we’re talking about this week:

Frontman James Murphy Subway Symphony campaign
How customer feedback can develop operations
How will the future tube strikes cope without Bob Crow?
Guest post: Will HS2 ruin the UK rail network?
Five rail ticketing solutions of the future

LCS Soundsystem James Murphy Subway Symphony campaign

Frontman James Murphy Subway Symphony campaign

Fifteen years ago former lead singer of LCD Soundsytem, James Murphy, found himself inspired to revolutionise the sound of the Subway in New York, after becoming some what disgruntled with the generic beeping…

Read online.

How customer feedback can develop operations

How can customer feedback develop and grow rail operations?

Our guest blogger, Kevin McNally, Director of Driven Transport Solutions Ltd tells us what he found out at a roundtable at this year’s Metro Rail event…

Read online.

How will the future tube strikes cope without Bob Crow?

Londoners face even more disruption to their travel in the coming weeks, as RMT union members hold future tube strikes. The union plan to walk out tonight at 9 pm, and shall return, hopefully, on Thursday morning. A second strike has also been proposed for May …

Read online.

Guest Post: Will HS2 ruin the UK rail network?

Will HS2 mean billions more rail funding for the UK rail network or the closure of many lines and stations?

As the DfT must well know HS2 will be such a leach on the existing network that either billions more subsidy will be …

Read online.

Five rail ticketing solutions of the future

The rail industry is an established field, which has meant that development and key changes have sometimes taking longer to come through. However, there has been a recent influx of new ideas, which has made way for future rail ti cketing solutions. We have explored the top five changes…

Read online.

Upcoming events

Africa Rail 2014
Transport Security & Safety Show Africa 2014
Rail Revenue Europe 2014
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Training courses

3 Day MBA in Rail 12 Hour MBA in Rail

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News Box

29042014

LS polls: 89 seats in 7th phase to go to polls tomorrow

7th phase of polling with 89 Lok Sabha constituencies across 7 states and two union territories to vote tomorrow. Voting will also take place in 119 Assembly Constituencies in Andhra Pradesh simultaneously. Polling will begin at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm except in some sensitive areas in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh where it will end at 4 pm. In some other areas in Andhra Pradesh, polling will end at 5 pm.

Of the Lok Sabha contituencies going to the polls tomorrow, 26 are in Gujarat, 17 in Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, all 13 constituencies in Punjab, 9 in West Bengal, 7 in Bihar and one each in Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Political fortune of over 1,000 candidates will be decided at the hustings. Prominent among them are Sonia Gandhi, Madhusudan Mistry, Capt Amarinder Singh, Sriprakash Jaiswal and Shankarsinh Vaghela all Congress, Narendra Modi, L.K. Advani, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti of BJP, Sharad Yadav of JDU and Farooq Abdullah of National Conference.

With this, only two more phases of polling is left to complete the election process. 64 Lok Sabha constituencies in 7 states and 175 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh will vote on May 7 and the remaining 41 Lok Sabha constituencies in 3 statates will vote on May 12. Counting will be taken up on May 16.

In Andhra Pradesh, all arrangements are in place for tomorrow’s polling in 17 Lok Sabha and 119 Assembly Constituencies in Telangana region. About 2 crore 82 lakh voters will vote at 30 thousand 518 polling stations set up in 10 districts of the region.

Arrangements have been made for live-webcasting from 17 thousand polling stations located at difficult and sensitive areas.

Screens have been arranged at all important places including major Panchayats to maintain transparency of poll process.

Tornadoes in US kills at least 29

Tornadoes in US kills at least 29

Americans in the southern and eastern US braced for more violent weather on Tuesday after a string of tornadoes and other storms killed at least 29 people, news reports said

Some 75 million people were at risk from storms that could unleash hail, winds and twisters on the affected regions, according to the National Weather Service.The toll from two days of violent weather reached at least 29 yesterday in at least six states, the news channel and other media reported.

After violent weather on Sunday that killed 17, most of them in Arkansas, the new deaths included eight in Mississippi on Monday, the news channel reported, quoting the state emergency management agency.

The governors of Alabama and Georgia declared state-wide emergencies. In the Mississippi town of Louisville, the storm snapped trees in half and stripped them of their branches.

Sheet metal twisted itself around road signs and tree trunks, the news channel reported.

Mississippi Senator Giles Ward hunkered down in a bathroom with his wife, four other family members and their dog Monday as a tornado destroyed his two-story brick house and flipped his son-in-law’s SUV upside down.

“It’s about as awful as anything we’ve gone through,” the network quoted Ward as saying.

In the hardest-hit parts of Arkansas, emergency crews intensified their search for survivors of Sunday’s twisters.

Dozens of Arkansas National Guard troops were assisting local authorities with medical evacuations, fresh water deliveries and search and rescue operations.

In the town of Vilonia, police chief Brad McNew said the town of 4,000 had been rendered unrecognisable.

“It’s houses completely down to the foundations,” he told NBC television. Rescuers used searchlights in blacked-out areas Sunday night, sifting through mountains of rubble in the hopes of finding someone alive.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management said 14 people had been killed in the state.

McNew said more would have been killed if not for emergency sirens that warned people the twister was about to hit.

Macedonia’s disputed elections ‘efficient and orderly’

European election monitors on Monday described Macedonia’s parliamentary and presidential elections as “efficient and orderly,” but said campaigning before the vote did not create a level playing field for all. The ruling conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, won both votes held in the ex-Yugoslav republic on Sunday. The main opposition party, the center-left SDSM party, said it would not recognize the results, Reuters reported. Its leader, Zoran Zaev, said there were “threats and blackmails and massive buying of voters.” The ruling party said the allegations were an attempt by the opposition to manipulate public opinion.

Top British diplomat arrives in Iran for talks

The most senior British diplomat to visit Iran since the sacking of Britain’s embassy in 2011 arrived in Tehran on Monday, the Foreign Office said. Political director Simon Gass would discuss bilateral and international issues with Iranian officials, AFP reported. Gass, who is Britain’s lead negotiator in talks on Iran’s nuclear program, was Britain’s ambassador in Tehran between 2009 and 2011. As ties between the two states recently warmed, the newly-named non-resident charges d’affaires made a series of trips between Tehran and London.

UK, France send 8 fighter jets for NATO patrols over Baltic

Britain and France deployed eight fighter jets on Monday to reinforce NATO air patrols over the Baltics, AFP reported. Four British Typhoon jets arrived in Lithuania to start their mission while four French Rafale jets touched down in Malbork, northeast Poland. The move will “provide reassurance to our NATO allies in eastern Europe and the Baltic states” in the wake of recent events in Ukraine, British Defense Minister Philip Hammond said. Around 70 French military personnel have been deployed to Malbork in support of the new planes.

Romania to raise defense ministry budget by $217mn

Romania will raise the defense ministry’s 2014 budget by $217.41 million, or 0.2 percent of national output, Prime Minister Victor Ponta said Monday. As tensions continue to build in neighboring Ukraine, Romania has agreed a fiscal budget deficit target of 2.2 percent of gross domestic product this year under the terms of a 4-billion-euro aid deal led by the International Monetary Fund, Reuters said. Higher defense spending would raise the ceiling, as would government plans to slash employer taxes to the social insurance budget.

9 terror suspects detained in Malaysia

Nine suspected Malaysian militants were detained Monday for allegedly planning to carry out terrorist acts in the country and abroad, AP reported. The nine, aged between 25 and 55, were arrested Monday in several locations near Kuala Lumpur and in northern Kedah state bordering Thailand, according to national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar. They are believed to have links with terrorist cells abroad.

3 boys killed in blast in Pakistan’s Karachi

A blast killed three boys aged between 10 and 12 at a religious seminary in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Monday, AFP reported. The explosion, which targeted a Sunni Muslim seminary in the impoverished western district of Orangi also wounded six others, said a senior local police official, Javed Alam Odho. The police were trying to ascertain whether it was a planted bomb or a hand grenade that had been thrown. Nobody has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Assad to run for third term as Syria president

Syrian President Bashar Assad has formally submitted his nomination to seek a third term in office, the speaker of parliament said on Monday. In a letter submitted to the constitutional court, Assad said he wished to nominate himself for the post of president of the republic, hoping that parliament will endorse it, Reuters reported. The election is due to be held in early June.

22 killed in attack on C.Africa MSF hospital – reports

At least 22 people including three staff members of medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres were reportedly killed during a weekend attack by gunmen on a Central African hospital. “Armed men from the ex-Seleka [rebel group] and of Fula ethnicity on Saturday afternoon attacked a hospital supported by MSF in the region of Nanga Boguila, killing at least 22 people,” an officer from the MISCA peacekeeping force told AFP on Monday. Those killed included three Central African employees of MSF. The attack also left a dozen wounded.

Taiwan police uses water cannon against anti-nuclear protesters

Taiwan police on Monday used water cannon to disperse hundreds of overnight sit-in demonstrators, demanding the scrapping of a nearly completed nuclear power plant, AFP reported. Tens of thousands of demonstrators blockaded one of the busiest streets in the capital Sunday, forcing the ruling Kuomintang party to yield and halt construction work at the plant as the issue has gripped the island for 30 years. The concession by the government led to a large number of demonstrators leaving the area in Taipei, but hundreds remained. A Kuomintang spokesman said Sunday that reactor one would be sealed for storage, and construction of reactor two would be terminated.

Bangladesh storm leaves at least 9 dead

A severe storm left at least nine people dead and about 1,000 homeless after hitting northern Bangladesh overnight, AFP reported. The storm destroyed homes and wrecked rice paddy fields in northern Netrokona district close to the border with India. Up to 20 people were injured, including one whose condition is very critical, officials said.

IAEA experts to visit Iran nuclear sites next week – reports

A team of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts will visit two of Iran’s nuclear sites within the next week, as part of a monitoring process, AFP said. Inspectors will travel to the Ardakan yellow-cake production plant and the Saghand uranium mine, located close together around 450km from Tehran, IRNA news agency reported Tuesday. The trip is in line with a seven-step plan agreed between Iran and IAEA in February to increase transparency over Tehran’s nuclear activities.

Turkey to seek extradition of cleric Gulen from US

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday Turkey will begin a legal process for the extradition of US-based Islamic cleric, Fethullah Gulen, Reuters said. Erdogan accuses his former ally and now arch-foe of orchestrating a campaign to unseat him. Asked if a legal process would be launched for the extradition of Gulen, Erdogan said: “Yes, it will begin.”

Islamic State of Iraq claims attack that killed 25 in Kurdish town

An Al-Qaeda spin-off group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in a Kurdish town that killed at least 25 people the previous day, AP reported. The Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) claimed the attack in a post on one of its Twitter accounts. The bombing in the town of Khanaqin in the Diyala province northeast of Baghdad also wounded 35 people. The bomber blew himself up among a group of Kurds celebrating the appearance on local TV of Iraq’s ailing president, Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, who has been in Germany since 2012.

Yemen launches major offensive ‘to uproot Al-Qaeda’ from 2 provinces

Yemeni forces have launched an operation to drive Al-Qaeda fighters out of southern towns, the military said on Tuesday. Last week, air strikes killed nearly 60 militants in the area. After being forced out from major cities in Abyan in 2012, Al-Qaeda jihadists established strongholds in the Arabian Peninsula, in the provinces of Abyan and Shabwa. Government forces clashed on Tuesday with Islamist gunmen in the Lahmar area and near Al-Saeed as militants confronted advancing government forces. “There has been an official decision to uproot Al-Qaeda from Abyan and Shabwa,” said Hussein al-Wuhayshi, a leader of the Popular Committees armed groups that fought alongside government forces.

Egypt: Brotherhood chief, 682 others sentenced to death

Muslim Brotherhood chief Mohamed Badie and his 682 Islamist supporters were on Monday sentenced to death by an Egyptian court in one of the country’s largest mass trials, raising fears of tension ahead of next month’s crucial Presidential elections.

The convicts were accused of involvement in killings and attempted murder of policemen in the southern Minya province on August 14, the day when security forces violently disbanded sit-ins held by ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi’s supporters and killed hundreds of them in clashes in Cairo.In a separate case, the same court in Minya today reversed 492 death sentences out of 529 it passed last month, commuting most of the death penalty to life in prison. Judge Said Youssef referred his ruling on the 683 death sentences to the Grand Mufti, Egypt’s top Islamic authority.

Under Egyptian law, the verdicts must be ratified by the Grand Mufti before they can be carried out. The court has set June 21 for the final verdict after the Grand Mufti’s decision, a move widely considered a formality. The law allows the verdicts to be appealed.

If 70-year-old Badie’s sentence is confirmed, it would make him the most senior Brotherhood figure sentenced to death since one of the group’s leading ideologues, Sayed Qutb, was executed in 1966.

Badie, a white-bearded professor, became supreme guide of Egypt’s largest movement in 2010. He had condemned the removal of president Morsi by the Egyptian military in July last year.

Of the 683 accused sentenced today, about 50 are in custody while the rest are either out on bail or on the run. A lawyer said the hearing lasted only eight minutes. Defence lawyers branded the hearing “farcical”. Several woman relatives of the accused waiting outside the courtroom fainted on hearing news of the death penalty. A large crowd chanted: “Where is the justice?”, BBC reported.

Morsi belongs to the Brotherhood, an Islamist movement which swept all elections in Egypt following the fall of military dictator Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Morsi’s term was marked with political uncertainty and violence in a deeply polarised country that ultimately led to his ouster by the powerful military.

Some 16,000 people have been arrested since the military ousted Morsi, including most of the Brotherhood’s top leaders. Brotherhood has been designated a terrorist group by Egypt’s military-backed regime, blaming it for a series of bombings and attacks. The group has denied the accusations.

Egypt has been in political turmoil since the overthrow of Mubarak during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Analysts said today’s verdict could raise tension as Egypt heads to presidential polls on May 26-27 in which former Egyptian army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is the leading contender.

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INDIA SPORTS 2014 6-8 Nov, 2014

29042014

INDIA SPORTS 2014

6-8 Nov, 2014

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi

1. INDIA SPORTS EXPO 2014: An International exhibition on Sports goods, Fitness equipment’s, Sports apparels & Shoes etc

2. INDIA SPORTS TURF: An International Conference on the Sports sector

3. BUYER SELLER MEET: Organized by Sports Goods Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Commerce.

4. INDIA SPORTS CUP 2014: A Sports Tournament to be organized

5. INDIA SPORTS Fashion Show: A Fashion Show to be organized for the Sports Apparel. To be organized either at exhibition venue or at the Networking Dinner in the evening for exhibitors, buyers.

6. Product Launch Forum- Exhibitors can Launch their products at the Product Launch Forum at the exhibition

We look forward to your participation at this mega event and block the prime exhibition spaces available at the earliest.

with warm regards,

Ravi Verma | Research Associate

Industry’s Voice for Policy Change

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Change.org

29042014

From your friends

Your Facebook friends are creating change by supporting petitions from around the world. Join them.

raymond fernandez, anirudh NG and 1 other friend signed:

Bhupinder Singh Hooda: Stop the persecution & harassment of Dr Ashok Khemka!!

by Sucheta Dalal | 19,597 supporters

Make your voice heard! Tell the Haryana Government that you will not allow an honest IAS officer to be persecuted! Drop the dubious chargesheet and CAG inquiry immediately. Dr Ashok Khemka has remained dedicated to the task of serving the people of…

Sign this petition

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Morning Post

29042014

गुजरात से सबसे अधिक रेवन्यू मिलने के बावजूद DD ने मुझे ब्लैकआउट किया था: मोदी

भारतीय जनता पार्टी की ओर से प्रधानमंत्री पद के उम्मीदवार नरेंद्र मोदी का इंटरव्यू यूं तो एक के बाद एक निजी चैनल पर दिखाया जा रहा है…

सहारा ने मिंट के पत्रकार पर दायर 200 करोड़ का केस वापस लिया

हिन्दुस्तान टाइम्स के बिजनेस अखबार मिंट के पत्रकार तमल बंधोपाध्याय की किताब ‘सहाराः द अनटोल्ड स्टोरी’के खिलाफ सहारा ग्रुप ने अपना केस वापस ले लिया है।

वृंदावन की कंपनी लॉन्च करेंगी चैनल ‘न्यूज 30′, मीडियागुरु से लिया लाइसेंस

भक्ति चैनल चलाने वाले स्नेह ब्रॉडकास्टिंग नेटवर्क्स ने अब खबरों की दुनिया में भी उतरने का मन बनाया है…

डेन में पहुंचे गौरव टिकू, बने जनरल मैनेजर-ब्रेंड

डिजिटल केबल और ब्रॉडबेंड कंपनी डेन नेटवर्क्स लिमिट़िड ने बी2बी बिजनेस से लीडिंग कंज्यूमर फेसिंग कंपनी बनने की दिशा में कार्य को तेजी देने के लिए कंपनी में जनरल मैनेजर, ब्रेंड के पद पर गौरव टिकू को नियुक्त किए जाने की घोषणा की है।

जल्द ही लॉन्च होगा ‘न्यूज फर्स्ट टीवी’, रवि शर्मा-चंदन प्रताप सिंह-सलीम सैफी जुड़े

जल्द ही लॉन्च होने वाले नए चैनल ‘न्यूज फर्स्ट टीवी’ में भर्तियों का सिलसिला जारी है। इसी ताजा क्रम में वरिष्ठ टीवी पत्रकार सलीम सैफी ने न्यूज फर्स्ट टीवी को जॉइन किया है…

‘ये रिश्ता क्या कहलाता है’ के ‘महाराज’ की मोटापे के चलते हुई मौत

टीवी सीरियल ‘ये रिश्ता क्या कहलाता है’ में महाराज, ‘रामायण’ में कुंभकर्ण और ‘अलीफ-लैला’ में जिन्न की भूमिका निभाने वाले मशहूर टीवी कलाकार राकेश दीवाना का निधन हो गया है…

इंग्लिश मूवीज के मामले में सोनी पिक्स ने दूसरों को पछाडा

टैम की इस साल 16वें हफ्ते की रेटिंग के मुताबिक इंग्लिश मूवी चैनल सोनी पिक्स टॉप पर रहा। 16वें हफ्ते में चैनल को 19.8 रेटिंग प्राप्त हुईं।

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Sustainability Linked to Responsible Governance

29042014

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, April 28, 2014

Contact: Supriya Kumar, skumar@worldwatch.org, (+1) 202-745-8092, ext. 510

For more information: http://www.worldwatch.org/sustainability-linked-responsible-governance

Sustainability Linked to Responsible Governance

State of the World 2014

calls for bottom-up pressure and greater government accountability

Washington, D.C.—Citizens who expect their governments to lead on sustainability have been badly disappointed in recent years. From largely ineffectual international climate conferences to the failure to pass meaningful U.S. climate legislation, governments’ progress has often been lackluster. Leadership has come from the bottom up rather than the top down. Action on climate change, species loss, inequity, and other crises is being driven by citizens’, women’s, and grassroots movements around the world, often in opposition to the agendas pursued by governments and big corporations.

State of the World 2014, which marks the Worldwatch Institute’s 40th anniversary, examines what Governing for Sustainability really means. Contributing authorshighlight the responsibility of political and economic actors to achieve sustainability, emphasizing the strength of citizens to make significant sustainability changes and showing why effective governance systems need to be inclusive and participatory, allowing members to have a voice in the collective decision making.

“Governments today cannot consistently control themselves because they are decimated by a plague of corruption that devours the public interest in virtually every political system,” says David Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Oberlin College and State of the World 2014 contributing author. “Effective government, in its various forms, will require an alert, informed, ecologically literate, thoughtful, and empathic citizenry.”

In this edition, contributing authors examine the potential for improving governance by analyzing a variety of trends, such as local and regional climate initiatives, energy democracy, and corporate responsibility. They argue that sustainability depends on action in both the economic and political spheres. Financial industries need to serve as public stewards again. Unions can help ensure that the transition to sustainability is socially just. Most importantly, citizens must take responsibility and empower themselves.

“Ultimately, it seems to us, all governance begins with individuals in communities. Humans are no more isolated actors in politics than they are the independent molecules of mainstream economic theory,” says State of the World 2014 co-director Tom Prugh.

“Pressure to improve governance, at every level, can come only from awakened individuals, acting together, dedicated to making their communities sustainable places,” adds State of the World 2014 co-director Michael Renner. “From there, it may be possible to build communities in a way that affords every person on Earth a safe and fulfilling place to live, and offers future generations the same prospect.”

State of the World 2014‘s findings are being disseminated to a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, community networks, business leaders, and the nongovernmental environmental and development communities. For more information on the project, visit

http://www.worldwatch.org/state-world-2014-governing-sustainability.

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Rotary Club supports ‘Knowledge Without Boundaries’ project

29042014

Galvanizes eminent partners—Britannica, Tree of Knowledge, The Hindu, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan—to prepare school students for the 21st Century

Chennai April 29, 2014
Five leading organisations have joined hands to launch a nation-wide program for significantly enriching and improving learning outcomes of school students in India and preparingthem to be a part of the global, knowledge-based, economy.

‘Knowledge without Boundaries’, the program galvanized by Rotary Club of Madras East, brings together knowledge providers – Encyclopaedia Britannica India, Tree of Knowledge,The Hindu – and schools run by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

The program targets Corporations and Government schools so that the children in these schools also benefit. Schools under Bhavan’s Chennai Kendra will also be part of the programme.

Rotarian N Sudhakar, President, Rotary Club of Madras East said, “Rotary is known for its path breaking community services and literacy projects. Our team felt the need for comprehensive development in today’s children through General Knowledge, Debating Skills and Quiz Programs. We are touched by the offers from like-minded organizations, for pooling strengths and resources, to improve knowledge and communication beyond learning in the class room.”

Rotarian S. S. Rajsekar, Coordinator, “Knowledge without Boundaries” said, “Today India needs leaders who can become role models for the younger generation. Rotary has always acted as a catalyst in such pursuits while involving credible and capable partners to achieve such objectives. The coming together of credible partners will help bridge the gap and nurture the future leaders.”

Mr. Jorge Cauz, President of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc, was present at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The Hindu and Encyclopaedia Britannica as well as the Letter of Understanding, by five organisations, in Chennai last week.

As a part of the ‘Knowledge without Boundaries’ program aseries of knowledge enhancement initiatives including introduction of quiz programs, induction of computer aided games for building vocabulary, knowledge and laboratory sessions to improve spoken English will be undertaken.

To empower teachers extensive teacher-training programmes are envisaged, that will improve the all-round development of students. Encyclopaedia Britannica India will provide inputs that will enable teachers to introduce inquiry-based learning and new pedagogy techniques.

Encyclopaedia Britannica Managing Director South Asia Mr. Sarvesh Shrivastava said, “Knowledge without boundaries is all about providing students and teachers with resources that promote exploratory and experiential learning, evoke interest, and develop critical thinking skills amongst young learners.”

To enhance the reach and to widen the impact of this initiative, Britannica has agreed to allow the translation of its ‘Know for Sure’ general knowledge book series authored by the ace quiz master Siddhartha Basu for class I to VIII,in various Indian languages.

Well known quiz master and ‘Tree of Knowledge’ founder Mr. Siddhartha Basu said, “The inclusion of a general knowledge component, that goes beyond textbooks and rote learning, to spark an enthusiasm for better all round awareness among young learners, during their formative years in school, is indeed laudable.”

Extending his support to the program The Hindu Editor-in-Chief Mr N Ravi said, “The Hindu kindles the quest for knowledge among young readers. Children have a widespread yearning to know. There has to be an exposure to different approaches to learning.”

The Hindu and the Encyclopaedia Britannica also entered into a MoU for content syndication and leveraging each other’s strengths across India.

Britannica, known for producing trustworthy and safe content for over 246 years, shall also make available its extensive digital knowledge repositories and solutions for promoting general knowledge, soft skills including communication skills in English, and supportinquiry based learning in PreK-12 education.

Mr. L. Sabaretnam Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai Kendra said that the Bhavan engaged in promotion of education and culture, shall expand the reach of this program through itseducation centres.

The Bhavan runs 90 schools, 8 Management Institutes and over 20 units of Rajendra Prasad Institute of Communication and Management, 54 units of Gandhi Institute of Computer Education (GICE). GICE provide free computer education to educated unemployed youth belonging to the needy sections of the society.

About Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) is a reputed Indian educational trust, which runs schools, colleges and other professional institutes all over India. BVB is involved in promotion of education and culture, possesses significant reach in the field of Education through its schools.

About Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. is a global educational publisher with products that promote knowledge and learning. The company provides timely, relevant, and trustworthy information and instructional products used in schools, universities, homes, libraries, and workplaces throughout the world.

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Mihir Mishra – The Mystery Man on Ek Hasina Thi

29042014

Mihir Mishra is set to make a grand comeback on the small screen in Star Plus’ latest offering ‘Ek Hasina Thi’. This time, he will essay the role of Akash, an advisor and ally of the rich and powerful Rajnath Goenka. The show’s unconventional and interesting storyline with its power packed star cast, consisting of Sanjeeda Sheikh, Vatsal Seth, Ayub Khan and Simone Singh in pivotal roles had already made it the talk of town. Mihir seems to be the latest feather in the hat of this blockbuster show from Cinevistaas.

Like Vatsal, Mihir too began his acting career in television. He first appeared on Sanjivani as Dr. Rahul. Post that there was no looking back for the talented actor who eventually became a part of popular shows like Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan and Nach Baliye. His previous ventures with Star Plus have been very successful and this time he is set to recreate the magic with ‘Ek Hasina Thi’.

On the show Mihir plays the character of Akash. What the character has in store for the viewers is something to watch out for. Will we see Mihir as the good guy among bad company or see him join the gang with a dark and mean streak for the first time will unfold soon!

To know how the mystery unfolds please tune into Star Plus and watch ‘Ek Hasina Thi’ Monday to Saturday at 8.00 pm.

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Cultural Agenda May 2014 Instituto Cervantes

29042014

From: Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi Comunicaci n <icndcom@gmail.com> Mon, 28 Apr ’14 7:22p

To: undisclosed-recipients:;

Show full Headers

1 attachment

14-5_Agenda_Cultural_Mayo.pdf291.43 KBDownload

Dear friends,

Attached you can find the information of our upcoming events.

Next month we will open a new photo exhibition entitled Indian PALabras, in which the artist and journalist Rafa Gassó explores the pictorial possiblities of photography with a smartphone and the expressionism of words. This work try to record, in a personal way and through the point of view of portrait, the Indian geography and instants (Pal) that will never be published on the media, but can be found on social networks… Also related to India, the conference From India to Spain: Gypsy Language and Literature, will show us the links between India and Spain, through the gypsy language and culture.

The Women X Women project keeps on playing on scene contemporary Spanish women play´s by young indian director woman. On this occasion three pieces by Paloma Pedrero are played on scene by directorManjari Kaul.

On our Sunday movies we will screen Cuban films about the role of this country on contemporary African history (Kangamba and Cuito Cuanavale). And on the ocassion of the International Day of Families we will screen the Spanish movies Héctor and The Grandfather. Meanwhile, in Chennai a Spanish film series Made by Women will be on show , as well as the movie Don´t be afraid in Mumbai and Jodhpur, within the EU Film Festival.

Please, do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

Warmest regards,

–

Jesús Clavero-Rodríguez

Cultural Manager

Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi
Hanuman Road 48, New Delhi 110001

email: cultndel@cervantes.es
Twitter: @icnuevadelhi
Facebook: Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi
www.nuevadelhi.cervantes.es

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“IHGF DELHI FAIR AUTUMN 2014”

29042014

EPCH INTRODUCING NEW LOOK TO INDIAN HANDICRAFTS & GIFTS FAIR AS “IHGF DELHI FAIR AUTUMN 2014” VIGOROUS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN IN PROGRESS

New Delhi – April 28, 2014 — The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts [EPCH], organizers of Asia’s largest fair known as Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair, has decided to introduce a new look to its 18 years old Handicrafts & Gifts fair as “IHGF-Delhi Fair –Autumn 2014“ with new addition of product categories and larger area. This show, the only one of its type held in Asian Continent has been known as “One Stop Sourcing Event” for International buyers, said Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director – EPCH.

Another uniqueness on this show will be that all exhibitors are manufacturers and exporters from Pan India basis. Visitors are from all continents of the world. These trade visitors are predominantly buyers, buying houses, departmental stores, chain stores, designers, interior decorators, retailers, importers, distributors, mail order houses, wholesalers, boutique owners, fashion designers etc. and Indian big retail houses.

EPCH has launched publicity campaign in overseas markets like USA, Canada, Europe and Asian Continents to create awareness amongst overseas community worldwide. Apart from releasing advertorials in leading magazines across the globe, publicity campaign in different way has also been initiated by the Council as stated by Mr. Kumar, Executive Director – EPCH.

Promotion during International exhibitions and fairs is one of the strategies of publicity campaign. Hong Kong is known gate way to source products by the importers worldwide. A large number of importers, wholesalers are travelling to Hong Kong and China from 20^th to 30^th April, 2014. To create awareness of new look of IHGF – Delhi Fair Autumn 2014, EPCH has launched publicity campaign at Hong Kong and China during above period, elaborated by ED – EPCH.

EPCH is expecting a huge impact of the publicity campaign being undertaken in terms of increase in visit of buyers during “IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn 2014” to be held from 14 – 18 October, 2014 at India Expo Mart & Centre, Greater Noida.

Though the name of the show sounds to be general in nature yet for the last few years, show has been re-segmented into large product categories of Home + Fashion and Life styles products. The widened product categories are Houseware, Bathroom, Garden Ornaments, Lamps and Lighting, Furniture, Home Furnishing, Carpets, Fashion Jewellery, Festive Décor, Spa and Wellness, Decorative Articles & Giftware, Sports Goods, Sustainable products, stationary, Luggage, Pet Accessories, Ethnic crafts, Arts and Frames, Home Textiles and Visual Merchandising Articles.

The leading buyers from America, Europe, Far East, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America, China will be sourcing their requirement at this fair. Regular buyers will find most of the products distinctive and popular and are of the view that Indian products have a ready demand in their country.

Handicrafts exports registered an increase of 38.22% in Rupee terms and 24.25% in dollar terms during 2013-14 over the previous year. The exports during the financial year 2013-14 is Rs. 24,837.48 crores, said Mr. Rakesh Kumar, ED-EPCH.

EPCH — an apex body for promotion and export of handicrafts products from India to the world market – has since evolved an integrated and comprehensive policy which revolves around development of new product lines, new designs, improvement in technology and aggressive marketing as well as exploration of new markets.

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For more information, please contact :

Mr. Rakesh Kumar – Executive Director – EPCH – 9818272171

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Rahul’s Adani attack mere shadow boxing

29042014

Rahul’s Adani attack mere shadow boxing

From: Media Cell AAP Mon, 28 Apr ’14 5:57p

Monday, April 28

Congress vice-president Mr Rahul Gandhi’s half-hearted attacks on BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Mr Narendra Modi’s links with businessman Gautam Adani have exposed the selective shadow boxing between the Congress and the BJP.

More than two months after the Aam Aadmi Party had revealed the largescale favours given by the Modi government of Gujarat to the Adani group, Mr Gandhi is now speaking about it, but is totally silent on his own UPA government’s undue favours to the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) of Mr Mukesh Ambani.

It is equally surprising that the BJP is now talking about the illegal land deals of Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of the Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi, more than 18 months after the AAP had exposed Vadra’s shady deals in Haryana and Rajasthan, but the BJP is completely silent on whether its own state government of Rajasthan will probe the allegations against Vadra.

The ongoing election campaign has made it clear that the Congress and the BJP both, favour a steep in the prices of natural gas with the sole intention of allowing Mukesh Ambani’s RIL to make huge profits at the cost of common man’s miseries.

The Congress, which is fearing its worst election defeat has already informed the Supreme Court through its central government that the RIL should be allowed to double the gas prices, in a clear indication that it has received huge undisclosed election funds from this group.

What is shocking, however, that the BJP is ready to go many steps further to please the RIL and is ready to raise the prices by four times, without bothering to even think about the miseries it will heap on the common man.

The criticism of the Election Commission’s decision to defer the gas price hike by the Congress and the BJP’s silence provides the crystal clear evidence of both these parties being hand-in-glove to promote corporate interests.

Behind the pointless sound and fury of the selective shadowboxing between the Congress and the BJP lies their real agenda of not allowing the election campaign to focus on real issues concerning the people.

How is it the Congress leadership is raising the issue of illegal snooping of a young woman by Narendra Modi’s Gujarat government in 2009, but is silent on why the UPA government made a u-turn and abandoned its cabinet decision to set-up a commission of inquiry to probe this scandal, in which Modi’s close aide Amit Shah was directly involved.

Equally shocking is the BJP reluctance to take a clear stand on the Vadra probe issue, but both these parties are mistaken in assuming that the people will not understand their match fixing.

Regards

AAP Media Cell

Posted just now by Naresh Kumar Sagar

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Categories : Uncategorized, culture, Politics, CSR

Attack on Shabnam Hashmi

29042014

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack on Shabnam Hashmi , Pratap Singh Negi in Rai Barley. They were attacked at about 12.30 on April 28 while she with her associates were distributing leaflets brought out by JAVAB- Janvadi Vichar Andolan Bharat barely 100 metres from the Gadaganj Police Station in side the Rai-Barely constituency.

Shabnam Hashmi and Pratap Singh Negi were attacked by a gang of about 20 hoodlums who snatched all the Javab Leaflets while pushing and abusing Shabnam Hashmi in the most foul and sexist terms.

At the police station Shabnam had to argue with the SHO, telling him that no one can be stopped from exercising their right to free expression and that he had to file an FIR against the attack on her and the threats of rape and sexist abuses. The SHO did not register an FIR and did not give her a copy of her complaint.

We demand that the hoodlums are immediately apprehended and coercive tactics of the BJP not be allowed by the local administration.

Ashok

SAHMAT

SAHMAT29 Ferozshah Road, New Delhi-110001

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‘Why So Few Women in Politics? Evidence from India’

29042014

Centre for Policy Research is delighted to invite you to a talk by

Prof. Shamika Ravi

Fellow, Brookings Institution India Center

& Assistant Professor of Economics, Indian School of Business

‘Why So Few Women in Politics? Evidence from India’ by

Mudit Kapoor & Shamika Ravi

Date: Friday, 2 May 2014

Time: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Venue: Conference Room, Centre for Policy Research, Dharam Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021

Abstract: This paper analyzes women as political candidates in a representative democracy. Using 50 years of assembly elections data at the constituency level from the Indian states, the authors show that women are more likely to contest elections in those constituencies where gender ratio of the electors is less in favor of women. For example, women are more likely to contest elections in backward states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh where the gender ratio of electors is in favor of men than in socially developed states like Kerala where the gender ratio of electors is more in favor of women. The authors present a citizen candidates model of representative democracy and show that empirical results are consistent with the theoretical predict ions of this model. These results challenge existing policy of random reservation of seats for women.

Presenter’s Bio: Shamika Ravi is a Fellow, Brookings Institution, India Center and Assistant Professor of Economics at Indian School of Business. Her research is in the area of Development Economics with a focus on gender inequality and democracy, financial inclusion and health. She is also a Faculty Affiliate at the Financial Access Initiative of New York University. She is part of the Enforcement Directorate of Microfinance Institutions Network in India and has served as a director on boards of several microfinance institutions. Professor Ravi has published extensively in academic journals and writes regularly in leading newspapers. Some of her previous works are on NREGA, corruption, entrepreneurship development, female empow erment, and farmer suicides in India. Her academic papers may be viewed at http://papers.ssrn.com/author=812932.

———————————-

We look forward to welcoming you to CPR for what promises to be an interesting discussion. Please feel free to share this invitation with friends and colleagues who may be interested.

A line of confirmation will be highly appreciated.

With regards,

Navroz Dubash

Officiating as Chief Executive

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UN & IOC sign historic agreement on sport for peace & economic development

The United Nations and the International Olympic Committee has signed a historic agreement to use the power of sports to promote peace and economic development. The move is described as one which strengthens collaboration between two of the world's major organizations

IOC President Thomas Bach yesterday told a UN event celebrating the strengthened relationship that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was right when he said Olympic principles are United Nations principles.

He said that both the UN and Olympic charters, call for international cooperation to promote peace, a better life for people around the world and preserving human dignity.

Secretary-General Ban said the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the IOC was a logical and historic step after years of ever closer collaboration in using sport to promote development and peace.

The agreement calls for joint sporting initiatives between the IOC, national Olympic committees, international sports federations, organizing committees and international athletes and the 193 UN member states, UN agencies, envoys and goodwill ambassadors.

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Iraq vote count under way as PM ‘certain’ of victory

1052014

Vote counting was under way on Thursday after Iraqis braved attacks to participate in parliamentary elections that incumbent premier Nuri al-Maliki said he was “certain” of winning.

Wednesday’s general election, the first since US troops withdrew from Iraq in late 2011, took place as further violence rocked the country, with 14 people killed shortly after polling started.Both Washington and the United Nations hailed the vote as a rebuke to jihadists who sought to derail the political process in a country suffering its worst bloodshed in years.

Preliminary results are not expected for at least two weeks. Initial figures by the election commission said about 60 per cent of Iraq’s 20 million eligible voters cast ballots.

Iraqis complain of myriad grievances, from poor public services to rampant corruption and high unemployment, but the month-long campaign centred on Maliki’s bid for a third term and the country’s dramatically deteriorating security.

The premier called for a high turnout and voiced confidence he would stay in office after voting early at a VIP polling centre in the Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone.

“Our victory is certain, but we are waiting to see the size of our victory,” he said. US Secretary of State John Kerry said Iraqis had “courageously voted”, sending “a powerful rebuke to the violent extremists” both in Iraq and the region.

The UN Security Council urged Iraq’s leaders to form a government as soon as possible “that represents the will and sovereignty of the Iraqi people”.

The Security Council, in a statement, stressed that “no act of violence or terrorism can reverse a path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Iraq, underpinned by the rule of law and respect for human rights, which is supported by the people and the government of Iraq and the international community”.

Analysts had expressed fears that much of the electorate would stay home rather than risk being targeted by militants, who killed nearly 90 people during the two previous days.

Soon after the polls opened Wednesday 14 more people, including two election commission employees, were killed in a wave of attacks that also wounded dozens.

Maliki’s critics have accused him of concentrating power and marginalising the Sunni minority, and say public services have not sufficiently improved during his eight-year rule.

The 63-year-old contends the violence is fuelled by the conflict in neighbouring Syria and has accused Sunni Saudi Arabia and Qatar of backing insurgents.

Maliki’s State of Law alliance is tipped to win the most seats in parliament but fall short of a majority.

This means he will have to court other Shiite parties, as well as Sunni and Kurdish blocs, if he is to remain in power.

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Categories : election, Politics, Uncategorized, world News

Fear factor on Modi is unfounded

1052014

Dr. Rajiv Kumar

Apr 30 at 4:26 PM

Dear Sagar

I am forwarding my article “Fear Factor on Modi is Unfounded” that has appeared in the newspaper “The Mail Today” on 25 April 2014.

Your comments are always welcome.

With best regards,
Rajiv kumar

Fear factor on Modi is unfounded

Narendra Modi has done well to distance himself and the BJP from obnoxious remarks made by some despicable persons like Praveen Togadia and Giriraj Singh. Modi’s tweets and later on his clear and unambiguous response to the question during the interview in the well crafted program Ghoshnapatra on the ABP channel should provide comfort to those who are nervous about the social implications of a BJP victory in the forthcoming elections. But as Maulana Madani, pointed out real action and not rhetoric and symbolism is needed.

Reassurance

Mr Modi, on assuming the highest political office in the country , will have to assure and reassure Muslims and other religious groups in India that his government will have zero tolerance for bigotry and discrimination on communal and religious lines. In that sense the battle may have just begun because unfortunately there are bound to be amongst us a very large number of bigoted Hindus who do not know what is good for India and will thereby try and take advantage of a Modi government by crossing that line of civilised behaviour.

The worst instances would be those of petty but nonetheless horrible acts of discrimination by the lower bureaucracy and junior ranks of police who would see a change in the government as a license for either settling old scores or stamping their communal hegemony on a hapless population. This has happened in the past, especially in UP, my parent state, both under the BJP and SP.

Ground level discrimination was visible also under BSP’s five year rule in UP but as positive discrimination in favour of the Dalit community, which was actually welcome as it challenged the established oppressive order. But such ground level discrimination cannot be allowed to fester as it would seriously threaten the very foundations of our democracy. All of us will have to be extra vigilant and the Modi government will have to show heightened sensitivity to any feedback and certainly not be seen as defensive on this issue.

Only then will we initiate the process of de-communalising our society and roll back the pseudo secularism that has thrived only on the basis of spreading fear and insecurity amongst the minorities.

Those who are spreading the fear of Modi as a communal leader and even more as a fascist dictator in the making, are either far removed from and ignorant of our changing ground realities in India or are spreading this canard most cynically for electoral support by those amongst whom this fear is being spread. But their efforts are bound to fail because India is certainly not the same as it was in 1992 and very different even from 2002. Our judiciary has far more independence and teeth and will not permit a rogue executive to last a day longer after such rogue behaviour is exposed.

Institutions

Active judicial oversight, which led the Supreme Court to insist on a nine-hour grilling by the police of Mr Modi, a sitting Chief Minister has surely set a new precedence. And we should remember that Mr Modi accepted it without a murmur and without raising the spectre of a ‘Hindu backlash, which would have shown him to be not cognisant of our constitutional provisions with which he repeatedly swears. If the Election Commission can act with such alacrity to ban speeches and rallies by offending politicos, there is hope that even the political class can and will be restrained.

The media, with its ever increasing reach and impact on social perceptions and discourse will not permit any leader to go out of line and change the secular and multi-ethnic nature of our society. To argue that that the media will succumb to pressures from a manipulative dictator in the making is to simply be either naive or purposely and cynically ignore the intrinsic quality of our vibrant fourth estate which is far too diversified in its ownership and regional moorings to be amenable to such manipulation.

With the RTI and PIL mechanisms in place, the bureaucracy too will not go along with deviant behaviour of any political leader. Given these institutional realities I cannot see any Indian political leader getting into a position from which he or she could undermine these institutions that have become stronger over the years.

Thus, our institutions, nurtured over the last six and a half decades, provide the assurance and guarantee that a dictator cannot emerge and anyone who attempts to become one will given very short shrift. India is not Germany of the 1930s. From the data I have seen, the Jewish people were a mere 1 per cent of the total population in Germany in the 1930s and not 16-18 per cent as Indian Muslims are at present. To this one must add another 20 per cent of middle class Hindus who would oppose any political party’s attempt to foment communal trouble and persistently polarise the people.

Governance

And the Dalits will also not be mere bystanders. So sooner the glib and dangerous talk of emerging fascism and dictatorship stops the better because then the people’s energies and attention can be focused on the task at hand which is surely to accelerate economic growth and ensure that its benefits are widely spread through effective governance.

It is not an individual political leader or even a political formation that poses the real risk for communal and social strife breaking out in India. The greatest risk is posed by an imploding economy and mal-governance. The youth, seeking to apportion blame for their unemployment and wasted lives, will fall prey to communal and divisive forces. This will convert them into cannon fodder for fundamentalist forces of all hues. Modi has correctly emphasised rapid growth and good governance as the central planks of his program. We should hold him accountable to that goal. And if he delivers as promised, India could still be successful in its ambitious and indeed audacious experiment of simultaneously undertaking its political, economic and social transitions through democratic means.

Author is senior fellow CPR, former secretary general FICCI and former director and CEO of ICRIER

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Categories : culture, Education, Politics, Uncategorized

Two FIRs filed against Narendra Modi

1052014

Two FIRs have been registered against BJP’s Prime Ministerial nominee Narendra Modi for violation of elections model code for conduct.

FIRs were registered by Crime Branch of Ahmedabad police.

Modi landed in a soup with the Election Commission ordering the Gujarat administration to file a complaint or FIR against him for violating election laws by displaying BJP’s election symbol and making a speech after casting his vote in Gandhinagar.

Earlier, Election Commission had indicated that by holding and addressing the meeting outside the polling station when the polling is going on in the entire state of Gujarat and in different parts of the country, the BJP leader has violated the Representation of People Act, 1951.

In Delhi, responding to questions, BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi asserted that Modi has “not violated the election code. It was not an organised press conference”.

She, however, went on to add, “the Election Commission is a Constitutional institution and we respect it. We will abide by its decision.”

Asked about the EC direction to the Gujarat government to file an FIR against Modi, she said, “we will address the issue”.

In its order, the EC also said that all the TV channels and other electronic media which carried the proceedings of the meeting and displayed the election matter should also be proceeded against under Section 126 (l) (b) “by filing separate complaints/FlRs against those channels.”

According to the section 126 (1) (a) and (b), there is a prohibition of public meetings during period of 48 hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll.

It states that “no person shall: (a) convene, hold or attend, join or address any public meeting or procession in connection with an election and (b) display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus.”

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Quake of M6.7 – SOUTHEAST OF THE LOYALTY ISLANDS

1052014

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude	6.7
Date-Time	1 May 2014 06:36:37 UTC 1 May 2014 17:36:38 near epicenter 1 May 2014 10:36:37 standard time in your timezone
Location	21.509S 170.216E
Depth	117 km
Distances	213 km (132 mi) WNW of Ile Hunter, New Caledonia 313 km (194 mi) ESE of We, New Caledonia 385 km (238 mi) ENE of Mont-Dore, New Caledonia 395 km (244 mi) E of Dumbea, New Caledonia 397 km (246 mi) ENE of Noumea, New Caledonia

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Railway minister Mallikarjun Kharge address on the train blast in Chennai

1052014

Railway Minister M Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing shock over the incident, announced Rs one lakh ex-gratia to the family of the woman killed in the explosion.

He said Rs 25,000 will be given to those seriously injured and Rs 5,000 to those with minor injuries.

Kharge said the Railway will bear the entire treatment expenses of the injured.

Commissioner Railway Safety (southern circle) S K Mittal will conduct an inquriy into the incident, Railway Spokesperson Anil Saxena said.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who is in Himachal Pradesh for campaigning for Congress candidates, said, “I have directed my officials to provide all assistance to the state government”.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemns Chennai blasts, says the act highlights desperation and cowardice of those responsible.

Two minor-intensity bomb blasts on Thursday rocked the Guwahati-Bangalore Express at the Central Railway station in Chennai claiming a woman’s life and leaving 13 others injured, as police detained a suspect in this connection.

A 22-year-old woman passenger, identified as Swathi, bound for Guntur via Vijaywada, was killed in the explosions that occurred in the S4 and S5 coaches in quick succession.

The injured, including two grievously hurt, have been rushed to the state-run Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, where doctors said the injured were “out of danger”.

The train arrived from Bangalore for a ten-minute halt at the Central Railway station, the major railway hub in this metropolis, at about 7.05 AM, and the explosions occurred in the coaches at about 7.15 AM.

As panic-stricken passengers rushed out of the train in platform No 9 and also others in the neighbouring platform, police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the entire area.

Police said a suspect has been detained in connection with the explosions and he was being questioned.

Tamil Nadu DGP K Ramanujam said a special investigation team would investigate the blasts and added that Chennai was not the target.

“It is not a major blast. It is suspected that Chennai could not have been target of those who were behind the blast because the train was running late. Some other location could have been the target”, Ramanujam said.

He said police had no immediate information on who was responsible for the explosion.”It is premature to say what kind of device was used in the blast. Damage to the train is not heavy,” he said.

Southern Railway General Manager Rakesh Mishra described it as a “minor blast”.

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Brisk voting ends in seven states, 2 UTs

30042014

Updated on : 01-05-2014 09:06 AM

Brisk voting on Wednesday came to an end in most of the seven states and two Union Territories in the seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections that will decide the fate of top guns including Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi, L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.

The whole of Gujarat with 26 seats and Punjab with 13 seats are among 89 constituencies that went to polls.A total of 13.83 crore voters have the right to vote in the polls. Elections are already over in the first six phases involving 349 of the 543 constituencies.

With today’s polling, 438 constituencies will be covered. Elections to the remaining 105 constituencies will he held on May 7 (64 seats) and May 12 (41).

Telangana will elect its first assembly along with representatives to Parliament during the polls in 119 Assembly constituencies and 17 Lok Sabha seats in that part of Andhra Pradesh. In Gujarat, BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and party veteran L K Advani were among the early voters in Gandhinagar.

“In the first four hours the voting percentage is around 20-21 per cent in the state,” additional chief electoral officer Ashok Manek said in Ahmedabad.

Record 72 pc voters turnout in Punjab; polling peaceful

A record 72 per cent of total 1.95 crore electors today voted to elect 13 Lok Sabha MPs from Punjab where the polling was largely peaceful, barring few incidents of violence.

The voter turnout was 72 per cent, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Raminder Singh said, adding that the polling was by and large peaceful throughout the state.

“No major incident was reported across the state as the polling was more or less peaceful. The poll percentage is likely to touch 73 to 74 per cent after as voters are still in queues to cast their votes,” he said.

Earlier in 1967 general polls, Punjab had registered 71.13 per cent polling, the highest ever in the state.

Voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise amid sun beating down since morning as Punjab recorded a sizzling above 40 degrees Celsius temperature at most places.

Ten persons were injured in a clash between Akali Dal and Congress workers at Sangatpura village in Moga district, officials said, adding that three workers from Aam Aadmi Party sustained injuries after a brawl between them and Akalis at Devigarh village in Patiala Lok Sabha constituency.

AAP candidate from Patiala Dharamvir Gandhi was injured after he was allegedly attacked by some 25 unidentified youths owing allegiance to SAD-BJP at Rassolpura Saidan village in Patiala constituency, sources said.

Three persons were injured when supporters of SAD nominee Manpreet Singh and Independent candidate and sitting MLA Simarjeet Singh Bains clashed at Kot Mangal Singh locality in Ludhiana, police said, adding that two vehicles were also vandalised during the conflict.

Some Akali Dal workers allegedly vandalized the control unit of EVM at the Bajwa Colony in Patiala, officials said.

Minor clashes also took place between Akali and Congress supporters at Amritsar and Khadoor Sahib, but no one was injured in it.

The Akali workers earlier vandalized the booth of Congress party and tried to take control, officials said.

Polling came to a halt at Booth No 166 in SD Model School in Phagwara for half an hour after the EVMs developed a technical snag, officials said, adding that polling resumed after the balloting units were replaced.

Besides, 3 other malfunctioning EVMs were replaced at booth numbers 104, 137 and 151 in Phagwara.

Nearly 59 per cent polling recorded in UP

Nearly 59 per cent voters exercised their franchise in Uttar Pradesh, where polling is underway in 14 seats to decide the fate of 233 candidates.

UP Governor B L Joshi, BSP supremo Mayawati, Congress candidate from Lucknow Rita Bahuguna Joshi, BJP National President Rajnath Singh and party leader Kalraj Mishra were among those who exercised their franchise.

Dhaurahra witnessed 62.8 per cent polling till 1700 hours while Sitapur and Mishrikh recorded 59.4 and 53.96 per cent polling respectively.

Unnao recorded 50.94 per cent polling, Mohanlalganj 56 per cent, Lucknow 50.5 per cent, Rae Bareli 48.1 per cent, Kanpur 50.2 per cent, Jalaun 52 per cent, Jhansi 63 per cent, Hamirpur 49.1 per cent, Banda 47.52 per cent, Fatehpur 54.58 per cent and Barabanki recorded 58.19 per cent polling.

In Sitapur an FIR has been lodged against SP MLA Rampal Yadav after he entered into an altercation with CRPF jawan Dharampal Singh at Nauabehad polling booth in Biswan area.

The fate of 233 candidates will be decided by 2.46 crore voters that include 1.34 crore men and 1.12 crore women.

A total of 25,485 polling centres have been set up in which 3554 have been identified as critical.

The focus would be on Rae Bareli and Lucknow seats from where Congress President Sonia Gandhi and BJP President Rajnath Singh are in the fray.

Gandhi, who is contesting from her traditional Rae Bareli seat, has no major contestant against her with SP deciding not to field its candidate against her.

The prestigious Lucknow seat, which is in the limelight with the entry of the BJP’s national president, is set to witness a tricky contest.

Rajnath, who is facing a four-cornered contest has two tasks at hand – first to maintain legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and second to ensure a victory margin matching with his political stature.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner James David Bevan today reached Lucknow and visited a number of polling centres to see the polling exercise.

According to official sources he also visited the election commission office and met Governor Joshi, Rajnath, Mayawati and Rita Joshi. He is also to visited polling centre in Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency of Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

60 per cent polling in seven seats in Bihar

Despite scorching sun, about 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded at the end of polling in seven Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha election. It was 12 per cent more than recorded in the 2009 elections.

Sixty per cent polling was recorded at Madhepura constituency where JD(U) president Sharad Yadav is contesting.

Madhubani witnessed 56 per cent, Jhanjharpur 56 per cent, Darbhanga 57 per cent, Samastipur 55 per cent, Begusarai 64 per cent and Khagaria 55 per cent at the end of polling at 6 pm, Chief Election Officer Ajay Nayak told reporters.

A bypoll is also being held in Sahebpur Kamal Assembly seat following resignation of former minister Parveen Amanullah from the Nitish Kumar Cabinet. Sixty-one per cent voting was recorded in the bypoll there.

Sharad Yadav, crickter-turned BJP leader Kiriti Azad, former Union ministers M A A Fatmi and Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav are among 94 candidates whose fates have been sealed today.

With completion of polling today, 27 seats of a total of 40 in Bihar have witnessed voting. The remaining 13 will go to poll on May 7 and May 12.

62 percent polling reported in Gujarat

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Phase 8: Lok Sabha Elections 2014-Analysis of Criminal Background,

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Analysis of Criminal Background, Financial, Education, Gender and other details of Candidates

National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 890 candidates out of 897 candidates who are contesting in the Phase 8 of Lok Sabha 2014 Elections. The rest of the candidates were not analysed due to unclear/incomplete affidavits uploaded on the ECI website at the time of making of this report.

Please find the following reports attached with the mail;

Analysis of criminal, financial and other background details of candidates contesting in Phase 8 of Lok Sabha elections 2014
Consolidated analysis of criminal, financial and other background details of candidates from Phase 1 to Phase 8 Lok Sabha elections 2014

Phase 8
S.No.	State	No. of Candidates Constesting	No. of Candidates analysed	Constituencies	No. of Candidates with Criminal Cases	% of Candidates with Criminal Cases	No. of Crorepati Candidates	% of Crorepati Candidates	Date of Poll
1	Andhra Pradesh	333	328	25	57	17%	112	34%	7^thMay, 2014
2	Bihar	118	118	7	37	31%	36	31%
3	Himachal Pradesh	38	38	4	9	24%	14	37%
4	Jammu and Kashmir	19	19	2	0	0%	8	42%
5	Uttar Pradesh	243	241	15	52	22%	72	30%
6	West Bengal	72	72	6	15	21%	6	8%
7	Uttarakhand	74	74	5	7	9%	24	32%
Total		897	890	64	177	20%	272	31%

Criminal Background

Candidates with Criminal Cases:Out of the 890 candidates analysed, 177 (20%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves

Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases:125 (14%) candidates have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, communal disharmony, electoral violations, crimes against women

Candidates with cases related to murder: 9 candidates have declared cases related to murder.

Candidates with cases related to Attempt to Murder: 32 candidates have declared cases of attempt to murder.

Candidate with rape charges: Pawan Pandey of BSP from Sultanpur constituency has declared rape charges against himself.

Candidates with cases related to Crimes against Women: 8 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women.

Candidates with cases related to Communal Disharmony: 5 candidates have declared cases related to Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony (IPC section-153A). 1 candidate has declared a case related to Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs (IPC section-295A) and 2 candidates have declared cases related to Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class (IPC section-295). *A candidate may have declared more than one IPC related to communal disharmony.

Party wise Candidates with Criminal Cases:13 (22%) out of 58 candidates from INC, 14 (35%) out of 40 candidates from BJP, 10 (23%)out of 43 candidates from AAP, 21 (35%) out of 60 candidates fielded by BSP and 26 (9%) out of 292 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits

Party wise Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: 10 (17%) out of 58 candidates from INC, 11 (28%) out of 40 candidates from BJP, 6 (14%) out of 43 candidates from AAP, 16 (27%) out of 60 candidates fielded by BSP and 15 (5%) out of 292 Independent candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Red Alert Constituencies: 34 constituencies have at least 3 candidates with declared criminal cases. Muzaffarpur constituency, Biharhas the highest number of contesting candidates i.e. 7 with criminal cases against them.

Financial Background

Crorepati Candidates: Out of the 890 candidates analysed, 272 (31%) are crorepatis.

Party-wise Crorepati Candidates: 44 (76%) out of 58 candidates in INC, 28 (70%) out of 40 candidates in BJP, 19 (44%) out of 43 candidates in AAP, 22 (37%) out of 60 candidates in BSP and 41 (14%) out of 292 Independent candidates have declared assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore.

Average Assets: The average assets per candidate contesting in the 8th phase of Lok Sabha 2014 elections is Rs.5.90 crores.

Party-wise Average Assets: Among major parties, the average assets per candidate for 58 INC candidates is Rs 12.91 crores, 40 BJPcandidates have average assets of Rs.17.32 crores, 43 AAP candidates have average assets worth of Rs.1.74 crores and 60 BSPcandidates have average assets of Rs. 2.61 crores.

Party-wise Asset Rank: 43 (74%) out of 58 INC candidates occupy the top three highest assets positions amongst all the contesting candidates in their respective constituencies. Similarly, 22 (55%) out of 40 BJP candidates, 16 (27%) out of 60 BSP candidates and 7 (16%)out of 43 AAP candidates occupy the top three highest assets positions in their constituency.

Note: The following graph analyses the number of candidates fielded by political parties who have declared either the highest total assets in their constituency (among the candidates analysed for the constituency), or the second highest or the third highest.

High Asset Candidates*: 16 candidates have declared more than Rs.50 crores worth of assets. The top three candidates with highest assets are given below:*Total Assets includes income of self, spouse and dependents.

S.No.	Name	State	Constituency	Party Name	Movable Assets (Rs)	Immovable Assets (Rs)	Total Assets (Rs)	PAN Given
1	Jayadev Galla	Andhra Pradesh	Guntur	TDP	5,92,12,78,671	90,93,02,690	6,83,05,81,361 683 Crore+	Y
2	Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla	Andhra Pradesh	Narasaraopet	YSRCP	6,48,70,29,756	5,63,52,000	6,54,33,81,756 654 Crore+	Y
3	Gokaraju Ganga Raju	Andhra Pradesh	Narsapuram	BJP	2,21,78,33,670	66,57,33,452	2,88,35,67,122 288 Crore+	Y

Low Asset Candidates: A total of 44 candidates have declared assets less than Rs. 50 thousand (excluding candidates who have declared zero assets). The three candidates with lowest assets are as follows:

S.No.	Name	State	Constituency	Party Name	Total Assets (Rs)	PAN Given
1	Malyadri Ravulakollu	Andhra Pradesh	Nellore	IND	500 5 Hund+	N
2	Rajib Mudi	West Bengal	Jhargram	SUCI(C)	650 6 Hund+	Y
3	Ashish Kumar	Himachal Pradesh	Hamirpur	IND	900 9 Hund+	N

Candidates with High Liabilities: A total of 47 candidates have declared liabilities of more than Rs. 1 crore. Out of these 47 candidates, 12 have declared liabilities of Rs. 10 crore and above.

Crorepati Candidates with no PAN: 17 candidates with total assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore have declared no PAN details.

Candidates with High Income*:24 candidates have declared total annual income of more than Rs. 1 crore. The top three candidates with highest declared annual income are given below:
Total income includes income of self, spouse and dependents

S.No.	Name	Party Name	Constituency	Total Assets	The financial year for which the last income tax return has been filed by candidate	Total income shown by candidate in ITR (Self+Spouse+Dependent)	Self income shown by candidate in ITR
1	Jayadev Galla	TDP	Guntur	6,83,05,81,361 683 Crore+	2012-2013	16,85,54,700 16 Crore+	16,30,91,770 16 Crore+
2	Saket Bahuguna	INC	Tehri Garhwal	22,57,29,228 22 Crore+	2012-2013	10,06,09,119 10 Crore+	9,82,77,256 9 Crore+
3	Yarram Venkata Subbareddy	YSRCP	Ongole	73,54,51,548 73 Crore+	2012-2013	5,41,12,840 5 Crore+	5,40,91,340 5 Crore+

Candidates who have not declared Income Tax Details*: 483 (54%) candidates out of 890 analyzed have not declared income tax details.* Some candidates may be exempted from filing Income Tax Returns

Candidates with High Assets who have not declared Income Tax Details: 37 candidates with assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore, have not declared Income Tax Details.

*Sonam Kinnar an Independent candidate from Amethi Constituency has declared to be from the third gender

Consolidated Analysis of Criminal Background and Financial details of Candidates

Phase 1 to Phase 8

National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 7562 candidates out of 7624 candidates who have contested/contesting in Phase 1 to Phase 8 of Lok Sabha 2014 Elections. The rest of the candidates were not analysed due to unclear/incomplete affidavits available on the ECI website at the time of making this report. The following is a consolidated summary of the same.

Phase	No. of contesting candidates	No. of Candidates analysed	No. of Constituencies	No. of Candidates with Criminal Cases	% of Candidates with Criminal Cases	No. of Crorepati Candidates	% of Crorepati Candidates	Average Assets	Date of Poll (2014)
1	64	64	6	6	9%	16	25%	Rs.5.75 crores	7^thApril
2	37	37	7	1	3%	23	62%	Rs.9.12 crores	9^thApril

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India and the World – an Update April 15th – April 30th, 2014

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India and the World – an Update

A bi-weekly News Digest on India’s Foreign Policy
(Volume 1 – 8)April 15th – April 30th, 2014

Neighbourhood

South Asia

Pakistan

India releases 21 Pakistan prisoners
ANI / DNA | April 17^th, 2014
Earlier in February, the Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 20 Pakistani prisoners to the Pakistani Rangers at Wagah outpost in Punjab.

India, Pakistan may resume dialogue after Lok Sabha polls
IANS / Deccan Herald | April 17th, 2014
The Pakistani Envoy to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, also said in a talk at Harvard University that there was increasing awareness in both countries that there can be no military solution to their problems.

India, Pak DGMOs talk after another ceasefire violation
The Times of India | April 25^th, 2014
“Pakistani troops resorted to firing from small arms firing and mortars on Indian posts in the Doda battalion area in the Poonch district,” said an Indian official, adding the ceasefire violation was probably a Pakistani army ploy to push through infiltrators under the cover of firing.

Afghanistan

Indian Army commanders to meet to discuss Afghanistan
DNA | April 17^th, 2014
Keeping in view of drawdown of US-led forces from Afghanistan in 2014, Indian Army is also providing training to Afghanistan National Army (ANA). According to army, Army is targeting to train about 1100 Afghan troops by the end of 2014, as compared to 574 personnel training in last year.

Bangladesh

BNP: No water, no relation
Dhaka Tribune | April 24^th, 2014
“We are a small country and we are not so much powerful economically. Our movement is not against India rather we want to ensure proper sharing of water.” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, acting secretary general of the party, said.

Bhutan

Bhutan, India sign pact for developing hydropower projects
PTI / Zee News | April 22^nd, 2014
Three Hydroelectric projects totaling 1416 MW – the 336 MW Chukha project, the 60 MW Kurichu project and the 1020 MW Tala project – are already operational in Bhutan and are supplying electricity to India.

Asia Pacific

US, Japan boosting trilateral cooperation with India, South Korea
PTI / The Economic Times | April 25^th, 2014
“To achieve our shared objectives of promoting peace and economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and around the globe, the US and Japan are strengthening trilateral cooperation with like-minded partners, including the Republic of Korea, Australia, and India,” said a joint US-Japan statement.

China

No accord on consulate in Lhasa
The Hindu | April 15^th, 2014Despite India’s long-pending interest in Lhasa, China has clarified that it will not allow any additional foreign diplomatic presence in Tibet. Only Nepal has diplomatic presence in Lhasa, while U.S. requests were denied.

India, China, Pak naval ships hold rare exercises
PTI / Business Standard | April 23^rd, 2014
Besides India, ships from seven other countries, including China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei took part in the exercises held off the coast of the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao.

India, China discuss implementation of border pacts
The Hindu | April 23^rd, 2014
Interestingly, the Chinese side announced their Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan’s plans to visit India later this year and confirmed plans for a joint army exercise at a time when the two sides are trying to resolve their differences over sending a youth delegation to Beijing next month in which Arunachal Pradesh, one of the States bordering China, is a sticking point.

Indian Navy refuses Chinese navy chief’s request
The Hindustan Times | April 24^th, 2014
The Indian side were taken unawares by Chinese navy chief, Wu Shengli’s request as it is unheard of for the chief of a navy to make a request to see the Combat Information Centre of another country’s warship; China itself is not known to throw open its warship CICs to military officers from other countries.

India, China agree to deepen naval ties after landmark exercise
The Hindu | April 26^th, 2014
As more Chinese ships sail west and Indian ships sail east, both countries have used this week’s exercise to stress their intent to ensure they will deepen mutual trust to address any insecurities.

Myanmar

India calls for end to UN resolution on Myanmar human rights
PTI / Statesman | April 26^th, 2014
Indian Ambassador to the UN, Asoke Mukerji said India would continue to support the steps taken by the Myanmar government towards reform and reconciliation, with reference to pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, release of political prisoners, holding of peace talks with the ethnic groups, including the Kachins and proposal for signing of a nationwide ceasefire accord soon.
The United States

India polls will set new stage for Indo-US ties: Nancy Powell
PTI / NDTV | April 25^th, 2014
Giving examples of cooperation on “strategic issues as never before”, Nancy Powell, former US Ambassador to India, said India and US have initiated a series of regional dialogues including US-India-Afghanistan bilateral and trilateral meetings and a separate trilateral with Japan.

India to play key role in Asian growth: U.S.
IANS / The Hindu | April 26^th, 2014
“India needs a transparent, straightforward way of attracting foreign investment, offering private capital a way to share in India’s opportunity,” said Nisha Desai Biswal, the US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs.

Japan

Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh to visit Japan this week
Live Mint | April 22^nd, 2014
With India looking for $1 trillion in investment for its infrastructure sector, Japan is seen as a natural partner. The nation is already involved in the construction of the $90 billion Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project.

Singapore

Singapore always keen to strengthen ties with India: Speaker
PTI / Business Standard | April 25^th, 2014
Highlighting the two countries’ good track record of working closely, country’s Parliament speaker Halimah Yacob told members of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) to progress on the past performance.

Europe

Marines case: Italy to send envoy back to India, mulls international arbitration
PTI / The Indian Express | April 25^th, 2014
“We are off the bilateral level, to raise the dispute to an international level: we are still willing to talk to the Indians”, said Italian Defence Minister Federica Mogherini adding, “We have no other option than resorting to international arbitration.”

India-European Union FTA talks to resume after new government: French Ambassador Francois Richier
PTI / The Economic Times | April 23^rd, 2014
Richier, who was speaking on the sidelines of an event related to Paris International Auto Show, said French companies have invested around USD 19 billion in total till date in India.

Middle East

Iran

India to make May-July oil payments to Iran: Reports
Reuters / The Economic Times | April 24^th, 2014As long as Tehran complies with the terms of its preliminary agreement with western powers, which took effect on Jan. 20, Iran receives some of its funds frozen abroad in eight payments from various buyers over six months.

Miscellaneous

‘India well-poised to play constructive role in global net governance’
IANS / ABP News | April 24^th, 2014Vinay Kwatra, the Indian representative at the Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance pointed out several serious strategic and public policy challenges that the Internet poses. He said there is the apparent inability of the current structures of Internet governance to respond to some of the core and strategic concerns of the member states.

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Baksa ,Kokrajhar districts hit by violence

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Assam, the death toll has gone up to 28 in recent violence in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts. IGP, L R Bishnoi said that 8 more bodies were recovered today in Baksa district. He said that 14 miscreants in Baksa and 8 in Kokrajhar district have been arrested so far for their involvement in the violence. Bishnoi said that most of them are linkmen of the banned outfit National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Sangbijit group). He said that strict vigil is on but ruled out imposition of shoot at sight order in violence-hit areas.

Additional DGP, A P Rout said that situation is improving in Kokrajhar district. Meanwhile, indefinite curfew is on in Baksa district as a precautionary measure. But curfew has been relaxed in Chirang and Kokrajhar district for three hours from 12 noon.

Curfew has also been imposed at the adjoining areas of violence-hit districts. Hundreds of trucks and buses have been stranded at national highways. The Army is staging flag march.

The Special Investigation Team, SIT, is likely to begin their investigation this afternoon. The Assam Border Area Development Minister Siddique Ahmed has today demanded arrest of former minister and senior MLA of Bodoland People’s Front, Pramila Rani Brahma for allegedly making inflammatory remarks recently. Relief camp has been set up in Baksa district. Assam Governor J B Patnaik has condemned the violence and appealed all to maintain peace and order.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Office sources said National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon this morning briefed the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh about the Assam situation. Dr Singh held discussions with the Cabinet Secretary and directed him to extend all help to the State government to ensure peace.

Bodoland People’s Front ruled out any role in the violence.

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Student protest lead to violence in Ethiopia

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11 students killed in violence in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian government says at least 11 students have been killed in clashes with the police in a region that has long been the scene of a secessionist movement.

The government said in a statement late on Thursday that violence had erupted in a number of university campuses across Oromia state as ethnic Oromo students protest a plan by the central government to expand the capital, Addis Ababa, into parts of Oromia.

The violence is spreading from the campuses into nearby towns, causing serious damage to property.

Protesters set fire to a bank, a gas station and some government buildings, according to police.

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Bolivia sets national elections for October 12

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Bolivia’s election tribunal on Wednesday set presidential and congressional polls for October 12 — with President Evo Morales a favorite to win a third mandate.

“The general elections for president, vice president, senators, deputies and representatives… will be held Sunday October 12 this year,” the tribunal president, Wilma Velasco, told reporters at a press conference.Velasco said a potential presidential runoff — to be held if no one candidate obtains a majority of votes — would be December 7.

The new term is set to begin on 22nd January 2015 and run for five years.

The latest polls put Morales in the lead to win the presidential vote, with opposition divided among several possible candidates.

The leftist leader, who is in the midst of his second term, currently has 38.3 per cent of the vote, well ahead of his nearest rival, businessman Samuel Doria Medina, polling at 14 per cent.

Another top opposition candidate is the influential governor of the eastern region of Santa Cruz, Ruben Costas.

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Nigeria police: 276 abducted girls still missing

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The number of kidnapped schoolgirls missing in Nigeria has risen to 276, up by more than 30 from a previous estimate, police said, adding that the actual number abducted by Islamic extremists on 14th April was more than 300.

Police Commissioner Tanko Lawan said the number of girls and young women who have escaped also has risen, to 53.

He told a news conference last night in Maiduguri, the northeastern capital of Borno state, that the figures keep increasing because students from other schools were brought into one school for final exams last month after all schools in Borno state were shut because of attacks by Islamic extremists.

Communications are difficult with the military often cutting cell phone service under a state of emergency and travel made dangerous on roads frequently attacked by the militants.

“The students were drawn from schools in Izge, Lassa, Ashigashiya and Warabe A and that is why, after the unfortunate incident, there were various numbers flying around as to the actual number of girls that were taken away,” Lawan said.

Hundreds of women protested in at least three cities this week to express their outrage that the girls have not been found.

Two bombings in three weeks have also hit the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Reports this week indicated some have been forced into “marriage” with their extremist abductors, who paid a nominal bride price equivalent to USD 12.

Other reports that also could not be verified said some have been taken across borders, to Chad, Cameroon and to an island in Lake Chad.

The reports come from parents and legislators who are in touch with villagers who have seen the girls with their abductors.

As the students, aged between 15 and 18, endure a third week of captivity President Goodluck Jonathan referred to them publicly for the first time at a May Day rally on Thursday.

Jonathan, a southern Christian who has been accused of insensitivity to the plight of mainly Muslim residents of the northeast, vowed “we must find our missing girls” and “the perpetrators must be brought to book.”

He said “the cruel abduction of some innocent girls, our future mothers and leaders, in a very horrific and despicable situation in Borno state is quite regrettable.”

“We shall triumph over all this evil that wants to debase our humanity,” he added.

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Ukraine OSCE hostage crisis at critical stage: Germany

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Efforts to free a group of international observers held by pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine have reached a critical phase, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after talks with Swiss counterpart Didier Burkhalter, Steinmeier said he could not elaborate on efforts to free the men, given the “highly sensitive stage of the ongoing negotiations”.Neutral Switzerland is currently at the helm of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which sent the observers to Ukraine.

“Our goal is the unconditional release of the hostages in Slavyansk,” said Burkhalter.

Eight OSCE observers, four of whom are Germans, were captured last Friday in the flashpoint town of Slavyansk in mainly Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine.

They were presented to the media Sunday as “prisoners of war” in what Germany said was a “repugnant” display.

Berlin has been pushing Russian President Vladimir Putin to persuade the pro-Moscow rebels to free the observers.

One of the hostages, a Swede who was said to suffer from diabetes, was freed late Sunday, but the Germans, a Pole, a Dane and a Czech are still being held.

The rebels also captured four Ukrainian OSCE representatives, but they have not been seen in public since.

In Berlin, German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen in a statement said based on information from European counterparts the hostages were as of early today “doing well under the circumstances”.

She did not provide further details. Steinmeier called the Ukraine crisis a “huge challenge for all concerned”, saying clashes today showed the violence in the embattled country was far from over.

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350 dead as landslide hits Afghan villages Mazar-i-Sharif

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Updated on : 03-05-2014 08:58 AM

A landslide in northern Afghanistan killed at least 350 people on Friday, officials said, with hundreds also feared missing as a major rescue operation was launched to find survivors in villages buried under mud.

The first emergency teams on the scene in Badakhshan province started digging through rocks and dirt as local authorities, the United Nations and the NATO-led military force raced to assess the damage and provide help.”The number of deceased has increased to 350,” the UN mission in Afghanistan said in a statement.

“A response is being mobilised for those who survived but were displaced, with some partners already on the ground. “(NATO’s) Regional Command in the north in contact with the Afghan National Army in regards to search and rescue efforts.”

Badakhshan is a remote province in northeast Afghanistan bordering Tajikistan, China and Pakistan.

“It is a disaster. The landslide has affected around 1,000 families,” Sayed Abdullah Homayun Dehqan, provincial director of the Afghan National Disaster Management Authority said.

“Around 300 families are missing, that could involve around 2,000 people. The people are working to remove the rocks, so far three bodies have been recovered.

“Around 700 families were rescued, we have sent in some basic assistance such as tents and blankets.” The UN said that it was helping to coordinate local authorities to rescue those still trapped, but that road access to the area could not take heavy machinery.

“About 350 to 400 houses were destroyed in Argo district as a result of heavy rains that triggered landslides,” Badakhshan province deputy governor Gul Mohammad Baidaar said.

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Ukraine violence spreads southern city of Odessa,

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Over 30 killed in Odessa blaze as Ukraine violence spreads

More than 30 people were killed in a “criminal” blaze in Ukraine’s southern city of Odessa, as violence spread across the country on Friday during the bloodiest day since Kiev’s Western-backed government took power.

Ukraine’s interior ministry said at least 31 people had died in the fire with local media reporting that pro-Russian militants were believed to have been in the building at the time.

Most of those who were killed died from smoke inhalation, while others perished trying to escape by jumping out of windows.

News of the deaths came after a day of violent clashes between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian militants, with reports of renewed fighting in Slavyansk late Friday leading to the death of two more Ukrainian soldiers, meaning at least nine people had been killed in clashes in the flashpoint town throughout the day.

The diplomatic war of words also intensified as the United States threatened to hit Russia with new sanctions within three weeks over what Washington called its continued “destabilisation” of Ukraine.

US Secretary of State John Kerry also Friday evening announced the postponement of a phone call with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as tensions mounted.

While Obama was speaking, an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council took place at Russia’s request, to complain about the Ukrainian army’s assault on the flashpoint town of Slavyansk.

The Kremlin said the raid was “leading Ukraine towards catastrophe” and pronounced dead a peace deal struck in Geneva last month to ease the worst East-West confrontation since the Cold War.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev urged the Western- backed leaders in Kiev to “stop killing their citizens,” saying the raid was “a sign of criminal helplessness”.

Ukraine’s interim president Oleksandr Turchynov said “many rebels” had been killed in the military’s pre-dawn raid on the eastern town of Slavyansk and confirmed the loss of two servicemen after insurgents shot down two helicopter gunships.

Rebels later said three of their number and two citizens were killed in what they said was a “full-scale attack”.

They vowed to defend the town, which has become the epicentre of tensions in increasingly volatile eastern Ukraine.

Kiev said its military overran nine rebel checkpoints and scores of soldiers, backed by armoured vehicles and helicopters, appeared to entrench their positions, tightening their encirclement of the flashpoint town.

The attack seemed to dash hopes of a quick release of seven European monitors being held in Slavyansk, with one senior rebel leader saying it would result in a “delay”.

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Merkel arrives at White House

3052014

President Barack Obama welcomed Germany’s Angela Merkel to the White House on Friday, seeking to secure united European backing for tougher sanctions on Russia’s economy should the Kremlin escalate the crisis in Ukraine.

The president and the Chancellor met days after both the United States and the European Union imposed new sanctions on key political and business figures around President Vladimir Putin.The measures followed the failure of a deal brokered in Geneva to de-escalate tensions in Ukraine and the refusal of Russia to rein in pro-Moscow separatist groups in southeastern Ukraine.

So far, the sanctions adopted by either side have been limited to personal visa and asset bans against prominent people in Putin’s inner circle, branded “cronies” by the White House.

But Washington warns that it will impose tougher sanctions that will hit directly at key sectors of the Russian economy, if Putin for instance marches troops currently massed on the border of Ukraine directly into the country.

Such a scenario would entail a tough political choice for European leaders like Merkel, who are under intense pressure from powerful business interests dismayed at the potential loss of important markets and investments in Russia.

On Thursday, White House spokesman Jay Carney denied Washington and the EU had butted heads over possible new sanctions.

“There has been a great deal of collaboration and cooperation in that effort between the United States and the EU, as well as all the members of the G7, so we expect that effort to continue,” he said.

“We expect to continue a path that sees an international coalition escalating the costs that Russia will have to endure and pay if Russia refuses to keep its commitments.”

Carney added that the United States and EU members each have “a different kind of economic relationship with Russia, and so sanctions will affect different nations differently.”

After their talks Merkel and Obama will hold a press conference in the Rose Garden of the White House, the site of a sumptuous state dinner hosted by the US leader for his guest three years ago.

Since then, relations between Berlin and Washington have been hit by the continuing damaging fallout over revelations of National Security Agency (NSA) spying in Germany, including the tapping of Merkel’s mobile phone, which the US says has now been stopped.

Obama has sought to mend fences with Merkel after the revelations by fugitive intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

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Categories : Politics, Uncategorized, world News

Commission to probe snoopgate to be in place by 16th May: Govt

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A judicial commission to probe ‘snoopgate’ allegedly involving Gujarat CM Narendra Modi will be in place before the Lok Sabha poll process comes to an end on 16th May, the govt asserted rejecting questions raised by the BJP over it.

The assertion by Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Law Minister Kapil Sibal evoked sharp reaction from BJP which said it reflects arrogance of UPA which, it claimed, is being voted out of power soon.

The government had decided four months back to set up the inquiry commission but the process has got delayed reportedly because of its inability to zero in on a judge.

“The Cabinet had taken the decision to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to probe the incident of snooping on a woman in Gujarat. We will soon appoint the judge….before May 16,” Shinde told a press conference in Shimla on Friday.

Shinde was asked whether the appointment of a judge in the midst of Lok Sabha elections would not amount to violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

“It will not as the decision had been taken by the Union Cabinet much before the model code of conduct came into force,” he said.

The Union Cabinet had decided on 26th December 2013 to set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe charges of spying on a woman in 2009, triggering a political row.

“I am worried. The way the Chief Minister of Gujarat had snooped into the life of a woman, I am really worried what will happen to the women of the country if he becomes the Prime Minister,” Shinde said.

In New Delhi, Law Minister Kapil Sibal also said that a judge will be appointed by 16th May.

He rubbished the contention by BJP leader Arun Jaitley that he would be surprised if there is a judge who has “agreed to ‘lend’ himself to the UPA”.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said EC would be approached if the announcement is made during the polls.

Sibal said BJP is worried as its leaders know that “once the Commission is set up there is no saving for Narendra Modi because there is documentary evidence of what he (Modi) has done and how he has snooped the activities of a young girl.”

Asserting that “You will get a snoopgate judge before May 16″, he said, I don’t know why these people are so worried, why leaders of BJP are worried and why they are making public statement that no judge should join this Commission.”

He said, “They (BJP) are worried about the national Commission set up by the Centre and I think, they should continue to be worried because the Commission will be set up and he will be investigated and he will be brought to book.”

BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government assertion was nothing but a reflection of arrogance of the UPA government, which, he claimed, would be voted out of power.

“The two honourable ministers….along with the entire Congress party would be defeated conclusively after 10 days and yet the arrogance of having the inquiry.

“I would expect that so many judges have refused in the past and the sanctity and dignity of the judiciary will not be compromised for ulterior motive of the Congress party,” he said.

The government had announced that the Commission, to be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or a retired Chief Justice of a high court, will also look into charges of snooping on Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh by the previous BJP government when he was in the opposition as well as the leaking of the call data records (CDR) of Jaitley in Delhi.

The Union Cabinet took the decision under the Commissions of Inquiry Act under which the Modi government had already set up a similar panel.

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Categories : Business, CSR, culture, Education, Uncategorized

MONACO | NEWS | PLACES TO VISIT

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ABOUT MONACO | NEWS | PLACES TO VISIT | PLAN YOU STAY | MEETINGS & INCENTIVES

Headlines Sport
	2014 Monaco Historic Grand Prix 02/05/2014 The 9th Monaco Historic Grand Prix will take place from 9 to 11 May 2014 » Read

CHARITY
	Gala Dinner of the “Peace One Day” Association on 22 May 2014 in Monaco 29/04/2014 Jessie J and Jude Law have confirmed that they will be attending the Gala of the charity “Peace One Day” » Read

A Tribute to Ayrton Senna on Saturday 17 May 2014 in Monaco

28/04/2014

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of Ayrton Senna, the Brazil Monaco Project Association is paying tribute to one of the most famous Brazilians and one of the great figures of Formula 1

» Read

STAY
	Discover the Delage Collection at the Atmosphère Boutique in Monte-Carlo 02/05/2014 To mark the 2014 Historic Grand Prix, the ready-to-wear boutique is presenting Delage’s new luxury leather goods range » Read

NIGHT LIFE
	DJ Paulette at the Brasserie de Monaco 02/05/2014 DJ Paulette, who has been elected Female DJ of the Year several times, will take over the turntables at the Brasserie de Monaco (Monaco’s Brewery) on 3 May 2014 » Read

BUSINESS
	Prix Monte-Carlo “Woman of the Year” 2014 30/04/2014 The third edition of The Prix Monte-Carlo “Woman of the Year”, will take place on Tuesday 6 May 2014 » Read

SPORT
	Step by Step new special offers for the 9th Monaco Historic Grand Prix 28/04/2014 The next Historic Grand Prix will take place from 9 to 11 May 2014. Special offers from the Step by Step agency are available as from now » Read

SHOWS
	Monaco City Hall is Getting Ready for the “Fête de la Musique” Music Festival 30/04/2014 On 21 June 2014, the Principality will be hosting “Les Tambours du Bronx” (“The Drums of the Bronx”) » Read

FOOD, PALACES
	A New Pastry Chef at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo 30/04/2014 The Monegasque luxury hotel has announced the arrival of Loïc Colliau, its new Pastry Chef. » Read

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Model Tripartite Agreement (MTA) for Road Sector PPP Projects

3052014

The Empowered Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) constituted by the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI), has under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Economic Affairs, in its meeting recently approved the Model Tripartite Agreement (MTA), for take-out financing of PPP projects in Ports Sector.

The salient features of the MTA are:

A body corporate constituted under the provisions of the Major Port Trusts Act, [1963], and having its principal administrative office at referred to as the “Concessioning Authority” which expression shall, unless repugnant to the context or meaning thereof, include its administrators, successors and assigns.
A company registered under the Companies Act, 1956, acting, duly authorised by the resolution passed at the meeting of its Board of Directors and having its registered office hereinafter referred to as the “Concessionaire”.
Provisions of this Agreement, issue Bonds for the amounts subscribed by the Debt Fund; provided that the total value of such Bonds shall not exceed 94% (ninety four percent) of compensation payment from the Concessioning Authority on day of signing this Tripartite Agreement.
The tenor of the Bonds, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be such that at least 50% (fifty per cent) and 75% (seventy five per cent) of the total nominal value thereof shall be fully redeemed by the Concessionaire no later than the expiry of 75% (seventy five per cent) and 85% (eighty five per cent) of the Concession Period respectively and the balance, if any, shall be redeemed no later than 2 (two) years prior to the expiry of the Concession Period.
The Concessionaire agrees and undertakes that upon completion of the tenor of the Bonds, it shall redeem the same by making full and complete payment of the outstanding principle and the interest thereon.
The Parties agree and confirm that in the event of default in Debt Service by the Concessionaire, the Lenders shall have the right to enforce termination of the Concession Agreement in terms of Clause [15.1(a)(xi)] and [17] of the Concession Agreement, whichinter alia requires the Concessioning Authority to pay compensation in accordance with the provisions of the Concession Agreement.
This Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof, and its obligations under this Agreement will be legally valid, binding and obligations enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

The annexure is attached herewith for your ready reference.

Warm regards,

Dr. S P Sharma

Chief Economist

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Neat and clean innovation’

3052014

The idea of sanitation has raised many challenges down the years

INNOCOLUMN
R GOPALAKRISHNAN

Often managers view innovation through the narrow lens of creativity, product development and technology. Successful innovation is far more holistic and has additional dimensions of experimentation, business model, sociology and execution.

According to bokardo.com, Steve Jobs expressed the view, “It is a disease to think that a really great idea is 90 per cent of the work.” Jobs argued that an idea is quite valueless until it converts into a product manifestation through craftsmanship, which is what stands between a great idea and a great product. An idea turns, twists, mutates and changes all the time as it is designed into a product. In this process of innovation, novelty and consumer delight are added. The final product may bear little resemblance to the original idea.

Consider innovation in the context of the mundane, unspeakable subject of sanitation. The idea of sanitation has provided more and more challenges, both technical and sociological, with every new product form.

The Indus Valley civilisation existed 30 centuries before Christ and was prominent in hydraulic engineering. Those people had sanitation devices that were the first of their kind. Individual homes sported the earliest known system of flush toilets that were connected to a common sewerage system. The sewers, 1.5 metres deep and one metre wide, were made from bricks and joined together seamlessly. It is amazing that our society with this pioneering heritage of sanitation is today the world’s largest open defecator.

The Housesteads Fort on the Hadrian Wall attests to latrines as the best preserved feature of sanitation in the Roman civilisation, which is noted for innovations in waste management. Waste flushed from latrines flowed via a central channel into a main sewage system, and onto a river.

In 1186, in the palace of the Roman Emperor in Erfurt, Germany, the fumes from the palace cesspools of sanitary waste caused the floorboards to gradually rot. One day the floors collapsed and hundreds of the emperor’s guests fell into the cesspool and drowned in human excrement.

Around the 16th century, early forms of the water closet started to appear. British nobleman John Harrington built what he called a “privy of perfection” for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I in 1596. This device washed away the waste but lacked the means to remove the fumes. Around 1920, Mahatma Gandhi had stated that “sanitation is more important than independence.”

In 1999, when British Medical Journal polled experts about what they considered the greatest medical advance since 1840, the majority cited public sanitation, ahead of antibiotics and anaesthesia. After so many centuries, the idea of sanitation is alive and kicking, vibrant and attracting the best minds of the world to create more innovative product manifestations of an idea for human convenience.

The innovation challenge seems to have increased in intensity despite centuries of work. Broadly, there are three kinds of sanitation facilities. The upper end of the market is served by flush toilets. The middle end of the market is served by pit latrines. The bottom end means open defecation. Of the seven billion people on the planet, about one billion defecate in the open. Another 1.5 billion people have no access to flushed toilets. That makes 2.5 billion people completely vulnerable to the ill effects of a poor sanitation system.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has challenged scientists to reinvent the toilet. Under this programme, an Indian company, Eram, has designed an eToilet that can be self-sustaining: it can generate its own energy and water from the waste and further, eToilets can be interconnected through an electronic network. One Washington-based company has designed a power plant that could feed off the waste from a small city. The University of West England has showcased a urine-powered fuel cell to charge cell phones overnight. Another team from the University of Colorado has devised a system of concentrating solar power and generating enough heat to kill pathogens in the waste and produce “biochar” as a cooking fuel or fertiliser. One fears that such solutions, while being innovative and capable of winning prizes, will be irrelevant to the billions who suffer the sanitation problem.

Bindeshwar Pathak is famous for founding Sulabh in 1970. A two-pit flush toilet, a pay-for-use system and hygienic on-site waste disposal are some of its features. The UN Centre for Human Settlements has lauded this great innovation. While this technology is hugely successful, it has not yet dramatically enough reduced the incidence of open defecation in the country.

The problem is not just one of technology, but also involves social attitudes. When problems like open defecation persist for long, human beings learn to ignore it. Village leaders should play an important part in convincing people to be hygienic, and follow good sanitation practices. There has even been a suggestion that families who do not use toilet facilities, should not be eligible for government grants. There are several good organisations, particularly in rural areas, called the rural sanitary marts. They provide good service to bring about awareness. Some of them even construct toilets. They need to be strengthened.

Corporations are trying to address the social problem. Sushanta Sen of the Confederation of Indian Industry authored the report “Corporate Involvement in Sanitation” in 2013 and managed to assemble over 60 companies into a first effort last year. With corporate social responsibility becoming mandatory, much more can be expected of this marvellous initiative. Neighbouring Bangladesh undertook a massive public programme around 2000, involving NGOs, entrepreneurs and a National Sanitation Strategy. The results may qualify as a revolution; it has shifted peoples’ attitudes to open defecation. In the Demographic Health Survey done recently, it was found that only five per cent of Bangladeshis defecated in the open, whereas in India, the corresponding number is 57 per cent. Surely, India can do better!

The writer is Director, Tata Sons.
gopal.gopalakrishnan@amp115.hbs.edu

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Qamar Waheed Naqvi resigns saying Modi interview was ‘fixed’

3052014

India TV editor Qamar Waheed Naqvi resigns saying Modi interview was ‘fixed’

The two-hour long interview of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at India TV news channel on Saturday was ‘fixed’, said senior journalist and editorial director at the news channel Qamar Waheed Naqvi.Naqvi resigned Sunday evening — 24 hours after the interview conducted by Rajat Sharma, Editor-in-chief of India TV at his most famous Aap Ki Adalat program, was telecast (Saturday night from 10 pm to 12 pm). The interview was retelecast on Sunday night also.

Sources close to Naqvi confirmed the resignation of Naqvi sent through email to the management of the channel.

Naqvi has reportedly said the interview was ‘fixed’. Some of the viewers of the program said Rajat did not ask any hard question to Modi.

Prof. Pushpesh K. Pant, Professor in Diplomatic Studies, Centre for International Politics, Jawaharlal Nehru was judge at the program. In his verdict, he acquitted Modi of all charges due to lack of proofs.

India Tomorrow contacted Rajat Sharma to get his view over the issue, rather than giving any comment he said he “would ask someone to contact you” as he said he was “in the middle of something.”

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Categories : Automobile, Business, CSR, culture, Education, Media, Politics, Uncategorized

1st BFI-IMG Reliance National School & College Basketball League for Boys & Girls 2014

3052014

1st BFI-IMG Reliance National School & College Basketball League for Boys & Girls 2014 being held at the Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi.

School Girls

1) St Joseph HS, Chennai 56 (Devi 19, Nishanti 15, Ishwarya 14) bt Modern School, New Delhi 52 (Madhu 34, Shivika 6) [QT wise scores: 16-12; 10-9; 11-15; 19-16]

2) School Boys

1) Fr. Agnels, Mumbai 85 (Vaishakh 26, Rohan 25, Tanmay 18) bt Oxford Senior Secondary School, New Delhi 78 (Saurav 20, Abhishek 18) [QT wise scores: 4-25; 21-16; 22-18; 24-12; 7-14(Extra Time)]

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Internship for Business Adm, Journalist Media desk, Content writers, Video-news

3052014

Internship: The students or a working professional keen on gaining experience in development journalism,analyse reports, write, edit, visualise, we solicit you to apply as an intern with Sagar Media Inc.

Our efforts to bring in the Global expertise which are strongly self-motivated, energetic team appreciated for decisive and strategic management style.

Thus resulting in high levels of quality levels of Education, health and infrastructure for developing township,cities and states with their intrinsic values without logistic supports.

Our team is also experts in providing logistic supports in productivity, Brand strategist with proven ability to be on the top slot of providing Production, suppliers market research,engineering,marketing, services to most of the well known companies, houses, government undertaking, public sector in this part of the world.

We believe that each student must

•Thrives on a dynamic and challenging environment and have outstanding communication, presentation and interpersonal skills. Calm under pressure; an effective negotiator.
•Experienced in developing long-term customer relations; many quality business contacts. Exceptional in restructuring ineffective processes, cost containment and improving the bottom line results.
• Train for Excellent at identifying and solving problems,before they become critical. Analyze situations rapidly, make decisions and meet demanding objectives. Strong business acumen, able to quickly access and act on organizational challenges and opportunities.
Those look for Foreign companies to be represented by individuals private Limited company in India, Experienced in developing long-term customer relations, many quality business contacts. Exceptional in restructuring ineffective processes, cost containment and improving the bottom line results. Brand strategist with proven ability to be on the top slot of providing services to most of the well known companies, houses, government undertaking, public sector in this part of the world.

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Micro finance with venture capital for individual projects or company may call our desk at.

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G7 to discuss energy dependency on Russia

4052014

May 4,

Energy Ministers of the Group of 7 nations will meet on Monday to discuss ways to reduce their reliance on Russia’s energy supplies. The ministers will gather in Rome for a two day meeting amid rising tensions between Russia and Western powers over the crisis in Ukraine.

The Russia provides nearly 30 percent of the natural gas imported by European Union countries, which 60 percent of it goes through pipelines in Ukraine. The G7 energy ministers are expected to discuss ways to increase natural gas imports from the United States and the Middle East. They will also consider calling on technical assistance from the US to help East European countries tap into their rich shale gas resources.

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Pakistani troops again violate ceasefire along LoC in J&K

4052014

May 4,

In yet another incident of ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops opened fire on Indian forward post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Balakote Sector in Poonch district which triggered retaliatory action from the Indian troops.

Defense sources told AIR that Pakistani Army resorted to shelling of mortars and firing by small arms and automatic weapons on Indian posts along LoC in Dera Dibsi area in Balakote sector of Mendhar Poonch from 2330 hours previous night. Our Jammu correspondent reports, Army troops guarding the borderline fired back resulting in intermittent exchange of fire which continued till 0500 hrs this morning.

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Fierce battles in Ukraine; OSCE team freed

4052014

Ukrainian soldiers and pro-Russian rebels fought fierce battles on Saturday around a flashpoint town, with only a small reprieve to allow passage of a freed team of OSCE inspectors.

More than 50 people have died in two days of clashes nationwide — most of them in a horrific inferno amid street clashes in the southern city of Odessa.

In the east, the military stepped up its assault on rebels in the flashpoint town of Slavyansk on Saturday.

The bloodshed was plunging the international crisis over the ex-Soviet republic into dangerous new territory.

Russia said it would now be “absurd” for the country — whose Crimea peninsula it annexed in March — to hold a planned May 25 presidential election.

That opened the risk of sweeping US sanctions against Russia after President Barack Obama warned of punishment if perceived Moscow meddling scuppered the poll.

US Secretary of State John Kerry underlined that threat in a call to his Russian counterpart, saying: “If those supported by Russia continue to interfere with the election, regrettably there will have to be different sanctions including the possibility or the reality of sectoral sanctions.

” In his call to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kerry called the Russian-mediated release of the OSCE observers as “a step” toward de-escalating the crisis but urged Moscow to do more and “withdraw support for the separatists.”

Lavrov responded by calling on “the United States to use all of its influence to force the Kiev regime… to immediately halt military operations”.

On the ground, however, there was no sign of combat subsiding.

On the outskirts of Slavyansk, the main town under attack by the army, a news agency journalists witnessed a ferocious firefight between Kalashnikov-armed insurgents and soldiers outflanking their checkpoint.

At least nine people have died in clashes around the town.

On Friday, the military tightened its noose on the area but lost two helicopter gunships to shoulder-launched missiles.

All of Ukraine was reeling today at news of 42 deaths the day before in the southern city of Odessa, where pro-Russian and pro-Kiev militants clashed savagely and repeatedly.

Most of the deaths — many believed to be pro-Russians — occurred in a trade union building set alight as each side lobbed Molotov cocktails at the other.

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Train derails on Konkan route

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Posted on May 4, 2014 by sagarmedia

Passenger train derails on Konkan route, 15 feared dead

At least fifteen passengers were “feared killed” and around 50 injured when a passenger train derailed on Konkan Railway route in Raigad district on Sunday.

The incident occurred just outside a tunnel near Nidi village, when the engine of Diwa-Sawantwadi passenger train and four bogies derailed at around 10 AM between Nagothane and Roha railway stations.

The exact number of casualties was not known as it was a remote area and rescue operations were still on, they said.

Rescue workers are trying to extricate bodies trapped under bogies that overturned after derailment.

Following the mishap, the services on Konkan Railway route were suspended.

The injured passengers are being rushed to Roha for medical treatment, police said.

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Categories : Business, Uncategorized

Morning Post

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Saturday 3 May 2014

डेथ एनीवर्सिरी के दिन प्रमोद महाजन पर वरिष्ठ पत्रकार मिलिंद खांड़ेकर का बड़ा सवाल

आज ही के दिन यानी 3 मई को 8 साल पहले प्रमोद महाजन ने इस दुनिया से विदा ली थी और दिलचस्प इत्तेफाक हुआ कि इस पूर्व सूचना एवं प्रसारण मंत्री…

TRP: चुनाव और IPL ने बिगाड़ा मनोरंजन चैनलों का खेल, सोनी को मामूली फायदा

2014 के 17वें हफ्ते में ‘स्टार प्लस’ 800 का आंकड़ा पार करने में विफल रहा। टैम सब्सक्राइबर्स द्वारा जारी आंकड़ों के मुताबिक चल रहे…

प्रसार भारती के कामकाज में सरकार की कोई दखलअंदाजी नहीं : मनीष तिवारी

दूरदर्शन द्वारा बीजेपी के पीएम उम्मीदवार नरेंद्र मोदी के इंटरव्यू के कुछ अंश हटाए जाने से विवादों में घिरे सूचना एवं प्रसारण मंत्री मनीष तिवारी ने इस मुद्दे पर सफाई दी है…

मीडिया की आजादी छीन लेने वाले दुश्मनों के खिलाफ हामिद मीर ने साधा निशाना

पाकिस्तान में जानलेवा हमले में बच निकलने वाले वरिष्ठ टेलिविजन पत्रकार व जियो टीवी के संपादक हामिद मीर ने…

सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स को अमृता राय और दिग्विजय सिंह से जुड़े सभी कंटेंट हटाने का निर्देश

टीवी एंकर अमृता राय के शिकायत पर दिल्ली पुलिस की क्राइम ब्रांच ने अपनी जांच शुरू कर दी है। दिल्ली पुलिस ने सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स को निर्देश दिया है…

राष्ट्रीय सहारा के समूह संपादक रणविजय सिंह समेत कई को मातृश्री पुरस्कार

पत्रकारिता के क्षेत्र में दिए जाने वाले मातृश्री पुरस्कारों की घोषणा कर दी गई है। चयन समिति द्वारा कराए गए सर्वेक्षण के बाद जो नाम उभरकर सामने आए हैं…

आज रात को हेडलाइंस टुडे-आजतक पर नरेंद्र मोदी का इंटरव्यू

इंडिया टीवी, एएनआई न्यूज एजेंसी, एबीपी न्यूज और डीडी न्यूज के बाद अब बीजेपी के प्रधानमंत्री पद के उम्मीदवार नरेंद्र मोदी आजतक को अपना इंटरव्यू देंगे…

दूरदर्शन की स्वतंत्रता पर नरेंद्र मोदी ने साधा निशाना

दूरदर्शन पर भाजपा के प्रधानमंत्री पद के उम्मीदवार नरेंद्र मोदी के इंटरव्यू को लेकर विवाद बढ़ता जा रहा है…

टीवी एंकर अमृता राय ने क्राइम ब्रांच में ई-मेल हैक करने का दर्ज कराया मामला

कांग्रेस महासचिव दिग्विजय सिंह से संबंधों को लेकर चर्चा में आईं टीवी एंकर अमृता राय ने दिल्ली पुलिस की क्राइम ब्रांच में उन लोगों के खिलाफ शिकायत दर्ज कराई है…

थाने से छूटने के बाद पूनम पांडेय का मीडिया पर निशाना, कार में गाने सुनना अश्लीलता नहीं

अपनी ट्वीट्स के जरिए अपने सैक्सी फोटो और विडियो ट्विटर पर पोस्ट करने वाली बोल्ड मॉडल एक्ट्रेस पूनम पांडेय फिर से चर्चा में हैं…

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AirAsia X announces Fantastic Deals!

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Offering 100,000 seats from as low as MYR 269* to amazing destinations across our network!

SEPANG, 4 May 2014- AirAsia X Berhad, the leading low-cost, long-haul carrier, is offering a fantastic deals with 100,000 promo seats for guests to plan ahead for their upcoming holiday.

Guests on AirAsia X flights may book online and enjoy our fantastic deals from as low as MYR 269* on Economy and MYR 669* on Premium from Kuala Lumpur to China (Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai), Korea (Busan, Seoul), Taiwan (Taipei), Australia (Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast), Nepal (Kathmandu), Sri Lanka (Colombo) and Japan (Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo). Bookings are available online from 5 May 2014 till 11 May 2014 for the travel period between 12 May 2014 and 31 August 2014.

Fly-Thru promotional deals are available from as low as MYR 379* from Penang to Nagoya. Other exciting fly-thru deals include services from AirAsia X destinations such as Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Nepal and Australia. The Fly-thru service allows passengers to seamlessly purchase two flight sectors and connect via Kuala Lumpur to our vast ASEAN destinations leveraging on AirAsia’s low cost carrier network.

Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said, “We are thrilled to announce that there are 100,000 seats available on these fantastic deals. Guests may take this as an opportunity to start planning their mid-year holiday getaway with a group of friends or family and take off to various exotic and exciting destinations across our long-haul network and that of the AirAsia group.”

On top of that, AirAsia X recently introduced the “Quiet Zone” cabin on all its long-haul flights across China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Australia and Nepal. The new service enhancement is exclusively for guests who are above age 12. The “Quiet Zone” cabin features a new ambiance with soft lighting, offering a more relaxing cabin atmosphere, which will ensure a more pleasant journey for our guests.

AirAsia X was awarded the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat and the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Class titles at the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards which took place at the Paris Airshow. The AirAsia Group also received its 5^th consecutive year title as the World’s Best and Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline at the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

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AAP condemns police inaction over RTI activist murder

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From: Media Cell AAP1 <mediacellaap1@gmail.com> Sat, 3 May ’14 7:22p

To: undisclosed-recipients:;

Show full Headers

Aam Aadmi Party strongly condemns the murder of Right to Information Activist Chandra Mohan Sharma in Greater Noida area of Gautam Budh Nagar, (Uttar Pradesh) on Thursday night.

The party is shocked at the police reluctance to investigate the case, particularly given the fact that the murdered activist had given a written complaint to the police on April 29 about the threats to his life which he was receiving from the land mafia.

The brutal murder by burning alive an activist fighting against those involved in land encroachments and grabbing is a reflection of the poor law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.

The AAP demands that the state government should seek an immediate report from the district administration about the entire facts of the case and the police should be pulled up for its laxity in first ignoring the complaint given to it by Mr Sharma about the threat to his life, and now its extreme reluctance in investigating the case.

The family of Mr Sharma has clearly named those behind his murder and the police version that the death took place due to his car catching fire lacks credibility.

The family has named five persons who are behind the murder and the police cannot brush aside the family’s version.

Though under public pressure, the police has finally registered a case of murder against the accused, but according to the family of the deceased, the police appears ready to give the benefit of doubt to the accused.

The AAP stands with the family of the deceased in his hour of grief and will fight for justice. The party will not allow the mafia to suppress the voice of activists fighting for the society’s cause to expose corruption.

Regards

AAP Media Cell

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1st BFI-IMG Reliance National School & College Basketball League for Boys & Girls 2014 – Day 5

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1st BFI-IMG Reliance National School & College Basketball League for Boys & Girls 2014 being held at the Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi.

RESULTS FROM DAY FIVE (Sunday, 04 May 2014)

3^RD & 4^TH PLACE MATCHES

School Girls

1) Modern School, New Delhi 65 (Madhu Kumari 34, Ananya S 17) bt Bishop Cotton High School, Bangalore (Shanice 15, Aksa 13, Lopamudra 12) [QT wise scores: 9-16; 22-11; 14-17; 21-17]

School Boys

1) Oxford School, New Delhi 85 (Saurav 24, Abhishek 23) bt The Bhavan’s Prominent, Indore 71 (Laxman 39, Mayank 15) [QT wise scores: 29-14; 14-18; 15-21; 27-18]

SEMIFINALS

College Women

1) SBM Jain College, Bangalore 93 (Simonelle 47, Sindhuri 12, Sandhya 9) bt Government College, Ludhiana 70 (Nirmal 35, Nagma 27) [QT wise scores: 13-10; 30-13; 25-23; 27-22]

College Men

1) Government College, Ludhiana 94 (Harmandeep 27, Palpreet Singh 21) bt SBM Jain College, Bengaluru 90 (Yashas 20, Vinoth 15, Vishu P 14) [QT wise scores: 22-19; 25-17; 24-29; 23-25]

Upcoming Schedule for finals (Sunday, 4-5-14)

COURT NO. 1

1.00 PM St Joseph HS, Chennai Vs Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana- School Girls

2.30 PM Fr. Agnels, Mumbai Vs Sr. Nav Bharti Bharti School, Ludhiana- School Boys

4.00 PM INDIAN TEAM PERFORMANCE/SCRIMMAGE

4.30 PM MOP Vaishnav College Chennai vs. SBM Jain College Bangalore- COLLEGE WOMEN

6.00 PM CULTURAL PROGRAMME

6.30 PM Government College, Ludhiana vs. Jeppiar Institute of Technology COLLEGE MEN

↧

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