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Today’s News

Nayan, Kush & Pradyumna Win Round 3 of JK Tyre-FMSCI National Rotax Max Karting Championship 2013
~Kush and Pradyumna Dominate Junior Max and Micro Max Respectively~
Coimbatore, August 18 2013: Nayan Chatterjee of Rayo Racing (Senior Max), Kush Maini of Dark Don Racing (Junior Max) and Pradyumna Vipul Danigund of MohiteⳊRacing (Micro Max) won the Round 3 of the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Rotax Max Karting Championship 2013 in at Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore on Sunday.
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The championshipⳠ36 racers in three categories – Micro Max (7 to 12 years), Junior Max (13 to 16 years) and Senior Max (15 and above) competed at Kari Motor Speedway – the fastest karting track in India and displayed their excellent driving skills.
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In the Senior Max category, Nayan won the toughest race of the Round after beating top racers such as defending champion Ameya Bafna of Rayo Racing and Vishnu Prasad of Meco Racing. Birthday boy Vishnu, started at 3rd position, took early lead by overtaking pole position holder Chittesh S Mandody (MohiteⳠRacing) and Ameya in first few seconds. In the next lap, Chittesh took an attempt to overtake Vishnu but he lost control of his kart, which cost him the podium finish. In the battle for 3rd position, Dhruv S Mohite (MohiteⳠRacing), who started at 4th, was overtaken by Nayan Chatterjee (Rayo Racing) after few initial laps.
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In the 6th lap, Ameya was trying to overtake Vishnu and Vishnu was fighting to save his leading position. But he failed to restrict Ameya, who became the new race leader. Moreover, in this short period of time, Dhruv emerged from behind and pushed Vishnu further down at 3rd position. In 22nd lap, Dhruv collided with race leader Ameya and both went out of the track. Seeing this opportunity, Nayan overtook Vishnu and claimed the first position. Dhruv recovered quickly and re-joined the race at 2nd position ahead of Vishnu, while Ameya managed to continue his race at 4th position.
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With this victory, Nayan toppled Vishnu in the championship table with 255 pts, just one point ahead of Vishnu (254 pts). Ameya Bafna is at third position with 244 pts. 㔯dayⳠrace was very tough and there were lots of ups and downs. It was very difficult to maintain the position as I was getting constant threat from other racers. I just maintained my racing line and patiently waiting others to make mistakes. I am very much happy with my first place podium finish,䠎ayan, who is the winner the Round 1, said after the race. ༯p>
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In the Junior Max, Kush Maini of Dark Don Racing dominated both Final and Pre-Final races and was way ahead of rest of the karters. In the Final race, Kush took the early lead and maintained the lead till the chequered flag. He was chased by Krishnaraaj D Mahadik of MohiteⳠRacing, who attacked Kush in last few laps but Kush handled the pressure well and didnⴊallow him to overtake.
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The real battle was for the third position, where Tejasram, Abhirath Shetty, Akash Gowda (all from Meco Racing), Arya Chirag Gandhi (Rayo Racing) and Ananth Shanmugam (Meco Racing) were fighting neck-to-neck. Tejasram was leading the pack for couple of laps but an unfortunate incident changed the positions of all the racers. AbhirathⳠkart broke down in the middle of the race, which gave opportunity to Arya Chirag and Ananth to topple two front racers – Tejasram and Akash and both claimed 3rd and 4th positions respectively.
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㉴ was a good weekend for me. I am thankful to my mechanics who made my kart quite fast. The weather is also very pleasant, which helped me to focus on my racing line. I enjoyed racing very much and very happy to finish as winner,䠋ush said after the race. Krishnaraaj is leading the championship table with 255 pts, followed by Tejasram (244) and Akash Gowda (240).
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Defending champion Pradyumna V Danigond of MohiteⳠRacing won Final and Pre-Final Race of the Round 3 in Micro Max category and maintained his lead in the championship table. He again outplayed other racers with his better racing skills. However, he received a tough competition from Yash Aradhya of Meco Racing, who constantly challenged him through-out the race. The real fight was for the second position where Yash was fighting with his teammate Paul Francis. Yash claimed the 2nd position in Pre-Final race but he was beaten by Paul Francis in the Final and he finished at 3rd podium in the Round 3.
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㔨e race was good. Other racers like Yash Aradhya and Paul Francis were also raced very well. I got good competition from Yash and he overtook me many times. But I⭠happy to finish at first place,䊐radyumna said after the race. He has maintained his lead in the championship table with 266 pts, ahead of Yash (254) and Shishnu (240).
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JK Tyre is credited with introducing the concept of karting in India and has patronized karting circuits across the country. JK Tyre together with MECO Motorsports introduced professional karting in 2004 with the introduction of the Rotax 2-stroke kart engines. It was then that the current championship came into being and is today the most revered karting contest in India. World class racing drivers such as Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, Armaan Ebrahim and Aditya Patel have graduated from this karting championship.
RESUILTS FINAL RACE (22 laps)
Senior Max
  1. Nayan Chatterjee (Rayo Racing)
  2. Dhruv S Mohite (MohiteⳠRacing)
  3. Vishnu Prasad (Meco Racing)
Junior Max
  1. Kush Maini (Dark Don Racing)
  2. Krishnaraaj D Mahadik (MohiteⳠRacing)
  3. Arya Chirag Gandhi (MohiteⳠRacing)
Micro Max
  1. Pradyumna V Danigond (MohiteⳠRacing)
  2. Paul Francis (Meco Racing)
  3. Yash Aradhya (Meco Racing)
RESUILTS PRE-FINAL (22 laps)
Senior Max
  1. Chittesh S Mandody (MohiteⳠRacing)
  2. Ameya Bafna (Rayo Racing)
  3. Vishnu Prasad (Meco Racing)
Junior Max
  1. Kush Maini (Dark Don Racing)
  2. Krishnaraaj D Mahadik (MohiteⳠRacing)
  3. CS Tejasram (Meco Racing)
Micro Max
  1. Pradyumna V Danigond (MohiteⳠRacing)
  2. Yash Aradhya (Meco Racing)
  3. Paul Francis (Meco Racing)
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20082013
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Mahendra Singh Dhoni promotes a new venture- FITSOUL
 India’s latest multi branded sports and fitness retail chain
New Delhi, August 19th, 2013: The Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, was in the capital to promote- FITSOUL a newly launched Sports and Fitness retail chain.
Fitsoul is a one stop retail solution for the best sports and fitness equipments, accessories, apparels and footwear from the leading brands across the world.
An initiative born out of passion for sports and fitness, Mr. Sajid Shamim and Mr. Parvinder Singh bring together the right mix of skills and experience to successfully make sports, leisure and fitness equipment available to everyone in India.
Speaking about the launch, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Brand Champion of FITSOUL said, “Any sport is a land of opportunity but people lose an edge due to lack of quality sports gear. This kind of initiative is much needed in the country. We want to share our passion for sports with the world starting from India through FITSOUL. We strive to provide the best of products in the most efficient and affordable manner.”
Also present at the launch Mr. Sajid Shamim, Co-Founder and Director, FITSOUL said, “The vision for the brand is to provide consumers with a one stop solution for buying equipments backed by expert advice. We are differentiated on the basis of both online and offline presence, industry partnership with like- minded brands, low cost franchisee model and soon to be launched e-enabled retail and champion’sequipment program.”
Adding more details on the launch, Mr. Parvinder Singh, Co Founder and CEO, FITSOUL said, “We are actively working on making Fitsoul the most desired sports and fitness retail destination both online and offline. We have already launched the online portal (www.fitsoul.com) and are getting an overwhelming response from the customers. We have opened 6 retail stores and are looking at opening 350 stores across India in the next five years. Through this rapid expansion we intend to harness the exponential growth in the sports and fitness industry in India.”
Commenting on the launch Mr. Arun Pandey, Chairman and Managing Director of Rhiti Sports said “We are proud of this association since it fits into MS Dhoni’s core philosophy of sports and fitness. Over the years we expect Fitsoul to be a game changer in the sports and fitness industry. We believe it will bridge the gap between the Indian sports enthusiast and the best equipments and gear in the world.”
A multi brand sports retailer having both online and offline presence, FITSOUL aims to provide an easy access to sports equipments, quality gear and merchandise.  It caters to practitioners of all ages and skill levels. The brand offers merchandise from leading brands like Nike, Adidas, HEAD, Wilson, Puma, Yonex, Babolat, Nivia, SG, SS, BAS, GM and many more.
About FITSOUL
FITSOUL is India’s latest multi branded sports and fitness chain with both offline (FITSOUL Retail stores) and online (www.fitsoul.com) presence. FITSOUL is dedicated to offer the best sports and fitness gear at affordable prices. Started by experts from the sports industry with an authenticity through the sports and fitness icon of the country, MS Dhoni, FITSOUL strives to help by offering the right gear to sports and fitness lovers and improve their performance.
For further media queries please contact:
Akshat Shrivastava – 8744004817 || akshat@mediamoments.in
Kanika Sikka– 9899485587 || kanika@mediamoments.in
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20082013
Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg
St. Margret School, Heritage Public School & Pragati Public School Advance to Next Round
New Delhi, 19th August: The 2nd edition of the Airtel Rising Stars-Delhi Leg, where Delhi’s talented under-16 football players from leading schools are participating, kicked-off at Ganga International School Ground, Hiran Kudna in Delhi today.
In the inaugural match, St. Margret School beat Venkateshwara School, Rohini 3-0. Rohan’s first goal in 17th minute gave the lead to St. Margret. In 29th minute, Himanshu extended the lead and Raju’s goal in 30th min sealed the victory.
In another league match at the same ground, Pragati Public School, Dwarka defeated Bal Bharti Public School 3-1. Pragati Public School’s Ketan opened the account with his goal in 10th min. However, Rajesh from Bal Bharti equalised the score in 12th min. Since then, Pragati played an aggressive football and scored two more goals to win the match. Suraj took the lead in 15th min and Nikhil extended the lead in 29th min.
Ganga International School was awarded a walk-over as Richmond Public School didn’t arrive for the tie. Heritage Public School thrashed Vidya Jain School 3-0 with the help of goals scored by Aditya Bhalla (11th), Anmol (20th) and Sahil (39th).
Shreya Sharma’s lone goal helped N.K. Bargodia School beat DAV Public School 1-0. Initially, both the teams struggled to score goals. It was Shreya, who got the success in 20th min and assured a result. DAV tried to equalise the score but all their attempts went in vein.
Results:
Ganga International School (walk-over) v/s Richmond Public School;
St. Margret School 3 (Raman 17th, Himanshu 29th, Raju 30th) bt Venkateshwara School, Rohini 0;
N.K Bargodia Public School 1 (Shreya Sharma 20th) bt DAV Public School, Pushpanjali 0;
Heritage Public School 3 (Aditya Bhalla 11th, Anmol 20th, Sahil 39th) bt Vidya Jain School 0;
Pragati Public School, Dwarka 3 (Ketan 10th, Suraj 15th, Nikhil 29th) bt Bal Bharti Public School 1 (Rajesh 12th);
C.R.P.F, Dwarka 2 (Rajinder Joshi 17th, Deepak 49th) bt Titiksha School 0;
St. Marks School 2 (Shiva 17th, Lalit 33rd) bt Mira Model School 0.
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20082013
Speedo Logo
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Suhasini
+91 99721 38530
suhasini@playright.in
Paralympian Sharath Gayakwad finishes strongly in Montreal
Speedo athlete Sharath Gayakwad finishes 14th in the 50m Freestyle Finals at the World Championships
August 19th 2013, Bangalore:Speedo athlete and ace Paralympic swimmer Sharath Gayakwad finished 14th in the 50m Freestyle Finals, S8 category, at the IPC World Swimming Championships in Montreal, Canada on Sunday. Sharath, who was seen sporting the Speedo Fastskin 3 Racing System, clocked a time of 30.02 seconds at the event held on last day of the week-long Championships.
At the event, Russian Denis Tarasov created a World Record by clocking a time of 25.81 seconds, lapping up the Gold medal. Fellow Russian swimmer, Konstantin Lisenkov, with a timing of 26.71 seconds won a Silver medal and French swimmer Charles Rozoy settled for a Bronze with a timing of 27.72 seconds.
Speedo’s star athlete Sharath Gayakwad, who was also India’s sole representative at the Swimming World Championships organised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), had participated in 200m Individual Medley, 100m Breastsroke, 100m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle competitions. He began his campaign at Montreal with the 200m Individual Medley clocking a time of 2:03.79 minutes, which earned him the 10th position. At his second event, the 100m Breastsroke, Sharath finished 7th with a timing of 1:18.81 minutes. Having missed the 100m Butterfly, he returned on the last day of the Championships, finishing 14th at the 50m Freestyle.
Sharath is all set to return to Bangalore on 20th August, 2013.
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“Regional Cooperation and Integration in Asia:

20082013
Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is organizing a seminar on “Regional Cooperation and Integration in Asia: New Pathways for South Asia” by Mr. Rajat Nag, Managing Director General, Asian Development Bank, Manila, on 29 August 2013, Thursday, at 3:00 pm in the Conference Room,CPR. Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Senior Fellow at the Centre has kindly agreed to Chair the seminar and also present his views on the topic. Please find below an abstract and brief profile of the speaker for your information
Given the topical nature of the subject and its increasing importance, as well as your interest, I would like to invite your to seminar and share your views.
We would very much appreciate a line confirmation.
With best regards,
Sincerely yours,
Pratap Bhanu Mehta

Programme
 
3:00-3:10 PM:
Registration
3:10-3:15 PM:
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Senior Fellow, CPR
3:15-3:30 PM:
Opening Remarks by the Chair
Dr Rajiv Kumar,
3:30-4:10 PM:
 ”Regional Cooperation and Integration in Asia: New Pathways for South Asia”
Mr. Rajat Nag, ADB
4:10-4:40 PM
4:40-5:00 PM
:
:
Discussion and Questions & Answers
Tea/Coffee
 
Abstract:
It is predicted that Asia has the potential to dominate the global economy, with the region’s economic output soaring from $17 trillion, currently just 28% of global GDP, to $174 trillion by 2050, making up over half of global GDP.  India and ASEAN are predicted to account for 32% of Asia’s total output.  Regional cooperation and integration (RCI) plays a critical role in achieving this growth.  The promise of the “Asian Century” is contingent on the countries and subregions of Asia working together to cement the region’s gains in the face of vulnerabilities to global shocks. There is a need to effectively harness the gains from the so-called “garlanding” of various RCI initiatives, wherein the benefits of increased connectivity, trade supply chain links, and overall economic integration are further expanded. Building and opening local markets will provide the means for countries in South Asia to move up the value chain. Synergies will also be generated by joint efforts in developing new technology, harnessing clean and secure energy, and preparing for disasters, which will contribute to long term political and economic stability. The peace dividend generated further strengthens the economic benefits from RCI.  In this context, the speaker will discuss challenges, potential, policy options, and the role of multilateral players as honest brokers.
About the Speaker:
   Mr. Rajat M. Nag is the Managing Director General of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). He has been with the institution for more than two decades and assumed his current position in December 2006. With broad experience across Asia, Mr. Nag plays a critical role in providing strategic and operational direction to ADB, so that it achieves its mission of helping its developing member countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. Mr. Nag’s work has given him wide-ranging insight into several issues and challenges relevant to Asia, including risk management, infrastructure financing, public-private partnerships and regional economic integration. His particular interest is in working to enhance regio nal cooperation and integration in Asia and bridge the gap between the region’s thriving economies and the millions of poor people being left behind.
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19082013
TOP TEN AGAIN FOR MAHINDRA
Mumbai August 19, 2013: Mahindra scored mixed results as the Moto3™ championship got back into action at the mighty Indianapolis Motor Speedway today.
Portuguese teenager Miguel Oliveira rode to a fighting eighth place, matching his qualifying position as he fended off a fierce two-bike attack in the closing corners.
Team-mate Efrén Vázquez (from Spain) had qualified fourth and was running strongly in the group disputing that position until a minor oil-control issue struck his Mahindra MGP3O machine, and he was wisely retired to the pits.
Mahindra Racing CEO Mufaddal Choonia was pleased with Oliveira’s effort, but naturally disappointed with the new-this-year Mahindra machine’s first race retirement in its strong debut season. The only Indian factory machine in the championship has claimed pole and front-row starts, and challenged strongly for the top-three podium in the first eight races of the 17-round season.
“The good news is that it was not a mechanical failure: the engine is quite undamaged,” he said.
The problem was caused by rising oil pressure that caused an overflow: the bike trailed smoke because of oil on the hot exhaust pipe. “It was a very minor issue, but unfortunately in a race a minor issue can cause a major problem,” he continued. “Efrén decided to stop for safety reasons, which was a good decision.
“Now we go to the Czech Republic in one week, confident of continuing the strong performance that has us third and close to second in the Constructors Championship,” he said.
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – Eighth Position
“I am not really happy. Eighth is certainly not our place. But today was very hard – I was struggling a lot for grip from the tyres. As we know, we lose a little acceleration to the KTMs at the moment, and there are two very small first-gear corners on this track, and a long straight. I aimed for a safe race, try not to crash, and get some points. I just tried to defend myself and my position, and that was successful.”
EFRÉN VÁZQUEZ – Retired
“I’m a little bit disappointed because we lost a good opportunity for a top-five result and some good points. If I’d been able to continue in my position to the last laps I would be seventh. I was fighting with the KTMs but then something happened and I thought it was safer to stop.”

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Medtronic and Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital launch ‘Shruti’ program in India

21082013
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Medtronic and Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital launch ‘Shruti’ program in India
‘Shruti’ Program Provides Innovative Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Model for Underserved Populations

New Delhi, 19 August, 2013:  Medtronic in collaboration with Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital launched ‘Shruti’, the first of its kind program to detect and treat ear infections in India. The initiative aims to address the key barriers of affordability, lack of proper diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent partial or complete deafness.
“There is a huge unmet need especially among children in Southeast Asia and Africa, where a lack of awareness about the seriousness of otitis media and access to care results in delayed diagnosis and treatment,” explained Mark Fletcher, Medtronic Senior Vice President and President of Medtronic Surgical Technologies. “Working with local partners like Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital in Delhi, Medtronic has the goal of creating a sustainable program that can be implemented in other areas of India and other developing countries in order to help alleviate the human cost of letting this condition go untreated.”
The Shruti program engages community health workers from Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital (SCEH) to travel door-to-door and through street plays to inform the community about the free screenings.  Residents are screened at convenient community locations by trained health workers using the Shruti screening and diagnosis kit developed by Medtronic and their partners.  A telemedicine application transmits images of the patient’s middle ear via smart phone to the Shruti Program staff and an ENT surgeon. Any complex infections and hearing losses diagnosed are referred to an ENT surgeon for treatment and potential surgery.

Milind Shah, Vice-President, South Asia and Managing Director India Medtronic said “The devices for diagnosing this problem are a prototype and have been tailor made to assist in easy and quick diagnosis and determined follow-up thereafter. This type of cooperative approach leveraging innovative healthcare technologies enables us to tackle global chronic diseases in underserved populations.”

Mr. Arun Arora, CEO of Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital said “I would be most concerned about ear infection in babies and children. They can get it frequently and if not treated this can do immense harm, even permanent loss of hearing. We at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital are pleased to be a part of ‘Shruti’ as it seeks to reach out to people and help in the efficient diagnosis and treatment of patients.”

Dr. Nishi Gupta, Head ENT Department, Shroff Charity Eye Hospital who tested and counseled the patients said, “Under this program, in the last two month we have screened over 400 patients at the camps and outreach programs organized so far, in underserved population of Delhi. Ear infections should never be neglected. They can be detected quickly and easily, treated effectively and can be prevented from developing into hearing loss thus avoid disability. In certain cases these could lead to life threatening complications.”
Medtronic Shruti Program partners include:
  • Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, which provides the community health workers, the Shruti project coordinator, and ENT surgeons
·         Icarus, a Bangalore based Design and Innovation firm that developed and assembled the Shruti Program kits which includes Entraview, the mobile Otoendoscope.
  • ClickMedix, the mobile telemedicine company that developed the Shruti patient diagnosis and management software application for the mobile phone.

About Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital
Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye hospital is a non-commercial, non-profit trust setup to enable people from all walks of life and all sections of society to receive quality eye care. Since its inception in
1914, SCEH has a strong tradition of eye care, and since 48 years has a well running ear, nose and throat care department.  While remaining committed to eradicating avoidable blindness and deafness, in the last few years the organization has been following a parallel charter to evolve into Tertiary Eye and ENT care Institute.
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. India Medtronic Pvt. Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic, Inc. that markets, services and distributes Medtronic products in India. India Medtronic is headquartered in Mumbai, and has regional offices in Delhi, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai and Pune.
The Surgical Technologies business develops products and procedural solutions for surgical applications that include: neuro spine, cranial and orthopedics; ear, nose and throat; and surgical oncology.
Media Contacts:
India Medtronic Private Limited – Anuradha D. Bohidar
+91 9811998962
Edelman India – Ambereen Shah/ Shilpy Roy / Suvina Rai


A media session on Violence against Children- UNICEF India

21082013
Violence against children cuts across boundaries of geography, race, class, religion and culture. It occurs in homes, schools and streets; in places of work and entertainment, and in care and detention centres. Perpetrators include parents, family members, teachers, caretakers, law enforcement authorities and other children. Some children are particularly vulnerable because of gender, race, ethnic origin, disability or social status. And no country is immune, whether rich or poor. The consequences of violence can be devastating. Above all, it can result in early death. But even children who survive must cope with terrible physical and emotional scars. Violence places at risk not only their health, but also their ability to learn and grow into adults who can create sound families and communities. Violence against children is never justifiable. Nor is it inevitable. If its underlying causes are identified and addressed, violence against children is entirely preventable.

UNICEF in partnership with Press Club of India is organising a panel discussion on the multiple facets of violence against children.  The audience at the session will also witness the screening of a short film on the subject featuring Amitabh Bachhan, UNICEF Goodwill ambassador and Hindi cinema superstar. The film will be screened across Press Club of India network offices in the country. Examples of successful initiatives undertaken by UNICEF with police forces, NGOS and community members in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka will also be screened.

Dora Giusti, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF India and Caroline Den Dulk, Chief Advocacy and Communication will be present for the media interaction.

When:           Thursday, August 22, 2013  
Where:         Press Club of India, 1, Raisina Road, New Delhi-110001. 
Time:             4:00 PM till 6:00 PM and followed by High Tea.

Look forward to your presence. (invite attached)
Best,
Kusha Pant
Senior Consultant
Tarmac Affairs
V small size logo
Office: +91-11-4657 2870,
Fax: +91-11-4657 2848,
Cell: +91-8587941150
E-mail: kusha@tarmacaffairs.com


 

The 4G rail revolution

21082013
                        
   
                    
    
Dear N.K,
Here’s your copy of Total Rail newsletter, our bulletin on news, views and the latest thinking on the rail world. We hope you find it useful and thought provoking.
Enjoy!
Lorna
    
         
                        
                 
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Rail fares to rise by 4.1% in England
Commuters and travellers in England face a rise of 4.1% in rail fares as of next year. Ministers said the rises will pay for investment in the rail network. Tickets include season tickets, anytime single tickets around major cities and off-peak… read more ›
        
     
 
           
     
 
                   
   
Positive News! A new arrival at Penn Station…
A new arrival was born at Penn Station this week after an expectant mother going into labour. While waiting for a Long Island Rail Road train, Ana Aguirre went into labour while quick thinking MTA officers carried her to their office and… read more ›
   
                   
   
Transport for London shortlist ticketing contract bidders
Transport for London has shortlisted three bidders for a ticketing contract in the capital city. The contract, Electra by TfL, is to provide and maintain revenue collection systems including ticket gates, Oyster card readers and back-office activities. The three shortlisted are:… read more ›
   
           
                        
  
Elon Musk Unveils Designs for Hyperloop
Elon Musk, the man behind the Hyperloop speaks to Bloomberg about the details of the design. Unfortunately it’s a conference call and not a full on display of the design but it’s still a taster of what be coming… Let me know what you think! …read more ›
         
 
The 4G rail revolution
Frances Cook from railway-technology.com recently wrote on the 4G rail revolution and how mobile internet improves travel for customers and operations for serving companies. With the rail industry and the number of passengers continually growing, it’s clear we need interoperable systems. Is the answer to… read more ›
     
                        
             
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21082013
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Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg

Abhishek, Mahesh’s Braces Lift CRPF Public School to Next Round; Indraprasth Public School, Preet Vihar and Dwarka Advance

New Delhi, 20th August: Abhishek and Mahesh’s braces helped CRPF Public School, Rohini thrash Saha International School, Preet Vihar 4-0 in a knock-out match of the 2nd edition of the Airtel Rising Stars-Delhi Leg, at Ganga International School Ground, Hiran Kudna in Delhi today.

Abhishek opened the account in 7th minute of the match, which was enough to jolt the oppositions in the beginning. In 19th minute, Mahesh’s goal gave 2-0 lead to CRPF Public School. Saha International School tried hard to restrict these two players but both the players dribbled past the defenders and scored two more goals to seal the victory. Mahesh hit his second goal in 23rd minute, followed by Abhishek’s second goal in 27thminute.

In another knock-out match at the same ground, Indraprasth Public School, Preet Vihar outplayed Bosco Public School, Sunder Vihar 1(5) – 1(4) in a penalty shoot-out. Sahil scored the first goal in 11th min and gave an early lead to Bosco Public School (BPS). However, Indraprasth Public School’s (IPS) Akash equalised the score in 27th min. Since then, both the teams tried hard to score the winning goal but all their attempts went in vain.

In the penalty shoot-out, Vivek, Richi, Nikhil and Yash managed to beat opponents’ goal-keeper and scored goals for BPS. In reply, Ayush, Mohit, Viraj, Kultar and Pulkit materialised all five attempts and won the match for IPS, Preet Vihar.

In another knock-out match, Indraprasth Public School (IPS), Dwarka defeated Doon Public School, Pashchim Vihar 3-2, played at Ganga International School.  IPS, Dwarka’s Dhruv opened the account in 13th min, but in 22nd min, Doon’s Ram Kumar equalised the score 1-1.

IPS again took lead in 24th min when Vishes scored a beautiful goal. However, Doon managed to equalise the score in the 39th min with the help of Bibhash’s shot. Deepraj scored the winning goal in 43rd min and brought an inspiring victory for IPS, Dwarka.

Results:

CRPF Public School, Rohini bt Saha International School, Preet Vihar (Abhishek 7th, 27th, Mahesh 19th, 23rd4-0;

Indraprasth Public School, Preet Vihar (Akash 27th; Ayush, Mohit, Viraj, Kultar, Pulkit) bt Bosco Public School, Sunder Vihar (Sahil 11th; Vivek, Richi, Nikhil, Yash) 1-1 (5-4);

Indraprasth Public School, Dwarka (Dhruv 13th, Vishesh 24th, Deepraj 43rd) bt Doon Public School, Pashchim Vihar (Ram Kumar 22nd, Bibhash 39th3-2;

GD Goenka Public School, Rohini (Vikram 9th, 27th) bt VSPK International School, Rohini 2-0;

Bal Bharti Public School, Rohini (Rahul 13th) bt Delhi Pubic School, Rohini 1-0;

Sachdeva Public School, Rohini (Rohit Pal 13th, Suresh 28th) bt Maxfort School 2-0

St. Gegoreous School, Dwarka (John C Raju 34th) bt Ramjas School 1-0;

Government School, Rohini (walkover to next round) v/s ITL, Dwarka.


For more information, please contact:

Concept PR

Animesh Biswas - animesh@conceptpr.com – +91 9891789639
Abhay Pratap Singh - abhay@conceptpr.com - +91 9818413169


 

Handset revenue grows 14.7 pc to touch Rs 35,946 Cr in FY13

21082013

Micromax, Karbonn, Apple occupy next 3 slots
New Delhi, August 20, 2013: The Indian mobile handset market posted revenues of Rs 35,946 crore in FY 13 compared to Rs 31,330 crore in FY12 showing a growth of 14.7%. This was mainly due to the increasing uptake in Smartphones by the Indian consumers. 
The 18th annual survey ‘V&D 100′ covered over 30 mobile handset companies doing business in India across categories like feature phones, multimedia phones, enterprise phones and Smartphones. Both multi-national and Indian mobile phone firms were surveyed for this report. 
The biggest surprise of the year was Korean electronics maker Samsung dethroned Nokia from the top position. The Finnish handset maker had been holding the fort for over a decade. 
Samsung’s rise in the Indian market is attributed to its rich product portfolio that was able to cater to customers of all budget categories. Samsung handset prices range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 50,000. Samsung mobile handsets come in varied screen sizes. These two factors helped the company grabbing customer’s attention, besides the product quality and new features. 
Samsung ended the year with revenues of Rs 11,328 crore compared to Rs 7,891 crore in FY12 showing a growth of 43.6%. The company also became the market leader with 31.5% market share. 
The former king of Indian mobile phone market Nokia dropped a rank to be placed at No. 2 in the Voice&Data survey with 27.2% market share with a significant 18% drop in revenue. 
In the 12 months ended March 2013, Nokia revenues from Indian operations were placed at Rs 9,780 crore compared to Rs 11,925 crore in FY12. The revenue loss at Nokia has been staring at Nokia worldwide in view of a few strategic missteps. Nokia’s drop in market share started when the company failed to sense the need of a dual-SIM phone for the Indian consumer, and the same was tapped by the Indian players years ahead of global players like Nokia. 
On a global ground, not embracing the most popular and most accepted operating system – android – for its Smartphones, gives its potential customers very little choice. 
Nokia’s Lumia series phones that witnessed huge growth globally in the initial phases could not draw much attention in India. 
“The rise of smaller local players like Micromax, Karbon, Lava, and Zen is a clear indication that consumers want cheaper feature rich phones. The next phase of mobile penetration in the bottom of the pyramid India will be driven by these companies”, says Ibrahim Ahmad, Group Editor of Voice&Data. 
Homegrown handset company Micromax captured #3 position among V&D100 Top10 mobile handset brands for the year 2013. Though it performed pretty badly in FY12 and the first quarter of FY13, through some smart thinking and innovative products, the Gurgaon headquartered phone maker grew by 58.6%. By the end of the last fiscal, the company posted revenues of Rs 3,138 crore compared to Rs 1,978 crore in FY12. With this Micromax enjoys a market share of 8.7%. 
Closing in next is Karbonn Mobiles, the company among the Indian handset players that grew most consistently. In FY13, Karbonn grew by 73.1% to register revenues of Rs 2,297 crore compared to Rs 1,327 crore in FY12. IN FY 2013 Karbonn grew by 32%. 
With this the Bangalore based UTL Group and Delhi based Jaina Group Joint-Venture Company, Karbonn captured a market share of 6.4% and is placed at #4 position in the table. Last year they were placed at #5. 
The most exciting entry into the Voice&Data Top10 table in the handset space is the iconic Apple that grew a mammoth 417.2% to post revenues of Rs 1,293 crore in FY13 compared to Rs 250 crore a year back. Though India was never a focus market for the Cupertino based smart device maker till Steve Jobs’ era, in the last two years Apple has started making inroads, though slowly. 
In the last fiscal, the company made some disruptive changes in its sales strategy which paid off. Appointing Ingram Micro and Redington as the national distributors for their entire sales, and offering EMI schemes to the consumers to buy the most coveted Apple product changed the game for them. The company now enjoys 3.6% market share in India with the smallest number of handset models in its portfolio. 


 


National Rural Drinking Water Programme

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22082013
The deficiencies which have been noticed in the implementation of the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) in some States include the non-achievement of annual targets of coverage of rural habitations, especially quality affected habitations, and the inadequate utilisation of central funds in time resulting in high unspent balances. The reasons for some States not fully achieving the annual targets of coverage of habitations, include high capital costs of large multi-village schemes to bring water from distant safe sources, time taken for planning, designing, sanctioning, procuring, execution and commissioning of such schemes, lowering of ground water table, drinking water sources becoming contaminated due to natural and man-made causes, slipping back of habitations to partially covered or quality affected status due to drying up of drinking water sources, water supply systems outliving their life; systems working below rated capacities; poor operation and management of systems; increase in population and emergence of new habitations and procurement issues.
The reasons for some States being unable to spend the available funds under NRDWP fully and in time, include delays in procurement processes, taking up multi-village schemes that require 2-3 years for completion thus delaying expenditure, delays in preparatory activities, long time taken for completion of legal formalities including obtaining various clearances, delayed release of funds to implementing authorities etc.
Under the NRDWP, various mechanisms have been put in place to monitor the activities at different levels. The State Governments are required to prepare and discuss with the Ministry, an Annual Action Plan to implement various components and activities of the NRDWP. Every year, the States have to mark the habitations targeted for coverage and provide details of works, schemes and activities being taken up, on the on-line Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the Ministry. The physical and the financial progress being made by States have to be reported on a monthly basis on the IMIS. The Ministry monitors the information provided regularly, and States which are lagging behind in the implementation of the programme, both in terms of physical achievements and financial expenditure, are advised to take appropriate corrective measures. Senior Officers, Area Officers and Technical Officers of the Ministry tour the States to assess the progress in the implementation of the Programme. The Ministry also conducts meetings of the Secretaries in charge of rural water supply, regional review meetings, video-conferences, etc. through which implementation of NRDWP is monitored.
Shri Bharatsinh Solanki, Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation gave this information in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. He said that assessment of achievements is done through periodic evaluations of the programme by his Ministry and the Planning Commission.

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Iraq PM in India on 4 day visit

23082013
Visiting Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Prime minister Manmohan Singh extended warm greetings to his Iraqi counterpart who had arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a four-day visit to India.

Mr. Nouri Al Maliki also paid floral tributes at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat this morning. Later in the day Mr. Maliki will hold talks with President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Mrs. Sushma Swaraj.

Our correspondent reports, India and Iraq are to ink several agreements including in areas of energy cooperation and water resources after delegation-level talks between Prime Ministers of both countries at Hyderabad house this evening.

This is the first high-level bilateral visit between the two countries in 38 years.Mr. Maliki is accompanied by a high-level delegation including ministers of oil, health and agriculture and the head of Iraq’s national investment commission.He will also interact with the captains of indian industry and visit Agra and Mumbai.

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Dear Naresh, It’s back-to-school time for children

23082013
 
 Dear Naresh,
 
It’s back-to-school time for children, adolescents, and young adults in many countries across the world. Once these students have returned to their classrooms, however, it’s unlikely that they’ll be learning about food and nutrition.
According to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, in the United States alone, elementary school students only receive an average of 3.4 hours of food education per year.
But it’s more important than ever to educate and engage kids in the food system, especially as farming populations age. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that the average age of an American farmer is 57 years old, and 60 percent of farmers in the country are over the age of 55. 
All over the world, the farming population is diminishing, and this is a crucial moment for youth to realize the importance of farming and become involved in all aspects of the food system–from producing and processing food to becoming agronomists, scientists, chefs, and policy-makers. Jon Previant, Executive Director of The FARM Institute, said it best in an interview with Food Tank: “Kids spread the fever.”
1. Edible Schoolyard Project
Kids are excited to get involved in building gardens, like the one that began the Edible Schoolyard Project in Berkeley, California. Co-founded 17 years ago by Alice Waters, famous chef and Vice-President of Slow Food International, the project brings together students, teachers, parents, and community members to to grow more than 100 varieties of crops. The schoolyard now boasts a chicken coop and two rainwater cisterns. 
2. Farm Africa
Farm Africa has begun a farm training program for rural Kenyan youth, growing vegetables, mushrooms, and passionfruit. Farm Africa also teaches students how to get the best price at market and encourages them to get involved in local governance.
3. The FARM Institute
The institute provides education about sustainable farming to children and adults. Located in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, the FARM Institute encourages experiential learning–kids learn by actively growing, preparing, and eating food on the farm.
4. The Farming Kindergarten
Scheduled to open in September 2013, the Farming Kindergarten in Dong Nai, Vietnam, is designed as a prototype of tropical sustainable education spaces. It will provide food and agriculture experience and a safe outdoor playground to Vietnamese children in a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City.
5. Green Youth Farm
Every year, the Chicago-based Green Youth Farm hires 60 high school students from ages 15 to 18 to work from mid-May to mid-October on an organic farm, managing bees, selling produce at markets, and cooking with the produce they’ve grown. 
6. Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution
Jamie Oliver’s organization has been drawing national attention to the problem of unhealthy school meals and the lack of food-related education children receive in school. Along with improving school meals, Oliver’s program has launched a network of community kitchens that provide cooking classes, in-school cooking lessons for kids, and support to parents lobbying schools for better food.  
7. Junior Farmer Field and Life Schools (JFFLS)
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has programs in Kenya, Uganda, Antigua, and Barbuda in Junior Farmer Field and Life Schools as part of their “Strategic Plan for Youth Development/Involvement in Agriculture.” FAO and ILO aim to foster market demand for sustainable food while providing youth with tools to begin growing their own sustainable food.
8. Mexico Child Link
Mexico Child Link provides a home for a small group of abandoned children and children with learning disabilities on a working farm. The children learn skills such as intercropping, animal husbandry, and cheese-making. 
9. The Natwani Coalition
In Arizona, the Natwani Coalition is working to get Native American children involved with traditional Hopi dry-farming practices, including a video-based curriculum and several school gardens. Students from the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health are also starting community gardens and school gardens on a Navajo reservation.
10. SeedMap.org
A website dedicated to seeds, biodiversity, and food, Seedmap.org features an interactive map that shows seed diversity, threats to the planet’s biodiversity, and solutions. After it launches in October, kids and adults can look at the site to learn about the state of agro-biodiversity all over the world. Seedmap.org is a product of USC Canada and the ETC Group.
11. The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE)
The SSARE grants program funds high school and college students’ projects related to sustainable agriculture research. This year’s projects included “Weed Management and Nematode Communities in Organic Coffee Farms of Puerto Rico” and “Internship on Mapping Sustainable Farm Systems: An experiential introduction to sustainable agriculture.”
12. Sprouting Healthy Kids
The Sustainable Food Center brings gardens and fresh produce to schools. The farm-to-school program began in the Austin, Texas area in 2007 and has since expanded to 22 schools throughout central Texas. Sprouting Healthy Kids serves fresh fruits and vegetables in school, teaches classroom lessons about food systems, and provides after-school gardening and cooking programs.  
13. The Sylvia Center
The Sylvia Center, based in New York, teaches children about sustainable food production. Cooking classes are hosted in New York City, and at Katchkie Farm in Columbia County, a 60-acre organic farm, students learn how to grow, harvest, and cook fresh produce.
  
14. WFP USA’s Back to School Campaign
The World Food Programme (WFP) USA is working with eBay’s Giving Works project to raise money to provide healthy school meals to kids in need. When buyers make purchases through August 25th, they can also make a donation to WFP USA. EBay sellers selling school clothes, backpacks and other school supplies can donate part of their proceeds to WFP USA.
 
Please feel free to share this list by clicking HERE. What other innovations in education around food issues are important to highlight? Send me an email and let me know!
 
 
 
All The Best,

Danielle Nierenberg
Co-Founder, Food Tank
foodtank.org
Email: danielle@foodtank.org
Phone: 202-590-1037
Let’s Connect!: FacebookTwitterLinkedIn
PinterestYouTubeInstagramGoogle+ & Flickr!
 
   
 Back to School: 14 Initiatives Educating Youth About Agriculture
Like http://foodtank.org/news/2013/08/back-to-school-14-initiatives-educating-youth-about-agriculture on Facebook
 
  
 It’s back-to-school time for children, adolescents, and young adults in many countries all over the world. These 14 initiatives all over the world that are educating youth about agriculture, and creating a genuine interest in safe, sustainable, and healthy food. Read more… 
 
 
   
 The False Banana, Key to Food Security
Like http://foodtank.org/news/2013/08/the-false-banana-key-to-food-security on Facebook
 
  
 The American Association for the Advancement of Science lists five criteria for food security: adequate volume of food; adequate nutritional intake; annual stability of food supply; accessibility of food; and long-term sustainability of food production. Enset – a pulse crop grown in Ethiopia – achieves, or helps to achieve, all of these criteria. Read more…  
 
 
   
  
  
 This guest post from the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) announces the launch of Australia’s first Fair Food Week, and thus fires the opening shots in the battle underway for the soul of Australia’s food system. Read more… 
 
 
   
  
  
 Peter Bane, author of The Permaculture Handbook, has been studying and practicing permaculture for over 20 years. He gave Food Tank the opportunity to speak with him about his book and his personal experiences with permaculture. Read more… 
 
 
   
  
  
 This week’s Food Hero, The FARM Institute, is building consciousness about food among the next generation – and that consciousness is spreading in a way that makes it look like it’s here to stay. Read more… 
 
 
   
 International Year of Family Farming: Bukonzo Joint Cooperative Challenging Gender Roles
Like http://foodtank.org/news/2013/08/bukonzo-joint-cooperative-challenging-gender-roles-lifting-families-out-of on Facebook
 
  
 Bukonzo Joint is a member-owned coffee cooperative in the Rwenzori Mountain region of Uganda that uses community-led programming to combat gender inequality and poverty through education and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Read more… 
 
 
   
 Nutrition Champion Awards 2013 will Celebrate Unsung Heroes in the Field 
  
 A guest post from Research to Action announces that the Transform Nutrition (TN) research consortium, in support of Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN), has launched a new initiative, the Nutrition Champion Awards. Nominees for the awards are the unsung heroes working in the nutrition development field. Read more… 
 
 

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An Opinion of the author.  Ravinder Singh
August23, 2013
India has become the “least favourable market”, and it now
makes business sense to exit and export from China, Finnish major
Nokia has told the government. In a letter written this June, Nokia
cautioned that the “political risk” of operating in India may impact
future investment decisions.
Nokia urged the government to “act quickly to correct the wrong
perception of India as a place for business”.
The telecom multinational’s caveat came in the wake of fresh income
tax disputes and delay in the refund of VAT. It is ominous in the
current economic scenario in which foreign direct investment has
become a trickle, institutional investors have been pulling out, and
several investors have refused to take the plunge after wetting their
toes.
In a ‘non-paper’ dated June 19, 2013, Nokia sent a harsh, terse
message to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry: “India has suddenly
become the least favourable market.”
Technically, a non-paper is an unofficial document. It was received by
the finance ministry last month.
It said that the non-refund of value-added tax by the Tamil Nadu
government made it “more cost efficient for Nokia to have transferred
the manufacture of mobile phones to China and to import them to Indian
market rather than manufacture them in Chennai”.
Under an MoU signed with Tamil Nadu, the state was to refund the four
per cent VAT Nokia pays on phones sold in the domestic market from its
plant in the SEZ. The issue reached a flashpoint after currency
fluctuations and China-Vietnam competition started eroding thin
margins, especially in the low-end models.
“The state has not issued a government order in accordance with the
MoU,” Nokia wrote in the non-paper.
The company has also mentioned the bilateral tax treaty between India
and Finland, under which the software business is to be taxed in
Finland, where Nokia is based.
In March, the finance ministry had served a retroactive income tax
demand of Rs 2,080 crore on Nokia. The I-T department asked the
company to pay the tax evaded on its royalty payment to Finland-based
parent Nokia Oyj for downloading software on mobile devices
manufactured at its Sriperumbudur facility since 2006.
This, Nokia has said, violates the bilateral tax treaty between the
two countries. “Nokia does not think India can override its
international obligations and the mutual tax treaty, by introducing
retroactive domestic laws without greatly disturbing the trust
international business in India,” it wrote.
“Taxation”, it said, “should not drive business decisions on locating
operations, but current tax claims against Nokia and other
multinational companies operating in India have too great an impact on
the predictability and certainty of Indian business environment to be
ignored.
“The political risk of operating in India has therefore become
suddenly substantially higher and may inevitably influence future
decisions to develop one’s operations in India.” Companies involved in
tax disputes in India include Cadbury Plc, Royal Dutch Shell, Vodafone
Plc and LG Electronics Inc.
Nokia said: “A holistic view is needed to understand the big picture
and to ensure that possible short term benefits of aggressively
changed fiscal policies do not override long term policies to develop
Indian economy, create growth and jobs by attracting investments into
India with predictable business environment as has been done in the
past…
“It is very important that the Indian government corrects quickly
these surprising actions of individual tax authorities against Nokia
to restore the trust of Nokia and other multinational companies in
India as a good place of business.”
Asked for a comment on the document sent to the government, Nokia
spokesperson Poonam Kaul said over the phone on Thursday evening: “How
will I know (about the non-paper)? It may have been sent by Nokia
Finland. We have no concerns with the government. We had some
challenges, but that is a public issue. The tax matter is sub judice.
We can’t comment.”
WHY NOKIA MATTERS
* Chennai handset production facility, set up with an investment of $
285 million, is Nokia’s largest in the world
* Nokia employs over 8,000 workers directly, and provides indirect
employment to more than 30,000 people
* Has been in India since 1995, Indian firms play an important role in
Nokia’s content ecosystem
* In 7 years, Chennai facility has crossed the 800 million production
milestone, even though Samsung has just beaten Nokia as India’s
largest cell phone maker.
It is bad governance when State and Center demand tax payment against
tax free schemes or projects and offering Refunds after considerable
delay.
NOKIA threatening to relocate in China is very unfortunate.
It is the duty of GOI to protect Foreign Investors in India who have
invested in Plant & Machinery and created thousands of full time jobs.
VAT should not be charged on products made in SEZ when TN State
Government had assured no tax on Domestic Sale.
I think TN government should resolve the issue immediately when
Narendra Modi is ready with Cash and Land and Incentives to lure NOKIA
to Gujarat.
CAG defamation Campaign and Unfortunately even the Supreme Court
was swept away by the grand mischief.
In the case of 2G we found most Shameful consequences of spectrum for
2G outdated technologies was priced almost twice than 500 times more
efficient 4G technology.
Add to the above unlike commodities where quantity and quality differ widely
there is uniformity in Spectrum allocated.
CAG for example in 4000 MW UMPP projects in MP over DELIBERATELY
looked two things – first the PPA signed by MP government for
Chatrangi Project was at two times than bid price committed by
Reliance Anil Ambani for SASAN project (Rs.2.45/kwh to Rs.1.19/kwh)
and second Coal Deposits were 10% more than committed and of 10% to
12% better quality that attracts 20% to 25% higher price.
This together is well over Rs.5,00,000 crore Real SCAM in just one
4,000 MW, Chatrangi project.
Chatisgarh, MP and Gujarat had promoted over 100,000 MW projects.
 REAL loot is in PPA signed by these states with private
developers  without even providing for Transmission Lines.
When CAG itself reported ‘Virtual Losses over 20 Years’ Immature or
Incompetent Supreme Court believed Rs.1,76,000 crores have already
been robbed even before most operators had barely started the roll
out.
‘Higher bandwidth 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards have since become
available as the IEEE ratified a fiber-based standard in 2002, and a
twisted pair standard in 2006. As of 2009 10Gb Ethernet is replacing
1Gb as the backbone network and has begun to migrate down to high-end
server systems.’
I fact I was using 100 mbps ethernet as early as 2003 though service
providered delivered just 64kbps. But when ISP provided direct service
in case of their server problem I was getting over 50 mbps data flows
much faster that 3G or 4G services likely to be operated. This
ethernet was retailed for only Rs.300/ in 2003.
In 2002 Telecoms laid countrywide Optic Fibrer network that could have
provided Broad Band, IPTV, Telecom, VoIP and IT services at
practically no cost compared to $400b annual imports bill for imported hardware by
2015. Wire Ethernet based technology is faster than even 3G and 4G and
could have developed and deployed by Indians.
Pramod Mahajan BJP Telecom Minister alone is $Trillion Liability to India.
Ravinder Singh
Inventor & Consultant
progressindia008@yahoo.com

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Global scenes

24082013

Iranian president says chemical weapons killed people in Syria

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday acknowledged for the first time chemical weapons had been used in Syria, in an attack that reportedly killed anywhere between dozens and 1,300 people, according to different sources. Rouhani called on the international community to prevent their use. “Many of the innocent people of Syria have been injured and martyred by chemical agents and this is unfortunate,” he was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency. “The Islamic Republic gives notice to the international community to use all its might to prevent the use of these weapons anywhere in the world, especially in Syria,” the Iranian president added, according to the Mehr news agency. Iran’s foreign minister earlier this week said Syrian rebel groups must have been behind the attack. The Syrian government of President Bashar Assad denies using such weapons.

San Diego mayor resigns amid allegations of widespread sexual harassment

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner has resigned following ongoing allegations of sexual harassment that spurred a related lawsuit. His resignation was confirmed upon a Friday vote by the city council agreeing that the city will pay part of his legal fees. Filner maintains he did not sexually harass any of his 18 female accusers, blaming “awkwardness and hubris” for his behavior.

Brahimi says Syria conflict biggest threat to world peace

UN-Arab League special envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, has described the Syrian conflict as the biggest threat to peace and security in the world.“The parties that are involved in this civil war, each one of them think that they can win militarily,” he said.“There is no military solution. No side is going to win.” The envoy added:“There is only a political solution and the earlier we work on it, the better.” He called on both warring sides in Syria to come to the negotiating table.

Czech Republic to hold snap election on October 25-26 – president

The Czech Republic will hold an election on October 25-26, President Milos Zeman officially announced on Friday. The ballot will end a period of political stalemate triggered by a corruption and spying scandal that unseated the previous center-right cabinet in June. Opinion polls show the center-left Social Democrats will be the biggest party in the new parliament, Reuters reported. Their leader, Bohuslav Sobotka, has said his party could rule in a minority government, supported by the Communist Party or other factions. It would be the first time since the 1989 Velvet Revolution that the Communist party could have a direct impact on government policies.

Philippines ferry disaster toll hits 80

Philippine authorities on Friday began a formal inquiry into a collision between a ferry and a cargo ship which killed at least 80 people and left 40 missing on August 16. Navy boats and helicopters continued to scour the waters for those still missing from the St Thomas Aquinas ferry, which sank after the collision off the central island of Cebu, AFP reported. A total of 750 passengers and crew of the 870 on board the ferry were rescued. Authorities are discussing a proposal to wind up the search for survivors by Saturday.

Belgian police report $1.75bn drug bust

A three-nation investigation has led to one of the biggest seizures of synthetic drugs in Europe, the Belgian prosecutor’s office said on Friday. Core products intended to create Ecstasy pills with a street value of 1.3 billion euro ($1.75 billion) were seized after 30 raids in Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland. Police arrested 11 people, charged with possession, production and trading in drugs as part of a criminal gang. Most of the products were discovered in a suburban garage in Brussels and on a farm in southern Belgium. It was Belgium’s biggest ever bust and one of the largest in Europe.

Korea agree to allow reunions of families separated by 1950-53 war

North and South Korea have agreed to allow reunions next month of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, officials in Seoul say. It will be the first time the meetings have happened in three years. Seoul says that 100 people from each country will be allowed to meet family members, September 25-30, at a North Korean mountain resort. The deal struck on Friday marks the latest conciliatory gesture from Pyongyang.

UK’s Hague claims Syria govt behind alleged chemical attack

British Foreign Secretary William Hague has said the UK believes the regime of Syria’s President Bashar Assad carried out a chemical weapons attack near Damascus that killed scores of people. The only“plausible explanation for casualties so intense in such a small area” was a chemical attack, Hague said Friday. Chances the Syrian opposition was behind the attack were “vanishingly” small, he said on television.“We do believe this is a chemical attack by the Assad regime on a large scale.” UN chemical weapons inspectors must be given immediate access to the site, Hague added.

US aid to Egypt no longer ‘business as usual’ – Obama

US President Barack Obama has said that while the US aid to Egypt is unlikely to influence the government’s crackdown on protests, there is“no doubt that we can’t return to business as usual.” The aid itself“may not reverse what the interim government does,” Obama said in an interview with CNN ‘New Day’ anchor Chris Cuomo. Washington provides $1.2 billion in military aid and $250 million in economic aid to Egypt every year.
Media agencies




Mumbai gang-rape: 3rd accused arrested;

24082013

Victim demands strictest punishment to all accused



A third accused in the Mumbai photojournalist gang-rape case was arrested today by Mumbai Police. AIR Correspondent reports that the arrest follows a massive manhunt launched by the police.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai rape victim has demanded strictest punishment to all the accused. The 22 year old photo journalist told this to a member of the National Commission for Women Nirmala Samant Prabhawalkar, who met her at Jaslok Hospital, where she is convalescing.
Prabhawalkar said the victim feel outraged but told her that rape is not the end of life and she wants to join duty as early as possible. She said , the victim is still not completely out of trauma but she is composed.
Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan has assured women journalists in Mumbai that he will take up the issue of the safety of women in the state with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. Speaking to a group of women scribes, who met him at Raj Bhavan, the Governor said he will also take up the issue of tightening safety of women in local trains with the Railway Minister. The Governor told them that there are strong laws in the country to protect the life and liberty of citizens. What is needed is effective implementation of the laws.




PM to intervene

24082013

PM may intervene in discussion on missing coal ministry files
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may intervene in the discussion on several files pertaining to coal block allocations going missing, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla said on Thursday.Shukla made the announcement after main opposition BJP and AIADMK stalled Question Hour in Rajya Sabha seeking response from the Prime Minister on the issue of missing files.
“Prime Minister may also intervene in case it is required,” Shukla told the House, which saw a brief adjournment after it met for the day.
He said that in response to demands by Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley and several members, Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal made a statement on the issue on Tuesday.
“Some clarifications were sought (and) clarifications were given. (However) it remained inconclusive. We are ready to conclude that discussion and if necessary Prime Minister may also intervene,” he said.
The response came after Jaitley said the opposition was not convinced by Jaiswal’s statement and Prime Minister should give clarification.
“Prime Minister is in the House… Prime Minister should give his reaction,” he said as Singh watched the proceedings from his seat.
V Maitreyan (AIADMK), who had given a notice for suspension of Question Hour, said missing of important files has been termed by CBI Director as a “serious setback” to investigation.
The CBI Director had stated that “you can draw your own conclusions” when asked if there was a conspiracy in files going missing, Maitreyan said, adding this was a serious issue and “Prime Minister necessarily needs to intervene and clarify the matter.”
Earlier, when the House met Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) said Jaiswal should not have made the statement as it was in conflict of interest since he was arbitrator in deciding on a family feud in AMR Co, which was a beneficiary of coal block allocation.




2G: Tina Ambani deposes, says has no role in Reliance ADAG

24082013


Tina Ambani on Friday appeared as a prosecution witness in the 2G spectrum case and told a special court that she had “no role” in the affairs of Reliance ADAG.

A day after her husband and Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani’s deposition as a CBI witness, she told the court that she has never been associated with any firm of Reliance ADAG.
“I have no role in Reliance ADAG as I am a housewife, run a hospital…I have never been associated with any Reliance ADAG company,” she told Special CBI Judge O P Saini.
55-year-old Tina Ambani was shown documents of various firms said to be associated with Reliance ADAG, including Zebra Consultant Pvt Ltd, Swan Consultant Pvt Ltd.
She, however, said she does not have “any knowledge” about these firms.
During her examination-in-chief by CBI prosecutor K K Goel, she was shown various documents related to the case and she identified her signatures on them.
When she was asked to identify the signatures of Anil Ambani on some of the documents, defence counsel objected to it saying when the Reliance ADAG chairman had already identified his signatures then why was she being asked to identify them.
Senior advocate Harish Salve said that it seems that CBI is “doubting” Anil Ambani’s signatures.
“They bring a witness and do not trust his/her memory. What is this?,” Salve said, adding, “If he has appeared and has identified his signature then why are they showing her (Tina) his signatures. Are they doubting his (Anil Ambani’s) signature?.”
To this, the judge told Salve, “I agree with you.”
Yesterday, Anil Ambani had deposed as a CBI witness in the case during which he resiled from a statement made during the probe and “did not support” CBI’s case.
In his four-hour long deposition, he had denied that Swan Telecom was a front company of his group RADAG for securing the precious radiowaves.
Since Anil Ambani had not supported CBI’s case, the agency decided not to drop Tina Ambani as prosecution witness saying he “has not supported the prosecution case” requiring her to stand in the witness box.




New report calls for a ‘fundamental shift’ in disaster management practices in India.

24082013

 

 
‘India Disasters Report II: Redefining disasters’being launched in New Delhi today.
 
“India faces the omnipresent reality of disaster vulnerability due to natural causes and human interventions, including developmental initiatives” observes India Disasters Report II- Redefining Disasters (IDR II).
 
IDR II, an Oxford University Press (OUP) publication, being launched in New Delhi today, comes in the context of people in Uttarakhand recovering from the recent floods. The report cautions that some of the current development practices “tend to put at risk the safety of local communities, the sustainability of their habitat, and their livelihoods, and at times even cause displacement”.
 
“Addressing disaster vulnerabilities caused by human factors is the best bet to reduce disaster risks and human suffering,” said the editors, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi today. Dr. Prannoy Roy, eminent media personality and Founder and Executive Chairperson, NDTV, is launching the report today at a function at Nehru Memorial Library, Tin Murti, New Delhi. To mark the event, TISS and OUP are organising a panel discussion of eminent academics, UN and government representatives and the editors of IDR II.
 
IDR II takes a fresh look at disasters from different vantage points. It is written by academics, humanitarian workers, scientists, engineers, journalists and analysts.  It is edited by Prof. S. Parasuraman, Director of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and Dr. Unni Krishnan, Head of Disaster Response, Plan International, London.
 
 “A holistic view and long-term efforts are necessary to address disasters” said Prof. Parasuraman. “Capacity building at the community level and investments that will strike at the roots of poverty are paramount”, he said. The report calls to include disaster risk reduction and preparedness work at the community level as ingredients of large government initiatives such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
 
“In the context of recurring disasters in India, pre-disaster, disaster and post-disaster situations are inseparable” said Dr Krishnan. “We may not be able to stop an earthquake. But we can very well reduce their impacts and minimise deaths and sufferings”. The report calls to strengthen disaster preparedness measures and strictly implement building safety codes. “We need to build a culture of ‘zero tolerance’ towards safety and disaster management issues” he said.
 
The report makes the case that disasters are not just sudden interruptions of normal life, but cumulative outcomes of complex processes, sometimes accentuated by dramatic events and even policies- thus calling for multi disciplinary approaches to minimize risks and reduce human sufferings.
 
This report is a sequel to India Disaster Report: Towards a policy initiative. Published in 2000 by the Oxford University Press, that report worked as a catalyst to generate an informed debate about disaster management and galvanised public opinion to demand a disaster management policy for India. Indian government passed the Disaster Management Act in 2005.
India Disasters Report II: Redefining Disasters:
·      emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of natural, technological, and human-made disasters in shaping policy, practice, and research
·      addresses diverse issues like vulnerability, development, environment, gender, health, information, communication, and technology in disasters;
·      explores disasters in India, and policies and administrative set-ups for disaster management; and
·      discusses disasters as an outcome of processes rather than stand-alone events.
Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this report asserts the need to link natural systems, social systems, and technological limitations to devise policies and action plans for disaster prevention, relief operations, and environmentally inclusive development.
 
Key messages from the report:
 •When we discuss disasters, ‘nature’, human factors, social systems, policies, politics and poverty are inseparable.
 •It is necessary to have constant and long term engagement: In pre disaster, disaster and post disaster settings.
 •Focus on ‘vulnerable groups’ such as children, women, differently abled, aged people, and migrants.
 •Remove poverty: Disaster risk reduction needs to be included as part of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
 •Make schools, hospitals and homes safer: Implement building codes and fire safety norms.
 •Engage children and youth: Make disaster management as part of school and college lessons.
 •Strengthen first responders through community drills and skills training.
 •Build better awareness, early warning and undertake preventive measures. Learn from good examples from Cuba and Bangladesh.
 •Develop and implement better laws against discrimination and rights violation in disaster settings.
 •Media need to play a pro-active role. Social media, information and communication technology can inform, educate and empower.
 
On behalf of TISS and Editors, India Disasters Report II- Redefining Disasters
 
 
Sudarshan Rodriguez
 
Mobile: +91 93104 42441




Indot Color World Installs its third HP Indigo digital offset press

24082013 Company to capitalize on new opportunities in photo printing with HP Indigo 7600 digital offset press
Kerala, August 23, 2013: Hewlett-Packard today announced that Kerala based Indot Color World have installed their third HP Indigo digital offset press. The latest addition to their fleet is the new HP Indigo 7600, the fastest 13 x 19 inch format digital sheet-fed press.
Indot purchased its first HP Indigo Digital Press in 2011. Since then, HP technology has paved the way for the business’ success in the fast-growing photo printing market. Today, thanks to their most recent acquisition, the HP Indigo 7600 Digital Press, they are further expanding their portfolio to high-end photo speciality products like wedding albums.
Celebrating the launch, Sushil Kumar CP, managing partner, Indot Color World commented: “Our perception towards the photo business changed when we installed the first HP Indigo digital offset press. We felt a need to stay on top of new and emerging opportunities and to constantly innovate to meet customer demands. With this goal in mind we have started Indot Color World in Chalakudy. Installing the new HP Indigo 7600 has widened the scope of our business and will help us meet our customers’ high-end printing needs especially in the photo-book market.”
He further added, “We are very pleased to be associated with HP as a technology partner. Over the years we have found them to be consistently supportive, innovative and involved in ensuring our presses deliver the highest level of quality.”
An area which has seen a huge shift is the photo segment is traditional silver halide prints which are rapidly being replaced due to the excellent quality offered by the Indigo machines. The HP Indigo 7600 digital offset press is equipped with new special effect capabilities—like raised print and textured effects, which expands the opportunity for Indot to deliver high-value applications and other innovative products to their existing photo customers who are looking for something new and different to show case their images.
Speaking at the launch, A. Appadurai, Country Manager, HP Indigo & IHPS India & Sri Lanka, HP said, “Our association with Indot Color World goes back a long way and we are proud to be associated with them. HP has always led innovation in the digital printing industry and has turned out to be the leading provider of photo printing solutions to the photo labs in the country. We are excited about Indot Color World’s third installation of our Indigo digital offset press, which is considered a digital printing powerhouse. They will now have the facility to provide high quality reproduction of photographic images and other content on a wide range of coated and uncoated media. As the Indian photo market continues to evolve, professional photo labs are searching for solutions that produce high-quality photo prints with cost and environmental advantages and our HP Indigo digital presses stand out in this regard.”

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Today’s NEWS

25082013

Al Nusra pledges revenge for alleged chemical attacks in Syria

Al-Nusra Front, the Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group, promised revenge strikes aimed at Bashar al-Assad’s community, after the announcement that his forces used chemical weapons. The Alawite community “will pay the price for each chemical rocket that struck our people in Damascus,” the front chief of Al-Nusra front announced on Sunday in his Internet audio message on Twitter. Bashar Assad is a native of the Alawite community, an offshoot of Shiite Islam, which makes up 12% of the Syrian population. Syria’s conflict, which has killed more than 100,000 people, began as peaceful protests demanding Assad’s ouster, but is now marred by rising sectarian bloodshed between Sunnis and Alawites.


Turkey sends 400 tons of military aid to Syrian rebels – opposition

Ankara has sent 400 tons of arms to Syrian militants to bolster their fight against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reports, citing opposition forces. “Twenty trailers crossed from Turkey and are being distributed to arms depots for several brigades across the north,” Mohammad Salam, a rebel operative who witnessed the crossing from an undisclosed location in Hatay. The delivery is being called the single biggest weapons cache to reach the rebels since the uprising against Assad turned violent two years ago. The shipment follows last week’s gas attack in the suburbs of Damascus that killed anywhere from dozens to over 1,000 civilians. Syrian officials, who said they discovered chemical weapons in a rebel hideout outside the capital, blame the rebels for the attack.


​ Egypt trial of MB leaders postponed

The trial of three Muslim Brotherhood leaders charged with inciting violence at Egypt’s protests in the run-up to the July 3 removal of Mohammed Morsi from power was adjourned on Sunday. The reason for the break is that Mohamed Badie – the Brotherhood’s ‘General Guide’ – and his deputies could not be present at the proceedings for security reasons, judicial officials said. The next hearing is scheduled for October 29.


Saudi Arabia to build 16 more nuclear reactors by 2030 – report

Saudi Arabia plans to build 16 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 22 GW, which will make the country a leader in renewable energy, Abdul Ghani bin Melaibari, coordinator of scientific collaboration confirmed to Arab News. Saudi Arabia has about 11GW electricity output at the moment. The ambitious project will cost the country more than $100 billion, but the price may vary because of the extreme and hot climate. The first two reactors may be ready in 10 years time.


Spanish rescuers save over 100 African migrants from sea

More than 100 African migrants have been rescued by Spanish rescue services in the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea, the Red Cross told AFP on Sunday. On Saturday, forty-seven migrants, who were travelling on boats, were taken to the town of Almeria, Spain, and thirty-nine others were delivered to Ceuta, on the North African coast. Varying circumstances, such as the situation in the Sahel region and Arab countries, the fight against immigration to Spain across the Atlantic have changed the flow of refugees in past years. In a week Spanish rescuers have assisted several hundred migrants. 3,804 would-be immigrants reached the Spanish coast last year, according to Interior Ministry figures.


13 killed in Farc guerilla attack on army patrol ahead of talks

Two sergeants and eleven soldiers have been killed by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in an attack on a Colombian army patrol on Saturday. The attack took place after the officials announced that negotiations with the leftist rebels would resume on Monday. According to military sources this attack was an ambush, although the army didn’t specify the circumstances of the incident. This attack followed right after a separate assault on Wednesday that left 15 soldiers dead, claimed Farc’s 10th Front.


Egypt shortens night-time curfew, state of emergency remains

Egypt’s interim government has relaxed a night-time curfew imposed on the country following a recent wave of violent protests. The curfew will now begin two hours later, at 21:00 local time. On Fridays, when protests usually take place, it will still start at 19:00. Egyptian authorities experienced one of the deadliest incidences of violence in recent days as nationwide clashes and attacks killed more than 1,000 people. Violence ensued as security forces attempted to clear two Cairo demonstrations in support of toppled president Mohammed Morsi, overthrown in a July 3 military coup.



Death toll rises to 31 in Bolivia’s prison riot

The death toll in Friday’s prison riot in eastern Bolivia has risen to 31 dead, local media reports. Among the dead was an 18-months toddler, who was one of many children living in the prison while their parents serve out their sentences. Another 37 inmates were seriously injured. According to Bolivian law, children under six years are permitted to stay in their parents’ cells while the sentence is being served. The riot took place in Palmasola, the country’s largest maximum-security prison.

Afghan President to visit Islamabad
Afghan President Hamid Karzai will arrive in Islamabad TOMORROW for wide ranging talks with Pakistani leadership. During his stay‚ the Afghan President will hold talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on a range of issues including bilateral relations‚ Afghan reconciliation process and regional situation.
Both the leaders will also address a joint press conference following talks. In an interview, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said emphasis of talks will be on Afghan reconciliation process. He said Pakistan has always supported an Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process.
Banga Beats to take on Delhi Smashers in must-win tie
Hosts Banga Beats will have to win their last two ties with big margins, to remain in the semifinals, as they clash with Krrish Delhi Smashers in the Indian Badminton League (IBL), in Bangalore, on Sunday.
Beats were rusty against Pune Pistons, losing 1-4 and now stand fifth in the table with just eight points.
Awadhe Warriors also have eight points but they are placed above the Bangalore side.
Beats now not only have to win their remaining matches but also pray that some of other results go in their favour.
Playing their first game at home, the Beats would look to give their fans something to cheer about.
Top-notch players including Parupalli Kashyap and Hu Yun, will be looking forward to do better. Both of them disappointed when they suffered defeats against Anup Sridhar and Sourabh Varma.
Beats also need Carsten Mogensen and Akshay Dewalkar, who lost against the pair of Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Kiong Tan Wee, to perform again.
However, Kashyap’s form still remains a worrying sign for the Beats. He will have to live upto his billing in his next game if he needs to prove his worth as an icon player.
The mixed doubles combination of Aparna Balan and Dewalkar is not the best in the business and it will also be a concern for the Beats.
Two defeats have made it tough for Smashers, who are now languishing last in the table.
Pak troops violate ceasefire
Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire thrice on Saturday along the Line of Control (LoC) when they opened indiscriminate firing in Poonch and Rajouri sectors, leaving a child injured.
Firing and mortar shelling was continuing till late in the night in Balakote in Poonch and Rajouri sectors, defence spokesperson and police said.
The first incident occurred at around 7 A.M. on Saturday when Pakistani troops fired at forward posts in Poonch sector.
The firing was carried out with small and automatic weapons, defence spokesperson Col RK Palta said, adding, no casualty was reported. Indian troops guarding the border line retaliated strongly, triggering exchanges which continued till 0740 hrs, he said.
In the second breach, Pakistani troops opened fire on Indian posts along the LoC in Balakote, the spokesman said.
“There was firing from Pakistani troops with small and automatic weapons at forward posts along LoC at around 8.10 P.M.,” he said, adding the Indian side retaliated effectively.
Late in the night, Pakistani troops fired mortar shells at the Indian post in Tarkundi area in Rajouri sector, SSP Rajouri, Mubassir Latiffe said, adding a child, Mohd Khalil, was injured in the incident at Chiti Dakri area.
Pakistani troops have been daily resorting to ceasefire violations since August 6 when its special forces killed five Indian soldiers in Poonch. There have been over 80 ceasefire violations by Pakistani troopsthis year from 1st January.
Defence Minister A K Antony had recently stated that the Army has been given a free hand to retaliate to deal with violations on the LoC.
Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh has also asked his commanders to be aggressive in case of ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army.
Mumbai gang-rape 5 accused held
Fifth and last accused, Salim Ansari, in the brutal gangrape of a 23-year-old photojournalist was arrested from Delhi by Mumbai crime branch, on Sunday.
The fourth accused, Kasim Bangali, the eldest of the five accused and who sexually assaulted the victim twice, was also arrested on Sunday morning, officials confirmed.
“Kasim Bangali had been picked up from the city last night and placed under arrest today,” a crime branch officer probing the case said.
The second accused, Vijay Jadhav, was picked up in the wee hours of Saturday from Madanpura area by the Crime branch. The third accused was also  arrested on Saturday.
On Friday, an unemployed youth from south Mumbai identified as Chand Babu Sattat Shaikh alias Mohammed Abdul (19), was arrested in the case.
He had named all the four co-accused – Qasim Bengali, Saleem and Ashfaq.
According to Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh, more than 20 teams, including 10 from the elite Crime Branch, have been formed to track down the perpetrators amid mounting public pressure and anger.
Singh, on Friday, said the police was trying to gather “clinching evidence” to ensure that the culprits get maximum punishment for the “shocking crime.”
The victim, an intern with an English magazine was gangraped allegedly by five men on Thursday evening, when she and her male colleague went to the deserted Shakti Mills compound in Lower Parel area for taking photographs in connection with a story on city chawls.
The five accused, whose sketches were released on Friday, tied up the victim’s friend and raped the woman in a chilling reminder of the December gangrape in Delhi.
The young scribe, who resides in western suburbs, has been admitted to Jaslok Hospital and is said to be “composed and stable.”
Preliminary reports suggested that she sustained multiple internal injuries.
“We cannot give you any further information keeping in mind patient confidentiality,” Dr Tarang Gianchandani, acting CEO and Director (Medical Services) of Jaslok had said. “We are doing the needful… she is under strict observation.”
Condemning the assault, journalists took to streets to lodge protest.  Scribes from various streams, sporting black bands on their arms and mouths, gathered in large numbers at Hutatma Chowk in south Mumbai on Friday demanding that at all necessary steps be taken to ensure that safety and security of journalists and common citizens is not compromised.
VHP 1,696  Parikarma Yatri’s arrested
VHP was adamant to complete its 84 Kosi Parikrama Yatra, the UP government on Sunday said security arrangements would continue to check those trying to attend the banned yatra even as 1,696 persons, including Ashok Singhal and Praveen Togadia, were arrested in a crackdown.
“The tight security arrangements will continue in the state to prevent those trying to attend VHP’s yatra, which has not been recalled by it..In the state, 1,696 persons including Ashok Singhal and Praveen Togadia, have been arrested in the crackdown,” IG, Law and Order, RK Vishwakarma, told media persons.
In reply to a question he said that all those arrested will be put in the judicial custody for next 14 days and not be released as of now.
“As the programme of yatra is till 13th September, those arrested cannot be released. Preventive detentions will continue and those trying to participate in the yatra will also be arrested..,” Secretary (Home) Kamal Saxena said.
In addition to the state police force, 11 company of RAF and 12 company of CRPF has been deployed in the state to maintain law and order, he said.
“As VHP has announced protests tomorrow district police chiefs have been asked to remain alert and ensure that law and order is maintained”, the official said.
Prominent among those arrested included former Union minister of State for Home Swami Chinmayanand, Nritya Gopal Das of Ram Janmbhoomi Trust, Ram Vilas Vedanti, BJP MLAs Ram Chandra Yadav and Savatribai Phule and VHP’s provincial coordinator Acharya Kushmuni.
In Amethi, peethdheshwar of Sagra Ashram Abhay Chaitanya Mauni Mahraj was put under house arrest. Temporary jails have been set up in districts of Faizabad (10), Barabanki,(12), Bahraich (16), Basti (2), Gonda (3) and Ambedkarnagar (5), which are on the yatra route.
The state government had banned the yatra, stating it would not allow to set any new tradition.

Workshop on Remaking the mohalla:

Urban Workshop Series, the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and Centre de Sciences Humaines (CSH), Delhi are delighted to invite you to a Workshop on Remaking the mohalla: Muslims in the politics of urban transformation in MumbaibyQudsiya Contractorof Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.
Date:               Tuesday, 27 August 2013
Time:               3.45 p.m.
Venue:     Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research, Dharma Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021

Mamata Banerjee-Demarcation of Land Boundary between India and Bangladesh leaked to the media

A letter regarding the proposed Demarcation of Land Boundary between India and Bangladesh has been leaked to the media by the Government of India recently.
There has been many developments and after detailed examination, I discussed the issue several times with the Ministers of External Affairs during the last two years.
It is indeed difficult to accept the present proposal of giving away land to Bangladesh without agreement from the state Government.
The case of Teesta Water Agreement may be recalled where, during the draft stage, the Government of India had said something, but proposed something totally different in the final stage.
Like this, in the Land Boundary Agreement, State Government had mentioned to the National Security Advisor and the previous and present Ministers of External Affairs, the need for obtaining consent from the people residing in the areas that are to be transferred.
It must be noted that our state of West Bengal will get only about 7000 acres of land but will have to recede nearly 17,000 acres of land to Bangladesh.
This cannot be accepted without taking into confidence and consent of the local people who live in the transferable areas.
What is the hurry of the Central Government to give away our land and our water without the consent of the state government?
What type of politics the Central Government is trying to play?
Recently, they have disturbed the peaceful situation in Darjeeling.
Earlier also, they gave away land from Assam and Tripura to the concerned country.
The interests of the states cannot be compromised this way.
We strongly urge that the Central Government must follow the established federal norms of the country in the interest of overall well being of the country and its people.
Though we maintain friendship and good relations with Bangladesh, but it should not be at the cost of the people of West Bengal.
दीपिका पादुकोण और रिचा चड्डा  ने राम लीला में एक दृश्य के लिए २१ टेक किये।
   बॉलीवुड के बेहतरीन निर्देशकों में से एक, पूर्णतावादी और रचनात्मक निर्देशक है। आश्चर्य की बात है  संजय लीला भंसाली, अभिनेत्री दीपिका पादुकोण और रिचा चड्डा ने  एक दृश के लिए २१ टेक लिए है और इस एक दृश के लिए पूरा दिन शूटिंग में बित गया।
    यह एक दृश फिल्माना दोनों अभिनेत्रियों को काफी थकान भरा रहा क्यूंकि इस दृश की शूटिंग सुबह से लेकर रात तक चलती रही यह वक़्त दोनों अभिनेत्रियों के लिए ज्यादा चुनौतीपूर्ण था।
    रिचा चड्डा  कहती हैं, “हम ने दिन में शूटिंग शुरू की और दिन के आखिर में २१ टेक के बाद यह दृश पूरा हो पाया। सर (भंसाली ) एक परफेक्टनिस्ट निर्देशक है और यह और यह काफी मुश्किल हो जाता है जब दृश बड़ा हो,महत्वपूर्ण यह बात है की इस बिच कैमरा कभी बंद नहीं होता और आपको लगातार काम करना होता है आपको ख्याल रखना होता है कोई गड़बड़ ना हो और इन्ही सब बातोसे काम बहुत ही चुनौतीपूर्ण होता है।
     निर्माता सुनील लुल्ला कहते हैं, “यह संजय लीला भंसाली के साथ सहयोग करने के लिए एक सम्मान की बात है, और संजय लीला भंसाली एक खास निर्देशक है और काफी प्रतिभावान है उनके फिल्म का हर एक दृश परफेक्ट होता है।
    इरोज इंटरनेशनल और संजय लीला भंसाली निर्मित और दीपिका पादुकोण , रणवीर सिंह अभिनीत ‘रामलीला’ यह फिल्म २०१३ के १५ नवंबर को सिनेमाघरो में रिलीज होगी।
Shailesh Giri
Effective Communication
Inline images 1
Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg
Army Public School, Noida Tame Ahlcon Public School, Mayur Vihar 2-0
New Delhi, 25th August: Army Public School, Noida defeated Ahlcon Public School, Mayur Vihar 2-0 in a knock-out match of the 2nd edition of the Airtel Rising Stars-Delhi Leg, played at Commonwealth Games Village in Delhi today.
Abhindya scored the first goal in 18th minute and gave an early lead to his team. Anand’s goal in 32nd minute sealed the victory for Army Public School.
In another knock-out match at the same ground, ASN Public School, Mayur Vihar outplayed St. Francis School, Indirapuram 5-4 (0-0) in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw. Ritik, Pratik, Anshul, Anuj and Digvijay materialised all the five attempts and scored goals for ASN Public School. For St. Francis School, P Rodrigues, Durjan, Siddharth and Amit scored goals.
Ryan International School, Ghaziabad beat Balloon Public School, Ghaziabad 4-3 (0-0) in a penalty shoot-out. Dhruv, Abhishek, Aditya Singh and Jayant scored for Ryan International School whereas, Vikrant, Kishan and Vinay scored for Balloon Public School.
Results:
Army Public School, Noida (Abhindya 18th, Anand 32nd)bt Ahlcon Public School, Mayur Vihar 2-0
ASN Public School, Mayur Vihar (Ritik, Pratik, Anshul, Anuj, Digvijay) bt St. Francis School, Indirapuram (P Rodrigues, Durjan, Siddharth, Amit) 5-4 (0-0)
Ryan International School, Ghaziabad (Dhruv, Abhishek, Aditya Singh, Jayant) bt Balloon Public School, Ghaziabad (Vikrant, Kishan, Vinay) 4-3 (0-0)
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Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg
DPS Vasant Kunj Ride Arjun’s Hat-trick to Crush Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lodhi Estate 5-0
New Delhi, 24th August: Arjun’s hat-trick helped Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj thrash Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lodhi Estate 5-0 in a knock-out match of the 2nd edition of the Airtel Rising Stars-Delhi Leg, at Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi today.
Arjun showed his brilliant speed and dribbling to score three goals and took his team to next level. He was well-supported by his teammate Rudraksh, who score a brace.
Arjun scored his first goal in 13th minute, followed by Rudraksh’s goal in 16th minute. After 10 minutes, Rudraksh scored his second goal and sealed victory for his team. Arjun kept opponents’ defenders busy from another wing and scored back-to-back goals in 37th and 40th minutes to complete his hat-trick.
In another knock-out match at the same ground, Keshav’s brace helped Modern School, Vasant Vihar defeat The Indian School, Lodhi Colony 3-0. Keshav opened the account with his first goal in 21st min, followed by Ayushman’s goal in 46th min. Keshav scored his second goal in 49th min and confirmed victory for his team.
Navyug School, Moti Bagh beat Tagore International School, East of Kailash 2-0 in another match. Kshitij and Prashant scored in 19th and 36th min respectively to win the match for their team.
Results:
Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj (Arjun 13th, 37th, 40th, Rudraksh 16th, 26th) bt Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lodhi Estate5-0
Modern School, Vasant Vihar (Keshav 21st, 49th, Ayushman 46th) bt The Indian School, Lodhi Colony 3-0
Navyug School, Moti Bagh (Kshitij 19th, Prashant 36th) bt Tagore International School, East of Kailash 2-0
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, KG Marg (Mayank Bisht 41st) bt Father Angels School, Lajpat Nagar 1-0
St. Michael’s School, Pusa Road (Avinash 27th) bt Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan 1-0

Press Invitation VHP and Bajrang Dal will protest at Jantar Mantar

Press Invitation
VHP and Bajrang Dal will protest at Jantar Mantar 12 ‘o’ clock tomorrow(26.8.13) against arresting Sants and VHP leaders in Uttar Pradesh.
Kindly depute your photographer/reporter to cover the protest.
Thanking You
Regards
Vinod Bansal
Media Chief
Vishwa Hindu Parishad-Delhi
9810949109

Media agencies

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Spiritual Principles to increase creativity and building leadership qualities

25th August 2013: Delivering a lecture at Shanmukhananda Hall, Sion East, near Gandhi Market, Mumbai organized by Indian Institute of Excellence and Consultancy, Padma Shri & Dr. BC Roy National Awardee, Dr. KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India, said that stress is the reaction of the body and the mind to the interpretation of a known situation. Stress management, therefore, involves either changing the situation, changing one’s interpretation or preparing the body and the mind with a yogic lifestyle in such a way that stress does not bother you.
Dr. Aggarwal said that Indian traditional rituals were made to remain physically and mentally healthy and to acquire leadership qualities.

·               The ritual of Santoshi Mata Ka Vrat probably was made to eat Gur and Chana in a week so that women of childbearing age did not end up with iron deficiency anemia.
·               The ritual of devoting one month in a year to holy sun bath was probably intended to acquire full one-year quota of Vitamin D from early morning or late evening sunlight.
·               The ritual of fasting 80 days a year (weekly fast + one extra fast in a month + 2 Navratras of 9 days each) was probably meant to reduce the incidence of heart disease, diabetes and paralysis.  These fasts prohibited intake of carbohydrates, which today have been identified as a major culprit for developing insulin resistance and ultimately heart blockages.
When we chant a vowel sound, interleukin-2 is produced in our body. It is a painkiller, which is 100 times stronger than aspirin. When we chant nasal consonants during aspiration through the nose, delta activity is produced in the EEG. It is the same delta activity seen after one takes a tranquilizer. Chanting of a vowel sound and a nasal consonant together, therefore, produce both physical and mental relaxation.  Explaining further, Dr. Aggarwal said that ‘Aum’ traditionally is a Vedic chant with a combination of vowel and consonant and, therefore, produces physical and mental relaxation which no single drug in the available pharmaceutical armamentarium today can do.
To acquire leadership qualities, one needs to learn the principles of creativity, organizational capabilities and the quality of winding up with a success. Dr Aggarwal narrated the examples of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh as Creator, Organiser and
. He said that instead of worshipping them, we should acquire their qualities and try to become like them. Leadership qualities should be learned from the 10 incarnations (Dashavatar) of Lord Vishnu. Each avatar of Vishnu has one quality for us to adopt. 

·                     Be like a fish – Matsyavatar, which means learn to be different like a fish, which can swim against the current of the ocean.
·                     Acquire the quality of a tortoise, Kurma Avatar, the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu, which means learn to withdraw when required.
·                     Acquire the quality of Boar (Varaha), the third avatar, which means be persistent in your action.
The first three incarnations basically can be interpreted as to think differently and if the need arises, to withdraw but to persist after you get an opportunity
again.
·               Acquire qualities of Narsimha, the fourth incarnation, which means to understand that nothing is impossible.
·               Acquire the qualities of the 5th incarnation, the Vamana, which means that one needs to learn all the tactics of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed to make the impossible possible.
·               Acquire the quality of Parshuram, the 6th incarnation, to be honest in life and fight against corruption.
·               Acquire qualities of Rama, the 7th Avatar so that you can lead the community.
·               Learn Raajneeti to lead the community from Krishna, the 8th incarnation.
·               Learn the qualities of Buddha, the 9th incarnation, to devote oneself for the welfare of the society.
·               The 10th Avatar – Kalki is yet to come.
Death is reversible in the first 10 minutes. Quoting from the Chandok Upanishad, Dr. Aggarwal said that death is a process where motor and sense organs merge with Pran Vayu and Udaan Vayu, which merges with Tej, which ultimately leave the body to merge with the Sata in the universe. He said that consciousness does not leave the body for up to 10 minutes after the heart has stopped. During this period, if the heart can be revived, it is possible to revive the dead person.
Dr. Aggarwal said that Savitri saving Satyavan in ancient times was the origin of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. He narrated the Savitri CPR 10 Mantra which is – “within ten minutes of sudden death (earlier the better) for the next ten minutes (longer the better) compress the centre of the chest of the victim with a speed of 10x10 i.e. 100 per minute”. In Hindi, it can be remembered as – “Marne ke das minute ke bheetar (jitna jaldi ho achha), agle das minute tak (jitni der tak ho utna achha), apni chhati peetne ke badle mare hue aadmi ki chhati peeto.”
Dr. Aggarwal said that at normal body temperature, it is possible to revive a body within 60 minutes of death but if the body temperature is low, it is possible to revive a clinically dead patient even after hours of death due to stoppage of the heart.
He narrated the principles of non-violent communication to be followed on every Monday, finishing your pending work and knowing the unknown on Tuesday, giving non-materialistic gifts to everybody you meet on Wednesday, thinking differently on Thursday, taking care of your food and other sensory inputs on Friday and do charity on Saturday with little bit of cheating on Sunday.
Dr. Aggarwal also said that it is possible to live up to the age of 80. He narrated his ‘Assi Ka Funda’, which is “Walk 80 minutes a day with a speed of 80 steps per minute; keep your lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol, waist line all under 80; do not drink alcohol but if you drink, do not drink more than 80 ml a day or 80 gm a week; do not smoke because if you smoke you will end up in paying a hospital bill of 80000.”
About Dr KK Aggarwal: Dr. KK Aggarwal is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker who has done tremendous work in the field of integrating Vedic Sciences with Modern Medicine. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of IJCP Group of Publications and eMedinewS, the first national daily emedical newspaper of India, which reaches over 70000 doctors every day. He is also Vice President Elect of India Medical Association; Member, Ethics Committee, Medical Council of India and Past President, Ethical Committee, Delhi Medical Council. He has authored a book ‘Alloveda’, which talks about integration of Vedic Sciences and Modern Medicine. He also integrates and teaches Homoeopathy and Ayurveda in Allopathic Language.
About HCFI: The only National Not for profit NGO, on whose mega community health education events, Govt. of India has released two National commemorative stamps and one cancellation stamp, and who has conducted one to one training on" Hands only CPR" of 62966 people since 1st November 2012.

BJP Delhi Election Committee

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ELECTION COMMITTEE
1.                Shri Vijay Goel                           -  President
2.                Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra
3.                Shri O.P. Kohli
4.                Shri Mangeram Garg
5.                Dr. Harsh Vardhan
6.                Shri Vijender Gupta
7.                Prof. Jagdish Mukhi
8.                Shri Lal Bihari Tiwari
9.                Shri Nand Kishore Garg
10.              Shri Yogender Chandolia
11.              Shri Pravesh Verma
12.              Sardar R.P. Singh
13.              Shri Ramesh Bidhuri
14.              Smt. Shikha Rai
15.              Shri Jai Prakash
16.              Shri Vijay Sharma
17.              Smt. Sudha Sharma

SPECIAL INVITEES

1.                Ms. Aarti Mehra
2.                Ms. Vani Tripathi
3.                Shri Shyam Jaju
4.                Shri Anil Jain
5.                Shri Abdul Rasheed
6.                Shri Rajesh Gehlot
7.                Smt. Poonam Azad
ELECTION CORE GROUP

1.                Shri Vijay Goel                           -  President
2.                Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra
3.                Shri Madan Lal Khurana
4.                Shri O.P. Kohli
5.                Dr. Harsh Vardhan
6.                Shri Mangeram Garg
7.                Shri Vijender Gupta
8.                Ms. Aarti Mehra
9.                Ms. Vani Tripathi
10.              Shri Shyam Jaju
11.              Shri Anil Jain
12.              Shri Vijay Jolly
13.              Sardar R.P. Singh
14.              Shri Pawan Sharma
15.              Smt. Anita Arya
16.              Shri Yogender Chandolia
17.              Shri Mohan Singh Bisht
18.              Shri Kulwant Rana
19.              Shri Prithavi Raj Sawhney
20.              Smt. Meera Aggarwal
21.              Shri Ashish Sood
22.              Shri Abhay Verma
23.              Shri Ramesh Bidhuri
24.              Smt. Shikha Rai
25.              Shri Jai Prakash
26.              Shri Vijay Sharma
27.              Shri Jagdish Mukhi
28.              Shri Lal Bihari Tiwari
29.              Shri Jai Bhagwan Aggarwal
30.              Shri Harsharan Singh Balli
31.              Shri Nand Kishore Garg
32.              Shri Alok Kumar
33.              Shri Pravesh Verma
34.              Shri Abdul Rasheed
35.              Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi
36.              Shri Satish Upadhyay
37.              Shri Ashok Goel
38.              Shri Meva Ram Arya
39.              Smt. Poonam Azad
40.              Master Azad Singh
41.              Smt. Sarita Chaudhary
42.              Shri Ram Narayan Dubey
43.              Shri Ramkishan Singhal
44.              Shri Rajesh Gehlot
45.              Shri Sanjay Surjan
46.              Shri Subhash Arya
47.              Shri Mahender Nagpal
48.              Shri B.B. Tyagi
49.              Shri Gaurav Khari
50.              Smt. Sudha Sharma
51.              Shri Kishanlal Dhilod
52.              Shri Atif Rasheed
53.              Shri Rajkumar Ballan
54.              Shri Anand Sahu

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UN political chief to visit Iran today for Syria talks

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The political affairs chief of the United Nations Jeffrey Feltman is to visit Iran on Monday to discuss the war in Syria and unrest in Egypt and Lebanon, a report said.

Feltman is to hold talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Mehr news agency reported on Sunday.
The agency did not provide any details on the visit, the first by a top UN official since Secretary General Ban Ki-moon travelled to Iran in August 2012 to attend a summit of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Iran on Sunday warned against any US military intervention in Syria, where the opposition has accused the regime of using chemical weapons last week that killed hundreds.
Iran is the main regional ally of the Syrian government which denies the accusations.
The Islamic republic also backs the powerful Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, whose members have been fighting alongside Syrian regular forces for several months against a range of rebel forces out to topple the Damascus regime.
Lebanon has been hit by two deadly bombings a week apart that killed dozens, in the northern port of Tripoli and in the southern Beirut stronghold of Hezbollah.
Feltman was in Cairo last week for talks with Egyptian officials and Muslim Brotherhood leaders on how the United Nations can help facilitate reconciliation in the unrest-hit country.
The visit comes as Iran is staggering under the weight of UN and Western sanctions imposed over its contested nuclear programme.




Chinese leader Bo Xilai’s trial adjourns abruptly

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Disgraced Chinese leader Bo Xilai’s high-profile trial was abruptly adjourned after prosecutors produced more evidence to nail the former Communist strongman, who in turn described his ex-police chief and a key witness as a “liar with extremely bad character.”

Bo, 64, was sacked as the head of the Chongqing city last year and removed from the ruling party following allegations of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power against him.
The Jinan Intermediate People’s Court in east China’s Shandong province, which is hearing the case regarded as the most sensitive after the 1981 ‘Gang of Four’ trial’ involving Mao Zedong’s widow, adjourned the hearing till tomorrow after over two hours of proceedings on the fourth day on Sunday.
At Sunday’s dramatic trial, prosecutors presented more evidence on the charge of power abuse against the fallen politician, a spokesperson of the court told media in Jinan.
During the past three days court held session for the entire day spanning to about eight hours a day but on Sunday, it lasted over two hours.
Footage shown by state-run TV channel displayed two policemen taking Bo out of the court room holding his arms.
The evidence showed that Bo ordered the investigation against officials in-charge of handling the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood allegedly by his wife Gu Kailai, who was sentenced to death last year with two year reprieve after she confessed to the murder.
Bo violated organisational procedures to remove police chief Chongqing city Wang Lijun from his post after he started probing Gu’s involvement, prosecutors alleged.
The evidence also showed that Bo allowed his wife, who was not a civil servant, to take part in discussions about how to handle Wang’s defection, and sanctioned her suggestion to ask a hospital to fake a diagnosis that Wang had mental illness as well as the release of such false information to the public, state-run news agency reported.
Bo admitted that he made mistakes in handling these incidents but insisted that he was not involved in any conducts of power abuse and the responsibilities were all on his wife and a third participant surnamed Wu.
Bo said, “His (Wang’s) character is extremely bad, he created rumours… and threw dust in the public’s eyes. “It’s beneath legal credibility to present such a person as a key witness. Wang Lijun was lying during the trial and his testimony was not valid at all. His testimony was full of lies and fraud.”




Environment Ministryconfers Wildlife Awards

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Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award 2009 has been conferred upon Shri S. P. Yadav, Deputy Inspector General in National Tiger Conservation Authority .  The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award 2010 was conferred upon inindividual  to Shri Saurabh Gupta and Shri Gaurav Gupta and in institutional category to Shri Dadu Paryavaran Sansthan of District Tonk in Rajasthan.
These awards were given away on the occasion of birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi by the Secretary (Environment and Forests) Dr V.Rajagopalan . The award presentation ceremony coincided with the inauguration of the consultation workshop on “Developing Strategies for Mitigation of Human-Animal Conflicts”, organized by the Ministry of Enviornment & Forests and Wild Life Institute of India at India Habitat Centre. Dr. K. Jude Sekar, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, Dr. S. S. Garbyal, Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife), senior forest and wild life officers from the State Government all over the country and members of Civil Society from the wildlife fraternity participated. The Minister of State for Environment and Forests Smt JayanthiNatarajan has congratulated the winners of the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award 2009 and the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award 2010.
The Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award was conferred upon Shri S. P.Yadav, Deputy Inspector General in National Tiger Conservation Authority for cracking a hub of thriving illegal trade in wildlife specimens, during his tenure as Divisional Forest Officer, Agra in 2007-08. He was instrumental in major seizure of almost 30,000 wildlife specimens, including a large number of endangered species, in close coordination with the local Police and Special Task Force of Utter Pradesh for successful prosecution of the offenders.
The enormity of this seizure highlighted the scale of thriving illegal trade in lesser known endangered species of wildlife, and its networking for their use in educational institutions. It served as an eye opener and fostered the much needed awareness amongst local people, eventually leading to considerable reduction in demand for such specimens.
The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award-2010 in individual category was conferred upon Shri Saurabh Gupta and Shri Gaurav Gupta for their significant contribution for protection of Wildlife. The awardees have been assisting government authorities in detection, apprehension and prosecution of large number of offences under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana and Union Territory of Delhi. The efforts of Shri Saurabh Gupta and Shri Gaurav Gupta, made at considerable personal risks, have strengthened the enforcement of wildlife laws in the concerned States, resulting in check on wildlife crime.
The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award in institutional category was conferred upon Shri Dadu Paryavaran Sansthan of District Tonk in Rajasthan. The organization made remarkable contribution not only in saving the endangered wild animals, especially black bucks, from poachers, but also by working continuously for developing suitable habitat for them. They have worked for conservation and protection of black bucks and have raised awareness for the cause.




Food Security Bill to Provide Minimum Support Price to more Farmers

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In the wake of the increased requirement of foodgrains for implementation of the proposed Food Security Act, procurement operations will be further extended and more farmers will get the benefits of MSP operations. Foodgrain requirement for the implementation of the bill is estimated 614.3 lakh tonnes as against the existing requirement of 563.7 lakh tonnes for Targeted Public Distribution System.After implementation of the proposed Act, about 75 % persons in villages will get wheat at the rate of Rs. 2 and rice at the rate of Rs. 3 per kg. But farmers will get more for their produce i.e. Rs.12.85 per kg for wheat and Rs.12.50 per kg for paddy as minimum support price.
Access to highly subsidized foodgrains to small farmers under proposed Food Security Act and assured MSP for their produce will ease the burden on their earnings and allow them the option to spend the money so saved on other necessities. Hence it will help to improve their quality of life. Therefore, contrary to dissuading farmers from producing more, the Act will in fact encourage them to produce more.
Two-third of the population will become legally entitled to receive highly subsidized food grains after the enactment of the Food Security Bill. Each entitled person will receive 5 kg of food grains per month i.e. rice, wheat or coarse grains at Rs.3, Rs.2 and Re. 1 per kg respectively. The poorest of the poor will continue to get 35 kg food grains per household per month under AAY. The bill has special focus on nutritional needs of women and children. The eldest woman of the household above 18 years is considered the head of the household for the purpose of issue of ration cards as per provisions of the Bill. Pregnant women and lactating mothers will get maternity benefit of Rs. 6000 besides nutritious food. Children below 14 years of age will get food with higher nutritional norms. On the issue of redressing grievances that may arise in implementation of such a massive programme, it has been planned to give an increased role for Panchayati Raj institutions and women’s self help groups in programme-monitoring and social auditing. There will be provision for internal grievance redressal mechanism including call centres and helplines; and District Grievance Redressal Officers and State Food Commission for expeditious and effective relief to the people.




GOI welcomes Indian Olympic Association decision

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Government of India welcomes Indian Olympic Association decision to amend its constitution to bring it in line with the Sports Code
1.                  The Government of India welcomes the fact that the General Body of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has met today and agreed to amend its constitution to bring it in line with the Sports Code. It is also happy that Observers from the IOC attended the meeting.
2.                  Although the amendments have not yet been officially provided to the Government, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports understands that the age & tenure restrictions prescribed by the Sports Code have largely been adopted. Government of India welcomes this development and considers it a step in the right direction.
3.                  Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports and Shri P.K. Deb, Secretary (Sports) met the observers Mr. Francisco Elizaide,  Mr. Jerome Poivey from the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) and  Mr. Haidar A Farman from Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)  impressed upon them the need to ensure that the highest standard of ethics are maintained in the Indian Olympic Association.  The Govt. has stressed in unequivocal terms that persons facing criminal & corruption charges should not be allowed to contest IOA elections.  The Govt. of India also emphasised that Indian Sportspersons must be permitted to compete in International Events under the National Flag and if dispute between IOC & IOA cannot be resolved quickly, alternate enabling mechanisms may be considered for this purpose.
4.                  The Government of India has made strenuous efforts to get the IOC and the NSF in India to sort out their differences. It hopes that this meeting will culminate in India getting back into the Olympic fold.




TOURISM MINISTER EXPRESS CONCERN

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TOURISM MINISTER EXPRESS CONCERN OVER HARASSMENT MET BY US STUDENT
was extremely pained when I read about the harassment that a student encountered during her year long stay in India.  I have personally taken-up similar issues with several Chief Ministers and have addressed all State Tourism Ministers.  Consequently, all state tourism departments have unanimously agreed to put into place, measures to give greater security to all  tourists, specially women tourists.
Our Ministry has also launched a sensitization campaign called “I respect women” which is about according due respect to women.   I am now coordinating with the concerned Union Ministries – firstly, to raise awareness about the need for more sensitive behavior towards women and secondly, to provide greater security.
                  In all cases that are brought to our attention, we will endeavour to take remedial action as appropriate.
          I may mention that in the two unfortunate incidents that involved foreign tourists that took place this year, in both cases, the culprits involved were speedily acted against. In Madhya Pradesh, the culprits were arrested within two days and sentences of life imprisonment were given to them in 4 months. In Himachal Pradesh the culprits were apprehended within a week.
I am also co-ordinating with various Ministries like Ministry of Home Affair, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Justice & Justice etc to bring about further measures for enhancing the security of tourists, especially the women tourists.




NATIONAL SPORTS DAY CELEBRATIONS

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Rajpal Singh
Director
August 24, 2013
Dear Sir / Madam,
NATIONAL SPORTS DAY CELEBRATIONS
August 27, 2013
Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi
To promote sports culture and to create awareness about the essence of the National Sports Day, FICCI is launching a nationwide National Sports Day celebration at 0945HRS on 27th August 2013 at Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi.
This programme is a precursor to the National Sports Day, which will be celebrated on 29th Aug, 2013,  across 300 organisations in the country with the support of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, All India Council of Physical Education (AICPE), and Association of Indian Universities (AIU). All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Asian Football Development Project (FIFA) have also decided to support this initiative.
FICCI is pleased to invite you to the launch event and celebrations on  this momentous occasion of 27th Aug, 2013 at 1030 HRS at Federation House, Tansen Marg,  New Delhi . The registration will start at 0945hrs.
This would be followed by programme and refreshments at Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, New Delhi as per attached schedule.
Attached is the tentative programme of the 27th Aug, 2013 for your kind information.
Look forward to your kind confirmation. You can confirm your participation by replying tosports@ficci.com.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
(Rajpal Singh)




AirAsia X to launch double daily services

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AirAsia X to launch double daily services from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth
To celebrate, you can buddy up and save with our Buy 1, Fly 2 Sale!

SEPANG, 26 August 2013- AirAsia X Berhad, the leading low-cost, long-haul carrier, announced that the airline will increase its current flights to double daily flights services from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney,Melbourne and Perth later this year.
AirAsia X will increase its current flights to Sydney and Melbourne from 12 weekly flights and Perth from its current 9 weekly flights to 14 flights a week. The double daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne will start on 1 October 2013; and to Sydney and Perth on 25 November 2013 effectively.
The announcement follows the finalisation of a revised bilateral agreement between the Australian and Malaysian governments and an expansion of AirAsia X’s long-haul fleet of Airbus A330-300s which will comprise 16 aircraft at the end of December 2013.
AirAsia X is expected to become Australia’s fourth largest foreign carrier by the end of 2013 as it allocates its additional capacity for the remainder of the year to the market.
Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said, “Overall, the airline has carried over 3.4 million passengers to and from its Australian routes since it began operations in Australia in 2007. Australia contributes over 40% of the airline’s total revenue, with an average of 83% passenger load in the first half of 2013.”
“We are delighted to increase the current flights to double daily flights on our Australian routes. Our flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth routes have performed extremely well and the new double daily services will help meet increasing demand.”
“The double daily services will provide guests with a greater choice of travel times and enable us to offer improved flight connections across our network and that of the AirAsia Group, which would further encourage the growth of tourism and trade of both countries. With the additional frequencies, AirAsia X is also looking at doubling our fly-thru arrivals into Australia and from Australia across our group network.”
“AirAsia X has been lobbying both governments for some time for the increased capacity, and we are delighted to be able to further expand our reach across these dynamic cities from Kuala Lumpur.”
“Australia is a huge part of our core focus, and Australians can expect to see us continuing to expand our operations in this vitally important market,” concluded Azran.
To celebrate the double daily flights, AirAsia X is offering a “Buy 1, Fly 2” sale which allows guests to book with a friend and split one amazing fare.
The sale is available for online bookings from 26 August 2013 to 1 September 2013 for the travel period for departures from Kuala Lumpur between 1 October 2013 and 5 August 2014; and Perth and Sydney departures from 25 November 2013 to 5 August 2014.
In one of AirAsia X’s best deals yet, two people can fly from Kuala Lumpur to  SydneyMelbourne andPerth from as low as  MYR 599* one way.
Fly-Thru promotional deals are available from as low as MYR 699* from Penang to Perth. Guests may also opt for other exciting fly-thru deals that include services from AirAsia X other destinations such as from China and Korea to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth via the Kuala Lumpur hub. The Fly-thru service allows guests to seamlessly purchase two flight sectors and connect via Kuala Lumpur.
AirAsia X also recently announced its entry into Adelaide, with four weekly flights to its hub in Kuala Lumpur set to begin October 31, 2013 and a return to seven flights a week on the Gold Coast.
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.
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 5th 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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Food Security Bill gets nod of Loksabha

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States foodgrain entitlements to be protected legally
Definition of meal changed to avoid package food
States to get one year for implementation of the Bill
States to be consulted for making rules to carry out provisions of Bill 
The National Food Security Bill, a historic initiative for ensuring food and nutritional security to the people was passed by Loksabha yesterday. According to the amendments approved by the house State Governments’ existing foodgrain entitlements will be protected legally subject to it being restricted to average annual off take during last three years. Earlier it was proposed to be protected by an executive order.  The definitions of the ‘meal’ for mid day meal and ICDS programmes has also been amended. Now ‘meal’ means hot cooked or pre-cooked and heated food and not the packaged food. This amendment has been made to remove the apprehensions of misuse of the earlier provision for supply of packaged food in large quantity.
Another amendment now provides one year to states for implementation of the Food Bill instead of six months.
Removing all apprehensions of the States regarding their say in the implementation of the ambitious Bill, the other amendment says that the Central Government will make rules in consultation with the State Governments to carry out the provisions of Food Security Act.
Total ten amendments have been approved by the Lok Sabha in the National Food Security Bill which was introduced in the house on August 7, 2013 by Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister, Shri K.V.Thomas to replace the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013 promulgated on 5th July, 2013
The Bill proposes to provide wheat and rice at Rs 2 and Rs 3 per kg to about 81 crore people, while under the existing Targeted Public Distribution System only 2.5 crore Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families or about 32.5 crore persons (assuming 5 as the average household size) are getting foodgrains at these prices. Thus, population getting foodgrains at these highly subsidized prices as their legal right will increase to 67% from existing 27%.
Other features of the Bill are as follows.
Under the Food Security Bill each entitled person will receive 5 kg of food grains per month. The poorest of the poor who have been getting 35 kg of food grains, will continue to get 35 kg food grains per household per month under AAY. The Bill has special focus on nutritional needs of women and children. The Bill proves that the eldest woman of the household above 18 years is considered the head of the household for the purpose of issue of ration cards. Not only that pregnant women and lactating mother will get maternity benefit of Rs. 6000/- and pregnant women and children below 14 years of age will get nutritious meals, with higher nutritional norms for malnourished children. On the issue of redressing grievances that may arise in implementation of such a massive social justice programme, it has been planned to give an increased role for Panchayati Raj institutions and women’s self help group in programme-monitoring and social auditing. There will be provision for internal grievance redressal mechanism including call centres and help lines; and District Grievance Redressal Officers and State Food Commission for expeditious and effective. 




RAVISH DESAI MAKES HIS TV DEBUT WITH MERI BHABHI

27082013
 

With a Bollywood release in the pipeline, Ravish Desai is all set to make his debut with STAR PLUS’ Meri Bhabhi. Ravish will be playing the role of Kunal who will be playing a positive character and enters Shraddha’s (Kanchi Kaul) life. Ek Nanad Ki Khushiyon Ki Chaabi Meri Bhabhi tells a refreshing and very positive story of a nurturing friendship between a Nanad and Bhabhi, one that is filled with immense support, love and care that it redefines archaic societal norms.
Shraddha has been through a lot lately with her husband Bobby Sood (Bharat Chawda) betraying the trust of her and her family. With nothing going right for Shraddha the entry of Kritika’s (Esha Kansara) brother, Kunal will be a turning point.
Kunal is a happy go lucky person with no tensions, he has returned just returned from America. “It’s a great opportunity; firstly I had never thought I’d be making a beginning on television with STAR PLUS the only channel to have given plenty of opportunities to new comers and most of them making it big from there on. I’ll have my fingers crossed; I relate to my onscreen character a lot, I am like Kunal in real life – charming, witty I love living life to the fullest and very optimistic,” says the charming actor.
Ravish seems very excited about his new venture. Let’s hope that he makes a great impact as Kunal in the show.
To watch Ravish Desai’s entry tune into Meri Bhabhi at 08:00 p.m Monday – Friday only on Star Plus.




MAHINDRA INCHES FROM ANOTHER DOUBLE TOP TEN

27082013

New Delhi 26th August, 2013: Mahindra missed another double top ten in the MGP3OⳠdebut season by less than half a second in todayⳠCzech Republic Grand Prix, fighting hard in a big pursuit pack of Moto3頭achines that stayed close throughout an exciting 19-lap race of the fast and spectacular Brno circuit.
Efr鮠Vằuez had qualified ninth and team-mate Miguel Oliveira tenth for the race, at a long circuit where the still young Mahindra machine held its own on the sweeping corners and long climbs.
It was Portuguese teenager Oliveira leading the pair, and most of the time at the front of the pack disputing the championship points behind a breakaway front group of eight riders. Oliveira led the battling posse through to catch the stragglers from the front breakaway, losing eighth with two laps to go, and failing to regain the spot by 0.024 seconds.
Vằuez was in the same group, fighting for positions. He crossed the line 11th, less than half-a-second behind his team-mate in a typically close finish for the ultra-competitive smallest Grand Prix class. Just over 2.5 seconds covered eighth to 13th positions.
Mahindra is the only Indian constructor in world championship motorcycle racing, with its own independently built machine challenging established racing factories in the 250cc single-cylinder four-stroke class. The MGP3O was designed and built in six months over the winter, and has proved competitive from first tests.
So far the top-three podium has proved elusive for the all-new machine, but the MGP3O has claimed three fourth positions and qualified on the front row four times, including one pole position, even while in its first development season.
The Czech race was the middle of three consecutive events in the USA, mainland Europe and Great Britain – an intensive period of racing that restarts the season after the summit.




GEI today welcomes 15 CEOs

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London, 27 August 2013 – The Global Electricity Initiative (GEI) today welcomes 15 CEOs from the world’s major electrical utilities onto its board of advisors. 
The Global Electricity Initiative aims to provide a platform to enable the increase in electricity access in a sustainable and affordable manner.  It will showcase the early voluntary actions by industry to increase access to affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly electricity, by uniting the resources and knowledge from the world’s electrical utility community.
Philippe Joubert, Executive Chair of the Global Electricity Initiative, says: “CEOs see the GEI as a privileged platform to express their views regarding the transition of the energy system. Having the significant support from these CEOs shows how important they consider sustainable energy.”
Brian Dames, CEO of Eskom, the South African utility which spearheaded the inaugural GEI report at COP-17 in 2011, and who chairs the GEI Advisory Board, comments: “The electricity utility community plays a critical role in enabling electricity access and responding to sustainable development challenges.  We stand united in supporting GEI’s mission.”
GEI’s first findings will be discussed at the 22nd World Energy Congress in Daegu, South Korea, at an exclusive GEI roundtable with the CEOs of the world’s leading utilities on 17 October. After the Congress, GEI will build on their recommendations and present the initiative’s core findings to key energy leaders and ministers.
GEI is a partnership between the World Energy Council (WEC), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP) – three of the world’s largest energy and sustainability networks. The alliance was announced at COP-18 in Doha, and the project is being carried out with support from Deloitte South Africa.
Research on electrical utilities’ experience is underway, with surveys already sent out to more than 100 leaders of electrical power utilities covering over 50% of the global generating capacity.
Mr Joubert says: “We hope that GEI will pave the way for more efficient and sustainable company strategies and government policies, while establishing a global benchmark to demonstrate and share best practices for decision-makers. This will lay the foundation for a global electricity sector leaders’ community.”
He adds: “We would like to encourage more utilities to take part in our global study.”
GEI’s Industry Leaders Advisory Board is tasked to provide the initiative with strategic guidance and industry insights.  It includes the following chief executives:
  • Brian Dames (Chair), Eskom, South Africa
  • Nick Akins, American Electric Power, US
  • Andrew Brandler, CLP Holding Group, Hong Kong
  • James E. Rogers, Duke Energy, US
  • Hervé Machenaud, EDF Group, France
  • Ali Hassan Ibrahim, Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, Egypt
  • José da Costa Carvalho Neto, Eletrobras, Brazil
  • José Antonio Vargas Lleras, Endesa SA, Spain
  • Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Québec, Canada
  • Sam Amadi, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigeria
  • Arup Roy Choudhury, NTPC, India
  • Evgeny Dod, RusHydro, Russia
  • Peter Terium, RWE, Germany
  • Saleh H. Alawaji, Saudi Electricity Co., Saudi Arabia
  • Liu Zhenya, State Grid Corporation of China
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About the Global Electricity Initiative (GEI)
The Global Electricity Initiative (GEI) aims to increase electricity access in a sustainable and affordable manner worldwide. GEI will showcase proactive actions that utilities are undertaking to increase access to affordable and clean electricity.
It will identify and document best practices to be shared with the energy leadership community in October 2013 during the 22nd World Energy Congress in Daegu, South Korea.
GEI will also lay the foundation for a global electricity sector leaders’ community. It will give CEOs of utilities an opportunity to demonstrate their achievements and communicate their vision towards increasing electricity access worldwide in a sustainable and affordable manner.
GEI is driven by three of the world’s largest industry-based and sustainability networks: World Energy Council (WEC), World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP).
www.globalelectricityinitiative.org
About the World Energy Council (WEC)
The World Energy Council is the principal impartial network of leaders and practitioners promoting an affordable, stable and environmentally sensitive energy system for the greatest benefit of all. Formed in 1923, WEC is the UN-accredited global energy body, representing the entire energy spectrum, with more than 3000 member organisations located in over 90 countries and drawn from governments, private and state corporations, academia, NGOs and energy related stakeholders. WEC informs global, regional and national energy strategies by hosting high-level events, publishing authoritative studies, and working through its extensive member network to facilitate the world’s energy policy dialogue.
www.worldenergy.org and @WECouncil
About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is a CEO-led organization of forward-thinking companies that galvanizes the global business community to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment. Together with its members, the Council applies its respected thought leadership and effective advocacy to generate constructive solutions and take shared action. Leveraging its strong relationships with stakeholders as the leading advocate for business, the council helps drive debate and policy change in favor of sustainable development solutions.
The WBCSD provides a forum for its 200 member companies – who represent all business sectors, all continents and a combined revenue of more than $7 trillion – to share best practices on sustainable development issues and to develop innovative tools that change the status quo. The Council also benefits from a network of 60 national and regional business councils and partner organizations, a majority of which are based in developing countries.
www.wbcsd.org
About the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP)
Created in the wake of the 1992 Rio Summit, the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership is a CEO-led non-profit international organization, composed of the world’s leading electricity companies, whose mission is to promote sustainable energy development through electricity sector projects and human capacity building activities in developing and emerging nations worldwide. Since its inception, GSEP’s activities have reached over 100 countries
The Partnership members are: American Electric Power (United States), Comisión Federal de Electricidad (Mexico), Duke Energy (United States), EDF (France), Eletrobras (Brazil), ENEL S.p.A. (Italy), Eskom (South Africa), Hydro-Québec (Canada), Iberdrola (Spain), JSC “RusHydro” (Russia), Kansai Electric Power Company, Inc. (Japan), RWE AG (Germany), SGCC (China), and Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (Japan)
www.globalelectricity.org
Media enquiries:
Monique Tsang, World Energy Council (WEC) – GEI Secretariat
tsang@worldenergy.org; +44 20 3214 0616
Sophie Lambin, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)




Plan India organized National Workshop on ㉭proving Quality of Life of Children

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New Delhi, August 27, 2013 - Plan India, the leading child-centred community development organisation today organized its ㎡tional Workshop on Improving Quality of Life of Children伯b> at the India Habitat Centre. The workshop was addressed by Mr GovindNihalani, Chairperson Plan India Board, Ms BhagyashriDengle, Plan India Executive Director, Ms Frederika Meijer, Country Representative UNFPA, Dr. S. Parasuraman, Director, TataInstitute of Social Sciences , Ms Preet Verma, Advisor to the Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Government of India, Ms. Dora Giusti, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF India Country Office, Mr SatyabrataSahu, Joint Secretary (Water), Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, MrDeepak Jolly, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca Cola, India & South West Asia, Mr Aidan Cronin, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist, UNICEF India Country Office and Mr  ChristopherJuan Costain, Regional Team Leader, World Bank Water and Sanitation Programme, South Asia.
The workshop which was aimed at sharing Plan IndiaⳠexperiences andgood practices on improving quality of life of children, primarily by implementing child centred community development approach, was attended by field practitioners, policy makers, researchers, academicians, media and professionals from development agencies and corporate sector that have been actively engaged in promoting child rights and reducing child poverty. On this occasion six key publications of Plan were released, an exhibition on Child Centred Community Development Programmes of Plan India was inaugurated by Mr Govind Nihalani and a theatre performance was hosted on the theme of the workshop by DelhiⳊacclaimed Ashmita Theatre Group.࠼/span>
Inaugurating the workshop, Plan India Executive Director Ms. Bhagyashri Dengle said 㓩nce last 30 years of working in India, Plan, through its CCCD approach, has improved the lives of over a million of children across the country and during this process; children and communities have provided insightful experiences on various facets of lives affecting them. A number of lessons have been learnt that have the potential of further creating better modules that will help in implementing value based programs in the communities䮠
Plan India Chairperson, MrGovindNihalani unveiled PlanⳠsix key publications. The first set of four publications included, Existing Models of Child Participation in Plan India Programmes, which documents PlanⳠvarious models of child participation in Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Bihar.ࠔhe publicationBecause I Am A Girl – Learning for Life, is based on PlanⳠexperiences in UP, Bihar and Jharkhand about the factors that facilitate or hinder education and life skill development of adolescent girls. International publication Asia Child Marriage Initiative – Study in Bangladesh, India and Nepal is based on Plan AsiaⳠinitiative to help prevent child marriages and its negative consequences. The fourth release Magnitude and Causes of Malnutrition in Jharkhandprovides insights into the levels, causes and recent changes in the health and nutrition status of Children (0-4 and 5-12 years), adolescents (13-19 years) and married women of reproductive age (20-44 years) in the state.
The second set of two publications unveiled by Mr Nihalani included, WASHing – A Path to A Brighter Future Changing Lives Across Indiaand Village Water Safety and Security Manual.These two publications document good practices from Plan IndiaⳠWater, Environment and Sanitation programme involving children and community in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Ms Meena Narula, Director, Programme Policy and Strategy, Plan India provided an overview of the six Plan publications and the in-depth on-field studies that had been conducted by Plan and its partner agencies in their preparation.
About Plan India
Plan India is an Indian NGO working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, their families and communities through an approach that puts children at the centre of community development. Since 1979, we have been working with our partners to help children access their rights to proper healthcare, basic education, and healthy environment, protection from abuse and exploitation and participation in decisions that affect their lives. We encourage children to express their views and be actively involved in improving their communities. Plan India currently works in 11 states in India, across 5000 communities and has touched the lives of over a million children. Please visit www.planindia.org for more information




ZEE launch new free to air channel Zee Anmol

27082013

“Zee Anmol goes on air from Sept 01  free-to-air channel and we are targeting segments of the heartland who does not see the Zee TV,” through this channel, ZEEL would beam programme which would be mix of old Zee serials to its popular shows such as Khana Khazana and Bollywood entertainment, he added. ”Our insighting mechanism strongly indicates that the audiences today are craving for some of their all-time favourite shows from Zee’s library and Zee Anmol is an attempt to bring these popular shows back in to their lives,” ZEE Chief Creative & Content Officer (CCCO) Bharat Kumar Ranga said.
Now watch Zee Anmol by logging on zeeanmol.tv. even with 2G connections and non-smart phones a facility on mobile and television platforms simultaneously, the theme content for the new channel are to be news ones and to be picked from the archives of Zee Network, including fiction and reality television shows.




27082013
 
 
                        
   
                    
    
Dear N.K, Here’s your copy of Total Rail newsletter, our bulletin on news, views and the latest thinking on the rail world. We hope you find it useful and thought provoking.
Enjoy!
Lorna
    
         
                        
                  
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Featured Posts
        
                    
                        
   
Rail Industry News – 23rd August 2013
In this week’s Rail Industry News we’re talking about: – the rail fare rises in the UK – the 4G rail revolution – our top 7 rail Facebook strategies We’ve also got two free downloads from Thales and an ebook from our very own rail team at Terrapinn! This… read more ›
       
     
 
          
     
 
                    
   
Top 7 Rail Facebook strategies
Social media is a great way to connect with customers. In the airline sector, almost all carriers use Facebook as a means to communicate with passengers, trouble-shoot complaints and inspire potential travellers to visit new places (conveniently on said carrier flight routes). Rail is a… read more ›
   
                    
   
Why are all the toilets out of order?
Don’t drink and drive, drink and ride! A statement I heartily agree with and train operators occasionally get in on the action and provide additional services for my convenience. However what is extremely inconvenient is getting a train after the gig/sporting… read more ›
   
          
     
 
          
                        
  
Transnet issues R1,5 billion domestic bond
Transnet successfully issued a R1,5 billion five-year bond through its programme to raise funds in the local debt capital markets, confirming investor confidence in the company and its portfolio of projects. The issue emphasises our commitment and strategy to use the domestic capital markets as… read more ›
        
    
  
          
 
Top 5 rail movies
Our colleague, guest blogger and film expert Marc Jones gives us his top five rail movies… [imagebrowser id=2] In 1896 there was the first public showing of a short film named “L’Arrivée d’un train en gare de La Ciotat”, or “Train pulling into a station” as… read more ›
         
    
  
          
                        
             
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27082013
Czech Republic Grand Prix race report 

MAHINDRA INCHES FROM ANOTHER DOUBLE TOP TEN
New Delhi 26th August, 2013: Mahindra missed another double top ten in the MGP3O’s debut season by less than half a second in today’s Czech Republic Grand Prix, fighting hard in a big pursuit pack of Moto3™ machines that stayed close throughout an exciting 19-lap race of the fast and spectacular Brno circuit.
Efrén Vázquez had qualified ninth and team-mate Miguel Oliveira tenth for the race, at a long circuit where the still young Mahindra machine held its own on the sweeping corners and long climbs.
It was Portuguese teenager Oliveira leading the pair, and most of the time at the front of the pack disputing the championship points behind a breakaway front group of eight riders. Oliveira led the battling posse through to catch the stragglers from the front breakaway, losing eighth with two laps to go, and failing to regain the spot by 0.024 seconds.
Vázquez was in the same group, fighting for positions. He crossed the line 11th, less than half-a-second behind his team-mate in a typically close finish for the ultra-competitive smallest Grand Prix class. Just over 2.5 seconds covered eighth to 13th positions.
Mahindra is the only Indian constructor in world championship motorcycle racing, with its own independently built machine challenging established racing factories in the 250cc single-cylinder four-stroke class. The MGP3O was designed and built in six months over the winter, and has proved competitive from first tests.
So far the top-three podium has proved elusive for the all-new machine, but the MGP3O has claimed three fourth positions and qualified on the front row four times, including one pole position, even while in its first development season.
The Czech race was the middle of three consecutive events in the USA, mainland Europe and Great Britain – an intensive period of racing that restarts the season after the summer break. The next round is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend, 11th of 17 events in the championship.

MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – Ninth Position
“Since Indy we have struggled a bit with rear grip and turning, and this sort of track appears quite difficult for our bike. But the MGP3O is still very young, so we have to gain experience and keep learning. This weekend we can take some positives to try at the next Grand Prix. Silverstone is quite similar to Brno in some ways, and I am quite excited to go there and keep on developing, so that we can be better at the end of the season
EFRÉN VÁZQUEZ – 11th Position
“This was a difficult race for us and not a perfect weekend for the team, but we did the best we could and got some more points for the championship. We need to keep trying different solutions and keep working: the riders and the engineers. It’s enjoyable and interesting, and I’m confident we’re improving race by race, even if my results didn’t show it today.”
MUFADDAL CHOONIA – CEO, Mahindra Racing
“The last two races have not got us the same results as compared to the earlier races but Indy and Brno are two very difficult circuits, especially Brno, with very fast corners. We had a new swing-arm and forks at this track, and the positive thing is we gained valuable data while setting up the Mahindra MGP3O with these new parts. We have some more design improvements planned, and the factory will start working on them immediately. Unfortunately today the front group got an insurmountable gap in the first four or five laps, but our riders closed on the riders in sixth and seventh in the last laps, with Miguel leading the group forward. Without that early break, I am sure we could have finished higher, in the top five. Silverstone too is a similar track, but we are confident of an improved performance there.”

Today's NEWS

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Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
cordially invites you to a Public Lecture
in the ‘Interrogating Social Justice’ series


at 3.00 pm on Thursday, 29 August, 2013
in the Seminar Room, First Floor, Library Building

on

Tribal Situation in India’

by

Prof. Virginius Xaxa,
 Tata Institute of Social Sciences,
Guwahati.


Abstract:
Tribes are enumerated at over 88 million constituting about 8.6 per cent of the total population of the country as per the 2001 census. Though very small in population, they are enormously diverse. They are also distributed over the length and breadth of the country. The distribution is however far from even. About 84 percent inhabit region commonly referred to as central India; 12 per cent live in North-East India, 3 per cent in South and 1 per cent in North India.  Not only geographical distribution is uneven but their situation too is very uneven. Of public attention to tribal population at the national level, Northeast has remained at the forefront. This has been followed by central India especially the eastern part.  The South India and North India has been subject of attention only occasionally.  North-East has been plagued by demands for autonomy of various kinds. It has also been the region of endemic conflict and violence, conflict between state and people as well as between people. The state all through the post-independence decades has presented itself in the North-east in its militaristic form.   Notwithstanding the features described such as above, the tribes in the north eastern region have fared remarkably well in the social development. The percentage of people living below poverty line is much lower than the national tribal average. And so has been the case with such indicators as the level of literacy, enrolment and drop outs as well as health indicators such as the infant mortality, child mortality, under-five mortality etc. Of course there are variations within the region across states. In contrast the form in which the State has presented itself in mainland India has been its developmental character. Not only is the region strongly linked with the rest of India in terms of roads, railways and other communication, but also land, labour and credit market.  The region has also been witness to infrastructure projects such power, irrigation, dams etc. It has also witness to setting up of industrialization projects and mineral exploitation. However, since last one decade, the state has increasingly assumed the role of militaristic state. Despite strong presence of the developmental state, the region has hardly done well in social development sector. The people living below poverty line is highest in eastern India followed by western India. Similarly, in terms of the level of literacy and other health indicators, the region has fared extremely poor. The lecture makes an effort to understand the paradoxes.


Speaker:
Prof. Virginius Xaxa obtained M.A. in Sociology from Pune University and Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. He is at present Professor and Deputy Director at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati Campus. He taught Sociology at Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi from 1990 to 2011 and North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong from 1978-1990. He held post-doctoral fellowship under Indo-French Cultural Exchange Programme at Maison des Sciences de l’Homme, Paris (1982) and had been Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellow at SOAS, University of London (1988) and Fulbright Fellow at University of California Santa Cruz, USA (1998). He held Rajiv Gandhi Chair at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong from 2006-2008. He is the author of Economic Dualism and Structure of Class: A Study in Plantation and Peasant settings in North Bengal (1997) and State, Society and Tribes: Issues in Post- Colonial India (2008). He is also co-author of Plantation Labour in India (1996) and co-editor of Social Exclusion and Adverse Inclusion: Adivasis in India (2012). He is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Asian Ethnicity, History and Sociology of South Asia, Social Change and Contribution to Indian Sociology.


 

28082013
Organizing for Action
Friend –
Well, this is an interesting twist:
Congress has until September 30th to pass a budget, and — lo and behold — some extreme members of the House are threatening to force the government to shut down.
That is, unless all funding for Obamacare is removed from the budget.
As ridiculous as that plan is, that means we’ve got a fight coming — and we’re not shying away from it.
The federal budget affects every American, from veterans to federal employees to people in need. This isn’t a time for political games and gimmicks.
The President has a plan to pass a budget that grows the middle class, and it’ll require members of Congress who are serious about governing to make it happen.
OFA has been on the front lines this summer — we’ve changed the conversation and helped people raise their voices. If some members of Congress want another fight over Obamacare, we’ll do what we have to do to make sure they don’t get their way.
Add your name to say you’re ready for the fight:
Thanks,
Jon
Jon Carson
Executive Director
Organizing for Action


 

28082013

When 80 members of Congress say 

Naresh –
You know what’s not funny? When 80 members of Congress say they’ll refuse to do their jobs just because they don’t get their way.
That’s what happened last week when a gang of House Republicans sent Speaker John Boehner a letter informing him that they’d rather trigger a government shutdown before voting for a budget that funds Obamacare.
It’s an absolutely absurd demand — and it’s forcing John Boehner to make a decision: be a leader or cave to the extreme members of the House.
The good news is that a lot of folks across the country are sick of these games.
Add your name — tell Speaker Boehner to stand up to anti-Obamacare bullies in Congress right now:
Thanks,
Lindsay
—————–Original Message—————–
From: Jon Carson, BarackObama.com
Subject: This is nonsense:
Friend – 
In case you missed it, here’s the latest plan being pushed by some members of the House: Cut all funding for Obamacare, or shut down the government.
Congress has until September 30th to pass a budget, and these representatives think this is the best time to wage a fight against a law that is already helping millions of Americans.
It’s going to be up to Speaker John Boehner to decide if he’s going to let these folks play games over the federal budget.
The federal budget is how we determine our priorities as a country. Congress is deciding whether we give more tax breaks to corporations, or fund programs for our country’s schools, or — yes — help people get access to affordable health care.
President Obama has a budget plan to grow the economy from the middle out — not the top down. Because unless we make investments to help the middle class to grow, we’ll never do more than move from one fiscal crisis to the next.
We don’t need more obstructionism from some members of Congress. And we certainly don’t need a government shutdown.
This country deserves better — if you agree, add your name today to stand up to the extreme proposals in the House:
Thanks,
Jon
Jon Carson
Executive Director
Organizing for Action


 

Shekhar’s Hat-trick helps Apeejay Public School, Noida advance

28082013
Inline image 1

Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg

Shekhar’s Hat-trick helps Apeejay Public School, Noida advance to next Round of Airtel Rising Stars 2013

New Delhi, 27th August: A display of skillful playing and three well-scored goals by Apeejay Public School’s Shekhar’s powered Apeejay Public School to record a 5 – 0 win over Ryan International School, Noida, in a knock-out match in the Delhi Leg of the 2nd edition of Airtel Rising Stars, played at Commonwealth Games Village in New Delhi today.

Shekhar displayed spectacular dribbling skills throughout the match and kept the defenders busy at all corners of the ground. He opened the school’s account in the 5th minute and scored another in the 12th minute. Teammate Uavand contributed by scoring one goal in the 24th minute. Proving that he is a player to watch out for, the youngster scored his third and the team’s fourth goal and completed a brilliant hat-trick. Prateek scored the fifth goal to seal a persuasive victory over the boys from Ryan.

In another match played at Ambedkar Stadium, Arjun’s brace helped Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj drub Modern School, Vasant Vihar 5-0. Arjun scored the first goal in the 19th minute, followed by Adeeb and Sanata’s goal in 26th and 28th minute respectively. Arjun scored his second goal in the 30th minute and confirmed the win for his team followed by Vatsal’s game ending goal.

In a third match, Ryan International School, Ghaziabad defeated D.A.V. Public School, Noida 4-3 after a 1-1 draw at the Commonwealth Games Village. Both teams were tied 1-1 at full time. Ryan team member Dhruv scored the first goal in the first minute of the match but D.A.V. Public School’s Karan equalised the score in the 5th minute. Both teams went on to defend well until full time. In the penalty-shootout, Abhishek, Aditya, Badal and Dhruv converted their attempts into goals for Ryan International School. Vishal, Varun and Nitish scored goals for D.A.V. Public School.

RESULTS – Ambedkar Stadium

Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj (Arjun 19th, 30th, Adeeb 26th, Sanata, 28th, Vatsal 47th) bt Modern School, Vasant Vihar 5-0

Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vasant Vihar (Mayank, Prateek, Pushkar, Sarthak, Anurag) bt Mamta Modern School (Shaurya, Aditya Nath, Rajat, Mukul) 5-4 (0-0)


RESULTS – Commonwealth Games Village

Apeejay Public School, Noida (Shekhar 5th, 12th, 26th, Uavand 24th, Prateek 31st) bt Ryan International School, Noida 5-0

Ryan International School, Ghaziabad (Dhruv 1st; Abhishek, Aditya, Dhruv & Badal) bt D.A.V. Public School, Noida (Karan 5th; Vishal, Varun & Nitish) 4-3 (1-1)

Father Agnel School, Noida (Cuinkoi 5th; Brijesh, Kevin & Meingouleng) bt Sahodaya School, Safdarjung (Suresh 24th; Milian Singh & Rahul) 4-3 (1-1)

Father Agnel School, Noida (Brijesh 12th, Meinlouw 35th) bt Cambridge School, Noida (Rituraj 28th2-1

Army Public School, Noida (Satyam 19th, Anand 22nd) bt Cambridge School, Indirapuram 2-0

DAV School, Noida (Abhishek 5th) bt Public School, Mayur Vihar 1-0


 

Sharad Pawar spreads falsehoods in the Parliament on GM Crops

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Sharad Pawar spreads falsehoods in the Parliament on GM Crops,
Coalition For a GM Free India urges Parliamentarians to stop the Agri Minister from misleading the Parliament and Nation.

New Delhi, 27th Aug: Registering strong protest on the consistent false statements by the Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar, to promote GM crops, the Coalition for a GM Free India urged the Members of the Parliament to challenge Pawar for repeatedly misleading the parliament. This was in response to answers given by the Union Agri Minister in the Loksabha to questions raised by various M.Ps today on Genetically Modified (GM) crops in India.

Countering Pawar’s statements on Bt cotton, the only commercially cultivated GM crop in India, having increased yields and farmers income, Rajesh Krishnan, Co-Convenor, Coalition for a GM Free India, stated that “records of Cotton Advisory Board which is also quoted by the Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR) says that rate of increase in productivity was higher in the Pre-Bt cotton era and tanked after the introduction of Bt cotton in 2002. The rate of increase was 69% during the period of 2000-1 to 2005-06 by which Bt cotton area was only 18%. The rate of increase in yield was a moderate 17% in the following 3 years and has been showing a decreasing trend ever since when Bt cotton area has reached almost 95% [1]. Hence, Sharad Pawar’s statement in Parliament is not only a blatant lie but a dangerous propaganda for a derailed technology. it is unacceptable that the Agriculture Ministry refuses to uphold rigorous science in this case.”

The Coalition also drew attention to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, comprising of M.Ps across party lines, report on GM crops. The report tabled in the Parliament last year had reccomended a precautionary approach towards GM crops [2]. As part of its consultative process to get the views of various stakeholders on GM crops, the committee also held a public consultation at Yavatmal in Vidarbha, which is part of the cotton belt, one of the centres of agrarian distress and also known as the suicide capital of India. This was to find out the ground reality on Bt cotton’s contribution to the distress. Pointing to the continued distress in cotton belt the committee had questioned the promotion of Bt cotton by the govt.

“It is a cruel joke that the Minister makes a statement on the floor of parliament that Bt cotton cultivation has increased the incomes of cotton farmers by 2 fold and 4 fold in rainfed and irrigated regions of the country respectively. If that was true, what accounts for the thousands of farmers in the cotton belt committing suicides year after year in the same period.” asked Sridhar Radhakrishnan of Coalition for a GM Free India. Reminding Pawar that it is thanks to Bt cotton that Monsanto, the American seed giant whose proprietary material Bt cotton is, controls more than 90% of the cotton seed market in the country, he stated that “Monsanto with its royalties from Bt cotton, amounting to hundreds of crores, seems to be the only one which has benefited from this crop in India. The Agriculture Minister needs to state whether he is on the side of this American multinational or on the side of our Indian farmers.”

The coalition had earlier written a letter to Sharad Pawar urging him to take notice of the mounting scientific evidences against GM crops and stop their mindless promotion that he has been doing [3]. The letter also asked him to acknowledge the report by the Technical Expert Committee, set up by the hon’ble Supreme Court in response to a PIL against open releases of GM crops. The TEC in its main report had pointed to the various risks posed by GM crops and strongly recommended for a robust regulatory system to be put in place before even open field trials of GM crops are further permitted.

The Coalition for GM free India demands the Union Agriculture Minister to stop his mindless promotion of GM crops and urges the hon’ble members of the Parliament to question the inaccurate and biased opinions of the minister on this regard.


 

Zee announces Dance India Dance Season 4

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Zee announces DID Season 4 :Sanam Johar in Jaipur to announce city auditions

Posted on August 28, 2013 by 
Jaipur, August 27th: Do you believe you were born to dance??? If yes, then the wait is finally over! The days and nights you spent rehearsing and getting every move just perfect will finally pay off. The biggest and the baap of all dance reality shows is back and this time it’s going to be crazier than ever before! Zee TV announces the return of the dance mania – The brand new season of ‘Dance India Dance’ – DID Season 4! Zee TV’s hunt for the ultimate dancers gets bigger and better as the auditions for DID 4 will be held across 19 cities and its happening in JAIPUR on Thursday, August 29th at St. Wilfred’s School, Sector- 10, Meera Marg, Madhyam Marg
Mansarover, Jaipur – 302020 Rajasthan
9 am onwards.
With Zee TV kicking off an aggressive blitzkrieg of multi-city auditions all through August and September, it’s time for talented dancers across India to come to their nearest centre / cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Baroda, Raipur, Indore, Patna, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Dehradun, Chennai, Kolhapur, Imphal, Rajkot and Bangalore to gear up, put on their best dancing shoes and land up at the audition venues! Sanam Joharthe super talented heartthrob of Dance India Dance Season 3 who is, today, a successful choreographer –is in the city ofJaipur to call out to every dance enthusiast in the city to audition for DID 4.
While the first 3 seasons have unearthed some exceptional dancers like Salman, Shakti, Dharmesh, Prince, Rajasmita, Raghav, Siddhesh and Jai Kumar Nair to name a few, the upcoming season promises to showcase the ultimate dancer who will set the stage ablaze with original choreography, immaculate timing, never-before-seen passion and a universal appeal. Dance India Dance has introduced new dance forms like locking-popping, b-boying, cha cha cha, rumba, jive, contemporary, afro jazz, etc in the last four seasons and in this upcoming series, the passion, the frenzy, the camaraderie, the rehearsals, the victories, the disappointments, the hosts, the judges and above all, the spectacular talent  will return with RENEWED VIGOUR!
‘Dance India Dance – Season 4’ is undoubtedly a golden opportunity coming to your city to discover hidden talent. It’s the ultimate platform to showcase the talent and personality of very gifted dancers chosen from all corners of India!  Eminent jury members will arrive in the city on the audition day to identify the best talent who will then be invited to the mega-auditions in Mumbai. So, put your best foot forward and prove that you were BORN TO DANCE.


 

Interactive Session on Bonded Labour issues in Brick Kiln

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August 27, 2013
New Delhi

“The entire family works in the Brick Kiln for an advance, but then only one person gets a payment – the others do not –Are they all family members bonded? Or are they free to migrate?”  “Are brick kiln workers entitled to maternity benefits?” “Workers in Brick Kilns work for long duration extending upto 14-16 hours in a day during peak season. Can brick kiln workers get overtime wage?” These were, among other issues raised by brick kiln workers from Punjab during an interactive session on Bonded Labourers in Brick Kilns held in India International Centre, New Delhi on August 27, 2013. The meeting was addressed by the Deputy Director General Labour Welfare Shri A K Jena, Sri Onkar Sharma Regional Labour Commissioner and former fellow at the VVGNLI, Coen Compier, International Labour Standard Specialist at the ILO, J John, Executive Director, Centre for Education and Communication and Jai Singh, Volunteers for Social Justice.
Shri. A. K. Jena while addressing the Interactive session pointed out the responsibility of the contractors who bring the migrant workers to the brick kilns as well as the employers in ensuring the wellbeing of the workers. Sri Omkar Sharma stressed that all brick kilns should get registered under the Factories Act. He pointed that while there are gaps in enforcement; Indian labour laws equip trade unions to take up several issues. He stressed on the need to organize.  Coen Kompier, while addressing the issue of wages said that some labourers get piece rate, whereas some get time rate.   According to him, the Time-Motion study proposed by ILO would help in addressing the issue of wages appropriately. Addressing the press J John highlighted that advance continues to be the medium through which labour market in the brick kiln is regulated.
A field study conducted by CEC and VSJ indicates that in Amritsar, Ferozpur and Taran Taran, 94 per cent of all workers (Pathers, Jalais, Bharais and Nikasis) took advance and among Pathers (moulders), everyone took advance. More than 35 per cent took an amount higher than Rs.50000. Most of them said that they cannot repay the advance at the end of the season.  This  debt bondage is justified by  the following reasons: (1) it is compulsory to take advance; (2) advance is repaid against wages; substantial amount is deducted; (3) there is no clear documentation of advance taken, work done and the loan repayment; (4) workers get only a weekly payment, so low that they cannot manage daily requirements without taking loan again; (5) workers do not get minimum wages; (6) workers cannot leave the job in a particular kiln and take in another till the advances are paid off; (7) workers are compelled to go as dictated by the Jamadar from whom they have taken advance, in the next season.
The interactive meeting was attended by representatives of International justice Mission, Actionaid, ILO, human rights activist, academicians, print and electronic media persons and brick kiln labourers. It concluded with the suggestion of conducting training workshops for trade unions, non-governmental organizations on various aspects related to labour laws. Emphasis has been laid on organizing workers.
The meeting was organized by Centre for education and Communication in collaboration with Volunteers for Social Justice, supported by Anti-Slavery International as part of the project “Eradicating Bonded Labour from Brick Kilns”.
Bhupali Magare
Centre for Education and Communication
07503482191/ bhupalimagare@gmail.com


 

National Forum on Tuberculosis: First Meeting

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The National Forum on TB,launched on May 8 2013, conducted its first meeting to discuss the critical need for accurate TB diagnostics and challenges of drug-resistant TB in India. TB kills 300,000 people every year in India.
August 27 2013, New Delhi: The National Forum on Tuberculosis held its first meeting in the capital today. The members of the Forum deliberated upon the increased need to introduce new and more accurate diagnostics for TB to ensure timely and appropriate diagnosis. The members also discussed the rise and challenges of drug-resistant TB in India. The Chief Guest at this meeting was Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for Human Resource Development and the Guest of Honour was Smt. Santosh ChowdharyMinister of State for Health and Family Welfare. Dr.Soumya Swaminathan, Director, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) made a presentation at the meeting on the emergence of drug-resistant TB as well as the challenges of the Indian TB diagnostic landscape.
The Forum was launched on May 8, 2013 with the vision to discuss and highlight critical challenges in TB prevention and control.The launch also saw the release of a Handbook on TB in India.The National Forum on TB will work to raise awareness on the need for improved TB control. The members of the Forum will meet several times in a year to discuss critical challenges in TB control. Based on these discussions, the members will formulate key recommendations to address these challenges which will then be presented to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for further action.
The Forum consists of an advisory board comprising leading Members of the parliament (MPs). This meeting brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, technical experts, civil society representatives as well as government officials.
Mr. Dalbir Singh, Convener of the Forum commented, 㔨e Forum is dedicated to fight TB and as a first vital step, this meeting has brought together key stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, civil society organizations and technical experts, who are committed to the cause. We are resolved to achieve enhanced TB prevention and control in India.伯b>
TB kills 1 Indian every 2 minutes. India bears the highest burden of TB in the world- 2.3 million annually. This accounts for one-fifth of the global disease burden. TB is the cause of extensive economic losses leading to individual, family and community suffering.TB is also associated with a deep-seated stigma that often leads to discrimination within the workplace and the community.
As representatives of the worldⳠlargest democracy, policy makers, parliamentarians and the civil society play a pivotal role in influencing policy decisions. The Forum will aim to leverage this power to make an impact on the TB landscape in India.
Also please find attached event pictures and both Hindi and English press release.

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PM Hurt By Betrayal of Tata, Ambani, Jindal, Jakhars, Pitroda, Aruna

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- India Could Have Been $5 Trillion Economy 2013
August29, 2013
I am glad that Ratan Tata had admitted to Betrayal by vested interests
who didn’t let Good Policies implemented for public good  ‘quite often
in private sector have changed, delayed or manipulated that policy.’
He should have directly talked to PM & FM than hiring Neera Radia to
counter rivals.
Follower of Guru Nanak ji PM is soft and too gentle – I had a close
encounter with him in 2003 when I asked ‘Can a nation make any
progress when 70% of its population (farmers) get 2% of GDP as Bank
Credit?’ He admitted it is to low and since then there is 10 fold
increase in credit to farmers, MSP was doubled in UPA 1 with Loan
Waivers- but it was not followed by policies to let farmers add value
to there produce – Store, Process and Market.
The differences between 1991 and 2004/2009 was first INC strength in
Lok Sabha – Congress had 50% seats then therefore full authority to
implement any program, 27% in 2004 and 38% in 2009 – there was Common
Minimum Program with stable partners in 2004 and No Program in 2009.
Second companies were not permitted to invest in foreign countries
FERA kept this in check. Since FERA was repealed over $1000b had
flowed out of India that could have added $1000b to Indian GDP.
Ratan Tata himself betrayed India investing over $50b in foreign
countries and not repatriating profits and technologies. I don’t have
the details of latest developments. With the kind of Private Money
atleast one or two states could have come out of poverty line.
Ambani and Jindals were acquiring and hoarding Oil, Gas and Coal blocks,
these could have contributed over $250b to India GDP producing cheap
Oil, Gas and Power and our Foreign Exchange Reserves Could have been
$1000b.
Jhakhars were three generations of Betrayals – except some tears gave
nothing to Farmers of India or 800m people that is 10 times population
of Germany – they store, process and market their farm produce but
didn’t want all other farmers to do it.
Pitroda an international crook who filed bogus patents was Rasputin in
INC always misleading since 1985 – advising India not to seek Patents.
IPR alone could have contributed $1000b in 10 years to India GDP, 95%
of the technologies we need are not protected in India.
Aruna & Mandher like Jakhars promoted worst option to support poor
hungry & starving – instead of raising Minimum Wages to $1500 annually
so that even a poor family may earn over Rs.100,000 annually,
guranteeing only Rs.5000 as annual food subsidy.
But most shocking was even after Contributing over Rs.50,00,000 crores
to states in 10 years that went in to ‘Drains’ some states demand
‘Backward State Tag’.
His comments on Modi are not without influence – Ratan Tata received
Rs.10,000 crores soft loan from Modi.
http://indiankanoon.org/doc/443288/
There had been congenital BETRAYAL by BJP RSS since founding in 1925.
Ultra Mega loot and plunder started in 1998-2004 BJP rule.
Parliamentry debates expose the BETRAYAL – it was repeated in every
sector.
We all knew from 5000 years history Bania BJP RSS nexus in Mega Loot
and sabotage of Indian Economy.
We all know Middlemen and Traders suck 50% of our GDP. Before FERA was
repealed – it was Serious Offence to take money out – now there is no
penalty for taking money out of India.
-  Equity holdings by Small Indian Investors is reduced to around 5%.
As per Planning Commission Tax Foregone – Companies declare $200b
annual PBT, $10b Dividend and 1.25b Indians get just $1b dividend.
-  Problem of 75% Indians Poor/Farmers is that get only 20% to 30% of
Urban Wages and Value for their produce and when they buy products pay
100% to 200% as traders margin. All they money released by States and
GOI are looted on way – there is therefore Three Way LOOT of poor and
farmers.
- Over a $1 Trillion had been taken out of India since FERA was
repealed by BJP – Yashwant Sinha, Jethmalani, Shourie, Jailtley
conspiracy under Vajpayee-Advani leadership.
- Over $400b Bank Credit to Industry outstanding little was invested
in India on Creating Manufacturing Facilities, most diverted to
trading importing businesses. The manufacturing out to have created
$100b Tax Revenue, $200b Avoided annual imports, contributed around
$100b of wages and trading margins didn’t materialize.
-  75+ Oil & Gas blocks which were given to RIL & GSPC by BJP
had CONSPIRED to delay investments and hiring Equipments at 5X normal
cost. When we were to get our own cheap Oil & Gas costing around $5
per barrel to extract we import at over $110 per barrel. Public Money
was used to Grab Coal, Minerals, Land, Oil & Gas blocks etc than
creating production facilities.
- Housing sector $100b plus much more in black – when in USA a Housing
Complex is ready in 4-6 months – our projects take 5-6 years, actually
my tenant could get in 8 years, my attorney got DLF plot 6 years after
booking in phase-I.
- Not just that our Housing Companies have created land banks for 100
years in most cases. For example a company developing 100 acres in
year has over 10,000 acres of Land Bank mostly funded by Bank Credits,
and public advance payments.
>> Even if we assume over 1 million acre is owned by Builders @ Rs.1 crore comes to Rs.10,00,000 crores or $200b at old rates.
-  ZERO IPR creation – companies IITs, CSIR filed Bogus Patents led by
Sam Pitroda himself to SERVE world market and they in return CRIPPLED
our Patent Office. It takes 5-7 years to get a patent – source ISRO,
DRDO patent filings.
-  200,000 MW hydro power, 60,000 MW hydro power projects were
deliberately sabotaged by BJP RSS promoted NGOs. All $400b projects.
- Zero FDI in Agriculture & Retail > FDI in these two sectors could
have been $50b annual is Blocked by BJP RSS. Communists have only 20
about seats.
Every time there is Rupee Devaluation BJP RSS had sabotaged Indian Economy.
Ravinder Singh
Inventor & Consultant
progressindia008@yahoo.com


 

SIBAL CAME TO RESCUE OF TRADERS ON MCD MATTERS

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In a meeting convened by Union Law Minister Shri Kapil Sibal , the senior officials of all three Municipal Corporations assured to resolve various issues pertaining to trading community. On the behest of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Mr. Sibal convened a meeting yesterday at his Shastri Bhawan office at New Delhi whivh was attended by all three MCD Commissioners, Chief Legal Officers, Chief Engineers, Chief Town Planner and other senior MCD officials. The meeting discussed various legal and other issues confronted by traders of Delhi.
The traders delegation led by CAIT Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal was joined by  Delhi including CAIT Delhi State President Mr. Ramesh Khanna, Delhi General Secretary Mr. Vijay Pal and other senior leaders includuing Mr. Sushil Goel, Mr. Dev Raj Baweja, Mr. Shanker Lal Aggarwal, Mr. Satender Jain, Mr. Ram Lal, Mr. Satender Wadhwa, Mr. Vijay Gupta, Mr. Mukesh Gupta etc.
While raising the issue of transfering of sealing and demolition cases to Appelatte Tribunal by Supreme Court recently, the CAIT said that about 700 IAs have been transfered and the Supreme Court has directed to dispose of the IAs at the earliest within a period of one year whereas there is only one Appellate Tribunal and IAs of such a magnitude cant be disposed of in a years time. The CAIT urged for appointment of more tribunals. Mr.Sibal while agreeing with the contention assured that he will take necessary steps in this direction.
On a query on difficulties being faced by the traders in obtaining Trade Licesnses from MCD, the MCD officials informed that they have completely revised the policy and a new simplified policy will be announced very shortly. The CAIT said that traders of Delhi are running from pillar to post even for a small clarification or for other matters and such the MCD should appoint specific officer to deal with issues of traders. All three MCD Commissioners present in the meeting nominated Mr. Shamsher Singh, Chief Town Planner as Nodal Officer for the purpose.
The MCD Officials also assured to look into issues of parking and conversion charges raised by the CAIT and with regard to development of further parking lots in Delhi sought cooperation of the traders in identifying suitable land for construction of parking lots in their respective areas.
Mr. Sibal directed the MCD officials to take issues of traders on priority basis and stressed that under no circumstances the provisions contained in the Master Plan 2021 or other provisions stipulated in The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011 should be violated by MCD. The Act provides an embargo of any kind of punitive action in Delhi till 31st December, 2014.


 

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CSE PRESS INVITE
 
 
STEPPING TOGETHER
A CONCLAVE OF CHANGEMAKERS FOR CLEAN AIR AND
SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
 
 
September 26-27, 2013
Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
 
 
Air quality: In 2010, air pollution-related diseases led to about 620,000 premature deaths in India.
Public transport: A bus occupies twice the road space taken by a car, but carries 40 times more passengers.
Walking and cycling: Delhi tops in daily cycling trips and is second only to Mumbai in walking trips. But are our footpaths and roads really geared towards walking and cycling?
Car restraint and parking: A car needs about 23 sq m to be comfortably parked. A poor family in Delhi gets a plot of just 18-25 sq m.
Fiscal measures: The 12th Plan working group says an estimated investment of about Rs 3,88,308 crore is needed for the transportation sector. Where will this money come from?
Para-transit: The informal para-transit sector – autos and taxis — has a strong link with livelihood security of the poor. What is the integration plan between the formal public transport system and the para-transit sector?
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) invites journalists from South Asia to this conclave of changemakers.
 
Participation procedure
  • Participation at the conclave is open only to active journalists from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and India
  • There are only 45 seats in the conclave. Interested journalists can apply through e-mail or fax on the format provided below to the undersigned.
  • There is no participation / registration fee. CSE offers to support the travel and accommodation of some of the selected participants. But to avail of this sponsorship opportunity, interested journalists must apply immediately.
  • Selection of the participants will be done by CSE, and its decision will be final.
  • The cut-off date for receiving applications is September 10, 2013 or till the sponsored seats are full.
 
Format for application
  • Name:
  • Organisation:
  • Designation:
  • Complete address:
  • E-mail:
  • Land phones:
  • Cellphone:
  • Fax:
  • Would you like to avail of the travel and accommodation support:
 
 
Please send your applications to: Papia Samajdar, Deputy Programme Manager – Media atpapia@cseindia.org/011 29955124 ext 282


 

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Organizing for Action
Naresh –
In just a few hours, President Obama will be speaking from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famed speech at the March on Washington. 
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.
Over the next few months, we’re going to have many fights on the issues you and I care so much about.
Today’s anniversary reminds me that anything worth having has never come easy — real change comes when the people who want it come together to make it a reality. That’s why Organizing for Action is here, after all.
Make sure you don’t miss President Obama’s remarks — log on for the interactive livestream at 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time:
Thanks,
Abby
Abby Witt
Deputy National Director of Issue Campaigns
Organizing for Action


 

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The White HouseWednesday, August 28, 2013
 
Watch the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington
On August 28, 1963 a crowd of thousands gathered for the March on Washington, united in the goal of introducing a new era of progress that would roll back centuries of oppression and poverty.
Today, exactly 50 years later, three Presidents and a range of civil rights leaders will mark the moment with an event from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
This morning, starting at 11:30 a.m. ET and continuing into the afternoon, you’ll be able to watch the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action event — including President Carter, President Clinton, members of Martin Luther King, Jr’s family, and other civil right leaders. And at 2:45 p.m. ET, President Obama will deliver remarks as well.
Watch live: President Obama speaks at the March on Washington anniversary
Stay Connected
 
 facebookFacebooktwitterTwitteryoutubeYouTubeflickrFlickrgoogle+Google+ 
 



 

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Daizo Ito, President, Panasonic India honoured as ‘Asia’s Most Promising Leader’ for 2012-2013 in Dubai
 
28th August, New Delhi, India – Mr. Daizo Ito, President, Panasonic India has been felicitated with Asia’s Most Promising Leader Award 2012-13 in Dubai. Conducted by the World Consulting & Research Corporation (WCRC), this premiere multi brand platform credibility project involves the most promising brands and leaders from various Asian countries that have contributed to the success story and charted a path-breaking progression in the blueprint of the Asian economy. The selection process involves AMP deploying a variegated toolset of intrinsic and extrinsic brand barometers that are advised and evaluated by KPMG in India and validating processes comprising of an eminent panel of international jury members including a highly distinguished and much admired panel from a diverse spectrum.
Mr. Daizo Ito has been successful in leading the brand from the front to build and elevate Panasonic to the stature of Asia’s most promising brands and it is under his leadership and commitment which led the brand to witness a healthy growth over the years. He has been successful in spearheading the turnaround for Panasonic in India since 2008. With a plethora of initiatives led by him, the brand has been able to gain visibility and a strong connect with its consumers.Accepting this award Mr. Ito said “I consider this attainment a team effort and devote this honour to all our trade partners and customers, who are associated with us and my entire team as without their hard work and commitment; it would not have been possible to receive this award. It is certainly reassuring that we as a company are on the right track and this milestone will further strengthen the faith our customers have in us.Mr. Ito’s leadership traits have led the company to flourish over the years as he firmly believes that everyone’s commitment, involvement and empathy towards fellow colleagues is imperative for strengthening healthy social relationships and improving the quality of life of fellow colleagues. He believes in a democratic style of leadership and to live with set of values defines the purpose of doing any activity professionally or personally.  He trusts the fact that ideas and creativity should flow freely and encourage the team to communicate their views. Furthermore, according to him, the surest way to achieve success for the company is to also ensure the success of customers and society in which we work.


 

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The Final Stage of

Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg
India’s largest under-16 soccer talent hunt


Schedule:

Thursday, 29th August – Quarterfinal
Friday, 30th August – Semifinal
Saturday, 31st August – Final

Time: 10:30 am onwards
Venue: Ambedkar Stadium, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi



RSVP

Concept Public Relations - Animesh Biswas - animesh@conceptpr.com – 98917 89639
Abhay Pratap Singh - abhay@conceptpr.com – 98184 13169


 

29082013
The Final Stage of

Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg
India’s largest under-16 soccer talent hunt


Schedule:

Thursday, 29th August – Quarterfinal
Friday, 30th August – Semifinal
Saturday, 31st August – Final

Time: 10:30 am onwards
Venue: Ambedkar Stadium, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi



RSVP

Concept Public Relations - Animesh Biswas - animesh@conceptpr.com – 98917 89639
Abhay Pratap Singh - abhay@conceptpr.com – 98184 13169


 

29082013
Just Foreign Policy
Dear Naresh,
Sign the petition:
Don’t Strike Syria Without Congressional Approval
Take Action
Americans who want to prevent more U.S. wars have a big stake in the enforcement of the War Powers Resolution. The War Powers Resolution was passed to ensure that the President would not be able to use military force, absent an attack on or imminent threat to the United States, without Congressional debate and approval. It’s a key speed bump – perhaps the most crucial speed bump we have in the United States – to prevent a rush to war. [1]
Press reports suggest that the Administration could launch military strikes in Syria within days. Syria has not attacked the United States, and Syria doesn’t represent an imminent threat to the United States. Under the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution, the Administration is not allowed to use military force in this situation without Congressional approval. But no court will intervene. Only political pressure can enforce the War Powers Resolution.
We set up a petition at MoveOn urging President Obama not to attack Syria without Congressional authorization, and urging Congress to insist on a debate and vote before any U.S. military attack on Syria. More than 14,000 people have signed. If you haven’t signed yet, please sign. Please share it with your networks; if you’ve already shared it, please consider doing so again. We set up this petition yesterday morning. By the end of the day, it had 10,000 signatures. We’d like to reach 20,000 signatures by the end of the day today. (I can tell you from conversations with Congressional staff today that they are aware of our petition.)
President Obama: Don’t Strike Syria Without Congressional Approval
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-dont-18?source=c.url&r_by=1135580
It’s crucial for both Democrats and Republicans who care about Congressional war powers to speak up. Some are doing so. Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee tweeted, [2] “Congress needs to have a full debate.” Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine issued a statement [3] saying, “Absent an imminent threat to United States national security, the U.S. should not be engaged in military action without Congressional approval.” Republican Rep. Scott Rigell (VA-02) is circulating a letter to President Obama urging him to seek Congressional approval before taking military action. [4]
The British Parliament has been recalled for a debate and vote on war with Syria. [5] Wouldn’t it be strange if the British Parliament debated and voted, but not the U.S. Congress?
It’s not too late for Congressional debate. There’s no emergency that requires military action while Congress is out of session, and Congress can be recalled at any time, just like the British Parliament.
Add your voice and recruit others:
President Obama: Don’t Strike Syria Without Congressional Approval
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-dont-18?source=c.url&r_by=1135580
Thanks for all you do to help make U.S. foreign policy comply with democracy and the rule of law.
Robert Naiman, Just Foreign Policy


 

29082013
Dear Naresh -


It’s been more than a week and MP Sandeep Dikshit from East Delhi hasn’t taken a stand against the dilution of the RTI Act. 
The RTI Act might get amended in the next few days.We don’t have much time to save this powerful Act that has helped citizens fight corruption. In 2 days, I will deliver all our signatures to Sandeep Dikshit and ask him to take a stand against the dilution of the RTI Act.
Help me reach 1000 signatures before I deliver my petition to Sandeep Dikshit. Forward my mail below to your friends and family and ask them to sign and share my petition.
Thank you for taking action,
Kanika via Change.org
—-Forwarded message—

Any moment now, our Government will dilute the most powerful weapon we have to fight corruption in India.
This week, the Parliament will be discussingchanges to be made to the Right to Information (RTI) Act. If these changes are made, political parties would be excluded from the RTI Act.
This is a huge setback for our nation. In order to remain free of corruption, all political parties should be transparent and answerable to the public. This won’t happen if the RTI Act is modified.
We need to ensure that influential Members of the Parliament take a stand against this amendment to the RTI Act.
Sandeep Dikshit is popular among the public in Delhi. started this petition asking MP Sandeep Dikshit from East Delhi to stand against this dilution of the RTI Act.
If he opposes this dilution, the Government will realise that it’s not only the citizens but MPs like Sandeep Dikshit too who demand clean politics.
Last week, Jay Panda, MP from Kendrapara, Orissa took a stand against the amendment of the RTI Act. If thousands of us sign my petition, MP Sandeep would know that his voters and public want him to take a stand. 
It’s Sandeep Dikshit’s duty as an MP to support clean, transparent politics. Sign my petition and share it with your friends and family.
Thanks in advance,
Kanika via Change.org
PS: Share this interesting info-graphic onFacebook and Twitter


 

29082013
H. E. Mr. Daniele Mancini
Ambassador of Italy
and
Angela Trezza
Director – Italian Embassy Cultural Centre

request the pleasure of your company
for the Piano Recital

“PIANO CALLING”
DELHI 2013
by
M° CESARE PICCO
accompanied by
Pt. Rajendra Prasanna (Flute)
Special Guest

Tuesday, 10th September 2013, 6:30 pm
Teen Murti Auditorium
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Teen Murti Bhawan
New Delhi – 110011


 

29082013
WHO highlights key health issues in South-East Asia
New Delhi, 29 August 2013: Health Ministers from the 11 countries of WHO’s South-East Asia Region will meet in New Delhi from 10 to 13 September to discuss key health issues facing the Region.

The Thirty-first Meeting of Health Ministers of the Region will be held on 10 September. The Health Minister’s Meeting is a forum for exchange of national experiences on the political, social and economic dimensions of health. The meeting is being hosted by Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

This will be followed by the Sixty-sixth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia. The Regional Committee is a statutory body comprising the Member countries,* which meets once a year to review progress and regional implications of the World Health Assembly decisions and to map the way forward.

Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, and Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, will be present with their team of senior advisers at both meetings. Some of the key technical discussions to be taken up at the two sessions are:

High blood pressure and its health implications. The Meeting of Ministers of Health will discuss ways to address this leading risk factor for mortality in the Region. The ministers are expected to adopt the ‘New Delhi Declaration on High Blood Pressure’.

The Regional Committee Meeting will include discussion on key technical issues, including:

Universal health coverage (UHC). The goal of universal health coverage is to ensure that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship when paying for them. Evidence indicates that two areas cause significant inequities and inefficiencies in health in the Region: first, direct out-of-pocket payments for access to care that can push households into poverty; and, second, a significant proportion of these payments go towards the purchase of medicines. Accordingly, the WHO Regional Strategy for Universal Health Coverage recommends that countries strengthen their health systems based on the primary health care approach – focusing on public health including prevention and promotion activities; using appropriate technologies; and based on domestic resources as far as possible.

Targets for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).  NCDs are the leading cause of mortality globally and in the Region. Each year around 7.9 million people die due to NCDs accounting for 55% of all deaths in the Region. The Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly adopted a resolution endorsing the Global Plan of Action for Prevention and Control of NCDs for 2013 to 2020. Nine global voluntary targets were adopted to tackle the four key areas of concern – cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. In addition to adopting the nine global voluntary targets, Member States of the South-East Asia Region are expected to consider reduction of household air pollution as an additional target for the Region. The Regional Committee will also deliberate on the Regional Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.

Measles elimination and rubella control. Measles remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the Region accounting for about half the estimated global measles deaths in 2011. The countries of the Region are expected to set a measles elimination target at the meeting. Most countries of the Region have already reduced measles deaths by 70% by stepping up routine immunization coverage enhanced by supplementary campaigns.           

What:
a) Thirty-first Meeting of Ministers of Health of WHO’s South-East Asia Region
b) Sixty-sixth Session of the Regional Committee for South-East Asia
When: 10 – 13 September 2013
Where:
(a) 10 September: Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
(b) 11 – 13 September: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, World Health House, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi, India
For more information, please visit our website: http://www.searo.who.int/en/
                                                            ###
*WHO’s South-East Asia Region comprises the following 11 Member States: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
Media contacts
Ms Vismita Gupta-Smith, Public Information and Advocacy Officer, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. E-mail: guptasmithv@who.int, Mobile: +91 9871329861, Tel: +91 11 23370804, Extn: 26401.


 

29082013
Nihaal Bids Adieu to Ek Veer Ki Ardaas Veera
Popular actor Kapil Nirmal aka Nihaal of Star Plus’ Ek Veer Ki Ardaas Veera is all set to bid farewell to the show as his track reaches a logical end.
In the coming episodes Ratan, Ranvvijay and Veera will come to terms with the truth about Nihal being the reason for Sampooran’s(SudhanshuPandey) death. Due to this tragic revelation, the kids and Ratan begin to detest his presence which hurts Nihaal’s sentiments. The truth will reduce everyone to tears forcing Nihal to leave Pritampura. 
“I have had an amazing journey with Veera and would thank the makers for giving methe role of Nihaal. I have had an amazing time shooting and have learnt a lot through this journey. Lastly I owe everything to the audiences who have appreciated my work and bring me to where I am today.”says the Kapil. 
Will Veera- Ranvi ever get over the past and accept the truth? Tune-in to watch EkVeer Ki ArdaasVeera every Monday to Friday, 10:30pm only on Star Plus.


 

29082013
Let us celebrate the joy
Today, everything is up for auction. The psyche of making money is
killing everything that is intrinsic to humans. It is market and products
all around. People with their beauty and joy of creating and sharing
are disappearing fast. The ‘invisible hand’ is very efficiently putting a
price tag on everything, including human life. Life has become a costbenefit
analysis. This is today’s real calamity: a drought of compassion,
a famine of collective joy. And this too is man-made. Desires of
expression, fellowship and freedom are brutally and systematically
suppressed whereas alienating, divisive and individualistic tendencies
are schematically sponsored. It is not the political institutions alone that
are rotting with corruption, human dignity and identity are also at stake.
The integrity of humans as social and creative being is under serious
threat. The orchestrated onslaught of communal and consumerist
ideologies together make it impossible to recognize people as people.
Hence, IPTA has a much bigger challenge today, more difficult than it
was at the time of its formation 70 years ago. There are more cultural
activists today, but scattered. There are many performances engaging
with today’s ‘cultural calamity’, but mostly sporadic and inconsistent. All
these artists and performances need to come together. Only a symphony
of multiple voices of resistance and freedom can awaken the society
from the slumber of consumerist culture, from the blindness of hatred.
Let’s sing together. Let’s celebrate people’s art. Let’s reclaim joy.
Invitation-cum-program of the Conference. Please forward it to others. Hope to see you all at the inauguration session and throughout the program.
Please note that the time and Venue of Inaugural session has changed from previous announcement. It will now be at 6:30pm @ KC Open Air Theatre, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi on 31 August 2013.
Regards
Manish Shrivastava
IPTA, Delhi State Committee.
9891884894
P.S. We are still short of funds to the scale of about Rs. 40,000. Any contribution is welcome.


 

IndiaⳠFirst Channel To Launch Simultaneously on Mobile and TV

29082013
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Expanding its web of reach to every television household in the country, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE), IndiaⳠleading television, media & entertainment conglomerate, launches ἢ>Zee Anmol⼯b>, a free-to-air general entertainment channel (GEC) on 1st September. ᚥe Anmol⠷ill be the first channel in the Indian television space to be simultaneously launched on mobile and television platforms. Popular stars Kratika Sengar, Sayantani Ghosh, Binny Sharma and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012 winner Jasraj Joshi alongside ZEEⳠofficial spokespersons are in the city today to announce the launch of the new channel.
Positioned as ἢ>Dil Choo Jaaye⼯b>, ᚼ/span>ee Anmol⠩s a channel that believes in touching peopleⳠhearts through real, genuine emotions that will be depicted through some of the best shows that Indian Television has ever seen. ᚥe Anmol⠳tands for the most invaluable things in life Love, family, memories!
On the occasion of the channelⳠlaunch, Bharat Kumar Ranga, Chief Creative & Content Officer (CCCO), ZEEL, said, 㚅E has built a legacy of entertainment and emerged as the strongest brand on television over the last 20 years only through closely listening to the voice of our viewers it is only through understanding them that we have been able to bring ZEE to where it stands today. We have easily the richest library of content in the country and our shows are products of peopleⳠlove. Our insighting mechanism, which cuts across the length and breadth of the country, strongly indicates that the audiences today are craving for some of their all-time favourite shows from ZeeⳠlibrary and ᚥe Anmol⠩s an attempt to bring these popular shows back in to their lives!䊼o:p>
He adds, ぴ the same time, the television viewing universe has expanded by leaps and bounds over the last few years. So, the content of Zee Anmol will be first-time consumption for a vast majority of viewers across smaller towns where C & S penetration is still picking up. Our shows will reach out to countless fresh viewers across every television household in the country and immensely expand the reach of the network. So, the launch of ᚥe Anmol⠩s an exciting, new beginning for us!䊼o:p>
Taking the route of ᅮtertainment along with Value⼯b>, the channel will interact with its viewers through interesting on-air contests that ask learning- based questions centered around its shows. Interesting to note is the unique gratification for these contests that will have the winnerⳠsnapshots featured on the channel along with their family details, thereby giving viewers a chance to make their parents proud!
Already available across major MSOⳬ cable operators and key DTH platforms such as DD Direct and Dish TV, ᚥe Anmol⠷ill showcase some of the choicest, hand-picked content in the history of Indian television including the most unforgettable shows from Zee TVⳠrepository. It will also feature some of the current hot favorite fiction and non-fiction properties of Zee TV as well as entertaining movies and kids⠣ontent. The programming line-up of ᚥe Anmol⠩n its launch phase includes shows like ᐡvitra Rishta⬠შoti Bahu⬠ᓡat Phere⬠Ꭱagin⬠፡ayka⬠ዡsamh Se⬠ᓩndoor⬠ከansi ki Rani⬠ቮdiaⳠBest Dramebaaz⬠ᓨabaash India⠡nd ᄡnce India Dance⊼/span>amongst others.
Speaking of the channelⳠsimultaneous launch on mobile and television, Akash Chawla, Marketing Head, National Channels, ZEEL said, 㼯span>With the mobile internet penetration in India reaching almost 100 million, a simultaneous mobile launch of ᚥe Anmol⠷ill significantly aid in increasing the reach of the brand.䠈e adds, 㼳pan style=”color:#222222″>Viewers, even with 2G connections and non-smart phones, will be able to keep up with the channel through its WAP site zeeanmol.tv. The idea is to present viewers with ᣯnvenience of consumption⮠We will use repurposed content such as concise 2-3 minute webisodes of our shows, mood-based videos, most memorable dialogues of our showⳠartistes to facilitate convenient, on-the-go, 㳮acking䠣onsumption of the channel.伯:p>
The marketing campaign for ᚥe Anmol⠷ill be audio-visual intensive with a slew of heart-warming promos of the channel that will hit the air, capturing how it stands for the most relatable situations at home and lively exchanges with friends and family that bring a smile to your face. ChildrenⳠinterest in the channelⳠshows will be piqued through extensive school contact programmes. Outdoors and transit media branding in select markets will optimize the buzz.
Speaking of the shows coming up on ᚥe Anmol⬼span style=”font-size:11.5pt;color:#222222;background:white”> Ajay Bhalwankar, Head-Content, Hindi GECs, ZEEL, said, 㠉t is immensely gratifying to know that some of the best shows of ZEE that people have followed religiously over the years, will now reach out to every television household of the country. Countless viewers who constantly write into us demanding that we bring back these iconic shows will rejoice at the proposition of Zee Anmol. The launch of this FTA channel opens up new horizons of reach for ZEE. 伢>
Tune in to ᚥe Anmol⠦or entertainment that is bound to touch your hearts, starting 1st September!

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Dear N.K,

Compiled by the team at Asia Pacific Rail, here’s an eBook with the latest updates of ongoing and future projects in Asia’s rail community. This eBook presents railway executives and stakeholders the newest rail way developments and opportunities to expect in Asia for the next few years.


Projects covered in the following countries are showcased in this E-Book:
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
Download the E-Book here >

I hope you find this useful! Enjoy. 

Lorna Moffatt
Content Executive
Total Rail

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Article 2

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Boletín de Nueva Tribuna 
Boletín informativo. Jueves 29 de Agosto 2013.
Portada
EL DIPUTADO POPULAR’ RAFAEL HERNANDO COMPARA LA REPÚBLICA CON EL FRANQUISMO 
“La República causó un millón de muertos” 
El diputado popular Rafael Hernando ha desatado la polémica al comparar la bandera republicana con la franquista y culpar al régimen repúblicano del millón de muertos en la Guerra Civil. Desde el PSOE, Eduardo Madina, achaca esas palabras a la “ignorancia” sobre la historia española. 
MUSEO DE LA INFAMIA 
El Valle de los Caídos: templo consagrado al Maligno 
Por Jorge Freire | Cuentan que, al ver la tétrica Virgen en la Piedad de Ávalos a la entrada de la cripta, Franco se sobresaltó y dijo: ¡coño, si parece un murciélago!
30 DE AGOSTO, ACTO EN PONFERRADA 
Los desaparecidos del franquismo, en el olvido 
Con motivo de la celebración del Día Internacional de los Desaparecidos, asociaciones de víctimas del franquismo rendirán un homenaje en Ponferrada a los hombres y mujeres que sufrieron la represión de la dictadura franquista y de aquellos cuyos cuerpos no han sido aún encontrados.

La marca 'Catalunya' 
Por Quim González Muntadas | Es posible que la pérdida de reputación de la marca Catalunya responda a nuestra realidad política, económica y social que, como sabemos, no es para envidiar.
TRAS EL VETO A CREAR UNA COMISIÓN DE INVESTIGACIÓN 
PSOE se propone “romper la mordaza” que el PP ha impuesto con Bárcenas 
La número dos del PSOE, Elena Valenciano, advierte al PP que el bloqueo democrático del PP en el Parlamento hace crecer las sospechas entre la ciudadanía. 
· Ramón Górriz Una reforma laboral al servicio de las elites económicas dominantes 
El Gobierno del PP, está presentado la evaluación de la reforma laboral, como un instrumento capaz de sacarnos del pozo de la recesión...
TRAS EL INFORME DE LOS EXPERTOS 
"Inquietud" en CCOO por el factor de sostenibilidad de las pensiones 
CCOO ha mostrado este miércoles su "inquietud" acerca de por dónde podrían ir las propuestas del Gobierno sobre el factor de sostenibilidad de las pensiones tras el informe que realizaron los expertos en su día.
· Marciano Sánchez BayleEl aumento de las listas de espera, una situación anunciada 
Los últimos datos oficiales del Ministerio de Sanidad revelan que en diciembre de 2012 se había producido un notable aumento de las personas en lista de espera...
LA CIFRA MÁS BAJA EN LOS ÚLTIMOS DIEZ AÑOS 
El fuego arrasa 26.785 hectáreas en lo que va de año 
Seis veces menos que el área que se vio afectada durante estos ocho meses del año pasado cuando quedaron arrasadas 166.295 hectáreas, según ha informado el Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente.
EN EL PRIMER SEMESTRE DE 2013 
España reclamó a Facebook datos sobre 715 usuarios 
En concreto, España solicitó 479 solicitudes referidas a 715 cuentas de usuarios, de las que Facebook respondió revelando datos en el 51% de los casos.
CRÓNICAS DE AMÉRICA LATINA | JAVIER M. GONZÁLEZ 
Argentina: LAN como metáfora 
Grave escándalo en Aerolíneas Argentinas, que pretende eliminar a un competidor por razones comerciales e ideológicas.


Groenlandia será verde en 2100 
MODIFICAR / CANCELAR SUSCRIPCIÓN
Está recibiendo este boletín tras solicitar este servicio a través de la web de Nueva Tribuna. En cualquier momento puede modificar o cancelar su suscripción accediendo a esta dirección.
Nueva Tribuna Información continua y análisis para una ciudadanía comprometida con los valores de libertad, igualdad y justicia.
Nueva Tribuna
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editado por Página 7 Comunicación S.L.
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Ankita, ’I’m proud to be his girlfriend’

30082013

 

Ankita Lokhande professes her undying love for Sushant on the sets of DID Super Moms!
 
It’s the case of finding real love while working in the reel world. And who could say it better than TV starlet Ankita Lokhande. On the sets of DID Super Moms, where the cast of Shuddh Desi Romance were present to promote their upcoming film, a surprise was in store for Sushant Singh Rajput the male lead of the film.
 
The content team of ZEE TV had prepared a video tape for Sushant where they had taken bytes of all the prominent cast of Pavitra Rishta. Though he was touched by the gesture and all the sweet things that his ex co-stars said about him, what he didn’t expect was a confession of love from his long term girlfriend Ankita Lokhande. Ankita in her video proclaims her eternal love for him in front of the world and says, “I am proud to be your girlfriend and the kind of chemistry I share with you, I can’t have that with anyone else”. An overwhelmed Ankita recollected the last scene they had shot together in which Sushant hugs Ankita as they part ways. She adds that at that point the moment they shared was real. They hugged as they knew this was it. The tears they cried at that time were not a by product of any glycerine but the feelings they had for each other.
 
A visibly touched Sushant almost had tears in his eyes and was too overwhelmed to say anything.
 
Sushant’s co actors of Shuddh Desi Romance , Parineeti Chopra and Vani had a whale of a time with the super moms on the Sets of DID. While Parineeti didn’t hesitate to sing the title track of Shuddh Desi Romance with contestant Zoya, Sushant and Vani were enthusiastic enough to dance while she sang.
 
Don’t miss this exciting episode of DID Super Moms this Saturday and Sunday at 9pm only on Zee TV! 


 

30082013
 
 
 
 
AirAsia X Announces Great Deals to Busan, the gateway to the New 7 Wonders of Nature; Jeju Island!
 
Offering fares from as low as MYR299* to Busan
SEPANG, 30 August 2013- AirAsia X Berhad, the leading low-cost, long-haul carrier, today is offering our guests affordable fares to Busan from Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia X commenced its first flight into Busan from Kuala Lumpur on July 15, 2013 with four weekly flights into the city.
 
AirAsia X will be offering hot deals from Busan from Kuala Lumpur. Guests on AirAsia X flights may book online and enjoy our hot deals to Busan from as low as MYR299* (KRW129,000*) on Economy andMYR1,249* (KRW419,000*) on Premium from Kuala Lumpur. Bookings are available online between 30 August 2013 and 5 September 2013 for travel between 1 October 2013 and 31 December 2013.
 
Concurrently, Fly-Thru promotional deals on AirAsia X are available from Kuching, Langkawi, Penang, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide (Australia), Bali, Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya (Indonesia), Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), Saigon (Vietnam) and Kochin (India) to Busan, Korea from as low as MYR169* (KRW152,900*).
 
Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said, “This amazing deal would further strengthen our commitment to Korea from Kuala Lumpur. Our guests may now fly to Busan for a quick getaway and opt to travel to beautiful Jeju Island that is widely known as Chejudo-The Island of Gods and is blessed with natural wonders, angelic sceneries, historical and cultural attractions. The island is merely an hour away by flight from Busan Gimhae International Airport and guests may opt to travel on any of the many domestic carriers available from the airport.”
 
“Our flights to Busan, which just started in July, have recorded a strong growth with an average of 81% passenger load to date. Overall, in the first half of 2013, Korea contributes over 7.4% of our total revenue and we hope to further boost traffic growth between Korea and the ASEAN region.”
 
 
 
Busan is the second largest city and the number 1 trading port in Korea. Attractions include the beach areas, islands, and Hae Ahn Park coupled with historical ruins and sites, and Dongnae Shrine. Surely Busan’s most charming tourist point is its beautiful sea vistas. The natural beauty of Busan is a perfect example of harmony between mountains, rivers and sea. Visitors can take advantage of excellent hiking and water activities, in addition to the many hot springs scattered throughout the city.
 
Jeju Island, an emerging holiday destination is located in the Southwest of the Korean Peninsula. The island boasts world heritage sites such as the Hallasan Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System that holds one of the most extensive series of lava tube caves in the world. Jeju Island is also known for its semi-tropical forested national park and beautiful white sandy beaches that makes it one of the best vacation spots in Korea.


 

30082013
GSAT-7, India’s first military satellite, launched
GSAT-7, India’s first full-fledged military communication spacecraft, meant for exclusive use by the Navy, was launched on Friday morning from Kourou in South America on a European Ariane 5 launcher.
The satellite is expected to give a big boost to the country’s maritime security and intelligence gathering in a wide swathe of the Indian Ocean region.
Built to the Navy’s multiple-band requirements as platform to safely link up its ships, submarines, aircraft and command from land in real time, it is ISRO’s latest communication satellite.
Until now the defence forces have used minuscule capacities on ISRO’s various INSAT/GSAT satellites.
It will be doubly empowered when its sibling, GSAT-7A, follows it in 2014-15 at the earliest; it is said to share some of the GSAT-7A resources with the Air Force and the Army.
For the Navy, this is part of a long-term modernisation plan involving the use of satellites and information technology.
In recent years successive Chiefs of Naval Staff have identified space-based communications as the core of the Navy’s futuristic network-centric operations.
To be placed over 74 degrees East longitude in the coming days, the 2,650-kg satellite is designed to enable communication in four frequency bands ranging from the lower UHF (ultra high frequency) to the higher Ku bands, along with the rare S band and the commonly used C band.
It provides a decent slice of 15 mHz of the premium S-band for MSS (mobile satellite services); the S-band is now the preserve of the military and strategic State users including All India Radio.
The UHF has never been used until now in an Indian communication satellite; this gives the user (Navy) a long sweep of intelligence network, or what it calls COMINT/ELINT, on moving non-land platforms like ships.
The Ku band allows high-density data transmission, including voice and video. A special ground infrastructure has also been put in place for GSAT-7.


 

Bhutan PM on visit to India

30082013
Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, will arrive in India on Friday and meet the top Indian leadership during which key bilateral issues like financial assistance for the Himalayan nation will be discussed.

“During the visit, all areas of mutual interest including our political, security, developmental, economic and cultural cooperation, will be discussed,” Ministry of External Affairs said.
During his six-day visit, he will hold comprehensive talks with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh and senior union cabinet ministers including External Affairs, Finance and Home will call on the visiting dignitary.
The visit comes at a time when India is considering Bhutan government’s proposal for financial assistance of Rs 4,500 crore under 11th Plan apart from a demand of Rs 800 crore to meet their cash crunch for small developmental projects.
Bhutan had given the presentation on their proposal last week during the visit of the Indian Plan team led by Special Secretary of Development Partnership Administration P S Raghavan in the MEA.
According to sources, the government is considering the Bhutanese proposal and also the accountability aspect of it.
Tobgay will be accompanied by his spouse Aum Tashi Doma, Foreign Minister Lyonpo Rinzin Dorje, and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.
“The visit is in conformity with the tradition of regular exchange of visits at the highest levels between India and Bhutan, and adds momentum to our time-tested and enduring relations,” the MEA said.
This is the first overseas visit by Prime Minister Tobgay after being elected Prime Minister, following the second democratic elections in Bhutan in July.
He will have a joint meeting with business chambers Assocham, FICCI and CII and will also travel to Hyderabad on 3rd September, 2013 where he will visit the CII Green Business Centre and the IT Park at Madhapur.


 

Hyderabad Hotshots storm into IBL final

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Star shuttler Saina Nehwal accounted for higher-ranked Juliane Schenk in a hard-fought contest as Hyderabad Hotshots thrashed Pune Pistons 3-0 and booked a berth for the summit clash in the inaugural Indian Badminton League in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad’s icon player Saina survived some anxious moments before prevailing over Schenk 21-10, 19-21, 11-8 in a tight women’s singles contest after Ajay Jayaram pulled off a surprising victory over the top-ranked Tien Minh Nyugen 21-17, 21-11 in men’s singles in the first match.
Hyderabad pair of Goh V Shem and Wah Lim Khim then defeated Pune’s Joachim Fischer and Sanave Thomas 16-21, 21-14, 11-7 in men’s doubles to take their side to the final at the GMC Balayogi indoor stadium.
The match between Saina and Schenk, currently world number four and number three respectively, proved to be an exciting battle marked by long rallies, powerful smashes and drop shots as both tried to outsmart each other.
The first game went in Saina’s favour as she managed to expand her initial lead of 7-3 at the time of the first break to a massive 14-4 by the second interval.
The first game between Jayaram (ranked 25) and Vietnam’s Tien Minh Nyugen (world number five) promised to be a competitive affair from the start as the Indian put up a fight against his more fancied rival.
Jayaram led 7-6 at the time of first break and the young Hyderabad player maintained a consistent lead with brilliant smashes and cross-court shots. He won the first game with an impressive margin of 21-17.
The second game proved to be equally good for Jayaram who continued to dominate. Jayaram, who had a 7-1 lead at the time of first break, established an unassailable lead of 18-8.
Though ranked lower, Jayaram showed that he was equal to the task and won the second game 21-11 as the capacity crowd in the GMC Balayogi indoor stadium cheered him.
“It was not a miracle overnight. I was suffering from an injury yesterday and I rested the entire day which really worked well and I won the match. I also changed my strategy a little bit to play against Tien Minh Nyugen,” said Jayaram after the match.


 

Fundamentals of economy strong; growth in second half of fiscal: PM

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Facing an attack over the economic situation amid a sliding rupee, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, made a detailed statement on the crisis in Rajya Sabha, asserting that growth will improve in the second half of fiscal year, even as the BJP and Left parties walked out after his statement.
Highlights:
  • What triggered the sharp depreciation in Rupee value was due to certain external forces
  • We need to reduce our appetite for gold, economise the use of petroleum products and take steps to increase our exports
  • The last two decades have seen India grow as an open economy and benefited from it. There is no question of reversing these policies
  • Growth will pick up in second half of fiscal year
  • US federal reserves tapering has caused general weakening in global currencies
  • Part of rupee depreciation needed adjustment as inflation in India was much higher than advanced countries
  • Government not contemplating capital controls
  • Foreign exchange reserves at USD 278 bn more than sufficient to meet requirement
  • Depreciation of rupee and rise in oil prices will put further upward pressure on inflation
  • There is a liquidity problem


 

Stop gedwongen verdwijningen Syrië

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Kom in actie! | augustus 2013
 
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Stop gedwongen verdwijningen Syrië
Het verschrikkelijke drama in Syrië duurt voort, met een vermoedelijke gifgasaanval als nieuw dieptepunt. Amnesty blijft aandringen op onpartijdig onderzoek naar deze en andere mensenrechtenschendingen. Wat is er bijvoorbeeld gebeurd met de duizenden vermeende tegenstanders van de regering die zonder aanwijsbare reden zijn gearresteerd? Velen van hen zijn nog steeds vermist. Hun families weten niet waar ze zijn. Vandaag is het de Internationale Dag van de Slachtoffers van Gedwongen Verdwijning. Kom in actie!
 
 
 
 
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Festivalzomer in het teken van Rusland
 
Amnesty heeft afgelopen zomer volop actie gevoerd voor de vrijheid van meningsuiting in Rusland. Dat gebeurde onder meer op de verschillende festivals (Pinkpop, Lowlands, de Zwarte Cross en de Canal Pride). 
Klik hier voor een overzicht van onze activiteiten.
 
 
 
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 Gay Pride filmpje 
 
 
Help Amnesty de Charity Award te winnen
 
Met deze advertentie voor de Rusland-campagne is Amnesty genomineerd voor de NRC Charity Awards 2013. Lezers en een vakjury bepalen welk goed doel de beste dagbladadvertentie publiceerde. Amnesty is al geselecteerd voor de vakjuryprijs, maar voor de publieksprijs hebben wij jouw stem nodig!
Wil jij ons helpen de prijs binnen te slepen? Breng hier je stem uit.
 
 
 
 
 
Je nieuwe rekeningnummer: IBAN
De komende periode gaat iedereen in Nederland over op een nieuw bankrekeningnummer: het International Bank Account Number (IBAN). Per 1 februari 2014 vervallen de huidige rekeningnummers. Steun je Amnesty met een automatische incasso, dan verandert er niets. Je betaling gaat gewoon door. Steun je ons met een acceptgiro, let dan op: acceptgiro’s van Amnesty die je vóór 1 september 2013 hebt ontvangen, kun je na 1 februari 2014 niet meer gebruiken om je gift of lidmaatschapsbijdrage over te maken. Amnesty stuurt vanaf nu alleen nog maar IBAN-acceptgiro’s. Lees hier meer. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Je ontvangt deze ´Kom in actie!-mailing´ omdat je lid bent van Amnesty, je actief voor ons inzet of hebt aangegeven op de hoogte te willen worden gehouden van Amnesty´s campagnes en acties. Wil je deze mailings liever niet ontvangen? Dan kun je je hieronder afmelden.


 

Jaitley on Election of Members to the JPC on 2G Spectrum Scam

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Thursday, 29 August 2013

 
 
THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY): You are setting a wrong precedent and I will tell you the reason why. This is a Motion for filling up two vacancies in the JPC. Now, it is a JPC on 2G Spectrum Allocation. For the last few months, the Committee has not been functioning. Numbers matter; they are important, considering what is happening. From time immemorial, a Parliamentary Committee always represents the strength of various parties in the House. It is proportionate; it is never ‘winner takes all’. Otherwise, if a Resolution system is there, when a Committee is constituted, the Government, which may be in a majority, will say, ‘I propose a Resolution and all Members are mine.’ It has never happened. Now, you have, like a bye-election, two casual vacancies, and two casual vacancies have arisen. Now, two casual vacancies, therefore, have to be filled up in a manner, keeping the proportionate strength of the Government and the Opposition in mind. It can’t be that the Government proposes and takes both. That is against parliamentary norms and the precedent that they are setting is extremely dangerous, which would be far-reaching, and for future parliamentary history, it would have bad consequences. Therefore, the Minister must discuss this with important Members of the Opposition and if we can give an agreed name to him, have a proportionate representation, which is the in-built parliamentary rule. …(Interruptions)…
SHRI SITARAM YECHURY: Sir, I would suggest, let the hon. Minister call a meeting of all the leaders. Let us all sit down and discuss it and, then, come to an agreement on that. Don’t push through something. You just call all of us — we are all here– and then decide.
SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA: Mr. Deputy Chairman, Sir, we have discussed this with leaders of different political parties. It is not as if a Congress Party nominee’s name, or a UPA nominee’s name is being given in place of Mr. Siva. There are ten MPs nominated by the President of India. This time, we are giving one nomination to a person who has been nominated by the President of India. That block is there. …(Interruptions)…

SHRI BALBIR PUNJ: It is at your…(Interruptions)…

SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA: That block is there. And, most of the people have agreed on that. So, if the House has to decide it, it should be left to the House. And we are ready for a division.

SHRI ARUN JAITLEY: That is exactly my opposition. It is not that you are nominating a Nominated Member.

SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA: Ultimately, the House is supreme. Let the House decide.

SHRI ARUN JAITLEY: Both the Members that you are nominating are Members of choice of the Government. Therefore, if the Government says, ‘by an absolute majority we can take both’, then, in future Parliamentary Committees, there could be a precedent of no Opposition representation and the winner taking it all.
SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA: There may be many other precedents also. Therefore, I am suggesting, let the House decide.
SHRI ARUN JAITLEY: That is the precedent you would be setting. Therefore, let the Chairman discuss this. It is a precedent which is going to have very dangerous consequences, where if there are two vacancies, Government takes both, because irrespective of who the Member is, both Members are of your choice. The Opposition’s views are not taken into consideration. We are willing to request any one Member from the Opposition. Let Mr. Yechury and Dr. Maitreyan be there; we would ask Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad to be there; you discuss it with all the three of them and settle the matter.

SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA: But I think the House is supreme, and let the House decide. …(Interruptions)… the House should decide it. Discussions will keep on taking place. The other day also, no discussion took place. Let the House take a decision. The House is supreme, and I am ready for a division. …(Interruptions)…

SHRI ARUN JAITLEY: So, are you saying that this House would, henceforth, decide? Let us be very clear. Is it the Government’s stand and, therefore, the stand of the ruling party, that in future when Parliamentary Committees are constituted, it would be done by a principle of ‘winner takes all’, and there would be no Opposition representative?


 

BJP delegation led by Shri L.K. Advani to the President of India

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Friday, 30 August 2013

 
 
To,
Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji
Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi
Sir, 
On behalf of the Members of Parliament of the Bharatiya Janata Party we submit this Memorandum to you on the unprecedented crisis facing the Indian economy today. The free fall of the Indian rupee against the US dollar is only a symptom of the deeper malaise afflicting the Indian economy today. The fundamentals of the Indian economy have been ruined because of the reckless policies of the government. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act was thrown out of the window in 2008-09. The fiscal deficit of the government was allowed to rise exponentially in that year by the then Finance Minister who also happens to be the Finance Minister today from 2.5% of the GDP in 2007-08 to 6 percent of the GDP and the revenue deficit from 1.1 percent to 4.5 percent. This splurge in expenditure in 2008-09, most of which was consumption expenditure and not investment expenditure is wholly responsible for the present crisis. Fiscal deficit and revenue deficit have stayed at unsustainable levels year after year since then. The utter carelessness displayed on the external front has led to a burgeoning current account deficit. Retail inflation has been in double digit for the last four years. Interest rates have increased to unacceptable levels leading to a singular decline in investment. This has affected production adversely as a result of which growth rate in 2012-13 has declined to 5%. Experts predict that the growth rate in the current year may be below 4 percent.
The foreign exchange market and the stock markets have become extremely volatile. The rupee has lost as much as 3 percent against the dollar in a single day. An atmosphere of gloom and doom prevails in the country. We shudder to think of the unbearable consequences all these developments are going to have on the common man. There is already a talk of diesel prices going up by Rs. five a litre after the current Parliament session ends.
The Government of India, as usual, is in denial. Not satisfied with this it blames everybody else for the current crisis except itself. It blames the opposition, the state governments, the Reserve Bank of India and the global factors. The limit of irresponsibility was however crossed when the Finance Minister blamed his immediate predecessor for the crisis and the Prime Minister kept quiet. Sir, the crisis which afflicts the economy and the country today is primarily a crisis of confidence. We have a government which is unable to take any decision, provide any leadership, or a ray of hope for the future. It is mired in humongous corruption. Even the Supreme Court now suspects that it is trying to destroy evidence by making the incriminating files go missing.
The country can ill-afford at this moment of crisis a government which is paralysed, a Prime Minister who never speaks, a Finance Minister who wrongly blames his immediate predecessor who is unable to defend himself, a supreme leader who does not care about where the money will come from and a bureaucracy which is frozen and unable to act. The Ministers of this government are unbridled and working at cross-purposes. The relationship of the Government of India with the State Governments, specially the non-UPA ruled states and with the opposition parties, is at its nadir. We have come to urge you, therefore, to end the prevailing uncertainty by advising this Government to seek a fresh mandate at the earliest and not later than the state elections due in the next three months.
Thanking you, Sir,

Yours faithfully,

      sd/                                                                          sd/
(L.K. ADVANI)                                                   (RAJNATH SINGH)

     sd/                                                                            sd/
(SUSHMA SWARAJ)                                          (ARUN JAITLEY)


 

Instituto Cervantes brings to the Delhi Photo Festival

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Instituto Cervantes brings to the Delhi Photo Festival some of the best photographers from Spain and Latin-America


Instituto Cervantes will bring two major exhibition by four masters of the Latin-American photography, The Vargas brothers and the Cifuentes father and son, a digital exhibition of works by some of the most important contemporary Spanish Photographers, such as García-Alix, Madoz or Ballester, and a film about photojournalism which includes unedited photos of great masters: Capa, Taro and Seymour.


  • Exhibition “The eye of the father and son: The photography of Hugo and Diego Cifuentes” (Thursday 26thSeptember – Sunday 24th November)
  • Exhibition “Nocturnal”, by the Vargas brothers (Thursday 26th September – Sunday 24th November)
  • Digital exhibition of Contemporary  Spanish photography (Saturday 28th September)
  • Film Screening of “The Mexican Suitcase” (Sunday 29th September)


Two exhibitions of four major internationally recognised Latinamerican photographers will be shown at Instituto Cervantes, from Thursday 26th September till Sunday 24th November: the Vargas brothers and the Cifuentes father and son.

The exhibition “The eye of the father and the son: The photography of Hugo and Diego Cifuentes” will show the artwork of the ‘father of Ecuadorian contemporary Photography’ (Hugo Cifuentes), and one of the “Latin American Leaders for the New Millenium” nominated by TIME magazine, his son Diego.

In spite of being close relatives, they differed on some aspects regarded their pictures. “Though we both deal with the same universe, our visions and styles are very different”, explained the son, Diego Cifuentes, who added that his father was closed to the magic realism but “I try to have a more intense proximity to my sorrows and my demons”.

“Nocturnal”, by the Vargas brothers will show the work of these two Peruvians who caught the night life of the American country in the beginning of the 20th century. Despite their different personalities, their work complements each other perfectly: one was the technical expert and the other, the artist point of view.

They were said to be Arequipa’s (the town where they were born) spirit. “First it was the lens of the Vargas brothers, then a landscape was set up and finally, Arequipa was founded”, published the Latin newspaper El Pueblo about these brothers.

Instituto Cervantes also will display a digital exhibition of major Spanish contemporary photographers, in collaboration to the museum “Patio Herreriano” of Spanish Contemporary Art in Valladolid. The show will include photos by Alberto García-Alix, most of them based in the Madrid’s night life, or Chema Madoz’s work that shows his surrealistic world through common objects.

Furthermore, the Spanish exhibition will include the lens of: José Manuel Ballester, who is very interested in the architecture; Ángel Marcos, whose pictures have an important influence of advertising; and Concha Pérez, focused in uninhabited and ruin urban spaces.

The story of a suitcase which remained lost for tens of years but contained 4.500 unique negatives from Robert Capa, Gerda Taro and David “Chim” Seymour is the plot of the film “The Mexican suitcase”, that is going to be projected at Instituto Cervantes Auditorium on Sunday 29th September.

The photography plays the main character in this film which is, at the same time, a documentary about the Spanish Civil war and about the journalists who fought the European fascism with their cameras.

However, that is not the unique Latin-American and Spanish presence in the festival. The curators of the Festival have also chosen the pictures of a new generation of photographers from Spain, Argentina, Nicaragua and Perú. Works of Spanish photographers like Alvaro Láiz (ANHUA), David Rengel (ANHUA) and Albert Bosnfills, the Argentineans Flavia Schuster, Martín Javier Estol and Sofía López Mañan and also works from Nicaragua and Perú, respectively, Mayerling García and Max Cabello Orcasitas were selected by the Delhi Photo Festival’s curators.


 

The New LARR Bill will not End the British Legacy of Forced Land Acquisition

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Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011

The Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011 is was tabled in parliament today and came up for discussion in Lok Sabha. There has not been any consensus on the Bill yet the UPA government is bringing the Bill. In some cases the new Bill is worse than the colonial 1894 Act, by expanding the definition of public purpose, legitimising the acquisition for private corporations and excluding all other laws used for land acquisition for highways, industrial corridors and others.
  
The proposed amendments introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development earlier this year was to further take away the rights of the people in planning process and the principle of prior informed consent.

The Bill in its current form has refused to accept the key recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, something which Chairperson fails to see but, a concern shared by many other members of the Committee.

The Bill has now been renamed “Right to Fair Compensation, Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Billwith a claim to better reflect Government’s Commitment towards securing a legal guarantee for the rights of project affected, and ensuring  greater transparency in the land acquisition process. It is also claimed that the Bill will ensure, in concert with local institutions of self-government and Gram Sabhas established under the Constitution, a humane, participative, informed, consultative and transparent process for land acquisition.

However, we feel that the Parliament should not pass the proposed Right to Fair Compensation, Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Bill, in its current form. It needs to be democratically debated by all and take those in account, rather than succumb to the private corporations interests and pursue undemocratic growth. Until then put a moratorium on all ongoing land acquisitions in the country. We oppose all such undemocratic, attempts legislative or otherwise.
In public domain we have the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s report (on Rural Development) on the Bill as well as the amendments introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development, we, the people’s movements, have taken serious cognizance of the fact that the strong position taken by the Standing Committee on certain critical issues are either diluted or rejected by the Ministry of Rural Development, which is shocking. The Ministry that is supposed to protect the rights and powers of the rural communities has not accepted some of the standing committee recommendations, towards that end, which are presented with our comments, herewith:

Definition of Public Purpose and Infrastructure
The Committee had suggested a restrictive definition of Public Purpose, something which didn’t leave any discretionary power to the government and also development of infrastructure by the public agencies with the public funds only.
Ministry has proposed an expansive definition of public purpose and infrastructure and also a clause which leaves the discretionary power to declare anything as infrastructure and of public purpose. The Committee to decide upon the nature of the public purpose all consists of bureaucrats and representation of the democratically elected local self government institutions is wanting. Gram Sabha and Basti Sabha in consonance with the Art 243 provisions have every right to the planning and hence the power to decide the nature of public purpose must rest with them, which will also democratise the development planning.

It is ironical that while food processing and other agriculture related secondary and tertiary sector industries have been brought in the public purpose definition but agriculture itself has not been considered a public purpose, something which would have meant no acquisition of agricultural land.

Acquisition for Private and PPP Projects
No forcible acquisition for private projects, or for PPP, which can not to be categorized as public purpose projects.
l  Ministry has rejected this and justified this with a provision that consent of 80% of project affected People will be sought before acquisition for any private projects
In this era of neo-liberal economic reforms, private projects with corporate investment and interests are taking a much larger toll of land and other rich natural resources as also uprooting by killing communities which are generations old. This must come to an end and the same can happen only with stopping the State playing a role of facilitator and land dealer. At the cost of the livelihood of the nature based sections and working class section of society, the state can’t transfer the most valuable livelihood resources such as land, water to the profiteering bodies in the garb of ‘public interest‘ and ‘public purpose‘.

Food Security and Agricultural Land Acquisition
No forcible acquisition of agricultural land, for non-agricultural purpose including single crop and multi crop land.
l       The proposed Bill leaves this to the state governments to decide, rather than take a clear stand on it. It makes provisions for acquisition of common property resources too.
How can the in-between farms that may be unirrigated, rain fed, single crop be left out, we ask. India has 75% of the agricultural land as rain fed and most of it single cropped. Such land is mostly held by Dalits, Adivasis and marginal farms. Protecting them and all farm land for food security, which comes not from PDS but self sufficient agriculture, is a must!

Bringing 16 Central Acts Under Purview of this Bill
The standing committee has recommended that all 16 central acts should be brought under the purview of the new act, to make all equal before law (Article 14 of the Constitution).
l  Ministry of Rural Development wants to exclude 13 out of 16 Acts including Industrial Development Act, Land Acquisition (Mines) Act, National Highways Act and others from the purview of the new act. This means that 90% of the land acquired as on today will continue with injustice and force used, with no change at all.
The standing committee recommendations must be upheld to end brutal unjust acquisition for all projects under various state and central laws.

Role and Consent of Gram and Basti Sabha
The Committee asks that all studies – SIA, EIA, expert committee appraisal be done in consultation with the gram sabhas and the corresponding reports be made available to the gram sabhas.
l  Ministry emphasises that 80% consent of land loosers is there in case of acquisition for private sector projects and 70%  for public private partnership projects.
Consent and direct involvement of majority of the Gram Sabhas must be there in each and every project, including public projects for public purpose. 80% and 70% consent of the land losers for the private and public – private projects, respectively, alone is not sufficient. Also, why should the linear projects be left out? If it’s consent of 80% affected, there are to be a number of manipulations that people will have to face. Experiences of 70% consent in Slum Rehabilitation Scheme in Mumbai are quite telling.

Return of Unutilised Land to farmers and Land Bank
The Committee recommended that the land, if not used till 5 years, should be returned after 5 years from the date of possession to the land owners.
l  Ministry accepts the reduced five years time period and also its return to the landowner or its legal heirs but retains the provisions for State Land Bank.
The ownership over the land is of those who till it and if not used and unutilized then it must be returned to the owners or distributed amongst the project affected people. We oppose any such feature which will promote land bank, since it has promoted large scale acquisition in the past and later illegally transferred the same land to corporations for real estate and other purposes.

Retrospective Application of the Law and Repeal of Land Acquisition Act
On the question of retrospective application of the R&R provisions Committee has suggested to Ministry to re-examine the issue and incorporate necessary provisions
l  Ministry has partially brought in the retrospective application of the R&R provisions of the Bill in cases where the award under Section 11 of the LAA 1894, has not been made or where award has been made but the possession not taken.
It needs to be noted that nearly 100 million people have been displaced since independence and with a dismal 17-20 percent rate of resettlement and rehabilitation we had suggested that not only the retrospective application of the provisions of the new act but a National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Commission be established to deal with the claims of the projected affected people from various projects. Also the Land Acquisition Act 1894 need to be repealed completely, two acts dealing with the land acquisition will bring in legal challenges and also negate the whole purpose of bringing in a new legislation.

Resettlement and Rehabilitation Benefits
In terms of the resettlement and rehabilitation benefits Committee apart from suggesting some cosmetic changes have accepted the provisions of the Bill, we think this is unfortunate since provisions don’t stand up to livelihood based R&R, it merely promotes the principle of cash compensation. It will be a retrogressive step since it negates the land and employment based R&R as mandated in the Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal Award, and various other projects. The proposed provisions of compensating employment with money and high rates for land acquired will only lead to speculative land market and will destroy the fragile economy of the rural hinterland which will lead to further urban migration.

Urban Eviction
The Bill and the comments by both, Standing Committee as well as MoRD almost totally excludes and have unaddressed the situation in the urban areas, where there is no land acquisition, but eviction, brutal and unjust, for any and every elitist real estate development to infrastructure without guaranteeing right to shelter, right to life and livelihood. The only provision is to compensate with 20% of developed land for land owning families in urbanisation projects, which is not with regard to the cases where land belongs to the government or private entities but people are evicted. We demand a separate section or a separate act for the millions of the urban persons and urban land from getting misappropriated. The Bill with the presently proposed content need to be called only “Rural Bill”.

The rapacious use of Land Acquisition Act 1894 by the government to secure land for ‘development’ projects has caused over 100 million people to be displaced from their land, livelihoods and shelters. The country is dotted with communities resisting State sponsored land grab which resonate the demand for a just law to ensure that there is no forced acquisition of land and resources, including minerals and ground water.  The government must respond to the voices from movements across places such as Narmada, Koel Karo, Singur, Nandigram, Sonbhadra, Chindwara, Bhavnagarm, Kalinga Nagar, Kashipur, Raigarh, Srikakulam and mining areas in central India with genuine efforts to address the longstanding crisis concerning land Acquisition and resettlement & rehabilitation.

If the UPA government is serious about addressing the conflicts over the land and other natural resources then it must listen to the voices of those struggling or else it will only aggravate these conflicts all across the country. The need of growth, infrastructure and urbanisation can’t be fulfilled on the graveyard of millions. A pro-people Development Planning Bill with complete participation of the Gram Sabha will go a long way in stopping the massive corporate corruption and lead to decentralization of power having an overall impact on the politics of the country.
The New LARR Bill will not End the British Legacy of Forced Land Acquisition
People’s Consent for Every Development Project is a MUST
All Agricultural Land Should be Protected from Acquisition and Diversion
रमजान चौधरी, समन्वयक, 9813124386 ramjanadvocate@rediffmail.com


 

Bhutan Newsletter

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WHAT TO SEE
The District (Dzongkhag) of Wangduephodrang
Gangtey Monastery:Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m, Gangtey Monastery (also known as Gangtey Sanga Choeling Goemba) offers a stunning view of Phobjikha valley, winter home to the rare Black   Necked Cranes. This
venerable monastery was founded in 1613 by Je Kuenga Gyaltshen but can trace its history to the famousTerton(Buddhist treasure revealier) Pema Lingpa. In the 15th century Terton Pema Lingpa was visiting Phobjhikha valley and foretold that one day his descendents would build a monastery atop the mountains of the region.
The monastery complex consists of five buildings surrounding the main central tower or Utse
Dargay Goempa: This monastery was built in the spot where Divine Madman Drukpa Kuenley first met Ashi Genzo who was renowned for her beauty. When it was first   constructed   the
monastery was a simple Drubdey or meditation center. Lam Drukpa Kuenley is widely considered to be Bhutan’s favourite and most iconic saint due to his unorthodox method of teaching through ribald humor.
DID YOU KNOW?
With an abundance of rare and exotic flora and fauna, Bhutan is one of the last biodiversity hotspots in the world.
In order to preserve our rich natural heritage, it has been mandated in our constitution that at minimum 60% of the country’s total area is protected. Currently 72% of the area is under pristine forest cover.Learn More at:
http://www.tourism.gov.bt/about-bhutan/flora-fauna
WHAT TO DO
Black Necked Crane Festival: This annual festival takes place inPhobjhikha valley (3000m), an alpine wetland that acts as the most important wintering ground for the Black Necked Cranes that migrate through the kingdom each year.
The festival includes folk songs and dances, mask dances and environmentally themed plays and songs performed by local school children.
The festival also offers opportunities for hiking or to visit the local temple, Gangtey Monastery. It not only give visitors a chance to see this majestic bird in its natural habitat but also educates people on the importance of protecting the natural environment while providing financial benefits to the locals.
The festival is scheduled to take place on November 11th 2013.Learn more at:
http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/the-black-necked-crane-festival
Gangtey Trek:
The Gangtey trek is short, easy three-day trek that winds through beautiful forests of Juniper, Bamboo and Rhododendron.
It is an excellent trek for beginner and veteran trekkers alike as it covers gentle slopes while still offering gorgeous views of the pristine, forested landscape. Another attractive feature of the trail is that it passes through several quaint villages and local monasteries.Learn More at:
http://www.tourism.gov.bt/trek/gangtey-trek
UPCOMING EVENTS IN BHUTAN
Thimphu Domchoe: The annual Thimphu Domchoeis considered to be one of the most special and sacred religious festivals in the country. Families come from all over to attend the Domchoe as it
is popularly believed that viewing the Domchoe will bestow you with merit, luck and cleanse your sins.
The highlight of the festival is the Lhamoi Tshomi Kunchum Dance which is performed in honour of Pelden Lhamo, one of the main protective deities of the kingdom.
The Domchoe was first instituted in the 1700’s by Gyalse Kuenga Gyeltshen, the reincarnation of Jamphel Dorji, the son of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
For further information, please contact:
Tourism Council of Bhutan, India Representative Office
C/o Charson Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd.
1104 Arcadia, 11th Floor, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 – India
Tel: 91 (22) 65172273; Fax: 91 (22) 22828835; Email: exec.office@charsonadvisory.comTourism Council of Bhutan 
Tarayana Centre, Chubachu, Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: 975 2 323251/2 ; Email: info@tourism.gov.bt; Web: www.tourism.gov.bt
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Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg

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Inline images 1


C.R.P.F School, Rohini Thrash Agnel Public School, Noida to Reach Semis

G.D. Goenka Public School, Rohini; Apeejay Public School, Noida and D.P.S., Vasant Kunj Qualify for Semi-finals

New Delhi, 29th August: C.R.P.F School, Rohini; G.D. Goenka Public School, Rohini; Apeejay School, Noida and Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj entered the semi-final of the 2nd edition of the Airtel Rising Stars-Delhi Leg, held at Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi today.

Abhishek Yadav’s brace helped C.R.P.F. Public School, Rohini thrash Agnel Public School, Noida 4-0 in an exciting quarter-final match.

C.R.P.F School started to build pressure from the beginning as Mohd. Aqib scored the first goal in 5th minute and gave an early lead to his team. Abhishek Yadav extended the lead by scoring a brace at 8th and 44th minute. Mukesh’s goal at 48th minute sealed the victory against Agnel Public School, Noida.

In another quarter-final match at the same ground, D.P.S., Vasant Kunj drubbed N. K. Bargodia Public School, Rohini 3-0. Vatsal from D.P.S, Vasant Kunj was the star of the match as he scored a brace at 2nd and 49thminute. He was joined in by his teammate Arjun, who scored a goal at 32nd minute.

G.D. Goenka Public School, Rohini beat Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vasant Vihar 4-2 (0-0) in extra time after a goalless draw. Hartik, Devansh, Robin, Mirnil scored for G.D. Goenka Public School, Rohini whereas, Prakash and Pushkar Singh scored for Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vasant Vihar.

Apeejay Public School, Noida outplayed Govt. School Sec-11, Rohini 4-2 after a goalless draw. Karan, Amandeep, Rishabh and Prateek scored for Apeejay Public School whereas Ansar and Ajay scored for Govt. School Sector 11.


Results:

C.R.P.F Public School, Rohini (Md. Aqib 5th, Abhishek Yadav 8th, 44th, Mukesh 48th) bt Agnel Public School, Noida 4-0

D.P.S., Vasant Kunj (Vatsal 2nd, 49th, Arjun 32nd) bt N.K. Bargodia Public School, Rohini 3-0

G.D. Goenka Public School, Rohini (Hartik, Devansh, Robin, Mirnil) bt Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vasant Vihar(Prakash, Pushkar Singh) 4-2 (0-0)

Apeejay Public School, Noida (Karan, Amandeep, Rishabh, Prateek) bt Govt. School Sec-11 Rohini (Ansar, Ajay)4-2 (0-0)


SEMI-FINAL
1. G.D Goenka School, Rohini v/s C.R.P.F. Public School, Rohini,
2. D.P.S. Vasant Kunj v/s Apeejay School, Noida 


For more information, please contact:

Concept PR

Animesh Biswas - animesh@conceptpr.com – +91 9891789639
Abhay Pratap Singh - abhay@conceptpr.com - +91 9818413169


 

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WW Color Logo_Green Blue
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, August 29, 2013
 
Contact: Supriya Kumar, skumar@worldwatch.org
 
 Development Aid Falls Short, While Other Financial Flows Show Rising Volatility

New Worldwatch Institute trend examines international aid flows
Washington, D.C.—-As the world approaches its 2015 deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals outlined in 2000, development aid by the 26 members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development declined in 2012 for the second year. Preliminary data indicate that official development assistance (ODA) totaled $128.4 billion (in 2011 dollars) that year, down 4 percent from 2011′s $133.7 billion. The 2012 figure marks a 6 percent decline from 2010, when global ODA peaked at $136.7 billion, write Worldwatch staff in the latest Vital Signs Online trend (www.worldwatch.org).

The United States provided the largest amount of ODA, with a total of $29.9 billion in 2012, which was 23.3 percent of the DAC total. Trailing the United States are the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Japan. When tracking ODA as a percentage of gross national income (GNI), however, a different picture emerges. Since 1970 the United Nations has set 0.7 percent of GNI as the target for ODA: in 2012, only Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark exceeded this target. In comparison, the U.S. figure was only 0.19 percent. Not surprisingly, given the severity of the Eurozone crisis, the 15 European Union members of DAC decreased their assistance by a total of 7.4 percent, with the most severe cuts coming from Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal.

It should be noted that DAC governments are not the only ones that provide development assistance: according to a 2012 UN report, non-DAC countries donated a total of $7.2 billion in development aid in 2010, with Saudi Arabia providing almost half of the total. Furthermore, assistance from private sources was estimated at $56 billion that same year, but reporting on such flows is much weaker than for government funds.

Humanitarian assistance, or short-term aid provided in response to disasters and humanitarian crises, is a numerically small but highly visible portion of ODA. Preliminary data indicate that in 2012 assistance provided by governments for such purposes fell 6.5 percent from the previous year, from $13.8 billion to $12.9 billion. (When including non-governmental sources, humanitarian aid fell by 7.7 percent.) This decline is not totally unexpected, as many of the world’s leading economies are still recovering from the financial crisis. Also, in 2012 the United Nations categorized 76 million people as in need of humanitarian assistance, fewer than the 93 million in 2011.

“ODA is far from the only mechanism of international capital flows to or from developing countries and emerging markets,” said Cameron Scherer, report co-author and program associate at Internews. “A multitude of vehicles—-private and public, bilateral and multilateral—-fill the global finance landscape. And against this broader canvas, ODA involves relatively small amounts of money.”

Among public funds, outflows have actually exceeded inflows into developing countries and emerging markets for most of the past decade. According to the International Monetary Fund, net outflows of more than $180 billion in 2006 turned into net inflows of close to $140 billion in 2009, but by 2012 there was once again a net outflow of close to $42 billion.

Among private flows, the largest amounts are accounted for by foreign direct investment (FDI). Net FDI rose from under $100 billion per year in the 1980s and early 1990s to a peak of $480 billion in 2008. The financial crisis then caused a dip to $335 billion in 2009, but 2011 saw a recovery to $473 billion. The bulk of FDI flowing to developing countries is going to Asia and Latin America. In East Asia and South Asia, almost 90 percent of FDI goes to China and India; in Latin America and the Caribbean, about half goes to Brazil. Only 10 percent of global FDI is destined for Africa.

“In general, FDI is more stable than other forms of private investments, especially where “greenfield” investments in new productive capacity are concerned, FDI is usually undertaken with a longer time horizon in mind, and happens mostly where macroeconomic conditions are stable,” said Michael Renner, trend co-author and Worldwatch Senior Researcher. “In contrast, portfolio investment and cross-border interbank lending are often driven by short-term considerations such as changes in interest rates.”

However, the United Nations points to evidence that a growing portion of FDI in recent years is going to investments in financial companies or to intra-company debt. Also, a considerable portion of FDI relates to mergers and acquisitions—-and thus represents a transfer of ownership rather than fresh investment. These shifts imply that capital can be moved more easily among countries, and indeed the share of short-term and more volatile financial FDI flows has increased.

Further highlights from the report:
  • The United States tops the list of assistance in absolute amounts, with $3.8 billion in 2012, or 29.4 percent of all humanitarian aid (a number that was $483 million below the figure in 2011). Luxembourg (at 0.16 percent of GNI) and Sweden (at 0.14 percent) top the relative standings.
  • In 2011, the most recent year for which data are available, Pakistan, Somalia, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip were the three areas to receive the greatest amount of humanitarian assistance, together taking in over a quarter of global assistance.
  • In 2002, FDI to Africa stood at just $15 billion; in 2012, it totaled $50 billion, having peaked at $59 billion in 2008. China is behind much of this FDI, providing at least $14.7 billion in 2011.
—-END—- 
Notes to Editors:    
For more information and to obtain a complimentary copy of “Development Aid Falls Short, While Other Financial Flows Show Rising Volatility,” please contact Supriya Kumar at skumar@worldwatch.org

About the Worldwatch Institute:
Worldwatch is an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C. that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. The Institute’s State of the World report is published annually in more than a dozen languages. For more information, visit www.worldwatch.org.


 

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Press Invite
4th Cardiac First Aid Camp for the Police personnel of South District
Saturday, 31st August, 2013

 Heart Care Foundation of India is organizing the 4th Cardiac First Aid Camp for the Police personnel of South District on Saturday, Saturday, 31st August, 2013 at 3.30pm at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Safdarjung Development Area.
The training will be personally given by Padma Shri & Dr. BC Roy National Awardee, Dr. KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India. This time the focus of the training will be on one aspect of the technique ‘push hard and push fast’. Shri BS Jaiswal, DCP South will be Chief Guest.
 You are requested to depute your cameraman, reporter, photographer to cover the event.

With kind regards,
 Yours sincerely,
 Mrs. A. Khanna
Director, HCFI


 

30082013

To celebrate the New Luxe Store Rabha’s by Ektaa “Gold”

Join us for wine and hors d’ oeuvres To celebrate the New Luxe Store Rabha’s by Ektaa “Gold”
From: Musharat Perveen <musharat.w2h@gmail.com> Thu, 29 Aug ’13 6:04p
To: You
Show full Headers
 
 
1 attachment
 
 
 
 
 
Hi,
 
Greetings!!
Invite
 Join us for wine and hors d⠯euvres
To celebrate the
New Luxe Store
RabhaⳠby Ektaa ㇯
On Friday, the 30th of August 2013
4 pm 8 pm
@ 39 NWA, Punjabi Bagh
Club Road, New Delhi
Guest List
Amanpreet Wahi
Krishna Somani
Ramon Lamba
Geetika Mittal
Atul Wassan
Muskaan Aggarwal
Dolly Jain
Rita Gangwani
Gunita Dhingra
Krishna Somani
Neena Verma
Sunayana Malhotra
Pooja Gogia



Media RSVP
Rashi Rohatgi Khan
For Further Information Contact
Musharat Perveen
9999422763
W Five Communication Pvt Ltd


 

30082013

Procam International
cordially invites you to

The Final Match

Of

Airtel Rising Stars 2013 – Delhi Leg
India’s largest under-16 soccer talent hunt


Schedule:

Friday, 30th August – Semifinal
Saturday, 31st August – Final

Time: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Venue: Ambedkar Stadium, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg



RSVP

Concept Public Relations – Animesh Biswas – animesh@conceptpr.com – 98917 89639
Abhay Pratap Singh – abhay@conceptpr.com – 98184 13169
Mohammad Mati – mati@conceptpr.com – 96506 04255


 

Urge Obama to Stand with LGBT Russians at the G20 Summit

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Naresh:
When we called on President Barack Obama to press Russia on its antigay law, we weren’t expecting him to do so for the first time on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
His words were welcome, but wouldn’t it be better if he addresses the Russian people directly—on Russian TV?
The G20 Summit next week in St. Petersburg provides the perfect platform to make clear that America stands with Russia’s LGBT citizens. St. Petersburg passed one of the original local bans on gay “propaganda,” and the city is also home to prominent gay rights groups.
Our recent report, Convenient Targets: The Anti-”Propoganda” Law & the Threat to LGBT Rights in Russia, details how Russia has ramped up its crackdown on dissent, including against LGBT persons. This includes a 100-year ban on gay pride marches in Moscow, denial of registration to Sochi Pride House, hefty fines to rights groups accused of acting as a “foreign agent,” and, more recently, a federal law banning the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations to minors.” Against this backdrop, harassment and violent attacks on gays or those perceived as gay have become commonplace.
President Obama made LGBT rights a priority in U.S. foreign policy. Russian gay rights advocates praised President Obama’s speech in Berlin when he said, “When we stand up for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters … we defend our own liberty as well.” But the Russian public didn’t hear about that remark because state-run media censors “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.” The message is clear: calling for tolerance or equality in Russia is punishable by law. 
At the G20 Summit, the President must continue to stand for equality and make clear to the Russian people that gay rights are human rights.
Sincerely,
Innokenty Grekov
Human Rights First


 

30082013
2nd YES BANK-GIZ-UNEP FI Sustainability Series, in association with the IICA–GIZ Business Responsibility Initiative,[1] is being organized in Mumbai, on 25 September 2013. The objective of the second workshop is to create awareness on Sustainable Finance and Development, in the overall context of responsible business, focusing on the role of media and civil society.
The YES BANK-GIZ-UNEP FI Sustainability Series was launched by Dr. K. C. Chakrabarty, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, with the intent to mainstream sustainable finance in Indian financial institutions, in April 2013. This workshop, specifically, aims to provide a tailored approach for media and NGO professionals, who deal with financial markets, sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and environment. This workshop would aim to equip the participants with hands-on knowledge on sustainable finance (including the emerging concepts and practices of Responsible Investment and Lending), and to provide the basis for advanced knowledge in this space.
Enclosed are the invitation letter and the agenda. Kindly log on to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8XYX2C9 to register your name. We eagerly look forward to your participation and hope to see you at the workshop!

Warm regards,
Trina Datta| +91 98181 37520
Consultant,
IICA-GIZ Business Responsibility Initiative


 

30082013
Dear Mr Naresh Kumar Sagar,
CSE has just published a food recipe book. It celebrates the connection between biodiversity and culture of food. We believe if we lose the knowledge and culture of our local cuisine then we lose more than just the taste and smell, we lose nature.
We want to celebrate this knowledge and to build a culture of food that recognises nature and nutrition. To do this, we are launching the book, in collaboration with India Habitat Centre.
We hope you will join us for the launch, the live food demonstration by master chef Manish Mehrotra and dinner, all made from recipes in the book.
Please drop a line to confirm that you would be joining us.
Regards
Sunita Narain, Vibha Varshney and the CSE team


 

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Government of West Bengal
༯span>
Cordially invites༯span>you to the
ワnclave of Tourism Investors for West Bengal伯span>༯span>
In the presence
Of
In
Shri Krishnendu Narayan Choudhary,
Minister-in-Charge of Tourism, West Bengal
At
Hotel Ashok, Banquet Hall, Diplomatic Enclave,
50-B, Chanakayapuri, New Delhi.

Dated: August 31, 2013
Time: 11 a.m onwards



 

30082013
MEDIA INVITE
 
Between the Lies
Breaking the Myth of Gujarat Model of Development
Seminar
 31st August, 2013
10.30 am to 5.00 pm
 Venue :
Deputy Chairman Hall, 2nd Floor
Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001
 Programme
10.30- tea
SESSION ONE
11.00 – 1.00 pm
Mahesh Pandya- Director,Paryavaran Mitra, Gujarat
Prof Hemant Shah-HOD, Economics, HK Arts College, Gujarat
Prof. Shiv Visvanathan- CSDS
1.00 – 2.00 pm
Lunch
SESSION TWO
2.00-5.00 pm
Pankti Jog-Advocacy Coordinator,Janpath, Gujarat
D.L. Sheth-Honorary Senior Fellow & former Director  CSDS, Delhi
Zakia Soman- BMMA, Gujarat

Please depute a reporter/ photographer/ camera crew to cover the programme.


Yours sincerely
Shabnam Hashmi
9811807558

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UK Parliament votes down military action against Syria

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British lawmakers voted against military action in Syria, on Thursday, in a stunning defeat for Prime Minister David Cameron, by just 13 votes in the House of Commons in the government’s bid for a “strong humanitarian response” to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime.

The government was defeated  Minutes after the shock result, Cameron told lawmakers, “It is clear to me that the British parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want to see British military action. I get that, and the government will act accordingly.”
Cameron’s defeat raises the prospects that the United States could act alone against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which it blames for horrific poison gas attacks that are believed to have killed hundreds in the suburbs of Damascus last week.
“Britain will not be involved in any military action,” a spokesperson for Cameron’s Downing Street office confirmed.
Seven hours of impassioned debate in the House of Commons had revealed deep divisions over whether military strikes against the Assad regime would deter the further use of chemical weapons, or simply make the conflict worse.
Cameron had made the case for targeted strikes, insisting that Britain could not stand idle in the face of “one of the most abhorrent uses of chemical weapons in a century.”
“If nothing is done, (the regime) will conclude that it can use these weapons again and again, and on a larger scale, and with impunity,” he had told parliament.
But he faced strong resistance from the opposition Labour party and many members of his own Conservative party, who expressed fear that Britain was rushing to a war without conclusive evidence that Assad had gassed his own people.
Cameron admitted there could not be “100 percent certainty” about who had committed the attack, but said it was “beyond doubt” that the regime was responsible.
Britain’s Joint Intelligence Committee released evidence Thursday saying that chemical weapons had undoubtedly been used on 21st August and that more than 300 people had been killed.
It was “highly likely” that the Syrian government was responsible, it added. The regime has denied it committed the attack, which it blames on rebel forces.
Britain’s Labour party had proposed an alternative motion seeking “compelling” evidence that the regime carried out the attack before committing to any form of military action, but this too was defeated.

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World News Snippets

31082013

At least 5 killed in suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan

A suicide bomber detonated explosives near a police checkpoint and a bank in southern Afghanistan on Saturday morning, killing at least five people, officials said. Most of the victims were civilians. The bank building was badly damaged, AP reported, adding that no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Taliban fighters have recently escalated their activity as US-led foreign forces cut their presence in the country, with primary responsibility for security now handed over to Afghan troops.

15 killed in liquid ammonia leak in Shanghai

At least 15 people died Saturday after liquid ammonia lead at a refrigeration unit in a factory in Shanghai, China’s Xinhua reports. Over 30 people were hospitalized, six of them in critical condition, the Shanghai regional government said. The incident occurred in the city’s northern district of Baoshan, at a cold storage unit owned by a seafood company. It is not clear yet whether the company’s workers or people living in the urban area nearby have also been affected.


 

Building at N. Korean missile launch site – US institute

Satellites show that building work has begun in North Korea at the site where the country fired a long-range rocket in December, AFP reported a US research institute as saying. The construction appears to be for a new launch pad for testing ballistic missiles, the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said on its 38 North website.“One possible explanation is that Pyongyang is building a ‘flat launch pad’, a large concrete area that would be used to test mobile ballistic missiles fired from a transporter-erecter launcher,” the website said, adding that “rockets fired from this location… could travel over 4,000 kilometers [2,500 miles] before encountering a foreign land mass. This would allow full tests of North Korea’s Musudan rocket.” International criticism has backed North Korea into a corner with its missile program, but the country maintains that continuing down this path is the only way to an effective nuclear deterrent. December’s rocket launch and February’s nuclear test coincided with a rise in regional tensions, resulting in Pyongyang admitting to being able to fire a nuclear missile as far as the US West Coast. North Korea claims that its aims are peaceful and scientific, and that it is merely defending its rights as a sovereign state.

Three people killed as 5.9-magnitude earthquake hits southwest China

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake has killed at least three people and left several more injured in southwest China as homes for 22 families collapsed. The earthquake shook several counties in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, including in Shangri-La County. Seventeen tourists have been reported trapped on a highway in Shangri-La as falling rocks hit a tour bus. Earthquakes are common in China’s mountainous areas. In July an earthquake that hit China’s northwest Gansu Province killed 94 people and injured more than 1,000. In April, a quake in Sichuan Province killed 193 people.

First verdict in gang rape and murder case

A New Delhi court is finally set to hand down its first verdict in the trial over the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old female student, who was assaulted with an iron bar on a public bus in the city in December. A juvenile court has delayed announcing the verdict four times since wrapping up the case against the teenage man charged over the brutal attack. Six men were initially arrested over the attack, in which the young woman died from internal injuries. The man, who was 17 at the time, faces a maximum of three years in prison if found guilty. The trial of four other adult suspects continues, with the men facing possible death sentences if convicted.

 

US cyber-operations regime more aggressive

US intelligence agencies executed 231 cyber-operations in 2011, The Washington Post reported in detailing a more aggressive, expanding cyber-attack architecture than was previously known. In addition, a $652 million program named GENIE helps the US break into foreign networks to plant sophisticated malware in computers, routers and firewalls in tens of thousands of machines every year. Almost three-quarters of the 231 attacks in 2011 were against top-priority targets including Iran, Russia, China and North Korea, and activities including nuclear proliferation. The disclosure of US cyber-ops, defined by the US “to manipulate, disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy information resident in computers or computer networks, or the computers and networks themselves,” were provided by NSA leaker Edward Snowden.

Court upholds ban on gay-to-straight therapy

A controversial psychological practice that purports to convert a youth from gay to straight is illegal, a federal appeals court ruled has ruled unanimously. The judges upheld an earlier court’s ruling, agreeing that a treatment claiming to change a minor’s sexual orientation through intense therapy seemed dangerous, and have rightfully been rejected by the scientific community. The therapy, one judge wrote, poses “critical health risks, including depression, shame, decreased self-esteem, social withdrawal, substance abuse, self-harm and suicide.” The law is the first of its kind in the US.


Catholic school files second suit against contraception mandate

A Catholic university has filed a second lawsuit against the US Department of Health and Human Services over contraception coverage “facilitation.” Ave Maria University said in the suit it “cannot fulfill its mission of preparing students to impact the world by living their Christian values if it violates its own religious convictions by” facilitating access to contraception, sterilization, or abortion, or related counseling and services. The first suit was dismissed when the government agreed to change regulations of its health care mandate to accommodate religious beliefs, yet religious entities felt the new rules were inadequate.

Six dead, dozens injured as Morsi supporters march across Egypt

At least six are dead and around 50 injured in Egypt as thousands of supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi marched in cities across the country, calling for Morsi’s return to office. Security sources said around 20 were arrested, and that police fired teargas at protesters in Cairo’s Mohandiseen district. The marches spurred the military-backed government to warn Egyptians of legal consequences should anyone violate a mandatory 1700 GMT curfew. Since Morsi was forced from office on July 3 by the armed forces, hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood supporters have been killed by Egyptian security forces.

12 killed in twin car bombing in Iraq

Two car bombs exploded in the town of Tuz Khurmato, killing 12 and injuring 10 others, with the second bomb going off just as bystanders gathered to help the victims of the first blast. Tuz Khurmato, 170 kilometers north of the capital, Baghdad, has been a hotspot for sectarian violence, and tension between the central government and Kurdish separatists. A total of more than 1,000 people died in attacks in Iraq last month.

N.Korea withdraws US envoy invitation

North Korea has withdrawn its invitation for a senior US envoy to travel to Pyongyang to seek the release of detained American Kenneth Bae, the US State Department has said. Bob King, the US special envoy for North Korean human rights, was due to travel from Tokyo to Pyongyang on Friday to request a pardon for Bae. The American was accused of subversion and was sentenced to 15 years hard labor. The US is“surprised and disappointed by North Korea’s decision,” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said.

Colombia president orders troops to patrol capital

Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos on Friday ordered troops to patrol the capital following rioting. Violence broke out on Thursday after some 30,000 university students and others marched in support of a 10-day protest by small farmers. Two men, aged 18 and 24, were killed by gunfire in circumstances which are not yet clear.“To assure normality… I have ordered the militarization of Bogota,” Santos said. He added that 50,000 military personnel would help police along highways blockaded by small farmers.

Tunisia closes southern border regions to protect against terrorism threat

Tunisia’s authorities have closed southern regions bordering Algeria and Libya to protect against the threat of terrorism, the presidential office has announced. The closure would last a year and could be shortened depending on the situation. Tourists and traders will require permission from local authorities to travel in the area. The Algerian border where troops have been fighting militants in the mountains, was also included. The measures will further impact the impoverished regions surviving largely on cross border trade and smuggling.

4 suspected Al-Qaeda militants killed in US drone strike

At least four suspected Al-Qaeda militants were killed on Friday in a presumed US drone strike in Yemen’s central al-Bayda province, according to a local government source. The strike in the district of Rada’a killed the local Al-Qaeda leader and three others, the source told Reuters. Tribal sources put the death toll at five. The drone reportedly targeted a place where the suspected militants were meeting. At least 40 people have been killed in Yemen since late July.

Lebanese authorities charge 5 in Tripoli mosque bombings

Lebanese authorities have charged five men in connection with the fatal double bombing last week in the northern city of Tripoli, a security official said Friday. Lebanese defendants Hashem Menkara, Ahmad al-Ghareeb and Mustafa Houri reportedly face charges of orchestrating the August 23 bombings outside two Tripoli mosques that killed at least 47 people. Syrians identified as Mohammed Ali and Kudr al-Aryan have been charged with preparing the explosives.

Russia expects Belarus to release Uralkali’s CEO shortly – Kremlin aide

The Kremlin expects the Belarusian authorities to release shortly Uralkali Director General Vladislav Baumgertner, detained in Minsk, presidential aide Yury Ushakov said Friday.“Russia hopes it would be done without delay,” he told reporters. Belarusian investigators on Thursday evening officially charged Russian potash miner CEO with abusing his office.

Iraq Al-Qaeda group claims Baghdad attacks

An Al-Qaeda front group claimed a wave of bombings across Baghdad in a statement on Friday. Nationwide violence killed 75 people and wounded more than 200 on Wednesday. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant said the attacks were retribution for the executions this month of people convicted of terror-related offences. On August 19, Iraq put 17 people to death, all but one of them on terrorism-related charges.

DNA test verified Osama bin Laden’s identity – reports

A forensic intelligence laboratory run by the CIA in Afghanistan performed the DNA test of Osama Bid Laden’s body and confirmed his identify back in 2011, revealed intelligence budget documents leaked by the whistleblower Edward Snowden. The Washington Post wrote that results “provided a conclusive match.” In May 2011, the Pentagon denied having records of these tests, after AP asked for disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. In their request, the press service asked for DNA and facial recognition tests disclosure of Bin Laden’s corpse as well as all media material captured during the raid on bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, the death certificate and other records related to the May 2011 mission.

US refuses to negotiate on NSA surveillance – Brazilian minister

United States lawmakers have rejected a proposal to negotiate with the Brazilian government over the circumstances by which the National Security Agency monitors Brazil’s communication data. Brazilian Justice Minister Jose Cardozo made a “proposal to move toward an agreement to establish the rules on procedures in the interception of data” during meetings this week with Vice President Joe Biden, Attorney General Eric Holder, and White House counter-terrorism adviser Lisa Monaco. He asked for an explanation on the revelation that intelligence analysts were not only seeking to identify terrorists, but tracking Brazilian diplomatic maneuvers. “They told us the United States would not sign an agreement under those terms with any country in the world,” Cardozo said.

Two Guantanamo detainees released to Algeria

The US announced the release of two detainees from the prison at Guantanamo Bay to their home nation of Algeria, bringing the total number of detainees at the prison to 164. Nabil Said Hadjarab and Mutia Sadiq Ahmad Sayyab were approved for transfer based on a review directed by President Obama. Hadjarab had been detained for 12 years, his lawyer told the Guardian, and was cleared for release in 2007. He took part in the ongoing hunger strike at the prison. More than 37 detainees remain on hunger strike, according to the US military.

Car bombing in Iraq kills at least 11

At least 11 people has been killed and 27 wounded in a car bomb in the Iraqi city of Samarra, some 125 kilometers north of Baghdad, reports Reuters, citing police and medical sources. The parked vehicle blew up in a busy market street. This comes just a day after a series of terrorists attacks ripped through Baghdad, killing up to 90 people and injuring around another 300. In July, over 1,000 Iraqis died in attacks – the highest monthly death toll since 2008, the UN said.
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Moscow links Iraq bombings to Syrian armed groups

Moscow is “seriously concerned” over a new escalation of violence in Iraq, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday, commenting on a series of bombings Wednesday in Baghdad that killed up to 90 people and wounded nearly 300.“These terrorist attacks are obviously backed from abroad, including by armed groups operating in Syria,” the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said the attacks showed that the ongoing conflict in Syria had spread and that further destabilization could lead to a worsening of the situation “not only in neighboring states, but in the entire region.”

Greek unions start fall protests

Greece civil servants’ union, ADEDY, caused most public services to close early, while several hundred protesters marched peacefully to parliament. The action against government plans to axe thousands of state jobs saw no major disruption Thursday, but unions are threatening to organize more protests in September. The conservative-led government is planning to suspend up to 50,000 public servants this year and fire 15,000 by the end of 2014. The start of the new school year could be disrupted as teaching unions were meeting Thursday to plan strikes.
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Pakistani judge overturns sentence of doctor who helped find bin Laden

A Pakistani judge on Thursday overturned the 33-year sentence of Shakil Afridi, the doctor who helped CIA agents find Osama bin Laden. Judge Sahibzada Mohammad Anees ordered a new trial, ruling that the previous judge in the case had exceeded his authority when handing down the sentence last year, Reuters said. The US withheld $33 million in aid for Pakistan in retaliation.

Iran appoints first-ever Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has appointed Marzieh Afkham as its new spokesperson, the first time Tehran has named a woman to the position. A career diplomat with nearly three decades of service at the ministry, Afkham has been director of its media and public diplomacy department since 2010. Incumbent spokesman Abbas Araqchi described her as“seasoned and experienced in the field of media diplomacy,” ISNA news agency reported.“Her expertise was the only factor in this appointment,” he added, in reference to opposition from ultra-conservative MPs.

Khmer Rouge tribunal ‘survival’ under threat – UN

The UN secretary general has warned Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge tribunal is running out of money and its “very survival” is now under threat. International donors’ contributions to the UN-backed court have run dry and some staff members have not been paid for months, Ban Ki-moon said. Speaking in The Hague on Wednesday, he said that “financial failure would be a tragedy for the people of Cambodia.” The tribunal, which began in 2006 to seek justice for atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s, has faced budgetary shortfalls. Some unpaid staff went on strike in March, and about 100 staffers plan to strike again on September 1.

Taliban kills 15 police in W Afghanistan

Taliban insurgents killed 15 Afghan officers and wounded 10 from police convoy patrolling a key highway in western Afghanistan’s Farah province, an official said Thursday. Insurgents staged an evening mountain pass ambush and fled unharmed after attacking about 40 officers in the convoy. Before dawn Wednesday near the ambush site, rockets were fired at a fuel truck parking. One truck full of gasoline exploded and fire destroyed about 35 of the 40 trucks in the lot, and reportedly killed six of the drivers.

Russia to send new ships to join naval group in Mediterranean Sea

The composition of the Russian Navy’s group of ships in the Mediterranean Sea will be changed soon, Interfax reported, citing a source in the Armed Forces General Staff. A large anti-submarine ship of the Northern Fleet is expected to join it within the next few days. The Black Sea Fleet’s missile carrying cruiser Moskva, which is now wrapping up its mission in the North Atlantic, will join it a little later, the source said. In autumn, the Pacific Fleet’s missile-carrying cruiser Varyag is expected to replace the large anti-submarine ship Vice Admiral Panteleyev. The Russian Navy is not planning to expand its permanent force in the Mediterranean, a Navy spokesman told Interfax on August 27.

Founder of Indian Mujahideen arrested

Indian security services have arrested Yasin Bhatkal, the founder of Indian Mujahideen, after being on the run for over five years. Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Thursday confirmed the arrest near India-Nepal border. Bhatkal, 30, is accused of masterminding several terror strikes including Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad explosions. He was detained along with another IM leader Akhtar, sources said.
Media agencies

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“PIANO CALLING” DELHI 2013 by M° CESARE PICCO

H. E. Mr. Daniele Mancini
Ambassador of Italy
and
Angela Trezza
Director – Italian Embassy Cultural Centre

request the pleasure of your company
for the Piano Recital

“PIANO CALLING”
DELHI 2013
by
M° CESARE PICCO
accompanied by
Pt. Rajendra Prasanna (Flute)
Special Guest

Tuesday, 10th September 2013, 6:30 pm
Teen Murti Auditorium
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Teen Murti Bhawan
New Delhi – 110011




July Fiscal Deficit at 62.8% of Actuals to FY14BEs

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The gross fiscal deficit of the Central government stands at 62.8% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013 as compared to 51.5% of the actuals to budget estimates in the corresponding period of the previous year. The primary deficit significantly increased to 148% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July2013 as compared to 94.8% of the actuals to budget estimates during corresponding period of the previous year.


 Differentials in use of fiscal deficit space by July 2013 vis-୶is July 2012                                   (in %)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Government of India accounts, Government of India
Note: The Fiscal deficit data pertains to the end of the respective month
 The data for February 2013 and February 2012 pertains to actuals to revised estimates
* indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates

The revenue receipts at the end of July 2013 of the central government stands at 16.7% of the actuals to budget estimates as compared with 18% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2012.

Fiscal position for July  FY2014 vis-୶is July  FY2013
Month
% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2014*
% of Actuals to Budgeted Estimates FY2013*
% of Actuals to Budgeted Estimates FY2012*
April
17.3
13.1
18.1
May
33.3
27.6
31.7
June
48.4
37.1
39.4
July
 62.8
51.5
55.4
August
 –
65.7
66.3
September
 –
65.6
68
October
 –
71.6
74.4
November
 –
80.4
85.6
December
 –
78.8
92.3
January
 –
90.7
105.4
February**
 –
97.4
94.6
March
 –
94^
98.9^
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India
Note: * Data pertains to the end of the respective month
** Data for February 2013 and February 2012 pertains to actuals to revised estimates
^ indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates

The government’s market borrowing stands at 50% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013 as compared with 49% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2012. The domestic financing stands at 64% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013, higher as compared to 53% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2012. The external financing of the government stands at 10% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013 as against (-) 14 % of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2012. The total financing of the central government stands at 63% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013 as against 51% of the actuals to budget estimates during the corresponding period of previous year.

   Sources of financing the deficit                                                                              (%)
 Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India
Note: Data pertains to the end of the July 2012 and July 2013


Regards,

Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist




Kapil Sibbal launched Music of the film “Dilli gang”

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Darshan_jariwala__kapil_sibbal__Ashish_tyagi___Yashpal_sharma
Everyone has some hidden talent or creativity and so our Law Minister Mr.Kapil Sibal has. Very less people or Probably No one knows that our minister has the talent of writing and Singing. Yes, Mr. Kapil Sibal is a very good singer and lyricist.
On the occasion of Music Launch of an upcoming Hindi film ㄩlli Gang, our Law minister Mr. Kapil Sibal launched the music of the film. He has written two songs in the film and even sung it. The title track of ㄩlli Gang伯b> is sung by him only.
On the occasion of promotion and music Launch, Director of the film Ashish Tyagi & producer Radha Tyagi with their star cast Darshan Jariwala, Neena Kulkarni, Yashpal Sharma, Asif Bhasra & Amir Dalvi were present and witnessed the event.
Mr. Sibal looked excited about his debut as singer and lyricist in the bollywood and congratulated the director Ashish Tyagi and said, I appreciate the work that Director Ashish Tyagi has done in the film. He tried to fill the huge gap between the two important generations, youth and old aged people.
ㄩlli Gang䠩s an inspired film based on our segregated and lonely senior citizens, who get neglected by their own children settled in abroad. The film depicts the story of those rich old aged people who faces lots of intricacies in their final days of life, who sometimes get robbed or even murdered for their wealth. The film is inspired from many real incidents happened in our nation.




Chittesh Mandody, Krishnaraj Mahadik & Paul Francis Claim Pole Positions

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~Championship leaders look to strengthen their positions in Round 4~

Hyderabad, August 31 2013: Chittesh S Mandody of MohiteⳠRacing, Krishnaraj Mahadik of MohiteⳠRacing and Paul Francis of Meco Racing claimed pole positions in Senior Max, Junior Max and Micro Max categories respectively in the ongoing Round 4 of the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Rotax Max Karting Championship 2013 at Kart Centre in Hyderabad on Saturday.
In the Round 4, 34 karters in three categories – Micro Max (7 to 12 years), Junior Max (13 to 16 years) and Senior Max (15 and above) are showing their top performances at the 650-metre long track in Lahari Resorts, where the racers are battling to win the most prestigious grassroots level motorsport championship in the country.
In the Senior Max category, Chittesh dominated both the Heats (Heat 1 & 2) and was way ahead of other racers, will start at pole position on SundayⳠPre-Finals. Most of the time, he was chased by Vishnu Prasad of Meco Racing, who will start from the 3rd position after finishing 3rd at Heat 1 and 2nd at Heat 2. Nayan Chaterjee of Rayo Racing will start at 2nd position after a hard battle with Vishnu and his fellow teammate Ameya Bafna in the Qualifying session.
Junior Max category was totally dominated by Kush Maini of Dark Don Racing, winning both Heat 1 and 2 today, will start at 3rd position as clocked third fastest in Qualifying. The Bengaluru-racer was followed by Krishnaraj Mahadik of MohiteⳠRacing in both the Heats, who will start at 1st position on SundayⳠPre-Finals as he clocked the best timing the Qualifying. Arya Chirag Gandhi of Rayo Racing raced brilliantly today and claimed 2nd pole position after finishing 3rd in both the Heats.
In Micro Max category, defending champion Pradyumna V Danigund received fierce competition from Paul Francis of Meco Racing, who snatched his pole position after defeating him in Qualifying session. Paul also finished 2nd in Heat 1 and won the Heat 2 after racing spectacularly. Pradyumna of MohiteⳠRacing will start from 2nd position tomorrow after winning Heat 1 and finishing 2nd in Heat 2. Shahishnu Bagamane of Meco Racing will start at 3rd position after clocking third fastest timing.
There are three new faces in the Round 4 of the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Rotax Max Karting Championship 2013 – Ashish Narrandas of South Africa (Senior Max), Eshan David Pieris of Sri Lanka (Junior Max) and 2007 national karting champion Nikhil P Kashyap (Senior Max).
Experienced racer from South Africa Ashish Narrandas, who is currently racing in the JK Tyre Racing Championship 2013, is enjoying his break from the current season by karting first time in his life. Meco RacingⳠNarrandas fared well in the Qualifying session but couldnⴠcontinue his performance due to some problem in his kart.
15-year-old Eshan David Pieris may open doors to many Sri Lankan karters, who can participate in professional karting championship in India at cheaper price than any other South-East Asian country or Europe. Dark Don RacingⳠEshan, whose father David Pieris raced in India in 70Ⳡand 80ⳬ is racing in India first time and finds the competition level very high in Junior Max category.
Nikhil Kashyap, who is 2007 national karting champion (Junior Max) and 2010 runner-up (Senior Max), is racing after two years after taking a break for his studies. Kashyap also raced in Formula Rolon after karting and was 2nd runner-up in 2010. The Meco Racing racer has joined the aggressive pack of championship leaders in Senior Max – Vishnu Prasad, Nayan Chatterjee, Ameya Bafna and Chittesh Mandody.
The countryⳠmost revered karting championship – currently in its 10th successful year – is the only karting event in the country that has produced drivers who have participated and won in top races abroad. JK Tyre is credited with introducing the concept of karting in India and has patronized karting circuits across the country. JK Tyre together with Meco Motorsports introduced professional karting in 2004 with the introduction of the Rotax 2-stroke kart engines. It was then that the current championship came into being and is today the most revered karting contest in India.

RESULTS – HEAT 1 (15 laps)
Senior Max
  1. Chittesh S Mandody (MohiteⳠRacing)
  2. Ameya Bafna (Rayo Racing)
  3. Vishnu Prasad (Meco Racing)
Junior Max
  1. Kush Maini (Dark Don Racing)
  2. Krishnaraj Mahadik (MohiteⳠRaicng)
  3. Arya Chirag Gandhi (Rayo Racing)
Micro Max
  1. Pradyumna Vipul Danigond (MohiteⳠRacing)
  2. Paul Francis (Meco Racing)
  3. Yash Aradhya (Meco Racing)
RESULTS – HEAT 2 (15 laps)
Senior Max
  1. Chittesh S Mandody (MohiteⳠRacing)
  2. Vishnu Prasad (Meco Racing)
  3. Ameya Bafna (Rayo Racing)
Junior Max
  1. Kush Maini (Dark Don Racing)
  2. Krishnaraj Mahadik (MohiteⳠRaicng)
  3. Arya Chirag Gandhi (Rayo Racing)
Micro Max
  1. Paul Francis (Meco Racing)
  2. Pradyumna Vipul Danigond (MohiteⳠRacing)
  3. Yash Aradhya (Meco Racing)
RESULTS – QUALIFYING
Senior Max
  1. Chittesh S Mandody (MohiteⳠRacing)
  2. Nayan Chatterjee (Rayo Racing)
  3. Vishnu Prasad (Meco Racing)
Junior Max
  1. Krishnaraj Mahadik (MohiteⳠRaicng)
  2. Arya Chirag Gandhi (Rayo Racing)
  3. Kush Maini (Dark Don Racing)
Micro Max
  1. Paul Francis (Meco Racing)
  2. Pradyumna Vipul Danigond (MohiteⳠRacing)
  3. Shahishnu Bagamane (Meco Racing)




Mahesh Bhatt launches Farrukh Baig’s debut ghazal album Dastak

1092013

Image 
Mahesh Bhatt launches Farrukh Baig’s debut ghazal album Dastak

-A musical evening of Ghazals with Farrukh Baig enthralled music lovers


New Delhi, 31 August, 2013: Prominent Indian film director, producer and screenwriter Mahesh Bhatt today launched ghazal singer Farrukh baig’s debut ghazal album DASTAK at India Islamic Cultural Center.
The fact that Farrukh never let go his passion for music has paid off as here he is with his first solo album, ‘Dastak’ which is being marketed by Venus Worldwide Entertainment Pvt Ltd.
Mahesh Bhatt appreciated Baig’s singing as well as the lyrics and the music of the album. He expressed happiness to see a youngster who has taken ghazal as his passion and urged everyone to contribute for the revival of the music genre.
Launching Dastak, Mahesh Bhatt said, “Farrukh’s voice echoes in your hearts even after the song has ended.”
 The album ‘Dastak’ has six ghazals which have been written by Dr. M.S.Rahi and the music has been arranged by Navneet Kedar. Dastak will be available in the market both on the online platform as well as offline from the date of its launch. This album will surely delight the ghazal listeners the world over with its richness and class. With this Album, Venus is promoting a new talent and particularly in the genre of ghazals which badly needs a revival, in the post Jagjit Singh era.
Farrukh Baig fell in love with music at a very tender age of eight. However, he started his formal musical training at the age of fifteen. His first Guru was Ustad Qamar Mohd. Khan, a renowned All India Radio artist and a proud recipient of President of India Award.
Farrukh did not restrict himself to any one particular genre of music initially but developed a special liking for ghazals later on. During his college days, besides studies, it was just cricket and music. Soon he realized that to excel in either cricket or music, he had to give up one – and what he gave up is anybody’s guess.
The music journey of Farrukh Baig has been an interesting one. Despite being a management graduate, and being in the corporate world, it was music which remained an integral part of his life. His music exploits included doing shows all over, composing and singing a couple of title songs for serials, and some music shows on television. Still, he could never pursue it as a career. But music always remained paramount…
For further queries, please contact:
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Le Communiqué Consultancy
Santosh@9968509492/ Shabana@ 09860758687/ Shakti@ 9711118189/ Anuj@9958372662




West Bengal Tourism Heralding the onset of Durga Puja

1092013
Intensive Tourism promotion and Publicity Campaignof West Bengal Tourism

New Delhi, August 31, 2013: Heralding the onset of Durga Puja, associated in West Bengal with goddess’ autumnal homecoming to the earth, euphoric abandon, family reunions and lavish Bengali fare, the Department of Tourism Government of West Bengal organized Tourism Promotion Road Show in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The roadshow held at the Ashok Hotel, New Delhi was graced by Shri Krishnendu Narayan Choudhary, Hon’able Minister-in-charge of Tourism, West Bengal, accompanied by Shri Vikram Sen, Principal Secretary, West Bengal Tourism, Shri Bhaskar Khulbe, Principal Resident Commissioner, Govt of West Bengal. The Tourism Conclave was also attended by Mohammad Habibur Rahman Khan, Minister Commerce, Bangladesh High Commission, P P Khanna, Vice President and Convention Chairman Domestic Tourism and Sujit Banerjee, Secretary General, World Travel and Tourism Council. The roadshow focused on inviting investments to West Bengal.
Hon’able Shri Krishnendu Narayan Choudhary, in his speech, opened the doors to West Bengal, projecting the State as a unique travel destination lending sharp focus on the upcoming Durga Puja and highlighted the conducive opportunities for investment in unparalleled diversified, bankable mega tourism projects in the State. He also stated the recent policy announcement of the State for reducing the Sales Tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel to enhanced connectivity to the 3 air ports in West Bengal catalyses tourism”.
Apart from focusing on tourist attraction and general events, the road show was also marketing the forthcoming Durga Puja carnival which is one of the biggest socio cultural events in West Bengal. On its part, the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation has come up with different puja packages in the road show. 
In addition, tourism officials were also looking at investment opportunities in places of interest through the road show. Some tourism projects that offer investment opportunities include the Gajoldoba tourism hub, Jharkhali Eco Tourism Park, Big hotel project at Digha, Darjeeling, and training institutes which offer degrees and diplomas in the hospitality sector.
The roadshow concluded with Shri Vikran Sen, inviting everyone to come to West Bengal for the upcoming Durga Puja Carnival that epitomises the festive flavour and ethos of the State. He said, “I can promise that once you come to West Bengal, you will not like to leave but explore the opportunities available for investment and development.”
Come be a part of the Beautiful Bengal.

 

Thank You.
Ratnashree Patowary
Mutual PR
A1/7, LGF Safdarjung Enclave
New Delhi 110029




The long reign of the UPA

1092013IMAG0011
The specter of the country’s descent into fascism stares at us. The long reign of the UPA has not halted or arrested the march of the communal fascist forces; indeed there seems today to be a greater acceptance of ideas that we would call fascist. The strident demands for death penalty – whether for alleged rapists or terrorists – the impatience with rule of law; the acceptability among the young urban people of a man as a potential Prime Minister, who is totally autocratic, this desire for a strong authoritarian leader, all again point to the circulation and reception of fascist ideas.

Communal Governments in various states Gujarat, MP, Chhattisgarh are preparing themselves for a long innings. In Karnataka, the internal squabbling and fracturing of the communal forces in the state have led to their ouster from the government, however the intimidation of minorities has become routine – pointing to the deep roots of communalization of society, which may not necessarily change with a change of regime.

There have been several low intensity riots at least since last year across the country: Gopalgarh (Rajasthan); Faizabad and Kosi (UP), Dhule (Maharashtra), which really points to the potential return of communalism to the centre-stage of Indian politics. It also indicates the fragility of communal peace and the continuing communalisation of the police force at the local thana level, which openly target the minority community in times of violence, as the video of the Dhule violence graphically illustrated. On the one hand, one sees local-level riots engineering machinery gearing up, and on the other the cleansing and anointing of Modi as the development man.

 The rise in the power of the middle class via a corporate media, which aggressively pushes the agenda of ‘corruption-free efficiency’ at the cost of issues of social justice, secularism and democracy movements, is further pushing the Indian polity towards the Right. A symptom of this can be seen from the rising clout of Godmen is a sign of the alienated middle class seeking short cuts for maintaining status quo.

In fact, the possibility of Modi’s candidature has pushed our politics much farther to the Right, as various political formations compete with each to seduce the same social base and the same corporate media. The jingoism around terrorism is an example of this alarming trend. Gujarat model of Development is being sold as ‘THE’ model of development to the gullible middle class.

Like all fascists Modi presents a model of efficiency and effective rule to a beleaguered nation and like most fascists this model of efficiency and growth is based on lies, half-truths and a million dollar PR industry.
But such a moment when a fascist alternative is being sold to civil society, is also the moment which can produce a creative challenge. Today’s seminar will offer such a challenge by putting every creation of the Modi PR machinery under the scanner. A vast range of data on the Gujarat model of development will be presented today and expose his lies. These lie along several dimensions – his destruction of democratic institutions in Gujarat, scams of enormous proportions.

FACT SHEET
·   In 10 years 60,000 small scale industries have been closed down.
(source: Director, Department of Economics and Statistics, Government of Gujarat.2011-12   )
·  Gujarat ranks 5TH  in F.D.I.
(source: Director, Department of Economics and Statistics, Government of Gujarat. & Report by reserve bank of India.2011-12   )
· The state’s total debt was less than Rs 10,000 crore when the BJP first came to power in Gujarat in 1995. Gujarat’s actual debt has mounted from Rs 45,301 crore in 2001-02 when Modi took over  to Rs 1,38,978 crore on December 30, 2012.  The debt would mount to Rs 2,07,695 crore as per the state government’s budget estimates by 2015-16.
 (source: Director, Department of Economics and Statistics, Government of Gujarat.    & Gujarat assembly question hours2011-12 )
·  Gujarat is at 8th position in agricultural growth. Gujarat is never achieved 10% growth in Agriculture sector. As per Government of Gujarat’s own statistics from year 2005-2006 to 2010-2011, growth in GSDP in Agriculture and Allied sector is 3.44% only-not double digit or 10%.
(source:Gujarat economics and statastics department, govt. of Gujarat And Times Of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujarat-ranked-8th-in-agricultural-growth-Centre/articleshow/20040305.cms?intenttarget=novia @ArchiveDigger)
·  In Gujarat VAT on fertilizer is 5% it is highest in India
(Source:Ministry of agriculture, Gujarat,2010-11)
·  In Gujarat 26 districts have 225 blocks in which 57 are dark zone blocks. (Source:Ministry of agriculture, Gujarat And annual report Narmada nigam, 2011-12)
·  455885 Applications are pending for agricultural power connection as on March, 2011
(Source:Ministry of agriculture, Gujarat,2011-12 )
 ·  Close to half of the states children under the age of 5 (44.6 %) are known to be suffering from malnutrition. 70 per cent are said to be anemic while 40 per cent are underweight. (Source:planning commission report-2012-13)
     In  8 districts and 3 Talukas of Gujarat, 2494 teachers posts are vacant. 
     In 4 dist of Gujarat, approximately 978 schools are running with only 1 or 2 teachers.
(Source: RTI filed by Vinod Pandya GOG reply to RTI, 2011-12)
(Source: A report by NGO Ahmedabad Womens Assosiation Gujarat-AWAG-(TIMES NEWS NETWORK, 25 th Jan 2013 )
·  The Deputy Speaker’s post is left vacant by the Gujarat Government for a decade. (As per article 178 of Indian constitution, it is compulsory)
· Assembly runs on an average for 30-32 days a year.
·  No Lokayukta appointed since last 10 years.
·  Gujarat has organized 3716 Employment festival” as per Government of Gujarat own record 10 lacks educated youth are unemployed and a total of 30 lakh people are unemployed. (Source: NASSO report,GOI,2011-12)
·   NSSO data show that in Gujarat , growth in employment has dropped to almost zero in the past 12 years
 A recent CAG review on accounts of the States is an eye-opener when it comes to Gujarat, the latter’s high claims notwithstanding. Allegedly there are Rs 16,706.99 crore worth of financial and land allotment irregularities with resultant negative impact on delivery on economic and development fronts  (Source: CAG report 2011-12)
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