In Ecuador, a recount of nearly 1.3 million votes cast in the Presidential election has showed no significant differences over previous results. National Electoral Council President, Juan Pablo Pozo, announced that the recount is over and it has ratified the results. According to the recount of about 10 per cent of the votes, the outgoing leftist President Rafael Correa's handpicked successor, Lenin Moreno defeated former banker Guillermo Lasso by a slightly larger margin than previously revealed. Opposition leader Lasso called for a recount of all ballots filed in the April 2nd election, citing allegations of fraud, but election authorities agreed only to a recount of disputed votes. With the recount now tallied, Lasso has exhausted avenues for challenging the results and Moreno is expected to take power next month. |
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The recount confirms Lenin Moreno victory
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| US 'Not Looking for Fight' With North Korea: Nikki Haley |
 US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said Washington is not looking to get into a fight with North Korea unless Pyongyang sparks one. She told reporters yesterday that North Korea needs to realize that it should not give a reason to the United States for a fight and US also not wants a reason to fight with North Korea.Earlier, US Vice President Mike Pence said during a joint press conference with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso that the United States will continue to work with its allies to address the gravest threat to the region emanating from North Korea. The statement was made amid an escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula with the South Korea and US military reporting April 16th that they had witnessed what they believe to be a failed missile test by Pyongyang which followed a number of missile launches and nuclear tests considered to be in violation with the UN Security Council resolution. |
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INDIA DEVELOPS NATIONAL ACTION PLAN TO COMBAT ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors: J P Nadda
“Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society and is driven by many interconnected factors. Single, isolated interventions have limited impact and coordinated action is required to minimize the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.” This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare at at the ‘Inter-Ministerial Consultation on AMR containment’, here today. Shri J P Nadda also announced the finalization of India’s comprehensive and multi-sectoral National Action Plan at the function. Shri Ram Vila Paswan, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Smt. Anupriya Patel, MoS (Health & Family Welfare) were also present. The Ministers later signed a ‘Delhi Declaration’ for collectively strategizing to contain AMR. It pledges to adopt a holistic and collaborative approach towards prevention and containment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India. It calls on all stakeholders including UN, WHO, FAO and other UN agencies, civil society organizations etc., to support the development and implementation of the national and state action plans on AMR.
Shri J P Nadda said that under the guidance of the Hon. Prime Minister who has stressed on the need to converge actions across ministries and departments and not work in silos, so as to not have segmented outcome: “We are working in the direction of pulling out malaise of AMR from the root. Health Ministry is at the receiving end as there are various layers and every layer needs to be addressed”.
FINLAND:FAST-TRACK NEW INTELLIGENCE LAWS TO AVERT TERRORISM
Finland’s center-right government is planning to give authorities new powers to monitor citizens online in a fast-track legislative move aimed at countering threats like terrorism and spying. The draft law, presented on Wednesday, would allow the Finnish intelligence service to monitor citizens’ data communications beyond Finnish borders if there is a suspicion of a “serious threat” against national security. Currently, the service is allowed to gather information only on an individual crime suspect inside Finnish borders. The new plan requires changes to the constitutional law on privacy protection and the government wants to push it through in an accelerated procedure.
TRUMP ADM: 90-DAY REVIEW OF IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL
President Donald Trump has ordered the National Security Council to lead a 90-day, interagency review of the Iran nuclear deal, in accordance with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s letter to Congress from Tuesday night. The review will evaluate whether the suspension of sanctions on Iran under the agreement “are in the vital interest of our national security” and “to make sure that they’re living up to their agreement,” White House press secretary Sean Spicer said. When asked if Trump thinks that Iran is “cheating” on the deal, Spicer said: “If he didn’t, if he thought that everything was fine, he would have allowed this to move forward. I think he’s doing the prudent thing by asking for a review of the current deal.”
PAUL RYAN ON BOMBING NORTH KOREA
During a question-and-answer session on foreign policy, US House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) said that the US could use force on North Korea amid growing tensions in the region. “Of course, we don’t want to have military options employed, but we must keep all options on the table,” Ryan told an audience at the Policy Exchange think tank in London. The comment comes as the Trump administration is ramping up its rhetoric against North Korea and Iran.
DOZEN DIE IN COLOMBIA LANDSLIDE
More than 20 people are feared to have been killed in the avalanche triggered by torrential rains in the central Colombian city of Manizales. While the official death toll climbed to 14, city’s mayor Octavio Cardona estimated that as much as 20 people could have lost their lives in the calamity. A total of 22 people are still unaccounted for. The severe floods have caused serious damage to residential neighborhoods, with some 75 homes having collapsed as a result, and prompted mass evacuation of 400 households, the mayor wrote on Twitter. On April 1, over 300 people died in mudslides and flash flooding in the southern Columbian city of Mocoa, and scores of people are still missing.
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MPF FOUNDATION FACILITATED SPORTS STARS
MICRON PRITHVI FOUNDATION PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TRAINERS
21.04.2017 16:34:29 – Micron Prithvi Foundation with team of professional to give an excellent coaching ,motivation,moral support and training in Rohtak in Haryana, India.MPF FOUNDATION FACILITATED SPORTS STARS
(live-PR.com) – MPF FOUNDATION FACILITATED SPORTS STARS:
Mr Romesh Vig Chair of Micron Group of companies along with Mr Karan Vig a notable sportstar and co- chair of Micron Industries has initiated foundation for the benefits of sports folks who are being selected on merit and are provided with stipend, diets and training of international standards in their Micron Prithvi foundation thus enabling youngsters to compete in the national and international games. Performance Director Robert Gorden, and host of other experts, Brigadier Khurana ,Mr Ajay Sharma, Dr Pannu, and performance coach Rajesh Kumar for formidable team of MPF in providing international facilities, training to prepare for world champion to participate in ensuing Commonwealth game to be held in Gold cost, Australia and Asian Games in Jakrata.
Micron Prithvi Foundation is crucible with team of professional to give an excellent coaching ,motivation,moral support and training in Rohtak in Haryana, India.
Micron Prithvi Foundation, a non-profit organization is working assiduously to put India on the map on World Sports. Unless backed by means, Sportsman in India have suffered continually due to lack of infrastructure and facilities.
Micron Prithvi Foundation, a non-profit organization is working assiduously to put India on the map on World Sports. Unless backed by means, Sportsman in India have suffered continually due to lack of infrastructure and facilities.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a revolutionary document, supporting Proud Paralympics in being catalysts for change. But in India, Paralympics with great talent, girt and determination, struggle to find the right platforms to display their mettle. With little or no support from governmental authorities, their abilities are being lost.
MPF sports achievers, who have just returned from a Paralympic event in Jaipur and won many Gold Medals have been award facilitation is done by Mr Manish Grover Hon’ble Minister Cooperative .
MPF wish to introduce our coach Head Coach Mr Robert Gorden who has for 13 years experience at the Don Valley Stadium, the biggest Athletics Stadium in the UK. He has also been coaching for 23 years at every level from Junior development work to senior elite performance athletes with the England , GB and others International Sports Team. He is currently working with Olympic and Paralympics athletes in summer and winter Games, World Championships, World Cups, European Championships and Common Wealth Games across a number of sports. At MP, we shall be running a sports academy in mainly track and field sports, such as 100m, 200m, 400m, long Distance, Throwing Events and Many More.
MPF, mission is very clear. To promote clean sports at all levels and give the talented Sportsmen and Sportswomen, the right opportunities. They intend to
MPF, mission is very clear. To promote clean sports at all levels and give the talented Sportsmen and Sportswomen, the right opportunities. They intend to
Promote sports in rural areas.
} Prepare Athletes for World Olympics & Paralympics.
} Encourage more women and disabled athletes and give them a positive environment to train in their respective sports
} Impart sports-related education & training for all round development of the athletes
} Train coaches to further advance their skills to keep them in line with world techniques.
} Organize various sports meets in Villages, Local District and State level.
MPF is initiating in Rohtak, the Table Tennis Academy to introduce to our sports folks with international standards. The MPF is presently working along with the notable
Performance Director Robert Gorden, and host of other experts, Brigadier Khurana ,Mr Ajay Sharma, Dr Pannu, and performance coach Rajesh Kumar for formidable team of MPF in providing international facilities, training to prepare for world champion to particiapte in ensuing Commonwealth game to be held in Gold cost, Australia and Asian Games in Jakrata.
Performance Director Robert Gorden, and host of other experts, Brigadier Khurana ,Mr Ajay Sharma, Dr Pannu, and performance coach Rajesh Kumar for formidable team of MPF in providing international facilities, training to prepare for world champion to particiapte in ensuing Commonwealth game to be held in Gold cost, Australia and Asian Games in Jakrata.
| Press Information: Sagar media Inc |
UNESCO:GOVERNMENTS NOT KEEPING PACE WITH GROWING DEMAND FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
UNESCO paper shows governments not keeping pace with growing demand for higher education
A new policy paper from the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report and the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) at UNESCO shows that the number of university level students doubled to 207 million between 2000 and 2014. Governments are struggling to keep pace with rapidly rising demand and large disparities in access, with a large cost of higher education often falling to families, many of whom cannot afford it.
The new paper, Six ways to ensure higher education leaves no one behind, sets out a series of measures to make higher education more equitable and affordable, including to ensure that student loan repayments do not exceed 15% of a student’s monthly income. Anything more threatens to leave the disadvantaged behind.
“By creating and transmitting vital knowledge, skills and core values, higher education is a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. “Demand for higher education is going to continue rising. Governments must respond by introducing a range of new policies that will ensure expansion doesn’t leave the marginalised behind, and that access is based on merit, not privilege.”
Analyzing global trends, the paper also shows that only 1% of the poorest students have spent more than four years in higher education, compared to 20% of the richest.
In South Africa, around one-sixth of blacks and coloreds attended higher education in 2013, compared to over 50% of whites. Similarly, in Mexico, less than 1% of the indigenous population attend higher education. In China, youth from rural areas are seven times less likely to attend university than students from urban areas.
Access to higher education has expanded most rapidly in wealthier countries: Only 8% of young adults are enrolled on average in the poorest countries, compared to 74% in the richest countries. The greatest gender disparities are found among the poorest countries as well. Women made up only 30% of bachelor students in low-income countries in 2014.
“In certain countries with deeply rooted social inequities, affirmative action through quota or bonus systems may be necessary to expand access to underrepresented groups, even if these mechanisms are controversial,” says Suzanne Grant Lewis, director of the IIEP.
Private colleges and universities have expanded to cater to the growing pool of students, enrolling 30% of all students worldwide, rising to 50% in Latin America.
Governments can’t keep pace financially with this expansion and families are left with the tab. Across 26 countries in Europe, households paid for 15% of the cost of higher education in 2011. In other high-income countries, household expenditures were even higher: 40% in Australia, 46% in the USA, 52% in Japan, and 55% in Chile.
UNESCO, the only UN organization with responsibility for higher education, advises governments to use a combination of policies aimed at helping the disadvantaged, such as low tuition fees, need-based scholarships and loans repayments adjusted according to income, to help families manage the costs. The paper draws on a range of examples to show how different countries are expanding and diversifying higher education offerings to achieve greater equity.
“The last thing we want is for higher education to be the ball and chain around students’ ankles,” said Aaron Benavot, Director of the GEM Report. “Coping with dramatic student expansion is not easy, but there are policy solutions governments can put into place to stop the bill falling to households.”
Six specific recommendations are given to policy makers to make higher education equitable and affordable for all:
- Keep an eye on the target: Make sure those who need help the most are getting it.
- Put it into law: Guarantee equity and affordability in regulatory frameworks
- Step up monitoring: Establish national agencies to ensure equal opportunities
- Vary admissions criteria: Use different admissions criteria to respond to different individuals’ needs
- Provide varied student aid: Establish an agency to coordinate different forms of student aid, such as loans and grants
- Limit student loan repayments to <15% of their annual income.
HYPERGLOBALISATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE GLOBALISATION
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CPR is pleased to invite you to the second lecture in a series on ‘Globalisation in Question’: Hyperglobalisation is Dead. Long Live Globalisation Monday, 8 May 2017, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. |
| Arvind Subramanian |
| Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research |
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| Image Source |
In the recent years, the international system has witnessed a series of developments which possibly portend tectonic shifts in the global political economy. This lecture attempts to examine and contextualise these developments to understand what they mean for the open global system and for India’s role in it. Arvind Subramanian is the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, and is on leave from his position as the Dennis Weatherstone Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. He has also served as Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development. He has written on growth, trade, development, institutions, aid, oil, India, Africa, and the World Trade Organisation, and has published widely in academic and other journals. This is the second in our series of monthly lectures on “Globalisation in Question”, where we will draw upon renowned scholars and practitioners to address specific undercurrents of globalisation and their impact on a variety of issue areas. |
SHAMIM KHAN, ANGAD CHEEMA ARE HALFWAY LEADERS AT PUNE OPEN
Pune, April 21, 2017: PGTI Order of Merit leader Shamim Khan of Delhi and Panchkula’s Angad Cheema emerged halfway leaders at the Pune Open 2017 after both shot second round scores of three-under-68 at the Poona Club Golf Course on Friday. The duo led the field by one stroke at five-under-137.
The cut was set at two-over-73 with 54 professionals making it to the money rounds.
Angad Cheema (69-68) gained four places from his overnight tied fifth place as a result of his 68 in round two. Angad, a former winner on the PGTI, didn’t have the best of starts as he dropped two strokes on the first three holes. The 27-year-old rallied with five birdies thereafter.
After a couple of good chip-putt birdies on the seventh and ninth, Cheema, drove the green on the par-4 10th to set up his third birdie of the day. Two birdie conversions from seven to 10 feet on the 13th and 14th elevated Angad to joint first. The Panchkula lad, however, missed out on taking the sole lead when he three-putted for par on the closing 18th.
“I’ve played really well on the first two days but on both days there’s been one stretch that has troubled me and that’s the first three holes. I bogeyed those three holes yesterday and today again I bogeyed the second and third. I really need to improve on that stretch and play it smarter there,” said the lanky Cheema.
He added, “I’ve been working on figuring out a few things with my coach. I’ve worked on my swing and my consistency. I’ve shot one good score and then not been able to repeat that effort in the following rounds in recent events. I’m now more confident when swinging a club.
“I’ve hit 14 to 15 greens in regulation on each of the first two days. I would like to continue doing the same in the next two rounds. However, I need to watch out on the first three holes.”
Shamim Khan (69-68), like Cheema, also followed up his first round 69 with a 68 on day two to move up four places to joint first. Shamim, who won the last PGTI event staged at the Poona Club Golf Course in 2012, made steady progress through the day.
He picked up two birdies on his back-nine, the second of which was from 20 feet, before adding two more on the first and seventh. The approach on the first was the highlight of his round as he landed it within a foot from a distance of 175 yards. Khan’s only blemish was the three-putt for bogey on the eighth.
Shamim, who won in Kolkata last month, said, “I’ve won here before so that will be a big psychological advantage for me going into the last two rounds. I struggled a bit yesterday since chipping was tougher in the afternoon with the greens being faster. But it was a better round today.
“I quite enjoy playing at this course as the layout and the shape of the holes suit my game. I played some terrific approach shots today that set up many scoring opportunities. It’s been a very consistent season for me so far and I would like to keep it going,” added Shamim, who has a win and four other top-5s to his credit from the six starts this season.
Patna’s Aman Raj shot the day’s joint best score of five-under-66 to share third place with Bengaluru’s Khalin Joshi (70) at four-under-138.
Viraj Madappa of Kolkata, one shot behind in tied fifth, was the other player who fired a 66 on Friday. He shared fifth place with round one leader Sudhir Sharma (72) of Greater Noida and three others at three-under-139.
The Chandigarh duo of defending champion Harendra Gupta (74) and KPS Sekhon (74) slipped from overnight tied second to tied 18th at even-par-142. Bengaluru’s Udayan Mane was also in tied 18th place.
The two Pune-based professionals who made the cut, were Saurabh Bhaduri, who was placed tied 25th at one-over-143, and Sameer M Shaikh, who was a further shot back in tied 31st. Mumbai’s Anil Bajrang Mane occupied tied 39th place at three-over-145.
WORLD’S 1ST ONLINE MUSEUM FOR VINTAGE & CURRENT COINS,
World’s 1st online museum for Vintage & Current Coins, Stamps & Currency Notes celebrated their first anniversary by offering a Free Bonanza for Coins & Currency Note collectors from 21st to 23rd April 2017 at “Shukla Day Fair’, World Trade Centre Cuffe Parade
- Invited collectors to get a coin or currency note from their precious collection, which is currently not in circulation. Got it professionally clicked and the digital image of its soft copy was gifted to them for FREE
- Announced 2 unique features “Mintage Photo Pro” & “Mintage Image Match” to enhance the experience & knowledge of the collector’s precious collection
- The museum also home delivers various accessories that are used to clean, store, preserve and restore a collectors valuable coins, stamps & notes collection
21st April 2017, Mumbai: Launched with an objective to impart and share knowledge. This museum aspires to create interest within the general public, hobbyists, students, scholars, collectors, dealers, investors, buyers & sellers. It brings together experts and researchers to share their experience with the lovers of these rare collectibles. Mintage world is a wonderful way to educate the contemporary world about the rich global historical heritage, tradition & culture. This online museum imparts rare information such as detailed catalogues of stamps, coins and currency notes from worldwide all under one roof.
Every coin in this online museum is uploaded with well curated important aspect like mintmarks, inscription details, weight, metal, denomination, the ruling emperor, date of issue etc. Similarly you would also find crucial insights of stamps like the issue date, type of stamp, perforation, value etc. Information about notes is updated with signatory details, motif description, denomination, date of issue, type of note etc.
Apart from that, the news section keeps you updated with the most recent happenings, latest releases and topical news from worldwide along with respective images in all the 3 sectors. A Unique event calendar will give you prior notifications about the various events, auctions, seminars and forums held worldwide in this sector. A regularly updated blog, run by a team of experts, researchers and writers throws light on some of the most interesting stories that you might have never come across about your favorite hobby till date.
- Mintage Photo Pro : Using this unique feature, Collectors & Hobbyists can get their valuable collections Professionally, aesthetically & Digitally photographed in the right ambience. Making them share it with anyone & eliminating physical carriage of it
- Mintage Image Match : One who don’t know much of their coins or notes can simply click a picture of it and upload it on the website. The museum’s immense database will provide the closest reference of the said item detailing the make, origin, mint, Dynasty, ruler, rarity and other details
Till date www.mintageworld.com has 1 lakh registered members, 2 lakh Facebook followers and 3,300 News articles. The museum has a unique “Historical Articles”, “News”, & “Blogs” section by experts who give all information, amazing facts and all update in this sector.
We aim at becoming the world’s best online community that works towards promoting these highly educational and noble hobbies of coin, notes and stamp collection.
“THE OTHER THOUGHT: FRENCH-INDIAN ENCOUNTERS ON CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION”.
“The Other Thought: French-Indian Encounters on Creativity and Innovation”.
Wednesday, April 26 at Institut français India, 9 AM onwards.
The Embassy of France in India, in association with Institut français India has great pleasure in announcing Copyright engagement in creation, appreciation and collection: A seminar for artists, historians and critics, curators, art dealers and consultants, collectors and museums. This event will take place on April 26, 2017 on the Institut français premises at 2, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi. The event is organized to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day which also falls on April 26.
This workshop is supported by UNESCO Delhi, Centre for Social Sciences and Humanities, the French National Institute for Intellectual Property, Bodhana Arts and Research Foundation and and Centre for South Asian Studies.
MOBILES MAY MAKE BANKS EXTINCT
MOBILES MAY MAKE BANKS EXTINCT
April 17, 2017
The mobile phone is now being used for small-time financial activities, such as information on prices, billing settlements, etc. We have service providers like Air Tel/Jio providing internet based TV channels which will provide competition to Dish TV /Tata sky etc. Over period of time satellite based TV channels might be extinct if the number of TV towers serves well to offer hundreds of channels.
This is one major disruption .But more important is the service provider replacing banks.
Service provider as banker
Already Jio is tied up with, SBI and Air Tel with Kotak bank etc. This is to act as payment banks.
One step more is required to make mobile revolution complete in the Banking services. The important development that service providers and bankers should work towards is to make it drive a retail credit revolution. One observes that in the boat markets of Bangkok, one can either pay by baht, the local currency or get charge cards from the service providers and pay through them.
The service providers initially provide an overdraft or revolving credit facility to the retail trader, which is adjusted on a daily basis by crediting the retailer for every debit incurred by the buyer. The payments made by customers are used to bring down credit given in the morning. This is one of the interesting possibilities, wherein the retail trade network is provided a credit facility and which reduces their cost of borrowing. It requires one mobile instrument with them and periodic crediting of their account based on received calls, which are mostly available free.
The share of trade, [around 10 per cent of the national income] is at Rs 17 L crore. The trade sector would have needed Rs. 14 lakh crore as credit requirements (since, in trade, the major portion of capital is working capital). The combined financing to trade by all banking sources was around Rs 5 lakh crore. This implies that around 30 per cent of credit requirement is met by banking channels and the remaining by non-banking ones including money lenders. So, the potential available for mobile phone service providers is a market of the order of Rs9 lakh crore for digital-based lending.
Even assuming only Rs 1 lakh crore of this is tapped in the next, say, five years, at an interest cost of 20 percent (retail credit today in the `open’ market is around 48 to 60 per cent) the sum to be earned is Rs 20,000 crore. We can call this digi-financing.
Instead of permanently singing the WalMart kirtan, we should think of innovative ways in which technology can facilitate the vast base of self-employed groups. The millions of entrepreneurs involved in the retail trade, instead of being dismissed as “unorganized,” can be made more effective by the credit enhancement and price discovery process simply by using mobile telephony.
It is not required for WalMart to come here and squeeze our farmers and small manufacturers and sell their produce/products to consumers at “lower prices”. We can think of leveraging on telecommunications to make all factor markets more efficient and lower consumer prices.
The most important thing about the mobile phones is that — unlike computers — even people who are not literate can use them. The only requirement is ability to speak and/or hear. We need not worry about language or massive software development. This small communication device provides phenomenal power unthinkable by economists or financial experts some ten years ago.
Hence the interesting question is if the service provider will swallow the banks or other way. Here the technology savvy service provider can give banking services easily compared to banks becoming tech savvy. So banks may become endangered species to be shown on animal planet or National Geography channelsJ
The appropriate thing to consider is to make the mobile sets—more so the “smart” ones- free goods for the poorer, self-employed groups. This can be done even through SHGs, wherever they are active, as they may be better able to identify the right beneficiaries. The Central and State governments, as well as various aid organizations, can give the handset free to many in these segments.
It must be seen as a process of asset creation and making markets work and should not be condemned, by the metropolitan experts, as a populist scheme. Most of the time, these beneficiaries need to receive calls rather than make them. If we have a market of 800-1000 million smart sets, the unit cost can be brought down to even less than 000rs. But the Government seems to think that the service sector is the economy’s milch-cow, rather than the engine of India’s growth. It may now be taxed at 18 per cent, and the argument is that their share is more than 50 per cent in our GDP and, hence, they should contribute more.
The impact of telecommunications on the self-employed and more particularly among the poorer groups has not been fully understood or appreciated. Mobile phones have created a sort of tsunami among lower level entrepreneurial groups like plumbers, carpenters, masons, small time construction contractors, painters, cooks, repair mechanics, winders, welders, water suppliers, tea suppliers, vegetable vendors, retail traders, flower vendors, auto drivers, priests, astrologers, etc. Actually, more than three hundred categories of self-employed entrepreneurs.
Since the growth in the economy is not due to the Government but in spite of it, the least it can do is to allow million of these entrepreneurs to flourish for a vibrant and sustained growth process.
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Prof R. Vaidyanathan; Cho. S Ramaswamy Visiting Chair Professor of Public Policy SASTRA University; Professor IIMB[Rtd]
RAIL INDIA CONFERENCE 2017
18 – 19 MAY 2017, THE LALIT, NEW DELHI
After the very successful first edition of RAIL India Conference 2016, Messe Frankfurt is back with the second edition of Rail India Conference & Expo scheduled for May 18-19, 2017 at Hotel The Lalit, New Delhi.
PIANO RECITAL: GABRIELE CARCANO
T.: +91-11-26871901/03
PIANO RECITAL: GABRIELE CARCANO
Thursday, 27th April, 2017 @ 6:30 pm India International Centre, 40, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi |
Gabriele Carcano, born in Turin in 1985, began studying the piano at the age of seven and graduated from the Conservatory Giuseppe Verdi in Turin at the age of seventeen with the highest grades and honors. He continued his studies with Andrea Lucchesini at the Accademia di Musica in Pinerolo and with Aldo Ciccolini in Paris, followed by Nicholas Angelich at the Conservatoire National Superior de Musique as well as with Marie Françoise Bucquet. He has also worked with Leon Fleisher, Richard Goode, Robert McDonald and Mitsuko Uchida.
Recipient of a 2010 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship Award, he is a pianist equally at home in recital, as a soloist with orchestras, and as a chamber musician. Praised by the Süddeutsche Zeitung as a “sculptor of sound” and “aesthete” after his Munich debut at the Herkulessaal, Gabriele is the winner of numerous awards, including the Casella Prize at the Competition Premio Venezia, where he made his debut at Teatro La Fenice.
Gabriele has appeared in recitals in Berlin, Florence, Hong Kong, Madrid, Milan, Munich, New Delhi, Rome, Turin, Zurich. He has been featured at the Kissinger Sommer in Bad Kissingen, the Festival Musique en Côte Basque, the French May Festival in Hong Kong, the Radio France Festival in Montpellier, at the prestigious Piano aux Jacobins in Toulouse and at the MiTo Festival in Turin. He also participated in the Marlboro Festival during the summers of 2010 through 2012. Gabriele has performed as a soloist with various orchestras. In 2012 and 2013 he was featured on Musicians from Marlboro tours, performing in Philadelphia, Boston and New York. Highlights of the 2015/2016 season include his debut recital at the Mariinsky International Piano Festival in St Petersburg as well as a residency project at the Italian Cultural Institute in Paris.
The years 2016/2017 saw recitals and chamber music concerts in Berlin, Frankfurt, Perugia, Pordenone and Turin, his return engagements at the Firenze and Padova Amici della Musica, at the Marlboro Music Festival (concerts in Montréal, New Jersey, New York, Toronto, a.o.), the Società del Quartetto di Milano, the Tonhalle Zurich and his recital debut at the Tongyeong Concert Hall in South Korea. In summer 2016 Carcano released his first CD with early works by Johannes Brahms for the label OehmsClassics. For the recording he received great critical acclaim and the Supersonic Award by Pizzicato. He currently teaches at the Accademia di Musica in Pinerolo.
Free entry!
Thanks a lot!
Kashish SETHI
Public Relations & Social Media Coordinator,
Italian Embassy Cultural Centre, New Delhi
NATIONAL LAUNCH OF THE UN WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2017:
National Launch of the UN World Water Development Report 2017: Wastewater, the Untapped Resource on Wednesday 26 April 2017, 11.00 – 12.30 pm, at UNESCO Auditorium (1, San Martin Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi). The event will include the prize distribution of the #Science4Sustainability photo contest and will be followed by lunch.
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MCI,PRESCRIBE ONLY GENERIC DRUGS
Medical Council of India, MCI, has issued a public notice to all physicians to prescribe drugs only by generic names and warned them of action if they fail to adhere to its guideline.
The MCI has also asked the medical practitioners to ensure that there is rational prescription and use of drugs failing which strict disciplinary action will be taken.
The MCI reiterated its 2016 directive, in which it had amended the clause of the Indian Medical Council Regulations mandating the doctors to prescribe medicines by generic names in place of brand names.
Recently, while inaugurating a multi-speciality hospital in Surat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stressed on putting in place a legal framework to ensure that the doctors prescribe low cost generic medicines to the patients. The government is also revising the National List of Essential Medicines of 2015 to include more medicines.
The Jan Aushadhi programme, under which the government provides essential medicines at reasonable rates at specially established shops, is also being reinforced.
DEATH TOLL 130, IN MAZAR-E-SHARIF TERROR ATTACK
Afghanistan, the death toll in yesterday’s Taliban attack on an army base near Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province has risen to more than 130. Most of them are Government soldiers. At least 10 Taliban militants were killed in the fighting and one attacker was detained.
Fighting lasted for several hours yesterday near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Balkh province. The army said, insurgents targeted those leaving Friday prayers at the base’s mosque and others in a canteen.
A military spokesman said, the Taliban fighters wore army uniforms and drove through military checkpoints before launching the raid. He said, the death toll could rise further.
The Taliban said in a statement that the attack was retribution for the recent killing of several Taliban leaders in northern Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the terror attack. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, it is a cowardly terror attack. He said, India prays and offers condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
COMPETITION, MORE COMPETITION = LOOT = AAP 67 OUT 70 MLAS
April22, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
All the talk of Competition and Competition and Competition results in LOOT. I am jointly addressing Talk Of Competition and how Competition MEANZ Loot in India and Tata Power CEO Anil Sardana article in ET.
Before Sardana was appointed CMD of Tata Power it traded at Rs.1600/share – today 52 week trade Rs.67 to Rs.91 – lost 95% value. NDPL indulged in MEGA SCAMS; T&D, Trading in Energy Purchase & Sales and Fabricated theft cases. Two are covered today.
I accidently took out July14 Electricity Bill – it was Quadruple of latest bill. Within days of AAP government left Delhi and lost LS2014 Elections electricity bills doubled. People of Delhi couldn’t believe DAYLIGHT LOOT of NDPL, BRPL, & BYPL.
The very first opportunity people got – Elected AAP again winning 67 out 70 seats.
This Inventor & Power Engineer in 1975 found TRF Coal Handling Plant at BTPS Project to be Substandard and Offered JRD Tata to improve it – 42 yrs later we find TP indulging in all kinds of SCAMS.
TP Market share in Generation is 5%, Distribution 2% of India. TP and many other Tata Group Companies Could have been Global Leader.
1. POWER TRADING SCAM; Buy 13.9 BU, Cons Sales 7.9 BU
Private Discoms Are Operating Trading Companies also, ENRON indulged to TRADING Rigging in California in 2001 – in 15 years Private Companies Mastered this Scam. Since 2010 I had Exposed ‘TRADING SCAM OF DISCOMS’ who Buy 50% More Energy Than Required at upto Rs.19/U & Sell Surplus Power cheaply – Rs.2.60/U FY15.
NDPL Prosed to buy 13.9 BU 2015-16 of Power against 7.9 BU sales and 8.9 BU required at state boundary. When AAP Government came to power in 2013 – This loot was CHECKED. TP wanted to buy 13.9 BU of Power – 4.6 BU more than required but was allowed to buy 10.5 BU of Power – Sale of Surplus Power Approved was 1.46 BU only – 3.8 BU earlier.
4.91 The Petitioner has projected 4434 MU of surplus power — The Petitioner proposes the sale of estimated surplus power of 4339 MU at Rs.2.65/unit. FY2014-15 when AAP was out of power in Delhi.
4.95 It has been observed that, the rate of Surplus Power realised by
DISCOMs varies from Rs.2.31/U to Rs. 3.31/U during last three year.
4.101 TPDDL has projected 4616.97 MU of surplus available for sale which shall be sold and the sale proceeds shall entirely go towards reducing the net power purchase cost charged to TPDDL consumers.
2. Fabricated THEFT Cases – Domestic Consumers.
In six months of Door to Door Campaign against Discoms including NDPL I didn’t come across a SLOW DOMESTIC METER – but all meters were 3% to 60% Fast, yet NDPL launched Fabricated Theft cases.
Here in latest NDPL ARR – for Sanctioned of 3664 MW – Sales were 3371 MU – this is just 10.5% Load Factor. Avg monthly consumption shall be 76 U/Kw.
But in 2005 Domestic Consumers were EXTORTED to pay Rs.5 Lakh for 5 Kw Load when average billing was Rs.3.20/Unit – Rs.2.5/U for Domestic Users.
Against 380 U/Month [5KW Load] or 4560 U/Year – Consumers Were Extorted to Pay for 2,00,000 Units in Fabricated Theft Cases by Anil Sardana.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
INDIAN ECONOMY MONTHLY REPORT
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22.04.2017 15:35:51 – Indian Economy Monthly Report
(live-PR.com) – Significant Achievements of NITI Aayog over the last three years.
I. Vision Document, Strategy & Action Agenda beyond 12th Five Year Plan: Replacing the Five Year Plans beyond 31st March, 2017, NITI Aayog is in the process of preparing the 15-year vision
document keeping in view the social goals set and/ or proposed for a period of 15 years; A 7-year strategy document spanning 2017-18 to 2023-24 to convert the longer-term vision into implementable policy and action as a part of a “National Development Agenda” is also being worked upon. The 3-year Action Agenda for 2017-18 to 2019-20, aligned to the predictability of financial resources during the 14th Finance Commission Award period, has been completed and will be submitted before the Prime Minister on April 23rd at the 3rd Governing Council Meeting
II. Reforms in Agriculture:
a. Model Land Leasing Law
Taking note of increasing incidents of leasing in and out of land and suboptimal use of land with lesser number of cultivators, NITI Aayog has formulated a Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act, 2016 to both recognize the rights of the tenant and safeguard interest of landowners. A dedicated cell for land reforms was also set up in NITI. Based on the model act, Madhya Pradesh has enacted separate land leasing law and Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have modified their land leasing laws. Some States, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are already at an advance stage of formulating legislations to enact their land leasing laws for agriculture.
b. Reforms of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act
NITI Aayog consulted with the States on 21 October 2016 on three critical reforms –
(i) Agricultural marketing reforms
(ii) Felling and transit laws for tree produce grown at private land
(iii) Agricultural land leasing
(ii) Felling and transit laws for tree produce grown at private land
(iii) Agricultural land leasing
Subsequently, Model APMC Act version 2 prepared. States are being consulted to adopt APMC Act version 2.
c. Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index
NITI Aayog has developed the first ever ‘Agriculture Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index’ to sensitise states about the need to undertake reforms in the three key areas of Agriculture Market Reforms, Land Lease Reforms and Forestry on Private Land (Felling and Transit of Trees). The index carries a score with a minimum value “0” implying no reforms and maximum value “100” implying complete reforms in the selected areas.
As per NITI Aayog’s index, Maharashtra ranks highest in implementation of various agricultural reforms. The State has implemented most of the marketing reforms and offers the best environment for undertaking agri-business among all the States and UTs. Gujarat ranks second with a score of 71.50 out of 100, closely followed by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Almost two third States have not been able to reach even the halfway mark of reforms score, in the year 2016-17. The index aims to induce a healthy competition between States and percolate best practices in implementing farmer-friendly reforms.
III. Reforming Medical Education
A committee chaired by Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog recommended scrapping of the Medical Council of Indi and suggested a new body for regulating medical education. The draft legislation for the proposed National Medical Commission has been submitted to the Government for further necessary action.
IV. Digital Payments Movement:
a. An action plan on advocacy, awareness and co-ordination of handholding efforts among general public, micro enterprises and other stakeholders was prepared. Appropriate literature in print and multimedia was prepared on the subject for widespread dissemination. Presentations/ interactions were organized by NITI Aayog for training and capacity building of various Ministries/Departments of Government of India, representatives of State/UTs, Trade and Industry Bodies as well as all other stakeholders.
b. NITI Aayog also constituted a Committee of Chief Ministers on Digital Payments on 30th November 2016 with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, as the Convener to promote transparency, financial inclusion and a healthy financial ecosystem nationwide. The Committee submitted its interim report to Hon’ble Prime Minister in January 2017.
c. To incentivize the States/UTs for promotion of digital transactions, Central assistance of Rs. 50 crore would be provided to the districts for undertaking Information, Education and Communication activities to bring 5 crore Jan Dhan accounts to digital platform.
d. Cashback and referral bonus schemes were launched by the Prime Minister on 14.4.2017 to promote the use of digital payments through the BHIM App.
e. Niti Aayog also launched two incentive schemes to to promote digital payments across all sections of society – the Lucky Grahak Yojana and the Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana –Over 16 lakh consumers and merchants have won Rs. 256 crore under these two schemes .
f. Digi Dhan Melas were also held for 100 days in 100 cities, from December 25th to April 14th.
V. Atal Innovation Mission: The Government has set up Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in NITI Aayog with a view to strengthen the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem by creating institutions and programs that spur innovation in schools, colleges, and entrepreneurs in general. In 2016-17, the following major schemes were rolled out:
a. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): To foster creativity and scientific temper in students, AIM is helping to establish 500 ATLs in schools across India, where students can design and make small prototypes to solve challenges they see around them, using rapid prototyping technologies that have emerged in recent years.
a. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): To foster creativity and scientific temper in students, AIM is helping to establish 500 ATLs in schools across India, where students can design and make small prototypes to solve challenges they see around them, using rapid prototyping technologies that have emerged in recent years.
b. Atal Incubation Centres (AICs): AIM will provide financial support of Rs.10 crore and capacity buidling for setting AICs across India, which will help startups expand quicker and enable innovation-entrepreneurship, in core sectors such as manufacturing, transport, energy, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, etc.
VI. Indices Measuring States’ Performance in Health, Education and Water Management: As part of the Prime Minister’s Focus on outcomes, NITI has come out with indices to measure incremental annual outcomes in critical social sectors like health, education and water with a view to nudge the states into competing with each other for better outcomes, while at the same time sharing best practices & innovations to help each other – an example of competitive and cooperative federalism..
VII. Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Based on the recommendations of this Sub-Group, a Cabinet note was prepared by NITI Aayog which was approved by the Cabinet on 3rd August, 2016. Among several key decision, the sub-group led to the rationalization of the existing CSSs into 28 umbrella schemes.
VIII. Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:Constituted by NITI Aayog on 9th March, 2015, the Sub-Group has submitted its report to the Hon’ble Prime Minister in October, 2015 and most of its recommendations have been accepted.
IX. Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development:Constituted on 9th March, 2015, the report of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development was presented before the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 31/12/2015. The recommendation and actionable points emerging from the Report were approved by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and are in implementation by the Ministry of Skill Development
X. Task Force on Elimination of Poverty in India:Constituted on 16th March, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, the report of the Task Force was finalized and submitted to the Prime Minister on 11th July, 2016.The report of the Task Force primarily focusses on issues of measurement of poverty and strategies to combat poverty. Regarding estimation of poverty, the report of the Task Force states that “a consensus in favour of either the Tendulkar or a higher poverty line did not emerge. Therefore, the Task Force has concluded that the matter be considered in greater depth by the country’s top experts on poverty before a final decision is made. Accordingly, it is recommended that an expert committee be set up to arrive at an informed decision on the level at which the poverty line should be set.” With respect to strategies to combat poverty, the Task Force has made recommendations on faster poverty reduction through employment intensive sustained rapid growth and effective implementation of anti-poverty programs.
XI. Task Force on Agriculture Development: The Task Force on Agricultural development was constituted on 16th March, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. The Task Force based on its works prepared an occasional paper entitled “Raising Agricultural Productivity and Making Farming Remunerative for Farmers” focusing on 5 critical areas of Indian Agriculture. These are (i) Raising Productivity, (ii) Remunerative Prices to Farmers, (iii) Land Leasing, Land Records & Land Titles; (iv) Second Green Revolution-Focus on Eastern States; and (v) Responding to Farmers’ Distress. After taking inputs of all the States on occasional paper and through their reports, the Task Force submitted the final report to Prime Minister on 31st May, 2016. It has suggested important policy measures to bring in reforms in agriculture for the welfare of the farmers as well as enhancing their income.
XII. Transforming India Lecture Series:As the government’s premier think-tank, NITI Aayog views knowledge building & transfer as the enabler of real transformation in States. To build knowledge systems for States and the Centre, NITI Aayog launched the ‘NITI Lectures: Transforming India’ series, with full support of the Prime Minister on 26th August 2016. The lecture series is aimed at addressing the top policy making team of the Government of India, including members of the cabinet and several top layers of the bureaucracy. It aims is to bring cutting edge ideas in development policy to Indian policy makers and public, so as to promote the cause of transformation of India into a prosperous modern economy. The Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, Shri Tharman Shanmugaratnam, delivered the first lecture on the topic: India and the Global Economy. On November 16th, 2016, Bill Gates, Co-Founder, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, delivered the second lecture in the series under the theme: ‘Technology and Transformation’.
ü Major steps taken by Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHDF) to discourage the Adulteration of Milk and Milk products in coming summer season, 2017 – Adulteration in Milk is harmful to health even while it is an unfair trade practices. Further, it is a market fraud and affects the honest efforts of the milk producers. Government of India has enacted Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act -2006 in August 2006 to consolidate the laws relating to food and to establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is implemented by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India through the State Food Safety Commissioners in each State. The State Government machinery is equally responsible in controlling the menace of sale of adulterated/synthetic milk. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries is regularly reviewing the availability of milk situation in the country with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and State Milk Federations. The Department is observed that due to increase in the international and domestic prices there will be less availability of milk and milk products in the ensuing summer season which may effect the quality of milk and milk products.
ü India and Republic of Korea sign Inter-Governmental MOU for Defence Industry Co-Operation in Shipbuilding – India and the Republic of Korea (RoK) signed an Inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defence Industry Co-operation in Shipbuilding here today. The MoU was signed by Secretary (Defence Production), Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta from the Indian side and Hon’ble Minister of Defence Acquisition and Programme Administration (DAPA), Mr. Chang Myoung-Jin from the RoK side. The MoU will help the ‘Make in India ’ initiative of the Government of India. The Inter-Governmental MoU, was conceived under the overall umbrella of the ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ between both sides as declared in the Joint Statement of the Prime Minister of India and the President of RoK in May 2015. To substantiate the ‘Special Strategic Partnership’, the two sides had inter-alia agreed to encourage greater co-operation between their shipyards in the defence sector. Accordingly, it was decided to sign an inter-governmental MoU on ‘Defence Industry Co-operation in Shipbuilding’. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has accorded its approval for signing the above MoU with RoK and also for nominating Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam from the Indian side for the collaboration. RoK will indicate the name of its recommended organisation for the collaboration in due course of time.
ü Date for filing of declaration under PMGKY extended up – The Taxation and Investment Regime for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana,2016 (PMGKY) had commenced on 17th December, 2016 and was open for declarations up to 31st March, 2017. Representations from stakeholders have been received stating that in some cases tax, surcharge and penalty have been paid on or before 31st March, 2017 but the corresponding deposit under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme, 2016 (Deposit Scheme) could not be made by the said date. Accordingly, DEA vide notification S.O.1218(E) dated 19th April, 2017 has extended the date of making deposit under the Deposit Scheme upto 30th April, 2017 in respect of cases where tax, surcharge and penalty under PMGKY has been paid on or before 31st March, 2017.
ü World Bank Approves $ 375 Million Loan for Developing National Waterway-1 – In a major boost towards realising country’s ambitious inland waterways project, the World Bank has approved a $375 million loan for capacity augmentation of National Waterway-1(River Ganga) under Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). The government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under JMVP from Haldia to Varanasi (1390 Km) with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs 5369 crore. The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-2,000 DWT. Under the project, there are going to be three multi-modal terminals–one each at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sahibganj (Jharkhand), and Haldia (West Bengal), two inter-modal terminals- at Kalughat and Ghazipur, a new Navigation Lock at Farakka, five Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) terminals, development of Ferry services at Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Munger, Kolkata and Haldia and Vessel repair and maintenance facilities.
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PARLIAMENTARY PANEL CALLS RBI GOVERNOR
Reserve Bank of India, Governor, Urjit Patel has been asked by a Parliamentary panel to appear before it again on May 25 over demonetisation issue.
Sources said in New Delhi that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has decided to call RBI Governor and ministry officials again to appear before it to brief the members about demonetisation as discussion on it is yet to be concluded.
The Committee headed by former Union Minister and senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily had in January also called finance ministry officials besides top RBI officials to discuss the demonetisation of currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 and the impact thereof.
Meanwhile, the 15-member committee on subordinate legislation, headed by T Subbarami Reddya has sought details from the Reserve Bank about the post-demonetisation scenario, including the quantum of banned notes deposited so far and also the black money that has come back to the system.
The committee asked details about the quantum of banned notes returned to the system, details about fake notes and the quantum of black money come back to the system, post demonetisation in its meeting with RBI officials and bankers in Mumbai yesterday.
REMITTANCES TO INDIA IS NUBER 2 IN WORLD IN 2016 : WORLD BANK
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22.04.2017 15:21:07 – Remittances to India dropped by almost 9% in 2016 : World Bank
(live-PR.com) – India position in global finance is strong due to large scale remittance by professional Indians working abroad.We stand at number one now China has been close to us.
India ( $62.7 billion) was the largest remittance recipient followed closely by China ($61 billion), the Philippines ($29.9 billion), Mexico (28.5 billion) and Pakistan (19.8 billion), making up the top five. This
was attributable largely to the fall in oil prices and fiscal tightening of the Middle-east oil-producing countries, having a considerable Indian migrant population accounting for a large portion of remittances.
As per the World Bank Report of Migration and Development Brief released recently, the remittances to developing countries have fallen for a second successive year in 2016, a trend not seen in three decades. In spite of a noteworthy 8.9 per cent drop in remittances to India in 2016, the country has retained the top mark among world’s largest remittances receiving nations. India has led the decline with remittance inflows amounting to $62.7 billion last year, a decrease of 8.9 per cent over $68.9 billion in 2015.
Global remittances, including flows to high-income countries, contracted by 1.2 per cent to $575 billion in 2016, from $582 billion in 2015. The Bank predicts that officially recorded remittances to developing countries amounted to $429 billion in 2016, a decline of 2.4 per cent over $440 billion in 2015.
As per the Report,low oil prices and weak economic growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Russian Federation are taking a toll on remittance flows to South Asia and Central Asia, while weak growth in Europe has reduced flows to North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.The decline in remittances, when valued in US dollars, was made worse by a weaker euro, British pound and Russian ruble against the US dollar.Consequently, many large remittance-receiving countries saw sharp declines in remittance flows.However, as a share of the gross domestic product (GDP), the top five recipients were Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Liberia, Haiti, and Tonga.
“Nationalisation” policies intended at lowering the unemployment rate of nationals have slowed employment of foreign workers, impacting remittance flows to South Asia.
In Bangladesh, remittances declined by an estimated 11.1 % in 2016, adding that in Pakistan, the 12 % growth witnessed in 2015 moderated to an expected 2.8 % in 2016. In 2016, remittance flows to Nepal declined by an estimated 6.7 per cent from the previous year’s high level though Nepal experienced oddly high growth in remittances, at 14.3 % in 2015, due to migrants sending financial assistance home after the earthquake.In Sri Lanka, remittance growth was estimated at 3.9 % in 2016.The Remittances accounted for 2.9 % of India’s GDP in 2016.It was highest for Nepal with 29.7 % of the GDP, followed by Sri Lanka (8.8 %), Pakistan (6.9% ), and Bangladesh (6%).
An increase of only 2.0 % is expected in 2017. Bangladesh’s remittance growth in 2017 is forecast at 2.4 %, India’s at 1.9 %, Pakistan’s at 1.4 %, and Sri Lanka’s at 1.3 %.
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RESULTS FROM DAY 3 OF HOCKEY INDIA 7TH JUNIOR NATIONAL HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 (MEN) ‘A’ DIVISION
Results from Day 3 of Hockey India 7th Junior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Men) ‘A’ Division
~Hockey Odisha beat Steel Plant Sports Board 3-1 ~
~ Hockey Gangpur – Odisha beat Hockey Himachal 15-1 ~
~ Sports Authority of India beat Hockey Karnataka 6-3 ~
Bhopal, 22 April 2017: Action continued unabated on Day 3 of Hockey India 7th Junior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Men) ‘A’ Division at Aisbagh Stadium today.
In the day’s early game, Hockey Odisha beat Steel Plant Sports Board 3-1, in Pool A. Despite a host of attacking chances, neither team broke the deadlock in the first half of the game. It took till the 53rd minute for the opener, scored by Amit Chirmako to give Hockey Odisha the lead. Within two minutes though Steel Plant Sports Board had equalised via Jay Prakash Patel. Hockey Odisha hit back with two more goals, first by Sudhir Kujur (56’) and then Suraj Minz (69’) to take the victory.
Hockey Gangpur – Odisha beat Hockey Himachal 15-1 in Pool B. Anand Ekka (21’, 29’, 39’, 65’) scored a hat trick and was assisted by Pratap Lakra’s brace (9’, 50’) for Hockey Gangpur – Odisha in the game. Hockey Himachal’s goal was scored by Jaswinder Singh in the 66th minute.
Sports Authority of India beat Hockey Karnataka 6-3 in Pool C. The two teams traded goals in the opening half, Md Saif Khan’s goal (18’) for Sports Authority of India was equalised by Hockey Karnataka’s Mokshith Uthappa in the 28th minute. Rausan Kumar scored another in the 29th minute to give Sports Authority of India the lead going into half time. They never let the lead slip in the second half, and consistently held Hockey Karnataka at bay to earn a well deserved victory.
In matches played later on April 21, 2017, Uttar Pradesh Hockey beat Delhi Hockey 6-0, Hockey Haryana beat Hockey Chandigarh 4-0, Hockey Himachal drew with Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu 3-3, Chhattisgarh Hockey lost 3-7 to Hockey Maharashtra while Hockey Punjab beat Hockey Bhopal 5-0.
RATAN TATA & ANIL SARDANA, NDPL A SUBZI MANDI – 100% LOOT
Tata-NDPL Proposed to Buy 13.9 MU, DERC Allowed 10.4 MU
April22, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
When CAG was directed to OPEN Books of Discoms – it couldn’t access any books but I have provided all the SCAMS of DISCOMS since 2002.
NDPL Claimed ARR Rs.6790 Cr, Approved Rs.5576 Cr – Desired Rs.4000 Cr
I couldn’t believe Tata & Sardana would be LOOTING like Sabzi Mandi – Going Deeper in to ARR I realized all the Power we need 2015-16 was just 9 BU to sell just 8 BU Power.
In Table 64 it was revealed NDPL proposed Rs.6790 Cr ARR but DERC Under Pressure approved just Rs.5576 Cr – Rs.1214 Cr Less. THIS IS NOT A FRACTION OF REAL LOOT.
But in above Approval Rs.4717 Cr as Power Purchase Cost but allowing 4% Variation in Energy BOOKING or Purchase Order – or 9.4 BU required @Rs.3.60/U – Power Purchase cost shall be just Rs.3384 Cr or less only – against NDPL projection of Rs.5390 Cr. [3384/4717 X 5576 = Rs.4,000 Cr] DERC allowed 40% Over Payment.
India Has National Grid – There is No Need of Scammed Biddings. Power Grid can Predict States Load & Serve All The Demand.
All the Charges are Proportional Energy Sold therefore –
4.68 Accordingly, the anticipated availability of energy estimated by SLDC for all Delhi DISCOMs is about 34977.05 MUout of which the share for the Petitioner is 10731.41 MU as against requirement of 8931.02 MU based on the allocation as indicated in the table above [for 2015-16]. [T-20 & 21].
[EARLIER THIS MONTH I HAD REPORTED ALL DISCOMS SOLD 27.5 BU IN 20014-15 AGAINST 29.6 MU IN 2012-13 AND OBSERVED IT COULD BE 40 BU IN 2017-18 – actually 35 BU OF POWER AVAILABLE IN 2015-16 ITSELF. T-20]
But not just that NDPL Purchased & then Sold 1027 MU of power in just 6 months at enormous LOSS three months before AAP Government took over. BRPL & BYPL too were Looting.
3.303 It is observed that the Petitioner has sold Surplus Power of 1027 MU in the months of Apr ’13 to Sept ’13 out of which 178 MU were sold in UI, 112 MU was sold through Bilateral, 189 MU through Banking and 546 MU through Exchanges.
3.289 The Commission observed that the Petitioner has sold 2719.43 MU of surplus energy under short term arrangements [2013-14 CLAIMED T&D Losses in Purchase & Sales – adding up to 3000 MU.]
It is Scandalous NDPL Sold 2719 BU Surplus Power at Rs.2.88/U against 7179 MU Billed to Consumers in 2013-14. T-3.63 & T-3.75.
It is quite AMAZING the Thug DERC led by PD Sudhakar on 23-07-2014 too months After AAP lost approved Purchase of 11.866 BU Energy for 2014-15 for 7.511 BU sales and 8.526 BU required at Transmission EHT Grid and Sale of 3.803 BU Surplus Power >>
>> On 29-09-2015 approved sales of 10.458 BU of purchase of Energy for 2015-16 for 7.987 BU sales, and 8.931 BU of Energy Required at EHT Transmission Grid and Sale 1.464 BU of Surplus power.
NDPL Proposed to Buy 13.906 BU of Energy for 2015-16 for Sale of 7.926 BU, and 9.152 BU of Energy Required at EHT Transmission Grid, Surplus Sale of 4.616 BU. T-4.27, 28, 33.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects
NATIONAL LAUNCH OF THE UN WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2017:
MPF FOUNDATION FACILITATED SPORTS STARS
MICRON PRITHVI FOUNDATION PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TRAINERS
21.04.2017 16:34:29 – Micron Prithvi Foundation with team of professional to give an excellent coaching ,motivation,moral support and training in Rohtak in Haryana, India.MPF FOUNDATION FELICITATED SPORTS STARS
(live-PR.com) – MPF FOUNDATION FACILITATED SPORTS STARS:
Mr Romesh Vig Chair of Micron Group of companies along with Mr Karan Vig a notable sportstar and co- chair of Micron Industries has initiated foundation for the benefits of sports folks who are being selected on merit and are provided with stipend, diets and training of international standards in their Micron Prithvi foundation thus enabling youngsters to compete in the national and international games. Performance Director Robert Gorden, and host of other experts, Brigadier Khurana ,Mr Ajay Sharma, Dr Pannu, and performance coach Rajesh Kumar form formidable team of MPF in providing international facilities, training to prepare for world champion to participate in ensuing Commonwealth game to be held in Gold cost, Australia and Asian Games in Jakrata.
Micron Prithvi Foundation is crucible with team of professional to give an excellent coaching ,motivation,moral support and training in Rohtak in Haryana, India.
Micron Prithvi Foundation, a non-profit organization is working assiduously to put India on the map on World Sports. Unless backed by means, Sportsman in India have suffered continually due to lack of infrastructure and facilities.
Micron Prithvi Foundation, a non-profit organization is working assiduously to put India on the map on World Sports. Unless backed by means, Sportsman in India have suffered continually due to lack of infrastructure and facilities.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a revolutionary document, supporting Proud Paralympics in being catalysts for change. But in India, Paralympics with great talent, girt and determination, struggle to find the right platforms to display their mettle. With little or no support from governmental authorities, their abilities are being lost.
MPF sports achievers, who have just returned from a Paralympic event in Jaipur and won many Gold Medals have been award Felicitation done by Mr Manish Grover Hon’ble Minister Cooperative . Briefing the august audience he said there is visible differences in youth behaviour and are seen sprinting on road in morning.Haryana government is committed to lend all facilities for their shaping of soory person.He said Sakshi Has made us proud.
MPF introduce the mentor performance Director, an asset for the foundation scientific evaluation of players on daily basis .the Head Coach Mr Robert Gorden who has for 13 years experience at the Don Valley Stadium, the biggest Athletics Stadium in the UK. He has also been coaching for 23 years at every level from Junior development work to senior elite performance athletes with the England , GB and others International Sports Team. He is currently working with Olympic and Paralympics athletes in summer and winter Games, World Championships, World Cups, European Championships and Common Wealth Games across a number of sports. At MP, foundation shall be running a sports academy in mainly track and field sports, such as 100m, 200m, 400m, long Distance, Discus throw and many more games events
MPF, mission is very clear. To promote clean sports at all levels and give the talented Sportsmen and Sportswomen, the right opportunities. They intend to
MPF, mission is very clear. To promote clean sports at all levels and give the talented Sportsmen and Sportswomen, the right opportunities. They intend to
Promote sports in rural areas.
} Prepare Athletes for World Olympics & Paralympics.
} Encourage more women and disabled athletes and give them a positive environment to train in their respective sports
} Impart sports-related education & training for all round development of the athletes
} Train coaches to further advance their skills to keep them in line with world techniques.
} Organize various sports meets in Villages, Local District and State level.
MPF is initiating in Rohtak, the Table Tennis Academy to introduce to our sports folks with international standards. The MPF is presently working along with the notable
Performance Director Robert Gorden, and host of other experts, Brigadier Khurana ,Mr Ajay Sharma, Dr Pannu, and performance coach Rajesh Kumar for formidable team of MPF in providing international facilities, training to prepare for world champion to particiapte in ensuing Commonwealth game to be held in Gold cost, Australia and Asian Games in Jakrata. Karan Vig co owner of MPF mentor ,the Veteran Cricketer Rajender Goel and renowned spinner with Lifetime achievement award from BCCI this year too was present to grace the event.The Programme anchored by graceful noted RadioArtist and active member of MPF Mrs. Beena Kaushik who introduced important dignitaries along with battery of media person present from all segment.
Performance Director Robert Gorden, and host of other experts, Brigadier Khurana ,Mr Ajay Sharma, Dr Pannu, and performance coach Rajesh Kumar for formidable team of MPF in providing international facilities, training to prepare for world champion to particiapte in ensuing Commonwealth game to be held in Gold cost, Australia and Asian Games in Jakrata. Karan Vig co owner of MPF mentor ,the Veteran Cricketer Rajender Goel and renowned spinner with Lifetime achievement award from BCCI this year too was present to grace the event.The Programme anchored by graceful noted RadioArtist and active member of MPF Mrs. Beena Kaushik who introduced important dignitaries along with battery of media person present from all segment.
| Press Information: Sagar media Inc |
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Article 3
PM DELIVERS OPENING REMARKS AT 3RD MEETING OF GOVERNING COUNCIL OF NITI AAYOG
NITI Aayog23-April, 2017 12:24 IST
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today said that as a former Chief Minister, he is convinced that the vision of “New India” can only be realised through the combined effort and cooperation of all States and Chief Ministers. Delivering the opening remarks at the third meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, the Prime Minister said that “Team India” has once again assembled today to discuss and reflect on ways to prepare India for changing global trends. He said the meeting today would be an opportunity to exchange views on policies and implementation.
The Prime Minister said that it is the collective responsibility of this gathering to envision the India of 2022 – the 75th anniversary of independence – and see how we can swiftly move forward to achieve these goals.
Recalling the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on the occasion of the centenary of the Champaran Satyagraha, the Prime Minister said NITI Aayog has been taking steps to transform India, with fresh vigour. He said the Government, private sector and civil society, all need to work in sync. He noted that NITI was a collaborative federal body whose strength was is in its ideas, rather than in administrative or financial control. He pointed out that the Chief Ministers did not have to come to NITI for approval of budgets or plans. He said NITI Aayog had gone beyond relying on government inputs and taken on board a number of outside specialists, subject experts, and Young Professionals; and States can also contribute to policy formulation. He gave the example of e-NAM, where experiences of States played a key role in the final policy.
The Prime Minister noted that sub-groups of State Chief Ministers had given vital inputs on subjects such as Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Swachh Bharat, Skill Development and Digital payments. Stressing the importance given to the views of Chief Ministers, he noted that it was the first time Chief Ministers had been asked to recommend the list of Centrally sponsored schemes and the sharing pattern; despite funding constraints, the recommendations were accepted immediately.
The Prime Minister mentioned that while there has been a 40 percent increase in overall fund allocation to States between 2014-15 and 2016-17, the percentage of funds tied to central schemes has declined from 40 percent of the earlier total, to 25 percent of the enhanced total with a corresponding increase in the untied share.
The Prime Minister urged States to speed up capital expenditure and infrastructure creation.
Speaking of the historic change in budget presentation date, the Prime Minister said this would enable timely availability of funds at the beginning of the financial year. Earlier, budgeted scheme funds were generally not approved by Parliament till May, after which they would be communicated to states and ministries. By that time, the monsoon arrived. Hence the best working season for schemes was typically lost. He also mentioned the ending of the distinction between plan and non-plan expenditure, based on the recommendation of the Rangarajan Committee in 2011, which had found the distinction to be counter-productive. Several important items of expenditure were included as ‘non-plan’ and hence neglected. Hereafter the emphasis would be on distinguishing between development and welfare expenditure on one hand, and administrative overheads on the other.
The Prime Minister said that the Goods and Services Tax shows the strength and resolve of the federal structure. He gave credit to all Chief Ministers for coming on one platform for this cause, keeping aside ideological and political differences. Thanking the Chief Ministers, he said consensus on GST will go down in history as a great illustration of cooperative federalism. He said GST reflects the spirit of “One nation, One aspiration, One determination.”
The Prime Minister called for carrying forward the debate and discussion on simultaneous elections.
He said the NITI Aayog is working on a 15 year long term vision, 7 year medium term strategy, and 3 year action agenda. He said this effort needs support of States, and will eventually reflect in benefits to States.
THE FIRST ROUND OF FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. POLLING
France, voting for presidential election has begun at 8 am local time amid high security following a deadly attack on Paris police three days ago. About 50,000 police and 7,000 soldiers are being deployed across the country to secure polling.
Eleven candidates are vying to be the country’s next president, with leading candidates spanning the political spectrum from far-left to far-right. The two with the most votes will go to a run-off round in a fortnight’s time.
Four candidates are currently seen as being within reach of the presidency: the conservative François Fillon, the far-right leader Marine Le Pen, liberal centrist Emmanuel Macron and the far-left’s Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
French nationals from Puducherry and regions coming under the jurisdiction of that nation’s consulate, cast their votes in the first round of French Presidential elections. Polling which began at 8 AM would go on till 7 PM.
PM MODI CHAIRS NITI AAYOG’S GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing the third meeting of NITI Aayog’s Governing Council which will deliberate on the 15-year vision document to accelerate the country’s economic development.
Cabinet ministers, chief ministers, officials, members of NITI Aayog and special invitees are attending the meeting.
Some non-BJP Chief Ministers like Mamata Banerjee and Mukul Sangma have skipped the meet and sent their ministers instead.
West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra is attending the meeting on behalf of Banerjee.
However, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Congress’ Punjab CM Amarinder Singh and Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh are present for the meeting. Chief Ministers of Left-ruled states, Manik Sarkar of Tripura and Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala are also present there along with Tamil Nadu’s E Palaniswamy.
The Modi government has already made it clear that it was dumping the Soviet-era relic, the five-year-plans, since it was too short a period to plan, and too narrow an approach. All previous schemes under this format ended this year.
Unlike the five year plan, the vision document will not only have broad targets for the economic and social sector but also map the objectives in internal security and defence.
WAR-TORN AFGHANISTAN SETS UP TOURISM MINISTRY
The president of war-torn Afghanistan is creating a tourism ministry in a bid to attract visitors to the country endowed with stunning landscapes and archaeological sites, but wracked by nearly four decades of conflict. Ashraf Ghani issued a presidential decree this week ordering the ministry be established and naming Ghulam Nabi Farahi, a former parliamentary affairs minister, as the new “state minister for tourism affairs.” The order, criticized by many because it had bypassed parliament, included no other details, such as the ministry’s aims or budget. Afghanistan has welcomed travel to what it considers safe areas where Taliban militants are not deemed a threat.
RUSSIA, US AGREE TO START JOINT WORKING
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have agreed in a phone call to launch a joint working group in the near future to find ways of normalizing relations between the two countries, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said. The two diplomats also discussed the developments in Syria, with Lavrov expressing regret over the US rejection of Russia’s proposal to send experts to the site of the alleged chemical attack Idlib on April 4 at the OPCW (Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) Executive Council. During the conversation, the sides agreed that the chemical weapons watchdog should again study the possibility of an objective investigation into the incident.
RUSSIAN MP’S SON CONVICTED OF CYBER-CRIMES
Roman Seleznev, the son of a lawmaker in the Russian State Duma who was sentenced to 27 years by a US court on Friday, was “virtually kidnapped from a third country” by the US, Russia’s embassy in Washington said, calling the man’s arrest “illegal.” Seleznev was captured by the US Secret Service agents in the Maldives in 2014 and transferred to the US, where he stood trial on over 30 counts of cyber fraud. US District Court in Seattle found him guilty of credit card theft, resulting in some $170 million losses for entities and individuals. Seleznev, who pleaded guilty to all charges in a written confession, compared the court’s ruling to a “death sentence.”
CANADA’S MINISTER HARJIT SAJJAN VISITS WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND
Canada’s Minister for National Defence Harjit Singh Sajjan visited the Western Naval Command headquarters in Mumbai today. A release from Defence spokesperson said that Sajjan interacted with Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Girish Luthra.
The minister highlighted areas of congruence between India and Canada and the need to further enhance cooperation between both nations. The discussions looked at continuing the current level of military interactions and the possibilities of increased cooperation.
The release added that enhancement of maritime and naval cooperation and visit of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Winnipeg were also discussed. The minister also visited the Indian Navy’s indigenous guided missile destroyer, INS Kochi. According to the defence release, India and Canada are poised to enhance defence cooperation in fields of counter terrorism, cold climate warfare, peace keeping and Naval cooperation.
WORLD BOOK & COPYRIGHT DAY
World Book and Copyright Day (WBCD) is being observed today. The day seeks to raise awareness about importance of reading and promote publishing and the protection of copyright around the globe.
It is a yearly event organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The focus, this year is on the visually impaired to have easy access to printed materials. In 1995, UNESCO at its General Conference held in Paris chose 23rd of April to celebrate World Book Day as it is a highly symbolic date for world literature.
It is on this date in 1616 that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
In a message, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said, there is currently a book famine in the world because people with visual impairments as well as physical and learning disabilities don’t have access to a lot of books that are specifically made for them.
In a message, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said, there is currently a book famine in the world because people with visual impairments as well as physical and learning disabilities don’t have access to a lot of books that are specifically made for them.
Each year, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry – publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a one-year period that starts every April 23.
Ms Bokova said for 2017, Conakry in Guinea has been designated World Book Capital 2017. A series of events, conferences, debates, exhibition, workshops are being held around the world to mark the day.
POLLING BEGINS FOR DELHI MCD
Delhites are not showing any interest in the election of local self government as the performance of MCD is very shabby with Congress and BJP at the helm of affairs and AAP at Delhi city government has also been not very impressive being new out fit the leaders are harping on the critical aspects of two popular brands.The Congress old guard with its cancer of perpetual disintegration at all levels is making difficult to keep its presence. BJP with its top leadership in dramatic mode of working but in actual and factual keeping the option open for both development and mustering mass and rampant corruption now-where to stop as the system has eroded at all levels and institutions are falling castle of cards harping on schemes which are remote possibilities bullet trains,smart cities,Ganga cleaning, environmental degradation,professional and experts wandering jobless or under employed and many ignored for no reason and rhymes. Voters seem to have lost faith in local self government as none has been able to give the audience of Delhi,the smart city of handling waste or recycling waste of various nature. Thus Delhi people are in state of flux in their mind to publicly support any three which are unable to put before the delicious deal to garner votes for their party.
The polling begun for three Municipal Corporations of Delhi at 8 this morning and will end at 5:30 in the evening. Over 2,500 candidates are in the fray.
Delhi Lt.Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minster Arvind Kejriwal and Union Minister Dr.Harshvardhan were among the voters who cast their votes in the early hours of polling for the MCD elections.
Mr. Baijal exercised his franchise at a polling station in Greater Kailash area while Mr. Kejriwal cast his vote in Civil Line. Dr.Harshvardhan cast his vote in a polling booth in Krishna Nagar area. Congress Delhi Unit Chief Ajya Maken also exercised his franchise in Rajouri Garden.
Meanwhile, Municipal elections in Maujpur in East Delhi and Sarai Pipal in North Delhi wards have been postponed due to the death of two candidates. Both candidates belonged to the Samajwadi Party.
Now, polling in Maujpur will be held on 14th of next month while in Sarai Pipal it will take place on 21st May.
Delhi Election Commission has set up over 13,000 polling booths out of which over 3,000 have been identified as sensitive while around 1,500 booths are hypersensitive.
Around 57,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure free and fair polls in the national capital. In view of the MCD elections, the Delhi government has ordered that dry days will be observed in the national capital till the polling day.
AIR correspondent reports that BJP, Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are main contenders in this civic bodies polls. The MCD polls are being watched keenly by the people as BJP, AAP and Congress have left no stone unturned to woo the voters.
CONFLUENCE 2017- UNIFICATION OF LEADERSHIP, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND EMPOWERMENT
Invitation
Confluence 2017- Unification of Leadership, Knowledge, Skill and Empowerment
28th-30th April 2017, at 10.00 A.M. AT PHD House, New Delhi
Greetings from PHD!!!
You are cordially invited to Confluence 2017- Unification of Leadership, knowledge and Skill Empowerment being organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with Indi Group and All Ladies League, New Delhi from 28th-30th April 2017 at 10.00 AM at PHD House, New Delhi.
The objective of the three-day long exhibition is about crafting alliances, rekindling the desire to buy artifacts & handicrafts made by talented unsung artisans (mainly from the rural background), bringing them into the limelight and thus creating a connection between creator and consumer.
A line of confirmation from your good office in this regard would highly be solicited at kruttika@phdcci.in/ sanjeev@phdcci.inalong with the duly filled-in registration form appended below.
PUNE OPEN 2017 DAY THREE
Mukesh Kumar storms into the lead with a tournament best 65 on day three, stares at second straight title
Damian Naicker, Angad Cheema on the leader’s tail
Pune, April 22, 2017: Indian golfing legend Mukesh Kumar will be staring at his second title in two weeks on the PGTI when he tees it up in the final round of the Pune Open 2017 at the Poona Club Golf Course on Sunday.
The man from Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, who won PGTI’s event in Kochi last week, stormed into the third round lead in Pune thanks to a dazzling six-under-65, the tournament’s best score so far, that moved his total to seven-under-206.
The chasing pack consisted of South African Damian Naicker and Panchkula’s Angad Cheema, who were one shot adrift of the lead in tied second at six-under-207. While rookie Naicker posted a 67 on Saturday, Cheema came up with a round of 70.
Mukesh Kumar (72-69-65) has set himself up nicely for a come-from-behind win for the second week running. The man, who broke his own record by becoming the oldest winner on the PGTI at age 51 years and eight months in Kochi last week, produced a breathtaking 65 in Pune on Saturday to move up 13 places from overnight tied 14th.
Mukesh, trailing the leaders by four shots at the start of the day, stumbled with an early bogey on the third before turning it around with four successive birdies from the sixth to the ninth as he kept landing his approach shots within five feet of the pin.
The winner of one Asian Tour title and more than 100 domestic titles raced to the lead with three more birdies on the back-nine.
“It was one of those days when I got up feeling that I would shoot a seven-under today. I shared the thought with my caddie and he further encouraged me. I then made an unbelievable par-save from a tough spot on the first and that really got me going. The string of birdies thereafter added to my confidence.
“Importantly, it was my brother Dinesh Raghuvanshi’s advice that did wonders for me. He is from Pune and thus familiar with this course. He told me to be a little conservative off the tee and not think about hitting it long and then attack the pins with my second shot. I followed his advice and reaped the rewards,” said a confident Mukesh, who won the last PGTI event staged at the Poona Club Golf Course in November 2012.
He added, “It’s a tight course and a three to four under in round four would give me a really good shot at the title. On Sunday, I will look to play safe on the first four holes. If all goes well, I will certainly play an aggressive game thereafter. It will be a contest against the course and not any player in particular.”
Damian Naicker (69-71-67) took a huge leap from overnight tied 10th to tied second as a result of his 67 in round three. His best round of the season featured two eagles besides four birdies and four bogeys. The pro from Johannesburg sank a 12-footer for eagle on the seventh and then drove the green on the par-4 10th before nailing a 20-footer for his second eagle of the day.
Naicker said, “I struck it really well today after the initial bogeys and that created numerous scoring opportunities for me. Playing my first season in India has been a learning experience so far. I got to learn a lot playing alongside the seasoned Mukesh Kumar today. It was a valued lesson on how to negotiate the tough conditions here at the Poona Club Golf Course.”
Angad Cheema (69-68-70), the overnight joint leader, also kept himself in the hunt with a steady 70 despite dropping one spot. Angad eagled the seventh from 20 feet to make the turn at one-under. However, he lost his way somewhat with a double-bogey on the 11th where he found the water and made a three-putt.
Cheema finally recovered ground with two more birdies including one on the closing 18th from 25 feet.
Cheema said, “The double-bogey on the 11th took away the momentum from me. I was not at my best today and struggled a little with the ball-striking as compared to round two. But I’m glad that I’m still very much in contention.”
Delhi’s Shamim Khan (71), the joint overnight leader, shared fourth position with Greater Noida’s Sudhir Sharma (69) and Allahabad’s Samarth Dwivedi (68) at five-under-208.
Last year’s champion Harendra Gupta (68) of Chandigarh was in tied 12th place at three-under-210.
Pune’s Saurabh Bhaduri was in tied 25th at one-over-214 while the other Pune-based professional Sameer M Shaikh occupied tied 43rd place at five-over-218.
Mumbai’s Anil Bajrang Mane was also placed tied 43rd.
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Article 2
Delhites not showing interest MCD Election
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23.04.2017 11:26:00 - Delhites are not showing any interest in the election of local self government as the performance of MCD is very shabby with Congress and BJP at the helm of affairs. Ruling AAP at Delhi city government has also been not very impressive.
(live-PR.com) - (live-PR.com) - Delhites are not showing any interest in the election of local self government as the performance of MCD is very shabby with Congress and BJP at the helm of affairs. Ruling AAP at Delhi city government has also been not very impressive being new out fit the leaders are harping on the critical aspects of two popular brands.The
Congress
old guard with its cancer of perpetual disintegration at all levels is making difficult to keep its presence. BJP with its top leadership in dramatic mode of working but in actual and factual keeping the option open for both development and mustering mass and rampant corruption now-where to stop as the system has eroded at all levels and institutions are falling castle of cards harping on schemes which are remote possibilities bullet trains,smart cities,Ganga cleaning, environmental degradation,professional and experts wandering jobless or under employed and many ignored for no reason and rhymes. Voters seem to have lost faith in local self government as none has been able to give the audience of Delhi,the smart city of handling waste or recycling waste of various nature. Thus Delhi people are in state of flux in their mind to publicly support any three which are unable to put before the delicious deal to garner votes for their party.
The polling begun for three Municipal Corporations of Delhi at 8 this morning and will end at 5:30 in the evening. Over 2,500 candidates are in the fray.
Delhi Lt.Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minster Arvind Kejriwal and Union Minister Dr.Harshvardhan were among the voters who cast their votes in the early hours of polling for the MCD elections.
Mr. Baijal exercised his franchise at a polling station in Greater Kailash area while Mr. Kejriwal cast his vote in Civil Line. Dr.Harshvardhan cast his vote in a polling booth in Krishna Nagar area. Congress Delhi Unit Chief Ajya Maken also exercised his franchise in Rajouri Garden.
Meanwhile, Municipal elections in Maujpur in East Delhi and Sarai Pipal in North Delhi wards have been postponed due to the death of two candidates. Both candidates belonged to the Samajwadi Party.
Now, polling in Maujpur will be held on 14th of next month while in Sarai Pipal it will take place on 21st May.
Delhi Election Commission has set up over 13,000 polling booths out of which over 3,000 have been identified as sensitive while around 1,500 booths are hypersensitive.
Around 57,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure free and fair polls in the national capital. In view of the MCD elections, the Delhi government has ordered that dry days will be observed in the national capital till the polling day.BJP, Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are main contenders in this civic bodies polls. The MCD polls are being watched keenly by the people as BJP, AAP and Congress have left no stone unturned to woo the voters.
Candidates with Criminal Cases: Out of the 2315 candidates analysed, 173 (7%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: 116(5%) candidates have declared serious criminal against themselves.
Candidates with cases related to Murder: 1 candidate namely Rajesh contesting from South Delhi Municipal Coporation, ward no. 042-S-dichaon kalan from Lok Jan Shakti Party has declared case of murder (IPC Section-302).
Candidates with cases related to Attempt to Murder: 15 candidates have declared cases of attempt to murder (IPC Section-307).
Candidates with cases related to Kidnapping: 7 candidates have declared cases of kidnapping (IPC Section-365,366,359).
Candidates with cases related to Crime against Women: 23 candidates have declared cases of crime against women such as assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty (IPC Section-354), rape (IPC Section-376) etc.
Party wise Candidates with Criminal Cases: 26 (10%) out of 260 candidates from BJP, 35 (14%) out of 256 candidates from INC, 21(8%)out of 250 candidate scontesting from AAP, 13 (7%) out of 191 candidates from BSP, 3 (8%) out of 38 candidates from NCP, 1 (6%) out of 16 candidates from CPI (M) and 1 (8%) out of 12 candidates fielded by CPI have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
Party wise Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: 13 (5%) out of 260 candidates from BJP, 22 (9%) out of 256 candidates from INC,15(6%) out of 250 candidates from AAP, 10 (5%) out of 191 candidates from BSP, 2 (5%) out of 38 candidates from NCP, 1 (6%) out of 16 candidates from CPI (M) and 1 (8%) out of 12 candidates fielded by CPI have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
old guard with its cancer of perpetual disintegration at all levels is making difficult to keep its presence. BJP with its top leadership in dramatic mode of working but in actual and factual keeping the option open for both development and mustering mass and rampant corruption now-where to stop as the system has eroded at all levels and institutions are falling castle of cards harping on schemes which are remote possibilities bullet trains,smart cities,Ganga cleaning, environmental degradation,professional and experts wandering jobless or under employed and many ignored for no reason and rhymes. Voters seem to have lost faith in local self government as none has been able to give the audience of Delhi,the smart city of handling waste or recycling waste of various nature. Thus Delhi people are in state of flux in their mind to publicly support any three which are unable to put before the delicious deal to garner votes for their party.
The polling begun for three Municipal Corporations of Delhi at 8 this morning and will end at 5:30 in the evening. Over 2,500 candidates are in the fray.
Delhi Lt.Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minster Arvind Kejriwal and Union Minister Dr.Harshvardhan were among the voters who cast their votes in the early hours of polling for the MCD elections.
Mr. Baijal exercised his franchise at a polling station in Greater Kailash area while Mr. Kejriwal cast his vote in Civil Line. Dr.Harshvardhan cast his vote in a polling booth in Krishna Nagar area. Congress Delhi Unit Chief Ajya Maken also exercised his franchise in Rajouri Garden.
Meanwhile, Municipal elections in Maujpur in East Delhi and Sarai Pipal in North Delhi wards have been postponed due to the death of two candidates. Both candidates belonged to the Samajwadi Party.
Now, polling in Maujpur will be held on 14th of next month while in Sarai Pipal it will take place on 21st May.
Delhi Election Commission has set up over 13,000 polling booths out of which over 3,000 have been identified as sensitive while around 1,500 booths are hypersensitive.
Around 57,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure free and fair polls in the national capital. In view of the MCD elections, the Delhi government has ordered that dry days will be observed in the national capital till the polling day.BJP, Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are main contenders in this civic bodies polls. The MCD polls are being watched keenly by the people as BJP, AAP and Congress have left no stone unturned to woo the voters.
Candidates with Criminal Cases: Out of the 2315 candidates analysed, 173 (7%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: 116(5%) candidates have declared serious criminal against themselves.
Candidates with cases related to Murder: 1 candidate namely Rajesh contesting from South Delhi Municipal Coporation, ward no. 042-S-dichaon kalan from Lok Jan Shakti Party has declared case of murder (IPC Section-302).
Candidates with cases related to Attempt to Murder: 15 candidates have declared cases of attempt to murder (IPC Section-307).
Candidates with cases related to Kidnapping: 7 candidates have declared cases of kidnapping (IPC Section-365,366,359).
Candidates with cases related to Crime against Women: 23 candidates have declared cases of crime against women such as assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty (IPC Section-354), rape (IPC Section-376) etc.
Party wise Candidates with Criminal Cases: 26 (10%) out of 260 candidates from BJP, 35 (14%) out of 256 candidates from INC, 21(8%)out of 250 candidate scontesting from AAP, 13 (7%) out of 191 candidates from BSP, 3 (8%) out of 38 candidates from NCP, 1 (6%) out of 16 candidates from CPI (M) and 1 (8%) out of 12 candidates fielded by CPI have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
Party wise Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: 13 (5%) out of 260 candidates from BJP, 22 (9%) out of 256 candidates from INC,15(6%) out of 250 candidates from AAP, 10 (5%) out of 191 candidates from BSP, 2 (5%) out of 38 candidates from NCP, 1 (6%) out of 16 candidates from CPI (M) and 1 (8%) out of 12 candidates fielded by CPI have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
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Article 1
VENEZUELA PROTESTS CONTINUE
Dozen killed in Caracas following two days of mass street protests against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s beleaguered government. Venezuelan in economic crisis’s deepens.
Six people were also injured in the escalating violence, the public ministry said in a statement on Friday. The latest figures raised the total number of deaths during growing protests to 20 over the past three weeks.
Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami said on Friday the country is facing what he calls an “unconventional war” led by opposition groups working in concert with criminal gangs.
Riot police firing tear gas fought running street battles in the east, west, and south of Caracas with demonstrators demanding the removal of Maduro.
World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wrote “Venezuela remains mired in a deep economic crisis.” Unemployment has risen from 7.4 percent in 2015 to 25 percent this year and could rise to 28 percent next year.
Inflation may reach 720 percent this year, according to the IMF and could rise to 2,000 percent by 2018.
US car giant General Motors shut down its operations after authorities seized the plant and took its vehicles, the company announced last Thursday.
The factory was “unexpectedly taken,” according to a statement from GM. The company “strongly rejects the arbitrary measures taken by the authorities and will vigorously take all legal actions, within and outside of Venezuela, to defend its rights,” the Detroit-based automaker said in a statement.
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Article 0
VENEZUELA PROTESTS CONTINUE
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23.04.2017 12:15:50 - Venezuela's opposition has held a march to honor the people who died in three weeks of protests against the government. The economic crisis is worsen
(live-PR.com) - At least 22 people have been killed in the recent anti-government protests "We want free elections, we want to get rid of this corrupt government," said Iomira Barrios, an environmental consultant who says she can no longer find work. "Right now people are willing to fight, because they have declared a dictatorship and we cannot allow it."
Opposition to the government
of President Nicolas Maduro has been growing, even among the poor who were the strongest supporters of his predecessor and mentor Hugo Chavez.
Dozen killed in Caracas following two days of mass street protests against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s beleaguered government. Venezuelan in economic crisis’s deepens.
Six people were also injured in the escalating violence, the public ministry said in a statement on Friday. The latest figures raised the total number of deaths during growing protests to 20 over the past three weeks.
Venezuela's opposition has held a march to honor the people who died in three weeks of protests against the government. The economic crisis is worsening.
Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami said on Friday the country is facing what he calls an “unconventional war” led by opposition groups working in concert with criminal gangs.
Riot police firing tear gas fought running street battles in the east, west, and south of Caracas with demonstrators demanding the removal of Maduro.
World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wrote “Venezuela remains mired in a deep economic crisis.” Unemployment has risen from 7.4 percent in 2015 to 25 percent this year and could rise to 28 percent next year.
Inflation may reach 720 percent this year, according to the IMF and could rise to 2,000 percent by 2018.Venezuela's opposition has held a march to honor the people who died in three weeks of protests against the government. The economic crisis is worsen
US car giant General Motors shut down its operations after authorities seized the plant and took its vehicles, the company announced last Thursday.
The factory was “unexpectedly taken,” according to a statement from GM. The company “strongly rejects the arbitrary.
US car giant General Motors shut down its operations after authorities seized the plant and took its vehicles, the company announced last Thursday.
The factory was "unexpectedly taken," according to a statement from GM. The company "strongly rejects the arbitrary measures taken by the authorities and will vigorously take all legal actions, within and outside of Venezuela, to defend its rights," the Detroit-based automaker said in a statement.
The auto industry has followed the rest of the economy in its descent. In a nation of 30 million people, only 293 cars were sold in March, according to figures from Bloomberg. Ford still has a plant in Venezuela, although it is not operating. Toyota and Fiat Chrysler are still operating.
The GM takeover was the first nationalization of a major company's facilities in more than two years. In 2014, household goods company Clorox halted its operations because of inflation and government-mandated price freezes. The government took over and opened up the Clorox sites again.
Michael Welling @WellingMichael
#Venezuela cannot hold #elections while savage dictator Nicolas Maduro is still in power. No #dialogue No elections until he's gone
@RavenHUWolf
#Venezuela citizens in fear of their lives.
"We're afraid the Government will kill us!"
People are hungary/suffering
"Mother of all Marches"
Opposition to the government
Dozen killed in Caracas following two days of mass street protests against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s beleaguered government. Venezuelan in economic crisis’s deepens.
Six people were also injured in the escalating violence, the public ministry said in a statement on Friday. The latest figures raised the total number of deaths during growing protests to 20 over the past three weeks.
Venezuela's opposition has held a march to honor the people who died in three weeks of protests against the government. The economic crisis is worsening.
Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami said on Friday the country is facing what he calls an “unconventional war” led by opposition groups working in concert with criminal gangs.
Riot police firing tear gas fought running street battles in the east, west, and south of Caracas with demonstrators demanding the removal of Maduro.
World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wrote “Venezuela remains mired in a deep economic crisis.” Unemployment has risen from 7.4 percent in 2015 to 25 percent this year and could rise to 28 percent next year.
Inflation may reach 720 percent this year, according to the IMF and could rise to 2,000 percent by 2018.Venezuela's opposition has held a march to honor the people who died in three weeks of protests against the government. The economic crisis is worsen
US car giant General Motors shut down its operations after authorities seized the plant and took its vehicles, the company announced last Thursday.
The factory was “unexpectedly taken,” according to a statement from GM. The company “strongly rejects the arbitrary.
US car giant General Motors shut down its operations after authorities seized the plant and took its vehicles, the company announced last Thursday.
The factory was "unexpectedly taken," according to a statement from GM. The company "strongly rejects the arbitrary measures taken by the authorities and will vigorously take all legal actions, within and outside of Venezuela, to defend its rights," the Detroit-based automaker said in a statement.
The auto industry has followed the rest of the economy in its descent. In a nation of 30 million people, only 293 cars were sold in March, according to figures from Bloomberg. Ford still has a plant in Venezuela, although it is not operating. Toyota and Fiat Chrysler are still operating.
The GM takeover was the first nationalization of a major company's facilities in more than two years. In 2014, household goods company Clorox halted its operations because of inflation and government-mandated price freezes. The government took over and opened up the Clorox sites again.
Michael Welling @WellingMichael
#Venezuela cannot hold #elections while savage dictator Nicolas Maduro is still in power. No #dialogue No elections until he's gone
@RavenHUWolf
#Venezuela citizens in fear of their lives.
"We're afraid the Government will kill us!"
People are hungary/suffering
"Mother of all Marches"
| Contact information: Sagar Media Inc Contact Person: Naresh sagar Author: Naresh Sagar Phone: 9810974027 |
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ECI ISSUES LETTER OF INTENT FOR PURCHASE OF 16,15,000 VVPATS
Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a letter of intent for purchase of 16,15,000 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails( VVPATs) at an estimated cost of Rs 3,173.47 crore during 2017-18 and 2018-19 from PSUs BEL and ECIL. In its letter sent to CMDs of ECIL and BEL on Friday (21st April) , the Commission has communicated its intent for purchase 8,07,500 VVPATs from each PSUs by September 2018.
These VVPATs shall be manufactured by both PSUs only as per the design approved by the Commission based on recommendation of the Technical Experts Committee on EVMs constituted by the Commission & comprising of eminent technical professors from IITs. The Commission shall closely monitor the production of VVPATs for timely delivery well before General Elections 2019.
Explaining the importance of this step , the Chief Election Commissioner Dr Nasim Zaidi said ” This will enhance transparency and uphold the voters’ right to know which party he or she has voted, thereby increasing voters’ confidence in the free & fair electoral process. ”
On 19th April, 2017, in compliance of the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court and as per the recommendation of the Election Commission of India, the Government had approved Rs 3173.47 crore for the procurement of 16,15,000 VVPATs to be used in ensuing elections and General Elections 2019.
PLEASE FIND ENCLOSED THE INVITATION.
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BRITAIN’S IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS HAVE DETAINED 38 INDIANS
Britain’s immigration officials have detained 38 Indians, including nine women, for overstaying their visas or working illegally after conducting raids in two clothing factories in the city of Leicester.
The UK Home Office Immigration Enforcement team raided two firms in the city in the East Midlands region of England last week and held 38 Indians and one Afghan man. Leicester Mercury reported that of those detained, 31 had outstayed their visas, seven had entered the country illegally and one was working in breach of their visa conditions.
The officials took 19 people into detention pending their removal from the UK while remaining 20 were ordered to report regularly to the Home Office while their cases are dealt with.
The two firms could face fines of up to 20,000 pounds for each illegal worker, if it is proven they did not take steps to establish their employees’ legal status. The two factories are yet to comment on the raids.
MACRAN AND MARINE LE PEN IN SECOND ROUND OF VOTING
France, voting for the second round of the Presidential election will be held on May 7th as no candidate has secured 50 per cent votes in the first phase.
Centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen are set to face each other in a May 7 runoff for the French presidency. In first round of voting, Macron came first, while Le Pen was second, according to multiple projections.
Though Macron, 39, is a comparative political novice who has never held elected office, opinion polls in the run-up to the ballot have consistently seen him easily winning the final clash against the 48-year-old Le Pen.
Sunday’s outcome spells disaster for the two mainstream groupings that have dominated French politics for 60 years, and also reduces the prospect of an anti-establishment shock on the scale of Britain’s vote last June to quit the EU and the election of Donald Trump as US president.
In a race that was too close to call up to the last minute, Macron, a pro-European Union ex-banker and economy minister who founded his own party only a year ago, was projected to get 24 per cent of the first-round vote by the pollster Harris, and 23.7 per cent by Elabe.
Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigration and anti-EU National Front, was given 22 per cent by both institutes. Macron’s supporters, gathered at a Paris conference centre burst into singing the national anthem, the Marseillaise, a few seconds after results came through. Many were under 25, reflecting some of the appeal of a man aiming to become France’s youngest head of state since Napoleon.
Le Pen, who is herself bidding to make history as France’s first female president, follows in the footsteps of her father, who founded the National Front and reached the second round of the presidential election in 2002. Jean-Marie Le Pen was ultimately defeated when voters from right and left rallied around the conservative Jacques Chirac.
Defeated Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon, Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and defeated right-wing candidate Francois Fillon all urged voters to rally behind Macron in the second round.
The final outcome on May 7 will influence France’s standing in Europe and the world as a nuclear-armed, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council and founding member of the organisation that transformed itself into the European Union.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH STUDENTS UNION PROTEST AGAINST CHINA’S CLAIM
China has been making unilateral claims on its buffer states after it maneuvered to get its hand to Tibet an autonomous state, with Pakistan China followed same policy.With present China’s false claim on Arunachal Pradesh. China is unilaterally claiming this territory. All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union today took out a protest rally against China’s claim over the and renaming 6 places in the state. The Students’ organization also burnt the effigy of the Chinese President Xi Jinping.
AAPSU said that Arunachal Pradesh was a part of India and will remain a part of India. Hundreds of students and general public participated in the protest rally.
The simmering issue of the China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh gained momentum with the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to the state earlier this month. Beijing had opposed the visit of the Tibetan Spiritual leader to the state and warned the Indian government of serious consequences if it permitted him to do so.
Just after the weeklong tour of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal ended, China had officially renamed 6 places in Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang, which according to them are part of Southern Tibet.
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THE TOP 15 MILITARY SPENDERS IN 2016
World military expenditure is estimated to have been $1686 billion in 2016, equivalent to 2.2 per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) or $227 per person.
The 2016 estimate is a marginal increase of about 0.4 per cent in real terms on 2015
The top 15 countries with the highest military spending in 2016 were the same as those in 2015, although there were some changes in their ranking .
The 15 largest spenders account for $1360 billion, or 81 per cent, of total global spending.
Between 2007 and 2016, China has seen the biggest growth in military spending, with an increase of 118 per cent, followed by Russia (87 per cent) and India (54 per cent).
In the same period, Italy (–16 per cent), the United Kingdom (–12 per cent) and the United States (–4.8 per cent) were the only countries in the top 15 to see their military expenditure fall.
In 2016, total US military expenditure of $611 billion is over one-third (36 per cent) of world military expenditure. This is nearly three times the level of China’s spending, which is ranked second.
US military spending grew by 1.7 per cent between 2015 and 2016, the fi rst increase after fi ve consecutive years of decline. Despite this slight growth, US military spending remains 20 per cent lower than its peak in 2010. The small upturn in 2016 can be attributed to legisla tion adopted in 2013 and 2015, which eased the budget limits imposed in 2011. However, given the context of the presidential election and the inability of the US Congress and the White House to reach agreement on a budget to be implemented on 1 October 2016, there is uncertainty about short-term developments in the country’s military expenditure.
As a result of an unexpected increase in Russia’s military expenditure in late 2016 and large cuts to Saudi Arabia’s military budget, Russia moved above Saudi Arabia to the position of third largest spender in 2016.
India moved from 7th to 5th place after its largest annual spending increase since 2009. Meanwhile, both the UK and Brazil dropped one place in the rankings.
The UK fell from 6th to 7th—a move largely attributed to the devaluation of the British pound following the result of a refer endum on the country’s
DINANATH MANGESHKAR AWARD FROM RSS CHIEF
The Master Dinanath Mangeshkar award ceremony was held on Monday, April 24, on the occasion of the 75th death anniversary of Master Dinanath Mangeshkar, and it had a surprise turn.
Superstar Aamir Khan turned up at a private award function after 16 years!
Take a look at all those who received the awards.
Aamir Khan was honoured with the 75th Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Award for his blockbuster Dangal.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat presented the Vishesh Puraskar, part of the Dinanath Mangeshkar Awards given to eminent personalities in various fields, to the 52-year-old actor whose wrestling saga was one of the biggest hits of 2016.
“Today wherever I am, the credit goes to all the writers who have written my films.
“I am here because of the directors and writers for the wonderful work they’ve done. I thank all of them,” Aamir said after receiving the award.
Director Nitesh Tiwari, who was also present at the event, thanked the audience for making the film a huge hit.
Aamir Khan chats with Lata Mangeshkar.
Legendary actress Vyjayanthimala Bali was honoured with the Master Dinanath Vishesh Puraskar for her achievements in Hindi cinema.
“I am speechless to receive this award. I’ve been blessed to still perform at some events, across the world. I acted in films and I am dancing still. May be it means that people have loved it. Lata didi (singer Lata Mangeshkar) invited me so I had to be here,” said the 80-year-old actress.
Yesteryear Marathi actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar was also honoured with an award on the occasion.
The Mohan Wagh award for best drama was presented to Sunil Barve for Amar Photo Studio – Subak Sanstha.
India’s 1983 World Cup winning cricket captain Kapil Dev was awarded for his outstanding contribution to the sport.
Speaking on the occasion, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who was the chief guest, said the award winners are a source of inspiration and their good work in respective fields will help in nation building.
Other awardees included Kishore Deshpande, presented with the Anadmayee Puraskar for his work in social service; Vishwanath Karad, founder, Vishwashanti Kendra, presented with the Samarpit Jeevan Puraskar; Vijaya Rajadhyaksha, conferred with the Vagvilasini Puraskar for her work in literature.
Uday Nirgudkar received an award for his editorial work while Kaushiki Chakraborty was awarded for her endeavour in the field of music.
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar was also present at the event, organised by the Master Dinanath Smruti Pratishthan and Hridayesh Arts.
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar.
Rediff.com
AMRITPAL SINGH IMPRESSES AT THE NBL DRAFT COMBINE
- Indian basketball players Amritpal Singh, Amjyot Singh, Yadwinder Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi were invited to Melbourne by the National Basketball League (NBL) to participate in their draft combine for the upcoming 2017-18 season.
- Amritpal Singh stood out amongst all the participants and impressed the scouts.
- The Combine took place on the 17th and 18th of April, 2017 in the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
- The invitation and participation in the NBL Draft Combine was facilitated by basketball management company Pursuit India.
Bengaluru/Melbourne, 24th April, 2017: India’s international basketball star Amritpal Singh has impressed the Australian scouts and the media alike at the recently concluded NBL Draft Combine at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. The Combine took place on 17th and 18th April and also featured three other Indian players Amjyot Singh, Yadwinder Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi.
The captain of the Indian national team, Amritpal Singh, ended the Combine tied as the leading shot blocker among all the participants. His defensive presence coupled with his footwork were the talking points amongst most scouts and drew comparisons with former players of the NBL like Matt Hodgson and Matt Smith.
Amritpal Singh ended the Combine tied as the leading shot blocker among all the participants. His defensive presence coupled with his footwork were the talking points amongst most scouts and drew comparisons with former players of the NBL like Matt Hodgson and Matt Smith.
The captain of the Indian National Team, Amritpal Singh, could potentially be the first Indian-born player to play in the NBL… Singh, … with a large frame and giant wing-span, was one of the standout performers at last week’s NBL Combine in Melbourne, capturing the attention of a number of coaches in attendance.
Rohan Short, a former NBL assistant with Townsville and Melbourne, who worked closely with Amritpal throughout the two days of the Combine said, “I was super impressed, it’s clear he can play. Once given the opportunity to learn off a big man’s coach here in Australia and adapt to the speed of the Australian game, I think he would do quite well.I don’t think he is necessarily a starting five guy from the outset, but off the bench for some team. I mean we just don’t have much of that kind of size in our league.”
“I loved his work ethic, desire to learn and his coachability. He runs the floor really well and he’s a good passer and those traits alone for a big guy are going to be attractive to an NBL team. Depending on the system, I think he has the ability to contribute. His work ethic, his passion for the game and his desire to improve make him a worthwhile investment,” said former head coach of the Sydney Kings, Damian Cotter, who spent some time last year working with the Indian team.
Amritpal was part of the 4 member (Amjyot Singh Gill, Yadwinder Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi) contingent of basketball players that were invited to the NBL Draft Combine. The Combine took place on the 17th and 18th of April. A total of 80 players participated in the Combine. These included returning US college players, South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) players, Australian state league players, and members of Australia’s national U18 and U20’s teams.
As standard practice, players participating in the NBL Draft Combine must pay an entry fee of AUD $250. However, this feewas waived off for all the invited Indian players.The waiver of fees for the Indian contingent by the NBL is just another sign that the NBL has serious intentions to enter the Indian market. Last year, the NBL signed a historic deal with VEQTA to stream NBL games live in India.
Under the new rules of the NBL, the players belonging to the countries of the FIBA Asia zone would be given a separate spot that would not take up anyof the three spots reserved for the foreign players. This move has been made to attract the top Asian talents an d ensure that they consider the NBL as a serious destination to ply their trade.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
(Sourced verbatim from the official NBL page. The link: http://www.nbl.com.au/history/)
The National Basketball League is regarded as one of the premier basketball leagues in the world, and after a humble beginning, is today home to some of the world’s best players.
In 1978, New South Wales Basketball president John Raschke sat with 10 interested parties in an unused aircraft hangar at Sydney Airport to discuss the formation of a national competition that would help the development of the sport throughout Australia.
A national competition was also seen as a way of improving the standard of players who would compete for Australia at events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships.
Since that day, the NBL has grown from a fledgling competition with games played in front of just a few hundred people to a league that attracts more than 750,000 spectators each season, as well as prime-time television audiences for games broadcast nationally.
While games were initially played in small suburban stadiums, clubs now perform at major Australian arenas, including Perth Arena which can seat 14,000+ spectators.
Basketball also has one of the highest participation rates of any team sport in Australia, with numbers continuing to grow each year.
Between 1979 and 1997, the NBL season was played between April and September, but in 1998 the league moved its season to the summer place, with games played between October and April.
Eight teams currently compete in the NBL – the Adelaide 36ers, Cairns Taipans, Melbourne United, New Zealand Breakers, Perth Wildcats, Sydney Kings, Brisbane Bullets and Illawarra Hawks.
ABOUT THE NBL DRAFT COMBINE
Date: 17th-18th April
Location: Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre
Information
- Patrick Hunt (Basketball Without Borders World Camp Director) will be the director of the camp.
- All participants will be provided the opportunity to showcase their skills infront of every NBL club with all clubs ensuring to have coaching staff present each day.
- All participants will be provided with 2 reversible training singlets, 1 pair of training shorts, 1 T-Shirt.
- Lunch will be provided for all participants each day.
- Ice baths will be provided for all participants at the conclusion of each day.
- Doctors and Physiotherapists will be provided each day (for ankle taping and treatment).
ABOUT THE INVITED PLAYERS
- Amritpal Singh is India’s most dominant centre who is listed as 6’11”. He has played professionally in Japan and has led Tokyo Excellence in winning 2015-16 championship in Japan Development League.
- Amjyot Singh Gill is a 6’9” power forward and is arguably India’s most talented player. He is currently #1 Ranked FIBA 3×3 pro player in Asia, Oceania and Africa regions combined.
- Yadwinder Singh is the contingent’s senior most players. He is a 6’6” power forward who featured in India’s famous victories over China and is also a multiple time national champion with Uttarakhand.
- Vishesh Bhriguvanshi is a6’4’’ combo guard. He is currently the best guard in India. He was2nd in assists per game at 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.
ABOUT PURSUIT
Amjyot Singh Gill, Amritpal Singh and Yadwinder Singh are represented by Pursuit India Sports & Entertainment Private Limited, India’s leading basketballmanagement company. Pursuit’s aim is to find and create the right opportunities for budding athletes with the talent and potential to succeed at the international level. Through its grassroots network, Pursuit is able to spot athletic talent from a young age and help them along their playing careers, whether in India or abroad. Pursuit is headed by Vishnu Ravi Shankar and is India’s pre-eminent and pioneering basketball scouting and talent management agency.
“TRANSFORMING INDIA DIALOGUES’
Namaskar
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This is to cordially invite you to “Transforming India Dialogues‘ being organised on April 28th at 4.15PM at Dy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.
Speaker – Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State DONER (IC), PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Government of India
Invitation card – Enclosed
A line of confirmation would be very helpful.
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Sincerely
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Thanks & Regards
Ravi Pokharna
Ravi Pokharna
Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini
NON BJP STATES HAVE HIGHER INTERNET ACCESS BETTER EDUCATION
April25, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
While AAP, Congress and Non BJP states lead India in Internet Penetration – BJP ruled states are at the bottom. TOI April22, P-10.
I opposed the Idea of TAKING OPTIC FIBER to every village due to Low Cost, Low Maintenance and Fast Execution, since 2010 wanted 4G coverage along High Voltage Lines & Railway Lines who had already invested in Optic Fiber.
Cheap & Economical Optic Fiber based WIFI and Broadband in cities including Delhi.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects
DELHI’S GIANT LEAD IN INTERNET ACCESS
As of December 2016, India had more than 391 million internet subscribers, around 40% of them networked on narrowband and the rest on broadband on both fixed and mobile devices. Telecom circle data on broadband penetration (subscribers per 100 people) shows that Delhi is at a different level altogether. Bihar and UP, in contrast, have India’s poorest broadband penetration
QUAKE OF M7.1 – OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
| Magnitude | 7.1 |
| Date-Time |
|
| Location | 33.056S 72.042W |
| Depth | 10 km |
| Distances |
|
| Location Uncertainty | Horizontal: 4.2 km; Vertical 1.9 km |
| Parameters | Nph = 68; Dmin = 37.9 km; Rmss = 0.93 seconds; Gp = 81° |
PARALYMPIC SWIMMER NIRANJAN MUKUNDAN FEATURES IN LIMCA BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS
Team Speedo’s Paralympic swimmer Niranjan Mukundan features in Limca Book of World Records
& is crowned ‘Junior World Champion’
~ Young Mukundan brings new glory for India, his winning spree of ten medals in one edition of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Junior Games features in Limca Book ~
25th April 2017: It’s a glorious moment for Team Speedo and whole of India as Team Speedo’s Paralympic swimmer, Niranjan Mukundan’s historic win at the IWAS World Junior Games makes its way to the Limca Book of World Records. After winning a record 10 medals, he bagged the coveted “Junior World Champion” title in one edition of the (IWAS) International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Junior Games.
This Indian Para-swimmer’s string of achievements shine as bright as the medals and trophies he has won. Starting off this year with 5 gold’s and 1 silver at the national para-games held in Jaipur, Niranjan now stands with a total of 27 international medals and over 100 state and national medals to his tally, he is now a global sensation and an inspiration for able and the differently abled.
He won a National Award in 2015 for his outstanding achievement, recognizing him as the Best Sportsperson of the Country under the differently abled category. He is also the winner of the TIE Indian of the year award 2015, state’s highest civilian honour the Karnataka Rajyotsava award 2015 and the Ekalavya Award in 2016.
His list of victories is endless and unsurpassed. He is a winner of titles like 15th Para National Swimming Championships, Belgaum where he won 4 Golds and 2 Silvers. Competing in the S-8 category, he has also hoisted the victory flag internationally by winning titles like Para Asian Games 2014, Incheon, South Korea and Junior World Champion title in the World Junior Games 2015, Stadskanaal, Netherlands (10 medals out of which 7 were Gold and 3 Silver).
This Bangalore boy hails from a modest family. Born with a medical condition called Spina bifida and with clubbed feet, he has undergone as many as sixteen surgeries. Doctors advised him to take up swimming to strengthen his leg muscles. His mother took him to the swimming club in Bangalore and it is here that the renowned coach John Christopher spotted and promised to turn him into an international level swimmer. After an extensive training under him, Niranjan later trained at Thanyapura, Phuket, Thailand where he is currently based.
From a young age, Niranjan learned to take every challenge as an opportunity. During his college days, he emerged as the best outgoing sportsman of the university. 2012 proved to be a stupendous year for Niranjan. At the national swimming championship in Chennai, he won 3 Golds, 1 Silver medal in swimming and 1 Bronze in Water polo. Mukundan won his first international medal, a bronze in 200m freestyle at the IDM German Swimming Championship in Berlin. In 2013 and 2014, he won further international medals at the IWAS World Junior Games in Puerto Rico and in Stoke, Mandeville, U.K. respectively.
At the recently concluded IWAS U-23 World Games in Czech Republic Niranjan defied the odds and won 8 medals – 3 Golds in 200m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke, 2 Silvers in 100m fly and 50m freestyle events and 3 more medals in 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 100m breaststroke. He was selected among representatives from 35 other countries to deliver the oath for the tournament, making him the first Indian to do so.
At the proud moment, Mr. Shamir Genomal, Chief Strategy Officer at Speedo expressed, “Having Niranjan’s name in the prestigious Limca Book of Records is a golden moment to cherish and celebrate. We salute him for his courage and tenacity. Team Speedo is extremely proud to be associated with this young man.
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DIRECTOR-GENERAL CONDEMNS THE MURDER OF BLOGGER YAMEEN RASHEED IN THE MALDIVES
Paris, 26 April—The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, today called on the authorities of the Maldives to investigate the killing of prominent blogger and social media activist, Yameen Rasheed on 23 April.
“I condemn the murder of Yameen Rasheed,” said the Director-General. “Journalists need to be able to work without fear and contribute to informed democratic debate. I call on the Maldivian authorities to ensure that the rule of law is respected and that those responsible for this killing are brought to justice.”
Rasheed maintained a blog, The Daily Panic, on political and social issues. He is reported to have received numerous death threats over the past year. Rasheed died from injuries sustained when he was attacked inside his apartment building in the capital, Malé.
The Director-General of UNESCO issues statements on the killing of media workers in line with Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States at the Organization’s General Conference of 1997, entitled “Condemnation of Violence against Journalists.” These statements are posted on a dedicated webpage, UNESCO condemns the killing of journalists.
UNICEF REACHES ALMOST HALF OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN WITH LIFE-SAVING VACCINES
UNICEF reaches almost half of the world’s children with life-saving vaccines
Despite progress, millions of children still miss out on life-saving immunization
For photos, visit: http://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AMZIFDKDKD
NEW DELHI, 26 April 2017 – UNICEF procured 2.5 billion doses of vaccines to children in nearly 100 countries in 2016, reaching almost half of the world’s children under the age of five. The figures, released during World Immunization Week, make UNICEF the largest buyer of vaccines for children in the world.
Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the three remaining polio-endemic countries, each received more doses of vaccines than any other country, with almost 450 million doses of vaccines procured to children in Nigeria, 395 million in Pakistan and over 150 million in Afghanistan. UNICEF is the lead procurement agency for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
In India, the under-five mortality stands at 1.11 million deaths per year[1] . Pneumonia accounted for 13 per cent of total under five deaths and diarrhea contributed to approximately 10 per cent of the under five deaths.
Globally, access to immunization has led to a dramatic decrease in deaths of children under five years, from vaccine-preventable diseases. Between 2000 and 2015, globally under five deaths due to measles declined by 85 per cent and those due to neonatal tetanus by 83 per cent.
Yet an estimated 10 million children in India still miss out on full vaccinations every year[2]. Weak health systems, poverty and social inequities also mean that large number of children under five are still not reached with life-saving vaccines.
“The Government of India has demonstrated strong and effective leadership in mobilizing partners for collectively addressing maternal and child health. UNICEF is committed to working together with the Government of India and other development partners, to ensure that we close the immunity gaps in every state, in every district and in every community, so that all boys and girls are protected life-long from measles, rubella, and other vaccine preventable diseases,” said Louis-Georges Arsenault, UNICEF India Representative.
Inequalities persist between rich and poor children. In countries where 80 per cent of the world’s under-five child deaths occur, over half of the poorest children are not fully vaccinated. Globally, the poorest children are nearly twice as likely to die before the age of five as compared to the richest.
“All children, no matter where they live or what their circumstances have the right to survive and thrive, safe from deadly diseases,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, Chief of Immunization at UNICEF headquarters in New York, “Since 1990, immunization has been a major reason for the substantial drop in child mortality, but despite this progress, 1.5 million children still die from vaccine preventable diseases every year.”
“In addition to children living in rural communities where access to services is limited, more and more children living in overcrowded cities and slum dwellings are also missing out on vital vaccinations,” said Nandy. “Overcrowding, poverty, poor hygiene and sanitation as well as inadequate nutrition and health care increase the risk of diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea and measles in these communities; diseases that are easily preventable with vaccines.”
By 2030, an estimated 1 in 4 people will live in urban poor communities, mainly in Africa and Asia, meaning the focus and investment of immunization services must be tailored to the specific needs of these communities and children, UNICEF said.
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
UNICEF works with World Health Organization (WHO) and partners to support the Government of India’s Universal Immunization Programme to ensure that vaccines protect all children – especially those who are the hardest to reach and the most vulnerable.
World Immunization Week runs from 24 – 28 April 2017.
For more information visit: www.unicef.org/immunization
NATIONAL LAUNCH OF THE 2017 UNITED NATIONS WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT (WWDR).
New Delhi, 26 April 2017 – UNESCO New Delhi, UNIC New Delhi, and media partner The Statesman held the National Launch of the 2017 United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDR), “Wastewater: the Untapped Resource” at the UNESCO House, 1 San Martin Marg, Chanakyapuri New Delhi today from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The report was launched by Shri Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, Department of Water and Sanitation, Government of India. The event was moderated by Derk Segaar, Director, United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan. Other speakers included Mr Jaco Cilliers, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., Mr R.D. Singh, Director, National Institute of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee,; and Mr Mitrasen Bhikajee, Head of Science Sector, UNESCO New Delhi Cluster office. There was also a presentation of prizes to the winners of UNESCO New Delhi’s 2016 #Science4Sustainability Photo Competition. The launch ceremony was attended by over 100 people, including representatives from NGOs, diplomatic community, academicians, students and experts working in the field of water.
In his opening remarks, UNESCO New Delhi Director and UNESCO Representative, Shigeru Aoyagi said, “It is important not to forget that putting a stop to pollution at the source is just as important as developing ways to treat and utilize wastewater. If both problems are tackled, then we will be on the path to achieving the water-related SDGs.”
In his address, Shri Iyer while congratulating the UN family and particularly UNESCO on bringing out this comprehensive report on wastewater, said “Water is rapidly reaching crisis-like proportions not only in the world but also in India. Wastewater is traditionally viewed as a problem rather than opportunity. If we can be more efficient in the way we handle our water and wastewater systems, we can immediately reduce the quantity, the amount that needs to be recycled, but it can also make water systems more efficient.”
“Wastewater is often thought of as just waste. But in actuality, it often contains nutrients and other useful substances that can be repurposed,” noted Mr. Bhikajee. He went on, “The key is seeing the enormous potential that wastewater holds for reducing our water abstraction and minimizing pollution.”
The Report focuses on the ways in which improved wastewater management can generate social, environmental and economic benefits essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Published annually, this year’s WWDR seeks to inform decision-makers in government, civil society and the private sector about the importance of managing wastewater as an undervalued and sustainable source of water, energy, nutrients and other recoverable by-products, rather than something to be disposed of or a nuisance to be ignored. The report highlights the critical role that wastewater is poised to play in the context of a circular economy, whereby economic development is balanced with the protection of natural resources and environmental sustainability, and where a cleaner and more sustainable economy has a positive effect on water quality. It argues that once treated, wastewater could prove invaluable in meeting the growing demand for freshwater and other raw materials.
CANADA’S DEFENCE MINISTER HARJIT SAJJAN SINGH LAUNCHES THE SECOND POSTER OF DILJIT DOSANJH’S SUPER SINGH!
After launching the spectacular first look of India’s first Punjabi language superhero film, Super Singh, Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures and Pawan Gill’s Brat Films launched the second poster of the movie in the presence of the lead actor Diljit Dosanjh and Canada’s Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan Singh.
The first poster of Super Singh launched across the national level has never happened for any Punjabi film ever before and considering the humongous response, the superhero film was trending on Twitter all India at No 3 on the day of the launch, followed by unveiling the second poster of the movie by Diljit and Canada’s Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan Singh on the sets of the singing reality show, Rising Star.
The launch weekend of Super Singh saw Harjit Sajjan Singh – first Sardar to hold such a high honour outside India having a positive interaction with Super Singh Diljit Dosanjh on the sets of the singing reality show.
Harjit Singh gave his badge of honour that the government of Canada bestowed upon Diljit since he is proud of him and all that the actor is doing to inspire kids around the world. The Defence Minister also said it’s great that we achieve super heights in life but it’s even more important to give back to society because that makes us even more super.
On interacting with Diljit and launching the second poster of Super Singh, the minister wrote on his social networking site, “Had a unique opportunity to meet the famous and very humble @diljitdosanjh. Great discussion on his work to inspire the next generation. It was terrific to hear his message and how he shares the same vision for empowering the youth. I also got a chance to see his movie poster of his upcoming film, Super Singh.”
Produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures and Anurag Singh & Pawan Gill’s Brat Films, Super Singh starring Diljit Dosanjh and Sonam Bajwa is gearing up for summer release on June 16, 2017worldwide.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR FOOD SUSTAINABILITY WRITERS
Today at 19:52
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SONAM KAPOOR: DEAR SAGAR MEDIA INC, I’VE BEEN CALLED ‘NAACHNE-WALI’, ‘BIMBO’ ON TWITTER.
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INTERACTION WITH MR. PETRI PELTONEN, HON’BLE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT OF FINLAND
B2B meeting Finish delegation
ISRAEL’S PM CANCELLED TALKS WITH GERMANY’S FOREIGN MINISTER
Israel’s prime minister has cancelled talks with Germany’s foreign minister after he refused to call off a meeting with Israeli human rights activists. Sigmar Gabriel was due to meet Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
Mr Netanyahu had warned he would not see Mr Gabriel if he met the groups Breaking the Silence and B’Tselem. Mr Netanyahu has accused the groups of trying to undermine the state, and the government has taken steps to try to stem their foreign sources of funding. The incident threatens to stoke diplomatic tensions between Israel and Germany, which are strong allies. Mr Gabriel had said it would be a remarkable event, to put it mildly if Mr Netanyahu went through with his threat.
CYPRUS PRESIDENT NICOS ANASTASIADES ARRIVES IN MUMBAI
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades arrived in Mumbai today on a four-day India visit.
Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao received Anastasiades at Raj Bhavan, an official spokesperson said.
This is the first visit to India of President Anastasiades, who had substantive meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2015, he said.
India can help Cyprus in its quest for reunification as it has close ties with Turkey, Anastasiades had said ahead of his maiden India visit.
The Cyprus president is being accompanied by the ministers of finance, energy, transport and agriculture on his visit.
President Anastasiades will address a business forum in Mumbai tomorrow. He will then travel to Delhi, address a business forum and deliver a talk at Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in the national capital.
On Friday morning, he will be given a ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan followed by wreath laying by him at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi, Raj Ghat.
His other engagements on that day include a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee, who will host a banquet in his honour, and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi.
CLASSICAL DELHI MCD ELECTIONS RESULTS
BJP is set to sweep the polls to Delhi’s three municipal corporations – North, East and South. Media persons are talking about their critical nature of diction on the working of saffron may their voice be stifled in time to come with such brute majority where opposition are getting decimated from state to state except few states. There is general complaint of media persons that smaller newspapers and online active writers and news trackers are not well entertained in Ministers press conference in name of security and PIB cardholders which may not be competent than specialized online broadcasters running the show on NGO basis.
The counting of votes for the polls, which were held on Sunday, is underway. BJP is on its way to get to two third majority whereas Congress is at face saving stature whereas AAP sinks deep in its half with nearly halves of its votes shares than it received in assembly polls. Congress the old guard is at lowest crescent due to its internal squabbles and faulty ticket distribution. Hybrid AAP which germinated on public echoing of ill fated governance on growing powerful lobby of congress with no attention to pulse of people. Combating mood of Arvind to be always critical of all opposition leaders and expressing him the clean politician. An affront in public domain to worthy PM Modi in un- warranted diction has costed his party very badly along with his non-performing attitude and Minsters with not performing assets were the party’s liability from its inception.
Reacting to poll results, senior BJP leader and Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said, the result is a message for AAP to give up negative politics and work for constructive politics. He rejected AAP allegations of EVMs tempering terming them as wild and baseless. Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, people have reposed faith in BJP’s policies and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, Delhiites want BJP at the helm of affairs in Delhi and its the beginning of end of AAP in the city. Delhi BJP Unit Chief also lauded Mr. Modi’s and Party Chief Amit Shah’s leadership and policies for the victory. He said the party dedicates the win to CRPF jawans who lost their lives in Sukma naxal attack.
AAP has blamed Electronic Voting Machines for the debacle of his party. Party leader and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, EVM tampering is a bitter truth and his party will continue to speak about it without caring the opponent will mock. Another party leader Gopal Rai said, this is not Narendra Modi wave but EVM’s wave. Party leader Ashutosh dismissed the suggestions of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation over the party’s defeat. AAP MLA Alka Lamba has offered to resign from the assembly on party’s poor show.
Delhi Congress Chief Ajay Maken has also offered to resign from his position owning responsibility for party’s poor performance. He said, he had hoped for better show in the civic polls. Mr Maken also said, the party has performed better as compared to 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2015 Delhi assembly polls. Congress leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the party should have campaigned more aggressively in favour of their candidates. AIR correspondent reports that the Delhi unit of BJP has decided not to celebrate the victory in the wake of Sukma attack in which 25 CRPF personnel were martyred recently.
COAST GUARD ADDS MORE TEETH IN WEST BENGAL
The Indian Coast Guard Region(NE) added more teeth to their fleet in West Bengal today with the commissioning of a high speed interceptor boat C 424 at Haldia.
The ship was commissioned by Inspector General KR Nautiyal, the Coast Guard Commander North East at an impressive ceremony at Coast Guard Jetty in Haldia.
With this new addition, Coast Guard assets in West Bengal now include 02 fast Patrol Vessels, 04 Hovercrafts, 02 Interceptor Boats, Radar Station and ACV forward operating base at Frazerganj.
IG KR Nautiyal said “The ship will add more strength to the Coast Guard’s fleet in West Bengal and will patrol the vital bay of Bengal”
The Ship is commanded by Deputy Commandant Mudit Kumar singh. The 27 meters long ship has been built at L&T Surat and achieves 45 knots of speed. The ship is equipped with latest navigational and communication equipment and has a 12.7mm Heavy machine gun as main armament. The ship is also fitted with night vision and infrared devices for day and night surveillance.
The ship will enhance the surveillance and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief operations in Bay of Bengal. The Indian Coast Guard has been constantly increasing its footprint in West Bengal and Odhisa in the last 4 years, An array of ships and aircrafts has been inducted to keep the Bengal and Odisha coast safe.
“TRANSFORMING INDIA DIALOGUES’
Namaskar ![]()
This is to cordially invite you to “Transforming India Dialogues‘ being organised on April 28th at 4.15PM at Dy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.
Speaker – Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State DONER (IC), PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Government of India
Invitation card – Enclosed
A line of confirmation would be very helpful.
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Sincerely
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Thanks & Regards
Ravi Pokharna
Ravi Pokharna
Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini
CURRENT CONFLICT IS ESSENTIALLY BETWEEN GLOBAL AND LOCAL
April 24, 2017
The western world view has dominated for the last 200 or so years and hence their idea of “modern man’ is accepted as the “idea”. It is supposed to transcend territories and cultures.
It assumes that “one size” fits all and enunciates “one model” works for all. In many seminars I am asked by foreigners about India becoming “Europe” or USA after a few decades and how it will impact Indian “values”.
Basically it is assumed that the whole world needs to have or follow one model since all humans are same “rational “animals. The main Abrahamic faiths like Christianity and Islam evolved out of this belief. So they went around conquering the world to fashion it in their own mirror image. The Marxian model also believes the same.
The concept of sovereignty evolved as Westphalian consensus in 1548 after the thirty Years’ War, in which the major continental European states – the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, France, Sweden and the Dutch Republic – agreed to respect one another’s territorial integrity. This obviously did not include later colonies. Christianity and Islam wanted to spread all over the world by sword or colonies or deceit. Both wanted to be global religions.
Hence there was a fierce battle between these globalisers for “converting” people to their way. There is the idea of my way or Highway. The colonization project was justified since it was to “civilize” the world and converting faith/religion of people was encouraged in the name of “freedom to choose”. Of course that freedom should be exercised to choose the desert faiths. Some times with swords sometimes with subterfuge and inducement.
From the Church evolved the modern corporations which in the Post 2nd world war wanted to be “global” and institutions like IMF and World Bank were created to facilitate the process. These institutions reinforced the theory of one size fits all.
Modern Globalization project got accelerated in the seventies by multinational corporations tried to formulate theories which are applicable to all societies with perhaps some local variation– as a concession.
Ernst Kantorowicz, in his well-argued and celebrated essay The King’s Two Bodies: A study in Medieval Political Theology, analyses how the mystical body of Christ, which is central to Christian liturgy, acquired sociological meaning in the later middle Ages. The corpus mysticum became the organized body of Christian society and created, in due course, the greatest of artificial persons, namely, “the state.” Out of this modular structure or building block, Western capitalism emerged, along with other fictional entities such as the `Joint Stock Company’ and `public corporation’ (Princeton, 1957).
Hence, it is a medieval Christian Anglo-Saxon construct that says that `corporations’ are more evolved forms than, say, joint families or cooperatives or trusts. One is not sure why India should continue to accept this European medieval evolution, which was essential for colonial conquests, driven by joint stock companies such as the East India Company, which considered India `unorganized’ and went about organizing it, with results known to us. So Church handed over idea of “globalization” to corporate.
In these days of political correctness, perhaps the so-called unorganized sector can be termed “corporate challenged”, while corporates themselves are “disclosure-” and “transparency-challenged”.
They even propounded an idea of “glocal”. This is mainly global models but will try to take into account local sensibilities. Whether it is market efficiency or asset valuation every human being in the world should behave as per western models. If not there is a problem with that person or group. They were to be identified as “deviation” from norm.
The entire edifice of modern economics/Finance assumes market to solve all problems since all men are” rational”—in the western sense- and profit maximizers. They have homogenous expectations etc. The poor segments when they become rich behave exactly similar to the current rich people. That assumption helps in “forecasting” income and consumption growth.
Societies were expected to behave as per model rather than modelling societal behaviour.
Wounded civilizations like India suffered a double whammy. Its youngsters were taught about the superiority of the Renaissance rationality and they began to fully imitate the homogenous model. Most got educated in Western Universities and this helped a lot for the globalisers.
Hence we have Christian globalisers/Islamic globalisers/Multinational corporate/Marxists. All using the premise of a global man and one size fits all. All of them can be called homogenizers. Among them Marxists are on the retreat after the fall of Berlin Wall.
But there is a problem. All these Homogenizers are run by a clique or elites who look down upon masses with contempt. Why so? Because they are confident that they have the solutions available in their books or models. The modern corporations have modelled academic institutions to suit their requirements. Recruitment /promotion etc. are dependent on reinforcing the belief system through research and training.
Within this so called left wing and right wing have evolved. Both are homogenizers. One is state based and other is big corporate or so called “market “based.
But of late left wing has got twisted due to being politically right—it became friendly to Radical Islam and also to other “modernities” like LGBTQ groups. Interestingly soviet model of Stalin shunned these categories.
The Globalisers also created categories like economically “conservatives” but socially “liberal “or socially conservative but economically Liberal –but all within their framework of homogenizing. Also the Christian leaders would accept “Islamic Contribution” and nothing more than that.
For instance Obama claimed in Cairo (June, 2009) that algebra, the decimal system and printing technology were the inventions of the land of sands[Arabia] when these accomplishments owe as much to India and China.
For instance Obama claimed in Cairo (June, 2009) that algebra, the decimal system and printing technology were the inventions of the land of sands[Arabia] when these accomplishments owe as much to India and China.
Assertion of the Average: But the Globalisers are on retreat. One is the conflict or rather war waged by Radical Islam which would like to establish a Caliphate in Europe. Church is in retreat in Europe since many are becoming agnostic. Modern versions of Church getting active-in the form of Evangelicals like Pentecostal etc. Post economic crisis of 2008 the big corporates are on the retreat. The average school educated person is unhappy and angry. He is unhappy about unemployment which is running high in G-7 countries—more so in Europe. He is angry about mass migration and what he perceives as Islamic invasion of Europe and even USA.EU which is one of the earliest “Project Europe” to bring together “globalization” within Europe is under threat. The rural/school only educated /unwashed in Britain rejected the rule from Brussels. The Sophisticated elite of London wanted to be in EU. In France and Italy similar situation is developing. In the USA the assertion of average was extra-ordinary. All elites and financial system supported Hillary but she was defeated by again school only educated /poor segments.
Globalization crowd is desperate. Davos meet this year had of all persons Chinese President Xi and he was requested to “lead” globalization. One can imagine the level of desperation of the Davos crowd.
Homogenization/one size fits all and Western model is THE model– is the major mantras of globalisers. Radical Islam says the same thing except using its own book.
Tony Blair the then Prime Minister of UK in his famous Chicago Address -1999-suggests:
“The most pressing foreign policy problem we face is to identify the circumstances in which we should get actively involved in other people’s conflicts. Non -interference has long been considered an important principle of international order…. “But the principle of non-interference must be qualified in important respects”. The NATO intervention in Kosovo and Afghanistan as well as US intervention in Iraq provide recent examples of breakdown of idea of Westphalia.
Interestingly Radical Islam also considers that the world order based on Westphalian consensus will collapse. “In the aftermath of the 11 March 2004 Madrid attacks, Lewis ‘Atiyyatullah, who claims to represent the terrorist network Al-Qaeda, declared that “the international system built up by the West since the Treaty of Westphalia will collapse; and a new international system will rise under the leadership of a mighty Islamic state.”
The spread of ISIS across countries and activities of Boko Haram based in Nigeria in Kenya and Chad re-emphasis this point. Radical Islam does not accept territorial boundaries since it works for a global regime for global Ummah. The talk about Caliphate indicates that they are trans-border organizations.
On the other side we find global corporations transcending sovereignty in search of global profits. For this they use tax havens as a tool. Tax havens–numbering more than 70 jurisdictions–facilitate bank facilities with zero taxes and no-disclosure of the names and in many cases anonymous trusts holding accounts on behalf of beneficiary. In the case of Bahamas one building seems to have had tens of thousands of companies registered there.
USA is literally waging war with major Giants like Amazon/Google/Microsoft etc. for not paying adequate taxes in USA in spite of being US based companies. Most of these companies have moved their profits to other Tax Havens.
A simple method of trade mis-invoicing by global companies using tax-havens have impacted developing countries nearly 730Billion USD in 2012 says Global Financial integrity. There is an increasing clamour in USA and EU about closing down these tax havens.
Most of America’s largest corporations maintain subsidiaries in offshore tax havens. At least 358 companies, nearly 72 percent of the Fortune 500, operate subsidiaries in tax haven jurisdictions
- All told, these 358 companies maintain at least 7,622 tax haven subsidiaries.
- The thirty companies with the most money officially booked offshore for tax purposes collectively operate 1,225 tax haven subsidiaries.
Fortune 500 companies currently hold more than $2.1 trillion in accumulated profits offshore for tax purposes. Just thirty Fortune 500 companies account for 65 percent of these offshore profits. These thirty companies with the most money offshore have booked $1.4 trillion overseas for tax purposes. Only fifty-seven Fortune 500 companies disclose what they would expect to pay in U.S. taxes if these profits were not officially booked offshore. In total, these fifty-seven companies would owe $184.4 billion in additional federal taxes. Based on these fifty-seven corporations’ public disclosures, the average tax rate that they have collectively paid to foreign countries on these profits is a mere 6 percent, indicating that a large portion of this offshore money has been booked in tax havens. If we apply that average tax rate of 6 percent to the entirety of Fortune 500 companies, they would collectively owe $620 billion in additional federal taxes. Some of the worst offenders include: Apple/Nike/American Express/ PepsiCo / Pfizer/Morgan Stanley/Citi Group/Wall Mart/Bank of America /Google/ Microsoft/ Goldman Sachs etc.
So Globalisation is stuck between Tax havens and Terrorists.
The middle class in UK revolted against EU –seamless borders and trade and in US the victory of Trump is a big blow to Globalisers. He is unenthusiastic about Davos. The rise of Le Pen in France and Geert Wilders in Holland represent back to national sovereignty. Le Pen recently said in Koblenz “nation state” is back.
In this, the traditional division of Left and right has lost its meaning. In BREXIT we saw left supporting EU and part of right opposing it. Now, the new divisions are Globalisers versus Nation states both from left and right.
There was an agitation by supporters of Gorbyn the rabid left wing leader of Labour party in UK against the most venerable left wing intellectualism personified “New Statesman”
[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/new-statesman-protest-jeremy-corbyn-momentum_uk_58e73c75e4b058f0a02dd696]
Actually this extreme left-winger Corbyn opposed BREXIT and wanted Britain to be in EU.
While as the conservatives in large numbers supported BREXIT and from that point the calling of referendum by Cameron was even questioned. Corbyn was supposed to be part of “Remain and Reform” EU group. Anyhow Britain and labour force of Britain overwhelmingly voted for going out of EU which is perceived as a “Globalizing menace”
Le Pen in France wants to come out of EU since it is impacting “French” characteristics. She is considered “extreme” right by the main stream media in France. She wants France to come out of EU; opposed to Radical Islam; opposed to immigrants and against large French Govt. Interestingly one of her opponent Melonchon who is considered as left extreme also wants to re-negotiate EU and possibly pull out. He is also against large central French Govt. and surprisingly not for the “veil” for the women!! Both Extreme right and Left are against large global corporations and Globalization by the Davos crowd.
In the USA the divisions are becoming interesting with large number of Trump supporters viewing Russia favourably while as Democrats are upset with Russia. Trump supporters view Russia as a good ally against radical Islam. Not that Russia is any more “socialist”. Trump is as unhappy as Obama was about large US companies like Google/Amazon/Microsoft etc. not paying adequate taxes in the USA but showing large profits in Tax havens like Cayman Islands.
Large portions of left in Europe are split regarding its attitude to Radical Islam. One segment arguing for total “understanding” of Islam while another segment wanting to uphold traditional values of Europe on women issues, on Homo-sexuality and contraception.
This single model groups are being opposed by smaller “national and Community” sovereignty groups. For instance in Britain poorer rural segments /less educated segments and working class segments voted for BREXIT since all of them felt big Government at Brussels is trampling on their sovereignty. Similarly School educated /older aged/less income segments supported Trump. Both cases it is against “globalization” and “large corporate”.
Similarly one witnesses raise of such political forces in Holland/France/ Italy and Germany. All these will have far reaching impact in the coming year due to elections in France and Germany.
Hence today the world is divided between Globalisers –be it corporate or Radical Islam or evangelists and “localisers” both right wing and Left wing. Globalisiers wants homogeneity –all wear Jeans and all drink Coke or all women have Burqa and all men pray 5 times. Localisers want variety and pluralism. Respect for local tradition and customs and recognition of small businesses.
The current conflict is between Globaliser wing [GW] and Localiser Wing [LW]
Hence do not use the old clichéd RW/LW paradigm –it is dead.
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Prof R. Vaidyanathan; Cho. S Ramaswamy Visiting Chair Professor of Public Policy SASTRA University; Professor IIMB[Rtd]
PRESS CONFERENCE INVITATION
Dear Sir/Madam,
You are cordially invited for a Press Conference by Punjab & Haryana Election Watch (P&H EW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) to release two reports, ‘Analysis of Election Expenditure Statements of MLAs Punjab Assembly Elections, 2017‘ and ‘Analysis of Sources of Funding of Major Political Parties of Punjab FY 2004-05 to 2014-15 (11 years) . We will also announce the 13th Annual National Conference of ADR on Electoral and Political Reforms.
Details of the Press Conference:
Topics:
- Release of a report on ‘Analysis of Election Expenditure Statements of MLAs Punjab Assembly Elections, 2017‘.
- Release of a report on ‘Analysis of Sources of Funding of Major Political Parties of Punjab FY 2004-05 to 2014-15 (11 years)
- Announcement of 13th Annual National Conference of ADR on Electoral and Political Reforms being held on 29th & 30th April.
Venue: Press Club, Chandigarh
Date: 28th April, 2017, Friday
Time: 3 PM
Details of the National Conference: Punjab & Haryana Election Watch and ADR are organizing the ‘13th Annual National Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms’ on 29th and 30th April, 2017 at the Panjab University, Chandigarh. The Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. Nasim Zaidi, has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest and give the key note address on 29th April, 2017. Representatives of the National Election Watch from each state chapter, members of political parties, government institutions and academicians will be present to deliberate on issues related to electoral and political reform in the country. We look forward to your participation and inputs in making the conference a success.
Yours Sincerely,
Media and Journalist Helpline +91 80103 94248 | Maj Gen Anil Verma (Retd), | Prof Jagdeep Chhokar IIM Ahmedabad (Retd.) Founder Member, National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 99996 20944jchh…@gmail.com | Prof Trilochan Sastry IIM Bangalore, Founder Member, National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms, +91 94483 53285,trilochans@iimb.ernet.in |
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Association for Democratic Reforms
T-95A, C.L. House, 1st Floor,
(Near Gulmohar Commercial Complex)
Gautam Nagar
New Delhi-110 049
(Near Gulmohar Commercial Complex)
Gautam Nagar
New Delhi-110 049
“3RD IPSE AWARDS 2017 –
SPECIAL INVITATION
24th April 2017
Dear Friends & Colleagues ,
Sub. : Inviting “Your Goodself” to the “3rd IPSE Awards 2017 – India’s Public Sector Enterprises Awards for Excellence” & Concurrent PSE Conclave 2017: Inspired by Late Shri. LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI’S Vision & Theme “Jai JAWAN, Jai KISAN, Jai VIGYAN, Jai INSAAN” for “A Self Reliant INDIA”
Awards Venue : New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) Campus,
60 & 50 (B&C), Behind Batra Hospital, Opp. Tughlakabad Air Force Range
Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110 062
Date & Time : Friday, 28th April 2017 (10.00 am – 2.00 pm)
GREETINGS to “Your Goodself” from “PSE Journal – India’s Premier & Pioneering International Quarterly Review on the Public Sector Enterprises” institutor of the “IPSE Awards – India’s Public Sector Enterprises Awards for Excellence”, its Publishing Venture, “MARS Media Resources (MMR) – A Women Enterprise Venture for Androgynous Growth of Indian Economy & Enterprise” and the non-profit mother organization “ENERTIA Foundation”.
“3rd IPSE Awards 2017 – India’s Public Sector Enterprises Awards for Excellence” and concurrent PSE Conclave 2017 are Inspired by Late SHRI. LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI’S Vision & Theme “Jai JAWAN, Jai KISAN, Jai VIGYAN, Jai INSAAN” for “A Self Reliant INDIA” instituted by “PSE Journal” in Association with ENERTIA Foundation for the purpose of “Recognizing India’s PSE Excellence in Core Economy Sector & Contribution to Nation’s GDP”.
The Undersigned as the “Jury Convenor” along with “Chairman, Co-Chairmen, Patron-in-Chief & Eminent Members of the Jury”, desire and wish that “Your Goodself” shower us with your “Valued & Gracious Presence” as the “Special Invitee” and Felicitate the Winners of the Prestigious “3rd IPSE Awards 2017 – India’s Public Sector Enterprises Awards for Excellence” and concurrent “PSE Conclave 2017”. IPSEAwards cover PSE excellence in various Sectors at both Center & States as well as Individual PSE Leadership Excellenceincluding PSE Persona’s Awards.
New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM), has Partnered with “ENERTIA Foundation” as ‘Knowledge & Research Partner’ for this Year’s“3rd IPSE Awards 2017”.
“3rd IPSE Awards 2017” will also have Eminent Film maker, “Aubrey Aloysius”joining us on the Dias, who is making an exclusive Global Film-cum-Documentaryon “Life & Times” of “Shri. LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI”, Former Prime Minister of India, and his relevance as a “Role-Model” for the Youth of a “New & Self Reliant India”.
The Brochure for “3rd IPSE Awards 2017” and concurrent “PSE Conclave 2017”with In-Retrospect Background of these Prestigious “IPSE Awards”held in previous editions is attached / enclosed herewith for your ready reference.
We look forward to your “Valued & Gracious Presence” and join us in theFelicitation of the Winners of the “3rd IPSE Awards 2017 – India’s Public Sector Enterprises Awards for Excellence”.
With Warm Regards & Best Wishes,
Sd/-
R. Thiagarajan Iyer
Jury Convenor – 3rd IPSE Awards 2017
Executive Director – ENERTIA Foundation
Regional Director & Head CSR
PSE journal – MARS Media Resources
T : + 91 – 251 – 645 7245
M : +91 – 75887 13573
E : enertiafoundation@gmail.com ; ipseawards@gmail.com ; psejournal@gmail.com
Jury Convenor – 3rd IPSE Awards 2017
Executive Director – ENERTIA Foundation
Regional Director & Head CSR
PSE journal – MARS Media Resources
T : + 91 – 251 – 645 7245
M : +91 – 75887 13573
E : enertiafoundation@gmail.com ; ipseawards@gmail.com ; psejournal@gmail.com
For & On Behalf of :
Chairman, Patron-in-Chief, Co-Chairmen & Eminent Jury Members of
3rd IPSE Awards & Concurrent PSE Conclave 2017
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Weblink to “2nd IPSE Awards 2015 – India Public Sector Enterprises Awards for Excellence”
PSE Journal – Volume 2 2nd Qtr Review 2016-17 :
‘CHAMPARAN 1917: CONTEXT AND IMPACT’
The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
cordially invites you to a National Conference
cordially invites you to a National Conference
on
‘Champaran 1917: Context and Impact’
‘Champaran 1917: Context and Impact’
at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday-Friday, 27 -28 April, 2017
Seminar Room, First Floor, Library Building
Seminar Room, First Floor, Library Building
Concept Note
Gandhi came to Bihar only after continuous persuasion by Indigo cultivator Raj Kumar Shukla and Brij Kishor Prasad, but later immersed himself completely in the struggle of Indigo cultivators. Champaran is considered one of the watershed moments in India’s struggle for independence but has been largely understood in the context of its end result.It is equally important to ponder upon the strategy, that Gandhi followed and role of co-workers such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Raj Kumar Shukla, Brij Kishor Prasad, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Ramnavmi Prasad and many others. From a narrow perspective it could be said that Gandhi’s strategy comprised only serving people but from a broader viewpoint, it could be seen that Gandhi’s vision was to develop a nationwide strategy that led him to understand the social conflict which highlighted the internal asymmetry within society and how it eventually weakened the struggle against colonial rule.
The personnel struggle of liberation and regeneration of one’s own truth to reach a vantage point is of great substance in all the causes he served. But what remains to be crucial in understanding Gandhi is the missing links in locating his journey of becoming Mahatma as the world knows him. Historical presence of Gandhi in various locations and his contribution are recognized only in limited understanding. To this the Nehru Memorial Museum Library is looking forward to connect the missing links and use the occasion of Centenary Celebration of Champaran Satyagraha to organize a National Conference titled ‘Champaran 1917: Context and Impact’ on 27-28th April, 2017.
The conference majorly looks forward to emphasize upon the procedural aspects of Champran agitation. The procedural understanding would be considerably helpful in understanding the trajectory of social and political movements in India. It is also important to highlight that Champaran hold its value of being one of the first movement that led to national level fermentation of struggle against colonization. By delving into Champaran’s context we will go through the procedures which will bring new insights to help us in grappling with persisting challenges in India.
Kindly find the attached schedule of the Conference
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INDIA & CYPRUS SIGN WORK PLAN FOR COOPERATION IN AGRICULTURE
India and Cyprus today signed Work Plan for 2017-18 for cooperation in the agriculture sector. The work plan was signed after a meeting of Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh with his Cyprus counterpart Nicos Kouyialis in New Delhi.
An official release said, it covers areas such as joint research projects, training and exchange programme for scientists ,technology and promotion of private sector participation.During the meeting, Mr Singh said, the government is working not only to accelerate agricultural production to meet the rising demand for food, but also to increase the income of those dependent on agriculture.
He said, the government has set a target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and briefly highlighted the initiatives taken in this regard. Mr Singh thanked the Cyprus minister for his visit to India saying that it has provided an opportunity to further enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
ISRAELI AIR STRIKE HITS IRANIAN ARMS SUPPLY DEPOT IN DAMASCUS
Syria, Israeli air strikes hit an arms supply hub operated by the Lebanese Hezbollah group near Damascus airport where regular supplies of weapons from Tehran are sent by commercial and military cargo planes.
The source said the arms depot gets a major part of the weapons supplied to an array of Iranian backed militias, led by Hezbollah, which have thousands of fighters engaged in some of the toughest fronts against Syrian rebels.
Witnesses said a total of five strikes occurred near the Damascus airport road early today. The airport lies about 25 kilometers south-east of Syria’s capital. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the blast was huge and could be heard in Damascus. The blast was reportedly followed by a large fire. There is no word on casualties.
SC: LOKPAL BILL IS A WORKABLE PIECE OF LEGISLATION
Supreme Court today said, Lokpal Bill is a workable piece of legislation and it is not justifiable to keep its operation pending.
A bench of Justices, Ranjan Gogoi and Naveen Sinha, while referring to an earlier judgment of the apex court said, Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013 is a workable piece of legislation and it is not justifiable to keep this pending.
The apex court had reserved its verdict last month on a batch of pleas seeking the appointment of Lokpal in the country.
The plea by NGO, Common Cause had sought a direction to the Centre to make the appointment of chairperson and members of Lokpal as per the amended rules framed under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
As per the Act, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha will be part of the Lokpal selection panel. At present, there is no Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
1ST MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT POLICY FOR DEFENCE SUPPLY
1st Meeting of the Committee for Review of Public Procurement Policy for Defence Supply on 1st May, 2017.
Dear
Government has constituted the above committee to connect MSMEs with Defence Procurement and I am pleased to inform that FISME has been taken as a permanent member of the Committee.
As you may be aware, the present public procurement policy for MSMEs reserve 20% of Government purchases from MSMEs, however, defence procurement has not been included in the policy.
By this initiative Government may have started stakeholders’ consultation on the feasibility of reserving some percentage of defence purchases from MSMEs.
We request your comments and past experiences on the barriers MSMEs generally face in defence supplies.
As the meeting of the Committee is slated on 1st May, 2017, we request your inputs by 27th April, 2017
Yours faithfully,
(C S Prakash)
Chairman
MSME Defence Suppliers’ Group
IT’S A WROGN TIE-UP WITH ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
New Delhi, April 27, 2017: India’s most promising celebrity fashion and lifestyle brand WROGN is associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) as the official lifestyle clothing partner for the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League. Off field the RCB players will be seen in WROGN merchandise and while on field their caps and helmets will sport the WROGN logo.
WROGN merchandise is designed to complement the team’s playbold philosophy and makes a fearless, daring & heroic fashion statement. WROGN’s in-stadia branding will also add colour to the home ground and will augment the vibrant and lively atmosphere during the matches.
This annual association will be promoted by both partners through their digital properties; their official site and social media channels. Additionally, the brand has comprehensive plans to engage and interact with RCB fans and WROGN customersat WROGN outlets across the country. All customers of WROGN clothing will also be entitled to tickets to the RCB matches. Fans are of assured free tickets to watch live RCB matches in Bangalore by purchasing clothing /merchandise worth Rs.5000/- and above from the WROGN line.
Announcing the tie-up, Anjana Reddy, CEO, WROGN said, “T20 is the most celebrated cricket format in the world and we are excited to partner with RCB, a strong contender this season that is brimming with youth, talent and has always kept fans entertained. The WROGN brand ethos of being bold and dynamic matches that of the RCB and this partnership will give the fans and our customer’s opportunities to engage. From all of us WROGN we wish the RCB team all the very best.”
Commenting on this association, Amrit Thomas, Chairman, RCB said, “WROGN and RCB are a bold brand fit. We are excited to see RCB’s personality getting reflected through the fashionable lifestyle sensibility of WROGN. We hope to see our fans come to the stadium dressed in RCB Jersey and WROGN apparel to cheer their favourite team.”
MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISE FACILITATION COUNCIL (MSEFC) PORTAL AND MYMSME MOBILE APP LAUNCHED
On the occasion of the 15th Meeting of the National Board for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Hon’ble Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, launched two important initiatives of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), viz. Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC) portal and MyMSME Mobile App.
Key Features of Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council (MSEFC) Portal and MyMSME Mobile App
a) Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council (MSEFC) Portal
v Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC) portal expected to be a significant step in the direction of Digital India from the perspective of the MSME Sector in the country. The MSEFC portal on http://msefc.msme.gov.in, would facilitate implementation of the delayed payment provisions of the MSMED Act 2006 and also assist in monitoring of delayed payment cases.
v With the access to this platform, micro and small enterprises would be able to file their delayed payment related grievances online. The grievance filed would be communicated through email and SMS to the parties involved. It would also help officers of the Ministry of MSME as well as the State Government concerned in monitoring the progress of cases both at the State and National levels. Also, the online portal would be of great help to start-ups since delayed payment is probably the single biggest problem for start-ups.
b) MyMSME Mobile App
v MyMSME mobile app on http://my.msme.gov.in would provide information on all schemes implemented by the Ministry of MSME at one place. With the help of MyMSME mobile app Ministry of MSME would be providing one single window to MSMEs to access information on all schemes implemented by the Ministry and as well as apply for any of them. And MSMEs can also lodge grievances pertaining to Ministry of MSME through this app.
CBEC EXTENDS SERVICE TAX RETURN FILING DATE FROM APRIL 25TH 2017 TO APRIL 30TH 2017
Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) extends service tax
return filing date from April 25th 2017 to April 30th 2017
return filing date from April 25th 2017 to April 30th 2017
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-rule(4) of the Service Tax Rules, 1994, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has extended the date for submission of the form ST-3 for the period from October 1st to March 31st, 2017 from April 25th, 2017 to April 30th, 2017.
According to Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), this is a “circumstances of a special nature” for which the last date for filing is being extended as the assessees faced “intermittent difficulties” in accessing the ACES (Automation of Central Excise and Service Tax) website on April 25th 2017.
CHINA’S DEFENSE MINISTRY SAYS RESOLUTELY OPPOSED TO ANY COUNTRY SELLING ARMS TO TAIWAN
China’s Defense Ministry said on Thursday it was resolutely opposed to any country selling arms to Taiwan. Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun made the comment at a monthly news briefing in Beijing when asked on the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets from the United States to Taiwan. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said earlier on Thursday that Taiwan may need to buy the F-35s, the most advanced stealth jet the United States has.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said it was pointless discussing at a summit of Southeast Asian leaders China’s building of artificial islands in the South China Sea, and no one dared pressure Beijing anyway. Duterte told reporters it was also not worth discussing with counterparts of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) last year’s international arbitration ruling, which invalidated China’s claim to most of the South China Sea. He said the Philippines, which is ASEAN chair this year, could not alone force China to abide by it. The summit will be held this week.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged an end to US-South Korean military maneuvers Wednesday as well as a stop to North Korea’s nuclear program to calm tensions on the peninsula. He said Pyongyang’s continuing nuclear tests were “a clear violation of UN resolutions,” but stressed that persisting with military maneuvers around the peninsula “is not in the spirit of the resolutions either.” Security and stability “are very fragile at the moment and the danger is great of a new conflict breaking out at any time,” Wang said at a joint press conference with German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel.
VINOD KHANNA IS NO MORE
VinodKhanna is no more. The reactions from friends, colleagues, admirers pour in, with the news of his death spread across social media. He was not keeping well for some time and was hospitalized in April & breathed his last today. His extended family members lost hope from last couple of days due to his deteriorating health conditions and were too perturbed. Most of his family members were in business the brother and sister family. Actor entertained millions of his fans. He was member of Lok Sabha passes away today at 11:20 AM.
Actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna, a four-time MP from Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat in Punjab, was popularly known as “Sardar of bridges” for connecting remote villages in his constituency. 70-year-old Khanna died of bladder cancer at a hospital in Mumbai today.
Khanna, a sitting Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab, was recently admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Girgaon, Mumbai,career spanning over five decades. Considered as one of the most powerful and debonair actor, Khanna started off as a villain and went on to become a star as a leading man in dozens of films including Mere Apne, Amar Akbar Anthony, Khoon Pasina, Parvarish, Insaaf, Muqaddar ka Sikandar, Qurbani and Satyamev Jayaate. In the 1980s, at the peak of his career, he quit films to join Osho’s ashram.
The handsome star was born in a Punjabi family to Kamla and Kishanchand Khanna, a textiles, dyes and chemicals businessman, on 6 October 1946, in Peshawar. Shortly after his birth, India was partitioned and the family left Peshawar and came to Mumbai.
As the news of his death spread, his constituency went into a state of mourning. Suave and easy to mingle with voters, Khanna was always a crowd puller in his constituency.
He even bought a house in the region so that he could have easy access to the people of his constituency. He had demanded a special package for border districts to create employment opportunities and promote adventure and spiritual tourism in his border constituency during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
He even bought a house in the region so that he could have easy access to the people of his constituency. He had demanded a special package for border districts to create employment opportunities and promote adventure and spiritual tourism in his border constituency during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Actor joined BJP, Khanna was fielded from Gurdaspur parliamentary seat in 1998. He met the expectations of the saffron party when he unseated veteran Congress leader and five-time MP Sukhbuns Kaur Bhinder with a handsome margin. Khanna, who appeared in over 140 films, including “Haath ki Safai”, “Hera Pheri” and “Muqaddar Ka Sikander”, again trounced Bhinder in 1999 and 2004 Lok Sabha polls.
However, he had to taste defeat in 2009 Lok Sabha elections when he was defeated by Congress candidate Partap Singh Bajwa. Khanna took his ‘sweet revenge’ in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when he thrashed Bajwa with a margin of over 1.30 lakh votes.
Vinod Khanna’s mortal remains are to the Worli crematorium.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu has condoled the demise of veteran actor and BJP MP Vinod Khanna.
Mr. Naidu said, he is pained by the sad demise of Vinod Khanna. He said, he was hoping that Khanna will recover.
The Minister said, the film industry has lost a good actor and the BJP, a good parliamentarian.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has expressed grief over the demise of actor turned politician Vinod Khanna. He described him as a great actor and a gentleman politician.
BJP President Amit Shah has condoled the passing away of Vinod Khanna. In a series of tweets, Mr. Shah said with demise of Khanna the country has not only lost an actor par excellence but an outstanding politician. He said it is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema and the BJP.
The BJP Chief said the actor will remain in people hearts through his peerless acting and service as a Parliamentarian.
Arun Jaitleyarunjaitley
Condolences on sad demise of veteran actor & BJP MP Shri #VinodKhanna ji, may God render peace to the departed soul & solace to his family.
Sad to learn about the passing away of #VinodKhanna Sir,one of the most charismatic actors…truly end of an era.Condolences to the family![🙏🏻]( "Person with folded hands (light skin tone)")
As a mark of respect to our beloved #VinodKhanna the entire team of Baahubali has decided to cancel the premiere tonight: Karan Johar
Great actor, successful politician, worthy senior and a dear friend – can’t believe #VinodKhanna ji is no more. May his soul rest in peace.
Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi has condoled the sad demise of veteran film actor and Member of Parliament, Shri Vinod Khanna.
Remembering him as a gifted actor who dominated the silver screen with his outstanding persona, She said that Vinodji had a rare and profound influence over the masses by his simple and charismatic character.
In this hour of grief Smt Gandhi has expressed solidarity with Shri Khanna’s family and prayed for the departed soul.
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MANY KILLED IN KYRGYZ LANDSLIDE
Kyrgyzstan, 24 people were killed in a landslide that swept over houses in a village in the south of the country early today.
Nine of the dead include children. An initial statement by Emergencies ministry reported that four people had died and at least 20 were missing.
MILLION REGISTERED COMPANIES NOT FILING RETURNS
The winding up procedure of private and Public limited are so stringent that the authorities may be including companies which are obsolete with technology outdated or government policy has turned the business of many companies to go inert need to classifies as most the MSME and big companies don’t file their income tax returns as there is no business and business activities are not happening or being stopped due to many reasons thus when within ten years no return is filed an Directors has given in writing that company has gone defunct then those companies must obviously be its artificial person designation may be written off from the ROC name clause. These small exercise can reduce the number of registered companies not filing returns. This matter was brought to the notice of Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State DONER (IC), PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Government of India.
This matter pertains with Finance Minister and Minister of Company affairs but the companies which go defunct due to technology defunct or change in policy of the government or certain notification then those companies when go inert then those companies need to be given creamy defunct status and within three year of their non filing of returns and business winding up must be made easy and fast.
Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia has said that as many as 8-9 lakh registered companies not filing annual returns with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, are a potential source of money laundering.
Speaking at the Enforcement Day event in New Delhi today, Mr Adhia said, the task force set up by PMO is monitoring these companies every 15 days. He said, some of these companies have been given notices.
NICOLAS DUPONT ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR LE PEN
French presidential candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan announced today his support for right-winger Marine Le Pen and said he had signed a pact with her on a future government. Dupont-Aignan is the leader of the right-wing Debout la France (France Arise) party. He was knocked out of the presidential race after winning 4.7 percent of votes in the first round.
Marine Le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron came out on top in the first tour. Dupont-Aignan said that under the governance deal with Le Pen his policy proposals would be incorporated in her campaign. He also branded her rival Macron as a lobbyist of financiers and media.
50TH YEAR OF ADB
As you all know, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the multilateral bank based in Manila, Philippines, is celebrating 50 years of its establishment this year.
In the Asia-Pacific region, ADB has come up as the third largest source of financial investment, after the World Bank and Govt. of Japan. India is a founding member of ADB. From a mere total lending of $3 billion inits first decade (1966-76), ADB has grown to$123 billion dollars lending institution in the last decade.These lending were used to make mega projects across the countries, including India, resulting in serious loss of livelihood, displacement, irreversible damage caused to water, forest, land and community life wrought by its very concept of development and irresponsible and opaque investment.
The ADB actively propagated three main achievements in its 2015 Report:
(i) that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Asia-Pacific countries is one third of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the world,
(ii) an infant born in Asia today, shall live 25 years longer compared with the person born in 1960, and
(iii) in 2016 there would be a record loan of 8.3 billion in the private sector.
Furthermore, the Report claimed that the carbon emission in this area has been reduced to the half of the emission in the world.
The mid-term Survey of Strategy 2015 and 2020 of the ADB has however admitted that the Asia and Pacific region have been facing increasing inequalities in income and access to socio-economic opportunities. Increasing investment in infrastructural projects has failed in providing social security to the marginalized sections which includes labourers and women.
The mid-term Survey of Strategy 2015 and 2020 of the ADB has however admitted that the Asia and Pacific region have been facing increasing inequalities in income and access to socio-economic opportunities. Increasing investment in infrastructural projects has failed in providing social security to the marginalized sections which includes labourers and women.
While the official celebrations of 50 years will happen in Yokohama city, Japan from May 4-7, people’s movements and other civil society organisations in India have decided to hold over 50 actions of protest in different parts of the country, challenging the narrative of ADB about the successes of their lending and highlighting the enormous damage the lending has caused to people and environment.
ADB is only one of the many international financial institutions (IFIs) promoting a distorted development model. The World Bank, its private sector arm International Finance Corporation, the newly formed Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank and New Development Bank are other multilateral development banks investing in India. Apart from that bilateral institutions like Exim banks and foreign private banks invest in projects here.
The 50+ actions during the occasion of ADB’s 50 years is an opportunity to highlight the unsustainable model of lending by these undemocratic institutions. Further, the lack of transparency and accountability of them and the immunity that they enjoy in every country they invest are issues these 50+ actions are raising.
While Peoples’ Forum Against ADB, a platform of people’s movements and civil society organisations working on the impacts of international financing, is the one coordinating these 50+ events, the actions are organised by local organisations in a manner which is relevant to them, to highlight their struggles / issues and seek transparency and accountability from IFIs.
Apart from their investments these institutions have influenced to make changes policies of the government. Privatization of commons and public services are now beyond the reach of the public and regulation by democratic institutions have been weakened. In many states basic facilities like water and electricity have been privatized, and in this ADB and other IFIs have major contribution.
Whether it is ADB/World Bank or any public sector bank of the country,all financial institutions run on public money directly or indirectly. It is hard earned money of the public which has been invested in the banks or insurance companies.The banks have in turn loaned lakhs of crores rupees of public funds to mainly private companies, at cheap interest rates, which is basically money of the public being utilized for the devastating the people themselves.
Friends,we have to demand accountability from these institutions for their irresponsible and opaque investments of our money. The 50th year of ADB is an opportune moment to spread the struggle against financial institutions, international banks and the neo-liberal economic development model in general, all of which have failed the people completely.
During the 39th Annual Meeting of ADB in the year 2006 at Hyderabad, more than 100 trade unions, NGOs, social movements came together and a parallel Summit was organised to oppose ADB’s policies. The collective effort progressed with the formation of People’s Forum Against ADB which includes many member organisations from India and other Asian countries. This year, the protest actions are spread across the country against the increasing imprints of ADB’s inequitable and unjust development model. The actions planned at different places has overwhelmingly reached over 100 which were planned initially at 50 places, some planned by NAPM friends and comrades. The support and enthusiasm that is still prevalent among the people of the country resisting the attacks of financial institutions on their life and livelihood along with other issues will only motivate us to strengthen this struggle. We need to stand by them and show our solidarity.
We believe more friends of NAPM will participate and plan this kind of protest actions and strengthen the spirit of our other comrades. Hence let us raise our voice against the increasing attack on our fundamental rights and repression supported by these financial institutions. Let us participate in the resistance at local, regional, state and national level campaigns. Share your message of resistance on Facebook and Twitter through photos and videos and let’s make IFIs accountable.
Email: wgonifis@gmail.com | Phone: 011-49123696
Web: http://wgonifis.net/ | Twitter @wgonifis
Facebook @ wgonifis#BetterOffWithoutADB
Web: http://wgonifis.net/ | Twitter @wgonifis
Facebook @ wgonifis#BetterOffWithoutADB
NEW BEIJING DIGITAL ART INSTITUTE TO PREPARE GAMES STUDENTS FOR ABERTAY UNIVERSITY<
A state-of-the-art new learning space will prepare Chinese computer games students for one of the world’s top postgraduate courses at Abertay University.
Abertay Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Seaton attended the unveiling of the new Pixseed Institute of Digital Art in Beijing, where students will train for five months before coming to Dundee to join the University’s MProf Games Development programme.
The visit on Thursday followed the signing of a cooperation agreement between Abertay and school owner Perfect World Education in December, with a view to furthering collaboration and cultural exchange between the two countries’ games sectors.
Pixseed opens as Abertay celebrates 20 years since becoming the first University in the world to offer computer games degrees, with a programme of events running on campus in Dundee throughout the year.
And just last month, Abertay’s MProf course was ranked inside the world’s top ten games courses by the prestigious Princeton Review, while undergraduate courses were rated best in Europe.
Prof Seaton said the five-month Master of Professional Practice in Games Development Orientation Programme (MPPOP) in Beijing would provide Chinese students with the ideal preparation for entering Abertay.
He added: “Pixseed is a fantastic resource and acts as a tangible marker of the growing collaboration between Abertay University and Perfect World, as well as reflecting the strength of collaboration between the UK and China in Higher Education.
“Abertay’s MProf programme was recently ranked in the global top ten for postgraduate computer games courses, indicating the outstanding quality of teaching and support that students joining us from Beijing can expect to receive.
“I am confident that the creative industries of both countries are well placed for further success as we continue to share our talent and expertise, and to grow together.”
Pixseed is a talent incubator that focuses on digital art fields such as games, comics and animation, TV and movies to cultivate talent in design, research and development and management.
All courses will use classic games as case studies in teaching and practicing and students will get internship opportunities in Perfect World Education and its affiliated companies, as well as other enterprises.
Pixseed was unveiled during a ceremony attended by President of Perfect World Education Investment Co. Ltd Wang Yuyun and representatives from the Chinese games and animation industry.
Wang Yuyun said: “We have experience in judging the job market and we know how to train a suitable talent.
“And more importantly, we are able to integrate top-class digital innovation education resources from across the world, and that is why we are fully confident in the future of Pixseed.”
The MPPOP is Perfect World’s first education programme and the company is focusing on developing talent with an international outlook for the Chinese market.
M6.8 – MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
| Magnitude | 6.8 |
| Date-Time |
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| Location | 5.477N 125.084E |
| Depth | 41 km |
| Distances |
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VITAMIN D AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WITH TV STAR ANUP SONI GOES VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
New Delhi / National, April 28, 2017: VitaminDguru.com, the popular website promoting awareness of Vitamin D recently launched its awareness campaign with TV star Anup Soni across social media. The awareness campaign has been released online across VitaminDguru.com’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and other social media channels to a phenomenal response by the viewers. The films have racked up total views of over 2.5 lakhs in the brief time since the launch.
A delighted Anup Soni said, “I am thrilled to be associated with such a noble cause. This campaign highlighting the importance of Vitamin D and various serious outcomes associated with its deficiency has reached so many people in such a short time! I hope that the films will create awareness about the problems caused by deficiency of Vitamin D and would lead the viewers to take appropriate steps.”
This series of films in this social awareness initiative has Anup Soni, the popular TV star from serials like ‘Balika Vadhu’ and ‘CID’, who is currently anchoring the reality crime TV serials ‘Crime Patrol’, informing viewers about the importance of Vitamin D, its prevailing deficiency among people and the health issues resulting from it.
In the first film, Anup Soni has highlighted the fact that every day, crores of people are committing a crime on their body by not being aware that they can be suffering from deficiency of Vitamin D. The second film has him shocked about the fact that over 90% of Indians have Vitamin D deficiency. In the third film, Anup Soni informs viewers to be aware of the possibility that 4 out of 5 members of their families can be deficient in Vitamin D, especially in growing children and senior citizens.
This is Vitamin D Guru’s first awareness campaign that has Anup Soni, a leading TV star in taking the message about Vitamin D deficiency to the public. Vitamin D deficiency is a looming problem for society and the financial burden arising from the problems related to it needs to be addressed and create awareness. This campaign will reach out to the public and help them to be aware of and battle Vitamin D deficiency which is a silent threat.”
The public service films are based on scientific and medical research available that show the harmful effects of deficiency of Vitamin D with the aim of creating awareness of the importance of Vitamin D in the general population and make the viewers conscious of the harmful effects of its deficiency.
The films can be viewed on –
Film 1
Film 2
About Vitamin D Guru
Vitamin D Guru is a public service initiative started in 2014. Over the past two years, with its digital arm www.vitamindguru.com, the initiative has continuously provided educational and awareness related information with respect to the importance of Vitamin D and the harmful effects which may be caused due to its deficiency. Vitamin D (commonly known as the “the sunshine vitamin”) is important for good overall health and strong and healthy bones amongst a host of other health benefits. A significant population globally is Vitamin D deficient or insufficient hence its awareness is of paramount importance.
GAURAV GILL SPEEDS UP FOR EARLY LEAD DURING APRC 2017 ROUND 1 IN WHANGAREI
New Delhi, April 28, 2017: India’s Gaurav Gill of Team MRF Tyres, the defending champion, put the hammer down with a scorching night run of the Super Special Stage and led team-mate Ole Christian Veiby by 2.5 seconds as the International Rally of Whangarei, the first round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship got underway here on Friday.
Gill along with co-driver Stephane Prevot came up with an imperious drive during the two loops of the 1Km long Super Special Stage that was also used for the morning’s shakedown where APRC debutant Veiby was the quickest. However, in the night run, it was Gill all the way as he clocked one minute, 49.2 seconds while Veiby had 01:51.7, well clear of third placed Jan Ketomaa (Ville Mannisenmaki) of Mpart Sport (01:52.9).
After the shakedown session, Gill expressed satisfaction even as he shrugged off Veiby being quicker than him, albeit by five-tenths of a second, and reiterated his confidence going into the new APRC season after having dominated last year when he won all six rounds of the championship.
“I am hoping it would rain tomorrow, not much, but just enough so that it will help us. Our MRF tyres have been working well and a bit of rain will be to our advantage,” said Gill during the pre-event press conference that followed the shakedown session.
The picture-postcard beautiful region did experience mild showers in the afternoon, but the skies cleared by the time the Super Special Stage commenced after the ceremonial flag-off.
With a cushion of 2.5 seconds, Gill hopes to build on the early momentum on Saturday when the rally moves north to run two loops of four Special Stages which the two-times champion is only too familiar with unlike Veiby, a regular in the World Rally Championship–2, and who is breaking new ground in this regional series.
Provisional classification (after Super Special Stage): 1. Gaurav Gill / Stephane Prevot (Team MRF Tyres, Skoda Fabia R5) (1min, 49.2secs); 2. Ole Christian Veiby / Stig Rune Skjærmoen (Team MRF Tyres, Skoda Fabia R5) (01:51.7); 3. Jan Ketomaa / Ville Mannisenmaki (Mpart Sport, Mitsubishi Mirage) (01:52.9).
ADR’S 13TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL REFORMS
Punjab and Haryana Election Watch to Host ADR’s 13th Annual National Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms
Chandigarh, April 28th, 2017: Punjab & Haryana Election Watch (P&H EW) today announced the 13th Annual National Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms of Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) at a Press Conference held at Press Club, Chandigarh. This two-day event will be held on April 29th and 30th, 2017 at the Golden Jubilee Hall, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Mr. Jaskirat Singh, trustee ADR and Mr. Parvinder Singh Kittna, state coordinator Punjab Election Watch (PEW) gave an overview of the two reports which were being presented at the press conference. At the Press Conference, two reports (attached) were released on ‘Analysis of Election Expenditure Statements of MLAs Punjab Assembly Elections, 2017’ and ‘Analysis of Sources of Funding of Major Political Parties of Punjab FY 2004-05 to 2014-15 (11 years)’.
Discussing the report, Prof Trilochan Sastry, Founder Trustee, ADR & NEW, said “voters should not vote for candidates who try to bribe them for votes as they will only be focusing on getting that money back and more, once they are elected. Prof. Sastry informed the press that there needs to be a systematic change in the way political parties function today. They have to be 100 percent transparent and accountable and the right step in moving towards that direction would be for the political parties to adhere to the CIC ruling and come under the ambit of the RTI.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. Nasim Zaidi, will be inaugurating the National Conference and will give the key note address as the Chief Guest on 29th April, 2017. Representatives of the National Election Watch from each state chapter, members of political parties, government institutions and academicians will be present to deliberate on issues related to electoral and political reform in the country.
LUV-KUSH RAMLILA BOLLYWOOD ACTORS TO REVEAL THEIR RAMLEELA CHARACTERS
PRESS INVITATION
LuvKush Ramlila Committee cordially invites
You to attend the cover of Press conference and to share
with you the uniqueness of
with you the uniqueness of
LUV-KUSH RAMLILA
(Bollywood actors to reveal their Ramleela characters)
(Bollywood actors to reveal their Ramleela characters)
Guests:
– Manoj Tiwari (BJP President & Bhojpuri Superstar)
– Anup Jalota (Singer & Musician)
– Asrani (film actor)
– Shankar Sahni (Singer)
– Ashok Aggarwal (Chairman of Ramlila Committee)
Time : 11:30 a.m.
Date : 30th April, 2017 (Sunday)
Venue : Constitution Club of India, Rafi Marg
Date : 30th April, 2017 (Sunday)
Venue : Constitution Club of India, Rafi Marg
NEW BEIJING DIGITAL ART INSTITUTE TO PREPARE GAMES STUDENTS FOR ABERTAY UNIVERSITY
A state-of-the-art new learning space will prepare Chinese computer games students for one of the world’s top postgraduate courses at Abertay University.
Abertay Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Seaton attended the unveiling of the new Pixseed Institute of Digital Art in Beijing, where students will train for five months before coming to Dundee to join the University’s MProf Games Development programme.
The visit on Thursday followed the signing of a cooperation agreement between Abertay and school owner Perfect World Education in December, with a view to furthering collaboration and cultural exchange between the two countries’ games sectors.
Pixseed opens as Abertay celebrates 20 years since becoming the first University in the world to offer computer games degrees, with a programme of events running on campus in Dundee throughout the year.
And just last month, Abertay’s MProf course was ranked inside the world’s top ten games courses by the prestigious Princeton Review, while undergraduate courses were rated best in Europe.
Prof Seaton said the five-month Master of Professional Practice in Games Development Orientation Programme (MPPOP) in Beijing would provide Chinese students with the ideal preparation for entering Abertay.
He added: “Pixseed is a fantastic resource and acts as a tangible marker of the growing collaboration between Abertay University and Perfect World, as well as reflecting the strength of collaboration between the UK and China in Higher Education.
“Abertay’s MProf programme was recently ranked in the global top ten for postgraduate computer games courses, indicating the outstanding quality of teaching and support that students joining us from Beijing can expect to receive.
“I am confident that the creative industries of both countries are well placed for further success as we continue to share our talent and expertise, and to grow together.”
Pixseed is a talent incubator that focuses on digital art fields such as games, comics and animation, TV and movies to cultivate talent in design, research and development and management.
All courses will use classic games as case studies in teaching and practicing and students will get internship opportunities in Perfect World Education and its affiliated companies, as well as other enterprises.
Pixseed was unveiled during a ceremony attended by President of Perfect World Education Investment Co. Ltd Wang Yuyun and representatives from the Chinese games and animation industry.
Wang Yuyun said: “We have experience in judging the job market and we know how to train a suitable talent.
“And more importantly, we are able to integrate top-class digital innovation education resources from across the world, and that is why we are fully confident in the future of Pixseed.”
The MPPOP is Perfect World’s first education programme and the company is focusing on developing talent with an international outlook for the Chinese market.
CAIT PLANS TO LAUNCH DIGITAL RATH
CAIT plans to launch Digital Rath for faster adoption of GST and Digital Payments
~~Digi Varta National Campaign to be launched on May 01, 2017~~
New Delhi, April 28, 2017: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) plans to launch a Digital Rath for encouraging adoption of GST & digital payment among trading community & other verticals of non-corporate sector. This would be a part of its 60 days “Digi Varta” national campaign, to be launched in the Country on 1st May, 2017 which will continue till 30 June, 2017. The announcement was made at a two days National Conference of trade leaders held at New Delhi which concluded today. Payment technology global major MasterCard, lead bankers of the Country HDFC Bank & Tally Solutions Limited, premier Accounting Software Company of India shall be part of the Digi Varta Campaign. More than 150 prominent trade leaders from 27 States & Union Territories attended the Conference.
CAIT National President Mr. B.C.Bhartia said that the campaign will help traders to adopt digital payments and meet the deadline of July 1, 2017 to transit from the current taxation system to the new Goods & Service Tax (GST) regime. To enable small enterprises realise the benefits of digitalisation and adopt technology at a fast pace 6 Zonal Conferences will be held at New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur, Banglore & Guwahati will be held followed State level Conferences in each State. The campaign will include market camps, seminars and workshops to be organised in close vicinity of small traders by Master Trainers* being trained by CAIT in association with its partners.
CAIT Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal informed that a special feature of this campaign will be the introduction of a “DIGITAL RATH” to be continuously driven through various geographies of the country to educate and empower small business and the trading community on enhanced adoption of digital payments and consequently realise seamless transition to GST tax regime, benefitting last mile delivery of key objectives of the Union Government.
Both Mr. Bhartia & Mr. Khandelwal further said that through the launch of this national campaign in association with Mastercard, HDFC Bank and Tally Solutions, we strive to provide GST related hardware and software, financed through a special loan to help small businesses embrace digital payments and GST taxation system. CAIT stays committed to redress the challenges being faced by our traders including education amongst traders, incentives for adoption of technology, availability of affordable tools etc. to trigger transition to modernise business operations and procedures, benefitting industry at large.”
*About Master Trainers
CAIT, in association with Mastercard, launched a campaign in the year 2015 to train trade leaders as “Master Trainers” and has organised more than 100 training conferences in 2015 and 2016, including workshops in over 30 cities across the country through which they were successful in reaching out to over 5 lakh traders. This was further expanded with CAIT’s partnership with Tally Solutions and launch of “Mission GST” in the year 2016 under which more than 5,000 trade leaders were educated and empowered across the country as master trainers to further impart knowledge of GST in their respective states and cities.
‘INDIA AND THE WORLD: FROM IDEALISM TO REALPOLITIK ‘
NMML Invitation_’India and the World: From Idealism to Realpolitik ‘_Ms. Suhasini Haidar_ 03.00 pm
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PM ON THE MANN KI BAAT PROGRAMME,
PM about the Mann Ki Baat programme, Mr Modi said, Government makes detailed analysis of the inputs received for the programme. He said, maximum number of people who have sent suggestions for the programme have done something in their life. He also thanked the people for giving suggestions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, is not only limited to the confines of India but also it applies to the global context too. In his 31st edition of Mann Ki Baat programme in All India Radio, Mr Modi said neighbouring countries be with India in its journey and they may develop equally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, is not only limited to the confines of India but also it applies to the global context too. In his 31st edition of Mann Ki Baat programme in All India Radio, Mr Modi said neighbouring countries be with India in its journey and they may develop equally.
The Prime minister said, on coming Friday, India will launch the South Asia Satellite which will go a long way in addressing South Asia’s economic and developmental priorities, Natural resources mapping, tele medicine, in the field of education, deeper IT connectivity and fostering people to people contact. He said, this satellite will prove to be a boon in the progress of the entire region. It is an important step by India to enhance co-operation with the entire South Asia as it is an invaluable gift.
Speaking on getting rid of VIP hegemony, Mr Modi said, the exit of the red beacon through a government decision is part of a system and efforts should be to cleanse it out of the minds. He said, if people collectively strive to do it with eternal vigilance, it surely can be flushed out.
Speaking on getting rid of VIP hegemony, Mr Modi said, the exit of the red beacon through a government decision is part of a system and efforts should be to cleanse it out of the minds. He said, if people collectively strive to do it with eternal vigilance, it surely can be flushed out.
The Prime Minister said, the concept of New India precisely is that in place of Very Important Person, VIP, more priority should be accorded to EPI that is Every Person is important. He said, every person has his or her own importance and every person possesses a sagacious aura, in a unique manner.
Prime minister stressed to warmly accept the importance of a hundred and twenty five crore countrymen.
Appealing to the youth, Mr Modi asked them do something out of the box. He said, they must try new places, new experiences and new skills. The Prime Minister urged them to try to experience and satiate the curiosity on any subject during the summer vacation.
Appealing to the youth, Mr Modi asked them do something out of the box. He said, they must try new places, new experiences and new skills. The Prime Minister urged them to try to experience and satiate the curiosity on any subject during the summer vacation.
He said, dreams of big achievements in life is a good thing and it is good to have some purpose in life. He said, the youth must achieve their goals but they also self-evaluate whether the human element within themselves is getting frustrated, and they are we not moving away from the human qualities.
TRUMP: FRESH ATTACK ON MEDIA
US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on the media during a rally marking 100 days in office. He told supporters in Pennsylvania that he was keeping one promise after another, dismissing criticism as fake news by out of touch journalists.
On climate change, the US President said, a big decision will be taken within the next two weeks. He earlier described climate change as a hoax, vowing to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement. Ahead of the speech, tens of thousands took part in protests across the US against the Trump administration’s stance on climate change.
Mr Trump decided to skip the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He is the first US leader to miss the annual event since Ronald Reagan in 1981.
US & SOUTH KOREA FOAL EAGLE
South Korea and the US wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills today, but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered dire threats from North Korea.
Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running sky high for weeks, with signs that the North might be preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear test and with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response.
The massive “Foal Eagle” drill, ended as scheduled and it involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops.
Another annual joint exercise known as Key Resolve ended last month. Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature, despite Pyongyang’s claims that they are provocative rehearsals for invasion.US aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, kicked off a joint drill with the South Korean navy yesterday. The exercise began amidst tensions over North Korea’s latest test-fire of a ballistic missile.
A defence Ministry spokesman said the drill came hours after the North launched a ballistic missile in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons ambitions.
A defence Ministry spokesman said the drill came hours after the North launched a ballistic missile in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons ambitions.
He said the drill is aimed at verifyig the allies’ capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles. He declined to clarify how long the drill would last, but Yonhap news agency said it is expected to continue until sometime next week.
The drill will also include a live-fire exercise and anti-submarine manoeuvres.
It would mark the USS Carl Vinson’s second operation in South Korean waters in less than two months amid heightened military tensions in Korea. In March, the aircraft carrier carried out annual joint drills.
Earlier this week, the US carrier had joint drills with Japan’s naval forces. North Korea’s state media has said the North’s military is capable of sinking the aircraft carrier with a single strike.
US aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, kicked off a joint drill with the South Korean navy yesterday. The exercise began amidst tensions over North Korea’s latest test-fire of a ballistic missile.
A defence Ministry spokesman said the drill came hours after the North launched a ballistic missile in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons ambitions.
He said the drill is aimed at verifyig the allies’ capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles. He declined to clarify how long the drill would last, but Yonhap news agency said it is expected to continue until sometime next week.
The drill will also include a live-fire exercise and anti-submarine manoeuvres.
It would mark the USS Carl Vinson’s second operation in South Korean waters in less than two months amid heightened military tensions in Korea. In March, the aircraft carrier carried out annual joint drills.
Earlier this week, the US carrier had joint drills with Japan’s naval forces. North Korea’s state media has said the North’s military is capable of sinking the aircraft carrier with a single strike.
BOLLYWOOD STARS BACK AGAIN FOR THE BIGGEST RAMLEELA OF THE YEAR!
Finally the preparation of Delhi’s biggest Luv Kush Ramleela for this year has given a head start, with the graceful presence of b’town stars Manoj Tiwari, Anup Jalota and Shankar Sahni.
In a Press Conference held in Delhi, President of Luv Kush Ramleela, Ashok Agrarwal revealed that this year the Ramleela play will be bigger than ever as most of the prominent personalities from the Bollywood industry will turn up on the stage in different characters, he said, “finally the preparation of Ramleela is started for this year. And I am sure it will take place in a big manner. We are going to release the entire information of LuvKush Ramleela on our official website. And in comparison with last year, Ramleela is going to be showcased with more enthusiasm. Well, I am heartily thankful to the entire team of LuvKush Ramleela for making it possible on such a huge way.”
As per the characters revealed, Manoj Tiwari will portray the role of Angad, Anup Jalota will be Kevat, Shankar Sahni Raja Dashrath. Manoj Tiwari felt energetic for Ramleela, he said, “firstly, a abig thanks to Ashok Aggarwal, the Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota ji, my brother Shankar Sahni and the entire team of LuvKush Ramleela committee. Through this Ramleela we will take Lord Ram in each and every house. As per actor and politician, I will make sure Ramleela will be highlighted in a huge platform not only in Delhi but everywhere. As i feel deep connection with Ramleela, I am blessed that I get such a precious role.
On the other hand Anup Jalota mesmerised everyone by singing bit lines from Ramleela and shared his joyful thoughts for being the part of Ramleela this year, he said, “I feel blessed that LuvKush Ramleela Committee gave me chance to play as Kevat. I am expecting God and people’s love and support, through which I can give good performance for the same.”
The 40 year old Luv Kush Ramleela will be showcased from 21st September till 1st October, 2017.
SHIV KAPUR TRIUMPHS AT YEANGDER HERITAGE
Shiv Kapur triumphs at Yeangder Heritage, ends 11-year title drought in Asia
Kapur produces a sensational final round 64 to clinch victory
Miaoli, Chinese Taipei, April 30, 2017: Shiv Kapur’s excruciatingly long wait for a second Asian Tour title finally ended at the inaugural Yeangder Heritage on Sunday.
Kapur (71-70-67-64), who had won his previous and only Asian Tour event in his rookie season back in 2005, came home the winner by two shots at the National Golf Country Club in Miaoli, Chinese Taipei, with a sensational bogey-free final round of eight-under-64 that saw him end up with a total of 16-under-272.
Malaysian Gavin Green and Korean Yikeun Chang finished joint runners-up at 14-under-274 at the US$300,000 event.
The 35-year-old Kapur, who began the day in tied third, two off the lead, put together eight birdies in round four, including five on the last seven holes, to register the tournament’s lowest single round score of 64 en route his victory.
Interestingly, Shiv birdied the par-five 13th hole for four consecutive days. The 2002 Asian Games gold medallist also closed out the match in style, holing a tricky seven feet downhill birdie putt on the 18th.
Kapur, who had won two European Challenge Tour events in 2013, now has four international titles to his credit. His winner’s cheque of US$54,000 from the Yeangder Heritage has pushed him up from 21st to 13th place in the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Shiv said, “This win means a lot to me. Honestly it hasn’t sunk in yet because I’m still in a bit of a daze. It has been a frustrating last couple of years so it is nice to be back where I belong. There are so many good talents on the Asian Tour and it is getting harder and harder to win each year.
“There is a certain calmness on the golf course. It think that helped me and it also helped because I was not playing in the last group. That gave me an opportunity to just go and make birdies. I looked at the leaderboard on the 17th hole and I was already 15-under and two ahead.
“I came close on 17 and hit a great drive and second shot on the 18th hole. I had a downhill seven feet birdie putt on the last and made that. I can look back and say I did this right but you need some luck to win.”
In September last year, Kapur went for a liver surgery and returned in mid-December after resting for three months. Before the surgery, he lost his European Tour card.
Kapur added, “I really struggled last year. I came back from a liver surgery in September and was lying on a hospital bed. It was frustrating because you couldn’t play. Now I’ve come back after six months and to win the way I did is satisfying. When you are away from the game, it gives you doubts about yourself especially when things are not going your way. This win comes at the right time.”
Kapur, who was named the Asian Tour Rookie of the Year in 2005, soon after winning his first Asian Tour title in December that year, said, “It has been a long time since I won on the Asian Tour. It has been such a long wait but you tend to appreciate it more. You will have questions and doubts from yourself and other people but I answered those questions more to myself than anybody else with this win.
“After you haven’t won for so long, you might think that the best is behind you. When I first won, I was in my early 20s as well and the older guys were chasing me down. Now I’m the old guy! I played with Gavin Green in the third round and I can’t talk enough about what a great player he is. Today I played with two young Thai players so there is a lot of talent on the Asian Tour.
“It is becoming harder and harder to win. The young kids come into tournaments to win. They come through the ADT system and that’s such a great platform for them to learn how to win. When they come out on the Asian Tour, it is not a big surprise to them anymore.”
Congratulating Shiv on his well-deserved victory, Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, said, “We at the PGTI congratulate Shiv for his win at the Yeangder Heritage. The victory is a result of his dedication and perseverance. We look forward to seeing him win many more titles in the years to come.”
Sujjan Singh (67) and Himmat Rai (71) were the next best Indians as they claimed tied 22nd at five-under-283.
Among the other Indians in the field, Chikkarangappa (68) finished tied 27th at four-under-284, Khalin Joshi (70) bagged tied 39th at two-under-286, Rahil Gangjee (70) was tied 52nd at two-over-290 and Chiragh Kumar (77) ended tied 60th at five-over-293.
VEIBY GRABS LEAD AS GILL SUFFERS DAMPER ISSUES
Whangarei (New Zealand), April 29: India’s Gaurav Gill of Team MRF Tyres, struggling with an errant damper, saw his slender advantage vanish as team-mate Ole Christian Veiby from Norway literally splashed his way to a 33.2-second lead in the International Rally of Whangarei which is also the first round of the 2017 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, here on Saturday that marked by heavy rains in the afternoon.
Gill (co-driver Stephane Prevot), the reigning APRC champion and Veiby (Stig Rune Skjærmoen) were locked in a thrilling and close battle through the morning. Delhi-based Gill, winner here last year, led Veiby by just 1.7 seconds on completion of four of the day’s eight Special Stages, one of which was cancelled in the afternoon following an accident that blocked the route.
On the second loop of the same Stages in the afternoon, Gill encountered problems with the front dampers that led to lack of grip, while in contrast, Veiby had a flawless run that helped him not only move to the front, but also finish the day with a sizeable lead.
With another 108 Kms spread over six Special Stages to be run on Sunday and more rains forecast, Veiby and Gill, both piloting the Skoda Fabia R5, are way ahead of the field. Third-placed Jari Ketomaa (Ville Mannisenmaki), in a Mitsubishi Mirage, trails Gill by one minute, 42.5 seconds as Team MRF Tyres eye a possible 1-2 finish.
Reflecting on his day’s performance, Veiby who started with a 2.5-second deficit following Friday night’s Super Special Stage, said: “We started at a comfortable pace initially, but stepped up the speed in the second loop. I particularly enjoyed the long Stages which were amazing and I could make time on Gill, but he was quicker on the shorter tight and twisty Stages.
“Overall, I am happy as we didn’t have any issues with the car. The last Stage was very difficult as it was raining very heavily and we could barely see. The MRF tyres worked extremely well today in difficult conditions and I have become more comfortable with them.”
On his part, Gill felt that there was still a big battle ahead on Sunday despite the deficit he faced. “I had a good run in the morning though I started first and had to sweep the gravel off the track.
“In the afternoon when it rained heavily, I had problems with the dampers due to which there was no front-end grip. I lost confidence thereafter and couldn’t really push. Also, there was plenty of water on the route and every time I went through at speed, I lost pace while the going was much clear for those behind me. Tomorrow is another day and I am up for the challenge.”
Provisional classification (after Leg-1):
APRC: 1. Ole Christian Veiby / Stig Rune Skjærmoen (Team MRF Tyres, Skoda Fabia R5) (01hr, 31mins, 33.8secs); 2. Gaurav Gill / Stephane Prevot (Team MRF Tyres, Skoda Fabia R5) (01:32:07.0); 3. Jari Ketomaa / Ville Mannisenmaki (Mpart Sport, Mitsubishi Mirage) (01:33:49.5).
13TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL REFORMS: DAY 1
The 13th ADR Annual National Conference commenced today at Panjab University, Chandigarh with the inaugural speech of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr. Nasim Zaidi.
Address by Dr. Nasim Zaidi
Dr. Zaidi, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) congratulated ADR and Punjab Election Watch on the organizing of the 13th Annual National Conference at Panjab University, Chandigarh.
He appreciated the ongoing efforts of ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) in carrying forward the civil society movement for electoral and political reforms. While addressing the audience, he stated that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has completed a study on data needs of the Commission and an analytics roadmap has been prepared based on best practices adopted by several leading electoral management bodies. This roadmap is likely to be implemented in one year time frame and this will integrate all kinds of databases in the Commission. He laid strong emphasis on data presentation and visual analytics in the friendliest manner possible.
The CEC said that the use of money in the poll process has increased significantly. The ECI seized over Rs. 350 crores during the recently concluded five state assembly elections which was three times higher than what was seized in the 2012 assembly elections. He expressed grave concern on this issue and mentioned that this is only the tip of the iceberg.
The CEC stated that a multi-dimensional approach needs to be taken to curb the misuse of money power in elections. He said that we should formulate a strong anti-bribery law or legal framework, there should be strict enforcement on the ground and lastly, ethical voting practices need to be inculcated by voters.
Dr. Zaidi spoke about some of the initiatives taken by the ECI to curb bribing in elections. He said that the ECI has made recommendations to the Law Ministry to amend the RP Act and to insert a new section 58B, which would empower the Commission to countermand elections based on credible evidence relating to widespread bribery. Although the Law Ministry has disagreed thrice with this proposal in the last one year, the Commission is constantly pushing the need to be empowered on the lines of Section 58 of RP Act which deals with countermanding of elections due to booth capturing. The CEC has also proposed that bribing of voters should also be made a cognizable offence.
The CEC observed that there has been steep rise in the assets of the candidates seeking re-election and that the electors have every right to know the causes behind this sharp increase in assets. An important development which has taken place is that the ECI has recommended the amendment of Form 26, where they would be required to add a column for declaring the details of sources of income of candidates and their spouses.
Dr. Zaidi also mentioned that they have been formulating policy to make sure that there is transparency in declaration by candidates on any disqualifications at the time of their nominations. The Commission has earlier seen instances where the candidates did not declare their disqualifications at the time of nomination. The ECI has amended the rules to include declaration of disqualifications in nomination forms as mandatory. This includes holding of office of profit, insolvency, allegiance to a foreign country and any disqualifications incurred under Section 8A of RP Act. This also includes grounds of corruption and most importantly any substantive contracts with the government which the candidate might not have disclosed at the time of filing their nomination papers.
Dr. Zaidi said that the political parties under the current legal framework are loosely governed, be it registration, funding, expenditure etc. Regarding election financing, he said that it should rest on four pillars. 1) Laying down the expenditure limit of candidates and also of political parties, 2) Disclosure requirements for more transparency, 3) Compliance of disclosure requirements and 4) Penalties for non-adherence.
The CEC also expressed concern, the way few recent electoral reforms have been introduced in the past few months by the government. He said that by not reducing the limit of anonymity from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 2000, the transparency has not been brought about. He also stated that if the contribution has been made in the form of electoral bonds, it would not be a part of the contributions report of the political parties. This is a retrograde step which will enhance opacity in political party funding.
Increasing Opacity in Political Financing
[Panelists: Prof. Sanjay Kumar (Director, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies), Shri Manish Tewari (Former MP and Union Minister of State), Shri Sukhpal Singh Khaira (MLA – Punjab Legislative Assembly 2017), Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar (retd.): (Founder Member and Trustee of ADR)
Chairperson – Dr. Ajit Ranade (Founder member and Trustee of ADR)]
Dr. Sanjay Kumar (Director CSDS) stated that accountability and transparency are two main issues regarding electoral reforms. He insisted that instead of focusing on big reforms we should concentrate on making small changes as these changes are easy to make and would ultimately lead to bigger changes.
Shri Manish Tewari, former MP and Union Minister, said that although the political parties want the status quo regarding the funding of political parties, the people want reforms. He suggested that all donations, regardless of the amount, should be linked to aadhar card.
Shri Sukhpal Kaira, MLA Punjab Assembly 2017, expressed that initially the political society was clean and now, over the years, the political system has deteriorated due to the increasing money power. He said that the step taken by the government to reduce the cash limit for donations to political parties from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 2000 was an eyewash and there is urgent need for revolutionary and drastic reforms. He said that there is a law but imlementaion is where it matters and where it lacks.
Prof. Chhokar of ADR stated that the increase in the opacity of political party funding is not new and every government has been doing it since the past 20 or more years.
State/Public Funding of Political Parties
[Panelists: Prof. Arun Kumar: (Former Sukhamoy Chakravarty Chair Professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University). Prof. Trilochan Sastry (Founder member and trustee ADR), Dr. M R Madhavan (President and Co-founder of PRS), Dr. Eshwar Anand (Professor, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication)
Chairperson – Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar]
Commenting on the nature of State/Public funding, Prof. Arun Kumar (Ex JNU prof.) said that black economy has grown manifold during last 70 years due to illegal nexus among politicians, businessmen, mafia etc. and also due to direct entry of criminals into politics post 1980s. He also said that there is a need for sustained movements against corruption and demand for accountability to defeat the abovementioned illegal nexus. Therefore, he felt that pubic funding will not help unless corruption is removed.
Dr. Madhavan, president PRS, said that the government has the funds to provide state funding for the candidates contesting elections. He said that the funding can be in kind or in cash.
Dr. Eswar Anand of Symbiosis expressed his disappointment and said that even after so many recommendations over the years, the only thing lacking to implement them is the political will. He said that state funding should be given in kind and not in cash.
Professor Trilochan Sastry of ADR highlighted the main issues with public funding and said that the common voter has to take responsibility for it’s own welfare and not vote for candidates who are buying votes.
Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar of ADR emphasized that the only pre-requisite before even talking about public funding is internal democracy among political parties.
Innovative ideas towards greater voter awareness at the grass-root level
[Panelists: Shri Sudhir Pal (State Coordinator, Jharkhand Election Watch), Shri Sanjay Singh (State Coordinator, Uttar Pradesh Election Watch), Shri Ranjan Mohanty (State Coordinator, Odisha Election Watch)
Chairperson: Dr. Vipul Mudgal (Trustee of ADR and the Director of Common Cause)]
Dr. Vipul Mudgal (of ADR) while speaking on the issue stated that, over the years, there has been decentralization of corruption along with the decentralization of governance.
Shri Sanjay Singh of UP Election Watch said that political parties are not willing to change and the ECI has it’s own limitations. Stressing on this issue, he believed that the target audience must be the youth to spread voter awareness. He discussed the methods he used in UP such as formation of district election committee, celebrity videos, local songs etc. He insisted that the key to success in this area is persistence.
Shri Sudhir Pal, state coordinator, Jharkhand Election Watch, discussed the work that they have been doing in collaboration with the state CEO. He expressed how the election machinery can work throughout the year and not just during elections. He requested all the state partners of National Election Watch to formulate a 5 year state document for voter awareness in their respective states.
Shri Ranjan Mohanty of Odisha Election Watch said that in the recent elections in Odisha, there were two main issues. Usage of muscle and money power and low voter turnout. He discussed the activities they have undertaken to address these issues and look for solutions.
Shri Sharad Kumar of AGNI, Mumbai said he primarily focused on the recent BMC elections. One of the prominent campaigns undertaken by them was the School Campaign. They focused on school children to motivate them to persuade their parents to vote in the BMC elections.
Regards,
Media and Journalist Helpline +91 80103 94248 Email: adr@adrindia.org | Maj. Gen. Anil Verma (Retd.) Head National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms 011 4165 4200, +91 88264 79910 adr@adrIndia.org, | Prof Jagdeep Chhokar IIM Ahmedabad (Retd.) Founder Member, National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 99996 20944 | Prof Trilochan Sastry IIM Bangalore Founder Member, National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 94483 53285 |
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Association for Democratic Reforms
T-95A, C.L. House, 1st Floor,
(Near Gulmohar Commercial Complex)
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New Delhi-110 049
(Near Gulmohar Commercial Complex)
Gautam Nagar
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Article 2
200 ARRESTS AT MAY DAY CLASHES IN ISTANBUL
Protesters hold May Day demo in Istanbul’s Bakirkoy neighbourhood.
Turkish Government Bans May Day Celebrations In İstanbul’s Taksim Square as per media reports.May Day rallies in Tukey’s city descended into clashes with the police, as several activist groups tried to get into cordoned-off areas of the city. Over 200 people have been detained, and at least one man was reportedly killed.
Labor Day celebrations in Istanbul turned violent as multiple groups of demonstrators attempted to march towards central Taksim square, despite police cordons and warnings. Taksim Square was the traditional place for May Day celebrations until 1977, when dozens of people were killed during demonstrations on what was dubbed ‘Bloody May Day.’ The square was reopened for celebrations in the late 2000s, but was shut again in 2013.media agencies
SAEED KARIMIAN OF IRANIAN SATELLITE NETWORK SHOT DEAD IN ISTANBUL
The head of Iranian satellite television network GEM TV, Saeed Karimian, was shot dead in Istanbul along with a business partner on Saturday, Turkey’s Dogan news agency reported, as cited by Reuters. Their car was reportedly stopped by a jeep and shots were fired. Karimian was later found dead by emergency services in Istanbul’s Maslak neighbourhood. His business partner was declared dead at the hospital. Karimian was sentenced in absentia to six years in prison by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court in 2016 on charges of “acting against national security” and “propaganda against the state.”
DEPUTY PM & HOME MINISTER OF NEPAL BIMALENDRA NIDHI RESIGNS
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of Nepal Bimalendra Nidhi has resigned from his post yesterday. According to media reports, Shri Nidhi has resigned in protest of impeachment motion registered against Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female chief justice.
Member of Parliament from ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) has registered an impeachment motion at the parliament secretariat yesterday against Chief Justice Karki alleging her interference in the jurisdiction of executive and failing to issue verdicts without being prejudiced.
At least 249 MPs signed the motion which is over the required number to open an impeachment investigation. It comes after the Supreme Court overturned the government’s choice of chief of police.
ISRAEL SAYS 300 PALESTINIAN END HUNGER STRIKE
An Israeli minister said Sunday that 300 Palestinians have agreed to end an almost two-week-old hunger strike launched in protest at the conditions of their detention. Three hundred hunger strikers have “agreed to take food without having obtained” any of their demands, Israel’s internal security minister, Gilad Erdan, told army radio. “Negotiations are out of the question,” he said, adding that 920 Palestinian prisoners remained on hunger strike. Erdan also said the prison service planned to set up 400 medical centres inside jails “to avoid as much as possible the transfer of hunger striking detainees to civilian hospitals.”
SOLDIERS MARTYRED IN CEASEFIRE VIOLATION BY PAKISTAN IN POONCH
In Jammu and Kashmir, two soldiers were martyred today in an incidence of ceasefire violation along Line of Control by Pakistani forces in Poonch district. Two soldiers were also injured.
Defence sources told AIR that Pakistani forces started unprovoked firing with automatic weapons and rackets targeting some Indian positions in Krishna Ghati sector at around 8.30 this morning. Indian troops retaliated the ceasefire violation and the exchange of fire lasted for some time.
The firing left four soldiers, three from BSF and one from army, injured. Two of the soldiers, one from army and another from BSF, later succumbed to their injuries. The injured have been evacuated and airlifted to the military hospital in Udhampur.
MR. ANTHONY LIANZUALA TAKES OVER AS THE NEW CONTROLLER GENERAL OF ACCOUNTS
Mr. Anthony Lianzuala takes over as the New Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
Mr. Anthony Lianzuala took over as the New Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in national capital here today. Earlier, the Government of India had appointed Mr. Anthony Lianzuala, a 1982-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) Officer, as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance with effect from May 1, 2017. He will be the First person from the North-Eastern Region to hold this position.
Mr Lianzuala, a graduate from the Hindu College of Delhi University, has vast and rich experience in the government both at the Centre and the State levels. He worked at higher positions in the Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Rural Development.
Mr Lianzuala was the first Director of training institute in the field of Public Financial Management and Accounting in the North-East named INGAF-NER, based in Aizawl, Mizoram. He is highly credited for his IT initiatives in the North-Eastern Region. He was instrumental in computerising the functions of the State Treasuries of Mizoram. He has also served in Mizoram as Secretary in various departments including Agricultural Marketing, Border Trade and Relief & Rehabilitation. He was also selected as Managing Director of North-Eastern Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a Public-Sector Undertaking, based in Guwahati.
REAL ESTATE ACT COMES INTO FORCE
Real Estate Act comes into force from tomorrow; A new era begins, says the Government
Ongoing and new projects shall be registered with Regulatory Authorities by July end
Model Regulations issued by the Government
Regulation of real estate sector becomes a reality ending nine year wait
Ending the nine year long wait, regulation of real estate sector involving over 76,000 companies across the county becomes a reality from tomorrow i.e May 1, 2017 with the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act,2016 coming into force.
With all the 92 Sections of the Act coming into effect from tomorrow, developers shall get all the ongoing projects that have not received Completion Certificate and the new projects registered with Regulatory Authorities within three months i.e by July end. This enables the buyers to enforce their rights and seek redressal of grievances after such registration.
Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu in his tweets on the occasion said today; “Real Estate Act coming into force after a nine year wait marks the beginning of a new era making buyer the King while developers benefit from the confidence of the King in the regulated environment. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s personal interest in the matter made the Act a reality now. The Act ushers in the much desired accountability, transparency and efficiency in the sector with the Act defining the rights and obligations of both the buyers and developers. This important legislation gained momentum under this Government and could see the light finally”.
Ahead of the Act coming into force, Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has formulated and circulated Model Real Estate Regulations for adoption by the Regulatory Authorities in the States/UTs. Under these Regulations, developers are required to display sanctioned plans and layout plans of at least 3 feet X 2 feet size at all marketing offices, other offices where properties are sold, all branch offices and head office of the promoters in addition to the site of project. Real Estate Regulatory Authorities may take decisions on all issues preferably through consensus failing which through voting with Chairman using Casting Vote in case of a tie. There shall be quorum for the meetings of the Regulatory Authorities and if a meeting is adjourned due to lack of such quorum, such meeting can take place without quorum. Members of Regulatory Authorities shall declare interest if any in the matters coming up for discussion and shall not participate there in.
Some of the major provisions of the Act, besides mandatory registration of projects and Real Estate Agents include:
1.Depositing 70% of the funds collected from buyers in a separate bank account in case of new projects and 70% of unused funds in case of ongoing projects;
2. Projects with plot size of minimum 500 sq.mt or 8 apartments shall be registered with Regulatory Authorities;
3.Both developers and buyers to pay the same penal interest of SBI’s Marginal Cost of Lending Rate plus 2% in case of delays;
4.Liability of developers for structural defects for five years; and
5. Imprisonment of up to three years for developers and up to one year in case of agents and buyers for violation of orders of Appellate Tribunals and Regulatory Authorities.
Further to several rounds of consultations, the Ministry of HUPA has made several and substantial changes in the Real Estate Bill that was first introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2013 to make the final Act more effective towards promotion of the sector.
At the time of passing of the Bill in Rajya Sabha in March last year, there were 76,044 companies were operating in the real estate sector including 17,431 in Delhi, 17,010 in West Bengal, 11,160 in Maharashtra, 7,136 in Uttar Pradesh, 3,054 in Rajasthan, 3,004 in Tamil Nadu, 2,261 in Karnataka, 2,211 in Telangana, 2,121 in Haryana, 1,956 in Madhya Pradesh, 1,270 in Kerala, 1,202 in Punjab and I,006 in Odisha.
As per industry information, between 2011 and 2015, real estate projects in the range of 2,349 to 4,488 projects were launched every year amounting to a total of 17,526 projects with a total investment of Rs.13.70 lakh cr in 27 cities including 15 State capitals. About ten lakh buyers invest every year with the dream of owning a house.
Chronology of events leading to regulation of real estate sector including both residential and commercial segments from May 1, 2017:
1.May,2008: Ministry of HUPA first prepared a Concept Paper on regulation of real estate sector and a model law for legislation by States/UTs;
2. Conference of Ministers of Housing in 2011 suggested a central law for regulation of real estate sector;
3.July, 2011: Ministry of Law & Justice too suggested central legislation for regulation;
4. June,2013: Union Cabinet approved Real Estate Bill, 2013
5. August, 2013: Real Estate Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha and was referred to Standing Committee;
6. February, 2014: Report of Standing Committee was laid on the Tables of both Houses of Parliament;
7. February, 2014: Attorney General upheld validity of central law for regulation of the sector
8. April,2015: Union Cabinet approved official amendments based on recommendations of Standing Committee;
9. May, 2015: Matter referred to the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha
10. July, 2015: Report of Select Committee tabled in Rajya Sabha
11. December, 2015: Real Estate Bill, 2015 incorporating several modifications based on Select
Committee report and stakeholder consultations was approved by the Union Cabinet;
12. March 10, 2016: The Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Bill, 2016 passed by Rajya Sabha;
13. March 15, 2016: Lok Sabha passed the Bill as passed by Rajya Sabha;
14. March 25, 2016: President gives assent to the Bill;
15. April 26, 2016: 59 Sections of the Act were notified making them effective from May 1, 2016 enabling preparation of Real Estate Rules, setting up of Regulatory Authorities and other infrastructure;
16. April 19, 2017: Remaining 32 Sections of the Act notified making them effective from May 1st this year requiring registration of projects within three months from tomorrow.
17. May 1, 2017: New era begins for development of real estate sector in an atmosphere of investor confidence.
AK & RG – DEFEATED BY PAST SUPPORTERS, MISSING THINK TANK
April30, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
Indian Politics has changed in 2014 – PM is Full Time CEO Claims to Know All, Represent All Indians and Is Only Honest Person. Everything he does is ‘Marketed’. His Party has 40% Power Share [NDA 48.64%] which is going to further increase to around 42% after next Rajya Sabha Elections.
RG has 14.62% [UPA 35.47%] Power Share Can’t AFFORD to Carry Burden of ‘LOSER POLITICIANS’, and ‘Congenital Losers Should Be Put In Museum,’ and Induct New Leaders.
AK even less 0.82% Power Share Can’t Survive for Long When Many Factions of ‘Original Movement IAC’ Are Solely Working Against AAP.
AK & RG have many things common: –
Ø First both are defeated by their close friends and supporters in the past,
Ø Second both are ‘Slow to React’ to important PUBLIC issues then mess them up,
Ø Third both don’t align with like-minded parties & both pretend to know better,
Ø Fourth both don’t ENGAGE PROFESSIONAL Consultants, have No Think Tank,
Ø Fifth both are not FULLY Engaged in Politics when expected to be 24 hour alert,
Ø Sixth both don’t have WELL DEFINED AGENDA AND PROGRAM,
Ø Seventh both don’t HONESTLY REPRESENT Their Voters,
Ø Finally AAP & INC Need full time CEO who is Effective.
Punjab State Assembly Punjab 2017 Results – S.A.S.Nagar
Candidate | Party | Votes |
BALBIR SINGH SIDHU | Indian National Congress | 66844 |
NARINDER SINGH | Aam Aadmi Party | 38971 |
TEJINDER PAL SINGH | Shiromani Akali Dal | 30031 |
SARBJIT SINGH | Bahujan Samaj Party | 1027 |
AMIT SHARMA | Hindustan Shakti Sena | 370 |
PARNEET SINGH PANDHER | Independent | 340 |
BALWINDER SINGH | Democratic Swaraj Party | 328 |
JASWINDER SINGH | All India Trinamool Congress | 316 |
KAMALJOT KAUR | Independent | 314 |
GURKIRPAL SINGH MANN | Punjab Democratic Party | 284 |
MAHINDER PAL SINGH | Aapna Punjab Party | 255 |
KULJIT SINGH | Independent | 230 |
PARAMJIT SINGH PADDA | Independent | 168 |
KISHOR KUMAR PAL | Bahujan Mukti Party | 100 |
KRISHAN GOPAL SHARMA | Bharat Rakshak Party | 86 |
UPA & AAP ARE DIVIDED PARTIES AND DEFEAT EACH OTHER.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects
MODI HOLDS TALKS WITH TURKEY’S PRESIDENT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding delegation level talks with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New Delhi. A number of agreements are expected to be signed in several areas after the talks.
Key bilateral and regional issues, including India’s NSG membership bid and ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and trade are expected to be discussed.
Earlier, addressing India Turkey Business Forum, Prime Minister Modi said the level of present economic and commercial relations between the two nations is not enough against the real potential.
He said, as the two countries strive to build stronger political ties, the time has come to also make more aggressive effort to deepen the economic relations.
Mr Modi urged for more Turkish investment in India. He said the two countries enjoy substantial economic ties and bilateral trade has increased in the recent years.
The Prime Minister said, India is committed to provide business friendly environment to the Turkish companies. He said, economies of both the countries are based on strong fundamentals and can do better in future.
He said, Indian economy is fastest growing major economy. Apart from maintaining this pace, the focus is to remove inefficiencies from the system, Mr Modi added. The Prime Minister said Goods and Services Tax is a step forward to boost economic relations.
He also said, today’s knowledge-based global economy is continuously opening new areas and India and Turkey must factor this in the economic and commercial interactions.
He said his government has planned to build 50 million houses by 2022. and for this purpose FDI Policy in construction sector has been repeatedly refined.
The visiting digitary is accompanied by senior cabinet ministers and a 150-member business delegation.
Mr Erdogan was accorded ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi this morning. He was received by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Modi. Mr Erdogan also laid wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi at Raj Ghat.
The Turkish President will also meet President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on Mr Erdogan.
JAPAN DISPATCHES BIGGEST WARSHIP TO PROTECT US SUPPLY VESSEL
Japan has dispatched its biggest warship, Izumo, to escort US supply vessels including the Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group. The helicopter carrier Izumo is the first warship deployed outside of exercises under new laws passed in 2015 that allow Japan to come to the aid of an ally under attack known as collective self-defence.
The Izumo’s deployment follows recent joint exercises conducted by Japan and the US, and other naval developments amid increased tensions. Japan’s post-World War Two constitution bars its military from using force to resolve conflicts except in cases of self-defence.
The legislation allows the Self-Defense Forces(SDF) to guard US ships engaged in such activities as joint exercises and the monitoring of possible ballistic missile launches.
13TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL REFORMS: DAY 2
Chandigarh, 30th Apr 2017: The second day of the 13th Annual National Conference being organized by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) focused on criminalization of politics and the impact of the media on elections and governance as well as the grave necessity to address the most pressing problems in the electoral and political arena.
Criminalization of Politics:
[Panelists: Shri S.N. Shukla (General Secretary, Lok Prahari), Adv H.C. Arora (Advocate-Punjab & Haryana High Court), Prof. Ashutosh Kumar (Professor, Dept. of Political Science, Panjab University), Prof. Manjit Singh (Member, Swaraj Abhiyan);
Chairperson: Prof. Trilochan Sastry (Founder member and Trustee of ADR)]
The panelists shared their views regarding the increasing criminalization of politics.
While speaking on the criminalization of politics and lack of transparency in political parties, Shri S.N. Shukla (General Secretary, Lok Prahari) said that nothing substantial has been done by the successive governments in the last 20 years to restore and maintain the purity of the highest democratic institutions of Parliament and State Legislatures by preventing entry/continuance of persons with criminal background in these august bodies. He said that the main causes of this alarming situation are: Disregard of the judgement invalidating Section 8(4) of the RP Act, 1951, Contempt for the decision in Manoj Narula’s case, Non-compliance of the Apex Court’s order dated 10.3.2014 in WP © No. 536 of 2011, No disqualification even for those charge sheeted for heinous crimes, Prisoners can contest even though they cannot vote, Lack of effective deterrent punishment for filing false affidavit, Lacuna in the guidelines for registration of political parties and First past the post system.
Adv H.C. Arora (Advocate, Punjab and Haryana High Court) highlighted the issue of pension taken by convicted MPs and MLAs ranging from Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 2.15 lakhs as there is no provision in law for stopping the pension of convicted MPs and MLAs.
Prof. Ashutosh Kumar (Prof. Dept. of Political Science, Panjab University) raised questions on why political parties give tickets to candidates with criminal cases. He said that since candidates with criminal cases bring funds to the political party, buy votes, intimidate voters and cut votes of opposition candidates, political parties give tickets to them. He also highlighted that due to lack of internal democracy among political parties, distribution of tickets is on the order of party supremo resulting in an increase of candidates with criminal cases.
Prof. Manjit Singh (Swaraj Abhiyan) stressed on the need to strengthen local governments. He said that we all need layered democracy instead of a hierarchical democracy.
Prof. Trilochan Sastry (of ADR) said that we have to engage the youth rigorously to bring change and get clean candidates in elections.
Impact of Media on Elections & Governance:
[Panelists: Shri. Uttam Sengupta (Executive Editor, National Herald), Shri Mukesh Bhardwaj (Executive Editor, Jansatta), Shri Vishal Monga (Chief of Bureau, Times Now), Shri Sarabjit Pander (Former Special Correspondent, The Hindu, Chandigarh);
Chairperson: Maj. Gen. Anil Verma (retd.), (Head of ADR)]
Maj. Gen. Anil Verma (retd.) Head of ADR, opened the panel for the discussion with discussing the role of media for pressurizing political parties.
Shri Uttam Sengupta (Executive Editor, National Herald) said that elections have changed beyond recognition be it election expenditure or bribing the voters. He also raised the issue that the media is unable to understand the changing dynamics of elections. He suggested that the way forward to resolving issues related to media was a provision of auditing media itself.
Shri Mukesh Bhardwaj (Executive Editor, Jansatta) provided the historical overview of the evolution and transition of media. He emphasized that the media still holds it’s credibility.
Shri Vishal Monga (Chief of Bureau, Times Now) clarified that politicians do not get pressurized by the media. He said that the media creates a perception of politicians and a generalization of media as corrupt is not correct. He reminded the audience that media is still a watchdog of society as several cases have been revealed through media only.
Shri Sarabjit Pander (Former Special Correspondent, The Hindu, Chandigarh) opined that social media is not revolutionary as it has not brought any major improvements. He called social media highly irresponsible.
Next Steps Forward:
Prof. Trilochan Sastry (Founder Member and Trustee of ADR) said that we should think about practical action plans which we could initiate all over India. He said that all criminal cases of MPs and MLAs should be disposed of within one year. He requested all National Election Watch partners to send RTIs and inquire the status of cases against MPs and MLAs in their respective states. He also said that we have to try and get few elections set aside, where candidates misrepresent election expenditure, as it will be a strong deterrent for political parties and would discourage them from fielding candidates with criminal cases and who indulge in bribing and intimidating voters.
Shri Jaskirat Singh (Trustee of ADR) explained the working of the Election Watch Reporter (EWR) and how it can help in gathering information on distribution of liquor, money etc. during elections.
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Article 1
VENEZUELA’S PRESIDENT HIKED THE NATION’S MINIMUM WAGE
Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro hiked the minimum wage to another 60% on Sunday to mitigate the country’s ongoing economic crisis.
Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday he expected delayed state polls to be held this year, although opponents have demanded a broader general election to replace him in protests that have sparked 29 deaths.
The postponed vote for governors of Venezuela’s 23 states – originally slated for 2016 – is one of a litany of opposition grievances against Maduro whom foes accuse of becoming a dictator and wrecking the economy.
President Nicolas Maduro announced the change on his weekly television show. It’s the latest in a series of hefty increases to the minimum wage that have been issued as the country’s currency plunges in value.
Though the wage hike sounds significant, the country’s price of food, goods and medicine is skyrocketing, which has made basic purchases too expensive for many Venezuelans.
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Article 0
LIVE: PROTESTS AGAINST BOTH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES IN PARIS
VENEZUELA’S PRESIDENT HIKED THE NATION’S MINIMUM WAGE
Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro hiked the minimum wage to another 60% on Sunday to mitigate the country’s ongoing economic crisis.
Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday he expected delayed state polls to be held this year, although opponents have demanded a broader general election to replace him in protests that have sparked 29 deaths.
The postponed vote for governors of Venezuela’s 23 states – originally slated for 2016 – is one of a litany of opposition grievances against Maduro whom foes accuse of becoming a dictator and wrecking the economy.
President Nicolas Maduro announced the change on his weekly television show. It’s the latest in a series of hefty increases to the minimum wage that have been issued as the country’s currency plunges in value.
Though the wage hike sounds significant, the country’s price of food, goods and medicine is skyrocketing, which has made basic purchases too expensive for many Venezuelans.
Media agencies
200 ARRESTS AT MAY DAY CLASHES IN ISTANBUL
Protesters hold May Day demo in Istanbul’s Bakirkoy neighbourhood.
Turkish Government Bans May Day Celebrations In İstanbul’s Taksim Square as per media reports.May Day rallies in Tukey’s city descended into clashes with the police, as several activist groups tried to get into cordoned-off areas of the city. Over 200 people have been detained, and at least one man was reportedly killed.
Labor Day celebrations in Istanbul turned violent as multiple groups of demonstrators attempted to march towards central Taksim square, despite police cordons and warnings. Taksim Square was the traditional place for May Day celebrations until 1977, when dozens of people were killed during demonstrations on what was dubbed ‘Bloody May Day.’ The square was reopened for celebrations in the late 2000s, but was shut again in 2013.media agencies
SAEED KARIMIAN OF IRANIAN SATELLITE NETWORK SHOT DEAD IN ISTANBUL
The head of Iranian satellite television network GEM TV, Saeed Karimian, was shot dead in Istanbul along with a business partner on Saturday, Turkey’s Dogan news agency reported, as cited by Reuters. Their car was reportedly stopped by a jeep and shots were fired. Karimian was later found dead by emergency services in Istanbul’s Maslak neighbourhood. His business partner was declared dead at the hospital. Karimian was sentenced in absentia to six years in prison by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court in 2016 on charges of “acting against national security” and “propaganda against the state.”
DEPUTY PM & HOME MINISTER OF NEPAL BIMALENDRA NIDHI RESIGNS
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of Nepal Bimalendra Nidhi has resigned from his post yesterday. According to media reports, Shri Nidhi has resigned in protest of impeachment motion registered against Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female chief justice.
Member of Parliament from ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) has registered an impeachment motion at the parliament secretariat yesterday against Chief Justice Karki alleging her interference in the jurisdiction of executive and failing to issue verdicts without being prejudiced.
At least 249 MPs signed the motion which is over the required number to open an impeachment investigation. It comes after the Supreme Court overturned the government’s choice of chief of police.
ISRAEL SAYS 300 PALESTINIAN END HUNGER STRIKE
An Israeli minister said Sunday that 300 Palestinians have agreed to end an almost two-week-old hunger strike launched in protest at the conditions of their detention. Three hundred hunger strikers have “agreed to take food without having obtained” any of their demands, Israel’s internal security minister, Gilad Erdan, told army radio. “Negotiations are out of the question,” he said, adding that 920 Palestinian prisoners remained on hunger strike. Erdan also said the prison service planned to set up 400 medical centres inside jails “to avoid as much as possible the transfer of hunger striking detainees to civilian hospitals.”
SOLDIERS MARTYRED IN CEASEFIRE VIOLATION BY PAKISTAN IN POONCH
In Jammu and Kashmir, two soldiers were martyred today in an incidence of ceasefire violation along Line of Control by Pakistani forces in Poonch district. Two soldiers were also injured.
Defence sources told AIR that Pakistani forces started unprovoked firing with automatic weapons and rackets targeting some Indian positions in Krishna Ghati sector at around 8.30 this morning. Indian troops retaliated the ceasefire violation and the exchange of fire lasted for some time.
The firing left four soldiers, three from BSF and one from army, injured. Two of the soldiers, one from army and another from BSF, later succumbed to their injuries. The injured have been evacuated and airlifted to the military hospital in Udhampur.
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INDIA TO CLOCK 7.1% GDP THIS YEAR : UNITED NATIONS
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02.05.2017 15:19:06 – India to clock 7.1% GDP this year : United Nations
(live-PR.com) – UN report has said, India is expected to achieve 7 point 1 per cent growth this year as re-monetisation restores consumption, and infrastructure spending increases. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific or ESCAP launched its annual flagship report ‘The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2017’ yesterday.
The report said, India’s growth
would edge up to 7.5 per cent next year. It however, warned that the country faces heightened risks related to the concentration of bad loans in the public sector banks.
According to ‘The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2017’ report released by United Nations , India is likely to clock 7.1 % growth this year as “re-monetisation restores consumption, and infrastructure spending increases, before edging up to 7.5 % in 2018 , warning that the country faces heightened risks related to the concentration of bad loans in the public sector banks.
The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in its annual flagship report launched recently said that Indian economic growth is anticipated to be stable at 7.1 % in 2017 before edging up to 7.5 % in 2018, underpinned by higher private and public consumption and increased infrastructure spending.
As per the report ,the gross non-performing assets ratio in public sector banks reached almost 12 % in 2016, which points to the need for “bank recapitalisation”. Inflation is expected to reach 5.3-5.5 % in 2017 and 2018, being somewhat above the official target of 4.5-5 % .
While the impact of demonetisation on the economy is likely to be temporary, a slower-than-expected revival would predominantly lessen the outlook for cash-intensive sectors and supply chains for agricultural products.
Notwithstanding its short-term disruptions, the report said one of the medium-term benefits of demonetisation was to help expand banking sector liquidity. “The country’s medium-term economic development will also benefit from recent reforms that are aimed at easing domestic supply bottlenecks, such as the implementation of the goods and services tax, amendment of a bankruptcy law and opening up of the pharmaceuticals, defence and civil aviation sectors,” it said.
Fixed investment continued to contract as stressed corporate balance sheets suppressed firms’ appetite for additional spending.
Overall, the still rapid output growth in 2016 benefited from a modest recovery in agriculture due to an improved monsoon season and robust growth in public administration following public sector salary increases, it said.
Despite the overall fiscal tightening, capital expenditure under the budget for fiscal year 2017/18 is about 25 per cent higher than that in the preceding budget.
The report tinted that in spite of a largely positive economic outlook for 2017, Asia-Pacific economies are vulnerable to rising global uncertainty and trade protectionism. The region’s developing economies are expected to grow at 5 % and 5.1 % in 2017 and 2018 up from 4.9 % last year.The projected moderate Asia-Pacific economic growth faces risks from rising protectionism and global uncertainty, it added.
The report estimates that a steeper-than-anticipated increase in these factors could reduce average regional growth in 2017 by up to 1.2 percentage points.It has been emphasised that better governance for effective mobilisation and use of fiscal resources is critical to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Please contact for any query related to this mail to Ms. Neha Gupta, Research Associate at neha.gupta@phdcci.in with a cc to Dr. S P Sharma, Chief Economist at spsharma@phdcci.inand Ms. Megha Kaul, Associate Economist at megha@phdcci.in , PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
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SUCCESSFUL AUCTION OF ONE LIMESTONE BLOCK IN RAIPUR DISTRICT CONCLUDES
Successful auction of one limestone block in Raipur District concludes; estimated cumulative revenue of Rs 11,894 Cr to State
22 Blocks auctioned till date; estimated value of over 1 lakh Cr disposed off in transparent manner
The State Government of Chattisgarh has successfully auctioned one block of Limestone (Kesla II) in Raipur District with reserves of 215 million tonnes as on today. The preferred bidder for this block is M/s Dalmia (Bharat) Cement. This block has an estimated value of mineral resource of Rs 10,367crores. With a reserve price of 5 %, the block received a highest bid of 96.15% which translates into estimated cumulative revenue of Rs 11,894 crores to State Government over the lease period. The additionality to States’ exchequer through auctions only, works out to be Rs.9,968 Crores over the lease period whereas Royalty, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) would contribute Rs 1,720 Crore, Rs 172 Crore and Rs 34.4 Crore respectively.
With this successful auction of one limestone block in Raipur District, a total of twenty two blocks with estimated value of resources over 1 lakh Crore has been disposed of in a transparent manner till date. The total estimated revenue accrued to the State Governments over the lease period stands at Rs 85,253 Crores with Rs 67,502 Crore as additionality to the State’s exchequer through auctions. Out of this the cumulative Royalty, District Mineral Fund (DMF) and National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) contributions work out to be Rs. 17,752 Crores (Rs. 15,850 Crores, Rs.1,590 Crores and Rs.317 Crores, respectively).
INDIA’S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD TO BE REVIEWED BY UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW
Media Advisory
India’s human rights record to be reviewed by Universal Periodic Review
GENEVA (1 May 2017) – India’s human rights record will be examined by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the third time on Thursday, 4 May 2017 in a meeting that will be webcast live.
India is one of the 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session taking place from 1 to 12 May, which also marks the commencement of the third UPR cycle. India’s first and second UPR reviews took place in April 2008 and May 2012, respectively.
The documents on which the reviews are based are: 1) national report – information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations and civil society groups.
Among the issues raised in the above-mentioned documents are: addressing discrimination, stigmatization and violence against Dalits (“scheduled castes”); limits on free speech and on the work of human rights defenders; attacks on religious minorities; reports of excessive use of force by security officers, including in Jammu and Kashmir; combatting impunity and ensuring accountability; delays in judicial proceedings; eliminating criminalization of same-sex relations; combatting violence against women, human trafficking, early and forced marriages, violence against children and child labour; tackling harmful traditional practices, such as “honour killings”; ensuring business sector complied with human rights and labour standards; combatting extreme poverty and the situation of landless people; improving access to safe water and sanitation; inequalities in access to health services, and high levels of neonatal mortality, stunting, malnutrition and underweight children; and girls’ school attendance.
The three reports serving as the basis for the review of India on 4 May can be found here: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ HRBodies/UPR/Pages/ INSession27.aspx
Location: Room 20, Palais des Nations, Geneva
Time and date: 14.30 – 18.00, Thursday, 4 May (Geneva time, GMT +1 hour)
The UPR is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN member States have been reviewed twice within the first and second UPR cycles. During the third UPR cycle, States are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow-up on, as well as to highlight recent human rights developments in the country.
The delegation of India will be headed by Mr. Mukul Rohatgi, Attorney General
The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of India are: Latvia, the Philippines and South Africa.
The webcast of the session will be at http://webtv.un.org
The list of speakers and all available statements to be delivered during the review of India will be posted on the UPR Extranet at the following link [username: hrc extranet (with space); password: 1session]: https://extranet.ohchr.org/ sites/upr/Sessions/27session/ India/Pages/default.aspx
The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations made to India at 17.00 on 9 May. The State under review may wish to express its positions on recommendations posed to it during their review. The recommendations will be shared with the media on this day in advance.
INDIA GO DOWN FIGHTING AGAINST AUSTRALIA
~ Lose 3-1 in their third match at the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament 2017 ~
Ipoh (Malaysia), 02 May 2017: A resilient India went down fighting in their game against defending champions Australia in a thriller of an encounter here at the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament 2017 on Tuesday. It was Eddie Ockenden (30’), Tom Craig (34’) and Tom Wickham (51’) who were responsible for Australia’s 3-1 win while India’s lone scorer was Harmanpreet Singh (26’).
Played in front of a vocal Malaysian crowd who rallied behind India, there was no doubt this top of the table clash between previous edition’s finalists was going to be played with pace and skill, and the teams didn’t disappoint.
It was Australia’s Tyler Lovell who had a busier first quarter in goal, his saves keeping Australia from dropping behind too early in the game. He padded away a fiercely-struck flick by dragger Rupinder Pal Singh in the ninth minute. India had won another PC earlier in the quarter but Harmanpreet Singh unfortunately couldn’t get his stick on the ball. A brilliant opportunity went amiss in the 11th minute when an instinctive Akashdeep Singh tried to get a reverse stick to deflect the ball into the post but Pardeep Mor’s pass was slightly wide. Though Australia began their attack with a PC in the very first minute of the match, P.R Sreejesh was exceptional to save Trent Mitton’s dragflick.
After ending the first quarter in stalemate, India made the first breakthrough when a nonchalant Harmanpreet Singh showcased his ability to double up as a forward when he dribbled past Aussie defenders into the circle to score a sensational field goal in the 26th minute. India’s 1-0 lead, however, didn’t last long enough with Eddie Ockenden converting a goal from a rebound in the 30th minute to go into the half-time at 1-1.
The third quarter saw India’s Akash Chikte who had replaced an injured Sreejesh in the first quarter, make several saves but the Australians were continuously looking for opportunities to get ahead of India. After a series of failed attempts at converting a PC, Australia’s lead came in the 34th minute through Tom Craig who came up with an improvised shot on goal after being assisted by his skipper Matthew Swann. This was Craig’s fifth goal of the tournament after he got a hat-trick against Malaysia.
Having conceded two crucial goals, it was important India played tactically in the final 15 minutes. But the Australians kept the pressure on and it didn’t help when Tom Wickham was unstoppable in the circle as he converted a goal in the 51st minute to take Australia’s lead to 3-1 and eventually win the game to stay on top pf the table in the league stage.
TAGAM MIBANG DEVELOPED A NEW ALTERNATE MEDICINE AND HARMONIOUS LIVING SYSTEM NAMED AS “COSMIC SUPRA-SCIENCE AND SUPRA-INTELLIGENCE LIVING AND HEALING”
Tagam Mibang of Aalo Town in Arunachal Pradesh, India developed a new Alternate Medicine and Harmonious Living System named as “Cosmic Supra-science and Supra-intelligence Living and Healing”
CSSLH can help achievement of the global health targets in a span of few months or a year although with proactive and progressive participation and vital contribution from every member of the strong 7.48 billion humanity flourishing on Earth- Tagam Mibang
New Delhi: 2nd May 2017 : Tagam Mibang of Aalo Town in Arunachal Pradesh, India developed a new Alternate Medicine and Harmonious Living System named as “Cosmic Supra-science and Supra-intelligence Living and Healing”. While addressing a press conference here at Press club of India in Delhi, Tagam said to the media , “This press conference has been called to announce a new Alternate Medicine and Harmonious Living System developed byme which is named as “Cosmic Supra-science and Supra-intelligence Living and Healing” or in short “CSSLH”. He said ,new system has been originally and solely discovered and developed by me after a long research and experimentation for about 27 years and because of its influence, I have been living a highly healthy life without any illness and medication for the last 16 years.
Mr. Tagam Mibang said that the CSSLH system has planned to introduce at least 20 new revolutions worldwide for achievement of universal goal of harmonious and blissful living for every member of humanity and other beings on Earth. The CSSLH has tremendous role to play in achievement of various Sustainable Development Goals of the humanity spelt out by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, and it is assured that, it can help achievement of the global health targets in a span of few months or a year although with proactive and progressive participation and vital contribution from every member of the strong 7.48 billion humanity flourishing on Earth. The CSLHS is ready with plans for starting and opening of healing & learning centers within India and all countries across the world.The CSSLH has already written and requested the governments of India, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia, and also to the United Nations and the World Health Organization for giving an opportunity of presentation, recognition and operations for benefits of the people.
Mr. Tagam explains that CSSLH system has the following components:- Cosmic Supra-science & Supra-intelligence Healing and Harmonizing Art(CSSHHA)-I: 24 Steps of spiritual, mental and physical regimen especially for rejuvenation and healing of internal organs, brain and nervous system in addition to whole body system, and development of supra-intelligence of an human body system.
Cosmic Supra-science & Supra-intelligence Healing and Harmonizing Art-II: 200 steps of spiritual, mental and physical regimen for rejuvenation and healing of human soul, mind and body, and development of supra-intelligence of a human system.
Cosmic Supra-science & Supra-intelligence Power & Defense Art: 200 steps of spiritual, mental and physical regimen of unarmed combat and defense skills; strengthening, healing and rejuvenation of soul, mind and body in addition to development of Supra-intelligence of human system.
Cosmic Supra-science & Supra-intelligence Relaxation and Tranquility Art (CSSRTA): 9-Steps regimen for attainment of states of deep relaxation and transcendental tranquility for healing and rejuvenation of soul, mind and body, and development of supra-intelligence of a human system.
Cosmic Supra-science and Supra-intelligence Omniscience Fusion Art(CSSOFA): The regimen for learning skills to unravel, understand and experience the existence, evolution and functioning of omniscient, omnipotent & omnipresent processes of Cosmos; development of supra-intelligence of human system; synchronization, integration and fusion of human supra-intelligence with the omniscient flow of Comic Soul for harmonious and blissful living experience each ticking moment of life, lifetime and into eternity.
CSSLH Philosophy-I: Comprehensive text material about prevention and cure of all existing and known human diseases; new concepts and definitions about good health; identification and definition of new form of human diseases and their healing solutions.
CSSLH Philosophy-II: Comprehensive text material about truth, nature and purpose of existence of Cosmos, Earth, humanity & individual human system; Cosmic thoughts and activities to be followed by human beings each evolving moment of life and whole lifetime for continuous attainment of integrated, harmonized, healthy, orderly, rejuvenating and blissful states of existence for themselves, humanity, other innumerable living beings, planet Earth and Cosmos as whole.
The CSSLH system invokes core truths, absolute knowledge, highest intelligence and omniscient science which are the basis of continuous evolution and functioning of Cosmos, planet Earth along with its infinite entities including human beings. The realm of ultimate, infallible, indisputable, progressive and sacred knowledge developed under CSSLH covers every aspect of human system, body, mind, soul and it is relevant and effective in prevention and cure of all kinds of existing diseases that afflict human beings, and it also includes new definition of good health, identification and definition of new human diseases with their new healing solutions. For all kinds of human disease and causes of sufferings; reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health; infectious diseases; NCDs and mental health; injuries and violence; need for strengthening and augmentation of health systems, health financing and health expenditure; the CSSLH system has immense potential to contribute, supra-scientific, supra-intelligent, highly effective, fully natural, eco-friendly, highly cost-effective, complementary, preventive, curative and holistic healing solutions; augmentation of health systems including health workforce, drastic reduction in healthcare cost; educative, enlightening and transforming role for betterment of humanity.
The healing knowledge system under CSSLH being supra-scientific, supra-intelligent, highly effective, eco-friendly, extremely cost-effective, complementary, preventive, curative and holistic, and complemented by highly vast harmonious living knowledge has promising potential to bring revolutionary transformation and contribution towards achievement of highest state of good health and harmonious living for humanity as whole and other countless living beings on Earth, each ticking second of their life and whole lifetime; and for the present as well as countless upcoming generations in the infinite future.
The CSSLH system has also delved into every sphere of knowledge that touches human lives and it will come up with creative solutions to all existing problems of humankind on Earth like political and geopolitical ; wealth & economic issues; spirituality; widespread social problems, divisions, hatred, crime, widespread violence & war, forced displacement & humanitarian problems; challenges of scientific & technological developments, problems of industrialization, accidents; pollutions of air, water, food, environment; widespread environmental damage, natural disasters & other climatic extremities besides others.
The other objectives of the proposed press conference are as follows:-To convey message to whole humanity about the new system with appeal to get proactively engaged with CSSSLH to wipe out all problems confronting them with creative and God ordained solutions.
1. To request, appeal and advice the Governments of India, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia, and also to the United Nations and the World Health Organization for giving an opportunity of presentation, recognition and operations for benefits of the people.
2. To request and appeal governments of all other countries around the world to work with CSSLH for greater benefit of humankind.
3. To appeal and request various governments, multinational institutions, companies, Non Governmental Organizations, other institutions and every other member of 7.5 billion humanity as whole to engage and work with Sri Tagam Mibang and CSSLH, and to donate for carrying forward activities of global healing and harmonious transformation with the objective and goal of harmonious existence of humanity in the present generation and for the upcoming infinite generations.
4. To connect in Facebook at www.facebook.com/tagammibang
5. To connect in Twitter at @TagamMibang
6. 6. To write in Email at tagammibang@gmail.com
SUHASINI HAIDER : INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY : FROM IDEALISM TO REALPOLITIK,AT NMML
Suhasini Haider : Indian Foreign Policy : From Idealism to realpolitik Speaking at NMML Foreign Policy Peace Nam emancipation op racialism https://t.co/t8z0ifk8v7
We were getting out of with reality in the modern world JNU
‘India and the World: From Idealism to Realpolitik ‘_Ms. Suhasini Haidar
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SONIA TO DISCUSS CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENTIAL POLL
With two months left for ensuing presidential, the candidate nominee consensus among the opposition members are crucial thus Congress president takes a lead in reaching his bench members to get first hand ideas of names for the president candidate.Sonia Gandhi, son Rahul Gandhi meet opposition leaders to build consensus on common candidate for presidential polls.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday stepped up discussions for forging opposition unity on fielding a joint presidential candidate, holding talks with working president of the National Conference Omar Abdullah.
Gandhi, who has been at the forefront of efforts to evolve a consensus among opposition parties for putting up common candidates for the posts of president and vice president who are “acceptable to the country”, will be holding parleys with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Dravida Munnetra Kazagham leader M K Stalin soon, Congress sources said.
They added that the meetings with these leaders will be held over a week or 10 days.
The Congress chief has already held talks with several opposition leaders including Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav of the Janata Dal-United, Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar and Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, besides Indian Union Muslim League general secretary P K Kunhalikkutty.
She has separately held telephonic conversation with Samajwadi Party’s Mulayam Singh Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal Lalu Prasad, even as party vice president Rahul Gandhi also held consultations with Sharad Pawar, Yechury and Uttar Pradesh’s former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, the sources said.
A senior Congress leader said opposition parties are trying to build a consensus on the issue.
He also said that once the initial discussions are over, if needed, structured talks with important leaders could take place. He voiced hope that the names would be finalised before the end of this month.
“One man decides all dictum will not do and one ideology can’t be thrust upon this country. There has to be a national consensus on posts as important as the post of president and vice president,” said party in-charge of communications department Randeep Surjewala.
He said Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have both held talks with a series of leaders and “our doors and minds are open, for we feel that one person cannot decide everything”.
The Congress leader claimed the Modi government had decided to not hold consultations even inside the cabinet, much less with National Democratic Alliance allies.
Surjewala said, in these circumstances, should this country not rise in unison and agree to a person who would be best suited to defend our Constitution, lead our armed forces and protect the democratic ethos of the country.
“The battle of ideologies, battle of defending the Constitution, battle of protecting what is core foundation of our democracy is larger than any other goal that any political party should strive for. That is what the Congress party and all other political parties are striving for today,” he said.
The Congress had not fielded its candidate against APJ Abdul Kalam when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister.
“Modi is no Vajpayee. In his thought process there is no scope for dissent or dialogue. Perhaps that is the reason why prime minister and party do not consult their own allies,” Surjewala said.
The sudden flurry of activity by the opposition to forge a strong alliance to take on the Narendra Modi-led NDA in the presidential election has come after a string of victories for BJP in state assembly polls and municipal elections.
Some feel the united face of the opposition for the presidential poll may well turn out to be a precursor to an anti-NDA front ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
The presidential election has to be held before July 24 when incumbent Pranab Mukherjee’s term ends.
He had taken office in July 2012, defeating the NDA’s candidate late P A Sangma.
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INDIA TEST-FIRES AGNI-II BALLISTIC MISSILE
India’s nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface Agni-II ballistic missile, was today test-fired from the Wheeler Island, off Odisha coast today. It has a strike range of two thousand kilometres.
Defence sources said the test was aimed at re-establishing the operational effectiveness of the weapon system. The successful launch once again proved reliability of the medium range surface to surface missile. The missile can carry a nuclear payload of one thousand kilogram.
Agni missile series being developed by DRDO as a deterrent against nuclear armed neighbours are among India’s most sophisticated weapons.
EXCLUSIVE INDIA LAUNCH OF THE ‘LE MUSK’
PRESS INVITATION
PVR Cinemas cordially invites you for the Exclusive India launch of the Prelude of the film & to share with you the uniqueness of the same
‘LE MUSK’
(A.R Rahman’s Debut Directorial venture & one of the World’s First Cinematic Virtual Reality Immersive narratives)
To be addressed by:
- A.R. Rahman
- Gautam Dutta (CEO, PVR Ltd.)
Time: 2:00pm
Date: 5th May 2017 (Friday)
NAIDU:INDIA AT THRESHHOLD OF DIGITAL BROADCASTING
TRAI Seminar at Ashoka on 20 Glorious Years TRAI
Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has said that Indian broadcasting is at threshold of entering into a new era of digital broadcasting largely driven by digitization and Internet usage. He was speaking at a seminar on Digital Broadcasting in India on the occasion of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, TRAI’s anniversary in New Delhi today.
Mr Naidu said, consumers are now experiencing benefits of digital services as the government has completed digitization of Cable TV networks.
The Minister said, Good and Services Tax, GST will be a game changer for the sector. He said, broadcasting is a sunrising sector and time has come to ensure the availability of indigenous products in it.
Talking about Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat programme, Mr Naidu said, it has revived Radio broadcasting in the country. He expressed concern over sensationalism in media saying it has become order of the day. He said, it has put the credibility of communicators on stake.
Congratulating TRAI on completing 20 yrs, Mr Naidu said, it has contributed to growth of telecom and broadcasting while ensuring consumer protection and fair play. He said, regulation is needed for better implementation but it should not be strangulation for growth.
On the occasion, Mr Naidu also released the Bi-decadal report on TRAI’s achievements.
INDIAN ECONOMY UPTO APRIL 2017
Want to make India the most open economy in the world: PM @narendramodi
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that Indian economy will grow 7(point)4 per cent this fiscal, and 7(point)6 per cent in the next fiscal. India had grown 7.1 per cent in the previous fiscal.
ADB Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada said that reforms like the Goods and Services Tax and the new bankruptcy law will make it easier to do business in India. On the impact of rupee appreciation on exports, he said, the appreciation cannot be considered in isolation, and the overall export performance of India so far seems quite positive.
The rupee has appreciated by over 5 per cent against the US dollar since January. Mr Sawada was talking to the media at Yokohama in Japan yesterday, a day before finance ministers and central bank governors meet for the ADB’s 50th annual meeting.
Mr Sawada said, emerging orientation in US and Europe for protectionism in trade is worrisome, but not enough to break the global economy. He said ADB stresses on more open trade and more free movement of capital, and it should play an important role to push an open trade and investment regime.
Mr Sawada cited the example of China, which is shifting from an export driven model to a more internal demand driven model. He said there is a trend in Asia that domestic consumption and investment play a much more important role than external demand. But this trend does not deny the importance of trade, he said.
Minister of State for Food C R Chaudhary said in a written reply to parliament on Tuesday that the government had approved the creation of a buffer stock of up to 2 million tonnes, half of which will be imported.
The Union Cabinet approved a new framework for dealing non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking system, details will be announced after President Pranab Mukherjee gives his assent to an ordinance to amend the Banking Regulation Act to resolve the Non Performing Assets crisis.
The set of measures includes the promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Banking Regulation Act to give more powers to Reserve Bank of India and its committees to act on behalf of banks while deciding on NPAs.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to the National Steel Policy- 2017 which targets to achieve 300 Million Tonnes of steel making capacity by 2030 with an additional investment of ten lakh crore rupees.
The new steel policy seeks to enhance domestic steel consumption and ensure high quality steel production and create a technologically advanced and globally competitive steel industry. It is aimed at increasing consumption of steel in major segments like infrastructure, automobiles and housing. It is also intended to create self sufficiency in steel production by providing policy support and guidance to private manufactures, MSME and steel producers.
The Cabinet also approved policy for providing preference to domestically manufactured iron and steel products on Government procurement. The policy seeks to accomplish the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ with objective of nation building and encourage domestic manufacturing. It will be applicable on all government tenders where price bid is yet to be opened.
The Cabinet gave its approval for the declaration of Vijayawada Airport as International Airport, as per the provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. It also gave ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding on Third Line of Credit of 4.5 billion dollars to Bangladesh for implementation of developmental projects.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the initiation of the process of disinvestment of hotels and properties of the India Tourism Development Corporation Limited. The CCEA also gave its approval for re-structuring the schemes of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under new Central Sector Scheme SAMPADA.
India has witnessed significant rise in private equity backed strategic M&As and IPOs in 2016. With the buoyant stock market and confidence in the economy, the momentum will continue going forward. Though the year started at a slow pace in terms of PE/VC investments, it is likely to end with some big ticket deals.
KPMG
Work begins on 5 expressway projects, 7 more on anvil- The Government has started work on five expressways including Delhi-Meerut while other seven projects will be launched soon. Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari stated that they are constructing 12 new express highways. Work on five has already started. These include Eastern Peripheral expressway which will be completed by August 15 this year and Delhi-Meerut expressway.
India pitches for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in food processing industry – Pitching for foreign direct investment in the food processing sector, India has asked the US companies to take advantage of its liberalised foreign investment rules, ready from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries started their two-day trip to Midwest from Chicago holding meetings with high-level officials from several Chicago land food services, logistics and restaurant companies.
Cabinet approves modifications in the 7th CPC recommendations on pay and pensionary benefits – The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved important proposals relating to modifications in the 7th CPC (Central Pay Commission) recommendations on pay and pensionary benefits in the course of their implementation. Earlier, in June, 2016, the Cabinet had approved implementation of the recommendations with an additional financial outgo of Rs 84,933 crore for 2016-17 (including arrears for 2 months of 2015-16).
Cabinet approves Policy for providing preference to domestically manufactured iron & steel products in government procurement – The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the policy for providing preference to domestically manufactured iron & steel products on Government procurement. This policy seeks to accomplish the PM’s vision of ‘Make in India’ with objective of nation building and encourage encourage domestic manufacturing.
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Third Line of Credit of US $ 4.5 billion – The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Third Line of Credit (LoC) of US $ 4.5 billion to Bangladesh for implementation of developmental projects. The MoU was signed during the visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India in April 2017.
Railways set to get big booster shot, government to start work on $5 bn rail fund within weeks – After scaling up railway capex substantially over the last couple of years via extra budgetary resources, the Government will begin the process for creating a $5-billion Railways of India Development Fund (RIDF) soon. As per the plan, the World Bank-anchored fund will be accessible to all railway projects — public-sector, private ventures and the projects undertaken by their alliance. The idea is that contractors bidding for railway projects will find a cheaper source of funds in RIDF which is in alignment with the long-gestation projects.
TRUMP: MAKE PEACE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIANS
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Greeting on Israel’s 69th Independence Day
Happy Independence Day to all of our friends around the world!further added byhis tweets ,Israel will not sit by while the organization calls for the denial of our sovereignty in Jerusalem.
Happy Independence Day to all of our friends around the world!further added byhis tweets ,Israel will not sit by while the organization calls for the denial of our sovereignty in Jerusalem.
Israel eases restrictions on Gaza fishermen
With Abbas presenting new documents to get peace in West Bank the testaments are short of cultivating peace as per Israel version but the nations across the globe want to have peace and hectic efforts are in the intention of US preside-mt but how far this intention and efforts shall be success to buy peace in the region and can help to bring some reprieve in the Syria regions with dialogues moves on for peace.
US President Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to do “whatever is necessary” to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians, as he hosted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House, but gave no sign of how he could revive long-stalled negotiations.
In their first meeting, Trump pressed Abbas to do more to stop “incitement to violence” against Israelis and, according to the White House, urged him in private to halt payments to families of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, a demand long pressed by Israel.
Even as Trump boldly predicted he would achieve peace where other presidents had failed, he stopped short of explicitly recommitting his administration to a two-state solution to the decades-old conflict, a long-standing foundation of US policy.
Some Palestinians said they were disappointed by the omission.
Despite what many experts see as a long-shot bid, Trump told Abbas: “I will do whatever is necessary…. I would love to be a mediator or an arbitrator or a facilitator, and we will get this done.”
Abbas reasserted the goal of a Palestinian state, saying it must have East Jerusalem as its capital with the borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East war. Most Israelis want all of Jerusalem as their capital and reject a full return to 1967 borderlines as a threat to their security.
Trump has faced deep skepticism at home and abroad over the chances for him to achieve any quick breakthrough, not least because his administration has yet to articulate a cohesive strategy for restarting the moribund peace process.
Abbas’ White House talks followed a February visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who moved to reset ties after a combative relationship with the Republican president´s predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama.
Trump sparked international criticism at the time, when he appeared to back away from a two-state solution, saying he would leave it up to the parties to decide.
Palestinian statehood has been the objective of successive US administrations and the international community. The meeting with Abbas, the Western-backed head of the Palestinian Authority, was another test of whether Trump, in office a little more than 100 days, is serious about pursuing the kind of comprehensive peace deal that eluded his predecessors.
Trump insisted he was ready to try to reach the “toughest deal.” But when he later sat down to lunch with the Palestinian leader, he said it was “maybe not as difficult as people have thought over the years.”
Trump, who said he decided to “start a process” but offered no new policy prescriptions or timetable, may be underestimating the challenge when trust between the two sides is low, analysts said.
“You can’t just pretend you only have to handle a few key issues and that’s it,” said David Makovsky, a member of Obama’s negotiating team during the last talks, which collapsed in 2014.
Still, plans are being firmed up for Trump to visit Netanyahu in Jerusalem and possibly Abbas in the West Bank on May 22 and 23, say people familiar with the matter.
That has sparked speculation about a meeting of the three US and Israeli officials have declined to confirm the visit.
Trump and Abbas appeared friendly but businesslike as they stood at side-by-side lecterns. But that was a far cry from the way Trump and Netanyahu interacted in February.
Abbas promised that under “your courageous stewardship and your wisdom, as well as your great negotiating ability,” the Palestinians would be partners seeking a “historic peace treaty.”
But under pressure at home to avoid major concessions, the 82-year-old leader said: “It’s about time for Israel to end its occupation,” referring to Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Abbas, however, did not repeat in public his demand that Israel freeze settlement construction on land Palestinians want for a state as a condition for negotiations.
US lawmakers have warned that Palestinian funding could be cut off unless Abbas halts PLO stipends to families of prisoners whom Israel considers terrorists but many Palestinians see as heroes.
There was no indication Abbas, who governs in the West Bank while Hamas rules Gaza, bowed to pressure on the issue, especially with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike.
In Gaza, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the promises Abbas made at the White House “don´t obligate anyone.”
Questions have been raised about Trump´s choice of son-in-law Jared Kushner to oversee the peace initiative, along with Trump’s longtime business lawyer, Jason Greenblatt, as envoy.
Efforts to enlist Israel´s Sunni Arab neighbors, who share Israeli concerns about Shi´ite Iran, to help rejuvenate peacemaking, have yet to yield results.
National security adviser H. R. McMaster described Trump’s foreign policy approach as “disruptive,” saying his unconventional ways could create an opportunity to help stabilize the Middle East.
But Trump’s unpredictability has even at times rattled a close ally like Israel.
His pro-Israeli campaign rhetoric suggested he might give Netanyahu free rein. But Trump’s promise to move the US embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv is on the back burner, and he caught Netanyahu off-guard by asking him to put unspecified limits on settlement activity. Media agencies
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